With the European Championships getting closer by the day, Reading full-back Ian Harte believes his hopes of playing for the Republic of Ireland again are drifting away.
The 34-year-old has been a loyal servant to his country over the years, since his glory days with Leeds United, playing football in the Champions League a decade ago.
It looks like Harte is set for a return to the Premier League with the Royals, who have already confirmed their status as winners of the Championship this term.
The Irishman is on the verge of signing a new one-year contract extension at the club and it’s not surprising to see why manager Brian McDermott wants to keep the veteran at the Madejski.
Harte was named in the Championship Team of the Year for a superb campaign, as his set-pieces, crossing and the ability to come up with the odd goal have served him well yet again. I would bet on the Championship winners being desperate to keep hold of a player of his experience ahead of their top flight return.
The former Carlisle defender has 67 caps to his name for the Republic but has not featured for his country since 2007.
With current boss Giovanni Trapattoni admitting he did not even know Harte was Irish, it’s an embarrassment to the Italian and his support staff to overlook such a player.
Harte could offer so much to Ireland, as they prepare for the Euros in Poland and the Ukraine this summer, as his game can just keep going.
Like fellow veteran David Beckham, Harte’s game is based on the ability to put the ball consistently on a sixpence and that is rare.
However, it looks increasingly likely that Harte will have to Watch Football Live from his armchair this summer.
Trapattoni should serious consider the veteran though, as experience and that ability produce a killer pass or score from a trademark free-kick, could help the country produce some surprising results at the major tournament this summer.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Moxey backs Connor
Wolverhampton Wanderers chief executive, Jez Moxey, insists a horror run of form and the club's relegation from the Premier League has not damaged Terry Connor’s reputation at the side. The side have been odds-on for the drop in Premier League betting for a number of months.
Caretaker manager, Connor, inherited a flagging side from his former boss, Mick McCarthy, in February, and is without a win in his first 10 games in charge, losing eight.
Wolves have won only once since beating Sunderland 2-1, at the start of December, a run spanning 21 games. Moxey does not believe Connor should carry the can for the club’s relegation.
"We will address the situation of the manager once the season is finished and, as far as I am concerned, Terry is an outstanding guy, and there is no reason why he should not have a future with us", said Moxey.
"He has had to endure a very difficult situation that he's taken on as effectively as he possibly could. We will address it in detail at the end of the season."
Moxey believes blame should be shared out between everyone at the club, and accepted Wolves have not been good enough to extend their three-year spell in the top flight.
"Let's be fair, the club from top to bottom, and the team on the field of play, was not good enough as a collective to stay in the Premier league", added Moxey.
"I don't think it's right to apportion blame, whether it was just the manager, the players, the chairman, the board, myself, or what have you. We win together, we draw together, and we lose together."
Wolves will be aiming to restore lost pride during the final three games - against Swansea City, Everton and Wigan Athletic – before beginning the difficult road back to the Premier League. That battle will start with trying to keep their top players in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether Wolves will feature in Betfred betting for automatic promotion to the Premier League, at the end of the next campaign.
Caretaker manager, Connor, inherited a flagging side from his former boss, Mick McCarthy, in February, and is without a win in his first 10 games in charge, losing eight.
Wolves have won only once since beating Sunderland 2-1, at the start of December, a run spanning 21 games. Moxey does not believe Connor should carry the can for the club’s relegation.
"We will address the situation of the manager once the season is finished and, as far as I am concerned, Terry is an outstanding guy, and there is no reason why he should not have a future with us", said Moxey.
"He has had to endure a very difficult situation that he's taken on as effectively as he possibly could. We will address it in detail at the end of the season."
Moxey believes blame should be shared out between everyone at the club, and accepted Wolves have not been good enough to extend their three-year spell in the top flight.
"Let's be fair, the club from top to bottom, and the team on the field of play, was not good enough as a collective to stay in the Premier league", added Moxey.
"I don't think it's right to apportion blame, whether it was just the manager, the players, the chairman, the board, myself, or what have you. We win together, we draw together, and we lose together."
Wolves will be aiming to restore lost pride during the final three games - against Swansea City, Everton and Wigan Athletic – before beginning the difficult road back to the Premier League. That battle will start with trying to keep their top players in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether Wolves will feature in Betfred betting for automatic promotion to the Premier League, at the end of the next campaign.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Di Matteo Eyes Away Goal
Chelsea's caretaker manager, Roberto di Matteo, believes that his side will have to score at the Nou Camp to book a place in the Champions League final.
