Aguero Becomes Deadliest Striker: The Best

1.
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
MOST POPULAR MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
INSIDE:
LEE CLARK ON THE

CHALLENGE AHEAD
JOHN BARNES ON
HAVING TO DEAL
WITH RACISM
INTERVIEW WITH
EMILE HESKEY
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Thursday, August 21, 2014
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@RoshaneSport
WELCOME Marco Rojo seals switch to Old Trafford
Rojo: I will help

Reds fire again
MARCO ROJO says he has joined Manchester United because he
can help them back on the trophy trail, writes Roshane Thomas
The defender (above) completed his 16million switch from
Sporting Lisbon - with out-of-favour Nani going the other way on
loan - and has signed a lengthy five-year deal.
Its such an honour to say I now play for Manchester United,
said the Argentine.
I joined United to work hard with my team-mates to win
trophies and I know the manager shares that ambition. Playing
for such an experienced technical Louis van Gaal is a fantastic
opportunity.
Rojo was part of the Argentina side which beat Van Gaals Holland in the semi-final in Brazil, but narrowly lost 1-0 to Germany
in the final.
Marcos is a very gifted defender, said Van Gaal. He has played
at the highest level and can play either as a central defender or
left-back.
He has ability, physical strength and a willingness to learn, That
means he has a very bright future. He had a very strong World
Cup and has been playing in Europe for a couple of years. He is a
very good addition.
Despite Rojos arrival at Old Trafford Van Gaal looks set to
bolster his defence once more having been heavily linked with a
switch for Ajax defender Daley Blind, who was apart of his World
Cup squad for Holland.
The 24-year-old can operate at left-back or in central midfield,
where the Red Devils are in desperate need of reinforcements.
United have also been in hot pursuit of Juventus midfielder
Arturo Vidal, but have more recently shelved their interest amid
concerns over Vidals knee.
However, Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta dismissed
concerns, saying the player was back training and set to return.
He said: Vidal is fine. He resumed working and the knee is
fully functional.
Morotta denied Vidal was for sale, even though it is
understood the Italian champions are prepared to
cash in on either him or France star Paul Pogba,
who cost Juve nothing when he joined them
when his contract ran out at Old Trafford.
It is believed the Italian club want 34m
for
Vidal, which has put off United making
a formal
offer, but it is understood that he is keen on a switch to
the Premier League giants.
United talisman Robin van Persie will make his first
appearance this season at Sunderland on Sunday. The
Dutchman missed the start of the campaign because he
was still building up his fitness following Brazil World
Cup exploits with Holland.
Van Gaal believes he is ready to play at the Stadium
of Light, barring any setbacks in training.
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United boss reveals how he selects players

LOUIS VAN GAAL has
assured United fans he will
not build the club around
superstar signings.
The Old Trafford faithful are
desperate for Van Gaal to secure the signature of a worldclass star before the transfer
window closes in 10 days.
But they are likely to be
disappointed because the
United manager says he does
not believe in focusing on just
individuals.
The Dutchman has placed
his emphasis on
strengthening
the team
by
im-
proving every individual in it.

If you dont know how to get
the best out of each talent in your
squad, youre wasting your time,
he said.
If I want to create a winning
team, I have to make sure each
individual is trained in the perfect
way. So, I spend more time on
individual improvement. As the
sum of all the individual improvements will define the success rate
of the team.
This is why I am not a great
believer in one world-class player
in a team. I will never build a
team around one-world class
player.
That leads to disaster. What
happens when that one player
gets injured? It would mean the
team will collapse, as they cant
do without him. Van Gaal, 63,
reveals his managerial philosophy in his book My Vision.

The book details why he has
not rushed headlong into the
transfer market since taking over
last month and the remarkable
colour-coded system he applies
to every player he works with.
The former Barcelona boss has
previously pulled out of possible deals for Toni Kroos, Cesc
Fabregas and Thomas Muller,
despite months of groundwork
by ex-United manager David
Moyes.
But the Dutchman gave the
thumbs-up to rising England
star Luke Shaw and Ander
Herrera transfers - again, after
Moyes had scouted the pair while Marcos Rojos arrival from
Sporting Lisbon, for 16m, is
the only signing which is purely
down to him. Van Gaals

priority this summer has been
to assess all his players before
deciding how to re-shape
United.
He is most interested in their
personality and divides his
players into colour groups blue, green and red.
A blue player is intellectual
and is always looking for structure and security in his job
on the pitch, the Dutchman
explains in My Vision.
A green player is very emotional, sensitive for different
emotions or a different atmosphere in the squad. A red
player is creative, full of power,
will want to work and is always
focusing on the future. As a
manager, I can work towards
each category of players.
MULLER SNUBS UNITED
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
THOMAS MULLER has claimed

he rejected an astronomical
offer to join Manchester United
earlier this summer.
Muller was on the radar of
ex-United boss David Moyes and
prior to his sacking the Premier
League side had lined up a

25m bid for the Germany and
Bayern Munich forward.
Muller, 24, claims he did
not want to leave the Bundesliga champions, even though
United were willing to offer
him more money. When asked
Thursday, August 21, 2014
MANCHESTER UNITED:
VAN GAALS PHILOSOPHY
LVG: MY RED,
GREEN AND
BLUE PRINT
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
if the Red Devils had tried

to sign him, he replied: Of
course. I was aware that I
could earn more by making
that transfer. The amount they
were offering me was astronomical. Bayern are my club a
change was not needed.
SEALED Dzeko signed a

new deal at the Etihad
City Edin for

more trophies
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EDIN DZEKO claims he can
fulfil his dreams with the reigning Premier League champions
Manchester City after penning a
new four-year contract.
The City striker has become
the latest figure at the Etihad to
commit his future to the club
and says he has aspirations of
adding to the four major trophies he has won with the Blues.
Dzeko, ho had entered the
final year of his old deal, said:
Im really happy here. Its a
second home to me, so it was an
easy decision to stay for the long
term.
Im settled perfectly to life
here, I know my team-mates and
the club very well and feel like I
can improve even more.
I believe I am in the perfect
place to achieve my dreams and
objectives.
FUTURE Petr Cechs future at Chelsea is in doubt
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.
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
FORMER ARSENAL GOALKEEPER
THE NEWGEN PAPER
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Tuesday August 26, 2014
TUESDAY AUGUST 26 2014
Sheffield United overcome

West Ham on penalties
Southampton U21 secure

first win of the season
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
sentially now living the dream. But

when June approached Sheas release
imous enough to allow the young
from the club eventually transpired
goalkeeper to continue training at
and despite being unperturbed
the club, with his previous boss at
about his departure it was the
Harrow also good friends with the
inability to get a club sooner which
goalkeeping coach at the Gunners.
Shea found difficult to deal with.
I still trained over at Arsenal
Shea said: I thought I mightve
and everything, Shea said. My
had a chance of getting a contract.
goalkeeping coach at Arsenal, Tony
At the beginning of the season I
Roberts, is very good friends with
wouldve said no but as the seaDave Anderson - the manager at
son wore on I got more and more
Harrow, and Tony asked me if I
involved in the first-team.
wanted to go to Harrow in order to
I thought because I was on the
get game time and I said: Yes, that
bench about seven times there
would be great.
wouldve been a chance to get anSo I played my games at Harrow
other contract. But it didnt happen
and still trained at Arsenal. I didnt
and to be honest I wasnt upset, I
have a normal job, I just played for
just thought its an opportunity now
to find a club, get game
time and play regularly.
But nothing came up
to be honest and that was
very hard to deal with.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - Dennis Bergkamp scoring at the
But whilst at Arsenal
North Bank, I cant remember who it was against but, it was a Champions
Shea, then 19, had a memLeague match because I remember we had to score in the second leg.
orable moment when he
trained with the England
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - Just Arsenal.
senior team, managed then
THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - I played against Ravel
by Fabio Capello.
Morrison a few times at youth level and he was good. Paul Pogba as well was
That was a weird day
pretty good. Jonjo Shelvey is another one, he always liked a battle when he
because I was just walking
was younger.
out to training and I got
told England needed a
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Its the greatest game and best job in the
goalkeeper, Shea added.
world easily.
So I quickly ran back inHarrow, so instead of staying at
home and doing nothing I went to
go and train over at Arsenal.
During his last season at the
Premier League side Shea made the
bench for five of Arsenals Champions League games, due to the likes
of Vito Mannone and childhood
friend Wojciech Szczesny being
plagued by injuries. With opportunities to be involved in the firstteam greater than he envisioned
Shea was more optimistic of a
contract extension come the end of
the campaign.
Having started the term as a fifthchoice goalkeeper to then boarding
private plans to the likes of Montpellier and Schalke, Shea was es-
I Love Football - James Shea
side to say to the goalkeeping

coach: Look England need a
goalkeeper.
And at the time I was the
only young English goalkeeper at Arsenal. So Tony Roberts
said to me: I can go and train
with them if I wanted to. By
the time I had to go back outside and train with them the
England players were already
walking out to train; so I just
carried on walking with them.
I ended up having a good
session with them and I got to
train with Joe Hart who was
really nice and everything. I
didnt ask him for any advice
or anything like, but it was just
a case that he was a really nice
man just to talk to and to have
a chat with to be honest. It was
another great experience for
me.
Now one year after his
release from Arsenal Shea
has fulfilled his target of
getting back into professional
football with League Two side
AFC Wimbledon, and the
shot-stopper is aiming to repay the faith the club showed
in signing him.
Shea said: Wimbledon took
a chance on me and now I
want to repay that.
WITH GOALS
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the game
In association with
LAST SEASON former Arsenal

goalkeeper James Shea was
spending his days training with
Santi Cazorla and his nights
playing for Isthmian League
Premier Division side Harrow
Barrow.
For Shea it was a tale of two
contrasting lifestyles. Having
been released from his boyhood club in the summer of
2013, the 23-year-old later
found himself Non-League
bound - playing semi-professional football for his local side
Harrow Barrow.
Despite his departure from
the Gunners, Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger was magnan-
Aguero starts
season in style
Late goal from Aguero seals
victory for champions at Newcastle.
SUNDERLAND V MAN UTD, SUNDAY 4PM
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Capital One Cup
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THE NEWGEN PAPER,
U21 Premier League
Blades exact shoot-out revenge

on West Ham after Winston
Reid blunder
Rowe and Seager

inspire young
Saints to first win
of the season
ROSHANE THOMAS
ROSHANE THOMAS
West Ham United

Sakho 39
Sheffield United
Reid, og, 57
1
1
Referee J Linington Attendance 28,930

Sheffield United beat West Ham United in a thrilling 5-4
penalty shoot-out to progress towards the third round of
the Capital One Cup as they aim to rekindle last seasons
promising showing in the competition.
Summer signing Diafra Sakho broke the deadlock for
the hosts when he scored a towering header past Mark
Howard. But the home side failed to capitalise on their
superiority they established with the goal which later saw
Sheffield United pour forward in an attempt to draw level.
It ended up being a calamitous error from Winston Reid,
who netted an own goal, which brought the away side back
into the game.
But despite the match being evenly balanced neither
teams were able to seal the win in normal time which resulted in an additional 30 minutes of extra-time. But with
the game eventually being decided on penalty shoot-out
it was Sheffield United who prevailed in the end and left
Upton Park victorious and into the hat for the third round
of the Capital One Cup.
This second round League Cup tie had the abundance
of vitriol, venom and downright loathing when the hosts
welcomed Sheffield United to Upton Park for the first time
since the 2006/07 season when both clubs were embroiled
in a Premier League survival scrape.
The visitors won on that occasion but it was West Ham
who came out victorious come the end of the campaign as
their great escape culminated in Sheffield Uniteds relegation back to the Championship. A certain Argentine,
Carlos Tevez, proved to be the decisive factor for the

Hammers following their successful bid in avoiding
relegation from the top-flight.
And ever since there has been an incendiary issue
between the two clubs with West Ham paying in the
region of 20m in compensation to the League One
outfit.
It took 21 minutes for West Ham to register their
first shot on goal with Valencia unleashing a tantalising strike from 25 yards which Howard failed to
gather and Ricardo Vaz Te very nearly got on the
end of the rebound only for Howard to recover in
time - to deny the Hammers an early advantage.
A sumptuous team move saw Valencia pass up
a glorious chance to put the home side in front.
Demel once more laid it off for the striker who
squandered the wonderful opportunity to give his
side the lead when his tame effort on goal was saved
comfortably by Howard.
With the away sides attack proving infrequent
frustration grew as they started to give away possession needlessly. Chris Basham was adjudged to
have brought down Ricardo Vaz Te 25 yards in the
middle of the pitch.
Morrison stepped up and his well executed freekick past the wall was parried away by the heavily tested Howard to force a corner-kick and the
resultant set-piece nearly saw the home side get the
breakthrough when Valencias flick-on saw Howard
called upon once more to serve another opportunity for Sam Allardyces men to profit from another
corner-kick.
This time the home side opted to play a short
corner with Demel passing to Morrison who surged
his way past Bob Harris. The midfielder got into the
visitors box and was subsequently fouled, perhaps
maximising the contact, but his pleas for a penalty
were ignored by the referee with the latter instead
opting to brandish a yellow card to Morrison to
leave the youngster bewilderingly frustrated.
With half-time looming West Hams penetrative
qualities reaped the rewards when the influential
West Ham
U21
Southampton
U21
Referee L Betts Attendance 230
Sakho scored a header to give the Hammers a

deserved 1-0 lead on the 39th minute. Morrison
threaded a pass towards the right flank for Reece
Burke whose in-swinging cross was headed in by
the summer signing which delighted the Upton Park
faithful.
As they aimed to emulate last seasons success in
the FA Cup the away side signified a step in the right
direction when they reduced the arrears on the 57th
minute. Harris whipped in a cross down the left
channel which was eventually flicked on by Marc
McNulty only for Reid to make the calamitous error
of netting an own goal having misread the flick on.
Having scored at the weekend Stewart Downing
was brought on for goalscorer Sakho and Allardyces
substitution nearly paid dividends when Downing
saw his dipping effort tipped over the bar by the
impenetrable Howard.
With neither teams able to get the goal needed to
progress to the third round of the League Cup in the
90 minutes extra-time was required which perhaps
favoured Sheffield United, with the nothing to lose
factor, and also due to Nigel Cloughs side looking
more impotent during the second-half.
It was that stage of the match were fresh legs were
required as the inevitable element of cramp would
kick in. But in the end it was Sheffield United who
left Upton Park the happier of the two sides, and
gave their fans the bragging rights, when Michael
Doyles decisive penalty saw them progress into the
third round of the Capital One Cup.
Big Sam blunted by Blades
RATINGS
West Ham United (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen, Demel, Potts,

Burke, Reid (c), Poyet, Morrison (sub: Noble, 96),
Diame, Vaz Te (sub: Zarate, 79), Valencia, Sako (sub:
Downing, 63) Substitutes not used: Spiegel, Page,
Oxford, Lee Booked: Morrison
Free with thenewgen

subcription
thenewgenpaper.co.uk/
goals
Sheffield United (4-2-3-1): Howard, Alcock,

Harris (sub: McEveley, 73), McGahey, Collins,
Basham, Doyle (c), Flynn (sub: Campbell-Ryce, 84),
Davies, Baxter (sub: Wallace, 99), McNulty
Substitutes not used: Turner, Murphy, Higdon, Reed
Booked: Basham
A frustrated Allardyce looks

on as his West Ham side rue
missed chances following
their second round exit of the
Capital One Cup to League
One outfit Sheffield United
Sam Allardyces West Ham side went

crashing out of the Capital One Cup at
the first hurdle following their penalty shoot-out defeat against Sheffield
United.
Despite their shock cup exit the West
Ham boss heaped praise on the impenetrable Mark Howard, who pulled off a
string off fine saves to send the Blades
into the hat for the third round draw.
He [Mark Howard] pulled off saves
well beyond the league he is playing
in, said Allardyce. He has had one of
those inspired nights and, of course, if
he plays like that all season he wont be
staying in League One.
We found a keeper in his top form
and that has cost us in the end because
hes the one who saved the penalty as
well.
Its a disappointing night in the fact
that we lost, but the football that we
played and the people going out there
and getting the game they needed under
their belts gave an excellent account of
themselves.
The ex-Newcastle manager also
stressed how missing out on the chance
of progressing in the competition would
result in his fringe players finding it
hard to secure a regular starting berth later criticising the U21 league as being
uncompetitive.
He added: The Capital One Cup is
the only competition some other players
can show me they deserve a place in the
team.
The rest of the time we can only train
them because the U21 league is not
competitive enough to strengthen their
development.
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
ease to drill it past Spiegel into the bottom

right-hand corner.
The hosts began in search of drawing level
to avoid a repeat of Mondays 2-1 defeat.
West Ham pressed higher up the field and
it nearly paid a rich reward for the home
side when Lee saw his strike from close
range headed off the line by Niall Mason - to
strengthen the visitors hopes of entering the
break with the lead.
Southampton outshone their opponents in
superiority to establish a two-goal cushion.
Earlier goalscorer Rowe swung in a delightful corner-kick and West Hams defence, not
for the first time, faltered with Seager seizing
on the opportunity to smash it home, much
to the home supporters displeasure.
Second-half substitute Wojcik Kosela had
another glorious chance to halve the deficit
when he side-footed his effort over the bar
as West Ham were being left to rue missed
chances.
But Wojcik Kosela finally got his reward
in the 90th minute when he cooly drilled it
past Cody Cropper at the far-post to make
it 2-1.
His consolation goal proved to be the last
meaningly effort in the game with Southamptons dominate first-half performance
proving decisive with Hunters men leaving
Upton Park the happier of the two sides.
Next for West Ham is a home fixture
against Liverpool U21 were I doubt they will
play as anaemically again.
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
Reading (4-4-2): McCarthy, Gunter, Obita,

Hector, Pearce, Guthrie (C), Akpan J Taylor (85),
Drenthe (McCleary 74), Blackman (McAnuff
76), Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre. Substitutes not
used: Kederici, Kelly, Gorkss, Tshibola.
www.newgenpaper.co.uk
LIVERPOOL V MAN CITY, MONDAY 8PM
MK DONS V MAN UTD, TUESDAY 8PM
ROSHANE THOMAS/ NGP IMAGES
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Bumper deal for Phil
BETTER TIMES ...

Sinclair enjoyed a twoyear spell at Swansea.
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer Phil Jones

a bumper new 19.5million contract. Defender
Jones, 22, has two years left on his 50,000-a-week
contract. But the clubs top brass are rumoured to
want to up that to 75,000-a-week contract.
FC
FOOTBALL GOSSIP
THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE

Love of money is at the root of all evil for young players in England
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WITH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
cott Sinclairs stagnating

career at Manchester City
should serve a remainder
to young players that when a
big-money transfer presents itself,
ask yourself Will I play?.
Sinclair was on course to be
one of the brightest young talent
in English football, but his career
has stalled since his 6.2m switch
to the reigning Premier League
champions in 2012.
The 25-year-old has been a
periphery figure at the Etihad
since his arrival. The former
Chelsea trainee made just three
starts in his debut season under
Roberto Mancini.
In order to rebuild his once
burgeoning reputation Sinclair
was loaned out to a struggling
West Brom side. But despite the
Premier League side often sitting
in a precarious Premier League
position last term this still lead to
Pepe Mel, who has since left his
role as West Brom manager, opting against including the winger
in his match day squad - as he
only made 11 appearances for the
club.
Its got to a stage where Sinclair
is more known for his relationship with Coronation Street
actress Helen Flanagan than
anything he has produced on a
football pitch within the last two
years.
This is a huge contrast to 2012
when Sinclair had the world at
his feet. Having played an integral
role in Swansea Citys Champi-
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
into the first-team. Following fan

favourite Micah Richards exit to
Fiorentina, albeit on loan, this
onship play-off final triumph over
leaves City with only three English
Reading, in May 2011 at Wembley,
players in the senior team, in Joe
the former England U21 international enjoyed a great first season in Hart, James Milner and Sinclair.
This has been a problem for
the top-flight with the Swans.
many
years now in the Premier
His imperious form saw the wingLeague,
with a vast number of
er called up to the Team GB squad
talented
British youngsters playing
for the 2012 Olympics, along with
their
trade
at U21 level.
Daniel Sturridge, although their
Highly-rated
Derby County
careers have been indistinguishable
midfielder
Will
Hughes is a prime
since 2012.
example
of
a
young
player who
Similar to Sinclair, in the sumwould
rather
play
week-in-weekmer of 2012 Joe Allen also earned a
switch to a big club when Liverpool out as opposed to sitting on the
secured his signature for a hefty fee bench or even worse playing for
the U21 side at one of the big
of 15m.
teams, which has recently been a
Likewise with Sturridge, Allen
and Sinclairs careers have diverted modern trend.
Had Scott Sinclair decided to
radically since they were teamthink
in the same fashion perhaps
mates.
he
could
have been in the same
Of course injuries have somewhat
bracket
as
the likes of Raheem
hampered his progression at ManSterling,
Alex
Oxlade-Chamberchester City, but Sinclair would have
lain
and
even
Andros
Townsend.
known prior to his arrival at City
With
the
transfer
window
closed
that due to the illustrious names at
Sinclair
has
to
endure
another
four
the Premier League giants disposal
months
on
the
bench
before
a
poit was always going to be difficult
for the Englishman to compete with tential departure from the Ethiad
some of the biggest players Europe- Stadium materialises.
Sinclairs story is a perfect
an football has to offer.
example
to all prodigies that find
Prior to the Sheikh Mansour era
themselves
in demand at a young
City had improved incrementally at
age
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
I Love Football - Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL Playing at the local park with my friends and my
dad, who then decided to take me to join a Sunday
League side.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED

TO GO AND WATCH - I used to
go and watch Arsenal when I was a
young player for the Gunners.
ALL THE DRAMA

ALL THE MOVES
ALL THE NEWS
Tell us what you think... LIVE

@thenewgenpaper/football
HOLLAND midfielder
Jonathan De Guzman has joined
Napoli from Spanish side Villarreal. The Dutchman spent the
past two seasons at Swansea.
STEVE BRUCE is eyeing up

a 2.5million swoop for Rotherhams Ben Pringle as a replacement for crocked Hull winger
Robert Snodgrass.
FEDERICO FERNANDEZ
has completed a 7million move
to Swansea penning a four-year
contract. The defender is set to
make his debut on Saturday.
CHEICK TIOTE is wanted

by Russian side Lokomotiv
Moscow but Newcastle will only
sell for 14million-plus for the
Ivory Coast midfielder.
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.
Fonte needs Mor time
SOUTHAMPTON defender Jose Fonte has pleaded

with Morgan Schneiderlin to stay at the club.
The Frenchman (left) wants to reunite with old
boss Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham.
10
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Friday, August 29, 2014
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Friday, August 29, 2014
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ARSENAL TRAINEE
11
WHEN I WAS 18 I WAS

CONSIDERED TO BE
THE NEXT BIG THING
Lee Canoville endured an indifferent four-year spell at the Gunners, which eventually led to his
departure in 2001. When Canoville was a teenager he had footballing abilities beyond his tender
years and was considered to be one the brightest young talents in English football at the time.
However, now retired Canoville reflects on what might have been. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
e was one of the best young

players in England. He
signed for Arsenal at the
tender age of 16 and was groomed
for Premier League stardom.
But now aged 33 Lee Canoville
believes injuries ultimately culminated in him being unable to fulfil
his once burgeoning potential,
which set the tone for a career in the
lower echelons of English football.
The future of a highly-rated English
youngster is always going to be
precarious.
Some become household names
whilst others relinquish their love
for the game having failed to live
a career they would have desired.
For Canoville, however, he was the
modern day Reece Oxford back in
the late 90s. The former Arsenal
defender left his home at the age of
14 to attend the FA National School
at Lilleshall, which has since closed.
Recognised as having exceptional
talent beyond his tender years, the
defender spent two years playing
and training with some of the best
young players in the country which included the likes of Michael
Owen, Wes Brown, Scott Parker and
Joe Cole.
Courted by big clubs promising
him a lucrative future Canovilles
talent prompted Arsenal to sign
him as an apprentice in 1997 where
he eventually penned professional
terms three years later.
At the time I was a school boy
for Millwall and because I was up at
the National School we had a lot of
scouts coming to watch us, Canoville said. So I had a lot of interest
from Arsenal while I was there.
When I ended up leaving the school
to go into an academy it was Arsenal that I chose in the end. I got
quite close with Liam
Brady with the
way he
sold
the club to me and I was going

to watch the games and all those
things.
I went there as a YTS [Youth Training Scheme] so I could live at home,
which was brilliant because Id lived
away for two years. My parents lived
near the Arsenal training ground
and that was perfect for me.
Canovilles tangible dreams of
becoming a professional footballer
had come to fruition, but despite securing his dream switch to Arsenal
making the step up into the firstteam proved to be his stumbling
block.
The elegant defender was excelling at youth and reserve level,
however due to the plethora of defensive talents Arsene Wenger had
at his disposal Canoville was unable
to dislodge the likes of Tony Adams
and Martin Keown.
He said: What I found was that
it was quite tough to break into
the first-team. The first year was
brilliant because it was youth team
and reserves and it was quite a quick
progression. But then obviously to
break into the next bit was challenging. At that time the players in
my position at Arsenal was Tony

Adams, Martin Keown, Steve Bould
and Matthew Upson was also
coming through. So it was quite a
difficult team to get in to.
Having been considered a major
talent at such a young age Canoville was for the first time in his
career experiencing his sheer of
disappointment. So much could
go wrong: failure to progress as a
player, lack of game time and injury
- however all the above summed up
his spell at Arsenal which coincided
in his inability to make the breakthrough.
Despite having fond memories
during his time at the Gunners it
was nightmarish memories of a year
long injury which Canoville looks
back at with a sense of sadness.
I had a very bad knee injury
which kept me out for a year which looking back now at 17 to 18
is quite critical and I was out for the
whole season, Canoville added. So
when I look back now that probably
hampered my progression without
even knowing it at the time.
Even though I was still highly
regarded at the club other lads were
then coming through and I was injured so I couldnt really do much.
But upon his return from injury
Canoville fulfilled a life long ambition when he made his first-team
debut for Arsenal in the Capital
One Cup. Wenger has been accustomed to blooding youngsters
in this competition and Canoville
was no different.
This was the defenders first real
opportunity to showcase his ability
under the watchful eye of Wenger.
Despite not starting the match
Canoville, aged 19 at the time, came
off the bench for the last 20 minutes
- a moment he considers to be one
of the highlights of his career.
He said: Just to be involved in it all was
a great feeling.
Its known
that
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
MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Tony Adams.

