Professional Documents
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Aguero Becomes Deadliest Striker: The Best
Aguero Becomes Deadliest Striker: The Best
Aguero Becomes Deadliest Striker: The Best
30
The
NEWGENPaper
AUG/DEC ISSUE
Issue No. 86
Monthly
August - December 2014
THE BEST
AGUERO
PREM
BECOMES
HAS A
DEADLIEST
NEW
STRIKER
STAR
NEW MAN: Arsenal sign
ex-Barcelona forward
Alexis Sanchez for 35m
INSIDE:
Like us at:
www.facebook.
com/newgenpapaer
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
MANCHESTER UNITED:
VAN GAALS PHILOSOPHY
LVG: MY RED,
GREEN AND
BLUE PRINT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Monaco eye
ousted Cech
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
MEGA-RICH Monaco have
lined up a 10million bid to sign
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The French side are prepared
to give Cech a three-year deal
to lure him away from Stamford
Bridge.
The 32-year-old has been left
in the dark by Jose Mourinho,
who appears to have made Thibaut Courtois his new No.1.
Cechs situation has also alerted Paris Saint-Germain with
both clubs set to fight it out to
secure his signature.
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
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season in style
Late goal from Aguero seals
victory for champions at Newcastle.
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ROSHANE THOMAS
ROSHANE THOMAS
Sheffield United
Reid, og, 57
1
1
West Ham
U21
Southampton
U21
Referee L Betts Attendance 230
RATINGS
1
2
Ryan Seager and the outstanding Omar Rowe inspired Southampton to a comfortable 2-1 victory
over West Ham U21 at Upton Park on Friday.
Rowe opened his account for the new season
with a brilliant finish past the despairing dive of
Raphael Spiegel to give the young Saints an early
advantage.
As West Ham struggled to crave out opportunities the away side established a two-goal
lead when Rowe turned provider swinging in a
superb corner-kick where Ryan Seager had the
presents of mind to elude his marker and smash
it home from close range to earn a deserved win
for Martin Hunters men - despite Adrian Wojcik
Koselas late consolation goal for the hosts.
Nick Haycocks defence were proving fallible
as the Saints continued to cause them problem.
The away side drew first blood in similar fashion
to their first attempt on goal. Josh Cullen was
dispossessed by McQueen, who superbly laid
it off for Rowe with the striker controlling with
RATINGS
West Ham U21: Spiegel, Westley, Page, Cullen, Onariase, Oxford, Turgott (sub: Sadlier,
37), Bywater, Lee, Lletget, Fanimo (sub:
Wojcik-Kosela, 64) Substitutes not used:
Brown, Knoyle, Nasha
Southampton: Cropper, Mason, McCarthy
(c), Wood, Debayo, Flannigan, Hesketh,
Seager, Sims, Rowe (sub: Demkiv, 85), McQueen Substitutes not used: Johns, Clinton,
Regis, Little
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ROSHANE THOMAS/ NGP IMAGES
FC
FOOTBALL GOSSIP
SP RT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
A
m
I
going
to play? is the
producing home grown talent, with
fundamental
question
they should
Shaun-Wright Phillips a noticeable
ask
themselves
before
any
transfer.
figure from that era, and - much to
It
suits
the
biggest
clubs
to send
the fans displeasure - selling them
a
youngster
on
endless
loan
deals.
on for huge fees.
But
one
thing
for
sure
is
that
there
But due to their new found wealth
will
always
be
another
player
in
it will almost be unheard of for a
the
same
predicament
as
Sinclair.
youth player to make the step up
HOLLAND midfielder
Jonathan De Guzman has joined
Napoli from Spanish side Villarreal. The Dutchman spent the
past two seasons at Swansea.
FEDERICO FERNANDEZ
has completed a 7million move
to Swansea penning a four-year
contract. The defender is set to
make his debut on Saturday.
BALOTELLI ON
LAST CHANCE
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
BRENDAN RODGERS has told Mario Balotelli he is on
his last chance after joining Liverpool for 16m from
AC Milan.
The Italy international watched Liverpools 3-1
loss at former club Manchester City on Monday.
Balotelli penned a three-year contract with the
Reds and although manager Brendan Rodgers
admits the signing is a calculated
risk he remains positive that he
can curb his flaws.
We can improve him
as a player and help him
mature, said Rodgers.
Hes a bright boy.
He was very clever. He
understood where hes
at, at this stage of his
career, and he knows
himself that this is
probably his last chance.
Time will tell. Of course it is
a risk. I am not going to say it
wasnt but he knows he needs
to fit into our culture.
During his time in England he helped City win
their first Premier League
title in 44 years having
scored 30 goals in 88
games.