The Blues head into the semi-final second leg, on Tuesday night, with a 1-0 advantage. Chelsea denied Barcelona a precious away goal at Stamford Bridge, and Di Matteo knows that could prove crucial in the final reckoning.
"The tie is half-time. It's 50-50 - both teams still have the same chance to go through," said the Italian. "I do think we will have to try to score. It will be difficult to just play for a goalless draw."
Chelsea’s season has turned around under Di Matteo. They have lost only once in 14 games, since Andre Villas-Boas left his post, at the beginning of March. However, fans thinking of betting on football should be aware that the Blues are not expected to trump Barcelona, on Tuesday.
The games are coming thick and fast for Di Matteo’s side, with an FA Cup final place the reward for their recent consistency, and the young boss realises they will have to dig deep again to repel a fierce Barcelona challenge.
"Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against us, so we will have to try to score a goal, but we have to also try to limit the chances they create against us," added Di Matteo.
First-leg hero, Didier Drogba, who missed the draw at Arsenal, on Saturday, could feature, after taking part in a training session at the Nou Camp, on Monday, while Barcelona playmaker, Lionel Messi, will start, despite missing training, on Sunday.
Barcelona go into the clash with an indifferent record against Chelsea, and coach Pep Guardiola is ready for another battle. "They are a very, very strong team. It's a challenge for us, very, very tough, but we are ready to fight against them", he said.
Make sure you get your football predictions in before the kick-off, later today.
The Blues head into the semi-final second leg, on Tuesday night, with a 1-0 advantage. Chelsea denied Barcelona a precious away goal at Stamford Bridge, and Di Matteo knows that could prove crucial in the final reckoning.
"The tie is half-time. It's 50-50 - both teams still have the same chance to go through," said the Italian. "I do think we will have to try to score. It will be difficult to just play for a goalless draw."
Chelsea’s season has turned around under Di Matteo. They have lost only once in 14 games, since Andre Villas-Boas left his post, at the beginning of March. However, fans thinking of betting on football should be aware that the Blues are not expected to trump Barcelona, on Tuesday.
The games are coming thick and fast for Di Matteo’s side, with an FA Cup final place the reward for their recent consistency, and the young boss realises they will have to dig deep again to repel a fierce Barcelona challenge.
"Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against us, so we will have to try to score a goal, but we have to also try to limit the chances they create against us," added Di Matteo.
First-leg hero, Didier Drogba, who missed the draw at Arsenal, on Saturday, could feature, after taking part in a training session at the Nou Camp, on Monday, while Barcelona playmaker, Lionel Messi, will start, despite missing training, on Sunday.
Barcelona go into the clash with an indifferent record against Chelsea, and coach Pep Guardiola is ready for another battle. "They are a very, very strong team. It's a challenge for us, very, very tough, but we are ready to fight against them", he said.
Make sure you get your football predictions in before the kick-off, later today.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Ramires Ready for Barça Battle
Chelsea midfielder, Ramires, has insisted that he is confident of dumping Barcelona out of the Champions League, when the Catalan giants welcome the Londoners to the Camp Nou for the second-leg of their semi-final.
The Spaniards will go into the match needing to come back from a 1-0 defeat, if they are to reach the final, and have a chance of defending their title.
Despite holding their narrow lead, Chelsea will walk out onto the pitch, later this week, as underdogs in the battle to reach the final in Munich, next month.
Barcelona’s intimidating home record in Europe, this year, will ensure that the Catalan team retain the honour of being overwhelming favourites for the victory with Betfair.
Ramires has insisted that Chelsea will not be intimidated by the prospect of going to Barcelona, this week. However, he did admit that the Spaniards would go into the match as favourites.
The midfielder made it clear that this will be the biggest game in his career, so far, with a place in the final now within touching distance for Roberto Di Matteo’s men.
“They don't intimidate me; Barça are not invincible. This is a game for gladiators. We can eliminate Barcelona. The pressure will be on Barcelona. They have to score and we can exploit that.”
“We have showed it at Stamford Bridge. We have taken the first step, but our advantage is minimal. They are favourites. This is the most important match of my career.”
The Premier League side have been boosted ahead of this week’s match, with the news that first-leg hero, Didier Drogba, should be fit enough to take his place in the starting line-up.
The Ivorian could hold the key to Chelsea’s hopes in Barcelona. It will be a huge boost to the club’s chances to have the experienced striker available.
Follow Chelsea’s exploits in the Premier League, as the season ends, at http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/.