When I first signed for Arsenal I obviously must
have mentioned that to Liam Brady and I ended
up cleaning Adams boots and I absolutely loved
it. I also had to clean Steve Boulds boots. It was
brilliant and I got closer to those two because I
was obviously their boot boy.
met up early and then went to a hotel

and had some lunch. Then we slept for
a bit and got up for a pre-match meal.
Just to be apart of all that the preparation for a game not knowing I was
going to be on the bench was great.
I still remember it today, I was
warming up and I remember Pat Rice
shouting: Cannors youre coming on,
Canoville added. So I sort of jogged
back all nervous thinking: Wow, Im

actually coming on.
But it was a proud moment. I remember Wenger kept telling me who I
needed to mark from set-pieces. I can
still remember it even all those years
ago and that was proud moment for
me, but more so for my family seeing
me come on.
With Canoville starting to show
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Its given me

enjoyment from a seven-year-old playing with my
mates to then going on to become a professional
footballer. I think football brings happiness, massive friendships with people you would probably
never meet and just enjoyment again. Hopefully I
can pass that knowledge onto other children.
glimpses of his talent the dreaded

scenario of injury struck once more
for the centre-half, further hampering any chances of him making it at
Arsenal.
Aged 20, and following an injury ravaged spell at the Gunners,
Canoville eventually left the club
in 2001 where the fairytale dream
ended sooner than he would have
envisioned. Fast forward 13 years

the defender is now using his
experience to good effect, coaching
the next crop of players making the
breakthrough in English football within the Nottingham area.
Despite not being able to endure a
fulfilling career in the top-flight any
aspirations once dashed through
his sheer of bad luck has since been
revived through the achievements

of Canoville Coaching - something
which he is thoroughly proud of.
Having started the business from
scratch Canoville has indeed found
a fulfilling enjoyment after football.
Coaching young players who
enter the game lovestruck, eager to
impress, their boots full of dreams
and adolescent self-belief has been
Canovilles forte. He knows full
well of the enormous expectations
a young player has to deal with as
well as an inkling of how shattering
it could be.
He said: I made my debut and
then sort of the last couple of years
it was very difficult due to my injury
and I sort of knew by the time I was
20 that it didnt look likely it was
going to happen. I wasnt going to
be a regular, I wasnt really in any of
Wengers plans, so thats when I had
to look elsewhere.
I think thats why Im in the best
sort of place now to give that advice

to kids really because at 18 I was
considered to be the next big thing.
The ones now that are 18 that
think theyre the best thing ever;
theres a slim, slim chance theyll
become that. If they still want a
career in the lower leagues or in the
Championship - or anything like
that, theyve got to be able to open
their eyes to it all.
We have some kids around the
Nottingham area, who meant to be
the next big thing, Canoville added.
Theyre all 12 and 13 and if theyre
at Forest theyre meant to be unbelievable, whereas I know different Im thinking: You wouldnt even get
into my Arsenal team back then.
But here they think theyre the
next Messi. I try to get them back on
track because its a Championship
club theyre at. Theyve got a long
way to go if they think theyre going
to be the next huge thing.
12
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Monday, September 01, 2014
LIVERPOOL SUMMER SINGING AIMING TO MAKE

HIS MARK AT ANFIELD FOLLOWING 20M SWITCH
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
seasons as a professional - three with Partizan and one

with Benfica.
The competition is fierce, but I didnt come to Anfield
to fight for sixth or seventh place, he said.
Liverpool and our fans deserve the return of the most
important trophy. I would love to be a part of the generation that brings this trophy back to Liverpool.
With the Premier League and the Champions League,
well be going for it on both fronts. There are a lot of
reasons for optimism.
Markovic is seen as one of the Europes brightest
young prospects and he feels he can blossom under
Brendan Rodgers.
He added: The season spent in Benfica helped me
mature, become more serious, physically stronger and
improve my tactical knowledge.
I was still a little child when my parents explained to
me smart people work on themselves and learn as long
as they live.
I believe Mr Rodgers will help me to become even
better, just like he did with other young players.
Well see where the coach will put me because I can
play many positions and for every one of them there is
great competition. I will give it my all.
Markovic already feels part of the squad and is impressed by skipper Steven Gerrard.
Hes a legend, an icon, the king of the club, he
said. Yet still he is completely natural and normal. He
welcomed me like a true captain, which really meant a
lot to me.
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
13
NATHANIEL KNIGHT-PERCIVAL
NATHANIEL KNIGHT-PERCIVAL entered new territory in

the summer when he became a
free agent.
The defender enjoyed two
years at Peterborough United
before he was deemed surplus
to requirements by Posh manager Darren Ferguson following his release in the summer.
Eventually League Two side
Shrewsbury Town came calling
and secured his signature,
tying the centre-half down on a
two-year deal.
But despite being a free agent
for the first time in his career,
Knight-Percival was happy he
was able to find a new club
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
During his time at Peterborough

United Knight-Percival regards
winning the Johnstone Paint Trophy
Final as his proudest moment whilst
at the club.
It was also an occasion where
the 27-year-old fulfilled a life long
ambition of playing at Wembley,
which proved to be one of his most
accomplished displays for the club.
Winning the Johnstone Paint
Trophy was a great moment for the
club, Knight-Percival said. Winning any competition is brilliant,
so to play in the game at Wembley
and to win is definitely one of the
highlights of my career.
With stability a common issue
for players in the lower leagues of
English football, the centre-half isnt

aiming to replicate his previous spell
swiftly, he said: It was a bit differat Histon, where he spent six-years,
ent because I havent really been in
as times have changed.
that kind of position before. But me
Instead Knight-Percival is aiming
and my agent got stuff sorted pretty
to use his time at Shrewsbury to
quickly. So it wasnt really like a
good measure with promotion to
long spell of not knowing what was
League One firmly in his sights.
going on. It can sometimes be a bit
He added: Its hard to say really
frustrating for other people, but it
[whether he would like to be setwasnt so bad for me.
tled]. Im throughly enjoying my
I had a few interest from a couple
time at Shrewsbury and Im looking
of other clubs. But when I came to
to the rest of the season. HopefulShrewsbury and I spoke to the gaffer
ly we can win promotion and go
he made it very clear to me that he
from there, but you know its not
wanted me here. And he seemed
something you think about; you just
very passionate about getting me.
concentrate on doing the best job
Hes been a great gaffer so far, and so
you can.
far Id say its been a good decision.
A return to League One at the first
time of asking seems a
realistic goal for Shrewsbury Town - with the club
currently the early season
pacesetters in League Two.
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - It would be playing with my mum,
Shrewsbury remarkadad and two brothers.
bly signed 20 players in
the summer following an
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I supported Liverunprecedented transfer
pool but I didnt really watch anyone. Id probably watched maybe Cambridge
window and the likes of
United a couple of times.
Ashley Vincent, James
Collins and veteran midMY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - John Barnes.
fielder and former Oldham
THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - Didier Drogba.
skipper James Wesolowski,
who were also drafted in at
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love football because it is the greatest
New Meadow - and have
thing you could ever do for a living.
hit the ground running as
I Love Football - KNP
their quest to end their year

long absence from the third
tier of English football continues to gather pace.
Following the clubs upheaval in the summer Knight-Percival believes the dressing
room atmosphere is the
catalyst for their promising
start to the season, despite the
fact its a new look squad.
Its a good atmosphere
but theres a great competitive edge to the team at the
moment, said the defender.
Everyone wants to be playing
but thats healthy really at the
end of the day. Its great for
the players who are playing
because you know you have
to be consistent otherwise you
will lose your place to one of
the other players.
And due to this our performances have been pretty
consistent, Id say. Weve had
a good start to the season,
obviously we have a completely new squad - which can
sometimes be quite difficult
for everyone to gel together but weve done that quite well.
Personally, Ive been very
happy with the way Ive been
playing so far, as well as the
team.
14
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
15
FORMER BARCELONA STAR SET TO LIGHT UP THE PREMIER LEAGUE

FUTURE STAR: Luke Shaw widely
tipped to be the long term successor
to England international Ashley Cole
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.
ON FORM: Sanchez looks set to have a brilliant season.
ARSENALS NEW SUMMER SIGNING

ALEXIS SANCHEZ
FACT FILE
Age: 25
Former clubs: Cobreloa, Udinese, Colo-Colo
(loan), River Plate (loan), Barcelona
Position: Striker
National team: Chile
ALEXIS SANCHEZS HONOURS

Barcelona: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa De Espana, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club
World Cup
Arsenal: FA Community Shield
TREVOR SINCLAIR: Alexis Sanchez has gone

in there. He looks sharp but
he needs to be fit especially
with the pace of the Premier
League but he can fit into
that team. He reminds me of
Ian Wright. Hes 5ft 7in and
has got a bit about him. He wont
give defenders any peace.
RAY PARLOUR: Hes tough, hes mobile, he can
score goals and hes got pace. I can
see him fitting in on that lefthand side of the striker or you
can put him up front. Im sure
Arsenal fans are delighted.
Hes going to be a top player, hes a good value and hes a
good age. Im sure hell bring a good
goal-scoring rate too.
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.
MATA OF TIME: Jones is sure

Mata will have huge impact
Walcott: Alexis Sanchez partnership will strike fear
Mesut Ozil and now its Alexis

THEO WALCOTT believes that he
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
SOUTHAMPTON midfielder
I know Gareth did play left-back
Sanchez.
and summer signing Alexis Sanchez
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Adam
Lallana
has
hailed
Luke
as
well, from
so there
are similarities
With me and him on the flanks, a lot
It is great to learn
these
can form a formidable partnership that
Shaw,
18,
as
the
best
teenager
there,
but
I
wouldnt
his
debut
for
Southampton
of teams wont be looking forward to
players, and I cannot wait to play want to put too
will striker fear into opposition defenche
has
played
alongside.
on Luke.
last
season
at
the
tender
age him.pressure
playing Arsenal this year.
alongside
I am really
looking
es this season.
Lallana
has
seen
the
likes
Hes
done
unbelievably for us this
of
17,
is
widely
expected
to
The signing of Sanchez represents
forward to it.
Sanchez joined the Gunners for
of
Theo
Walcott,
Alex
Oxseason.
When
earn
his
first
senior
call
up
something of a coup for the Gunners,
Having sustained a seriousGareth
knee was playing
35m from Barcelona, where he scored
lade-Chamberlain
and,
most
with
us
we
were
into
Roy
Hodgsons
Enghaving splashed out 42.4m on talisinjury, which ruled him out ofin
thethe Champion47 goals in 141 appearances.
impressively,
Gareth
Bale
ship.
land
squad
ahead
of
their
man Mesut Ozil last summer.
World Cup, Walcott is edging closer
Sanchez is a world-class player,
fromWalcott
Southamptons
upcoming
friendly against
is adamant both
transfers
said Walcott. I enjoyed watchinggraduate
him
to full fitness. For Luke, 18, to be playing so
flourishing
academy.
consistently
well for us against some
Denmark
next
month.
signifies the ambition of the club.
play for Barcelona and Chile at this
He added: The
knee is going
However,
the
Saints
captain
of
the
best
wingers
Lallana
said:
Its
hard
to
He said: Theres a great buzz around
summers World Cup.
really well, I am doing some goodin the world,
considers
Shaws
progress
the
credit
him and his attitude
compare
him
with
the
others:
the club at the moment. He is a marHes still very young as well and he
stuff
with the thats
physios
andto
fitness
most
remarkable.
The
highand
how
he
keeps
his feet on the
Gareths
gone
on
and
never
quee signing and something that the
is going to show so much pace and
coaches. The most important thing
ly-rated
youngster,
who
made
ground.
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
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
ROSHANE THOMAS GROUP

GUIDE AND PREDICTIONS
GROUP A
It seems like this group will
be a two-horse race between
Atletico Madrid and Juventus, although Olympiakos
will hope to cause an upset
- while Malmos return to
Europes elite will be a short
lived.
PREDICTION: 1 Atletico
Madrid 2 Juventus
GROUP B
Liverpools return to the
big stage sees them drawn
against defending
champions Real
Madrid. Anfield
will be absolutely rocking when
Ronaldo, Bale and
co arrive.
PREDICTION: 1
Real Madrid 2 Liverpool
GROUP C
Benfica have suffered successive Europa League Final
defeats but will be confident
of staying out of the competition this time round.
PREDICTION: 1 Bayer
Leverkusen 2 Benfica
GROUP D
Despite regularly finishing
second in the group stage
this looks like Arsenals best
chance to win the group.
Dortmund are on the decline, Anderlecht wont be
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
much of threat and Galatasaray are average.

PREDICTION: 1 Arsenal 2
Borussia Dortmund
GROUP E
City will be stronger this
term and should mount a
serious challenge for the
trophy. Bayern Munich will
also be strong, while Roma
have the quality to cause an
upset.
PREDICTION: 1 Bayern
Munich 2 Manchester City
GROUP F
Perhaps the toughest pot but Zlatan
Ibrahimovic (left)
will be aiming
to make a point
against his former
side.
PREDICTION: 1 Barcelona 2 Paris St-Germain
GROUP G
Chelsea shouldnt endure
any difficulties with this
group. Sporting may be a
challenge.
PREDICITION: 1Chelsea
2 Schalke
GROUP H
Tough one to call but Athletic Bilbao should win the
group, with Porto coming
second.
PREDICTION: 1Athletic
Bilbao 2 Porto
INCREDI-BALE
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
17
THE DRAW
SEASON 2014/15
Rodgers: Were so excited to be

back in this competition.Weve
won it five times and now were
facing Real Madrid who have 10.
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
their meetings will be one of the highlights of

this seasons competition.
Im pleased with this group, he said. Its
particularly special to have Real Madrid in
the group.
We respect everyone, but we have great
memories of games against Real Madrid and I
think it makes for a great competition for us.
Its fantastic. If you look at Liverpool as
a football club, this is our competition - five
times winners playing against somebody who
has just won it for a tenth time.
That just makes for a very special part of
the competition. It makes it a very special
group.
While Kopites know all about Real, few
will have heard of debutants Ludogorets, who
have won the Bulgarian league three years
running - and Rodgers claims he will not
underestimate them.
Preparation will start straight away, said
the Irishman. Some of the teams were well
aware of.
We watch the likes of Real Madrid nearly
every week and we know their players. But as
soon as the draw is finalised, the work and the
focus will be on that.
We have our analysis team behind the
scenes, who will do all the preparation work
we need for our opponents so that well be in

a position to get the result we need.
Ludogorest qualified for the group stage of
the Champions League in dramatic fashion
when they knocked out Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest - a club with plenty of
European pedigree.
In the dying stages of extra-time Ludogorest keeper Vladislav Stoyanov was sent for
a second yellow card, leaving Romanian
centre-half Cosmin Moti to deputise for
Stoyanov.
But Mot, who has previously played for
Steauas rivals Dinamo, played a starring role
in the penalty shoot-out, making two saves to
push Ludogorest into the group stage.
Last seasons Barclays Premier League runners-up will end a five-year spell away from
European footballs most prestigious competition when they host Ludogorest this month,
at Anfield.
And aware of the threat the Bulgarian side
could pose, Rodgers added: Well respect
them as if we were playing Real Madrid.
They play an open, attacking style and
theyll come here with confidence. Theyve
worked hard to get here and we know theyll
be excited about coming to Anfield, one of the
most iconic stadiums in the world.
ITS THREE AND EASY
LIVERPOOL have a perfect record

against Real Madrid, having won all
three of their meetings and scoring six goals without reply.
1981 European Cup Final
Liverpool 1 Real Madrid 0
Alan Kennedy scored nine
minutes from time to settle this
tense clash and secure Liverpool
and Bob Paisleys third European
Cup.
2009 Champions League quarter-final

first leg: Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1
Rafa Benitezs Liverpool subdued
Real in the Bernabeu to secure a
historic win.
2009 Champions League quarter-final second leg: Liverpool
ripped Real apart in what was the
last great European night at Anfield
with Steven Gerrard leading the way
scoring twice.
SNODGRASS: Boo-boys
Martin angry
with boo-boys
18
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ARSENAL FULL-BACK
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
igel Winterburn walked

through the stately main
entrance at Highbury, did
his pre-match routine of nodding
at the doorman and then made his
way towards the dressing room.
However, a once-familiar matchday ritual soon became apparent
to Winterburn that he was heading
towards the away quarters. This
is when Winterburn knew he had
become a West Ham United player.
Returning to the club where he
enjoyed plenty of accolades, during
his 13 year spell, was always going
to be an emotional occasion for the
left-back.
Having played an integral role
during Arsenals success a rising
talent in Ashley Cole and firstchoice full-back Silvinho
eventually saw Winterburn deprived of firstteam opportunities
- something which
he found difficult
adjusting to.
It was always
going to be an
emotional occasional [playing
against Arsenal]
but Im happy I
got a good reception
from the fans, Winterburn said.
Looking back now
it was very frustrating [not playing
often at Arsenal]
because sometimes
you accept it but
then you also fight it
by what the manager
tells you; that youre
not going to be firstchoice.
So in the end it was
pretty frustrating and
very hard to accept bearing in mind I had
played so many games
and still felt competitive.
An ageing Winterburn,
37 at the time, was sold
to West Ham for 250,000
and played for the Hammers
between 2000-2003.
Despite his talents starting
to wane Winterburn was
still nonetheless an expe-
Success: Nigel Winterburn

discusses life at Arsenal
during the glory days.
rienced and well respected defender

within the ranks at West Ham.
Its testament to Winterburns
endeavours that, at the age of 37
where many would retire, he still
felt he was still at the required level
to play in the Premier League as
his enthusiasm for the game never
wavered.
But moving across to the East
side of London, a new territory, was
always going to be a daunting experience for the left-back having been
accustomed to life in North London
for 13 years.
He added: I knew I had that experience but it was quite nerve racking [moving to West Ham] because
when you get to my age people
think youre going for a last pay day,
but that wasnt what I wanted to
do. I wanted to be competitive
and I wanted to play.
My main aim was to
show my teammates that
this
guy hasnt
just
come to
see out his
career, hes
come to show
that hes
got a cutting edge and a desire to be
successful and help West Ham win
football matches. Hopefully in my
time there thats what I achieved not
only with the players that I played
with, but also with the supporters
as well.
The clean sweep of domestic
honours Winterburn won whilst at
Arsenal has become something of a
rarity now at the Gunners. Winning
one trophy in 10 years would have
been unheard of during the former
England internationals spell at the
Gunners.
Winterburn describes his time at
Arsenal as being a magical period
in the clubs history. In a back four
which was marshalled by Tony
Adams and featured the likes of Lee
Dixon, Steve Bould as well as Winterburn himself the latter eulogised
former manager George Graham
for their repeated success and also
for building an indomitable defence.
Winning the title twice in three
seasons was pretty special. In 93
winning the two cups
and in 94 winning
the European Cup
Winners Cup was
just a magical
period for the
club, Winterburn
LATER: Frank Lampard glides past Nigel Winterburn
ALL SMILES: Nigel Winterburn in a happy mood having

played for Arsenal during the clubs golden era
Nigel Winterburn talks about his ex-Arsenal pals

