Brendan Rodgers has refused the option to re-sign former striker Michael Owen, according to The Guardian.
The veteran forward was released by Manchester United at the end of last season after an injury-prone spell at Old Trafford, and has failed to land a new club during the transfer window.
However, with the Reds being left with Fabio Borini and Luis Suarez as their only recognised strikers, the Northern Irish manager was considering a move for the free agent to bolster his options in attack.
Rodgers has been charged with signing players that will protect the future of the Merseyside club, and is backed by owner John W Henry, who does not want short-term fixes.
Owen is still being chased by a number of Premier League clubs, with Sunderland and Stoke both thought to be keen to land the marksman in the near future.
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Angelo Ogbonna has attracted interest from Manchester United, but the Red Devils may have to fork out £16million to sign the player. The Sun reports.
The 24-year-old rose to prominence last season as his superb displays for Torino in Serie B led his side to promotion, and despite previously playing in Italy’s second-tier, Cesare Prandelli was so impressed by his performances that he selected him for the country’s Euro 2012 squad.
These displays have attracted the interest of Sir Alex Ferguson and United’s scouts, who have been constantly monitoring the player since the start of this season’s Serie A.
Everton are also keen on Ogbonna and David Moyes is thought to believe the player has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League.
But Ogbonna has recently signed a contract which commits himself to Torino until 2016-meaning prospective buyers will have to dig deep to sign him.
Torino’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi confirmed United’s interest and acknowledged the defender is destined to play at a bigger club, but felt it is in the player’s interest to remain in Turin and develop his potential first.
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He said: “I guarantee there are observers of many foreign clubs who follow our games, including United’s scouts.
“Angelo has the desire to do better but I believe he should continue to grow with Torino.”
When West Ham regained promotion back to the Premier League in 2004-05 I don’t think anybody can really say they expected the Hammers to suffer another relegation relatively soon afterwards. But this is exactly what happened under the leadership of Avram Grant in 2010-11. Grant was a disastrous appointment who was milking a reputation of sending Chelsea to the Champions League final and a faltering Pompey to the FA Cup final. With the club winning only seven games that season, the Hammers themselves were faltering. They hadn’t heeded the warning signs from the previous campaign under another seemingly average manager, Gianfranco Zola. With only 35 points in the 2009-10, they were fortunate to stay up in a poor league that season which saw Burnley, Hull and Portsmouth fall back into the Football League.
Needless to say, the 1st June 2011, was a joyous day for all Hammers fans when Sam Allardyce was appointed as the new boss at Upton Park. He was the saviour in a bad situation at West Ham. He made very astute signings. He used his contacts from his previous teams to inherit a squad that would inevitably be up there at the end of the season and removed the dead wood who failed so badly. In came his former Bolton possy in Kevin Nolan, Joey O’Brien, Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te (albeit in January). Allardyce also acquired dangerous players at second tier level such as Abdoulaye Faye, Papa Bouba Diop and John Carew. Out went Danny Gabbidon, Lars Jacobsen, Johnathan Spector, Luis Boa Marte, Manuel da Costa, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Matthew Upson who had messed up the previous campaign.
Simply put, Allardyce and West Ham were both too big in stature to be playing in the Championship. Therefore it was no surprise when they returned to the big time with the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in May. Although, you could argue that with the squad he had inherited that season, a third place finish was poor. However, I will grant him that the fact that the Championship is a difficult league to get out of and there have been countless examples of teams that are yet to return to the big time after spending so many years in the top flight i.e. Charlton, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday etc.
So the Hammers are back in the big time for the 2012-13 campaign. And the club purchased wisely, most notably, importing the quality of Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun will surely ensure that the club will survive this season. But this made me wonder. IS survival good enough for a club like West Ham? I don’t think the expectations at West Ham are the same as they are at Reading and Southampton. I would argue that West Ham are just outside the top 10 in the biggest clubs in England, whereas Southampton and Reading are more likely just outside the top 20. Therefore, it seems to me unimaginable that the London club will be playing Championship football again.
