Reports suggest Alan Shearer is to sensationally return to Newcastle as their manager for the final eight games of the season. Ever since his retirement, Shearer's household name has been strongly linked with the vacant Newcastle position and it is an incredible turn-around if, as expected, he is officially announced tomorrow.
The daunting mission to survive relegation beckons for Shearer as the Geordies pin their hopes on the messiah striking as ably in the managerial hotseat as in the famous black-and-white shirt. Shearer is the all-time leading goalscorer for Newcastle, where he scored 206 goals in 404 appearances.
Joe Kinnear was appointed as an interim manager after Kevin Keegan departed earlier in the season, but when Kinnear required heart surgery the pressure on the club has only mounted and escalated into a decline back into the bottom three. Can Shearer dispel the concerns and lift Newcastle to survival, or are expectations unrealistically too high in a job which so many managers before have failed? No easier opposition to salvage pride and Premiership status against than Chelsea this upcoming Saturday.
The Newcastle reaction can be found here.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Top Goalscorers Of European Leagues In 2008/09
An A-Z of the European league's top goalscorers in 2008/2009, listed alphabetically by countries and supplemented by the footballer's name, number of goals to their credit, the proud club honoured to acquire his services and the total matches played by that team in the domestic league. Featuring four Brazilian sensations and eight from the African continent, keep up-to-date with those high-flyers in the world of European football.
Several leagues have not begun, such as the Swedish Allsvenskan, hence their exclusions from the list.
Several leagues have not begun, such as the Swedish Allsvenskan, hence their exclusions from the list.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Washington Freedom Inaugural Match Event
Via the Freedom Newsletter...
Join the Freedom faithful at Freedom Pub Night to watch the Inaugural Match on Fox Soccer Channel! Come to the Capitol Lounge in DC on March 29 at 5:30 p.m. and cheer on the Washington Freedom as they take on Marta and the LA Sol in the league's historic first match!
The Capitol Lounge is three blocks from Capitol South Metro station
Must be 18+ to attend.
Join the Freedom faithful at Freedom Pub Night to watch the Inaugural Match on Fox Soccer Channel! Come to the Capitol Lounge in DC on March 29 at 5:30 p.m. and cheer on the Washington Freedom as they take on Marta and the LA Sol in the league's historic first match!
The Capitol Lounge is three blocks from Capitol South Metro station
Must be 18+ to attend.
WPS Inaugural Event for Chicago Red Stars Fans
Soccer City FC readers in the ChiTown area.... The Chicago Red Stars will be hosting an event on Sunday at The Globe Pub.
Time: March 29, 2009 from 4pm to 8pm
Location: The Globe Pub
Organized By: Chicago Red Stars
Event Description:The Chicago Red Stars will be at the Globe Pub this Sunday at 4 pm for the WPS Inaugural Match, LA Sol vs. Washington Freedom.
Join Red Stars players, Coaches, Executives and Staff for a pregame celebration at 4 pm. Kickoff will be at 5 pm.
The Red Stars will be raffling off prizes throughout the game, as well giving away special Red Stars items and free t-shirts, courtesy of Chicago Soccer.
Time: March 29, 2009 from 4pm to 8pm
Location: The Globe Pub
Organized By: Chicago Red Stars
Event Description:The Chicago Red Stars will be at the Globe Pub this Sunday at 4 pm for the WPS Inaugural Match, LA Sol vs. Washington Freedom.
Join Red Stars players, Coaches, Executives and Staff for a pregame celebration at 4 pm. Kickoff will be at 5 pm.
The Red Stars will be raffling off prizes throughout the game, as well giving away special Red Stars items and free t-shirts, courtesy of Chicago Soccer.