BEST TRAINER: A lot of the foreign
guys were pretty good. But everybody was
pretty much training very hard. I think all
the players trained on another level when
Arsene Wenger came and I think thats
what made the squad so competitive and
we were all pretty good at that time.
said. Then we did the double in
98. I think that just kept the belief
and trophies coming through to the
club. So it was a fabulous time to be
apart of Arsenal football club.
What I also respect greatly was
the organisation of George Graham. I gained that knowledge about
how to be organised and defend
well whilst playing under him. So
I admire him a lot for that. He was
BEST MATE: Steve Bould and we still

speak quite regularly now. He used to be
my room-mate and still is a good mate of
mine, only when he picks up his phone
though!
MOST SKILFUL: Dennis Bergkamp and
Kanu.
a fantastic manager for everyone at

the club. An uppermost memory
stored in Winterburns mind is the
remarkable 1989 championship
victory at Anfield. Arsenal arrived
on Merseyside needing to clinch a
2-0 win on the last day of the season
to pip Liverpool to the title and
Winterburn details what it was like
to win his first title for the Gunners
and how that unforgettable match
JOKER: Ian Wright and Ray Parlour

were the main jokers. They were always
laughing and giggling and doing childish
things. So those two by far.
QUICKEST: If I had to pick someone it

would probably be Nicolas Anelka.
proved to be one of his proudest

moments in an Arsenal shirt, he
added: We were on an amazing
run leading up to the title in 89 at
Anfield.
If I had to pick a proud moment
during my time there it would be 89
because that was my first title, which
was very special. We shouldve won
the league probably three games
before that but we drew a couple of
games at home and we lost. Then

obviously having to go Anfield to
win 2-0, I think people thought it
was not possible.
But we just had the belief that we
could do something and it just fell
into perfection about how the game
went. Missy Thomas goal in the
last minute looks very dramatic but
thats because it didnt give Liverpool anytime to respond. With
MOST RELIABLE: Id say

Lee Dixon was a reliable
person for the team.
HARDMAN: In our side Id
go for Patrick Vieira.
life at Arsenal going better than he

perhaps would have envisioned,
it comes as no surprise that Winterburn thought the club he loved
would also be the place where he
ended his playing career.
But proved to no avail when the
left-back left the Gunners in 2000
- with his hopes dashed, Winterburn reflects back on that difficult
moment in his career with a sense
of sadness, Winterburn said: When

I look back I really wanted to finish
my career at Arsenal, but at the time
in the last six months I played about
once every five weeks.
It felt like no matter how well Id
performed Silvinho would always be
the first choice left-back and I would
be almost filling in for him.
I thought if I had the chance to
go head-to-head Id probably stayed
in the team and signed another
contract because I was offered a
deal. But I didnt feel that was going
to happen and once youre used to
playing every single week its very
hard to then sit and watch from the
bench.
I wouldve liked to have finished
at Arsenal and I didnt feel as if my
career was over, but looking back
I think it would have been if I just
stayed there for another year and
not played often.
It seems a travesty that despite
numerous success at club level Winterburns talents only merited two
England caps, both of which were
substitute appearances.
A sense of what might have been
must have lingered on Winterburns
mind since his retirement in 2003,
with it also potentially being the
only disappointment in his career.
I havent really got any regrets
but if I had to pick something then
it would be that I didnt get to start
a game for England, the full-back
added. It doesnt really bother me

that I only have two England caps,
what I wanted to do was to start a
game to show whether I was good
or not to play for England. If I was
to have a regret then that would be
it but its a very, very small regret.
When Winterburns career was
drawing to a close the death of his
dad proved to be one of the main
reasons behind his retirement.
In a career which spanned for
more than 20 years something Winterburn loved didnt seem to matter
anymore and having played at the
highest level until he was nearly 40
Winterburn looks back on his career
with great pride.
I went out to meet friends and
thats when I just decided that that
was it, Winterburn said. I had
enough and my dad had just died as
well. Its really weird because something that I loved for 22 years at that
time didnt seem to matter anymore.
So it was an easy decision for me
and I dont have any regrets because
I played until I was nearly 40 and
you cant have any regrets when
youve won trophies and pushed
yourself to your absolute limit.
Although I was upset about the
death of my dad, I retired happy.
Whenever I look back and talk
about my career its like well I did
absolutely everything I could have
done and that makes me feel very
proud.
20
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
SERIOUSLY
FOOTBALL
Champs face striker crisis
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.
month, while the Argentine ace Lamela , who

endured an injury-ravaged season last term,
will be hoping to impress this weekend as
he comes up against a
Reds defence that looks
fallible at best.
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
YAYA WARNS WELBECK

YAYA SANOGO has thrown down the
gauntlet to Danny Welbeck.
Sanogo, 21, has warned Arsenals deadline
day signing, Welbeck, that he faces a battle
up front for the Gunners as they scrap it out
to replace crock Olivier Giroud.
Sanogo said: Hes going to have to battle.
Last season, I didnt doubt myself. I
was more afraid of getting injured.
If the coach brought me
in, its because he has
faith in me.
Sanogo (left)
believes boss
Arsene Wenger
still backs him
despite
Welbecks
arrival
and the
fact he
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
GAALACTICOS WILL FIRE UNITED BACK TO THE TOP
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
is yet to break his competitive duck

despite playing 17 times since joining last summer.
But the France U21 international
insists that once he starts scoring he
wont stop, and took a swipe at fans
who have written him off because
of his lack of goals.
Pressure
Sanogo told LEquipe: Its a big

club. The fans know that Ive scored
a lot of goals at youth level, theyre
putting me under a bit of pressure.
Once Ive scored my first goal,
everything will be fine. Its their
problem if they criticise me. Ill still
be here. Im going to play, improve
and score goals.
Sooner or later, its going to go
RIVAL: Welbeck is after
Sanogos starting spot

in. At 21, its not easy to
play as a striker. You have
to fight everyday.
But Wenger just
pushes me to continue
and my work will
eventually pay off.
Its been difficult to
adapt to the league. When
you come out of Ligue 2
and you end up in a duel with
[Manchester Citys Vincent
Kompany], it is not an easy task.
When you train with great players
every day, you progress. When you
play big teams, it helps gain experiteam did Yaya Sanogo
ence.
1 What
score four goals against at the
Next for Arsenal is a home fixture
Emirates Cup?
against the reigning champions Manteam did Yaya Sanogo
chester City - where Sanogo will be
2 What
make his competitive debut for
Arsenal against?
aiming to silent his critics.
2 FOR FUN
ROBIN VAN PERSIE says

Manchester United will be back
to their best following the biggest overhaul in their history.
United spent 151.3million
this summer on six new arrivals,
as well as jettisoning 12 players,
in a major shake-up under the
revolutionary Louis van Gaal
era.
Despite a poor start to the
new campaign, which has seen
United take two points from
three games, as well as suffering
a shock exit to League One outfit
MK Dons, Van Persie is adamant
they will rekindle their form.
And the United striker said he
is relishing linking up with the
likes of Argentina defender Mar-
cos Rojo and Angel Di Maria, as

well as deadline-day loan signing
Radamel Falcao.
He said: I cant wait to go and
and train and play with the worldclass players we have signed, wow!
That feeling that we are going
to perform well has only got
stronger. I find it very exciting, the
arrival of all those new players.
For me its brilliant to go and
play with some of the best players
in the world. Its great I can go and
train and play with them every
day.
Although Van Persie played
with Di Maria in Uniteds dismal
0-0 draw at Burnley, before the international break, he is yet to play
with Falcao and other summer
signings Luke Shaw and Ander
Herrera. He has, however, played
with another United summer arrival

compatriot Daley Blind, who set up
his opener in Hollands emphatic
5-1 win over holders Spain at the
World Cup in Brazil.
And Van Persie, 31, added there
can be no more excuses for United
now with the illustrious attacking
wealth at their disposal.
Much has been made of Uniteds
difficulty in adapting to the new
3-4-1-2 formation under Van Gaal,
but he said it is up to the players to
adapt to their new managers methods and approach.
Its plain and simple, said Van
Persie. We, the players, have nothing else to do than to execute what
the manager has in his mind.
As captain of Holland I may have
the right to get involved in tactical
discussions, but even there I choose
RUUD KEEPING RVP SHARP

BY ROSHANE THOMAS
FORMER Manchester United

marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy is
helping Robin van Persie remain
lethal in front of goal.
Van Persie, 31, has been working
closely with Van Nistelrooy (right),
who has taken on a role under Holland boss Guus Hiddink as a coach
to the strikers. Van Nistelrooy
plundered 150 goals in 219 games

for United over five years, and
RVP said: If there is anyone in
this footballing world who can still
teach me stuff, then it is strikers
of the calibre of Ruud or Patrick
Kluivert.
Ruud points out vital details in
the art of finishing. Its only going
to make me a better player.
not to. Whether its 4-3-3, 3-5-2,

nothing can be an excuse for another defeat.
We have to adapt to every
manager. Theres not one way or
method in football. I do get on very
well with Van Gaal. But I also get
on really well with Guus Hiddink,
who has now come in as the new
manager of Holland.
In the past I got on great with
Marco van Basten.
I just get on with my job as a professional footballer and try to fulfil
the expectations of my manager.
Van Persie won his first Premier
League title last year in his debut
season at United.
But he added: Thats not enough.
I want to go to the World Cup when
I am 35 and hopefully play until I
am 40.
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

Chelsea
Swansea
Aston Villa
Man City
Liverpool
Tottenham
Arsenal
Southamp
Hull
Stoke
West Ham
QPR
Sunderland
Man Utd
Leicester
Newcastle
Everton
West Brom
Crystal Pal
Burnley
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
1
0
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
L
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
Pts
9
9
7
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
STILL COMMITTED TO YOUTH
RYAN GIGGS insists Manchester

Uniteds commitment to youth
development remains strong, writes
Roshane Thomas.
The heavy spending of the summer transfer window have suggested
priorities could be changing at Old
Trafford. But Giggs denies this is the
case:, he said: The club will never
change. We will keep giving young
players a chance.
22
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Tuesday September 09, 2014
FORUMULA ONE: MONZA MYSTERY
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
23
CHELSEA.. AND ARSENAL
ALWAYS
Fabio ready
to fight for
his future
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
ALL SMILES: Hamilton closes the gap on Rosberg
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
WE DID NOT TELL

ANY PORKIES
CESC FABREGAS last night

claimed he is fully committed
to Chelsea - even though he
will always have Arsenal in his
heart.
Fabregas, 27, even admitted that he could never have
envisioned playing for Chelsea
and Jose Mourinho but said life
changes and he has moved on.
The Blues midfielder admits
he did think about facing Arsenal before he decided to move
Stamford Bridge and is now
guaranteed a hot reception when
he returns to the Emirates.
He said: Dont think I didnt
think about, playing for Arsenals rivals when I decided to
join Chelsea.
I will keep the Gunner
feeling forever and I know that I
will return to the club and it will
be a special moment, but I am a
committed guy.
I remind you that I played the
Champions League final against
Barcelona with Arsenal, and I
LEWIS HAMILTONS Mercedes team ridiculed suggestions of a fix

in the Italian Grand Prix, writes Roshane Thomas.
The Championship leaders posted a picture of three pigs flying on
their official Twitter feed and a message poking fun at those, including
Sir Jackie Stewart, who believed Nico Rosberg obeyed team orders to
hand Hamilton victory.
Rosbergs two dubious mistakes at the rettifilo chicane gifted Hamilton an easy victory after the German had been disciplined by the team
for colliding with Hamilton in the Spa Grand Prix.
The tweet said: BREAKING NEWS: Dramatic scenes in the skies
over Brackley as #NR6 hands #ItalianGP victory to WDC rival
#LH44...
Mercedes will not face an official investigation because no rules have
been broken. Former F1 racer Derek Warwick, driver steward in Italy,
said: It was so clear what happened that we didnt need to look into it
deeper.
It was not even on our radar. Do we have a boiling conspiracy here?
Absolutely not.
That idea didnt even occur to me until someone mentioned something at the airport last night.
Gut feeling tells you a lot and my gut says it was straightforward.
Lewis decided to put the pressure on, did two or three fast laps and got
within seven-tenths. Its a conspiracy theory thats easy to but into, I
grant you, but its just not true.
swear I would have done

anything to win that game.
I have been a Barcelona fan
since I was a kid.
So I know that when I
play against Arsenal I will
know who is my current
team, who are my colleagues and who I
defend.
And I know
that the Arsenal fans will
understand
me, I have no
doubt.
The Gunners
had the option to
buy back Fabregas
when Barcelona put him
up for sale this summer.
But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger opted against
resigning the former fan
favourite and has claimed
that he believed Fabregas had his mind set on
Chelsea.
But the Spaniard claims
that Mourinho made
him feel valued and that

he wanted to move back to
London.
He added: If you told me
five years ago that I would
play for Chelsea and Mourinho, I would not have believed
you, but life changes.
I started to think
about leaving Barcelona after the
Copa del Rey
final (where
Barca lost to
Real Madrid
and Fabregas
was subbed after
an hour).
It was when I
started to think that it
had finished, that there was a
change, or that I didnt want
to continue.
I spoke with my agent
and asked him to find me a
new team, and an offer from
Chelsea arrived.
For me, it was coming
back to London, where i grew
up. There was no better way
HOW LAZAR
HAS SHINED..
out. I spoke with Jose

Mourinho and he told
me the things I needed to
hear. I felt valued. I felt I
was going to be important
in an important project.
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge Fabregas has
made a bright start under
Mourinho.
His eye-catching performances has seen the Spain
international among the
Premier League nominees
for Augusts Player of the
month, along with fellow
summer singing and compatriot Diego Costa.
Fabregas played a starring role in Chelseas first
game of the season against
Burnley, where he provided two assists. as the Blues
defeated Premier League
newcomers Burnley at
Turf Moor.
Next for Chelsea is
a home fixture against
in-form side Swansea on
Saturday.
I Love Football - Jon Parkin

MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - It would probably have to be
playing on the park with my pals really.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I used to go and
watch Barnsley.
THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - I played against Fabio
Cannavaro in the pre-season after he won the World Player of the Year, so it
would have to be him.
MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Ashley Ward was a player I looked up to
most during his days at Barnsley.
IF I DIDNT HAVE FOOTBALL GROWING UP I WOULD - It probably
would have to be a golfer, but I dont think I wouldve been good enough.
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love it because its definitely the greatest
sport ever.
HAMMING IT UP: Yesterdays tweet from Mercedes
FABIO BORINI insists he is

ready to fight for his future at
Liverpool.
The out-of-favour Liverpool striker has vowed to rise
above criticism from Sunderland, QPR and Reds fans
- for what they claimed were
cynical wage demands which
scuppered a transfer switch.
The Italy international
(above) knows he now faces a
battle to even win a place on
the bench at Anfield.
But Borini, 23, said: It is a
real challenge to find a space
in the Liverpool side, as the
competition is so great.
For me, that should be a
motivation, not a problem. I
have committed to the club.
I said when I was on loan
at Sunderland last year that I
wanted to score goals to prove
I could return to Anfield and
score goals.
IM A TRUE
BLUE NOW
Fabregas is totally
committed to Chelsea
now.. but admits he
has a strong bond
with Arsenal
BANKING ON BALE TO DELIVER

CHRIS COLEMAN hopes
Gareth Bale will deliver a firstclass performance for Wales
tonight.
The Real Madrid talisman
aims to kick-start the Dragons
bid for Euro 2016 qualification
in Andorra.
Wales will play on a artificial
3G surface - only approved by
FIFA after a second pitch inspection six days ago.
Despite concerns over the
pitch, Bale is expected to
spearhead Wales attack, with
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
Gareth down the middle,

and he will figure in more
than one position in this
campaign.
Wales have real hopes of
reaching their first major
tournament in 58 years
and Coleman believes the
success Bale has had at
club football will rub off
on their fellow Dragons.
He added: Its good
for other lads because it
makes the transition to
international football easier.
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Sport Football
t was the summer of 1997, August to be

precise, Will Smith - Men in Black overtook Puff Diddy ft Faith Evans - Ill Be
Missing You to the number one spot in the
UK - and for John Barnes both songs summed
up his situation that summer. Every step John
Barnes took, every move he made was no
longer reminiscent of the Barnes of old. Then
here came the team in black Newcastle United,
almost the Premier League champions, managing to lure the winger to St James Park on a
free transfer.
For Barnes it marked the end of a glittering
10 year spell at Liverpool where he amassed
more than 400 appearances as well as winning
four major honours. But despite his level of
success with the Reds Barnes became disheartened about his lack of first-team opportunities
towards the latter stages of his time at Anfield.
All good things must come to an end and
that proved to be the case for the Jamaica-born
when his enthusiasm for the game wasnt
merited with a selection in the team which
culminated in his departure in 1997.
When you look at players now as your
career comes to an end you just have to accept
it, said Barnes. I had to accept my time at
Liverpool was over. I wanted to play football
and it became clear that I wasnt going to be
regularly.
Im a footballer first and a Liverpool player
second because a lot of people feel like they
would rather stay at a club and be on the
bench, but as much as I love Liverpool I love
myself more and I love my football more. So
therefore if I wanted to play regularly I had to
leave Liverpool.
A reunion with Kenny Dalglish at Newcastle United followed but an ageing Barnes was
unable to revive his eye-catching form which
eventually resulted the winger enduring an
indifferent spell at the Magpies.
But an in-form Barnes was often the topic of
discussion as an array of stand out moments
proves he will always be earmarked as being
one of the greatest players of his generation.
His amazing strike against Brazil in their
iconic venue, the pivotal roles he played in Liverpools quest to cup finals and not least that
memorable brace he scored against Queens
Park Rangers will always be uppermost in the
many magical moments stored in the Liverpool faithfuls minds.
However, despite his stand out achievements
Barnes takes greater pride in his ability to perform well consistently and also eulogised about
the lessons he learnt regarding longevity

whilst at Anfield.
He added: I could talk about the game
against QPR where I scored all those goals,
but thats not important because weve had
many only players whove had one stand
out moment and then have gone onto do
nothing else.
Thats not what makes you a good player,
so individual stand out moments mean
nothing. That in itself taken in isolation
means absolutely nothing.
The lessons Ive at Liverpool in the
10-year period was to consistently try to
do well and learning those lessons that its
about longevity and not about individual
moments. Its about how well youve done
over a long period of time and everything
thats made you the player you are. Thats
the main lesson I learnt at Liverpool, which
is the most important thing.
For those of us, including myself, who
were unable to witness Barnes attacking
prowess during the 80s and 90s have now
been able to witness the growing talent that
is Raheem Sterling, who has been heralded
as the next big thing.
Sterlings alarming rise to prominence
has somewhat been reminiscent of Barnes
early achievements whilst on the books at
Watford. Sterlings burgeoning reputation
has excelled over the last few seasons as his
brilliant form has authenticated his status as
being one of the brightest young talents in
the world.
But despite the youngsters upward
trajectory Barnes believes the comparisons
between the two, both of whom were born
in Jamaica, are wide of the mark and as well
as considering it to be fanciful for young
players in particular - in this modern era, to
stay at a club for a long period of time; he
also believes talented youngsters, in the case
of Sterling, should be highly regarded once
they establish a sense of consistency.
Hes five foot seven, right-footed and
doesnt play anything like me. So I suppose
that because we were both born in Jamaica
and that were both black people would say
that were similar, said Barnes.
Thats been a problem over the years. No
one would say Jordan Henderson is very
similar to Steven Gerrard, so the thing is
that were both born in Jamaica and we both
drew up in England and thats it.
So unfortunately this is what we have
25
Football Sport
Theres too much
pressure on Raheem
Sterling, says Barnes
John Barnes: I had to

accept that my time at
Liverpool was over
John Barnes played for Liverpool during the golden era in the clubs
history and the winger details what it was like to play for the Reds
and why he believes the Raheem Sterling comparison is purely
down to stereotypes writes, Roshane Thomas
Roshane Thomas
England U21 strengthened their aspiration to qualify

for next summers Euro 2015 Under-21 Championship finals when they narrowly beat Croatia 2-1 at
the Molineux Stadium on Friday.
A late penalty from in-form striker Saido Berahino subjected the visitors to a defeat putting Gareth
Southgates men in a fairly comfortable position to
qualify when they take on Croatia once more on
Tuesday for their decisive second leg in Vinkovci.
This week a lot has made about whether the likes
of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and
Raheem Sterling should be playing U21 football
having all made the set up into the senior team. But
although their inclusion would be an added bonus
for manager Southgate, the Young Lions showed
they have enough talent and resistance to cope
without the penetrative qualities of the Barkleys and
Sterlings of this world.
An unnecessary story earlier in the week has been
that Shaw - still only 19, by the way - feeling the
need to refute ideas that he had been demoted to
play for the under-21s having been a regular in the
England squad earlier this year.
JOHN BARNES believes

there is too much expectancy
placed on the young shoulders of Raheem Sterling.
Following Luis Suarezs
summer switch to Barcelona
Liverpool are now in search of
a new fulcrum.
But despite having exceptional talent beyond his years
Barnes believes Sterling isnt
the player to fill the void
left by Suarezs departure and expects
Daniel Sturridge
to replace the
penetrative qualities of Suarez.
Barnes said:
Theres too much
pressure being
placed on Sterlings shoulders and
hes not
going
to
step
up to
re-
RATINGS
John Barnes Fact File

Previous clubs
Watford (1981-1987) Made his professional debut at 17 for Watford in
1981. Barnes played a pivotal role in
Watfords rise from the old Fourth
Division to the First Division. Also
played a starring role in Watfords
FA Cup journey to the final in 1984.
Liverpool (1987-1997) This is the
club where Barnes became a household name. He received numerous
accolades whilst at Anfield and
remains apart of the last squad to
have won the old First Division, now
known as the Premier League.
Good Friends: john Barnes gives ex-Liverpool team-mate Peter Beardsleys a high five
when we talk about stereotypes. But what I do know is
hes got fantastic potential and hes a great talent. Sterling
may leave Liverpool next year, who knows whats going
to happen. But are players going to stay at a club for 10
or 15 years anymore?
Once again what we have to stop doing is when people do well for a short period of time stop talking about
them looking towards the next 15 years time and this
and that. You cant do that you have to say: Hes a fantastic player now and hopefully he can have another good
season then after six or seven years we can start talking
about him in legendary status and breaking records.

Having also played under the boisterous support
from the Liverpool fans at Anfield Barnes the loyalty
from the supports is the catalyst behind Liverpool
being a special club
Barnes added: The relationship between the fans
and the players is what makes Liverpool so special.
Liverpool fans are fantastic, theyre passionate and
theyre loyal. The passion from the fans is what Bill
Shankly spoke about with it being a Liverpool family.
Thats what makes Liverpool a very special club.
Newcastle United (1997-1999)

Barnes joined the club on a free
transfer but he failed revive his previous imperious form.
Charlton Athletic (1999) After
20 years as a professional football
Barnes announced his retirement
following a poor season at Charlton.
Words by Roshane Thomas
Barring Darren Lewis there

arent many black journalists
Roshane Thomas
THE lack of black managers
is a concern within football
but John Barnes believes the
lack of black journalists in
mainstream journalism is also
a greater concern.
Barring Darren Lewis [of
the Daily Mirror] there isnt
another recognised black
journalist in mainstream journalism and Barnes labours
the point that just because
journalism isnt screaming
racism doesnt meant that it
doesnt exist.
He said: Lets look at whats
going on in life, how many
black journalists are there?
Im not talking about
working for the The Voice,
Im talking about working for
The Sun the Daily Mirror you
Darren Lewis (pictured left) is the
only black journalist in mainstream
journalism.
know the mainstream. Im in

a press conference with 100
journalists and theres one
black journalist and thats
Darren Lewis.
So, wheres the other black
journalists? And dont tell
me that they dont want to
be journalists because I can
speak to people at the Voice
and all these black publications and theres hundreds of
black journalists, or why arent
they working in the mainstream?
Barnes, 51, believes racism
is also a problem in other
industries besides football - it
just happens to be that its
more obvious in football, he
added: Its not just a problem
in football because football is
high profile and its obvious in
the abuse that black players or
black fans may get.
But just in the very fact
that life isnt shouting racial
abuse in journalism or in any
other industries doesnt mean
that it doesnt exist.
place Suarez because hes not

the goalscorer; the goalscorer
is Daniel Sturridge and Sturridge is capable of doing that.
Brendan Rodgers bolstered
his attacking options with the
signing of enigmatic striker
Mario Balotelli and following Sturridges latest injury
setback Balotelli will be
expected to lead the line for
Liverpool.
Of course Daniel Sturridge
hasnt been fit and thats really
worked against Liverpool,
added Barnes. Although they brought
in Balotelli and youll
have to give him time.
But I wouldnt
expect Sterling to rescue
Liverpool. because
Suarez is gone.
Sturridge
will be
the
one
to
score
the
goals.
goal.
Barnes: I still want to

return to management
Roshane Thomas
HAVING managed the likes
of Celtic, Tranmere Rovers
and Jamaica Barnes still harbours ambition of returning
to management.
The last club which Barnes
managed was League Two
outfit Tranmere Rovers, where
he lasted just 11 matches following a string of poor results.
But for Barnes the burning
question is whether he will be
given the opportunity once
more. Due to there being a
lack of black managers in
the Football League Barnes
believes white managers are
likely to stay in the job as
opposed to black managers
whilst under pressure.
He said: I would love to
[return to management] but
then am I going to be given
the opportunity?
Its not just about being
given the job, its about being
given the time, people believ-
ing in you and people listening to what you have to say.