Rodgers added: As a
coach Im really looking
forward to working with
him.
10
11
EXCLUSIVE
Lee Canoville talks about his love for the great game
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL IS: Joining
my first young team when I was about seven and I used
to play with my older brother in the garden. I remember
playing and maybe everyone saw that I had this ability to
take players on. So I remember having a lot of attention
from parents and every kid wanted me to be on their
team. So that was probably my earliest memory.
Wenger puts out his younger players
and players that havent really been
playing in the cup, so it was the
same back then.
It was brilliant just to be involved
with the first-team and as much as
we saw them everyday and things, I
never knew how they prepared for a
game, or how it all worked on game
day. So it was a brilliant feeling. We
12
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
LIVERPOOL have signed Lazar Markovic for 20m
but the highly-rated forward is not worried about
living up to his hefty price tag.
Having cost the Reds 1million for every one of his 20
years, Markovic accepts he must deliver because Liverpool paid so much to secure his signature from Benfica
after just one season with the Portuguese giants.
The Serbian says he has challenged himself every day
since he started out with Partizan Belgrade in his homeland.
Im not afraid of challenges, he said. It was the same
when they took me on trial at Partizan, when the Benfica
offer arrived and when Liverpool signalled they wanted
me in their ranks.
I believe in myself and in the luck thats following me.
I believe in the people in charge of my career. That is why
I go with my dreams.
I believe Liverpool fans expect a lot from me, and to
be honest I expect a lot from myself. The same applies for
the people, who worked hard to bring me here.
I dont have any fear or stage fright whatsoever. To tell
you the truth, I cant wait to start playing for Liverpool.
The highly-rated Serbia winger has recovered from the
hamstring injury he suffered on Liverpools US tour and
is set to make his competitive debut on Monday at reigning champions Manchester City.
He is determined to play his part in another Reds title
challenge after being crowned champion in all his four
HOW LAZAR
HAS SHINED..
MAR2 1994 - Born in Cacak, FR Yugoslavia
MAY 2006 - Elder brother Filip was signed
by Partizan Belgrade aged 14
MAY 29 2011 - Markovic makes his professional debut for Partizan aged 17.
JULY 11 2011 - Signs first professional
contract with Partizan on a five-year contract.
FEB 28 2012 - Debut for Serbia against Armenia, three days before his 18th birthday.
NOV 13 2012 - Scores his first international goal in a friendly against Chile.
JUNE 10 2013 - Signed by Portuguese side
Benfica.
MAY 1 2014 - Sent off in Europa League
semi-final against Juventus.
JULY 15 2014 - Liverpool announce the
signing of Markovic
13
NATHANIEL KNIGHT-PERCIVAL
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
14
15
ARSENAL pulled off a massive coup in the summer when they signed Chile
international Alexis Sanchez on a long-term contract for a fee in the region
of 35m, writes Roshane Thomas.
With the penetrative qualities of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott at Arsene Wengers disposal the signing of Sanchez will strengthen their
Premier League credentials.
Sanchez joins Arsenal from Barcelona where he made a total of 141 appearances, scoring 47 goals during his three seasons at the Spanish giants.
The 25-year-old also netted two goals in the World Cup in Brazil and when
questioned about his switch to the Gunners, he said: Im so happy to be
joining a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players and
huge support around the world. Im looking forward to playing in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want
to make all the supporters happy.
Barcelona, meanwhile said: We thank Alexis Sanchez for his professionalism and dedication and wish him all the best for the future.
Whilst at the Spanish giants Sanchez enjoyed a glittering spell where he
won both La Liga (2012/13) and the Copa del Rey (2012), as well as the
Spanish Super Cup on two occasions (2011, 2013) the UEFA Super Cup
(2011) and the FIFA Club World Cup (2011).
The former Udinese talisman is regarded as one the worlds finest talents and Arsenal saw off competition from Liverpool to land the Chileans
signature. Last seasons Premier League runners-up were keen on signing
Sanchez as a replacement for Luis Suarez, but following their futile attempts
Wenger was delighted to land his marquee signing ahead of their top-flight
rivals.
As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis
is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us, Wenger
said. Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad. He
has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for
a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the
Arsenal squad.
I think at the end of the day every great player has a choice to make. He
chose us and were very happy for that. I dont know why he has chosen us
over anyone else but were very happy that he has done that.
Wenger added: I just tried, like every manager, to convince the player
that you can help him to develop the quality of his game, that the way we
play football would suit him and thats why I think he has chosen us in the
end.
As well, we have continuity. All the player wants to do is play in the
Champions League it is quite simple. We have quite a good continuity on
that front.
