Michael Dawson denies quit rumours

13 Jul 2011 - 12:25:22

Staying put: Dawson is committed to Spurs
Tottenham captain Michael Dawson has reacted angrily to claims that he has fallen out with the club's hierarchy over a new contract.
Reports suggested that Dawson was unhappy at the Spurs' refusal to offer him an improved deal, but he insists he is completely happy at the club.
The 27-year-old, who was made captain halfway through the 2009-10 season, says he is not looking for a new contract and is content with the terms of his current deal.
'I have no idea where this story has come from - it certainly has not come from myself or any of my representatives,' Dawson said.
'I think I have always demonstrated that I am a proud player and captain of this club and nothing has changed in that respect.
Head boy: Dawson was given the armband last season
'I have an excellent relationship with everyone at this club from the chairman, to the players to the supporters and I wouldn't want false reporting such as this to impact on that.
'There has been absolutely no fallout with anyone whatsoever. I still have four years left on my current contract and have no issues regarding it whatsoever. It is an honour to be captain of this football club and my sole focus is on getting ready for the new season with Spurs and, hopefully, England as well.'
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Blackburn to be first EPL team in India

13 Jul 2011 - 12:30:07

Indian-owned Blackburn Rovers are set to become the first English Premier League side to play in India, taking part in an exhibition match in the southern city of Pune later this month.

Blackburn, bought by Indian poultry giant Venky's in November, will meet Pune Football Club on July 22 during a pre-season tour of Asia.

"The game is a landmark encounter for Indian football fans and we are happy to be part of this treat (that) both Rovers and we have lined up," Pune FC director Nandan Piramal said in a statement.

The English club also recently announced they were planning to establish a youth academy near Pune, 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Mumbai.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean said in April that the club would visit India as part of an Asian tour. From India, Blackburn will head to Hong Kong to play in the Premier League Asia Trophy at the end of July.

Venky's takeover of the club, which won the Premier League title in 1995, provoked protest among fans, who criticised the new owners' lack of financial muscle and football experience.

The sacking of manager Sam Allardyce further antagonised critics and the club struggled on the pitch last season, finishing three positions off the relegation zone.

Kean has said that the new owners are committed to the long-term future of the club.

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FFF hoping for quick resolution to Domenech case

13 Jul 2011 - 12:30:07

The French Football Federation (FFF) said Wednesday it hoped to avoid going to an employment tribunal next year to settle financial claims by ex-coach Raymond Domenech.

FFF president Noel Le Graet expressed his hope that a "definitive solution" would be found in early August.

Domenech, sacked for misconduct after France's dismal display at last year's World Cup in South Africa, is seeking 2.9 million euros in compensation.

His former employers at the FFF, meanwhile, are seeking to reclaim World Cup bonuses that Domenech refuses to return.

A conciliation hearing in April reached no conclusions and the case between the two parties was postponed until January 13, 2012.

"I met him (Domenech)," Le Graet said Wednesday. "I am federation president and he (Domenech) must realise that he was an FFF employee. I am not ready to satisfy all the lawyers' fantasies (of claims).

"If we can find an agreement, I would prefer the case be closed in the coming days.

"Life is made of hope. I'm very hopeful of finding a definitive solution in early August.

"Did our meeting go well? Even better, he was courteous! But during first meetings, you rarely agree."

Le Graet's desire to negotiate with Domenech is a departure from the no-talks stance of former FFF president Fernand Duchaussoy, whose tenure came to an end in June.

Domenech led France to a runners-up finish at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but the rest of his tenure, which began in 2004, became synonymous with failure.

After a group-stage exit at the 2008 European Championship, France were eliminated at the same stage of last year's World Cup with only a single point and a single goal to their credit.

Their showing in South Africa was overshadowed by a training ground strike by the players, who were protesting after Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka was excluded from the squad for clashing with Domenech.

The FFF were particularly aggrieved that Domenech read out the players' statement to the media explaining why they had elected to go on strike.

He was also criticised for refusing to shake hands with South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after France's final group game.

