Route One's Daily Football News Round-Up - 2/10/2012

We find the latest football news stories making the headlines, so you don’t have to.

Pic Courtesy of the Bleacher Report

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Nani after further accusations of the Portuguese winger being a consistent ‘simulator’.

He was criticised again following the Red Devils’ defeat against Tottenham on Saturday evening. But Sir Alex gave those allegations short shrift.

"As a subject it is not worth going down,” he said.

“We have known for quite a few years there are plenty of players diving and, you have to say, particularly foreign players. 

"Nani is not the type to dive. He has never been that type of player." 

United are set to be without four key players for tonight’s Champions League tie at CFR Cluj.

Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs are both suffering from illness, and have not been risked for the trip to Romania. 

Antonio Valencia missed the game against Spurs, and still hasn’t recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out, whilst Paul Scholes played 90 minutes in that game and the 37-year-old has been rested.

Meanwhile, QPR remain anchored to the foot of the Premier League table after being beaten 2-1 by West Ham last night.

Matt Jarvis gave the Hammers a dream start after three minutes, and Ricardo Vaz Te doubled the lead shortly before half-time.

The Hoops rallied after the break, and Adel Taraabt soon reduced the deficit. But it was not to be, and to rub salt into the wounds Samba Diakite was sent off late on after picking up a second yellow card. 

In a feisty encounter, West Ham received EIGHT bookings, and are likely to be fined up to £25k as a result of their ill-discipline.

Jimmy Bullard has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 33-year-old has suffered terrible luck with injuries in his career, including two cruciate knee injuries. And the former Wigan, Fulham and Hull City man has decided to call it a day.

"My old knee injury has never allowed me to get back to where I want to be as a football player," he said.

Bullard had signed a deal with MK Dons, and made three appearances this season.

While one midfielder bows out another makes his comeback, as Jack Wilshere had his first taste of football in over a year yesterday.

The 21-year-old played for an hour in Arsenal’s Development Team’s fixture against West Brom, as he makes his latest step on the road to recovery following an ankle injury.

 “I’m shattered,” was all he could say, in news that will delight Arsenal and England fans alike.

Route One's Daily Football News Round-Up - 27/9/2012

We find the latest football news stories making the headlines, so you don’t have to.

Picture courtesy of Sporting Life

The returning Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher provided the spark for Manchester United in their 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle United.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the duo, who have been suffering with injury and illness. This was Fletcher’s first start in nearly a year after he was struck down with a bowel condition, whilst Rooney hasn’t featured since August.

"Darren Fletcher has had a great 90 minutes,” he said. “Wayne Rooney had a terrific performance, he tired understandably, but I'm really pleased.”

In the fourth round of the cup, Chelsea will host United in the pick of the ties, while elsewhere Swindon welcome Aston Villa, and Bradford travel to Wigan. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers faces his former club Swansea for the first time. The rest of the draw is:

Leeds v Southampton

Reading v Arsenal

Norwich v Tottenham

Sunderland v Middlesborough

There’s good news for Gooners fans today with the revelation that Jack Wilshere will make his return to action in Monday’s Under-21 game at WBA.

The 20-year-old has been out with an ankle injury since July 2011, and his return will further bolster Arsenal’s midfield armoury.

"It is fantastic for him," Arsene Wenger said. "When you are out for so long, it's massive to take. It's massive for him to come back, and for us as well."

The takeover bid at Leeds United looks to have gathered pace, as Middle-Eastern investment firm Gulf Finance House have confirmed they have an agreement in principle in place.

The future of the club has been shrouded in mystery since current owner Ken Bates stated he was selling his share back in the Summer.

Bates’ seven-year reign has been marred with supporter unrest and upheaval.

Meanwhile, geriatric former England goalkeeper David James is training with League One Bournemouth.

The 42-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Bristol City in the summer. 

A couple of managerial appointments now: Colchester have announced Joe Dunne as their new man, while Bury have employed Kevin Blackwell as their head honcho.

The 39-year-old Dunne was former manager John Ward’s assistant, and has been at the club for over a decade. He has signed a one year rolling contract.

Blackwell has been out of a job since leaving Sheffield United in 2010. He had a spell as goalkeeping coach and assistant manager at the Shakers under Neil Warnock’s tenureship.

 

Route One's Daily Football News Round-Up - 18/9/2012

We find the latest football news stories making the headlines, so you don’t have to. 

Picture Courtesy of SOS 1878

Everton boss David Moyes was left fuming after two controversial decisions denied his team victory against Newcastle last night.

After seeing legitimate strikes from Victor Anichebe and Marouane Fellaini ruled out, the Scot was left to rue what might have been following the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

"I said [to the referee] 'you have missed two goals'. But what can I do about it? We played very well and should have won the game deservedly but didn't."

Manchester City have been given a timely boost with the news that Sergio Aguero is set to return from injury.

Citeh begin their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu tonight, and will welcome the Argentinian striker back after a month out with a knee injury.

Across Manchester now and United defender Patrice Evra has returned to full training, and is in contention to start in his side’s Champions League opener against Galatasaray.

Evra missed United’s 4-0 romp against Wigan through injury, and his return to fitness will prompt a selection headache for Sir Alex Ferguson, who would have been impressed with Dutchman Alexander Buttner’s debut in the same game.

Arsene Wenger meanwhile has admitted for the first time that Theo Walcott could leave the Emirates in the near future.

The England winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and so far talks over a new deal have not proven fruitful. 

"Clearly it is a worry," Wenger said. "We are still in a position where we hope Theo extends his contract.” This news will no doubt interest managers across the country.

An Argentinean Premier Division game had to be delayed by over ten minutes when a group of hooligans tried to enter the field of play.

The incident – which happened during the second half of the Velez Sarsfield v River Plate tie – is the latest episode of football-related violence in the country. It is believed that eleven people have died in Argentina this year in fan-based feuds.

Route One's Daily Football News Round-Up - 17/9/2012

We find the latest football news stories making the headlines, so you don’t have to.

Hi Ho Silva Lining

David Silva has signed a new five year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The diminutive playmaker has looked out of touch recently, with rumours linking him with a move back to his Spanish homeland.

But the 26-year-old midfielder is loving his time in Manchester. "I feel very happy here at the club, in the city and with all the people," he told Manchester City's official website. 

"So now I'm delighted to be extending my contract and being here really does feel just like home for me." 

Arsenal will begin their Champions League campaign without Wojciech Szczesny.

The Polish shot-stopper has been suffering from an ankle problem, and will be replaced by Vito Mannone. Fit again Abou Diaby will also make Tuesday’s trip to France.

Andy Johnson is set to miss the majority of the season after damaging an anterior cruciate ligament in QPR’s goalless draw with Chelsea.

The folically-challenged forward has only made four appearances for the Hoops since his summer move across London from Fulham. 

Sir Alex Ferguson meanwhile has been full of praise for his new 18-year-old signing Nick Powell, who opened his Man United account with a cracking strike against Wigan on Saturday.

The ruddy-cheeked Scotsman said: "Powell is going to be a really good player who, we hope, will fill Paul Scholes's boots.

 “He's got terrific vision, good temperament, two great feet, is quick and is a great striker of the ball.”

And in today’s sensationalist transfer news, Chelsea are apparently lining up a move for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini.

According to goal.com, Roberto Di Matteo will make a move for the permed midfield warlord in January’s window. 

Fellaini himself has added fuel to the fire by stating that “in January or at the end of the season, I will turn to another club or championship.” A link-up with fellow Belgian Eden Hazard could well be on the cards.