And in fairness, I don’t think survival is the season goal for Allardyce as well this season, a mid-table finish is his target. This, of course, is perfectly amicable for a club’s first season back in the top flight. However, I wonder what the long-term aspirations of both Allardyce and West Ham are. I expect that once West Ham find their feet in the Premier League once again the expectations for a club of their size is to look towards cementing a European place. And after all, if similar sized clubs such as Everton and Newcastle United reach those levels, then there is no reason why a club with the following of West Ham can’t either.
And therefore, as a result of inevitable increasing expectations that will occur, I have doubts whether Allardyce has the credentials to take West Ham forward that next level. I think everyone felt that ‘Big Sam’ was harshly treated when he was sacked by Blackburn and Newcastle. Granted, the Venky’s dismissed Allardyce because they wanted a puppet to pull the strings with at Ewood Park. However, with giving it a lot of thought, I now find Mike Ashley decision to sack Allardyce an interesting one, especially given their recent success under Pardew. I wonder whether it was in Ashley’s thinking that Allardyce doesn’t have the ability to take the club to the next level.
Allardyce’s best managerial tenure was at Bolton where he guided the club to a sixth and then an eighth-place finish. That was a magnificent achievement to guide a small club like Bolton to those dizzy heights. But even then looking back I find it interesting that in spite of this, he was overlooked for the England job when the FA opted for Steve McClaren as a replacement for Sven Goran Eriksson. Do the fat cats at the top just not rate Allardyce as a top manager?
Without the intention of being over-critical to who I incidentally think is a good Premier League manager, apart from the two seasons he enjoyed with Bolton, when you analyse his career in the top-flight, his league finishes haven’t been all that impressive. He endured two 17th placed finishes in successive seasons at the Reebok, when he was sacked by Newcastle the club were lying in 11th and in his one full season at Blackburn the club finished a disappointing 15th.
I think the expectations at West Ham may also change if and when they move into their new stadium. Often new stadiums provide a catalyst for increased expectations at a football club. Perhaps an increase in seats gives a delusion of club grandeur. But inevitably, once West Ham do move into their new stadium, and let’s face it it’s looking likely, both the stature and the expectations will increase. I reckon that if Allardyce is still in charge by the time the move to the new stadium is in place, whenever this may be, whether the pressure on him to provide more success at the club will suddenly occur.
Perhaps there are other factors as well that will prevent the club from finishing in the top 6 on a yearly basis. Can the trio of Gold, Sullivan and Brady realistically supply the funds to propel the club to that next level? Will they be willing to give Allardyce the kind of financial support he will need to maintain a challenge at the higher end of the Premier League table? Somehow, I doubt it, as they didn’t exactly splash the millions at Birmingham City.
To sum up, Allardyce is a good manager and he has done a good job as Hammers boss. I just question whether he has the credentials to cope with the increased expectations that will arise with managing a big club such as West Ham in the distant future.
I would love to know your thoughts on how far you think Allardyce can take the club. Am I being overcritical on ‘Big Sam’ and just scaremongering? Or is there a genuine belief that Allardyce just isn’t a top 6 manager?
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Liverpool FC goalkeeper Brad Jones is hoping to be selected for the clash against Anzhi Makhachkala and make a claim for Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
First choice keeper, Pepe Reina is currently recovering from a hamstring injury picked up whilst on international duty and his understudy is expected to earn a second consecutive start for the Reds against the Russian outfit in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
Reina will be eager to regain fitness as soon as possible and could be targeting the much anticipated Derby clash at the weekend. Jones knows that the decision will be out of his hands, but will be using the Anzhi clash to impress Brendan Rodgers.
Jones saw his side keep a clean sheet at Anfield last Saturday against Reading, in what was his first Premier League start of the season.
“I’ve improved a lot as a goalkeeper from being here,” Jones told the Liverpool Echo.
“You have to fight to get games under your belt and I’m someone who likes a challenge.