The Spaniards will go into the match needing to come back from a 1-0 defeat, if they are to reach the final, and have a chance of defending their title.
Despite holding their narrow lead, Chelsea will walk out onto the pitch, later this week, as underdogs in the battle to reach the final in Munich, next month.
Barcelona’s intimidating home record in Europe, this year, will ensure that the Catalan team retain the honour of being overwhelming favourites for the victory with Betfair.
Ramires has insisted that Chelsea will not be intimidated by the prospect of going to Barcelona, this week. However, he did admit that the Spaniards would go into the match as favourites.
The midfielder made it clear that this will be the biggest game in his career, so far, with a place in the final now within touching distance for Roberto Di Matteo’s men.
“They don't intimidate me; Barça are not invincible. This is a game for gladiators. We can eliminate Barcelona. The pressure will be on Barcelona. They have to score and we can exploit that.”
“We have showed it at Stamford Bridge. We have taken the first step, but our advantage is minimal. They are favourites. This is the most important match of my career.”
The Premier League side have been boosted ahead of this week’s match, with the news that first-leg hero, Didier Drogba, should be fit enough to take his place in the starting line-up.
The Ivorian could hold the key to Chelsea’s hopes in Barcelona. It will be a huge boost to the club’s chances to have the experienced striker available.
Follow Chelsea’s exploits in the Premier League, as the season ends, at http://betting.betfair.com/football/premiership/.
Touch and go for Theo
Theo Walcott could be in danger of missing this summer’s European Championships, after picking up a season-ending hamstring injury in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Chelsea.
The winger is now expected to miss the rest of The Gunners’ domestic campaign. However, Arsene Wenger has played down fears that Walcott could miss this summer’s Euros, easing the minds of fans discussing the development on Betfair.
"It looks like a serious hamstring [injury]", said Wenger. “First, we assessed the hamstring. He wanted to go on and stay on the pitch, and I think he should have gone off straight away because the second time it was a real hamstring [injury].
"I think now, for him, it will be tough to come back before the end of the season. It is usually 21 days [minimum]. He should be okay to play for England, but I don't think he will be ready to play for us."
While it remains to be seen who will actually pick this summer’s England squad, it looks likely that Walcott will be involved. The winger has looked a more complete player, during the second half of this season, forming a lively and threatening partnership with Robin van Persie, and scoring 11 goals himself.
Wenger has allowed Walcott to play in his more favoured central role at times, this season.
However, it would be a long shot to think that the 23-year old could do that job for England. A role on the right wing would be suited for Walcott. His pace and trickery on the flanks could prove decisive.
The often-maligned youngster is still to cement his place in this England side. He’ll be desperate to get himself fit in time to prove he can play a major role in Poland and Ukraine this summer.
For more information about the upcoming European Championships, visit http://betting.betfair.com/football/euro-2012/.
The winger is now expected to miss the rest of The Gunners’ domestic campaign. However, Arsene Wenger has played down fears that Walcott could miss this summer’s Euros, easing the minds of fans discussing the development on Betfair.
"It looks like a serious hamstring [injury]", said Wenger. “First, we assessed the hamstring. He wanted to go on and stay on the pitch, and I think he should have gone off straight away because the second time it was a real hamstring [injury].
"I think now, for him, it will be tough to come back before the end of the season. It is usually 21 days [minimum]. He should be okay to play for England, but I don't think he will be ready to play for us."
While it remains to be seen who will actually pick this summer’s England squad, it looks likely that Walcott will be involved. The winger has looked a more complete player, during the second half of this season, forming a lively and threatening partnership with Robin van Persie, and scoring 11 goals himself.
Wenger has allowed Walcott to play in his more favoured central role at times, this season.
However, it would be a long shot to think that the 23-year old could do that job for England. A role on the right wing would be suited for Walcott. His pace and trickery on the flanks could prove decisive.
The often-maligned youngster is still to cement his place in this England side. He’ll be desperate to get himself fit in time to prove he can play a major role in Poland and Ukraine this summer.
For more information about the upcoming European Championships, visit http://betting.betfair.com/football/euro-2012/.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Guthrie wants Toon reinforcements
Newcastle midfielder, Danny Guthrie, says that he and his teammates cannot afford to rest on their laurels in the summer, and must continue to develop if they are to remain a top side next season.
The Magpies have been one of the surprises of the season and, after a fast start, have maintained their form, and are in the running for a Champions League place with five games remaining.
With the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all likely to be bringing in big names in the summer, Newcastle will have to reinforce their squad with some top class players, in order to stay competitive.
