Despite having earned a fortune in recent years, the chances are that Emmanuel Adebayor is a man who almost certainly regrets his actions over the last few years, with the result of those actions leaving him in a state of frustrating limbo and without many clubs in the context of world football that would be particularly keen for him to join them, despite his undoubted talent.
Having burnt all his bridges at Arsenal by deciding to mock the club's fans with his infamous celebration at the City of Manchester Stadium, Adebayor decided not to learn his lesson and left Manchester City under a storm cloud after falling out with just about everyone at the club, and with little hope that he would ever return again as a favourite. Those placing Premier League bets wouldn't have expected him to return at all.
With Adebayor having long ago been offered a chance to go elsewhere, and with time running out in the summer transfer window as clubs start to make their final decisions before getting ready for the start of pre-season training (a key part of any squad's preparation as they look to challenge for success), it looks as though Adebayor may once again be shipped off on loan as he seems to have rejected the only club who are keen on him, Zenit St Petersburg. Those following the Europa League betting make think that's around his level these days.
Should Adebayor finally receive his comeuppance, then it may well act as a warning to other players that sometimes reaching out for that little bit extra when you already have a fortune is not the wisest of moves, even in football, a sport where loyalty seems to be the exception and not the norm nowadays. However, the chances are that Adebayor may find yet another club to move to who are prepared to get what they can out of him before he inevitably disappoints them, so watch this space.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Young buys show Fergie looking to the future
Arsene Wenger may well be the Premier League manager who is most often associated with the development of players and the rebuilding of squads, but it is Sir Alex Ferguson who has been more impressive at cutting the chaff from his squad and integrating young talent into his side in order to give it a boost and keep it able to fight consistently at the top of the Premier League, more often than not fighting successfully in a manner that brings with it trophies and glory.
Having chosen to pursue a slightly different tactic than Wenger by spending cash on proven stars who are well rounded, rather than spending little sums of money on players whilst trying to spend the time and money on forging an elusive squad bond, the former strategy has proved itself to be far more successful as Manchester United appear to be adept at building a squad that is glued together by its shared successes, rather than by growing up together as a side from the youth ranks. Those looking at the Manchester United betting tips will know how well this seems to work.
Should United go on and pick up the title again next season (and you would be foolish to bet against that happening at the moment), then Fergie will have almost certainly spent a season integrating the likes of Ashley Young and Phil Jones into his squad and getting them to feel exactly what it is like to be a Manchester United player and informing them of the responsibilities that come with that position. The Premier League betting odds indicate their integration will be crucial.
If, and only if, Arsenal can start to match United and their recent trophy haul over the next five years or so, it could start to be suggested that Fergie has been misplaced in his decision to splash the cash on youth, rather than concentrate on solely developing players from within the club.
Having chosen to pursue a slightly different tactic than Wenger by spending cash on proven stars who are well rounded, rather than spending little sums of money on players whilst trying to spend the time and money on forging an elusive squad bond, the former strategy has proved itself to be far more successful as Manchester United appear to be adept at building a squad that is glued together by its shared successes, rather than by growing up together as a side from the youth ranks. Those looking at the Manchester United betting tips will know how well this seems to work.
Should United go on and pick up the title again next season (and you would be foolish to bet against that happening at the moment), then Fergie will have almost certainly spent a season integrating the likes of Ashley Young and Phil Jones into his squad and getting them to feel exactly what it is like to be a Manchester United player and informing them of the responsibilities that come with that position. The Premier League betting odds indicate their integration will be crucial.
If, and only if, Arsenal can start to match United and their recent trophy haul over the next five years or so, it could start to be suggested that Fergie has been misplaced in his decision to splash the cash on youth, rather than concentrate on solely developing players from within the club.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
United seal swoop for Young
Manchester United have finally confirmed the signing of winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa on a five year deal.
The 25-year-old had previously undergoing a medical at Old Trafford but was reluctant to sign until he returned from holiday but has now completed the deal which is believed to be worth between £16 million and £20 million.
Young becomes Alex Ferguson's second English signing of the summer after the previous acquisition of Phil Jones from Blackburn as the Scot looks to build a new side due to the retirement of stalwarts such as Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.
