Tag Futebol

That’s it for me. After three decades as a season ticket holder starting on the old standing North Bank, I’m out. Today is deadline day for Gold members. I shan’t be renewing. This decision has been agony for me. I’ve been going since January 1968.

The decision to raise prices by an average of 4% plus the 2.5% rise in VAT (the increase for Gold members in the highest category works out to 7.1%) was the final straw for me. I haven’t got the money, I’m not going to beg for charity and at an average of over £75 per game my seat represents a complete rip-off.

I’m not going to try for a soft landing by “renting” my seat out. I have to have the courage of my convictions. I shall become a Red member and take my chances on tickets being available for the odd game I can afford and want to go to. I shall give my custom to my “second teams” Barnet and AFC Wimbledon. It won’t be close to the same but they will be pleasant days out.

Ivan Gazidis was courteous enough to offer me a personal discussion following my open letter to him. I am grateful for that courtesy but nothing I said to him changed his mind or that of the board. Our discussion was before the Kroenke takeover. Clearly that was planned for the end of the season but brought forward due to Danny Fiszman’s ill-health and subsequent death.

We now face the prospect of the ownership of Arsenal resting with men who live in Moscow and Missouri thousands of miles and many time zones away. The future of small shareholders is perilous. It is increasingly likely that there will be insufficient shares available to be traded on the PLUS market for the club to maintain its listing. If this happens any shares in the hands of small shareholders will be worthless unless either Stan Kroenke or Alisher Usmanov choose to buy them. I don’t imagine they’ll be offering £11,750 or £14,000 a share as they are now. We shall see. I don’t trust either of them to put Arsenal first. Why should I? Neither of them have any track record as Arsenal supporters.

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As for the current board, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and their role as “custodians” don’t make me laugh. They’ve all cashed in. Not one penny of the £700 million spent buying Arsenal shares has benefitted the club, just the individuals who happened to own them. Former Liverpool chairman David Moores told the world that he was putting Liverpool FC into safe hands – whilst trousering a cheque for over £80 million – when he sold the club to the comedy long-firm duo of Hicks and Gillett. Look how well that turned out.

I suspect Stan Kroenke won’t be so reckless financially but what’s to stop him? Nothing, except Alisher Usmanov’s blocking minority stake. Not a prospect I view with equanimity.

I really don’t pine for the good old days. There was much that was bad about them. I poured my heart and soul and a LOT of my free time into the campaign to get planning permission for Ashburton Grove. I believed the club needed a new ground to secure its future. I now feel like a complete mug having busted my arse for free just so some greedy twats could cash in. How naive was I?

The greed and lack of professionalism of too many of our players has also got on my wick this past season. Some have strolled around like love’s young dream contributing nothing but mindless errors to our performances. I’ll suffer bad performances. I almost saw us get relegated in 1976. At least that team put in some effort and appeared to care. I’ve followed us through thick and thin. I’ve never felt so estranged and alienated.

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I am however still an Arsenal supporter. I shall always be an Arsenal supporter. I’m just not prepared to pay out over seven percent of my take home pay when my other essential bills are all going relentlessly upwards. I haven’t had a proper holiday for three years. I shall next year.

In the meanwhile I shall become a Red member and pick and choose my games where tickets are available. I hope whoever picks up my season ticket gets as much enjoyment out of it as I have over the years.

Read more of Vic Crescit’s articles at Arsenal Insider

For a man that is known to speak a lot of hot air Robbie Savage has come out today and spoke rationally and reasonably. Savage brings our attention to the black clouds currently looming over Newcastle manager Chris Hughton’s head. Hughtons future seems uncertain considering other managers are being linked with his job and the board have only issued a short statement eluding that Hughtons situation will be clarified in the New Year.

Savage proclaims that “Newcastle’s treatment of Chris Hughton is out of order.” I would have to say that I agree with the former Wales international. Newcastle “United are ninth in the table and have scored more goals than anyone outside the top three. Their manager is turning Andy Carroll from a raw-boned kid into a man,” all the while showing real signs that he is the correct man to secure Newcastle’s Premier League status for another season.

The doubt that surrounds Hughton is completely unjustifiable. Hughton has done a fantastic job with United, taking a club that was in total disarray back to the Premier League at the first attempt is know small feat. A quarter of the season has come and gone and United also find themselves in the top half of the league. It seems obscure to think that Hughton is in any danger of losing his job.