“That’s the reason I came here. To set the bar high and see how far I can get in the game.”
Jones was in between the posts when Liverpool met Everton in last season’s FA Cup semi-final after Reina and Alexander Doni both suffered injuries and would be thrilled to play in the derby fixture once again.
The Australian shot-stopper knows that he can put in a performance worthy of the man of the match award and still not be present in the 219th Merseyside derby.
“The more games I play the happier I’ll be.
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“It’s his decision. We’ve got another game on Thursday and I’m just focusing on that.
“We will see how that goes. If I can keep playing after that I’ll be delighted,” he added.
Join us on Sunday for our LIVE Merseyside Derby Day Blog!
When it was announced that Wayne Rooney was going to be England captain in the absence of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard for the Three Lion’s fixture against San Marino. I was pleased as I believe in this country the role of the captain is somewhat overstated. As clichéd as it sounds I believe you need plenty of players who can motivate and captivate those around you in a team not just one leader. Also I don’t believe you need an armband to complete that role, therefore Rooney seemed a great logical choice as skipper, simply because he’s England’s best player. Then I thought to myself what a disputed statement calling Rooney England’s best truly is.
Unless there is a glaringly obvious candidate for the captaincy for example Roy Keane at Manchester United, I believe you may as well make your best player captain, as that way it cannot be disputed in the dressing room that player doesn’t deserve the privilege. However while I think the Manchester United striker will go down as the most talented English footballer of the past 20 years and greatest English striker of my lifetime he may not be England’s best currently. Two players challenge him for that distinction.
First Ashley Cole could easily be regarded as England’s best, consensus of opinion suggests he is the world’s premier left back after consistent seasons of excellence. But with a horrific public image, the Chelsea man can never be under consideration for the armband regardless of his talent. Also such is the form of Leighton Baines he isn’t necessarily the first name on teamsheet. This leaves my suggestion for the England armband, Joe Hart.
Hart has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He’s young and displays the presence and confidence of someone twice his age and would be perfect as England captain. Bar one minor mishap where Hart along with two of his England and Manchester City teammates were caught boozing at a student house party, the City keeper seems extremely professional and capable of avoiding the disastrous headlines of previous England skippers.
One of the main reasons Hart appeals to me as captain is age, at just 25 and playing in goal a position where players traditionally go on for longer he could potentially be England’s undisputed captain for the next ten years ending the argument and debate of who should get the captaincy. It’s arguable that Steven Gerrard’s game is already diminishing and at 32 and with a chequered injury record in recent seasons, there is no certainty that Gerrard will make it to the World Cup in two years time. Meaning the debate about the long-term captaincy will once again be brought up in two years at the latest.
Gerrard’s position in the England team also isn’t as secure as Hart or even Rooney’s for that matter. England fans will eagerly await Jack Wilshere’s return to first team action at Arsenal. Systems and tactics will then dictate which two players fight it out for a starting berth. With Frank Lampard, Gerrard, Wilshere (who if he returns from injury and plays at a similar level to before will likely be regarded as the future of English football) and Michael Carrick all fighting for two places. That is without mentioning Tom Cleverley, who fast appears to be becoming a favourite of Roy Hodgson’s.
Hart leads through performance while also often shows the character to organise his defence and demand high standards of those in front of them. There is a feeling that defenders make the best captains, because they can see the whole picture playing out from the back but surely communication and organisation throughout a football team requires all players to regularly communicate and cooperate. Public image, rightly or wrongly comes into the reckoning when deciding who leads England, and Hart has always impressed both fans and the media. Recently his honest anger and genuine frustration at seeing Manchester City squander a lead to lose to Real Madrid impressed both the fans and media. Someone who can speak honestly and eloquently in front of the media rightly or wrongly is an important of England captaincy, that is one of the reasons that Frank Lampard are invaluable role models for the young group coming through.
Joe Hart can make the England captaincy role his own, in a manner much similar to the way he eased into role of the number one goalkeeper for the Premier League champions, and his country.
