Leicester have announced the latest name to join their promotion push with the news that Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson will join the club on a season-long loan.
Johnson had been on the wish lists of a number of clubs including Premiership side Wolves and Championship rivals Leeds but it has now been confirmed he'll spend next season at the Walkers Stadium. Fans of Betfair in-play betting will be keen to see how he gets on.
Johnson burst onto the scene a few seasons ago and was tipped to be one of the stars on the future with many predicting he would go on to be a stalwart at both City and at international level with England.
However, his progress has been seriously hindered with numerous injuries and it was understood the midfielder was keen to play first team football rather than sit on the bench at Eastlands. Those looking at the mobile betting will back the move.
Foxes boss Sven Goran Eriksson was the man who gave Johnson his big break in the game, making him a regular in the time the pair were at City together and says he is delighted to be reunited with the player and hopes to bring the best out someone with such undoubted talents.
"Michael was a great talent when I worked with him at Manchester City. He is a mobile midfielder, who can run, pass, shoot and tackle," said Eriksson.
"His talent should have seen that he became a regular for England, but injuries have prevented that, which is a shame for him.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Soccer World: Can City be Champions League contenders?
Manchester City seem to be on track to signing Sergio Aguero and this could lead many fans to ask the inevitable question – are City building a squad capable of winning the Champions League this season?
The Citizens are preparing for their debut season in the Champions League and have come on leaps-and-bounds since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, due to the money he has splashed since arriving. Those looking at the Champions League 2012 best odds have to bear this in mind.
Roberto Mancini took City in the Premier League top-four last season and a transfer window does not seem to pass without the club spending massive sums of money on some of the best players across Europe.
With the likes of Yaya Youre, Nigel de Jong and David Silva among the squad and a mass of big-name players littered throughout the City line-up there is no doubting the ability of the team.
If Carlos Tevez stays – which remains doubtful – and City add Aguero to the team they are going to boast an impressive attack force. Add those two Argentineans to Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Emmanueal Adebayor and it is a potent strike force available to Mancini.
With the talent they have Mancini will be looking to impress in their debut Champions League campaign, but they are newcomers to the competition and could come up short given the rigours of the tournament. Anyone following the Champions League promotions needs to remember this.
City will be a dangerous opponent for any side in the Champions League draw, but there remains question marks about how they operate as a unit as opposed to individual genius and you cannot imagine them coming out on top against the real power houses of European football.
The Citizens are preparing for their debut season in the Champions League and have come on leaps-and-bounds since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, due to the money he has splashed since arriving. Those looking at the Champions League 2012 best odds have to bear this in mind.
Roberto Mancini took City in the Premier League top-four last season and a transfer window does not seem to pass without the club spending massive sums of money on some of the best players across Europe.
With the likes of Yaya Youre, Nigel de Jong and David Silva among the squad and a mass of big-name players littered throughout the City line-up there is no doubting the ability of the team.
If Carlos Tevez stays – which remains doubtful – and City add Aguero to the team they are going to boast an impressive attack force. Add those two Argentineans to Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Emmanueal Adebayor and it is a potent strike force available to Mancini.
With the talent they have Mancini will be looking to impress in their debut Champions League campaign, but they are newcomers to the competition and could come up short given the rigours of the tournament. Anyone following the Champions League promotions needs to remember this.
City will be a dangerous opponent for any side in the Champions League draw, but there remains question marks about how they operate as a unit as opposed to individual genius and you cannot imagine them coming out on top against the real power houses of European football.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Soccer Players: Park offered new contract
Park Ji-Sung, has been offered a new contract by Manchester United, potentially keeping the midfielder at the club for the next two years.
Park began his career at Japanese club Kyoto Purple Sanga in 2000. He joined Dutch outfit, PSV Eindhoven two years later, where he became a huge draw for fans. Park signed for United in 2005, for £4m. He has scored 17 goals in 117 appearances for the Red Devils. Fans of Betfair Premier League betting will know just how important he is for the side.
United boss, Alex Ferguson, confirmed that Park has been asked to remain at Old Trafford, by saying: "He has been offered a new contract, yes. His career at United has been nothing but excellent".
Park became the first South Korean player to win the Premier League in 2007, and the first Asian player in history to compete in a Champions League final in 2009. The South Korean is regarded as a model midfielder by United fans, full of energy, and able to play on both flanks.
"I'm sure he'll accept the new offer, and tie himself to the club for the next two years," Ferguson continued.