Following the teams 4-0 loss to Arsenal in the Carling Cup the United board did release a short statement saying that “Chris is our manager and will remain our manager; it is our intention to renegotiate his contract at the end of the year.” Call me stupid but does this technically just mean that he is effectively being put on a two-month trial for his job. “What a joke. No wonder the bookmakers suspended betting on him being the next Premier League manager to go.”

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This weekend Newcastle host bitter rivals Sunderland at St. James’ Park and it is thought that if the result is not a positive one for Hughton then he faces the axe. It’s a sad state of affairs when a young, gifted manager is sacked after two negative results. Robbie Savage and I are not alone in our thoughts, Steve Bruce Sunderland manager explains that “management, it is never easy, and what he has done at Newcastle, for someone who has never managed a club before, is outstanding.”

Hughton is gaining support right left and centre and as an outsider looking in it would certainly appear that Hughton maybe in the process of being hung out to dry. You would expect that having achieved what he has at Newcastle that common sense would prevail and the softly spoken Londoner would be left to carry on doing a great job. Common sense and football however do not always go hand in hand and you would hope that if Hughton was sadly to lose his job that there would be correct and valid reasons.

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter

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The increasing profile of Financial Fair Play and the world’s current economic climate have seemingly caught up with the untouchable realm of top-flight football. Although fans want instant success for their club, long term stability may well be more important – just ask Rangers fans.

Kenny Dalglish has endured a fairly tough season at the helm of Liverpool, as off-field issues and inconsistent results have damaged the Reds’ hopes of achieving Champions league qualification, something that supporters of the club desired from the outset. Yet away from the field-of-play the Merseysiders have been going from strength-to-strength. The board room issues that marred Hicks and Gillett’s reign are now almost forgotten as the Fenway Sports Group have set about reshaping the club, and building a stable long term project. The latest piece of business achieved comes in the shape of a £25 million-per-year kit deal with American sports giants Warrior. To put this into context, the Reds’ new deal is the most financially rewarding in the entire Premier League, eclipsing Manchester United’s deal with Nike and doubling the income from the previous deal with Adidas. Coupled with this, Dalglish’s side also receive £20 million-per-season from kit sponsors Standard Chartered, one of the only beneficial legacies left by the previous owners. All-in-all Liverpool find themselves in a great financial position, even if on-field performances are a little below expected standards.

All of these changes have been lauded as more important in the long term than achievements on the field of play by Dalglish, who insists that the club is improving rapidly:

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“The club is now where it was before – each one for each one, everybody in it together. There are many ways you can judge a season and the best way is progress at the football club as a whole. I don’t think it necessarily relates to trophies or points.” The manager told the Guardian.

“You can measure it by how the club has progressed and where it is, from the first team to the kids. Off the pitch, especially, the club is a lot stronger than what it was. You go off the pitch and see how much money we are getting through sponsorship and kit deals.

“You look at the academy and see how much better it is. You look around here (Melwood) and most of the people have got a smile on their faces now. The squad is stronger than it was last year. What other areas are there to improve on – apart from points?”

Although there will be many critics to King Kenny’s stance, it has to said that he has a point. It’s easy to forget that the Reds were on the verge of bankruptcy not so long ago, and in real danger of slipping off the football radar. However since taking over in 2010, FSG have established a feeling of stability at the club, addressing the spiraling debts and investing in the long term future of the club.

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While others run consistently in the red, Liverpool look to be establishing a plan to make the club not only financially secure, but profitable. Teams living beyond their means is common place, but changes in UEFA rulings are now cracking down on such actions. Financial security before instant success may ultimately prove to be the mantra to go by, as economic issues hunt down the top-tier football. With big names such as Rangers falling into peril, and debts for many clubs across mainland Europe spiraling out of control, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who are planning for stability, may soon become the standard bearers. Although fans want points and prizes, to put them before the future of the club would be irresponsible, sponsorship and income are truly a measure of success.

Juventus can sign Sergio Aguero, but his price tag is 45 million euros.

That is how much Atletico Madrid want for the Argentina striker, who has scored 74 goals in 175 appearances for the La Liga club since signing from Independiente in 2006.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin rejected claims that Real Madrid wanted the player by revealing that Juventus have come forward.

“I have received no offer from Real Madrid and (President) Florentino Perez has assured me that they are not interested in the player,” Marin said.

“The only side which I have talked to are Juventus.”

“I have been contacted by the Italian club, they have sent me a letter in which they have asked to negotiate for the player.”