It remains to seen whether Sanchez will be able to reprise the goalscoring prowess of former fan favourite Thierry Henry. But now that Arsenal
have signed a proven goalscorer they will be expected to compete for major
honours this season and build on from last seasons long awaited FA Cup
triumph over Hull City.
The Arsenal faithful instantly adhered to Sanchez when he showed glimpses of his quality at the Emirates Cup and the UEFA Champions League
qualifier against Turkish side Besiktas. It is evident that the highly-rated
forward will be the Gunners attacking fulcrum this term and with other
plethora attacking talents at the Emirates this term Arsenal could be a force
to be reckoned with this campaign.
VIEWS ON ALEXIS
ARSENE WENGER: As many people have
seen during the World Cup this
summer, Alexis is a fantastic
footballer and we are delighted
that he has joined us at Arsenal. Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our
squad. He has consistently produced
top-quality performances at the highest level.
Leeds sack
Hockaday
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
LEEDS UNITED have axed Dave
Hockaday and have accepted their
experiment with a rookie manager has
failed.
Elland Road supremo Massimo
Cellino believes his club needs an
experienced British coach who can fit
together their new-look squad.
Having missed out on the Crystal
Palace job five days ago Steve Clarke is
the bookies favourite to land the job.
Cellino sacked Hockaday, 56, last
night after just six games and 70 days
in charge.
The last straw for Cellino was Leeds
defeat to Bradford on Wednesday in
the Capital One Cup. Former Leeds
player and academy chief Paul Hart is
also in contention for the job.
JAMIE CARRAGHER: I think its a great signing for Arsenal. Hes something
that they need as well. Im not
sure where hes going to play
because I dont think hes an
out-and-out centre forward.
His predominant position for
Barcelona was in the wide areas.
But his signing will no doubt boost Arsenal.
looked
back.
club has pushed on to - first you had
power, which we lacked a bit last year.
is to get the strength back.
The Foxes
seal Esteban
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
LEICESTER CITY have clinched the
signing of Esteban Cambiasso.
The capture of the ex-Real Madrid
player is considered to be a massive
coup for the Premier League newcomers.
Cambiasso, 34, has penned a oneyear deal with the club. The veteran
midfielder, who was a key player in
the Inter Milan team that won the
Champions League with Jose Mourinho in 2010, will offer the guile and
drive that could keep Leicester City in
the top-flight.
16
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
THE DRAW FOR THE UEFA
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
GROUP D
GROUP A
Arsenal
Atletico Madrid
Juventus
Borussia Dortmund
Galatasaray
Olympiacos
Anderlecht
Malmo
GROUP E
GROUP B
Bayern Munich
Real Madrid
Basel
Man City
CSKA Moscow
Liverpool
Roma
Ludogorets
GROUP C
Benfica
Zenit St. Petersburg
Bayern Leverkusen
Monaco
GROUP F
Barcelona
PSG
Ajax
Apoel Nicosia
GROUP G
Chelsea
Schalke 04
Sporting
Maribor
GROUP H
FC Porto
Shakhtar Donetsk
Athletic Bilbao
Bate Borisov
INCREDI-BALE
17
THE DRAW
SEASON 2014/15
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
BRENDAN RODGERS cannot wait to host
reigning champions Real Madrid at Anfield
as they return to the Champions League
with a bang.
The Liverpool boss claims it will be a proud
moment to hear the Champions League
anthem at Anfield for the first time in five
years and insists the Reds can make it past the
group stage.
The Merseysiders were handed a favourable draw and, as well as the Spanish giants
with the likes of Gareth Bale, the Reds were
also paired with Swiss champions Basel, who
knocked them out of the competition in 2002,
and Bulgarias Ludogorets Razgrad.
Rodgers watched the draw in his office at
Melwood, and said: To be back in it again,
no matter who we were going to play, was
always going to be exciting.
But to have Real Madrid in your group, the
champions last season, is going to be special.
Im already thinking of Anfield on that
night. Ill be very proud, but more for the
players and the supporters, for what they have
put into us arriving there.
They will be critical and they are going to
be key for us throughout the league campaign
and the Champions League campaign. The
nights at Anfield are really special.
To see that flag back out in the middle
of the pitch and for the supporters to get
behind their team, like they do, is going to be
an amazing experience. There are two other
good teams in it along with us.
Its a tough group, but well really look
forward to the challenge of getting out of the
group.
The notion for us was to get out of the
group stage - we can look no further than
that.