Park was a member of the South Korean national side for over a decade, but retired earlier this year to allow younger players to break into the squad. He scored 13 goals in 100 games for South Korea, and captained the team during the 2010 World Cup.
The 30-year-old closed the door on international tournaments to concentrate on his career at Manchester United and the Betfair football betting indicates he could easily win more medals in the season ahead.
Park is currently in the United States with the Red Devils. The club defeated the Seattle Sounders 7-0 on Wednesday, in a pre-season friendly match. United will go on to play Chicago Fire on July 23, and the MLS All-Stars on July 27 2011.
Park began his career at Japanese club Kyoto Purple Sanga in 2000. He joined Dutch outfit, PSV Eindhoven two years later, where he became a huge draw for fans. Park signed for United in 2005, for £4m. He has scored 17 goals in 117 appearances for the Red Devils. Fans of Betfair Premier League betting will know just how important he is for the side.
United boss, Alex Ferguson, confirmed that Park has been asked to remain at Old Trafford, by saying: "He has been offered a new contract, yes. His career at United has been nothing but excellent".
Park became the first South Korean player to win the Premier League in 2007, and the first Asian player in history to compete in a Champions League final in 2009. The South Korean is regarded as a model midfielder by United fans, full of energy, and able to play on both flanks.
"I'm sure he'll accept the new offer, and tie himself to the club for the next two years," Ferguson continued.
Park was a member of the South Korean national side for over a decade, but retired earlier this year to allow younger players to break into the squad. He scored 13 goals in 100 games for South Korea, and captained the team during the 2010 World Cup.
The 30-year-old closed the door on international tournaments to concentrate on his career at Manchester United and the Betfair football betting indicates he could easily win more medals in the season ahead.
Park is currently in the United States with the Red Devils. The club defeated the Seattle Sounders 7-0 on Wednesday, in a pre-season friendly match. United will go on to play Chicago Fire on July 23, and the MLS All-Stars on July 27 2011.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Football world: Evaluating Liverpool's transfer deals
Liverpool have been reshaping their squad ever since the January transfer window opened midway through the 2010/11 Premiership season.
Fernando Torres' departure came about as Kenny Dalglish was appointed as the new manager of Liverpool. He soon had to make a fundamental decision along with the support from the owners and the chairman as to whether he should cash in on the out-of-form striker, or hope the once prolific front-man could regain his status as one of the most exciting Premier League players around. The Reds eventually sold Torres to title-contenders Chelsea, for a whopping £50 million.
In exciting fashion, a last minute transfer was made between Newcastle United and Liverpool, bringing Andy Carroll to Anfield. His hefty £35 million price tag shocked many who couldn't understand why they so much was invested in an unproven player. Anyone looking at the Premier League betting prices will have to bear this in mind.
Another overpriced transfer that was made more recently, was the England U21 international and Sunderland player, Jordan Henderson. He was acquired for a fee of around £16 million. Last season saw Henderson hit periods of excellence in club football, alongside poor patches. However, with Steven Gerrard and Dalglish on hand to give him the benefit of their experience, there's no reason he can't become a top player. The betfair football betting prices indicate he can help the side push on.
Charlie Adam is another new face at Anfield, although again many questioned the worth of the deal.. Adam is quite clearly an influential player on the pitch, giving Blackpool every bit of hope of staying up all throughout last season. Whether he can push on at Liverpool remains to be seen, and he may have trouble getting in the side. That said, if he can perform in the way he did for Blackpool he can make a significant impact.
Last but not least is yet another man from the north-east, Stewart Downing. Downing displayed some terrific displays throughout Aston Villa's last campaign. Some have raised their eyebrows at the amount paid for him, but the stats show he was the most consistent and dependable winger in the Premier League last term and he should show this for Liverpool as well.
Fernando Torres' departure came about as Kenny Dalglish was appointed as the new manager of Liverpool. He soon had to make a fundamental decision along with the support from the owners and the chairman as to whether he should cash in on the out-of-form striker, or hope the once prolific front-man could regain his status as one of the most exciting Premier League players around. The Reds eventually sold Torres to title-contenders Chelsea, for a whopping £50 million.
In exciting fashion, a last minute transfer was made between Newcastle United and Liverpool, bringing Andy Carroll to Anfield. His hefty £35 million price tag shocked many who couldn't understand why they so much was invested in an unproven player. Anyone looking at the Premier League betting prices will have to bear this in mind.