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Let me know your thoughts on Twitter: @jimmylowson.
Quite frankly, and you can ask any professional footballer this, there is nothing that can match the feeling of scoring on your debut. Whether it be a picture book volley that rasps in from 35-yards or a scuff over the line with your shin, there is nothing to rival seeing that net ripple for the first time.
Now imagine that sensation and multiply it by 100. That’s what it’s like to bag one on your first appearance in the cup. In years gone by the League Cup has been graced by some sensational strikes and career defining goals from players making their début in the competition. If you think compiling a list was hard, try whittling it down to a top 10!
Robbie Fowler – Liverpool
Debut goals are always the most memorable and Fowler’s maiden strike for Liverpool against Fulham in 1993 was the launch pad for one of the club’s greatest ever strikers. A brilliant left foot volley that saw him steal in at the far post embodied the predatory talent that would turn Fowler into an Anfield legend
Darren Bent – Ipswich Town
Despite being part of the team that lost 4-1 to Newcastle in 2001, the first senior goal of Bent’s Ipswich career provided a glimpse of his penalty area instinct and showcased the ruthless composure that would become his trademark in later years.
Paul Scholes – Manchester United
Scholes’ debut double against Port Vale in 1993 provided the lift-off for his Manchester United career at the tender age of 19. His first was a brazen dink over the oncoming goalkeeper, a finish of incredible composure and maturity that belied his tender years.
Owen Hargreaves – Manchester City
Having been released by Manchester United following an injury-hit spell with the club, Hargreaves signed for rivals City on a free transfer in 2010. He marked his debut by bending in a stunning free kick against Birmingham in the League Cup. Unfortunately that’s as good as it got at the Etihad Stadium for the ex-England midfield.
Jonathan Woodgate – Tottenham Hotspur
Having joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough just a month earlier, Woodgate probably couldn’t believe his luck when he made his League Cup debut against Chelsea in the 2008 final. It got even better for the former England defender when he headed in the winning goal at the second attempt from Jermaine Jenas’ free kick four minutes into extra time to hand Spurs their first trophy in nine years.
Robin van Persie – Arsenal
Arriving at Arsenal from Feyenoord as one of Europe’s hottest talents, van Persie was handed his competitive debut against Manchester City in October 2004 and showcased his goal scoring potential straight away. Without even needing a touch the then 21-year-old forward lashed home a superb first time strike from a Cesc Fabregas pass – the first of many in a Gunners shirt.
Fernando Torres – Liverpool
In his early days at Liverpool goals were like clockwork for Torres and his hat-trick against Reading on his first ever League Cup game proved why he was one of the world’s greatest strikes in his heyday. The first of three goals on that September night was vintage Torres, holding off the challenge of Andre Bikey and effortlessly finishing past Adam Federici.
Andy Cole – Blackburn Rovers
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After accepting that his Manchester United career was over Cole moved to Blackburn in December 2001 and collected a League Cup winner’s medal just a few short months later. In fact the final was his maiden appearance in the competition for Rovers and his first goal, a typically instinctive finish 22 minutes from time, delivered the cup to Ewood Park for the first time in the clubs history.
Kieran Richardson – Manchester United
Despite ultimately failing to cut the mustard at Old Trafford, Richardson’s Manchester United career started promisingly. Making his League Cup debut against Leicester in late 2002 the exciting 17-year-old scored in the 90th minute with a gorgeous diving header to cap off a 2-0 win.
Obafemi Martins – Birmingham City
When Obafemi Martins joined Birmingham on loan in January 2011 it was unlikely he envisaged scoring the goal that would bring the League Cup back to St Andrews. But that’s exactly what he did, coming off the bench and capitalising on a mistake by Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny to tap the ball into an empty net and secure the trophy they last won back in 1963.
Mario Balotelli will remain at Manchester City for at least another year and a half according to the player’s agent Mino Raiola, Sky Sports report.