WPS Rosters Announced for 2009 Opening Day
From the WPS press release:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 25, 2009) - March 25 was the final day for teams to report their Opening Day rosters, which are a maximum of 18 players on each team’s roster + 4 developmental players. Several of the big names from the 1999 World Cup team made WPS squads, including Kristine Lilly (Boston Breakers), Briana Scurry (Washington Freedom), Brandi Chastain (FC Gold Pride) and Tiffeny Milbrett (FC Gold Pride). Not surprisingly, among colleges, the University of North Carolina led all schools with 12 former players landing a place on WPS rosters or developmental slots. Notre Dame placed nine players in the league for Opening Day.
A total of nine countries will be represented on WPS opening day rosters. Along with the Americans, players are coming from Brazil (9), Canada (6), Australia (5), England (5), Sweden (4), Japan (3), France (2) and China (1). Team-by-team rosters are listed by the links below:
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
La Liga: Resurgent Zigic Gets Santander Racing
On how many occasions are the inevitable words of ‘It was too hard to ignore’ heard from the newest star to be snapped up by a Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona of this realm? The dangers of the game’s ‘food chain’ become apparent as soon as an agent detects even the smallest scent of a transfer rumour to one of Europe’s glistening lights, and it is simply a instinctive reaction to become flattered with the mounting attention, but Nikola Zigic’s ‘homecoming’ to Racing Santander has sparked a resurrection in his career after experiencing the brutal, often harsh, trait of a big-money transfer.
The signs of a swift departure from Valencia have been in motion ever since he set foot in the Mestalla in the summer months of 2007 for €20 million. Unfortunately destiny never granted Zigic the colossal, potentially one-shot, opportunity to collect medals and honours in the colours of a famous name to coincide with the zenith years of his career. However, given the miniature duration of a profession in the sport, limiting the lifetime of a forward to around fifteen years at the most, and the fact his 29th birthday is fast-approaching this September means the decision to leave was initiated at exactly the correct time. With one season of frustration suffered as a peripheral figure having failed in his attempts to force his name into either Ronald Koeman or Unai Emery’s starting eleven strategy, doubt must have arisen in Zigic’s mind when no-one other than Racing arrived and left with all three points in a stunning 4-2 victory at the start of the season.
Racing Santander might not oust Valencia in the conquest for global reputation or trophies, but with the current financial meltdown there certain to see the sale of one star player if not more, Zigic will feel extremely satisfied to reacquaint himself with the pitch and embark on a fresh goalscoring frenzy for a club deemed stable.
Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ or Eastern Europe’s own response to Peter Crouch, Zigic has surpassed initial expectations on his return to the Estadio El Sardinero and signified a character worth every penny that Valencia parted ways with. The six-month loan deal has proved valuable for both parties and no excuses of a required ‘settling-in’ period can be thrown in the direction of Zigic, who has acclimatized spontaneously and instinctively scored eight goals in ten appearances – seven more than in his entire 18-month Los Che stay.
The future remains uncertain for the immensely-figured frontman and while he will be concentrating on the season’s dwindling matches, breaking double figures so hastily could alert English clubs to his availability and leave Racing with a battle if Zigic is to extend his career on the northern coast of Spain. I for one would be surprised if he does not try and force through a permanent transfer, after all it appears he has settled and transformed from a desolate, bench-consigned individual to a rejuvenated, dexterous target-man who could return as an imperative ingredient in Serbia’s bid for qualification for the World Cup – exactly as he did in 2006.
An evaluation of a lengthy, illustrious career is not always based on the medal count – it would be foolish to conclude that winning domestic leagues and continental cups are the only attributes in distinguishing a talented footballer, of course it helps but surely the basic desires of first-team football and manufacturing an impact are far superior than racking up endless trophies from the bench. As Robbie Keane commented after leaving Liverpool, "It wouldn't mean a lot (to get a Premier League title winner's medal this season), and even if I was still there, in and out of the side, it probably wouldn't mean that much, either. As a player you always want to be part of it and involved.” Whether Zigic’s chance of stardom has been missed remains unclear, as a professional sports person his endurance at Valencia only brought disappointment and a Copa del Rey decoration that he contributed to minimally, re-discovering his feet so potently and maintaining this impressive form at Racing over the coming years would be far more outstanding and memorable.