Another overpriced transfer that was made more recently, was the England U21 international and Sunderland player, Jordan Henderson. He was acquired for a fee of around £16 million. Last season saw Henderson hit periods of excellence in club football, alongside poor patches. However, with Steven Gerrard and Dalglish on hand to give him the benefit of their experience, there's no reason he can't become a top player. The betfair football betting prices indicate he can help the side push on.
Charlie Adam is another new face at Anfield, although again many questioned the worth of the deal.. Adam is quite clearly an influential player on the pitch, giving Blackpool every bit of hope of staying up all throughout last season. Whether he can push on at Liverpool remains to be seen, and he may have trouble getting in the side. That said, if he can perform in the way he did for Blackpool he can make a significant impact.
Last but not least is yet another man from the north-east, Stewart Downing. Downing displayed some terrific displays throughout Aston Villa's last campaign. Some have raised their eyebrows at the amount paid for him, but the stats show he was the most consistent and dependable winger in the Premier League last term and he should show this for Liverpool as well.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Soccer World: Can Villas-Boas deliver Champions League to Chelsea?
New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas will know the Champions League is of prime importance to the Blues next season as he looks to bring trophies to Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese boss was brought in to replace Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian was axed following a trophy-less season in 2010/11, even though he won the double at Chelsea 12 months earlier.
It is well known that the Champions League is the one trophy Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich dreams of seeing his side win, and it is the only tournament the West London side have yet to win under his tenure.
The leading coaches across Europe were linked to the Stamford Bridge hot-seat during the summer and it is a risky move for the Blues to plump for the relatively untried Villas-Boas. Anyone looking to bet on Champions League winner will be wondering if he has what it takes to bring Chelsea glory.
He guided Porto to league, cup and Europa League success but at the age of 33 he is the same age as John Terry and Frank Lampard, so it is a gamble to bring him in.
Villas-Boas will be under pressure to deliver trophies in his first season at Chelsea and the Champions League will be the main ambition, with the coach set to spend big money before the campaign gets underway to build a squad capable of delivering that glory.
Chelsea did underperform last season and Villas-Boas will know what is expected of him, but if he could win the Champions League in his first campaign in charge then he would show the Blues big-wigs were right in taking a gamble on him. Those who bet on Champions League games will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
This success would also ensure he is spoken of in the same bracket of his former boss Jose Mourinho, and maybe Villas-Boas can take the moniker of 'The Special One' away from his countryman.
The Portuguese boss was brought in to replace Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian was axed following a trophy-less season in 2010/11, even though he won the double at Chelsea 12 months earlier.
It is well known that the Champions League is the one trophy Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich dreams of seeing his side win, and it is the only tournament the West London side have yet to win under his tenure.
The leading coaches across Europe were linked to the Stamford Bridge hot-seat during the summer and it is a risky move for the Blues to plump for the relatively untried Villas-Boas. Anyone looking to bet on Champions League winner will be wondering if he has what it takes to bring Chelsea glory.
He guided Porto to league, cup and Europa League success but at the age of 33 he is the same age as John Terry and Frank Lampard, so it is a gamble to bring him in.
Villas-Boas will be under pressure to deliver trophies in his first season at Chelsea and the Champions League will be the main ambition, with the coach set to spend big money before the campaign gets underway to build a squad capable of delivering that glory.
Chelsea did underperform last season and Villas-Boas will know what is expected of him, but if he could win the Champions League in his first campaign in charge then he would show the Blues big-wigs were right in taking a gamble on him. Those who bet on Champions League games will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
This success would also ensure he is spoken of in the same bracket of his former boss Jose Mourinho, and maybe Villas-Boas can take the moniker of 'The Special One' away from his countryman.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Bingo Calls For The Modern Day: Arsenal Special
If you're an Arsenal fan, we're guessing that uppermost in your thoughts at the moment is the fact that you may well be about to witness one of the most psychologically damaging player exoduses in the Premier League era.
You may also be wondering at which point manager Arsene Wenger will say enough is enough and finally reach into his pocket to buy a player who the average football fan has actually heard of, or perhaps you're spending your time day-dreaming about watching your club captain lift a trophy for the first time in six years…oh, except Cesc is on his way to Barcelona, so that one's a no-hoper.
Anyway, we can probably agree that one thing not on your mind at the moment is free bingo. For that reason (well, and to give us an excuse to tease the long-suffering Arsenal fans), we've decided to open the world of bingo up to a whole new demographic, by rebranding some traditional bingo calls with reference to the stylish side from North London.
Let's take a look at who Ladbrokes Bingo, celebrating the launch of their new £50 bingo bonus promotion have shortlisted in their Arsenal Bingo Call Top Three.