There have been many
other black managers that
have been given the job, but
how sooner have the black
managers been sacked than
the white managers?
Were not saying that if you
lose matches you can stay in
the job but if you look at the
amount of black managers
that have been sacked; theyve
been sacked much quicker
than there white counterparts
would have been under the
same circumstances.
Barnes also believes the
perception of black people beyond football needs to change
if any improvements are to be
made in the future.
He added: Its a very difficult time and until we change
that perception generally in
life not just football nothing
will change. We had four
[black managers] once upon a
time now weve only got one.
26
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER LIVERPOOL STRIKER
27
SOL CAMPBELL WAS

NOWHERE TO BE
SEEN ONCE I SCORED
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
eil Mellor will forever be

associated with the momentous events at Anfield
in 2004. From his dramatic winner
against Arsenal to playing a pivotal
role against Olympiakos, which
propelled his career in more ways
than he could have imagined. These
are ties that bond him to the club
for life.
Mellor was Liverpools man of
the moment. On the young strikers
mind was how he could expand his
unforgettable moment into something enduring. Having progressed
through the famed Melwood Academy his goalscoring prowess at
youth and reverse team level
culminated in him being
rewarded a three-year
contract extension in
2003, which was also
the same season he
fulfilled his childhood
dream of making his
Premier League debut
for the Reds.
Remnants of youthful
determination enabled
Mellor to get to the heart of
things at Anfield something he
looks back at with great fondness,
he said: I started at 16 at Liverpool
and I had seven great years there.
I learnt the Liverpool way
through Steve Heighway
at the academy, which
was fantastic because
I got to experience
many great days at
Anfield and going to
many cup finals at
Cardiff.
Breaking through
into the first-team
was fantastic. Some
of the memories
like first goal,
Sheffield United
away, League Cup
semi-finals and
then beating
Manchester
United in
the final in
2003.
But
Mellors
endeavours
reached
Big Moment: Mellor reflects

on magic moment at Anfield.
new heights when he produced an

unforgettable moment against Arsenal, something which would have
been a privilege to bear witness to.
At the time Mellor was ostensibly
Liverpools fourth-choice striker
having found first team opportunities hard to come by due to the likes
of Djibril Cisse, Emile Heskey and
Michael Owen blocking his path.
But Mellors opportunity to start
against the Gunners arose due
to injuries to key players and the
striker vindicated his managers decision to start him when he scored
a sensational strike with aplomb
against Arsenal to send the Kop end
into raptures. Mellors countenance
eluded sheer exuberance, with it
also being his first Premier League
goal, when he realised what he had
achieved.
Having written his name into
Anfield folklore forever Mellor
recalls asking Arsenal defender
Sol Campbell for his shirt prior to
his goal, but once he produced his
magicial moment the defender was
nowhere to be seen.
I kept my shirt after the game,
Mellor said. It was funny because
just before I scored the goal we had
a free-kick which Steven Gerrard
took and I said to Sol Campbell:
Can I have your shirt after the
game? I dont know
why I said that
because
Ive never
said it
before
and I
dont
usually
say it.
But I
turned
round
and said
it and
he said:
Yes, no
problem,
Mellor
added.
So
I was
buzzing
but he was
nowhere
he be seen
once I
scored the
HUGS: Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard
TEAM SPIRIT: The Liverpool players run to congratulate

Neil Mellor on scoring his stunning goal against Arsenal
Neil Mellor talks about his former Liverpool mates

BEST TRAINER: The best trainer at Liverpool was by far Steven Gerrard, theres
no doubt about that. He was a perfectionist so whilst we know how great of a player he is he would always thrive to improve
himself and be the best that he could
every single day on the training ground.
goal. So I just started celebrating
with the fans and the rest of the
squad.
It has been 10 years now since
Mellor scored that remarkable strike
and barring Gerrard there is yet to
be another Liverpool player able to
reprise the strikers stunning effort
in front of the Kop. Having come
through the youth ranks Mellor is
also grateful he was able to achieve
MOST INTELLIGENT: I suppose you

would have to give credit to a lot of the
foreign boys for learning the language. To
be able to speak so many different languages is very tough because there were
some players that came over and couldnt
be bothered to learn the language.
his lifelong ambition, he said: I

suppose you could put it down to a
Rory of the Rovers moment. For any
young player its difficult to break
into the first-team, so to experience
that was unbelievable and then to
get a personal achievement like that
was great. Players play 300 games in
their careers or what have you and
some of them cant really pinpoint
a specific moment in a game they
FUTURE MANAGER: Id have probably

said Jamie Carragher because he has that
passion but hes obviously in media now.
I think passion is a big thing in the game
personally. If you have that passion then
you can really succeed. If Jamie went into
management hed do well.
can remember. But for me to have

that moment is great because even
10 years on fans still come up to me
and tell me where they were; whether it was at Anfield or at a pub. Im
made up to hear some of the stories
the fans say.
Another proud moment for Mellor was a famous evening at Anfield,
which led to even greater European
glory for the Reds. It was Decem-
ber 2004, and a few weeks after his

strike against the Gunners. Liverpool were faced with the daunting
prospect of win-or-bust against
Olympiakos. But Mellors heroics
showed no sign of abating when
he scored the second of Liverpools
3-1 win over the Greek giants as
well as assisting Steven Gerrard,
which enabled the Reds to progress
through the group stages and propel
QUICKEST: Michael Owen

without a doubt. 10 yards
and bang he was gone!
MOST SKILFUL: Id probably say someone like Jari

Litmanen. He was a joy to
watch and train with.
their Champions League journey to
Istanbul.
Obviously scoring the goal
against Arsenal was a great moment
for me, but the Champions League
goal was probably the most memorable part of my time at Liverpool,
Mellor added.
I actually think the Olympiakos
one eclipsed it because of what we
went onto achieve you know with
the importance of that goal. Firstly

it was great to score against Arsenal,
it was a great goal and everything
like that, but the Olympiakos one
was much more important. So now
that I look back I think that was a
better contribution than the Arsenal
one.
But Mellors promising season
took a turn for the worse when
he sustained a knee injury in
March 2005 and was subsequently
ruled out for the remainder of the
campaign - denying the striker the
chance of experiencing European
glory in Istanbul.
It would have been the fairytale
ending for a striker who lived his
dream. He should have two medals
in his trophy cabinet but the current
tally stands at one, which someone
was magnanimous enough to donate him, and one that disappeared
into the night in Istanbul seemingly
never to appear again.
But despite enduring disappointment towards the latter stages of his
time at Liverpool, Mellor is honoured he was able to play a key role
whilst at the club and his sense of
indebtedness towards his boyhood
club is palpable.
He said: Although I was injured
when we eventually won the trophy
it was just unbelievable. To be in
and around that dressing room
throughout the campaign at Melwood thinking everyones writing
us off against Bayern Leverkusen

and we beat them, Juventus, Chelsea
and there was a real buzz about the
place. It was a special moment in
that time of my career and one that I
will never forget.
That Champions League music is
so iconic and when you think about
the Champions League and how big
its become you know youre in the
elite competition and thats certainly
where we wanted to be. You have
to earn the right to be there and we
certainly did that because it is the
elite competition everyone wants
to be apart of. When you hear that
music you know youre with the big
boys so you have to perform and if
you perform well then youll also do
well, Mellor added.
I think in life it would be silly
to look back and have regrets and
think what might have been sort of
thing because you cant change it
once its happened. Id loved to have
played more games, Id loved to not
have the injuries but I did and you
cant change these things. I look
back and Im grateful that I got to
experience special moments in a
Liverpool shirt.
You think about Liverpool as
a worldwide football club and the
amount of fans that the club have.
I was fortunate enough to have
played a number of games. I had
a few special moments so Im just
grateful I got to experience that.
28
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
FORMER ARSENAL DEFENDER
THE NEWGEN PAPER

Done and Vincenti extend
goalscoring tally
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29 2014
More doom and gloom for

managerless Orient
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
time at the club, but the urge to play

at a higher level proved too difficult
to resist in the end. The 24-year-old
said: It was a hard decision [leaving
Dagenham and Redbridge] because
its very close to my house. I played
nearly every game for them last season and I enjoyed it, but I had the
chance to move up a league and that
opportunity came with Gillingham.
I wanted to test myself at a higher level. League Two is a good level,
Im not saying its bad - but I want to
try and play as high as possible.
With long-term contracts something of a rarity in the lower tier of
English football Hoyte penned a
five-month contract at Gillingham
knowing he has to hit the ground
running in order to merit a contract

extension - but despite the rightback later signed for League Two
back getting sent off in his debutoutfit Dagenham and Redbridge
Hoyte is also aiming to use his
and enjoyed a two-year spell at the
short-term deal as a catalyst to work
East-London side.
even harder at the Gills.
Having amassed 68 league apIts been good so far, said Hoyte.
pearances for the Daggers Hoyte
But unfortunately in my first game
was considered an experienced
I got sent off. But Ive played most of
figure, but eager to test his abilithe games so Im quite happy with
ties at a higher level the Trinidad
how Ive been doing so far.
and Tobago international opted
Its my chance to show everybody
against renewing his contract which
that I can play at this level. Short
culminated in Hoyte securing a
term deal means that it has less time
short-term switch to Gillingham in
for me to prove myself, so I have to
the summer.
hit the ground running in order to
Despite his departure from
earn another contract. In a way its
Dagenham and Redbridge Hoyte
pushing me as well. Besides spells
still has fond memories during his
at the Daggers whilst at Arsenal
Hoyte was farmed out
on loan to the likes of
Watford, Brighton, Lincoln
City and AFC Wimbledon
- in order to gain firstMY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - When I was growing up, going to
team experience.
watch my brother play football. I used to go and watch him play every Saturday.
Having struggled to
replicate
the impact his
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - I used to go and
brother,
Justin
Hoyte,
watch Arsenal and sit in the North Bank.
made at Emirates Stadium
the 24-year-old nonetheMY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - William Gallas as hes great defender and
less fulfilled a life long amI used to watch him all the time.
bition when he made his
THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - Robinho.
Premier League debut for
his boyhood club against
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - I love going out there every Saturday and
Manchester City.
winning.
Prior to making his
I Love Football - Gavin Hoyte
Premier League debut Hoyte

made cameo appearances in
the League Cup but it was the
game against City that will always live long in the memory
for the defender.
He added: Making my
Premiership debut against
Manchester is my best memory during my time at Arsenal.
I was 18 at the time and all
the players around me helped
me out a lot. I remember Gael
Clichy coming up to me and
talking to me just basically
telling me how his debut was.
That helped me out a lot.
Funny enough we didnt
know the team. I was in the
squad and when they named
the team I realised I was
starting.
With the possibility of
earning another contract at
Gillingham firmly within his
sights Hoyte knows a string
of fine performance can only
strengthen his aspirations of
staying at the League One
side. Ive got a contract until
the end of January, said Hoyte
So Ive got to play as many
games as I can, keep playing
well, help the club up the table
and then try and earn another
contract really.
WITH GOALS
Get Premier League
minutes.
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the game
In association with
THE dreaded prospect of

getting released is one which
many youngsters at Europes
elite clubs fear.
For some it can put them in
good stead to crave out opportunities elsewhere but for others it can often lead to football
oblivion - despite having once
been highly-regarded.
At Arsenal, however, many
former players have been able
to have successful careers away
from the Emirates, albeit in
the lower echelons of English
football.
Gavin Hoyte is no different.
Following his release from the
Gunners in 2012 the right-
29
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League One
31
League One
Five goal thriller at Brisbane

Road adds more woes to
managerless Orient
What we
learnt
this week
ROSHANE THOMAS
ROSHANE THOMAS
Leyton Orient
McAnuff 13, Vincelot 41
Rochdale
Done 4, 65, Vincenti 48
2
3
Referee D Sheldrake Attendance 4,405

Rochdale beat Leyton Orient in a pulsating five goal thriller at Brisbane Road to secure three points and extend their
promising form in League One.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides when
man of the match Matthew Done continued his impressive
goalscoring tally so far this campaign when he fired his
strike past Gary Woods reach.
The early impetus from Dale set the tone throughout the
match when Jobi McAnuff reduced the arrears following
his superb strike into the top right-hand corner.
It was goals galore here at Brisbane Road and Romain
Vincelot powered Orient into the lead on the eve of halftime heading past the heavily tested Conrad Logan.
After the restart the exhilarating first-half showed no
sign of abating when goals from Vincenti and Done subjected Orient to a 3-2 defeat and to compound matters for
the managerless side they are yet to win at home so far this
campaign.
Leyton Orients promising form from last season has
been non-existent this term. The Os are currently placed
17th in the league drawing five of their previous seven
outings.
It has been a tumultuous couple of weeks for Orient
which culminated in Russell Slade handing in his resignation on Wednesday after four years as manager. The former
Yeovil and Brighton manager - now Cardiff bound - took
charge of his last game for the Os in their midweek defeat
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goals
Kevin Nugent looks on as his Orient side struggle to

cope with in-form Rochdales potent attack.
against Sheffield United, which proved to be far from

the happy ending he would have envisaged.
Prior to the match they played Gabrielle - Rise
Again, perhaps a suitable song choice following
Slades untimely departure. But that is what will
be expected of Orient this campaign, despite their
indifferent start to the season, rise again and exceed
expectations once more.
Kevin Nugent, who was assistant manager to
Slade, was in charge of Orients encounter against
Rochdale. The League One newcomers have started
the season brightly with influential players Matt
Done and Ian Henderson both in sparkling form.
Having only lost one match so far in September,
which came against Sheffield United, the visitors
drew first blood at Brisbane Road when in the opening four minutes Done drifted in from the right flank
and unleashed a tantalising strike - from 20 yards
- past the despairing dive of Woods to extend his
goalscoring tally to seven goals in all competitions.
Rochdales early impetus proved decisive as they
threatened to engulf the home side further. Vincenti
played a defence splitting pass to in-form striker
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.
Fair point, Neil
Only in the Premier League, part 209372:

In the the Premier League, every point is
precious, Neil Warnock said. As opposed
to in other countries, where they do not
play for points, of course.
RATINGS
Leyton Orient (4-4-2): Woods, Omozusi, Vincelot,

Cuthbert (c), Baudry, Cox, James (sub: Pritchard, 25),
McAnuff (sub: Mooney, 70), Lowry, Dagnall, Henderson (sub: Batt, 65) Substitutes not used: Clarke,
Bartley, Grainger, Simpson Booked: Omozusi
Rochdale (4-5-1): Logan, Bennett, Eastham, OConnell, Tanser, Hery, Allen (sub: Lancashire, 32) Dawson, Vincenti, Done (sub: Bunney, 84), Henderson (c)
Substitutes not used: Diba, Andrew, Rose, Cannon,
Kennedy Booked: Easham, Dawson, Tanser
Ian Henderson who was through on goal but lacked

composure when it mattered most as his effort on
goal narrowly went wide.
For Keith Mills men Septembers remarkable
form, which has seen the Dale seal 12 points from a
possible 15, is a huge contrast to August where the
away side were only able to secure one victory - with
loses coming against Peterborough, Chesterfield and
Bradford.
But now Rochdales resolute defence have only
conceded three goals in September as they aim to
extend their promising form. For Orient, however,
its been a lack of fire power that has hampered their
progress so far this term.
It has been evident that they are missing the penetrative qualities of Kevin Lisbie, who is a long term
absentee having undergone surgery on his shoulder.
But summer signing Jobi McAnuff showed he is
more than capable of filling that void and in the 13th
minute the former Reading skipper was rewarded
for his endeavours when he drilled a stunning strike
into the top right-hand corner to deservedly bring
Orient level.
Sporting Lisbon v Chelsea Tuesday 7pm
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
a tactical rejig and brought off earlier goalscorer Jobi McAnuff

and replaced him with David Mooney in an attempt to reduce
the arrears. His substitution nearly paid a rich reward when
Mooneys 25-yarder went wide of Logans post.
At this point the visitors were plain sailing and looked set
to encompass their run of wins and cap off a fine month, with
albeit one loss. However, Orient almost drew level when Shane
Lowrys towering header was cleared off the line by Henderson
to preserve Rochdales lead.
Done once more exerted his class down the left flank when he
skipped past Scott Cuthbert but his pass aimed towards Henderson, who was ghosting in the back-post proved to no avail - in
the end that proved to be Dones last meaningful contribution
as he received a rapturous ovation when he was brought off for
Joseph Bunney. The visitors withstood the late barrage from
Orient and secured the all important three points to beat the Os
for the first time since the 2009/10 season, sending the travelling Dale supporters into raptures. Next for Keith Hills men is
a home fixture against League One strugglers Barnsley - where
they will be aiming to show once more that they are more than
capable of adjusting to life in League One.
For Orient, however, it remains to be seen whether they will
be able to replicate last seasons sparking form. And it doesnt
come easy for the Os as their next game is against Swindon.
Arsenal v Galatasary Wednesday 7.30pm
Burnley manager Sean Dyche came to

the Premier League hailed as the Ginger
Mourinho. Well following the Clarets poor
start to the season, nows the time to prove
it. Yes, injury problems hasnt helped and
Burnleys budget is lower than everyone
elses. But Mourinho wouldnt find this
situation too hot to handle.
Poor mans Fellaini?

For a long time it seemed like Mile Jedinak
looked like a poor mans Fellaini. Now Im
starting to think the midfielder is better
than the Belgian.
32
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
the game
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
33
Championship

Reid blunder
ROSHANE THOMAS
Leyton Orient
Rochdale
2
3
Rochdale beat Leyton Orient in a pulsating five goal

thriller at Brisbane Road to secure three points and
extend their promising form in League One.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides
when man of the match Matthew Done continued
his impressive goalscoring tally so far this campaign
when he fired his strike past Gary Woods reach.
The early impetus from Dale set the tone throughout the match when Jobi McAnuff reduced the
arrears following his superb strike into the top righthand corner.
It was goals galore here at Brisbane Road and
Romain Vincelot powered Orient into the lead on
the eve of half-time heading past the heavily tested
Conrad Logan.
After the restart the exhilarating first-half showed
no sign of ebbing when goals from Vincenti and
Done subjected Orient to a 3-2 defeat and to compound matters for the managerless side they are yet
to win at home so far this campaign.
Leyton Orients promising form from last season
has been non-existent this term. The Os are currently placed 17th in the league drawing five of their
RATINGS
Russell Slade
watches on as
Jones earns a point
ROSHANE THOMAS
Brighton &
Hove Albion
Bruno 19
Cardiff City
Jones 21
1
1
Referee N Swarbrick Attendance 23,712

It has been eight long years since Cardiff City last beat
Brighton in a league match. Of course you could argue the
Bluebirds have been the more successful side in recent years
- with promotion to the top-flight last campaign a noticeable achievement.
But if the Bluebirds have any aspirations to return to
the Premier League at the first time of asking stability and
consistency is paramount. Their indifferent start to the
campaign has hardly helped their quest to be competing
with table-toppers Norwich City. And with Russell Slades
arrival at the Welsh club growing increasingly likely it remains to

be seen whether he can make the step up from League One to the
Championship. Nonetheless, the revival under Scott Young and
Danny Gabbidon continues but Tuesdays 1-1 draw at the Amex
highlights improvements still need to be made as it was a match
they were outshone in superiority by the Seagulls, who perhaps
would have secured three points if their profligacy in front of
goal didnt prove costly.
But on the plus side for Brighton they are now unbeaten in
their last five home games in all competitions, winning two. Their
only defeat at home came against Sheffield Wednesday in August.
With the hosts winning the last encounter between the two
sides in 2013 it came as no surprise they were aiming to encompass their run once more with the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith
and Joao Teixeira having noticeable efforts at goal during the
early stages of the match.
The breakthrough for the home side nearly fell in the eighth
minute when brilliant intricate passing between Teixeira and
Mackail-Smith saw the latter square it to fan favourite Kazenga
LuaLua who controlled neatly before firing it over the bar.
Despite the intricacies of their play Brighton could not force an
opening. Another sumptuous team move eventually saw Bruno
drill in a searching ball to LuaLua who fired it first time at David
Marshall albeit the keeper saving comfortably.
With the Amex faithful beseeching the Seagulls to crave out
more opportunities that eventually came to fruition when Bruno
broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. The right-back got the
better of Fabio down the right flank and timed his run to perfection when Lewis Dunk floated in a superb cross where Bruno
side-footed it over Marshall with ease to put the hosts in front.
But Sami Hyypia would have been bewilderingly frustrated
when almost immediately after netting the opener his team
showed naivety when Cardiff City responded in the best way possible through a delightful cross from Fabio which presented Jones
with the perfect opportunity to nod it past Stockdale to bring
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.
THE NEWGEN PAPER
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
Sporting Lisbon v Chelsea Tuesday 7pm
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34
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BLACKPOOL LEGEND
35
THAT WAS THE BEST

FEELING EVER FOR
ME IN FOOTBALL
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
t was the club which put the

veteran striker on the map, the
club where he was adored by the
fans, not least the club where he had
two contrasting spells; for Ormerod
its a club he considers home.
Having started his career as a
trainee at Blackburn Rovers, where
he was in and amongst the caliber
of players like Alan Shearer and
Chris Sutton, the then 19-year-old
left Ewood Park due to being a
periphery figure and in search firstteam opportunities elsewhere. Next
for Ormerod was a two-year spell
at Accrington Stanley where his
imperious form saw the striker amass 32 goals in 54 league
appearances. Making a name for
himself at Non-League level
Blackpool eventually
came calling and for
Ormerod it was love
at first sight.
With his aspirations
of a return to professional football revived
he instantly become a
fan favourite at Bloomfield Road as well as a pivotal figure for Blackpool.
But during the 19992000 season the striker
was blighted by injuries
and things went from
bad to worse when
Ormerod was ruled out
for the remainder of the
campaign with a broken
leg, having broke his tibia
and fibula, and his absence
was evident with the Seasiders
missing the penetrative qualities of
their main striker - which culminated in their relegation to the old
Third Division.
But once he returned back to the
starting XI so did his goalscoring
prowess and a blistering season for
the Seasiders eventually saw them
triumph in the play-off final against
Leyton Orient in 2001 as they sealed
promotion back to the Second Division at the first time of asking.
I think every player or manager,
whatever time in their career, will
have one club that has been special
for them where things go particularly well - Blackpool was definitely
mine, said Ormerod.
I had two spells there from
Happier Times: Brett