“Last Monday we received a fax from the Bianconeri. They showed their interest, but we will only let Aguero go for 45 million – and not a euro less.”

That figure is the same as Aguero’s release clause in his contract. Although such clauses are only valid domestically, in this case to Spanish clubs, it seems that Atletico still expect that sort of figure.

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta did meet with Aguero’s agents in Turin recently, but it is understood that he has yet to make Atletico an offer.

Earlier, the 22-year-old said he felt he needed a move to continue his development.

“I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come,” the statement on his website said.

“So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me.”

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“I’ve thought long and hard and I am convinced that I must be true to myself.”

“I do not think I put a ceiling on the ability to keep learning, to keep growing.”

“After five intense years, this stage for me personally is over and I have to give way to a new one.”

Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his club are highly motivated to try and reach the Champions League final this season.

Ancelotti was speaking after seeing the Blues reach the knockout stages with a 4-1 win over Spartak Moscow at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea eager to reach the showpiece finale which will be staged at Wembley this season.

The Italian commented:"There will be a long race getting to the final.

"When you reach the first aim, which is to win the group, the next aim is to reach the final and then to win that.

"I don't know if we can do this, but we have a possibility. We have the motivation to do this, but sometimes you have to be lucky also.

"We are working to play the last game at Wembley. In the final.

"It is important to start well and it's still important to finish in first place in this group.

"But I think that the decisive time for the Champions League is in February and March. Then we have to be ready. Now we're in a good moment and we're hoping to avoid injury and keep people fit.

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"Every one of us has motivation. There are a lot of things to think about – a final in London and the fact that no London team has won the Champions League. I think that helps to improve the motivation.

"It is the same for all of us. I'm not English. I'm working for Chelsea and have a particular feeling for this club. If there is a final, it's an extra motivation for everyone, not just the English players."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

City and United victorious again,

Whilst Fulham delight over Rangers’ ten,

Plucky Wolves show they’re up for the fight,

As the Toon’s two points disappear out of sight,

Chelsea comprehensive against the Trotters,

Means temporary silence for AVB plotters,

Rare loss for Black Cats and Martin O’Neill,

Whilst Hodgson’s West Brom show all the steel,

So some cracking wins and a score draw,

The Wigan game though, quite a bore,

Match of the weekend is not in doubt,

For the Gunners comeback required some clout,

Behind by two before the break,

The Arsenal warriors refused to shake,

As Bacman and Robin solved the crime,

To level it up before half time,

Rosicky and Walcott make it five,

Now the Gunners must kick on and drive,

For Spurs the result is certainly not a killer,

But let us appreciate this seven goal thriller!

 

Goal of the Weekend

Jonas Gutierrez isn’t always among the goals but he seems to have an eye for the spectacular. Having scored a mazy solo goal against Wolves in the reverse fixture, he scored his second wonder goal with a strike that tops his Molineux effort. The Argentinian neatly controlled Kevin Doyle’s clearance before rifling an effort past Wayne Hennessey from nearly 30 yards out. Although the goal was ultimately in vain as the visitors fought back valiantly, Gutierrez should be proud of his fantastic strike.

Performance of the Weekend

Firstly, plenty of credit must go to Wolves who, against all the odds, summoned up the courage to come from behind to claim a draw at Newcastle, becoming the only team to claim points after the Toon have gone ahead at home. However, Arsenal had to produce something special to eventually end up thrashing Spurs.

Prior to the weekend, Arsenal had not claimed any points in the Premier League when the opposition scored first at the Emirates. Their rivals hadn’t lost when scoring first this season which makes the Gunners comeback even more monumental. Arsene Wenger must ensure his players build on this performance against what will be a buoyant Liverpool next week.

Save of the Weekend

Fulham completed a derby double over West London rivals Queens Park Rangers. However, despite playing against ten men for nearly an hour on Saturday, Martin Jol will be thankful to Mark Schwarzer who made a fantastic second half save. Having been slipped in by Adel Taarabt, Shaun Wright-Phillips was through on goal. However, a deft touch from the Australian stopper ensured QPR were denied although it went unnoticed by the linesman who awarded a goal kick.

Player of the Weekend

The Emirates may be adorned with a banner “We don’t need Batman, when we’ve got Robin.” Yet did they know they had a new superhero in their ranks – Bacman. Yes, Bacary Sagna helped to drag the Gunners back into the North London Derby by opening the scoring for Arsenal. His runs down the right hand side gave Spurs plenty of problems and he supplied Tomas Rosicky with the goal to take Arsene Wenger’s side in front.