Number Three: Nicklas Bendtner
In third position, we have the man who once proclaimed himself the best player in world football and a man deserving of playing "every minute of every match", despite consistently frustrating Arsenal fans with his stunning profligacy in front of goal, with the striker week in week out missing sitters from a few yards out that a lame turkey would have trouble sending off-target.
With Bendtner's unforgivable miss last season in the Champions League against Barcelona all but condemning the Gunners to yet another defeat at the hands of the team they try so hard but fail so dramatically to emulate, some Arsenal fans clearly can't wrap their heads around the fact that Wenger continues to put his faith in the lanky Dane.
Although the striker should be commended for being "Number 15: Young and Keen", albeit a little too keen at times, we feel that his knack of stringing together a run of appearances without getting his name on the score sheet makes him deserving of "Number 80: Eight and Blank".
Number Two: Andrey Arshavin
Upon his arrival at the Emirates, Russian winger Andrey Arshavin became an instant hit with Arsenal fans, scoring crucial goals left, right, and centre, despite the fact that Bendtner admitted he didn't have a clue who Arshavin was as he didn't bother watching Euro 2008.
However, as the seasons passed and Arshavin started settling in properly in North London, it appeared as if he was becoming a little too familiar with the kebab houses and pizza joints the English capital offers in abundance, with the slightly porky winger becoming the subject of chants about his ever-increasing waist line from opposition fans up and down the country.
A lazy manner, even when on the ball, hasn't helped the Russian in this respect, with Arsenal fans fed up with his attitude quite entitled to "Number 34: Ask for More" but we still have to admit that "Number 28: Overweight" simply must be handed in the direction of the man who once stated: "I would never give driving lessons to women. We need to build new roads for them. Why? Because you never know what to expect from a woman on the road. If you see a car behaving weirdly, swerving and doing strange things, before you see the driver you know it is a woman."
Number One: Jack Wilshere
A man who makes Arsenal fans truly believe that the next couple of seasons may not end without club officials needing to unlock the Gunners' stagnant trophy cabinet after all, "Number 68: Saving Grace" for Arsenal Jack Wilshere has proved an instant hit since breaking into the starting line-up.
Admired for his technical ability on the ball as much as for his grit and determination, the youngster possessing that skill entirely lacking in the majority of Arsenal players: being willing and able to tackle, there's no doubting that Wilshere is the man of the moment around the Emirates.
If Wilshere, in the likely absence next season of Fabregas, can inspire Arsenal to a trophy or two, his name really will become synonymous with "Number 67: Made In Heaven".
You may also be wondering at which point manager Arsene Wenger will say enough is enough and finally reach into his pocket to buy a player who the average football fan has actually heard of, or perhaps you're spending your time day-dreaming about watching your club captain lift a trophy for the first time in six years…oh, except Cesc is on his way to Barcelona, so that one's a no-hoper.
Anyway, we can probably agree that one thing not on your mind at the moment is free bingo. For that reason (well, and to give us an excuse to tease the long-suffering Arsenal fans), we've decided to open the world of bingo up to a whole new demographic, by rebranding some traditional bingo calls with reference to the stylish side from North London.
Let's take a look at who Ladbrokes Bingo, celebrating the launch of their new £50 bingo bonus promotion have shortlisted in their Arsenal Bingo Call Top Three.
Number Three: Nicklas Bendtner
In third position, we have the man who once proclaimed himself the best player in world football and a man deserving of playing "every minute of every match", despite consistently frustrating Arsenal fans with his stunning profligacy in front of goal, with the striker week in week out missing sitters from a few yards out that a lame turkey would have trouble sending off-target.
With Bendtner's unforgivable miss last season in the Champions League against Barcelona all but condemning the Gunners to yet another defeat at the hands of the team they try so hard but fail so dramatically to emulate, some Arsenal fans clearly can't wrap their heads around the fact that Wenger continues to put his faith in the lanky Dane.
Although the striker should be commended for being "Number 15: Young and Keen", albeit a little too keen at times, we feel that his knack of stringing together a run of appearances without getting his name on the score sheet makes him deserving of "Number 80: Eight and Blank".
Number Two: Andrey Arshavin
Upon his arrival at the Emirates, Russian winger Andrey Arshavin became an instant hit with Arsenal fans, scoring crucial goals left, right, and centre, despite the fact that Bendtner admitted he didn't have a clue who Arshavin was as he didn't bother watching Euro 2008.