Liverpool boast a better head-to-head record against Real Madrid having won all three
games against Real, including the 1981 European Cup Final, and CEO Ian Ayre claims
SNODGRASS: Boo-boys
Martin angry
with boo-boys
18
19
I REALLY WANTED TO
FINISH MY PLAYING
CAREER AT ARSENAL
Nigel Winterburn reflects on his 13-year spell at Arsenal, where he endured many accolades under
the likes of George Graham and Arsene Wenger. The left-back also details what it was like playing
under his former managers, how he felt the day he left his beloved club and whether he has any
regrets over a lack of caps for England. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
20
SERIOUSLY
FOOTBALL
21
Manchester United
ROBINS
STAR STRUCK
RVP reckons the big
new names at Old
Trafford will revive
the teams fortune
BLIND
20M
ROJO
16M
SHAW
27M
FALCAO
12M
Loan Fee
HERRERA
28.8M
DI MARIA
59.7M
Van Persie insists Reds exciting shakeup will help restore the glory days.
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
MANCHESTER CITY are facing a striker crisis just days after letting
Alvaro Negredo join Valencia on loan, writes Roshane Thomas
Stevan Jovetic, 24, sustained a hamstring injury whilst training with Montenegro and the striker flew back to England yesterday for treatment.
The extent of the damage is not clear but it is unlikely the striker will feature
for City against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday. This leaves manager
Manuel Pellegrini with just two recognised strikers in Edin Dzeko and Sergio
Aguero.
Alarm bells were ringing when Pellegrini allowed Alvaro Negredo to rejoin
Valencia on loan despite not drafting in a replacement for the Spaniard before
the deadline.
Negredo, who scored 23 goals for the champions last season, struggled to
rekindle his promising start to life at City due to niggling injuries. But his exit
has seen Jovetic secure a regular starting berth this campaign. The highly-rated striker has started Citys three league matches, forming a partnership with
Dzeko up front.
He hit two in Citys 3-1 win over Liverpool last month but the injury is
another setback for the ex-Fiorentina star after an injury-ravaged first season
in English football.
Injuries limited the Montenegro international to just 18 appearances and six
goals following his 22m switch from Italy last summer. Despite the attacking
wealth at his disposal Pellegrini now has the dilemma of whether to change
formation or start Aguero alongside Dzeko for the first time this term.
Aguero, 26, missed much of Citys title run-in due to calf and hamstring
strains. He was given an extended summer break after helping Argentina
reach the World Cup Final.
He appeared as a sub as City opened their title defence with back-to-back
victories over Newcastle and Liverpool also scoring against the latter. The
former Atletico Madrid forward started Citys last Premier League outing on
August 30 alongside Jovetic. But Pellegrini has the option of playing Dzeko as
a lone striker.
In other news, Diego Costa returned to Chelsea yesterday for further assessment of his hamstring injury. Costa was ruled out of Spains Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia last night after damaging his hamstring against France.
The Blues will run their own tests before deciding if the in-form striker will
be able to feature against Swansea on Saturday.
Second season syndrome
has seen the likes of
Stevan Jovetic and
Erik Lamela catch
the eye in this new
campaign.
Manchester City
striker Jovetic ran riot
against Liverpool last
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Pressure
2 FOR FUN
P
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
W
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
D
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
1
1
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L
0
0
0
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1
1
0
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2
2
Pts
9
9
7
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6
5
4
4
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3
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1
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22
23
ALWAYS
Fabio ready
to fight for
his future
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
HOW LAZAR
HAS SHINED..
IM A TRUE
BLUE NOW
Fabregas is totally
committed to Chelsea
now.. but admits he
has a strong bond
with Arsenal
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Arsenals Aaron Ramsey pulling the
strings in midfield.
Coleman reckons Bale can
provide the firepower, with Craig
Bellamy now retired and with both
Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu
out injured.
Coleman said: Ive seen him play
everywhere - wing back, left wing,
midfield, attack.
I was in Madrid to watch him a
few weeks back and he started on
the right, then went to the left and
middle. We thought about playing
New belief
in Villa
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
KIERAN RICHARDSON
claims Aston Villa can continue their superb start at
Liverpool on Saturday.
Villa were tipped for the
drop by many pundits when
owner Randy Lerner put the
club up for sale and cut back
further on spending.
But Richardson slammed
ideas of a relegation battle,
and said: We are full of confidence and playing really well.
Hopefully we can stay in the
top half of the table.
24
Sport Football
25
Football Sport
Theres too much
pressure on Raheem
Sterling, says Barnes
Roshane Thomas
RATINGS
26
27
Neil Mellor instantly became a fan favourite at Anfield when his superb strike against Arsenal propelled him to stardom. However, due to being blighted by injuries the striker was never really able
to showcase his talent on a regular basis. But despite injuries cutting short his career Mellor reflects
on an unforgettable 2004/05 season. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
28
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
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League One
31
League One
What we
learnt
this week
ROSHANE THOMAS
ROSHANE THOMAS
Leyton Orient
McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41
Rochdale
Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48
2
3
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goals
Unbelieveable, Jeff
Well done, Michael Olivier, for booking
Nacer Chadli for his lurid celebration at
the Emirates on Saturday. Who knew that
cupping the ear was an offence.