After making a number of influential signings last summer, Guthrie has urged the club’s board to do the same at the end of the current season, to help the side challenge the top sides.
“We will have to build in the summer”, Guthrie told the Newcastle Chronicle. "Every team gets stronger in the summer, so we will have to keep up.
"If we get a top-six finish, then the next season is always important, as you don't want to fall below the standards you have set", he added.
The 25-year-old’s contract at St James’ Park runs out in the summer, but Guthrie is keen to stay on Tyneside, as he is enjoying the atmosphere that Alan Pardew has created within the dressing room.
Guthrie continued: "There's a good vibe around the changing room and a good spirit, as has been shown on the pitch.
"A couple of lads have come in who haven't spoken English, but they've been made to feel very welcome."
Newcastle will play Wigan in their next game. The Magpies are currently the favourites for the win in the football betting.
The Magpies have been one of the surprises of the season and, after a fast start, have maintained their form, and are in the running for a Champions League place with five games remaining.
With the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all likely to be bringing in big names in the summer, Newcastle will have to reinforce their squad with some top class players, in order to stay competitive.
After making a number of influential signings last summer, Guthrie has urged the club’s board to do the same at the end of the current season, to help the side challenge the top sides.
“We will have to build in the summer”, Guthrie told the Newcastle Chronicle. "Every team gets stronger in the summer, so we will have to keep up.
"If we get a top-six finish, then the next season is always important, as you don't want to fall below the standards you have set", he added.
The 25-year-old’s contract at St James’ Park runs out in the summer, but Guthrie is keen to stay on Tyneside, as he is enjoying the atmosphere that Alan Pardew has created within the dressing room.
Guthrie continued: "There's a good vibe around the changing room and a good spirit, as has been shown on the pitch.
"A couple of lads have come in who haven't spoken English, but they've been made to feel very welcome."
Newcastle will play Wigan in their next game. The Magpies are currently the favourites for the win in the football betting.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Carroll Needs to Continue to Focus
'A flop; useless'. Just two of the
descriptions applied to Andy Carroll during his time at Liverpool.
That is, until his week of "glory", when he managed to
snatch two late winners for the Reds, much to the delight of fans who like to watch football live.
Andy Carroll may well have just enjoyed
one of the best weeks of his torrid spell on Merseyside,
following his high-profile and widely ridiculed £35 million
transfer from his boyhood club, Newcastle, where he was thought of as the long-term number nine for the team.
Carroll needs to find a way to ignore
the newly-positive headlines, just as he should have tried to ignore
the negativity that surrounded himself previously.
After all, it has been a good week for
the lad, but is Carroll now a top class striker who fits in
perfectly with the way Liverpool play? Is he now a fixture of Top Scorer Betting? The answer almost certainly
is a resounding "no".
If the frontman is to perform at the
level expected of a potential England player, he will need to
start showing week-in, week-out that he can use his right foot
effectively, get on the end of passes, and not just long balls, and
move the football around skillfully.
All of this would
hopefully culminate in the player banging in far more goals
for his club and, if this becomes a reality, then we may
start to see the return of a player who had been written off
earlier in the year, and had even been linked with loan moves or
a cut price exit from the club.
Only then can Andy Carroll
finally be written about in the press as a potential great, and
possibly even a Liverpool legend, but let us not forget that
even now, in a moment of glory for the young man, that is still a
long, long way off.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tevez Thanks City
Controversial striker, Carlos Tevez, has thanked everyone at Manchester City for the support they have shown him since he returned to the club from his self-imposed exile. He added that the Citizens could still win the title.
The 28-year-old famously fell out with manager, Roberto Mancini, in September 2011, after refusing to take the field as a sub in a Champions League match with Bayern Munich, late last year. Following the incident, the Italian coach said that Tevez would never play for the club again.
However, after failing to seal a move away from the Etihad Stadium during the recent transfer window, the Argentine has returned to the field.
He appears to be back to his best. The forward scored in his first start in five months, on Wednesday, against West Brom. He followed it up by scoring a hat trick against Norwich, at the weekend.
Tevez now looks set to play a major part in his team’s final push for the title. He has thanked his teammates for making his return so comfortable.
"It wasn't easy coming back to training", Tevez admitted. "I want to say ‘thank you’ to my colleagues for all the support they have given me since I arrived."
After leading the league for most of the season, City currently trail Tevez’s former club, Manchester United, by five points, after dropping a number of points in March. The Blues are currently an outside 5/1 to win the title in online betting.