However, as the seasons passed and Arshavin started settling in properly in North London, it appeared as if he was becoming a little too familiar with the kebab houses and pizza joints the English capital offers in abundance, with the slightly porky winger becoming the subject of chants about his ever-increasing waist line from opposition fans up and down the country.
A lazy manner, even when on the ball, hasn't helped the Russian in this respect, with Arsenal fans fed up with his attitude quite entitled to "Number 34: Ask for More" but we still have to admit that "Number 28: Overweight" simply must be handed in the direction of the man who once stated: "I would never give driving lessons to women. We need to build new roads for them. Why? Because you never know what to expect from a woman on the road. If you see a car behaving weirdly, swerving and doing strange things, before you see the driver you know it is a woman."
Number One: Jack Wilshere
A man who makes Arsenal fans truly believe that the next couple of seasons may not end without club officials needing to unlock the Gunners' stagnant trophy cabinet after all, "Number 68: Saving Grace" for Arsenal Jack Wilshere has proved an instant hit since breaking into the starting line-up.
Admired for his technical ability on the ball as much as for his grit and determination, the youngster possessing that skill entirely lacking in the majority of Arsenal players: being willing and able to tackle, there's no doubting that Wilshere is the man of the moment around the Emirates.
If Wilshere, in the likely absence next season of Fabregas, can inspire Arsenal to a trophy or two, his name really will become synonymous with "Number 67: Made In Heaven".
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Soccer World: Free agents - bargains or a waste of money?
Owen Hargeaves' bizarre online self-advertisement acts a reminder of the talent that is available to Premier League clubs in the form of free agents. The former Manchester United man has tongue firmly in cheek in proving his fitness in gym-based YouTube videos, but is nonetheless a come-and-get-me plea. There are plenty of other big names without a club as the new season approaches.
Hargreaves heads the list of players released due to injury problems that also includes Jonathan Woodgate. Both former England internationals would command a starting place in most top flight teams if fully fit, but the word if is crucial here; between them they have made five league appearances in the last two seasons.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have declined to offer 'pay as you play' deals, but there must surely be other Premier League clubs willing to take this chance. Both men are used to earning big money, but their time on the sidelines means they would jump at the chance to play regularly virtually anywhere. Those looking at the Premier League odds will be wondering if someone will take a chance.
Age is another reason for clubs not renewing contracts. Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell and Marcus Hahnemann are past their best but were recently supposed to be good enough to compete at the top level. The former two require large wages and might opt for retirement rather than humbly dropping down the league ladder, but the American stopper is just one of many goalkeepers available.
Richard Kingson, Maik Taylor and Iain Turner have varying degrees of Premier League experience but would be good back-up options at a time when reliable keepers are thin on the ground. 39-year-old Taylor is certainly reliable, the latter two, noted for high-profile errors, less so.
Nigel Reo-Coker, Matthew Upson, John Carew, Danny Gabbidon, John Pantsil and James McFadden are players without clubs who feel they have something to prove after falling out of favour with previous clubs and supporters.
A fresh start should make them motivated and fresh, although the feeling that they are damaged goods might accompany them. This applies to all free agents and whilst most might prove to be expensive mistakes, one or two are sure to evolve into bargains.
Hargreaves heads the list of players released due to injury problems that also includes Jonathan Woodgate. Both former England internationals would command a starting place in most top flight teams if fully fit, but the word if is crucial here; between them they have made five league appearances in the last two seasons.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have declined to offer 'pay as you play' deals, but there must surely be other Premier League clubs willing to take this chance. Both men are used to earning big money, but their time on the sidelines means they would jump at the chance to play regularly virtually anywhere. Those looking at the Premier League odds will be wondering if someone will take a chance.
Age is another reason for clubs not renewing contracts. Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell and Marcus Hahnemann are past their best but were recently supposed to be good enough to compete at the top level. The former two require large wages and might opt for retirement rather than humbly dropping down the league ladder, but the American stopper is just one of many goalkeepers available.
Richard Kingson, Maik Taylor and Iain Turner have varying degrees of Premier League experience but would be good back-up options at a time when reliable keepers are thin on the ground. 39-year-old Taylor is certainly reliable, the latter two, noted for high-profile errors, less so.
Nigel Reo-Coker, Matthew Upson, John Carew, Danny Gabbidon, John Pantsil and James McFadden are players without clubs who feel they have something to prove after falling out of favour with previous clubs and supporters.
A fresh start should make them motivated and fresh, although the feeling that they are damaged goods might accompany them. This applies to all free agents and whilst most might prove to be expensive mistakes, one or two are sure to evolve into bargains.
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