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QPR on the brink of signing Kieron Dyer

13 Jul 2011 - 12:50:34

On his way: Kieron Dyer is set to join QPR
QPR are set to complete the signing for former England international Kieron Dyer, according to manager Neil Warnock.
The 32-year-old has been beset by injuries in recent years and was released by relegated West Ham at the end of last season.
However, Dyer looks set to been given another chance to shine in the Premier League by Rangers in a one-year deal.
Dyer has reportedly agreed personal terms on a move to west London and Warnock believes it is a deal that will suit both parties.
'As far as I'm concerned it's a gamble worth taking,' he told the London Evening Standard.
'He really impressed me in training and it looks like he has been working hard on his fitness throughout the summer.
'He has a lot of experience and is desperate to play in the Premier League again.
'I like the hunger he's got and he wants to prove a point. I really appreciate his commitment.
'There were other clubs in for him and he could have earned more money elsewhere, but he wants to play for QPR.
'He wanted to stay in London and I think he can really help us.'
Speaking about the deal, he added: 'As far as I am concerned, we can't lose.
'We have protected ourselves. If things don't go well then we can always go our separate ways, it's a deal that suits both parties.'
Promising start: Dyer showed great potential at Newcastle under the late Sir Bobby Robson (right)
QPR confirmed the signature of Jay Bothroyd on a three-year deal earlier today and are believed to be in talks with Blackpool striker DJ Campbell.
Warnock is also hopeful on tying up a deal for promising Tottenham right-back Kyle Naughton, whose development he witnessed while at Sheffield United.
'We have a great relationship with Spurs and we tried to sign Kyle in January before he went to Leicester,' added Warnock.
'We can give him Premier League experience and help him develop in the same way Kyle Walker benefited from being on loan from Spurs at at Aston Villa.'
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Roy Hodgson admits to doubts over Owen Hargreaves

13 Jul 2011 - 13:06:35

Fitness concerns: Owen Hargreaves has been plagued by injuries
Roy Hodgson admits Owen Hargreaves' fitness record could scupper his chances of signing for West Brom.
Albion have had contact with Hargreaves, who was released at the end of last season by Manchester United.
But Hodgson is mindful of the fact the former England midfielder has played only 27 games in the past four years.
He told the Wolverhampton Express and Star: 'Owen has been in contact with (Albion technical director) Dan Ashworth and I think he wants to meet up with us.
'But we've got to be realistic.
'We're talking about a player who hasn't played for three years. He is a big name player but so is Bobby Charlton!
'I think one of the last games Hargreaves played was in my first season at Fulham which is over three years ago, so we've got to be realistic.'
A series of videos of Hargreaves working out were posted Youtube last week in an apparent attempt to dispel doubts about his fitness.
The Baggies are continuing their search for a new goalkeeper with West Ham's Robert Green and Birmingham's Ben Foster among possible candidates being eyed by Hodgson.
Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell is also on Hodgson's radar.
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West Brom plan raid for Robert Green and Shane Long

12 Jul 2011 - 10:26:37

West Brom are planning a double swoop for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green and Reading striker Shane Long.
Baggies boss Roy Hodgson was forced to turn his attentions to Green after being priced out of a move for Birmingham's Ben Foster.
Newcastle are also interested in the West Ham stopper, but Green is believed to favour a move to the Hawthorns.
Making their move: Green (left) and Long are wanted by West Bromwich Albion
Reading striker Long, who scored 25 goals last season, has one year to run on his current deal.
The Championship club have slapped a ?10million price-tag on the Republic of Ireland hitman, but West Brom are hopeful of negotiating a reduced fee.
Everton, Sunderland and Newcastle are all monitoring the situation.  
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Premier League TV fixtures 2011

12 Jul 2011 - 10:28:12

Fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season's 4-4 thriller between Arsenal and Newcastle when it kicks off the live Barclays Premier League matches this season.
The match at St James' Park will be screened on ESPN, while the first Sky Sports Super Sunday will see champions Manchester United travel to West Bromwich and show Andre Villas-Boas in charge of Chelsea for the first time at Stoke.
Scroll down for the full list of TV fixtures... We're back: Cheik Tiote celebrates his late equaliser against the Gunners
Then on Monday, Manchester City take on newly-promoted Swansea to complete the first of Sky's weekend line-ups.
Sky will show seven major derbies before the festive run-in including the Merseyside clash between Everton and Liverpool on October 1, Tottenham v Arsenal (Oct 2) and the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on October 23, followed by newcomers QPR against Chelsea at Loftus Road.
One to watch: United and City clash on October 23rd, when Wayne Rooney will be hoping to repeat his Old Trafford overhead kick heroics
The first major test for Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool at the Emirates against Arsenal on the second week of the season (Aug 20) will be televised for a lunchtime kick-off by Sky cameras.
Tottenham's trip to champions Manchester United has been scheduled for a Monday night fixture on August 22.
Fans of newcomers Norwich can see their team back in top-flight television action again on Sunday September 11 against West Brom at Carrow Road.
Heated: Expect fireworks when Liverpool and Man United meet on October 15
The earliest televised kick-off (12.05pm) before Christmas comes at Villa Park for new manager Alex McLeish's first Midlands derby in charge of Villa against Wolves on August 27.
And the highly-anticipated first showdown of the new season between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield will be shown on Sky on October 15.
TV times: Live Premier League games

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