As for all the frustrations at Valencia, the costly arrival of Zigic is verification of the failings of recent managers, who have lavishly undergone player reformations, and the consequences of them have left a gaping hole in the club’s financial wellbeing. The incoming of Zigic surely stands as the most noteworthy disappointment, especially as they will struggle to recoup the vast €20m, but others, such as Ever Banega [currently on-loan at Atletico Madrid after struggling in his €18m opening season, still only 20 mind], closely rival the Serb as capital invested defectively.
The signs of a swift departure from Valencia have been in motion ever since he set foot in the Mestalla in the summer months of 2007 for €20 million. Unfortunately destiny never granted Zigic the colossal, potentially one-shot, opportunity to collect medals and honours in the colours of a famous name to coincide with the zenith years of his career. However, given the miniature duration of a profession in the sport, limiting the lifetime of a forward to around fifteen years at the most, and the fact his 29th birthday is fast-approaching this September means the decision to leave was initiated at exactly the correct time. With one season of frustration suffered as a peripheral figure having failed in his attempts to force his name into either Ronald Koeman or Unai Emery’s starting eleven strategy, doubt must have arisen in Zigic’s mind when no-one other than Racing arrived and left with all three points in a stunning 4-2 victory at the start of the season.
Racing Santander might not oust Valencia in the conquest for global reputation or trophies, but with the current financial meltdown there certain to see the sale of one star player if not more, Zigic will feel extremely satisfied to reacquaint himself with the pitch and embark on a fresh goalscoring frenzy for a club deemed stable.
Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ or Eastern Europe’s own response to Peter Crouch, Zigic has surpassed initial expectations on his return to the Estadio El Sardinero and signified a character worth every penny that Valencia parted ways with. The six-month loan deal has proved valuable for both parties and no excuses of a required ‘settling-in’ period can be thrown in the direction of Zigic, who has acclimatized spontaneously and instinctively scored eight goals in ten appearances – seven more than in his entire 18-month Los Che stay.
The future remains uncertain for the immensely-figured frontman and while he will be concentrating on the season’s dwindling matches, breaking double figures so hastily could alert English clubs to his availability and leave Racing with a battle if Zigic is to extend his career on the northern coast of Spain. I for one would be surprised if he does not try and force through a permanent transfer, after all it appears he has settled and transformed from a desolate, bench-consigned individual to a rejuvenated, dexterous target-man who could return as an imperative ingredient in Serbia’s bid for qualification for the World Cup – exactly as he did in 2006.
An evaluation of a lengthy, illustrious career is not always based on the medal count – it would be foolish to conclude that winning domestic leagues and continental cups are the only attributes in distinguishing a talented footballer, of course it helps but surely the basic desires of first-team football and manufacturing an impact are far superior than racking up endless trophies from the bench. As Robbie Keane commented after leaving Liverpool, "It wouldn't mean a lot (to get a Premier League title winner's medal this season), and even if I was still there, in and out of the side, it probably wouldn't mean that much, either. As a player you always want to be part of it and involved.” Whether Zigic’s chance of stardom has been missed remains unclear, as a professional sports person his endurance at Valencia only brought disappointment and a Copa del Rey decoration that he contributed to minimally, re-discovering his feet so potently and maintaining this impressive form at Racing over the coming years would be far more outstanding and memorable.
As for all the frustrations at Valencia, the costly arrival of Zigic is verification of the failings of recent managers, who have lavishly undergone player reformations, and the consequences of them have left a gaping hole in the club’s financial wellbeing. The incoming of Zigic surely stands as the most noteworthy disappointment, especially as they will struggle to recoup the vast €20m, but others, such as Ever Banega [currently on-loan at Atletico Madrid after struggling in his €18m opening season, still only 20 mind], closely rival the Serb as capital invested defectively.