RATINGS
Ginger who?
His goal breathed confidence into the hosts and
shortly after the midfielder went on a jinxing run
and appeared to be fouled by Stephen Dawson in the
penalty area but McAnuff s pleas for a penalty were
waved away by the referee.
To compound matters for Kevin Nugents men the
hosts suffered a hammer blow on the eve of the half
hour mark when Lloyd James was structured off having gone in for a 50/50 challenge and came off worse.
The turning point in the match came in the 31st
minute when Darius Henderson was clean on goal
and looked set to bring Orient in the lead, but Hendersons powerful presence proved a mismatch for
Eastham when the defender fouled the striker, which
culminated in the defender receiving his marching
orders, and leaving the referee with no choice but to
point to the spot.
Chris Dagnall stepped up to take the penalty but
the striker failed to convert and Darius Henderson
passed up a golden chance to put the home side in
front when he also failed to steer it home from the
rebound.This exhilarating first-half was shaping up
to be a error-strewn, unpredictable and chance-laden match. Orient won a free-kick from six yards as
Logan slipped and saved a back pass but Dagnall once more
failed to profit from Rochdales misfortune.
Despite their slow start to the match - and with half-time
looming - Orient signified a step in the right direction when
unlikely source Romain Vincelot evaded his marker to neatly control it before nodding over Logan into the net - much
to the delight of the Brisbane Road faithful.
Prior to arriving in East London Rochdale were yet to
win an encounter against Orient which dates back to the
2009/2010 season. The malevolent presence of Vincenti
proved to be a huge factor in the visitors turning it again.
Immediately after the interval the pendulum of momentum swung back in the away sides favour when Jack
OConnell executed a powerful strike from distance which
the heavily tested Woods failed to deal with - which resulted
in Vincenti gleefully prodding it home from close range.
The impetus and intensity from both teams in the firsthalf showed no sign of ebbing. Man of the moment Done
continued his imperious form when superb interplay
between the latter and former Orient skipper Dawson eventually saw Done fire his strike beyond the reach of Woods,
which was a privilege to bear witness to, to put Rochdale in
the lead once more in this five goal thriller.
Bereft of fresh ideas on the pitch Kevin Nugent aimed for
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32
the game
33
Championship
Leyton Orient
McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41
Rochdale
Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48
2
3
RATINGS
Russell Slade
watches on as
Jones earns a point
ROSHANE THOMAS
Brighton &
Hove Albion
Bruno 19
Cardiff City
Jones 21
1
1
the visitors level. As the entertaining first half drew to a close Joe
Bennet had the last meaningful effort at goal but the left-back
struck it wide inches of Marshalls right post.
After the interval the hosts flicked at the accelerator and Bennett was at the heart of things once more, almost bringing the
Seagulls in front. An in swinging cross from Teixeira down the
right channel saw Marshall called upon again and the keeper did
well to deny Bennetts towering header.
Hapless defending from Lewis Dunk saw the centre-half fail to
deal with an uncontested header which saw Anthony Pilkington
pounce on his defensive error but the former Norwich player
failed to profit from Brightons misfortune when he unconvincingly shot straight at Stockdale.
If Marshalls performance was anything to go by Premier
League clubs will soon be on red alert because the impenetrable
keeper pulled off another spectacular save this time denying
Gardners tantalising effort from 25 yards. With the full time
whistle looming Brightons pleas for a penalty were ignored by
the ref leaving LuaLua incandescent who got booked for a dive to
make matters worse. Sami Hyypias men play Watford next.
SP RT
RATINGS
Brighton (4-3-3): Stockdale, Bruno, Greer (c), Dunk, Bennett,
Gardner, Forster-Caskey, Holla, LuaLua, Mackail-Smith (sub:
OGrady, 57), Teixeira (sub: McCourt, 80) Substitutes not used:
Ankergen, Hughes, Colunga, Crofts, Ince Booked: Greer
Cardiff City (4-5-1): Marshall (c), Fabio, Morrison, Manga,
Brayford, Whittingham, Gunnarsson, Adeyemi (sub: Noone, 53),
Pilkington, Daehli (sub: R.Morrison, 64), Jones (sub: Macheda, 82) Substitutes not used: Moore, James, Ralls, Maynard
Booked: Daehli, Whittingham, Noone
34
35
Despite playing for Blackpool during their golden area former Seasiders legend Brett Ormerod is
concerned with the way the club is heading following their recent decline. The 38-year-old played
some of his best football whilst at the Championship side, but with the club struggling to find form
and stability a major concern Ormerod fears for the future of the club. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
36
37
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
LOUIS VAN GAAL has no regrets about making Wayne
Rooney captain despite his moment of madness on
Saturday.