Ormerod reflects on his
spell at Blackpool.
1997-2001 I spent four years there

and got promotion with Blackpool
where Steve McMahon was manager. I had a great time and when I
came back in 2009 I always said if
I could have half a good a time and
success I did last time Ill be a happy
man. I think when I went back we
more than doubled that.
So as a club I think Blackpool
will definitely be a place where I had
my best memories.
During his second spell at the
club the Tangerines exceeded expectations to pull off the unthinkable.
It was a time when the club were on
the up but despite that the chance of
sealing promotion to the top-flight
seemed fanciful to say the least.
But with ex-Blackpool boss Ian
Holloway the catalyst and mastermind behind their endeavours
promotion to the Premier League
eventually materialised, something Ormerod could have
never envisioned - particular with considerations to
his first spell at Bloomfield
Road. With his career also
approaching the latter
stages Ormerods sense
of indebtedness towards
Holloway is palpable.
I dont think anyone
shouldve seen something
like that happening, especially players and supporters, he added. I
know football has fairy
tales and things like that
but it was about 1999 when
I
broke my leg and we ended
up getting relegated into Division
Two. I was out for nearly a whole
year due to my leg and then we got
promoted the following year and
sort of consolidated ourselves in
Division One for a few years. But if
you told me we wouldve ever got in
the Premiership I wouldve definitely said: No chance - youve got to be
in dreamland.
Working with Ian [Holloway]
was unbelievable. He came into
Blackpool when I was 33, I left
Preston and got back to Blackpool
in January 2009. He helped us stay
in the Championship and then my
contract was up but he played a
massive role in me staying.
At 33 I pretty much thought Id
seen and done it all and he was just
something else. He helped me back
in the Premiership and then I had
CONCENTRATION: Brett Ormerod looking focused.
BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE: Brett Ormerod tackling former

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.
Brett Ormerod talks about his former Blackpool mates

BEST TRAINER: In my second spell there
the best trainer was Stephen Crainey. The
lad trained as if it was an actual match.
Whenever you trained against him you
were always in for a difficult time.
QUICKEST: Id say myself!
one of the best seasons of my career
again in the Championship, the year
we went up. So it was a fantastic
time to be at the club especially in
around a manager like that. Ian was
always positive and his enthusiasm
robbed off on everyone.
Having endured two contrasting
spells at Blackpool it comes as no
surprise that Ormerod has fond
MOST INTELLIGENT: To be fair I think

Taylor-Fletchers quite intelligent.
FUTURE MANAGER: I dont know
really because theres a few players that
Ive played with that I thought wouldnt
become managers.
memories during his time at the

Tangerines. From sealing promotion to the Premier League to then
breaking a record which seems
improbable of being broken, its easy
to see why the veteran striker is considered a legend at Bloomfield Road.
Ormerod said: Probably the promotion into the Premiership would
be my highlight, because I managed
JOKER: We had a quite few. Ian Evatt

liked to play a few jokes. That squad had a
really good team sprit. It was a big part of
our success at Blackpool.
BEST MATE: Keith Southern and Gary
Taylor-Fletcher.
to score the winner at Wembley. The

feeling when that final whistle went
is something I dont think Ill ever
feel again in football. Like I said
before if you had said we would be
in the Premiership and to play in
and score in all four divisions - especially to be the first player to do it
is a massive thing for me. Its an unexpected reward really for the hard
work that we all put in at Blackpool;
and its something that Im really

proud off. But having been apart
of the golden era at Blackpool the
striker is also concerned with the
way the club is heading following
their recent decline. A lack of money invested in the team, stability
non-existent and a sack culture
which has damaged any sense of
decorum, has seen the Seasiders
currently embroiled in a relegation
BEST TASTE IN MUSIC:

I used to think it was me
because Im into the Killers and stuff like that. But
I think Taylor-Flecther
was quite good because he
was in control of the Ipod .
scrape. Ormerod considers the
Championship to be one of the
toughest leagues to win promotion
as well as being even more difficult
to stay in once you are involved in
a relegation dog fight. Earlier in the
season Jose Rigas falling out with
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston
was well-documented which exacerbated their problems and led to his
sacking, but with the club currently
moored to the base of the second

tier of English football and their
downhill trajectory showing no sign
of ebbing, Ormerod believes their
current situation is concerning.
He added: To be honest there
was a lot of things going on like the
manager coming in and falling out
with the chairman. They only had a
certain amount of players and it is
concerning.
The fans now are really concerned and the current situation is
hard to tell at the moment. Theyre
bottom of the league and they have
a good momentum to climb, but its
not impossible.
Following Rigas acrimonious departure Oyston appointed Lee Clark
as manager on a one-year rolling
contract, with the latter now facing
the arduous task of keeping Blackpool in the Championship.
But Ormerod hopes any aspirations of Championship survival
once dashed has now been revived
through the appointment of the
Clark, with the striker also hoping
the fans will be supportive of their
new manager.
Theyve just appointed Lee Clark
and hopefully the chairman and
the fans get behind him so he can
turn things around, said Ormerod.
But its going to be difficult because
the Championship is a very tough
league. I think its the hardest league
to win promotion but when youre
down there its a tough, tough league
to stay in as well. I played against
him once or twice down the years
when he was at Fulham and stuff,

but I dont really know him personally. He did a great job at Huddersfield and he obviously just left
Birmingham, which is another club
under difficult circumstances.
Hopefully the fans the chairman
back him and get behind him. Im
sure hell be looking at one or two
players to bring in but you know I
really hope he manages to turn it
around.
Now aged 38, Ormerod is preparing for life after football. Its a
credit to the ex-Blackpool man that
his love for the game is still strong
as ever - where most would have
retired and gone onto pastures new.
With management an area which
doesnt interest the ex-Southampton
striker. The possibility of playing
until he is 40 is still an option, but
despite that Ormerod is undecided
about the next big step in his career.
He added: To be honest, Im still
not really sure what I want to do.
Ive just gone 38 and I remember I
was at Preston when I had my 30th
birthday and thinking: Right I really need to start seriously thinking
about what Im going to do when I
retire.
Eight years later Im still unsure.
Football is something that Ive just
always done and thats just what
seems natural.
Im nowhere near as quick as I
used to be and things like that, but
Im still enjoying it and Im still doing a half decent job. So while I can
thats the only thing Im focused on.
36
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
LVG STICKS BY SKIPPER AFTER RED-CARD MAYHEM
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
37
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
DOWN AND OUT Ramseys crocked
Injuries Turk their

toll on Ramsey & Co
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
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
was not his meaning to do it like that. I said to him, You

could have done that more friendly. I can say it to you
because Ive already said it to him. Otherwise I would not
say it.
For me he doesnt have to change. He just needed to do
it in a more friendly manner. He said that to me afterwards.
That was more unfriendly and that was maybe his biggest error because I think he did it at the right time.
By more friendly, the United boss means a little clip on
Downings heels as the Hammers midfielder broke away
rather than the wild swing that saw Rooney sent off.
The problem for the Red Devils is that their talisman
Rooney will be missing from their next three league games
- Everton at home, a trip to West Brom away and then the
big visit of Chelsea at the end of the month.
LVG added: It is a big miss, especially as I now think he
is playing at a good standard in his new role. And he likes
to play there.
When he gets three matches it means also that my
captain is away. He is a very important person in my vision
- not for nothing is he captain of this team.
When asked if he apologised to his team-mates after the
game, Rooney said: Yeah, of course I did.
I am just grateful that the lads were able to hold on. Its
always tough against 11 men when you are a man down,
especially when they are throwing a lot of balls into the

box as they were doing, so I am grateful that we held
out.
Rooney is also thankful that there is an international
break in the middle of his ban so he can get some football in.
The former Everton striker added: It helps that the
England games are coming up but the training here is
really good.
It is tough and it is getting my fitness up so I just have
to make sure I train well and be ready for when I come
back.
THE NEWGEN PAPER
SP RT
ROOS SORRY OVER RED CARD

WAYNE ROONEY has apologised
to his team-mates for the red
card that will see him miss
the whole of October for
Manchester United.
Rooney was
shown a straight
red
card for a wild
kick at
Stewart Down-
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
conduct dismissal means Rooney

will now miss games against Everton, West Brom and early season
pacesetters Chelsea.
But the United and England captain insisted the red mist had not
returned and claimed it was simply
a mistimed challenge.
It was a dangerous situation in
that they were trying to break

on us and Ive misjudged it,
simple as that, but I have no
complaints, he said.
I knew at the time that I
misjudged it. Its a red card
and I dont think it will benefit
anyone to appeal. Just happy the
lads were able to hold on.
I NEVER DREAMT ID PLAY

AGAINST FRANK LAMPARD
COLE IN BLUES BROTHERS REUNION
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
ASHLEY COLE never expected
to face his old Chelsea team-mate
Frank Lampard in the Champions League, certainly not with
Lampard wearing a Manchester
City shirt.
After eight glory-filled seasons
together, the two former Stamford
Bridge stalwarts - who both left the
Blues this summer - face off tonight
when Coles Roma visit loan star
Lampards Manchester City.
But Cole, 33, is not surprised at
how well the veteran midfielder has
done at the Etihad, with four goals
in three matches including the leveller against Chelsea nine days ago.
And as much as he is hoping to
derail Citys Champions League
bid, Cole admitted he was looking
forward to crossing swords with his
old England team-mates in Group
E.
He said: It would be nice to see
people like Joe Hart and Lamps.
it. I had eight great years there

and I still speak to the staff and
the players.
7.45pm, ITV
Im enjoying my football now
and, hopefully, I can emulate what
I never expected to play against
I achieved at Chelsea.
him. If I play and if Lamps is
Cole generally dislikes talking
selected, it will be nice because he to the press but it seems like life in
is a good friend of mine.
Italy has calmed him down.
Im not surprised by how well
When Roma boss Rudi Garcia
hes done either. Everyone knows
gave a two-minute answer in Italwhat Frank brings, experience and ian about all the pressure being on
goals.
City, Cole grinned: I agree with
He got one against Chelsea. He everything he said.
probably didnt like that but hes
Roma beat CSKA Moscow 5-1
paid to do a job.
in their previous outing and if
Cole, meanwhile, has no ill-feel- they win tonight, City will be six
ing towards Chelsea boss Jose
points off the pace.
Mourinho for letting him go.
Cole said: Victory would put
The former England internaus top of the group and make it
tional is almost ever-present for
hard for them to catch up. There
Roma after an ill-fated last season is a lot more pressure on them.
at the Bridge, where he hardly got
LIKELY LINE-UP - CITY: Hart,
a game under the Special One.
Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis,
Cole added: First of all I didnt
Kolarov, Navas, Toure, Fernandthink Chelsea were wrong. A deinho, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko
cision was made and Im fine with
Man City v Roma
NO NEED FOR ME TO BE RESTED

JOE HART could not
have made it any clearer
that he does not think
he needed a rest. The
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
England No 1 was given the
last two matches off.
Hart said: I want to play
every game. That is my

nature, my professionalism. It is hard for to
me to see any positives.
outof this
ARSENE WENGER is facing a major Champions League crisis.

Aaron Ramsey is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after pulling
a hamstring in the north London derby, while Mikel Artetas calf
injury is also likely to keep the Spaniard out until after the international break.
Jack Wilshere is also a doubt for Arsenals Champions League
showdown with Turkish giants Galatasaray on Wednesday due to
an ankle
injury.
Wenger (below) is already short in defence with Mathieu Debuchy sidelined
for three months after ankle surgery.
The Gunners boss said the muscle
problems sustained by Ramsey and
Arteta on Saturday had left him
baffled.
He said: Theres no logic as it is two
players who were not involved in the
week - not Arteta, not Ramsey - and they
had quite a light week for them. We have to analyse what happened
there. I dont understand.
Wenger also admitted he would consider using Calum Chambers
in midfield against Galatasaray - if he did not need him so badly in
defence.
Chambers, who can operate at right-back, centre-half or in midfield, is also another worry as he is only one more booking away
from suspension.
The Arsenal managed added: Hes been excellent in every position. And from the first to the last minute he has an unbelievable
engine.
He gets forward and puts crosses in as well. Its remarkable what
hes doing at the age of 19. I would consider playing Calum in midfield, but I only have four defenders at the moment.
It was a very harsh yellow card against Tottenham and the one
before at Villa was very harsh as well. Its a shame you cant appeal
globally for the cards you get.
I thought he played well against Tottenham but the fact that
he is really committed may lead him to commit spectacular fouls
sometimes.
BENTEKE BACK WITH A GOAL

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE came
back with a bang to score a
goal on his Aston Villa return,
writes Roshane Thomas.
The Belgian converted a
first-half penalty against Bolton U21 to end his six months
of injury hell.
Christian played about an
hour and were delighted with
how he came through, said
Villa boss Paul Lambert.
38
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Friday, October 03, 2014
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER
39
THEY HAVENT WON

UEFA CUPS BUT YET
THEY WANT TO JUDGE
Emile Heskeys England career has often been frowned upon and with a paltry return of seven
goals in 62 appearances his limitations have repeatedly been highlighted. But unpreturbed by those
criticising his accolades at international level the 36-year-old reflects on the highlights of his England career as well as a memorable night in Germany. BY ROSHANE THOMAS
EXCLUSIVE
nce blessed with blistering

pace, the ability to terrorise
defenders, brute strength
and goalscoring prowess many
would think this sort of description
bore the hallmarks of a great striker,
but in fact it does and his name is
Emile Heskey.
When the exciting, fearless young
striker first burst onto the scenes a
baby-faced Heskey had the physic of
a nightclub bouncer and the ability
to leave fans and journalists exhilarated by his presence on a football
pitch, with it being clearly evident
that he had an abundance of talent.
Fast-forward to the year of 2014
the former Leicester City trainee is
no longer highly regarded and for
that matter isnt even considered to
be a good striker, much less a great
one, which has led to the ex-Liverpool striker often being a target for
internet trolls, longer than he would
care to remember.
Theres a video of Heskey on YouTube which is titled Emile Heskey
| The best player ever? which has
amassed more than 580,000 views
with the top comment reading
Heskey shoots and its in...............
the crowd.
The lacerating attack
the 36-year-old has had
to endure has been
bordered on ridicule,
and even vitriol on
other occasions.
With his England
career often being
laboured upon,
Heskey would
argue, yes, in
hindsight he
could have done
better whilst
representing his
country, with
his last memorable memory in
an England shirt, by
the
Three Lions faithful, being
that he scored in Englands
5-1 rout over Germany, but
yet that still wasnt enough
of a privilege for the fans to
bear witness to, with the
song 5-1 - even Heskey
scored often chorused
by the England supporters whenever they
Three Lions On His Shirt:

Heskey reflects on what it
was like to play for his
country.
mark that unforgettable night in

Munich. Dubbed the non-scoring striker with seven goals in 11
years as Englands centre forward,
incorporating two World Cups, two
European Championships and 62
caps - besides his goalscoring record
for the national side, you could see
why Heskey considers his career to
be understated with the 36-yearold often among the scapegoats for
any bad performances, which has
made him feel incandescent bearing
in mind the success he achieved at
club level, mainly with Liverpool.
He said: Generally people trying
to take the mickey and even down
to people Ive actually played with
have never reached the heights that
Ive ever reached. It is what it is, at
the end of the day its an easy target
sometimes. But then when people
sit down and think about it and
compare theres no comparison.
A lot of these people that say
things havent got their name up
in the highest regard in the Premier League, they havent scored
100 goals in the Premier League,
they havent won UEFA Cups, they
havent won four League Cups, they
havent won FA Cups, they havent
won Super Cups, they havent
gone to two World Cups
and two European
Championships
- but yet they
can judge
everyone
else. A lot
of these
people
really need
to think
about their
own situations.
If there
was a word
to describe
my career
Id say understated,
Heskey
added. I
achieved
a
lot and
theres a lot
of
people out
there that
get
praised for stuff
that shouldnt be praised for.
And never really done anything with it. When the striker
COMPOSED: Emile Heskey socres Englands fifth goal to cap

off a memorable night in Germany.
THREE LIONS: The England team that started the 5-1

demolition over Germany in 2001.
Emile Heskey talks about his ex-England team-mates

BEST TRAINER: Probably Joe Cole when
he first came through.
FUTURE MANAGER: I thought Jamie
Carragher would, I think Rio [Ferdinand]
could and probably someone like Lamps.
struggled to replicate his club form

for the national team towards the
latter stages of his England career
he was no longer regarded as being
a clinical finisher but more or less
known for being able to win flickons and patronisingly the work he
done off the ball, which represented
a bewildering metamorphosis from
the teenager, 17 at the time, which
first shot to prominence. But the
MOST INTELLIGENT: Everyone would

say David James would like to throw all
the big words and try to baffle you, but I
am not necessarily sure he knew what he
was talking about. But Ill say it was him.
QUICKEST: Theo Walcott
former Birmingham City player

revived his magical touch in front
of goal and blistering pace when the
Heskey of old scored in Englands
famous win against Germany with
the striker capping off a scintillating
performance with the fifth goal, in
what the 36-year-old considers to be
the highlight of his England career.
Heskey said: Due to the magnitude
and the importance of the game, I
JOKER: Jamie Carragher was quite funny. BEST TASTE IN MUSIC: Id

probably say myself for that
BEST MATE: Rio Ferdinand
one.
MOST SKILFUL: Joe Cole. He had a lot of WORST TRAINER: Everytricks.
one trained really hard, so
there wasnt one.
WORST TASTE IN MUSIC: No one
would definitely say it was my best

performance in an England shirt. I
think not just my goal but the game
itself stands out for everyone. We
actually lost our last game at the
Old Wembley against Germany.
That was just before we actually
went on the road playing at different
stadiums every international break.
So to lose your last game at the Old
Wembley, which was historically a
brilliant place, and then to lose it to

Germany with Dietmar Hamann
scoring as well was disappointing.
And then obviously we had a chance
to put that right and we did so.
Despite playing at international
level with England for 11 years
and playing in prestigious tournaments Heskey bemoans missed
opportunities with England due to
the side regularly falling short of
expectations at major tournaments.

But nonetheless, the former Aston
Villa man is immensely proud of
the fact he was able to represent his
country at World Cups and European Championships; something the
striker once deemed improbable.
To be fair when youre younger
your mindset is always to try and
reach new heights, Heskey added.
You never envisioned it you actual-
ly say ing to yourself: Yeah, Im going to do that, Im going to do this.

I said to myself: Id love to win the
World Cup didnt win it, didnt go
any further than the quarters, which
would be my only disappointment.
But playing at World Cups and
scoring at a World Cup as well was
a great feeling. Top, top players get
to play club football at the highest
but sometimes dont get to play at
World Cups and I was lucky enough
to play for two. Apart from that
game [against Germany] they were
probably my high points.
Despite scoring goals for his
country something of a rarity for the
striker, Heskey still had an influence
at international level having played
under Englands last four full-time
managers - prior to current boss
Roy Hodgson.
At his best the 36-year-old was
virtually unplayable, his performance in Munich highlights that,
but it was his inability to do it on
a regular basis which widely led to
criticism.
Shy in front of goal, his England career frowned upon, and his
trademark smile non-existent; the
great pride Heskey once had playing
for his country had become a joyless
experience. With his talents starting
to wane Heskey announced his
retirement from international football in 2010, shortly after Englands
dismal World Cup in South Africa.
In hindsight perhaps it was the
right time for the striker to call it
a day as he was 32 at the time an
an array of talent was starting to
emerge in English football. On

reflection Heskey considers Sven
Goran Eriksson to be the best England he played under.
He said: I quite liked Sven. He
was quiet but whenever you went
into a game you knew what your job
was and you knew what he wanted
of you. That is very important in
football.
Half the time when players go
onto a football pitch they dont
know what their job is. And then
when you actually ask them: What
is your job today? they couldnt tell
you. So its about knowing what you
have to do on the pitch at all times.
And hes one of those that went
through that. A lot of people might
say hes negative but at least we
didnt lose many games under him.
Despite all the highs and lows
Heskey experienced throughout his
England career these are moments
the 36-year-old will savour for the
rest of his life.
The 36-year-old considers it to be
an absolute honour representing
his country having rose though the
youth level into the senior team and
looks back on his England career
with great fondness.
Its was an unbelievable experience, Heskey added. Its an
absolute honour playing for your
country and anyone who has that
opportunity should take it up.
I was lucky enough to play from
the U16s right up to the full national team, so it was a great honour for
me to put on that shirt with great
pride.
40
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
NIGHTMARE
IN JAPAN
Medical team rush
to get Bianchi out
of the wreckage
after horror
crash
SAFETY: Bianchi collision raises safety concerns
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.
HAMILTON BEATS JAPAN JINX

LEWIS HAMILTON broke his
Suzuka jinx to take a 10-point
lead in the title race with his
first win in Japan.
It was his third consecutive
victory and his eighth of what is
turning into the best season of
his career.
Hamilton said: It was reminiscent of my win in the terrible
conditions at Silverstone in
2008.
Jenson Button had to settle
for fifth, however Hamiltons
victory was spoiled by Jules
Bianchis smash.
Monday, October 06, 2014
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
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.
Rodgers: Sterling will sign a new deal...he

could not be at a better club for his career
BRENDAN RODGERS is absolutely adamant that Raheem
Sterling will remain at Anfield.
The Liverpool boss has
scythed though speculation
surrounding the future of his
rising young Kop star by insisting he will sign a new deal in
the coming weeks.
Sterling (right) is currently
immersed in contract negotiations and has been linked with
a switch to both Real Madrid
and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Rodgers has refuted any talk of the 19-year-old
even thinking of leaving the
club.
When quizzed whether he
got the impression Sterling
wanted to stay, Rodgers replied:
Yes. Absolutely adamant. I
dont think there is anything
other than that.
His agent is a good agent
and he understands this is the
perfect place for Raheem.
The Liverpool manager
also stressed that despite

mounting speculation
and the number of clubs
being linked with bids, the
feeling among the Anfield
hierarchy is relaxed and
confident, with a deal
certain to be agreed
eventually.
He said: Its
not a big issue
for us. Ian
Ayre has
spoken to his
representatives and he is
quite relaxed.
The club is
dealing with the
agent so everything is
calm.
The boy is remarkably
happy here and there is
no secondary thoughts
about anything other than
continuing to play for
Liverpool.
Also, to continue with
his development because
he still has a lot of growth
- and for that the best place

for him to be is here.
His representatives
respect that and the club
respects that. So that will get
sorted out in time.
Liverpool have already
given Sterling one wage
rise, taking his
salary to around
50,000 a week.
And they
are prepared
to double
that, with
a contract
heavily incentivised to match
the 150,000 that
Daniel Sturridge now
earns.
Sturridge signed on Friday
to commit his next five years
to Liverpool, and the Reds
expect his partner to follow
suit, securing Englands
brightest young talent at the
club until almost 2020.
Rodgers will continue to
try to protect Sterling, to
HOW LAZAR
HAS SHINED..
41
LIVERPOOL STARS FUTURE
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
ensure he wont suffer

from burn-out.
He added: Its tough
for Raheem. As a coach
and a manager I was accused of leaving him out
against Aston Villa.
Ive been trying to
protect the kid not just
from performances but
headlines. People try to
write him off because hes
tired.
But he put in an
incredible shift against
West Brom. He had moments, of course, where
he gave the ball away but
he persevered and kept
going.
Hes going to have
good games and he is going to have games where
he is not going to set the
world alight.
One thing about
Raheem is that he will
always give 100 per cent
and does his best for the
team.
I Love Football - Jason Brown

MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - I would say Italia 1990. Toto
Schillaci was the best striker at the tournament, young Roberto Baggio and
Paul Gascoigne crying. For me it was probably the best World Cup ever.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - Millwall because
I used to live around the corner - so it used to be my loyal team.
MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - John Barnes.
THE GREATEST GAME IVE EVER WATCHED - That would have to be
when Arsenal beat Man United when Marc Overmars went through and
scored to make it 1-0. It was at Old Trafford - Peter Schmeichel went up for a
corner and tried to run back but he done his hamstring.
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Im good at it and its a sport of many
languages and cultures.
YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU

ROY HODGSON believes
Englands Young Gun have to
think of their country first, not
themselves.
Hodgson is thrilled that the
likes of Danny Welbeck and
Calum Chambers are now
getting regular game time
following their summer moves
to Arsenal.
But Chambers would have
returned to Gareth Southgates
squad for the European Under-21 Championship play-off
with Croatia had Evertons John
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Stones not pulled out of the senior

team last night having sustained
an ankle injury during Evertons
encounter against Manchester
United at the weekend.
Chambers and Luke Shaw were
both told by Hodgson they would
have been in the senior side were
it not for the importance of this
weeks games, while in-form West
Brom striker Sadio Berahino has
to wait at least one more month
for his first full squad selection.
Hodgson said: It is not even
a question for debate

that if players from 16
onwards playing for England can get experience
at tournaments and winning them it will serve
them in good stead.
What could be debated is that players who
have gone from the junior teams to making their
debut as a part of the
senior team is whether
it is then good for their
development to go back.
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Thursday, October 09, 2014
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Sport Football
ony Cascarino has been through the

highs and lows following a glittering
career, but in 1996 the striker received
devastating news which stunned his mother
and due to the severity of the situation very
nearly wiped his international record with
the Republic of Ireland. Everything Cascarino
knew had been a lie.
The former Chelsea striker who was known
as Tony Goal made the admission in his
autobiography, Full Time: The Secret Life of
Tony Cascarino. The 52-year-old appeared to
have been an innocent part in a tangled series
of events. But following the revelation that his
mother had been adopted by her Irish father,
Michael OMalley, this prompted Cascarino to
question his eligibility to play for the Republic.
In 1996, when FIFAs new laws required
players to be citizens of the country they represented, doubts started to surface on Cascarinos
mind as the striker, who had 66 caps by then,
needed an Irish passport, with the ex-Gillingham striker later stating in his autography that
he felt like a fraud and a fake Irishman at
the time. 15 years on Cascarino has no regrets
over what was written in his autography with
his claims causing national newspaper headlines at the time.
Im totally comfortable that I did say that
because what I was trying to express was that I
played 66 times for Ireland and obviously I was
playing under a British passport, Cascarino
said.
We were told by one of the Irish officials
that we had to give every information in order
to make sure that we could play for Ireland.
In that period when I went to St Catherines
House in London - and obviously got my
mums birth certificate, I found out that my
mum didnt know she was adopted which was
a huge blow because now it meant she was
adopted and her parents werent her biological
parents.
So it was all about the feeling of what it was
like knowing after 66 appearances for Ireland
that actually my mums ancestry isnt what we
thought it was. I felt like a fraud, I felt like an
intruder into what had happened. I had to tell
the people of the Federation that my mum isnt
born to who she thinks she was born to. Also,
it was a massive shock for my mum.
With his future international career uncertain, Cascarino was palpably relived when
he was informed that under adoption laws in
Ireland he still qualified to play for Ireland.
The Irish football authorities also reiterated
that adoption granted Cascarinos mother

citizenship rendering him eligible under
international rules. For Cascarino, however,
it was two contrasting emotions because on
one hand he was happy that his international achievements was not in vein - but the
sheer shock of his mum being adopted took
sometime getting used.
However, despite the shocking news Cascarino and his mother showed their mettle
when they refused to the let the revelation
rip apart their family.
Cascarino added: She was upset but her
words were: My dads still my dad even
though biologically hes not.
She was raised by her parents from day
dot and because biologically they werent it
still didnt change anything for her and nor
did it for me.
They were my grandparents and it stayed
that way. But we were pleased to know that
under adoption laws I still qualified to play
for Ireland.
Barring his Irish passport saga Cascarino
fulfilled a promising international career
with the Republic Ireland. The striker
played in one European Championship
(1988) and two World Cups (1990, 1994).
Representing your country is the pinnacle
of any footballers career and Cascarino was
able to achieve his tangible dream as well
earn international accolade.
Having scored 18 times for his country
Cascarino briefly became the record caps
holder for Ireland, which has since been
surpassed by Robbie Keane. Funny enough
Cascarinos former team-mate at Chelsea,
Dennis Wise, once told him: One England
cap is worth 50 Ireland caps.
Although that sense of humour was typical of Wise Cascarino eventually had the
last laugh when he scored against England,
which he considers to be the highlight of
his career.
I played at the 88 Euros and had two
World Cups and I had an amazing experience with an incredible group of player,
Cascarino added.
But the highlight of my career and probably my proudest moment in a Republic of
Ireland shirt was scoring against England.
That was a really proud moment because
Graham Taylor had bought me at Aston
Villa and then left Villa to take the England
job. When we played against England he
was the manager that day and I remember
43
Football Sport
Players are having to
make hard decisions,
says Cascarino
Tony Cascarino: I felt

like a fraud, a fake and
an intruder for Ireland
Tony Cascarino details what it was like playing for the Republic of
Ireland whilst receiving horrifying news about a loved one and how
a memorable night against England proved to be one of the
highlights of his career, writes Roshane Thomas
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Roshane Thomas

FORMER Millwall striker

Tony Cascarino believes the
next crop of young players,
who have duo nationalities,
are finding it difficult to
pledge their allegiances.
Players such as Aston Villa
prodigy Jack Grealish (below)
has found himself involved in
a tug-of-war between
England and
the Republic of
Ireland.
The 19-year-old
has already represented Republic
of Ireland at U21
level and
it seemed
likely that
he would
commit
himself
to the
RATINGS
senior
team. But
Grealish is yet
to make up
Tony Cascarino Fact File

Previous clubs
Gillingham (1981-1987) Scored
78 goals in 219 appearances for the
Gills.
Millwall (1987-1990) Played for the
team he supported as a boy having
grown up in the area.
Aston Villa (1990-1991) Became
the clubs record signing at 1.1m in
early 1990.
Celtic (1991-1992) Had an unsuccessful spell in Scotland with Celtic,
which only lasted one season.
Enjoy The Ride: Tony Cascarino celebrating his goal against England with his team-mate in 1992.
as I was about to go on the pitch he put his finger up to
me and said: Dont you dare go and score. England
were winning 1-0 and of course, I went on and scored.
Following the Republic of Irelands 1-1 draw against
England during the 1992 Euro qualifiers at Lansdowne
Road, now known as the Aviva, it took more than 20
years for England to seek revenge.
Due to the rivalry between the two countries the
international players for the Republic of Ireland had
to endure stick from their English team-mates at their
clubs respectively. Cascarino was no different but the
striker takes great pride in Irelands head-to-head

record against England, he said: A lot of us Irish
players would go back to our clubs in England and
we would rub shoulders with the England players
but theyd say things like: Oh typical, you were never
good enough to play for England.
But after we won we never got beat by England
for another 20 years. A lot of people dont realise that
we didnt get beat by England for so long. England
knew that we were a really tough team to play
against and they found it very difficult to beat us.
Chelsea (1992-1994) One of his

highlights whilst at Chelsea was appearing in the 1994 FA Cup final.
Marseille (1994-1997) Became a
household name in France where his
career kicked on.
Nancy (1997-2000) Was known by
the nickname Tony Goal and also
enjoyed a great spell at the club.
International football is much

harder due to duo nationality
Roshane Thomas
THE Republic of Ireland have
fallen short of expectations
having failed to qualify for a
major tournament since 2002.
Despite being led by the
peerless Robbie Keane in attack Ireland have struggled to
reprise their glowing success
at international level in the
late 80s and early 90s.
Tony Cascarino puts it
down to their being less duo
nationalities in the side as well
as other countries embracing
it more.
At one time we had a
good number of players we
could choose from, but now
the strength and depth of
the squad is not so strong,
Cascarino said. Weve just
hadnt had quite as many picks
Cascarino credits
Irelands success to
former manager
Jack Charlton
as years gone by. Now youll

find that many nations even
big nations in world football;
the Englands, the Italys and
France are all using it. And
that is making it harder for
Ireland to get players.
When the 52-year-old
played for Ireland the likes of
John Aldridge, Ray Houghton
and Andy Townsend - all of
whom were born in England
and Scotland respectively,
played pivotal roles in Irelands success in the 1990 and
1994 World Cups and Cascarino believes Ireland reaped
the rewards thanks to the
clever thinking of ex-Ireland
manager Jack Charlton.
He said: We had a very
strong team with Irish-born
players and other players who
could qualify through their
parents.
Jack Charlton and Ireland
were the pioneers of rusingthe
duo nationality. We were able
to entice players to come and
play for us, which was great.
his mind with the English

FA also keen on the talented
midfielder.
Its a very difficult decision
that these young players have
to make, Cascarino said.
Now players are having to
make decisions about who
they want to choose such as
the lad at Aston Villa [Jack
Grealish].
But youve got to want to
play for Ireland. Your hearts
got to be there to go and
want to play for Ireland.
Cascarino added: I
think if youve got players
who are indecisive, I dont
feel as a manager I would
want to choose
them. If theyre
having to think
about whether
they wanted
to put their
loyalties to
Ireland or not
- I wouldnt
choose them
and I think thats the
big difference different our era and
the one now.
Cascarino: I could have

also played for Scotland
Roshane Thomas
TONY CASCARINO has
revealed he could have represented Scotland rather than
the Republic of Ireland.
The London-born striker,
who won 88 caps for Ireland,
revealed his father was born
in Edinburgh which would
have enabled him to play for
the Scots at international level.
Cascarino, 52, said: My
dad was born in Scotland.
So I could have quite easily
qualified to play for them. My
grandparents on my fathers
side are Italian and they came
over during the war period
and he was born in Scotland.
Ive seen his birth certificate and any doubts are now
gone. It still seems unbelievable but I could just as easily
have qualified for the Scotland
national team.
But despite being eligible
to play for Scotland its not
something Cascarino has
ever discussed with his father.

The former Chelsea striker
also alluded to the fact that
his father never grew up in
Scotland, which might have
been the main reason why
the conversation was never
brought up.
What happened is that my
dad left Scotland at a very
young age, Cascarino added.
I think my dad was about
three or four when he came
to South London. My dad has
no Scottish accent or anything
like that he spoke Italian as
a young boy and he was a
Londoner, so he spoke with a
London accent.
So youd think my dad was
from Elephant and Castle, not
Scotland. So he spent all his
childhood there. Ive always
tried to keep that quiet because my dad wouldnt really
talk about it. But with an Italian surname I dont suppose
the SFA were ever likely to
come calling!
44
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
SCOUT REPORT: LEWIS BAKER
THE NEWGEN PAPER

England U21 cling on to
win at the Molineux
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014
West Broms Berhaino

continues goalscoring form
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.
Need to know more

Lewis Renard Baker was born on
April 25, 1995.
The midfielder previously played
for Luton youth team but when
Chelsea came calling the chance to

play for such a prestigious club was
too good an opportunity to turn
down.
Amazed by his footballing ability
at such a tender age Chelsea were
impetuous in their aim to get the
midfielder playing at a higher
standard and shortly after excelling
at U15 and U16 level Baker was
brought into the Under 18 team
and impressed from the off when he
amassed 19 appearances during the
2010-2011 campaign.
The 2011-12 season was also
another rewarding term for the freekick specialist when he was appointed first choice penalty-taker as he
coolly converted four goals from
the spot that season highlighting
Chelseas faith in the youngster.
And Bakers sparkling form
signified a step in the right direction
when he became an ever-present
figure during the 2012-13 campaign

which culminated in the midfielder
playing a pivotal role in Chelseas
reach to the NextGen Series and the
FA Youth Cup finals. However, their
talisman ended up medal-less on
both occasions.
Bakers eye-catching performances saw the the youngster deservedly
named Chelseas Young Player of
the Year as well as being rewarded
with a new five-year contract in the
summer.
What next for the Chelsea youngster?

Time and time again we have seen
many young talented British footballers either disappear into football
oblivion or fail to replicate the sort
of form they showed at youth level,
which has been inscrutable to say
the least. But unlike other clubs,
often bereft of ideas for their young
players, it seems like Chelsea

have a plan for Baker as he is
yet to be sent out on loan
which is promising bearing
in mind the amount of young
players the London-based
club ship out on meaningless
season-long loans.
Handed the No 34 shirt
at the start of the season it
remains to be seen whether
the midfielder will given firstteam opportunities under Jose
Mourinho this term.
John Terry is the last player
to make the breakthrough
from the Chelsea youth ranks
into the first team but Baker
has all the right attributes to
follow in the defenders path,
and his recent call-up into the
England U21 squad shows the
19-year-old is heading into the
direction.
BAKER: IM LEARNING FROM THE BEST AT CHELSEA

LEWIS BAKER says he wants to
keep learning from the best as he
continues his rise to international prominence with the England
Under-21s squad.
The highly-rated midfielder
has been apart of Jose Mourinhos

first-team squad this term and has
hailed his hard work as the catalyst
for his latest step up on the international ladder.
Baker said: Training with the
likes of [Nemanja] Matic and Cesc

Fabregas at Chelsea, Im learning
from the best and thats what you
want to do.
And being part of the [Chelsea]
first team is a great honour for me.
WITH GOALS
Get Premier League
minutes.
to TheNewGenPaper
the game
In association with
THE CHELSEA prodigy

has rose to prominence over
the last few seasons and his
endeavours reached new
heights last Thursday when
the 19-year-old was deservedly
named in Gareth Southgates
England U21 squad for their
upcoming European Championship play-off encounter with
Croatia.
The two-legged Euro play-off
will decide the Young Lions
fate for next summers finals in
Czech Republic. Having guided
Chelsea to the Under 21 Premier League title last term as
well as casting a watchful eye
over his influential performances - Southgate clearly
believes Baker can be something of a secret weapon; ready
to exert his class under the
BT Sport cameras this Friday.
45
But being called up to the

Under-21s is another great
achievement.
Its a good step up, and a
big step up, and I just want
to keep working hard.
Cheltenham Town v Bristol City Wednesday 7.30pm
46
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
the game
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Goals!
Goals!
Online now:
watch all the action
from the weekend
on your computer,
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THE NEWGEN PAPER,
the game
International
England (4-3-3)
ROSHANE THOMAS
JACK BUTLAND
Pulled off a string

of fine saves to
keep England in
the game.
ROSHANE THOMAS
England U21
Kane 60, Berahino 85
Croatia U21
Livaja 13
2
1
England U21 strengthened their aspiration to qualify for

next summers Euro 2015 Under-21 Championship finals
when they narrowly beat Croatia 2-1 at the Molineux
Stadium on Friday.
A late penalty from in-form striker Saido Berahino
subjected the visitors to a defeat putting Gareth Southgates
men in a fairly comfortable position to qualify when they
take on Croatia once more on Tuesday for their decisive
second leg in Vinkovci.
This week a lot has made about whether the likes of
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Raheem
Sterling should be playing U21 football having all made
the set up into the senior team. But although their inclusion would be an added bonus for manager Southgate,
the Young Lions showed they have enough talent and
resilience to cope without the penetrative qualities of the
Barkleys and Sterlings of this world.
An unnecessary story earlier in the week has been that
Shaw - still only 19, by the way - feeling the need to refute
ideas that he had been demoted to play for the under-21s
having been a regular in the England squad earlier this
year.
Its absurd that a player who, yes has the qualities beyond
his years, should feel hes being dropped from the senior
team into the U21 despite the fact hes perfectly eligible
to play. As well as the names I mentioned Jack Wilshere
is another player who could have easily been involved in
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
Had a poor game

which led to the
defender being
brought off.
Fridays 2-1 win against Croatia U21; but instead

he, similar to Chambers and Oxlade-Chamberlain featured in the senior teams meaningless Euro 2016
qualifier against European minnows San Marino.
There is plenty of time for them to step up. They do
not need to be fast-tracked.
For Gareth Southgate, however, last month his
side were drawn against Croatia in the qualifying
play-offs for next years European Under-21 Championship finals in Czech Republic. For Croatia it was
a case of them entering unknown territory having
never played a competitive game against England.
But with neither teams able to muster any noticeable efforts on goal, in the early stages of the game, it
was the visitors who eventually drew first blood from
a corner-kick. Ante Coric floated in a delightful ball
at the back-post where an unmarked Livaja steered
his header past Butland to give the Croatians the
best possible start.
Southgate had a number of Barclays Premier
League stars at his disposal - albeit a lovely conundrum to have - but England narrowly came close to
reducing the arrears through the unlikely source of
LIAM MOORE
Solid performance from the

centre-half, could
have scored.
An average performance from

the Middlesborough defender.
LUKE SHAW
Arguably the
games pivotal
figure; tireless
running.
England U21 (4-3-3): Butland (c), Keane (sub: Dier

45), Moore, Gibson, Shaw, Redmond, Carroll, Forster-Caskey, Hughes (sub: Ince 56), Kane, Berahino
Substitutes not used: Bond, Garbutt, Lascelles, Baker,
Bamford Booked: Moore
NATHAN
REDMIOND
Had a few chances

to get his name
on the scoresheet.
Good performance.
Croatia U21 (4-4-2): Livakovic, Zuparic, Milic (sub:

Milos 90), Bradaric, Datkovic (c), Mitrovic, Pjaca,
Pavicic, Rebic, Livaja (sub: Bagaric 69), Coric (sub:
Pasalic 62) Substitutes not used: Delac, Perica, Caktas, Brucic Booked: Zuparic, Pavicic
Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina Friday 7pm
BEN GIBSON
RATINGS
Shaw. With two decisive legs determining Englands

fate for next summers finals Shaw, the 30m man,
went on a jinxing run down the left flank and burst
inside from the left wing to unleash a fierce strike
from an acute angle which crashed off the inside of
the post.
Despite conceding an early goal Redmond was
the fulcrum for the Young Lions often at the heart of
most of Englands attack. The Norwich winger unleashed a tantalising strike from 25 yards which was
spectacularly saved by Dominik Livakovic and from
the resultant corner-kick Liam Moore, ghosting in
from the far-post - saw his glancing header go over
the bar. But having come close on two occasions to
halve the deficit it was evident that there was more
impetus in the way England were starting to play.
Prior to the match Southgates men boasted the
better defensive record having only conceded two
goals as opposed to Croatias five. Having said that,
England werent doing their impressive defensive
record any justice when the influential Coric exerted
his brute strength to out muscle Michael Keane only
for the former to see his curled attempt at goal nar-
47
International
England U21 take a narrow

first-leg advantage at the
Molinuex Stadium
Referee X Estrada Attendance 23,107
Free with thenewgen

subcription
goals
TOM CARROLL
rowly go wide of Butlands post. Another ominous

warming that the visitors would not be easily cowed.
Refusing to simplify their football Croatia flicked
at the accelerator again in an attempt to establish a
two-goal cushion. Aiming to showcase his attacking
skills under the BT Sport cameras Coric orchestrated the away sides attack once more but passed
up another glorious chance to strengthen Croatias
aspirations of gaining a healthy first-leg lead when
the midfielder struck his venomous shot over the
bar. Having established a foothold in the game it was
a case of whether the visitors would be left to rue
missed chances come the final whistle.
And so they did, almost immediately after the
interval the importance of what was at stake set the
tone for Englands equaliser. In-form striker Saido
Berahino showed sheer determination by the left
flank and drifted in from the left channel hoisting in
a cross for Kane, who evaded his marker, to gleefully
nod it home from close range - which brought England back in the game.
The last time the U-21s played at Wolves - in
March 2008, they drew 0-0 with Poland in front of
over 28,000. Six years down the line the opportunity
for the young Lions to play at Molineux came to
fruition once more, this time with a lesser crowd of 23,000

beseeching Southgates men to claw their way in front.
Come on England the chant emanated from the England faithful and Redmond put their words into practice
when he once more conjured up a stunning strike from an
improbable range this time forcing Livakovic to spill his
effort but the latter recovered well to deny a lurking Kane a
brace from the rebound.
A plus for the hosts was when Croatia manager Nenad
Gracan opted for a tactical rejig and brought off earlier
goalscorer Marko Livaja replacing him with what later
proved to an ineffective Drazen Bagaric. That substitution
proved to the visitors downfall as the lack of creativity was
hampering their chances of securing a win which later culminated in the Croatians looking devoid of ideas.
It all started so well for Nan Gracans men but with the
game reaching the latter stages England were firmly in the
ascendancy. No surprise it was Redmond again who had a
chance to put the hosts in the lead for the first time.
The former Birmingham trainee delightfully brought the
ball down, controlling with class, but his endeavours proved
to no avail in the end having narrowly saw his effort prod
wide of Livakovics post. However, Berahinos scintillating
form prevailed once more for the Young Lions. The striker
amassed nine of Englands 31 goals scored during he qual-
ifiers and the chance to continue his goalscoring form presented

itself when the West Brom star was fouled in the penalty area by
the heavily tested Livakovic.
Oozing with confidence the striker coolly stepped up and
dispatched his penalty to sheer perfection - with the Croatian
guessing right - to send the crowd into raptures, which is perhaps
the last time we will see a West Brom players goal celebrated with
that much exuberance at the Molineux Stadium.
His late penalty proved to be the last meaningful effort on
goal which saw England deservedly encompassing their winning
streak to nine successive games. The Young Lions will need to
replicate their dominant second-half performance they showed
on Friday once more on Tuesday when they face Croatia in their
decisive second-leg in Vinkovci.
England U21 v Croatia U21

5pm, BT SPORT
Scotland v Georgia Saturday 4pm
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
48
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
49
LEE CLARKS TOUGHEST TASK
NEWLEY-APPOINTED Blackpool manager Lee Clark faces

the arduous task of keeping
the club in the Championship
following their stuttering start
to the season.
The Championship strugglers, who are currently rooted
at the bottom of the league,
drew 1-1 against Bolton
Wanderers as their aspirations
of climbing out the drop zone
suffered a further set back.
But Clark is adamant he will
turn things around, and the
ex-Birmingham manager said:
All my focus is just keeping
the club in the Championship
for the short term. Hopefully in
THE NEWGEN PAPER
SP RT
For the moments

words.