This was only Sagna’s fourth league game back having originally broken his leg against Spurs in the first North London Derby of the season. If the Gunners are to make fourth place their own, they’ll need performances like this one from the French right back. Most importantly, Sagna will need to give some more solidity to what has been a leaky Arsenal defence.

Quote of the Weekend

Chris Kamara’s struggle to pronounce the name of Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak  brought yet more comedy to Soccer Saturday. His auto correct on Twitter even lead to this tweet:

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“Andy Johnson Goal ruled out for offside here at QPR but Pomegranate with the opener for Fulham with the next attack 0-1”

Fair play to Kamara, who probably won’t be the only person to trip up over the Russian forward’s name!

For more Premier League musings, follow @arhindtutt on Twitter

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West Brom boss Roy Hodgson insists Somen Tchoyi is a big part of his plans for 2011-12 after he bagged a hat-trick in their 3-3 draw at Newcastle.The two newly promoted outfits had already secured survival heading into the clash, but Newcastle looked to be on track for a comfortable win when goals from Steven Taylor, Peter Lovenkrands and an own goal from Jonas Olsson handed them a 3-0 lead.

But a superb second-half hat-trick from Cameroonian international Tchoyi secured a point for West Brom and an 11th-placed finish, with Hodgson stating the midfielder is a required player at The Hawthorns.

“It has taken me a while to get to know him and luckily we have done the job (securing safety from relegation) without him,” Hodgson said.

“But he is obviously going to be a very important figure for us next year.”

“The more I have seen of him in training, the more I have got to see him in games, I have started to realise that he has got a special talent. He certainly brought it out today and got us a very valuable point.”

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said he had already turned his attention to next season after his side’s 12th-placed finish this term, starting by identifying potential signings to bolster his squad.

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“We have started that process,” Pardew said. “But we had so many first-team players missing today and we need to make sure they are fit and healthy.”

“These big players are important and we want to add to that. We want to take out three or four players and bring in four who are of the same quality.”

Birmingham City striker Nikola Zigic has laughed off speculation linking him with a January exit.

The giant Serbia striker joined the Blues from Valencia in a £6million deal two months ago.

Zigic has started just two Premier League games after been used mainly off the bench by manager Alex McLeish.

However, he has dismissed reports claiming he could be on his way to Sporting Lisbon when the transfer window reopens in January.

"I was aware of the speculation about Sporting Lisbon and I found it quite amusing," said Zigic.

"But really I am a Birmingham player. I enjoy being here. I am certainly going to try my best for the club and something I want to do is progress my career here.

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"You always get some speculation from other clubs and what have you.

"But I am a Birmingham player, I signed a contract in the summer, I enjoy playing with the boys, we are a good squad and I'm more than happy being here."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Alex McCarthy has likely cemented himself as Southampton’s first-choice goalkeeper after signing a new contract at the club.

The Premier League club confirmed via their official website on Wednesday that the 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a fresh four-year deal.

In December last season, McCarthy overtook Fraser Forster in the pecking order, and after this contract news was announced, questions have been raised over his teammate’s future.

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During the 2017-18 campaign, McCarthy made 23 appearances in all competitions, conceding 29 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

In the latter stages of the season when it looked as though the Saints would drop into the Championship, the shot-stopper pulled off some crucial saves to help Mark Hughes and the team stay afloat.

How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

McCarthy’s form sparked transfer rumours of a possible exit, but Southampton fans can now relax.

On Twitter, plenty of the club’s following posted their thoughts on the news, and it is safe to say that everyone is delighted.

Many would have tipped Tottenham Hotspur to comfortably progress into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

However, League One side Rochdale had other ideas as they earned a dramatic 2-2 draw at Spotland Stadium.

Lucas Moura managed to cancel out Ian Henderson’s opening goal before Harry Kane netted from the penalty spot to score what looked to be an 88th-minute winner.

Deep into stoppage time, though, Steve Davies found the back of the net to ensure that Rochdale secured a replay at Wembley.

The North London outfit would, of course, liked to have got the job done in their initial fifth-round tie, but they will have an opportunity to grab a place in the final eight in front of their fans at the club’s temporary home.

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On Tuesday, Spurs confirmed that the replay will be staged at 7.45pm on Wednesday, February 28.

Fans responded in various ways on Twitter, with some posting encouraging messages while others prayed that Fernando Llorente will not play a part.