Mancini has already conceded the title, but the Argentine striker is remaining upbeat. He says he and his teammates can still close the gap.
"Of course we can still win the title", he said. "Obviously we have to put pressure on United. We just need to continue to play the way we are, and we will arrive at the top. Mathematically, it's not impossible."
The 28-year-old famously fell out with manager, Roberto Mancini, in September 2011, after refusing to take the field as a sub in a Champions League match with Bayern Munich, late last year. Following the incident, the Italian coach said that Tevez would never play for the club again.
However, after failing to seal a move away from the Etihad Stadium during the recent transfer window, the Argentine has returned to the field.
He appears to be back to his best. The forward scored in his first start in five months, on Wednesday, against West Brom. He followed it up by scoring a hat trick against Norwich, at the weekend.
Tevez now looks set to play a major part in his team’s final push for the title. He has thanked his teammates for making his return so comfortable.
"It wasn't easy coming back to training", Tevez admitted. "I want to say ‘thank you’ to my colleagues for all the support they have given me since I arrived."
After leading the league for most of the season, City currently trail Tevez’s former club, Manchester United, by five points, after dropping a number of points in March. The Blues are currently an outside 5/1 to win the title in online betting.
Mancini has already conceded the title, but the Argentine striker is remaining upbeat. He says he and his teammates can still close the gap.
"Of course we can still win the title", he said. "Obviously we have to put pressure on United. We just need to continue to play the way we are, and we will arrive at the top. Mathematically, it's not impossible."
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The crown is slipping for King Kenny
Liverpool may well have won the Carling Cup, this season, but how long does veteran manager, Kenny Dalglish, have to turn things around at Anfield, as the now-former member of the ‘Big Four’ continues to struggle in the Premier League?
The Scot still enjoys a legendary status in the Red-half of Merseyside for being one of the best players in the club’s history, but his recent stint as manager has been testing the patience of even the most loyal of Dalglish supporters - and the most accomodating of fans enjoying some football betting.
Granted, the Reds boss has brought silverware to Anfield this term, as they edged Championship outfit, Cardiff City, on penalties in the Carling Cup, in what was their first trip to the new Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool also have a chance of winning the FA Cup, this season, with a highly-anticipated semi-final clash with old rivals, Everton, to look forward to, on Saturday. You can make the spectacle even more exciting with some FA Cup betting.
But is this all just papering over the cracks and a stay of execution for Dalglish, who may well have received the sack based on the club’s Premier League campaign were it not for his iconic status at Anfield?
The former Celtic star’s relationship with the media has not gone smoothly since his return, and credit to the poor journalists who have dared to ask the manager about anything negative to do with the club.
Dalglish has such a love for Liverpool that he will not stand for anything negative to be said about his squad, but what does the Scotsman really think about the club’s season in the top flight?
A 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers would be nothing more than what was expected at Liverpool, five years ago, but their win at Ewood Park in midweek received far more attention than it ought to.
Signs are that not all is well at Anfield, this season, and King Kenny’s crown might well be slipping from his head. The side's premier league odds have certainly been lengthy, this season, with regard to their chances of claiming a domestic title.
The Scot still enjoys a legendary status in the Red-half of Merseyside for being one of the best players in the club’s history, but his recent stint as manager has been testing the patience of even the most loyal of Dalglish supporters - and the most accomodating of fans enjoying some football betting.
Granted, the Reds boss has brought silverware to Anfield this term, as they edged Championship outfit, Cardiff City, on penalties in the Carling Cup, in what was their first trip to the new Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool also have a chance of winning the FA Cup, this season, with a highly-anticipated semi-final clash with old rivals, Everton, to look forward to, on Saturday. You can make the spectacle even more exciting with some FA Cup betting.
But is this all just papering over the cracks and a stay of execution for Dalglish, who may well have received the sack based on the club’s Premier League campaign were it not for his iconic status at Anfield?
The former Celtic star’s relationship with the media has not gone smoothly since his return, and credit to the poor journalists who have dared to ask the manager about anything negative to do with the club.
Dalglish has such a love for Liverpool that he will not stand for anything negative to be said about his squad, but what does the Scotsman really think about the club’s season in the top flight?
A 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers would be nothing more than what was expected at Liverpool, five years ago, but their win at Ewood Park in midweek received far more attention than it ought to.
Signs are that not all is well at Anfield, this season, and King Kenny’s crown might well be slipping from his head. The side's premier league odds have certainly been lengthy, this season, with regard to their chances of claiming a domestic title.
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