0800 158 2866 Quote NewGen2014
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
ers up until then that hadnt played

a game this season. He hadnt been
the future we can build for the long
injured he just wasnt part of the
term. But if we can keep the club in
previous management teams plans
the Championship to have a basis
- so that resulted in him not having
to start from for next season that
the required fitness level needed
would be fantastic for us. Its a big
for the Championship. Charles was
challenge but I am confident that if
finding it physically harder than he
we keep believing then we can do it.
thought he wouldve.
Obviously its a huge challenge,
But now hes had a run of games
I knew that when I took the job on.
and the fitness work needed, so
The predicament at the table, the
thats an example of where were at.
lack of wins and the lack of confiBut despite Blackpools fitness
dence within the squad. Weve had a
concerns the Seasiders have recently
tough first week because we played
bolstered their midfield options
three games in a week.
having drafted in ex-Burnley midBut when we had the internafielder Chris Eagles and enigmatic
tional break it gave us the oppormidfielder Jamie OHara - all of
tunity to put some work into the
whom are on short-term deals
- as they both have proven
track records in the Championship.
With more players at his
disposal Clark is hopeful
WHAT HAS THE BIGGEST SHOCK FOR YOU SINCE YOUVE BECOME
his recent signings can hit
A MANAGER - I never get surprised by it now. Im approaching six or seven
the ground running and
seasons as a manager now and I gain experience everyday and Im learning
also enthused his enjoyeveryday. But I never get shocked by anything.
ment at signing the duo.
But the Blackpool boss
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST SIGNING AS A MANAGER - The stand-out
alluded to the fact that he
one is Jordan Rhodes who was a success on the pitch but added value to the
is aiming to strengthen
squad. Anthony Pilkington is another player who enjoyed success and added
in other areas as well as
value to the squad.
offload a few players due
to the size of the squad.
IN TERMS OF TRAINING DRILLS WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRAHe added: Chris will
TION - I study lots of coaching manuals, DVDs and things on the internet.
hopefully add a new
players tactically, technically and
physically.
Blackpools lack of match fitness was exploited when summer
signing Charles Dunne struggled
to cope with the rigorous demands
of Championship football - having
previously played at League Two
level for Wycombe Wanderers.
Dunne, 21, found it difficult
to secure a regular starting berth
under previous manager Jose Riga
but despite not being at the required
fitness level the left-back is now a
regular starter under Clark.
Charles from my first game was
one of my starters and has started all
the three games since, Clark said.
But Charles was one of those play-
Managerial Questions - Lee Clark
See all the goals

tonight
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Messi looks set

to be top of the
bill in derby
BARCELONA are hoping to beat a record as well as inflict defeat

on rivals Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season this
Saturday, writes Roshane Thomas
The Spanish giants meet in the capital, with table-toppers Barca
currently four points ahead of their rivals - thanks to a 3-0 home
win over top-flight newcomers Elbar.
Lionel Messi scored the final goal, with the likes of Xavi and
Neymar also on the scoresheet, to bring his tally to 250 - putting
him one behind all-time top scorer Telmo Zarra of Athletic Bilbao.
The game is also set to mark controversial striker Luis Suarezs
first appearance in a Barca shirt, having served his four-month
ban.
Cristiano Ronaldo, however, has broken a record following his
scintillating start to a Spanish top-flight campaign. The ex-Manchester United icon scored a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Levante,
which made it 15 goals in seven games - beating Esteban Echeverrias record of 14 for Real Oviedo set in 1943.
Barca boss Luis Enrique said: We will be going to Real to win,
as we have done over the last few years. But I dont think the game
will be decisive.
In Germany, Bayern Munich dominate once again and are four
points clear following a 6-0 home demolition of Werder Bremen that saw Philipp Lahm and Mario Gotze both net twice.
But the big surprise is Borussia Dortmund being fifth from
bottom after a 2-1 loss at Cologne.
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp said: We played a kind of
football which is absolutely pointless.
Arsenals Champions League opponents Anderlecht drew 1-1 at
Mechelen and CSKA Moscow, who host Man City, emphatically
registered a 6-0 win over Kuban Krasnodar.
TROTTERS LINE UP HOOPER

NEIL LENNON is hoping to
bring his former Celtic strike
star Gary Hooper to Bolton.
The new Trotters boss has
identified the Norwich City
forward, who has been blighted
by injuries this term, as the man
to help steer the club away from
the relegation danger zone.
Lennon previously managed
Hooper (right) during his reign
at Parkhead, and will look to
land a loan deal for the forward
who has struggled to make an
impact at Carrow Road.
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
BITTER Joleon Lescott has

accused Manchester City boss
Manuel Pellegrini of double
standards over his League Cup
final axe.
is relieved to be back
BY Lescott
ROSHANE
THOMAS
playing regularly with new club
West Brom after his City career
went frustratingly downhill when
he became a periphery figure.
He says the rot set in under
Roberto Mancini - and mocked
the Italians excuse for dropping
him.
But Lescott is angriest at
Pellegrini, who dropped the
centre-half from the Capital One
Cup final against Sunderland last
March despite playing every game
leading up to the final.
Ahead of Manchester Uniteds
visit to Albion tonight, Lescott
said: I played every minute
captained the semi-final then not
playing in the final - that was the
hardest part.
I played as many
minutes if not more than
TEAM NEWS
anyone in the League
WEST BROM: FosCup. He just read out
ter, Gamboa, Lescott,
the team and my name
Dawson, Pocognoli,
wasnt in there. That was
Dorrans, Gardner, Morhard.
rison, Brunt, Sessegnon,
Then he explained
Berahino
the reason why he didnt
MAN UTD: De Gea,
pick Joe Hart and it was
Rafael, Jones, Rojo,
because Costel PantilShaw, Blind, Herrera, Di
imon had played more
Maria, Mata, Van Persie,
minutes.
Falcao
I was like, if thats the
reason for him, why isnt
TV: Live on Sky Sports
that a reason for me?
1 from 7pm
Wolverhampton defender believes

his demotion at City cost him a
place in Roy Hodgsons England
World Cup squad this summer for
Brazil.
He said: After Euro 2012 I felt
there was an opportunity with John
Terry and Rio Ferdinand getting
older and stuff.
I got the feeling Gary Cahill was
going to be the next focal point and
it was an opportunity for someone
to play alongside him.
I felt it was mine, after playing in
the Euros, to stake a claim first. But
if you are not playing as regularly as
someone else, it warrants him playing ahead of you. I was disappointed I wasnt given the opportunity.
Lescotts belated debut after injury problems coincided with Albion
securing their first victory of the
season in a 1-0 win at Tottenham.
He added: I thought if I
go to a club where you
play every week, hopefully I will get another
chance for England.
West Brom
West Brom skipper is not as glamorous as Man
Chris Brunt could
City, but theyre an
be fit to face United
established Premier
despite injuring his
League team.
groin on duty with
And like any
Nothern Ireland.
team, regardless of
United captain
your ambition, you
Wayne Rooney is
want to progress.
suspended after his
red card against West We finished
Ham. Ander Herrera, 17th last year.
Thats not good
Chris Smalling and
enough. Were
Michael Carrick are
looking for top
back in training and
half.
could feature.
United boss reveals how he selects players
51
THE HAWTHORNS
KICK-OFF 8PM
WEST BROM V MAN UTD
FOCUSED Messi playing against La Liga side Elbar
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
JOY Falcao celebrating

against Everton
United are
not fit enough
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
Lescott anger
at Pellegrini &
Mancini for the
hardest times
of his career
LVG: WE NEED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

BY ROSHANE THOMAS
LOUIS VAN GAAL has admitted
Manchester United are missing the
Champions League and are desperate to get back among Europes
elite.
United are not involved in
Europe for the first time in 19
years after last seasons dismal
seventh-place finish under David
Moyes.
That means the deposed
champions can focus on domestic
matters this campaign and the task
of re-establishing themselves as
a top-four side. But Van Gaal said

he would rather be competing in
the Champions League this season,
because he feels it would improve
Uniteds competitive edge.
The Red Devils travel to West
Brom and have the rest of the week
to prepare for Sundays visit of Chelsea, who host European minnows
Maribor in the Champions League
tomorrow.
Van Gaal (left), who is looking for
a third straight win, said: When you
play in the Champions League, you
can compare yourselves as a team
with the better players, with a higher
level. I had a philosophy when

I was a technical director of the
Dutch Football Federation, I gave
structure to the youth education,
that the younger players have to
play against the better players.
Then you get development of
your players, because they are
playing better opponents. The
chance is better for the players
then, especially the youngsters.
West Brom v Man Utd

8pm, SKY SPORTS 1
LOUIS VAN GAAL has hit back

at suggestions that his players are
not fit enough.
Manchester United have
scored just once after the hourmark this campaign, raising the
question of whether their players
are in good enough condition to
last the distance.
The 20-time champions have
had to hang on for 2-1 wins in
their last two games, against
West Ham and Everton (above,
Radamel Falcaos winner against
Everton), but manager Van Gaal
said their fitness or commitment
was not in question.
Fitness is maybe a point,
because Ive already said I have
adapted my intensity of training
sessions to a lower level, said
Van Gaal.
But I have to give a certain
level because they need to play
90 minutes. But I think we are
fit enough from what I see. They
are fighting to the last minute
and are willing to do everything
so Im very happy with their
passion.
But we have to learn to kill
the game and you can do that,
not with one or three or eight, we
have to do that with 11 players.
Van Gaal conceded there are
better teams than them in the
Premier League at present, chiefly Chelsea and rivals Manchester
City, their next two opponents
after West Brom.
You have your hopes, but
there are stronger teams, he
added. We have to make a team
and thats why I have three years.
I hope we can fulfil that dream
we have together.
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
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Friday, November 14, 2014
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER READING MIDFIELDER
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.
Whilst watching on from the bench

Harper felt aggrieved that the likes
of Scott Davies were playing ahead
of him despite the former Arsenal
trainees wealth of experience - as
opposed to Davies inadequacies.
Harpers disbelief is testament to the
fact that four-years after his release
from Reading Davies is currently a
free agent at the age of 26.
To compound matters for Harper
whenever he made a cameo appearance from the bench, under
Rodgers, the latter would opt to
play him out wide disregarding the
midfielders natural position.
He added: People like Scott
Davies were playing. He wasnt even
good and he doesnt even play anymore. So I was on the bench and he
wouldnt even play me and if he did,
which was hardly, I was coming on for

like 10 minutes on the left wing and all
that crap. He kept saying to me: Youre
going to get your chance.
With his pleas for a regular starting
berth continuously ignored Harpers
chances of playing under Rodgers
seemed fanciful when the ex-Chelsea
coach drafted in Brain Howard, as his
replacement, unbeknown to Harper to
at the time - which extinguished any
lingering hopes he had of getting back
into the team.
It was a huge blow for the 34-yearold having remained a loyal servant
to the club for nine-years - something
of a rarity in modern day football. Its
uncanny to think his loyalty towards
the club coincided with the midfielders
acrimonious departure - with Rodgers
suggesting: Youve been here for too
long now.
Momentous achievements such as
winning promotion to the Premier
League became a distant memory when
his agent informed him his services
was no longer required at the Madejski
Stadium.
We played Newcastle and got beat
3-0, we were playing teams and kept
getting beat, we were in the bottom
three and he just wouldnt play me,
said Harper.
In the end Rodgers signed Brain
Howard and my agent said: Listen he
signed Brain Howard but he cant play
until you go.
That was the first I knew about it.
We had a game against Barnsley
on the Saturday and deadline
day was the Monday and he
called me into his office and
said: You have to go, Sheffield
United want you.
And I just ended up having
a massive row with him.
Harpers animosity towards
Rodgers grew even stronger when the
ex-Reading managers alarming sense
of arrogance in their hostile meeting
eroded any sort of meaningful relationship which could have been resolved in
the build up to his departure.
He added: I told Rodgers: I know
Brain Howard is waiting at the gates for
me to go, but I aint going nowhere. I
dont know what your game is, were in
the bottom three and I dont know why
youre not playing me because youre
playing terrible players.
Then he went: If it doesnt work out
for me here Ill go to Inter Milan with
[Jose] Mourinho. This is not my level,
Im a Champions League manager.
STEADY: Jermaine Jenas passes the ball as James Harper of

Reading closes in during the Barclays Premier League match.
EUROPE: Gilbert making his Champions League debut

against Ajax
ONE WINNER: James Harper trying to win a tackle against

Ipswichs Town Alan Quinn.
He was just so big time and so arrogant. Its

palpable to see why Harper considers Rodgers to be, in colloquial terms, an absolute
dick having been deemed surplus to requirements by him.
The midfielder eventually moved to Sheffield United but his spell at the the League
One side was hugely unsuccessful - despite

gaining more first-team opportunities. Stability has been a major issue for Harper since
his departure from Reading. Besides Sheffield
United - where he featured regularly, ineffective spells at Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and
Barnet culminated in the midfielder dropping
into Non-League football where he is now

currently on the books at Basingstoke Town.
At one stage Harper had to endure being
without a club for two years, due to a series of
rejections and his treatment from managers
wasnt showing any sign of improvement.
I couldnt really get anywhere, said Harp-
er. I was at Hull City and I didnt play for a

season there. The manager didnt really like
me then I went to Doncaster and we were top
of the league and I played 30 games, but then
a new manager came in and didnt like me so
I didnt play.
So I had like maybe two years of not play-
ing and I was struggling to get a club - I

couldnt get a club at all. I was ringing
up clubs and the majority of them
turned me down. I was even ringing
Conference teams but kept getting the
same response. So it was very tough.
My agent was ringing around but
kept getting told no and I rang up a
couple of managers myself and I was
getting texts back saying: No, thanks.
The last five or six years has just
been downhill. I shouldve never have
left Reading.
Indeed, Harpers departure from the
Royals led to his decline in form for
what was a once promising career.
With it being a modern trend to
reward long serving players with a
testimonial, Harper was denied this
privilege which was another kick in the
teeth for his loyalty.
To make matters worse for Harper
his futile attempts to patch things up
with Rodgers, who had become under
fire at Reading, left him bewilderingly
frustrated as his heart felt text messages
were continuously ignored.
Harper added: The worse thing is
Reading were doing horrific and I was
still texting him. I put all that stuff
behind us and I was wishing him good
luck and every time they lost Id wish
him good luck again, but he just didnt
reply to me. They had QPR away

and everyone was saying he was
going to get sacked and I wrote him
a really long text and it was proper
nice and he just put back thanks.
But once Rodgers was appointed manager of Swansea Harpers
former boss eventually replied to his
texts, however his response wasnt
what the midfielder had in mind.
He got sacked went to Swansea
and then rung me trying to be my
best mate asking me about players,
said Harper. I thought to myself:
Why are you trying to be my mate?
Barring his career post-Rodgers Harper did fulfil a meaningful
career having played a pivotal role
in Readings trajectory to the topflight.
Besides everything that took place
Harper details his proudest moment
in a Reading shirt.
He added: Whenever we played
Preston they used to always batter
us. But the season we went up I
think the 05/06 season we played
them at the start of the campaign
and beat them 3-0.
We absolutely ripped them apart
and thats what I would consider
to be the happiest moment for me
whilst at Reading.
54
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Sport Football
magine losing your home, cars and

eventually your marriage? Well during his
harrowing reign as Crystal Palace chairman
Mark Goldbergs love affair with football cost
him his fortune - as well as everything else he
loved, but seeing his son, Bradley Goldberg,
turn his career around has given him a pleasure that is priceless.
Goldberg junior endured disappointment
in 2011, and a reminder that football can turn
nightmarish, when Charlton Athletic felt he
wasnt at the required level to be offered a
professional contract which culminated in the
then 19-year-old being released by the club.
But now on Dagenham and Redbridges
books the striker is oozing with confidence
and credits his determination for being able to
prove doubters wrong.
After I got released from Charlton in 2011
I always wanted to bounce back and prove
people that I am capable of doing well, said
Goldberg junior. In the 2012/13 season I
went to Hastings and tried to prove myself and
ended up scoring goals there, despite us getting
relegated. Then I signed for Dagenham and
Redbridge so hopefully I can do well here to.
But it all hasnt been plain sailing for the
In 2013 Bradley Goldberg, 21, was

unable to guide Hastings United to
the fourth round of the FA Cup as
their loss at Championship side
Middlesborough ended on a proud
note. Their cup journey started
against Chatham, then visits to
Staines and Harrogate eventually saw
the Non-League side earn a glamorous draw against Middlesborough.
More than 1,000 fans made the 618mile round trip to the North East and
despite Hastings 4-1 loss at Riverside
that failed to demoralise the squad
and fans as a stand-out moment from
Goldberg, who spearheaded the Us
attack, even earned the youngster
applauses from former Boro manager
Tony Mowbray - in what turned out
to be a memorable day for the club.
Goldberg family. In 1998, when Goldberg

senior was in his mid-30s, he took millions
he had made from an IT recruitment business and plumped them into Palace, where
an unforgettable error-strewn eight months
saw the ex-Chairman take his boyhood club
on the blink of liquidation.
Goldberg senior eventually paid a heavy
price for his failures at Palace when unrewarding risks saw him declared bankrupt
and his marriage collapsed.
But despite his dads downfalls, Bradley
Goldberg indebtedness towards him is palpable and he considers him to be his biggest inspiration due to his dad refusing to
relinquish his love for the game but instead
savouring a pride towards his achievements.
Bradley said: I definitely think my dads
one of my biggest inspiration, because hes
one of the most optimistic people I know.
He always gets you going when youre low
- bearing in mind hes been through the
toughest times.
Im 21 now, but I was at a young age
when my dad was the Crystal Palace
chairman. It did have an effect on my family
when things turned sour during his eight
months there. But it shows how you always
have to bounce back and that sort of paved
through to me really in what Im trying to
do now. Thats what my dad did after his
difficult time at Palace, he bounced back
and now hes managing Bromley.
With his love for the game stronger than
ever and his equilibrium rekindled Goldberg senior established himself as a manager for Conference South side Bromley.
Although the riches he was once accustomed to whilst at Palace now a rarity at
Bromley, he regained his sense of happiness
in other areas besides the boardroom when
he masterminded the London-based clubs
success in securing the Kent and London
Senior Cup.
Now that both members of the Goldberg
family were back on the right track a fatherson managerial encounter came to fruition
in 2013 when Dagenham and Redbridge
loaned the youngster to Bromley.
Having once been told at Charlton that he
wasnt good enough, Bradley didnt let that
deter his aspirations of becoming a footballer as he details what it was like to play
under his dad: It was a great experience for
me and it went really well, Bradley added.
Having made a good start and winning
55
Football Sport
Hodgsons successor
must buy into DNA
plans, says Ashworth
A dad who lost 40m

and a son who was told
he wouldnt make it
Former Crystal Palace owner Mark Goldberg lost his 40million
fortune in an ill-starred eight months, and his son Bradley suffered
a setback when he was released by Charlton in 2011 - however both
feel richer for their experience, writes Roshane Thomas
Roshane Thomas

DAN ASHWORTH, the FAs

head of elite development,
said last night that future
England managers must embrace the new DNA project,
a position that will strengthen
Gareth Southgates prospects
of succeeding Roy
Hodgson.
Southgate,
below, is viewed
by some within
the FA hierarchy
as the logical
successor to
Hodgson,
whose
contract
as a
manager
of the
senior
team
expires
in the
summer
RATINGS
Bradley Goldberg Fact File

Previous clubs
Charlton Athletic (2010-2011)
Joined Charlton in 2010 on a twoyear scholarship. Having failed to
make a senior appearance for the
Championship side, Charlton opted
against offering Goldberg a professional contract and he was released
in 2011.
Hastings United (2011-2013) Made
a name for himself at the NonLeague side.
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
because obviously everyones looking at him being

my dad and people questioning whether I should or
shouldnt be in the side. But thankfully at the time, I
let my football do the talking.
With his goalscoring prowess rediscovered Bradley
is aiming to continue his fine form and has promotion with his new team firmly in his sights.
Hopefully I can score 20 goals or more this
season, and keep my form going, Goldberg junior
said. Hopefully we can be consistent too and try to
challenge for promotion.
Dagenham and Redbridge

(2013-present) Professional hopes
revived when he impressed on trial
and was signed by the Daggers.
Bromley (loan) (2013-2014) Imperious form whilst on loan at Bromley, where his father, Mark Goldberg, got the best out of him.
Bristol Rovers (loan) (2014) Joined
the Conference Premier side on a
one-month loan deal.
Forster can keep pressure on