Rooney was given his marching orders in the 59th minute of a narrow 2-1 win over West Ham for a reckless kick
at Stewart Downing.
Van Gaal has forgiven Rooney for what he believes was
an attempt at a professional foul that went wrong. And he
still believes Rooney is the right man to lead the club into
a new era.
He is, for me, an example for the squad, said Van Gaal.
I saw that in the USA and when he came back he kept
that example and thats why I made him captain.
He is also a great player and, as you know, when you are
my captain, you have more privileges and you have to play
always, more or less.
I have to be sure of that, so that is also an argument.
And I saw in
advance that he would play
a lot of times.
But does Van Gaal
fear that red
mist that has fallen in
Rooneys career before might come
again?
He said:
No, no, no because he
came
at once to me and said it
SP RT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
ing in Uniteds 2-1 win over West
Ham at Old Trafford.
He said: Im really gutted that
Im going to be missing the next
three games. I tried to break up the
play, but just misjudged it.
Its hard to take but it was probably the right decision. The violent
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
England No 1 was given the
last two matches off.
Hart said: I want to play
38
39
EXCLUSIVE
40
NIGHTMARE
IN JAPAN
Medical team rush
to get Bianchi out
of the wreckage
after horror
crash
JULES BIANCHI IN
HORROR CRASH
The Japanese Grand Prix was over, but the questions had only just
begun, writes Roshane Thomas.
Highly-rated driver Jules Bianchi is fighting for his life in a Japanese
hospital. It is too early to speculate if the career of F1s rising star, the
golden boy of Maranellos racing academy, is over. Latest reports said
he was breathing without a ventilator.
This is a minor blessing on a cursed day, the like of which fans hoped
they would never see again. After 20 years, the longest period in its
history, F1 was back on the brink - facing basic questions about its
safety regulations.
Despite dramatic advances since Ayrton Sennas tragic death in 1994,
it appears basic mistakes are still being made. Some say it is the accident that never should have happened in the race that never should
have started.
Bianchi, 25, has serve brain injuries after spearing under a mini-crane rescue vehicle recovering another crashed car. Retired racer
turned commentator Martin Bundle voice was audibly pained as he
spoke of his owner brush with fate nearly 20 years ago.
It was six months after Sennas fatal smash and the sport was still in
shock. Remarkably he, too, almost hit a crane.
My concern is those cranes on track, he said. I nearly lost my life
against one of them, I just missed it and hit a marshal. I closed my eyes
and I thought that was the end.
The tractors are just too high and you are sitting down low. Ive
been saying this for a long time. You are going into the barrier if you
go of there. Theres no way of recovering, you are going too fast.
I spun off under yellows, there was so much spray I couldnt even
see my own steering wheel let alone the yellow flags that day. If one car
goes off theres so much greater chance of another going off in the same
place. Maybe procedures have to be looked at, perhaps, no diggers or
vehicles on the track in extreme conditions like that.
Everyone at TheNewGenPaper wishes Jules Bianchi a speedy recovery.
RAHEEM STERLING
IS GOING NOWHERE
Brown in
the frame
at Bolton
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
PHIL BROWN is on Boltons
shortlist to replace Dougie
Freedman as manager of the
Championship outfit.
The Southend boss is highly
regarded by Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside having
worked alongside Sam Allardyce at the Lancashire club.
Brown (above) was at Bolton for six years as a player
and Gartside still likes him
and he has done a good job at
League Two side Southend.
Bolton are in desperate
trouble and Freedman was
sacked due to a string of poor
results, with the club stuck in
the relegation zone.
Gartside wants an experienced manager to ease their
problems.
Former Wanderers striker
Mixu Paatelainen, now the
Finland boss, is also in the
running for the Bolton post.
HOW LAZAR
HAS SHINED..
41
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Totti at rage
at Juve ref
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
FRANCESCO TOTTI was
furious after Roma lost 3-2
at Juventus last night and
questioned the integrity of the
Serie A champions victory.
The clash between the leaders and second-placed Roma
was marred by questionable
officiating, with Juve awarded
two very soft penalties - both
converted by Carlos Tevez.
Totti said: I dont know if
we were beaten by referees,
but we certainly were not
beaten by Juventus.
42
Sport Football
43
Football Sport
Players are having to
make hard decisions,
says Cascarino
Roshane Thomas
RATINGS
senior
team. But
Grealish is yet
to make up
44
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Baker will be heading into unknown
territory having previously represented England at U17 to U20 level,
but the Chelsea man will be oozing
with confidence mostly due to his
sparkling form and Blues boss Jose
Mourinho even tipped the influential midfielder to play for Englands
senior team in the near future.