It was reportedly this week that the relationship between Roberto Mancini and Balotelli had hit an all-time low after the player was left out of the squad for the game against Spurs.
It is clear that tensions have surrounded the pairs relationship over the past few seasons but Railo dismisses what the English press have reported this week as garbage.
“He feels really good at City,” Mino Raiola told Mediaset.
“There is no crisis between Mario and City or between Mario and Mancini.
“What the papers write is garbage. Not being happy at being in the stands is completely different to wanting to leave.
“We plan to stay at City for at least another year-and-a-half. Even if we did decide to leave tomorrow, I don’t think there are any clubs in Italy that could sign him.”
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Rafa Benitez is still searching for his first Premier League win as Chelsea manager as he accompanies his charges to the Stadium of Light.
If Chelsea fail to secure victory against Sunderland this would ensure the Spaniard receives an unwelcome place in the record books of being the only manager at the club’s helm to have failed to win in his first four games as boss.
The Blues however, will be confident having won 14 of their last 15 against Sunderland, while the signs do not look good for the Black Cats with O’ Neill’s men securing just two wins in their last 22 Premier League fixtures.
O’ Neill is likely to set his attack up with Sessegnon just behind Steven Fletcher reiterating in the press this week that it is important his front men are firing.
O’Shea and Fletcher are both expected to be fit for the fixture after suffering knocks last time out against Norwich.
Benitez is hoping that he will be boosted by the returns of both Frank Lampard and John Terry for the first time in his managerial reign.
He said he was looking forward to welcoming back their experience into the team stating: “They are experienced players, they’ve won the Champions League and a lot of trophies but they have to show that character and they need confidence to do that.
“Some players might show character but if one or two are not at that level, the whole team suffers. That is what happened in the second half at West Ham.”
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Daniel Sturridge also looks set to make the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury he has been suffering from for the last two weeks.
QPR defender Armand Traore believes that Saturday’s 2-1 win over Fulham can kick-start the club’s Premier League season.
The Super Hoops have endured a tough start to the campaign, with Harry Redknapp coming in to replace the sacked Mark Hughes, with the team still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
An Adel Taarabt brace handed the Londoners their first three-point haul of 2012/13, and Traore believes that it could prove to be the catalyst for a run of results:
“It was definitely a relief to get that win,” he is quoted by The Metro.
“I still think it’ll be really hard and before this game we were unbeaten in three.
“It was really important to get that win, so I think now we can start our season.”
The result lifts QPR from the foot of the table and into 19th, however Reading could move back ahead with a draw against Arsenal.
The Loftus Road club have improved of late, with Redknapp instilling a new sense of optimism in the squad.
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It is expected that the former Tottenham coach will delve into the transfer market in January in a bid to keep them clear of relegation.
Names such as Scott Parker and Peter Crouch have been mentioned, but it’s unclear how much ‘Arry will be able to spend following a costly summer under the guidance of his predecessor.
Stewart Downing has vowed to save his Liverpool FC career following his most impressive display yet for the club in the win over Fulham on Saturday.
Downing has endured a difficult time at Anfield since signing for £20million in 2011, having not scored a Premier League goal until the weekend’s 4-0 victory over Fulham.
It had been reported that the Reds boss Brendan Rodgers was happy to allow him to leave in January after all but securing a deal for Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge, as well as trying to re-sign young winger Thomas Ince from Blackpool.
However Downing insists he wants to stay and fight for his place at club. “That goal had been a long time coming and I am enjoying playing games,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“It seems to be coming together now and I am pleased. I worked hard to get to a club like this and I don’t want to leave in a hurry. I want to stay.”
“I never wanted to leave but obviously I was out of the team, I was frustrated as a result of that, and in that situation you have to look at something if it crops up.
“The only thing I can do is play well and make him keep me here. All I am trying to do is make him pick me. Hopefully, if I keep playing like I did against Fulham, that will happen.”
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The 28-year-old will now hope he can win over the fans by starting to live up to his price tag.