Monday, March 23, 2009
WPS Inaugural Match Activities
From the WPS press release:
Soccer Legend Mia Hamm to Present Game Ball to Referees Prior to Game
Opening Match to Feature Historic Tweets from Participating Players and WPS Commissioner
SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2009) – With a week to go until the kick-off of the WPS Inaugural Match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on March 29, Women’s Professional Soccer announced a series of activities, appearances and special events to celebrate the return of women’s soccer to the professional sports landscape. Most notably, soccer legend Mia Hamm will be part of the festivities, while fans in attendance and around the world can also sign up to follow along with the immediate thoughts about the historic game from WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, as well as select players with the Los Angeles Sol and the Washington Freedom via Twitter – the first-ever live Twitter account by participating players endorsed during a major U.S. sporting event.
“We are looking forward to including some special touches to make this game stand out and commemorate the official launch of Women’s Professional Soccer,” said Antonucci. “It’s important for everyone to come away with a sense of the history, gravitas and excitement of the moment.”
One way for fans to feel part of the history will be to follow along on Twitter by receiving real-time text messages during the game from a Sol and Freedom player and the Commissioner. Fans can find out who the two “tweeting” players will be by signing on to www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer and can sign up to receive the Commissioner’s “tweets” at www.twitter.com/wpscommissioner. The teams will announce their tweeting players later this week. The league is also considering endorsing in-game tweets throughout the season based on feedback from coaches and fans from the WPS Inaugural Match and with certain parameters set forth in advance.
“To give fans the special opportunity to hear right from players about their thoughts in real time via Twitter is a special way to recognize that everyone will have a part in helping to make history with this game: players, fans, viewers and television,” Antonucci added. “We want it to be interactive and fun. We are a grassroots league and we thought this would be a great way to commemorate our first game. We used Twitter to announce the results of our WPS Draft and we’ve built up a large following.”
Soccer Legend Mia Hamm to Present Game Ball to Referees Prior to Game
Opening Match to Feature Historic Tweets from Participating Players and WPS Commissioner
SAN FRANCISCO (March 23, 2009) – With a week to go until the kick-off of the WPS Inaugural Match at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on March 29, Women’s Professional Soccer announced a series of activities, appearances and special events to celebrate the return of women’s soccer to the professional sports landscape. Most notably, soccer legend Mia Hamm will be part of the festivities, while fans in attendance and around the world can also sign up to follow along with the immediate thoughts about the historic game from WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, as well as select players with the Los Angeles Sol and the Washington Freedom via Twitter – the first-ever live Twitter account by participating players endorsed during a major U.S. sporting event.
“We are looking forward to including some special touches to make this game stand out and commemorate the official launch of Women’s Professional Soccer,” said Antonucci. “It’s important for everyone to come away with a sense of the history, gravitas and excitement of the moment.”
One way for fans to feel part of the history will be to follow along on Twitter by receiving real-time text messages during the game from a Sol and Freedom player and the Commissioner. Fans can find out who the two “tweeting” players will be by signing on to www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer and can sign up to receive the Commissioner’s “tweets” at www.twitter.com/wpscommissioner. The teams will announce their tweeting players later this week. The league is also considering endorsing in-game tweets throughout the season based on feedback from coaches and fans from the WPS Inaugural Match and with certain parameters set forth in advance.
“To give fans the special opportunity to hear right from players about their thoughts in real time via Twitter is a special way to recognize that everyone will have a part in helping to make history with this game: players, fans, viewers and television,” Antonucci added. “We want it to be interactive and fun. We are a grassroots league and we thought this would be a great way to commemorate our first game. We used Twitter to announce the results of our WPS Draft and we’ve built up a large following.”
A look back at the TFC victory over the Kansas City Wizards
Let's not forget that Soccer City FC's team of writers enjoy reading about the beautiful game up in Toronto. Well the The 24th Minute, an upper echelon Toronto FC/MLS blog, has put together a rather nice review of the match... Sober Second Thoughts: A result to celebrate.
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