Young signed for Villa in January 2007 in a deal thought to be worth around £10million and stated that he would not be signing a new contract at Villa Park due to his desire to play in the Champions League. The forward's contract was due to expire at the end of next season meaning he would have been allowed to leave on a free transfer. Villa were understandably reluctant to let this happen and United stepped-in and a deal was agreed which appears to suite all parties. Betfair iPad fans wouldn't have been surprised.
Young is understandably delighted to have signed for such a top club and says he is already targeting silverware and the iPhone betting suggest he will have every chance of doing so.
"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told MUTV.
"It's a chance to hopefully become part of the history by helping to win the 20th title. It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child - to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."
The 25-year-old had previously undergoing a medical at Old Trafford but was reluctant to sign until he returned from holiday but has now completed the deal which is believed to be worth between £16 million and £20 million.
Young becomes Alex Ferguson's second English signing of the summer after the previous acquisition of Phil Jones from Blackburn as the Scot looks to build a new side due to the retirement of stalwarts such as Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.
Young signed for Villa in January 2007 in a deal thought to be worth around £10million and stated that he would not be signing a new contract at Villa Park due to his desire to play in the Champions League. The forward's contract was due to expire at the end of next season meaning he would have been allowed to leave on a free transfer. Villa were understandably reluctant to let this happen and United stepped-in and a deal was agreed which appears to suite all parties. Betfair iPad fans wouldn't have been surprised.
Young is understandably delighted to have signed for such a top club and says he is already targeting silverware and the iPhone betting suggest he will have every chance of doing so.
"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told MUTV.
"It's a chance to hopefully become part of the history by helping to win the 20th title. It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child - to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Soccer Games: Linfield handed Belarus test
Northern Irish champions Linfield have been drawn against BATE Borisov of Belarus in the second-round qualifying of the Champions League.
The IFA Premiership winners face a two-legged affair against BATE, who are the only Belarusian side to reach the group stages of Europe's top club competition and made the last-32 of the Europa League last season. With this in mind, the Champions League betting odds suggest it will be a tough tie.
The first match will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast on July 12/13, with the second leg in Borisov on July 19/20.
Meanwhile, League of Ireland Premier Division winners Shamrock Rovers have been paired with Estonian side FC Flora Tallinn.
Welsh Premier League champions Bangor City will face a trip to Finland in the first leg of their qualifying tie, with HJK Helsinki their opponents.
Other stand out ties include Swedish team Malmo, European Cup finalists in 1979, up against HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands, while Sturm Graz, who have reached the group stages on two occasions, face Videoton FC of Hungary.
There will be two first qualifying round fixtures taking place on June 28/29 and June and July 5/6. SP Tre Fiori of San Marino take on Valletta of Malta, while FC Santa Coloma of Andorra come up against Luxemburg’s F91 Dudelange.
SPL champions Rangers will enter the competition at the third qualifying round, while Arsenal will be one of the seeded teams for the play-off round, after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
The group stages of this season's Champions League will start on September 13, with this year's final held in Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 19.
The IFA Premiership winners face a two-legged affair against BATE, who are the only Belarusian side to reach the group stages of Europe's top club competition and made the last-32 of the Europa League last season. With this in mind, the Champions League betting odds suggest it will be a tough tie.
The first match will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast on July 12/13, with the second leg in Borisov on July 19/20.
Meanwhile, League of Ireland Premier Division winners Shamrock Rovers have been paired with Estonian side FC Flora Tallinn.
Welsh Premier League champions Bangor City will face a trip to Finland in the first leg of their qualifying tie, with HJK Helsinki their opponents.
Other stand out ties include Swedish team Malmo, European Cup finalists in 1979, up against HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands, while Sturm Graz, who have reached the group stages on two occasions, face Videoton FC of Hungary.
There will be two first qualifying round fixtures taking place on June 28/29 and June and July 5/6. SP Tre Fiori of San Marino take on Valletta of Malta, while FC Santa Coloma of Andorra come up against Luxemburg’s F91 Dudelange.