Hart thanks to summer switch
Roshane Thomas
FRASER FOSTER has said
that moving to Southampton
has given him the platform
and profile to dislodge Joe
Hart as England No1.
The former Celtic goalkeeper has been in eye-catching form this term pulling off
a string of fine saves - and also
started for England against
Scotland in the 3-1 friendly victory last month, after
being named five times on the
bench for the national team
since the summer.
There used to be incredulity
in Scotland that no one took
Forster seriously while he was
playing in Celtic. His arrival at
Southampton this summer and concerns regarding Harts
lack of form at Manchester
Forster has helped
Southampton start
the season in style
City - have changed the

picture.
Its important [that] I work
as hard as I can and put as
much pressure on Joe Hart,
Forster said.
Ben Forster and I will be
doing that. Its something
Ive dreamt off as a kid, to be
England No1. Joe Hart is a
top goalkeeper himself and
playing at Manchester City.
Its a long time until Ive
got another international
game, so its about concentrating on club football.
Forster, 26, said playing in
the Premier League gave him
the exposure to put pressure
on England manager Roy
Hodgson. Southampton have
given me a fantastic opportunity, and it is important to
play as well as I can and then
see what happens, he said.
Its important [that] I play
as well as I can for Southampton because Joe Harts a
fantastic goalkeeper and so is
Ben Forster.
2016. Ashworth declined to

comment on the specifics of
how that process will unfold,
whether in 2016 or later, but
emphasised the importance
of finding a manager who will
buy into the principles behind
the DNA project. When
asked whether this more
organic approach would play
into the hands of an internal
candidate, Ashworth said:
First and foremost, Roy
has still got a long time left
on his contract, so its not a
question we need to think
about for a period
time.
Hodgson has
yet to indicate
whether he
plans to
continue as
England
manager
beyond
2016, but
it seems
likely the
FA would
favour another
English coach.
Young English players

are too soft, says Dyche
Roshane Thomas
BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche has demanded the elitist
academy system should be
revamped for the good of
English football.
Dyche believes that part
of the problem stems from
young players being given too
much too young.
Some of the elitist thinking
within academies is so elite
that the rawness is softened
because they get treated unbelievably well, Dyche said.
Some of its farcical. You
get 14-year-olds needing a rub
before training. I cant accept
that. I was speaking to an
eight-year-old who did a hamstring. I said: I cant believe
you know what a hamstring is,
son. You go out there and you
get yourself running.
Some people have that
natural edge to what they are
and it takes them to where
they want to go to. People
might say its an archaic view

but I dont think so. I think
the moral fibre of football is as
absolutely relevant now as its
ever been.
Burnley have one of the
brightest home-grown
prospects in the top-flight in
Danny Ings, the highly-rated
England Under-21 striker,
who has scored four goals so
far this term.
Dyche also managed
Charlie Austin - who is the
joint-highest English scorer in
the Premier League this season, along with West Bromwich Albions Sadio Berahino.
Dyche added: The players
who keep going are the ones
who break ceilings. So far,
Charlies doing that but it is a
so far story even for Charlie.
The big historical goalscorers do it season after season.
He [Charlie] is still quite
young for him to be considered a mainstay Premier
League striker.
56
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Thursday, November 20, 2014
LIVERPOOLS NEW-LOOK STADIUM
LIVERPOOL expect the redevelopment of the main stand

at Anfield to earn the club an
additional 20 million per season, with the cost of the 144
million project being funded
by an interest-free loan from
Fenway Sports Group (FSG),
the clubs owner.
Carillion, the construction
company, will take full control
of the site on Monday, with
construction work planned to
begin next month. The project
is expected to be completed in
time for the 2016-17 season,
with an extra 8,500 seats added
to the main stand, increasing
the stadium capacity from
45,000 to 54,000.
Liverpool will repay the
loan to FSG over a period of
five and a half years, with the
finance being provided via the
American sports investment
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
hospitality of Old Trafford and be

around the same level of Arsenal.
That feels right for the model we
have created.
I dont think we are changing
anything because we are keeping
the ratio very similar. The overall
percentage of corporates when we
finish it will not be that dissimilar from today. We are increasing
capacity and keeping the corporate
seats in line as a percentage.
We know the demand is there for
both. Weve always known theres a
huge demand for general admission
but there is also a huge demand for
hospitality.
Weve got people desperate to
come to those facilities and thats
good. Driving prices in those
corporate areas helps. People often
point at the corporate fans and say
they are not real fans or whatever;
but the reality is they make a huge
contribution to the football club and
keep tickets prices at the level they

are. Without them, the revenues
would be much smaller and if other
costs were at the same level, everybody else would get hit in some
form: sponsors, general admission,
everyone.
Arye maintains the belief that
remaining at Anfield rather than
moving to a purpose-built stadium
is the best solution and insisted that
the challenge of repaying the redevelopment loan in such a short time
frame will not undermine Liverpools ability to remain competitive
on the pitch.
The way we pull this together
lends itself to that, Arye added. We
have not spent twice the money on
a new stadium, meaning we have
twice the debt. With this solution
and the economics around it, we can
continue to invest in the team.
You have to manage your finances effectively. At the end of every
season the one target we want

is to make as much revenue
to reinvest in the team. If you
have got a huge cost burden
from something youve built,
thats eating into that. Its nice
to have the biggest house but
youve got to pay for it.
A second phase of the project in which 4,800 seats will
be added to the Anfield Road
Stand already has planning
permission, but Liverpool are
yet to commit to a start date
for that redevelopment. If and
when they do so, Liverpool
would be able to host showpiece European events such as
the Champions League final
because they would meet Uefas requirements for capacity
and pitch size.
Under this ownership we
have found a solution, Ayre
said.
RODGERS HAS A GOOD FEELING AFTER RECENT UPTURN

BRENDAN RODGERS believes
that the reaction of his players
during his most tumultuous spell
as Liverpool manager will define
them, writes Roshane Thomas.
The Reds lost three Barclays Premier League matches in succession
for the first time under Rodgers

during a nightmare run last month
and the ex-Swansea manager
found himself under pressure,
with critics questioning whether
he was the right man to lead Liverpool forward. In response to being
criticised, Rodgers said: The

feeling is certainly different now.
For us we just need to go game by
game.
It was the same last year when
we won 11 games in a row. The
feeling now is much different on
the training field and in the

changing room.
Next for Liverpool is a
pivotal game against Basel
a match they must win to
reach the round of 16 of the
Champions League.
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Thursday, November 20, 2014
57
BYFIELD REFLECTS ON CAREER
VETERAN striker Darren

Byfield has played for 19 clubs
in a career which has spanned
for 18 years.
The 38-year-old is now currently playing for Conference
North side Solihull Moors as
his love for the game shows no
sign of abating.
Having come through the
youth ranks at Aston Villa the
former Jamaica international
spent two years at Villa Park
before spells in the lower
leagues set the tone for his
career.
With his wealth of experience and an eye for goal Byfield
is best known for his spells
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
spells at Walsall and Bristol City

which brought him the best memoat Walsall, Rotherham United and
ries. During his time at Walsall the
Millwall. Despite only spending one
ex-Sunderland forward memorably
season with the Lions, the Birmingscored the winner in the Saddlers
ham-born striker amassed 16 goals
cup triumph over Reading.
in 31 league appearances.
However, Byfield has endured
But during his relationship with
both delight and anguish in cup
singer, now ex-girlfriend, Jamelia
finals. Whilst at Bristol City he agothings soon turned sour for Byfield
nisingly missed out on promotion,
when backlash from the Millwall
as well as a return, to the Premier
fans resulted in the striker banning
League when the Robins endured
his own kids from watching him
Championship play-off final heartplay.
ache against Hull City in 2008.
He said: It was a good season. It
Bristol City and Walsall were
started off well with me scoring a
brilliant, Byfield added. Walsall
goal on my debut against Yeovil, but
due to the fact we got to the play-off
then the second game against Leyfinal and won and I also scored the
ton Orient I jumped up and came
winner in that game, so it turned
out to be a great day.
And then I just loved
my time at Bristol City
but we missed out on the
Premiership by that one
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - David Rocastle playing for Arsegame in the play-off final
nal, which made me love that club like no other. Thats my club.
as well - so I experienced
both.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I USED TO GO AND WATCH - It would have to be
But both Walsall and
Aston Villa, because obviously signing for them, and there was a lot of EuroBristol
City were the best
pean nights. My dad was a Man United fan so I wouldnt have gone anywhere
Ive
been
at in terms of
near that club!
enjoying it. But overall Id
definitely say Bristol City.
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Its probably the best sport in the world,
With Byfield now in the
I just love everything about it. The fans, the skills you can put into it, how
latter
stages of his career,
different type of players make a team and how it brings everyone together.
life
after
football is someThe passion also its just the greatest sport easily.
thing which the striker
down wrong and was out for like
three months due to my ankle.
I came back with the club being
in relegation trouble and obviously
being out for a long time I didnt
hit the ground running. And due
to this, I received a lot of stick from
the Millwall fans. There was a time,
and Ill never forget this, we played
Gillingham and obviously that was
the club I left to go to Millwall.
And I had to tell my ex-girlfriend [Jamelia] and my daughters
to stay away, because I was going
to get booed from the Millwall and
Gillingham fans. But then I scored a
hat-trick that game and I just went
on fire after that, so it turned around
very quickly. But for Byfield it was
I Love Football - Darren Byfield
has contemplated for a long

while. Coaching and punditry
are areas ex-footballers have
explored after retirement. But
Byfield has firmly set his sights
on going into management.
Having passed his UEFA B
License Non-League is where
the 38-year-old believes would
be an ideal level for him to get
his foot on the managerial
ladder.
He said: Ive been doing
my badges and Ive just passed
my UEFA B - and I want to go
into management. Its something that I think I would
probably have a better chance
at doing at this level [NonLeague] than like the Championship for example. And I
dont mind, Ill start anywhere
to get my foot on the managerial ladder.
I was previously on the
coaching staff at Tamworth.
It was a great insight and one
where I had the opportunity
to see everything.
When I was in the office I
was seeing what was going on
and how the gaffers was operating. So it was a wonderful
experience learning a lot and
great apprenticeship if I have
to be honest.
58
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER

Bywater opens account as
West Ham cling on to win
Friday, December 05, 2014
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20 2014
Highly-rated defender
Reece Oxford made skipper
WITH GOALS
Get Premier League
minutes.
to TheNewGenPaper
the game
the game
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
59
U21 International Cup

Reid blunder
ROSHANE THOMAS
Leyton Orient
In association with
Rochdale
2
3
Rochdale beat Leyton Orient in a pulsating five goal

thriller at Brisbane Road to secure three points and
extend their promising form in League One.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides
when man of the match Matthew Done continued
his impressive goalscoring tally so far this campaign
when he fired his strike past Gary Woods reach.
The early impetus from Dale set the tone throughout the match when Jobi McAnuff reduced the
arrears following his superb strike into the top righthand corner.
It was goals galore here at Brisbane Road and
Romain Vincelot powered Orient into the lead on
the eve of half-time heading past the heavily tested
Conrad Logan.
After the restart the exhilarating first-half showed
no sign of ebbing when goals from Vincenti and
Done subjected Orient to a 3-2 defeat and to compound matters for the managerless side they are yet
to win at home so far this campaign.
Leyton Orients promising form from last season
has been non-existent this term. The Os are currently placed 17th in the league drawing five of their
RATINGS
West Ham U21

return to winning
ways
ROSHANE THOMAS
West Ham U21

Bywater 35, Lletget 46
PSV U21
Rudovic 3
2
1
Referee A Young Attendance 250

West Ham U21 returned to winning ways when they deservedly beat Jong PSV 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground in their
Premier League U21 International Cup encounter.
This was West Ham U21s second of their European
campaign after hosting Athletic Bilbao U21 in October in a
thrilling 5-3 defeat by the Spanish side.
But despite a recent poor run of form Nick Haycocks
men are now back on the right track when goals from
Kieran Bywater and Sebastian Lletget strengthened their
aspirations of getting out the group stage. It was something
Crystal Palace v Liverpool Sunday 4.30pm
of a rarity when highly-rated defender Reece Oxford, still only

15, captained West Hams development team. It has increasingly
become apparent that Oxford has exceptional footballing abilities
beyond his tender years.
With Nick Haycocks defence marshalled by Oxford the former
would have been hoping for a better start as his side entered
the match on a bad run of form. But the away side drew first
blood when abject defending saw Andrija Luckovic thread a
pass through to Andjelo Rudovic who comfortably slotted it past
Spiegel, although due allowance must be made for the hapless
mature of defending in front of him.
Almost immediately after taking the lead the visitors passed
up a glorious chance to establish a two-goal advantage. Earlier
goalscorer Rudovic almost turned provider when he laid it on a
proverbial plate to Rai Vloet at the near post but Spiegel produced a great reaction save to deny the midfielder from point
blank range.
West Ham were restricted to patient build up as they aimed to
draw level once more. But excellent play from Sadlier down the
left flank saw the striker go on a jinxing run and wiggle effortlessly in between two defenders only to see his tantalising strike
parried away by the untroubled Jeese Bertrams. Despite their
best efforts to get back into the game the young Hammers keeper
Spiegel suddenly began to look fallible when he needlessly gave
away possession and Vlot nearly capitalised on his misfortune
when he surged past Pask, but whilst being hesitant in his attempt at goal his team-mate Luckovic took it upon himself to test
the West Ham shot-stopper, however he tamely shot straight at a
palpably relieved Spiegel.
With the home side starting to assume greater control of the
game the breakthrough for the hosts finally fell past the half hour
mark when Lletget went on an advancing run down the right
channel and eventually squared it to Bywater on the edge of the
box, who superbly smashed it home past the despairing dive of
Bertrams into the top right-hand corner to deservedly bring West
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
Eibar v Real Madrid Sunday 7pm
60
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
61
FORMER WEST HAM TRAINEE
FREDDIE SEARS rose to

prominence when his debut
goal for boyhood club West
Ham propelled him to Premier
League stardom.
Oh, Freddie, Freddie was
the chant emanated from the
Upton Park faithful when
the young striker introduced
himself in spectacular fashion
following his winning goal for
his beloved Hammers against
Blackburn Rovers, in March
2008.
With a baby faced Sears up
and running in the top-flight,
having previously shown his
goalscoring prowess at youth
and reserve level, many expect-
THE NEWGEN PAPER
SP RT
For the moments

words.


0800 158 2866 Quote NewGen2014
BY ROSHANE THOMAS
for young players. Six years ago a

young player would have had ten
ed the then 18-year-old to follow in
matches to prove his worth and
the footsteps of Tony Cottee.
stake his claim for the first-team,
But six years down the line his
but due to the influx of foreign
rise to the big time has diverted radmanagers and the increase in record
ically with the striker now playing
signings, in the top-flight, there
his trade at League One level for
chances are now limited.
Colchester United.
Sears added: Thats obviously the
If anything the pressure could
problem at the minute. If you look
have got to Sears, but the latter
at the young players around you
believes due to their being lots of
probably get one or two games and
managers whilst at West Ham he
thats kind of it. Its not like youre
was always facing an uphill battle.
going to get 10 games to see if youre
I wouldve hoped to had more
good enough and if you arent then
of a chance but it was difficult, said
its at least you had 10 games to
Sears. When I was at West Ham
prove yourself.
there was a lot of new managers.
But its kind of like one game or
I think there was a new manager
two games and sometimes youre
coming in from the cold
and get stuck straight in,
which isnt the easiest.
Its a results business
now theres a lot of money
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF FOOTBALL - My first game to West Ham, I
in the game. If someones
went with my dad it was West Ham v Manchester United. I think it was 2-2 and
out there for 15m and
Paul Ince was getting absolutely battered but that was probably my earliest
then theres a kid, most
memory of going to my first game.
likely the 15m signing
will play.
MY FOOTBALLING HERO WAS - Paolo Di Canio.
Despite his latter parts
THE BEST OPPONENT I PLAYED AGAINST WAS - So far in my career
at West Ham being frusId say Rio Ferdinand. He always used to talk to you as well which was a bit
trating Sears still has fond
strange.
memories during his time
at his boyhood club.
I LOVE FOOTBALL BECAUSE - Just love the game, I love everything about
The 25-year-old made 58
it, I love watching it and playing.
appearances in all compeevery other year so youre kind of
fighting an uphill battle at times.
Youre in the team and then
youre out the team and I never really got a run of games. The kind of
run of games I did get I felt I played
well and deserved a chance. But its
a different league [Premier League]
its all about results and big transfer
fees.
Clubs are putting in a lot of money nowadays and its more about
getting the results and less about
bringing youngsters through. But
I cant look back at it, it was a great
time and I really did enjoy it there.
With managers under immense
pressure, Sears believes this has an
impact on the lack of playing time
I Love Football - Freddie Sears
See all the goals

tonight
titions scoring three goals and

credits former manager Alan
Curbishley for everything he
was able to achieve.
It was a dream come true
really to come through the
academy having supported
the team, Sears said. Id
been there since I was 12 so
to come all the way through
into the first-team and then to
keep playing until 21, 22 was a
brilliant feeling really.
I owe it all to Alan Curbishley because he gave me
my debut and he was really
good with the youngsters.
Coming through the youth
ranks and training with the
first-team he was also a really
good person to talk to. He was
the one who put me on the
map really.
Now with the striker a
pivotal figure for Colchesters
attack, Sears is targeting a
strong finish with the Us.
He said: Hopefully I can
help the team move up the
table. We want to be in the top
half. Its been quite difficult at
times but hopefully now we
can start performing well and
I can keep playing well, keep
scoring goals and get the team
high up as possible.
62
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
THE NEWGEN PAPER,
Sport Football
63
Football Sport
Theyve only got one

Song at Upton Park
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
t can feel like a trick of the imagination

now but in 2011 West Ham were relegated
to the Championship following a disastrous
season, however following their upward trajectory European football beckons at Upton Park.
The revitalised Irons have exceeded expectations this term having made a splendid start
to the campaign. The additions in the summer
have also hit the ground running in the likes
of Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou
Kouyate and Enner Valencia. But the Hammers
have been enthusing about their new song, and
the new song they are referring to is Alex Song.
The former Arsenal midfielder has played a
pivotal role in West Hams recent string of fine
results, which is showing no sign of abating.
With Sam Allardyces men currently placed
fourth in the league its obvious to see that the
East London club are the surprise package this
season. Their previous inadequacies from last
term have been non-existent so far - much to
Allardyces delight.
Having proved their mettle against the likes
of Manchester City and being warmed to by
the Upton Park faithful Song remains confident that he made the right decision joining
the Hammers.
The industrious midfielder, who was heralded as the next Patrick Vieira, had become
a periphery figure at Barcelona and having
struggled to secure a regular starting berth at
Camp Nou, the 27-year-old is also delighted
hes now playing week-in-week-out.
When I see the way were playing and the
way we are at the moment I know I that I made
a very good choice, said Song. I wanted to
come back to London and I spoke with the
manager and it went really well because my
family also wanted to be back in London.
Everyone has shown me love here and thats
also why Im very happy at the moment. It
wasnt that I was not playing at Barca because I
am a bad player. I wasnt playing because they
have the best players in the world.
So I decided that I didnt want to be in that
position for a third year. That would have been
too long for me. Thats why I decided to move.
I have to play. At the moment I am focused and
very happy with the way we are going. Once I
get my fitness back I know that I can show the
people what I can do.
As well as aiming to rebuild his once burgeoning reputation Song also foresees a bright
career for West Ham and believes more top
players could follow in his path if the Hammers secure European football ahead of their
move to the prestigious Olympic Stadium,
scheduled for the 2016-17 season.
He added: I think with the whole project
and the future of the club its very good

and important. Thats another reason why I
chose to come here.
The way West Ham are looking now
in the next five years I think we will be
one of the best clubs in England because
everythings coming on in a very good way
now. If everything goes well by the end
of the season, the club will attract more
players.
When the new stadium comes in everyone will start to look here because we will
be a different club. Thats why I think this
year we have to do something very well
together.
Song is not the only player the Upton
Park faithful have been singing praises for.
In-form striker Sakho amassed six goals in
his first six appearances, becoming only the
second player in Premier League history to
do so - which has led to the former Metz
marksman being regarded as one of the
bargains of the season, having joined West
Ham for a modest fee of 4.7m.
Sakhos goalscoring prowess bore the hallmarks of a top four striker and due to this
Song believes the 25-year-old is underrated
and also added that he would be receiving
more acclaims if his goalscoring record had
come in the shirt of a bigger club.
I think hes underrated because hes
a really fantastic player, said Song. Six
games in six goals what more do you want
me to say? When you look at the way that
he has started its amazing. He doesnt get
the credit he deserves but he has proved his
quality in every single game. He is a young
player and has the chance to be one of the
best players in the future.
With five strikers at Allardyces disposal,
albeit a lovely conundrum to have having
previously been bereft of proven goalscorers, Sakho is proving to be West Hams
attacking fulcrum this season.
But as the January transfer window
approaches clubs will soon be on red alert
if the Senegal international keeps up his
impressive goalscoring record. However,
despite their plethora of attacking talents
this term, Song is adamant that West Hams
leading marksman will stay at Upton Park.
Song added: I think he doesnt want to
look like: Oh I want to go tomorrow.
No, I think hes starting to believe in
himself here, which is very important.
When you come from nowhere and
then people give you the opportunity and
the chance to work very well - and then the
manager and the fans give you a lot of faith

ALEX SONGS sense of

indebtedness towards Cesc
Fabregas is palpable.
During their time at Arsenal the duo (below) were inseparable with the childhood
friends forming a very close
friendship.
Song, who has been in
eye-catching form
for West Ham,
joined Arsenal
as a 17-yearold and having
entered unknown territory
Fabregas
took him
under his
wing.
Song
said:
On
the
first
day
that
I arrived at
Arsenal I
slept at his
house. I was
RATINGS
Alex Song Fact File

Previous clubs
Bastia (2004-2006) This is the club
where Song first shot to prominence, which caught the attention of
Arsenal. He also represented France
U16 whilst at the French side.
Arsenal (2006-2012) Song enjoyed
six great years at Arsenal. During his
last season with the Gunners he was
voted in second place as Arsenals
player of the season by the fans.
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.
Charlton Athletic (loan) (2007) In

the second half of the 2007/08 season Song joined Charlton on loan
but was unable to steer them away
from relegation.
Barcelona (2012-present) Sealed
dream move to Barca, but the midfielder was unable to secure regular
game time at Camp Nou.
West Ham (loan) (2014-) If the
Hammers secure European football
a permanent switch seems likely.
Alex Song sings the praises of

West Ham team-mate Kouyate
Roshane Thomas
ALEX SONG believes Cheikhou Kouyate could become
one of the best players at West
Ham and has likened his performances to Patrick Vieira.
The 25-year-old has been
an influential figure in the
heart of their midfield, having
played 15 league matches for
the Hammers so far this term
scoring once and providing
two assists.
Despite sustaining an ankle
injury earlier in the campaign,
Kouyates glimpses of quality have not gone unnoticed
and Song has been delighted
with West Hams new acquisition, although he refutes any
suggestions that the Senegal
international is a similar
player to Yaya Toure, he said:
Kouyate has been
a commanding
figure in West
Hams midfield
I think hes a little bit similar

to Patrick Vieira as a opposed
to Yaya Toure because Yaya is
more like a technical player
with his ability to play with
the ball.
I think hes one of the good
players we have here in the
team as well because when we
have a player like this it makes
us stronger. With him [Mark]
Noble and [Kevin] Nolan its
very good.
Despite having high regards
for his team-mate, Song had
no prior knowledge of the
midfielder. However, despite
this Song believes that Kouyate can reach new heights at
West Ham.
I didnt know him before
coming here, Song added.
Ive played with him and hes
doing well so far. I think for
the future too its very good
because hes a young player.
He can achieve a lot of
good things at this club and
become one of the best players
here at West Ham.
supposed to go to the hotel,

but he said: No, I cant be
here with you sleeping in the
hotel. So he gave me some
advice to try and help me settle and its always a pleasure
whenever I see him.
With Fabregas in imperious form for Chelsea, having
amassed 13 assists so far this
term, Song is not surprised
by his current form and is
looking forward to coming
up against his ex-Arsenal
team-mate.
Im very happy for
him with the way hes
playing at Chelsea,
Song
added.
I
look
forward to
seeing him
on the pitch
so that I can
win against
- then after
the game
we can be
brothers
again.
Messi is the best player

I have ever played with
Roshane Thomas
WEST HAM midfielder Alex
Song considers Lionel Messi
to be the best player he has
ever seen in his life.
Song has played with many
illustrious footballers during
his playing career, but the
player who surpasses any of
those is a certain Argentine,
who is often earmarked as the
greatest player ever.
Messi is just on another
planet, Song said. The things
Messi has done is just mad.
For me he is the best player
I have ever seen and played
with in my life.
Songs countenance eluded
bemusement when asked
who was the better goalscorer
between the Barca talisman,
Sergio Aguero and Cristiano
Ronaldo.
He said: You cant compare
these three players, no chance.
I think Messi is so far off
those players because hes on
another level from Ronaldo

and Aguero - hes just unbelievable.
With Messi you cant
compare him to anyone. From
my own opinion because I
trained with him every single
day and then I played against
those players as well, so you
cant compare him with those
players. Theres no chance.
Messi lead Argentina to the
final of this years World Cup
only to endure a miserable defeat against eventual winners
Germany.
But Song believes Messis
endeavours is unquestionable
and enthused the Barca mans
passion for wanting to achieve
more.
Messi has the ability to
change a game Song added.
Its good because those kind
of players are hungry. He always wants to win, even if he
loses one game in training hes
upset. Hes won everything
but he still wants more.

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