The former gave the England
youngster his first-team debut for
Chelsea at Derby County in the
FA Cup third round last campaign,
albeit a late cameo appearance.
But if Baker can continue his
trajectory for both club and country
then a bright future beckons.
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46
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the game
International
England (4-3-3)
ROSHANE THOMAS
JACK BUTLAND
ROSHANE THOMAS
England U21
Kane 60, Berahino 85
Croatia U21
Livaja 13
2
1
The best
analysis in
football
Despite conceding a goal in the first-half Jack Butland
pulled off a string of fine saves to help the Young Lions
MICHAEL KEANE
LIAM MOORE
LUKE SHAW
Arguably the
games pivotal
figure; tireless
running.
NATHAN
REDMIOND
BEN GIBSON
RATINGS
47
International
TOM CARROLL
Struggled to
impose a threat
in the game.
JAKE FORSERCASKEY
Guilty of giving
the ball away inside his own half.
WILL HUGHES
Threaded a great
pass to Berahino
in the first-half.
HARRY KANE
Scored a diving
header to bring
the Young Lions
level.
SADIO
BERAHINO
Showed glimpses
of his quality
and scored a late
penalty.
6
6
6
7
7
www.newgenpaper.co.uk
www.newgenpaper.co.uk
48
49
SP RT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
dimension to us obviously
with the addition of Jamie
OHara, who performed really
well when he came at Leeds
- so it looks like he will be an
exciting addition for us. Chris
will add that experience and
quality as well. Hes still got a
lot of years in front of him, so
in terms of the tactics type of
players weve got were adding
good players.
We do need to strengthen
in other departments like the
defensive area of the squad because were short on numbers.
But also weve got too many
players as well; we need to
trim the squad down and have
to go for quality rather than
quantity.
Im looking to offload a few
players and bring one or two
more in to strengthen certain
areas.
Blackpool will be aiming to
kick-start their season when
they travel to fellow Championship strugglers Rotherham this Saturday - who are
currently placed 21st in the
league on 20 points. Despite it
being early in the season the
match will be considered a
six-pointer due to both teams
precarious league position.
50
N
LVG: I
MY RED,
S
Y
GREENIAND
T
C
BLUE PRINT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
That was the final thing. Mentally that was the hardest of times,
hearing that explanation and
thinking logically, How can that
be the reason?
But Lescott admits the decline
of his City career set in under predecessor Mancini after they won
their first title in 2011/12.
The 32-year-old played 31
league games that season, then
went to Euro 2012 where he
played in all Englands matches
and even scored against France.
But, on his return, City bolstered
their defensive options when they
drafted in Serbian defender Matija
Nastasic and Lescotts successful
partnership with Vincent Kompany was disrupted.
Lescott said: The first I heard of
it was an interview from Mancini
saying I had lost confidence.
I thought that was was strange
because we had won the league,
I had gone to the Euros, scored,
and I didnt think they confidence
could get any higher. The former
51
THE HAWTHORNS
KICK-OFF 8PM
United are
not fit enough
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Lescott anger
at Pellegrini &
Mancini for the
hardest times
of his career
MILLWALL KEEN ON
SECURING POPE DEAL
MILLWALL are chasing
free-scoring Port Vale striker
Tom Pope. The 29-year-old has
already scored nine goals in 15
games so far this season and is
out of contract at the end of the
season.
52
53
BRENDAN RODGERS
THOUGHT HE WAS
BIG TIME AT READING
James Harper made a name for himself at Reading having spent nine great years at the Madejski
Stadium. But despite enjoying large parts of his spell with the Royals Harper details what it was like
playing under former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers and how his loyalty to the club wasnt rewarded
with a testimonial. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
ames Harper was the last survivor from the Reading team
which sealed promotion to the
Premier League in 2006, but once
the wave became overbearing Harper knew his time to jump ship had
also come.
For the midfielder it was a place
where he felt like home, but home
became a joyless experience; due to
a lack of game time, booing from
the supporters and a strained relationship with the manager.
Brendan Rodgers? Lets not talk
about him. Harpers dislike towards
the Liverpool manager is palpable.
The midfielder blames Rodgers for
his departure from Reading, despite
remaining loyal to the club for nineyears.
I didnt want to leave at all
because the season we got relegated
and I had Bolton and Middlesborough come in for me to go back into
the Premier League, said Harper.
But I actually thought we were
going to do it because we were in
second position but then we didnt
make it in the end.
During that summer Wolverhampton came in for
me but I got injured
again and they
didnt sign me.