SPL champions Rangers will enter the competition at the third qualifying round, while Arsenal will be one of the seeded teams for the play-off round, after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
The group stages of this season's Champions League will start on September 13, with this year's final held in Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 19.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Newcastle capture another Frenchman
Newcastle have confirmed they've won the battle to sign former French under-21 midfidler Sylvain Marveaux from Rennes.
The 25-year-old will complete his move to St James' Park on a free transfer on July 1st after a signing a five-year deal in the north-east.
Marveaux was expected to join Liverpool this summer but the move is reported to have broken down after the winger failed a medical. Marveaux hasn't played since Rennes' 2-1 Ligue victory over Brest last November due to a long standing groin injury, but Newcastle are believed to be satisfied with the player's fitness and have completed the deal. Those looking for sports bet tips will be wondering if he can cut it in the Premier League.
Boss Alan Pardew was understandably delighted with the capture and told the press he was pleased to seal a deal for such a highly sought after player.
"It's a great coup to have signed Sylvain, who has received interest from a number of other clubs,£ he said. "He may not be well known to many of our fans, but he is a real talent and a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time".
The signing is the Magpies third French acquisition so-far this summer with both Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye both already recruited ahead of next season. Newcastle have also sealed a deal for striker Demba Ba who joins on a free from relegated West Ham. Those looking to place a free bet may wonder about the durability of the squad Newcastle are putting together.
The signings go some way to appeasing the fans after skipper Kevin Nolan was allowed to leave the club as well as the board's reluctance to offer star man Joey Barton a new contract.
Pardew is reportedly looking to implement a massive overhaul of the squad as he looks to turn the Magpies back into an established Premier League force.
The 25-year-old will complete his move to St James' Park on a free transfer on July 1st after a signing a five-year deal in the north-east.
Marveaux was expected to join Liverpool this summer but the move is reported to have broken down after the winger failed a medical. Marveaux hasn't played since Rennes' 2-1 Ligue victory over Brest last November due to a long standing groin injury, but Newcastle are believed to be satisfied with the player's fitness and have completed the deal. Those looking for sports bet tips will be wondering if he can cut it in the Premier League.
Boss Alan Pardew was understandably delighted with the capture and told the press he was pleased to seal a deal for such a highly sought after player.
"It's a great coup to have signed Sylvain, who has received interest from a number of other clubs,£ he said. "He may not be well known to many of our fans, but he is a real talent and a player we have been keeping an eye on for some time".
The signing is the Magpies third French acquisition so-far this summer with both Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye both already recruited ahead of next season. Newcastle have also sealed a deal for striker Demba Ba who joins on a free from relegated West Ham. Those looking to place a free bet may wonder about the durability of the squad Newcastle are putting together.
The signings go some way to appeasing the fans after skipper Kevin Nolan was allowed to leave the club as well as the board's reluctance to offer star man Joey Barton a new contract.
Pardew is reportedly looking to implement a massive overhaul of the squad as he looks to turn the Magpies back into an established Premier League force.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Soccer players: Nolan could be shrewd signing for Allardyce
I have yet to speak to anyone who isn't surprised at Newcastle's decision to sell Kevin Nolan - their captain and main source of inspiration. A huge gaping hole has been left in their midfield, and all because they wouldn't offer him one more year on top of their two year contract extension offer.
I suspect that manager Alan Pardew hasn't had much say in the deal, given he has already expressed his desire – several times – to keep the player at the club.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that when the club was in the Championship Nolan was one of the players who dragged the club up by the bootstraps and hauled them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Those who bet on Premier League weekend games will know how vital he was for them last season as well.
He will now be walking into a similar situation as Upton Park, though he will also be joined by his former manager, and mentor, Sam Allardyce.
With Scott Parker set to leave the London club I don't think the Hammers could have got a better replacement. He is the all-action lead-by-example sort of player Parker is and plus he knows what it takes to get out of the Championship.
I can understand why Newcastle want a policy of signing young players, but experience is also crucial to any side as well – just look at Man United and their reliance on the likes of Giggs and Scholes in the games that mattered. Those following the Premier League promotions should bear this in mind.