So I was still at
Reading and we
were in the bottom three but
Brendan Rodgers wouldnt
play me. He
was playing
youth team
players,
who
were
rubbish.
54
Sport Football
55
Football Sport
Hodgsons successor
must buy into DNA
plans, says Ashworth
Roshane Thomas
RATINGS
Night To Remember: Bradley Goldberg scored in Hastings Uniteds 4-1 loss at Middlesborough in 2013.
games it helped me a lot with my confidence too. I owe
it all to my dad because we had a great squad and a great
team spirit.
Father-son managerial scenarios are a regular theme
in football; in Steve Bruce and Alex Bruce as well as Paul
Ince and Thomas Ince. Goldberg junior didnt feel under
any pressure to succeed under his dad, who aimed to
impart his paternal counsel, with the striker instead
aiming to let his performances on the pitch speak for
itself.
He said: There was always going to be added pressure
56
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
companys cash reserves. The possibility of securing naming-rights
partner is being pursued, with the
club seeking a one-off payment of
about 10 million for the privilege.
The number of corporate hospitality seats available will double to
about 7,000, an increase that Ian
Ayre, the clubs chief executive, insists is a necessity as Liverpool seek
to match financially, and indeed
better, their matchday revenues will
continue to be dwarfed by Manchester Uniteds
Ayre said: You use the word affordability and there is not a football
club in the country that can afford
a new stadium or stand without
corporate hospitality.
It repays two thirds of the cost.
Its a fact of life. You cant find
economic solutions without that.
We will still be behind the corporate
57
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
58
Highly-rated defender
Reece Oxford made skipper
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Leyton Orient
In association with
Rochdale
Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48
2
3
RATINGS
PSV U21
Rudovic 3
2
1
Ham level. West Hams momentum did not waver after the interval; if anything they came out rejuvenated in the hope of taking
the lead and that came to fruition almost immediately after
Haycocks men kicked off for the start of the second-half. Hapless
defending from Jong PSV presented Sadlier with the chance to
lay it off for Lleget who was rewarded for his endeavours when he
slotted it home from a tight angle to bring the home side in front
for the first time.
Another golden chance went begging for the visitors when second-half substitute Heesakkers was clean on goal. Having been
one-on-one with Spiegel it looked easier to score than miss for
the midfielder but the West Ham shot-stopper saved majestically
to preserve the home sides advantage.
During latter stages of the game Oxford led his side admirably
as a win for the hosts looked firmly sealed thanks to another
terrific save from Spiegel, this time denying Van Overbeek. In the
end it was West Ham who left the Boleyn Ground victorious and
claimed their first win in the competition. It will all come down
to their London derby clash against Fulham in early December to
see if they can progress.
RATINGS
West Ham U21 (4-2-2): Spiegel, Westley (sub: Pike, 81), Fanimo,
Makasi, Pask, Oxford (c), Bywater, Marlow, Lletget, Whitehead
(sub: Nasha, 71), Sadlier (sub: Mavila, 90) Substitutes not used:
Bogard, Tombides, Onariase, Gordon
PSV U21 (4-3-3): Bertrams, Hermannsson, Kock, De Wijs,
Tamata, Schaars, Sanoh (sub: Heesakkers, 60), Leemans, Vloet,
Lukovic, Rudovic (sub: Van Overbeek, 58) Substitutes not used:
Rommens, Loof, de la Paz
60
61
SP RT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
62
Sport Football
63
Football Sport
Cesc Fabregas is my
brother from another
mother, says Song
Alex Song has been in terrific form for West Ham since arriving on
loan in the summer from Barcelona. With the Hammers vying for a
European spot and a move to the Olympic Stadium on the horizon
Song envisions a bright future for the club, writes Roshane Thomas
Roshane Thomas
RATINGS
Commanding Performance: Alex Song up against Manchester Citys David Silva earlier this season.
to perform its great. When I look back its just like my
story when I started to play at Arsenal, it was a little bit
like this. I always tried to concentrate on my job and be
the best player that I could to try and help the team. I
think this guy [Diafra Sakho] has a great future if he just
continues to improve.
It remains to be seen whether West Hams bubble will
be burst at some point during the campaign. A busy
Christmas period which features the likes of Arsenal
and Chelsea will test the East London clubs European
credentials. The high-flying Hammers could finish in
the top four for the first time ever this Christmas and
Song is well aware of whats at stake.
We just have to continue improving every single
game, said Song. We dont have big squads to challenge with Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal. No,
we are West Ham and we know where we are.
For me Im saying if we get into Europe this year
it will be fantastic. Come the end of the season we
will see. But the club can take a lot of positives right
now and if we get that position [Europe] it will be a
bonus for everyone.