Newcastle never won a game last season when Nolan wasn't in the side - the heartbeat of a team shouldn't be tampered with lightly, the collateral damage could make things worse, see the reaction of Joey Barton as evidence of that.
But Newcastle's insistence to chop and change - needlessly flying in the face of logic in the process - may put them in serious danger once again next season.
I suspect that manager Alan Pardew hasn't had much say in the deal, given he has already expressed his desire – several times – to keep the player at the club.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that when the club was in the Championship Nolan was one of the players who dragged the club up by the bootstraps and hauled them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Those who bet on Premier League weekend games will know how vital he was for them last season as well.
He will now be walking into a similar situation as Upton Park, though he will also be joined by his former manager, and mentor, Sam Allardyce.
With Scott Parker set to leave the London club I don't think the Hammers could have got a better replacement. He is the all-action lead-by-example sort of player Parker is and plus he knows what it takes to get out of the Championship.
I can understand why Newcastle want a policy of signing young players, but experience is also crucial to any side as well – just look at Man United and their reliance on the likes of Giggs and Scholes in the games that mattered. Those following the Premier League promotions should bear this in mind.
Newcastle never won a game last season when Nolan wasn't in the side - the heartbeat of a team shouldn't be tampered with lightly, the collateral damage could make things worse, see the reaction of Joey Barton as evidence of that.
But Newcastle's insistence to chop and change - needlessly flying in the face of logic in the process - may put them in serious danger once again next season.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Soccer Players: What should Sturridge do?
After having proved that he can go out onto the pitch and perform at Premier League level week in, week out at Bolton, and having already left Manchester City, even after they had been taken over and had increased the players' wages astronomically, young striker Daniel Sturridge now needs to decide what the best move is for him to make over the coming months for his career to keep up the impressive momentum it is currently enjoying. Those who follow the football online betting will know just how good he was at Bolton, but he faces some hard choices.
Bolton are desperate for the youngster return next season, but Arsenal's Jack Wilshere enjoyed a similarly impressive loan spell at Bolton before returning to his parent club and becoming one of the best players in the Gunners' starting 11 and Sturridge will be wondering if he can do the same. The Chelsea man now needs to make a tough call by deciding whether he wants to fight it out for a first team place and risk becoming a benchwarmer for a while, or instead go back out on loan until next January at the earliest and then come back and battle for his place with more experience under his belt. Those following the Champions League odds will wonder if he really has what it takes to cut it at the highest level just yet.
Should Sturridge decide that he wants to remain on loan at Bolton after a fantastic few months there, he would do well to remain mindful of the example set by the once widely heralded Michael Mancienne who, after three seasons on loan from Chelsea, finally left the club after hardly ever getting a start at Stamford Bridge and never really finding himself taken seriously by them.
If this is the path that he fears he may follow, surely young Sturridge should try to find a permanent club as soon as possible, rather than just becoming attached to a club for a few years before leaving for pastures new.
Whatever his eventual decision, Sturridge knows that next season could well turn out to be make or break as far as his long-term career in England goes.
Bolton are desperate for the youngster return next season, but Arsenal's Jack Wilshere enjoyed a similarly impressive loan spell at Bolton before returning to his parent club and becoming one of the best players in the Gunners' starting 11 and Sturridge will be wondering if he can do the same. The Chelsea man now needs to make a tough call by deciding whether he wants to fight it out for a first team place and risk becoming a benchwarmer for a while, or instead go back out on loan until next January at the earliest and then come back and battle for his place with more experience under his belt. Those following the Champions League odds will wonder if he really has what it takes to cut it at the highest level just yet.
Should Sturridge decide that he wants to remain on loan at Bolton after a fantastic few months there, he would do well to remain mindful of the example set by the once widely heralded Michael Mancienne who, after three seasons on loan from Chelsea, finally left the club after hardly ever getting a start at Stamford Bridge and never really finding himself taken seriously by them.
If this is the path that he fears he may follow, surely young Sturridge should try to find a permanent club as soon as possible, rather than just becoming attached to a club for a few years before leaving for pastures new.
Whatever his eventual decision, Sturridge knows that next season could well turn out to be make or break as far as his long-term career in England goes.
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