---------------------------------
[32] Is anybody listening?
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Anymore...
'Talks on changes to football's transfer system face being derailed at the very last
stage, according to a leaked letter from Uefa chief executive Gerhard Aigner. The
letter was written to Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson as Sweden currently hold
the presidency of the European Union.
It claims Commission officials are "impossible to deal with" and out of touch with
their member states' wishes. The EC are refusing to budge on two key issues: the
amount of compensation that should be paid when players under 23 move clubs, and what
punishments players should face if they break their contracts unilaterally during the
first three years of that deal.
Aigner, who has led the negotiations for European football's governing body, says in
his letter: "As we near the end of the process we are encountering major difficulties
in our talks with the Commission's services on two key areas which together threaten
the possibility of a final agreement. We have found the Commission officials almost
impossible to deal with because of their unwillingness to accept the specific needs of
the grass-roots of the game and their total lack of understanding of how the
development of players takes place. We believe that in those two key areas the
Commission's services are out of touch and out of sympathy with the expressed wishes
of governments of their own member states and the recent Declaration on Sport from the
Nice Summit.
For European football there is too much at stake to further give in on these two key
issues. We are now at the end of the road and fearful of the final outcome if the
Commission continue to dig their heels in on their fundamental items."
Wake up, wake up, WAKE UP.
---------------------------------
[31] PSV try and slow down Ruud Utd talk
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
PSV spokesman Pedro Salazar Hewitt said: "Everything is going well and he could play
some minutes for the first team tomorrow. The first thing is for him to get fit
playing for PSV and not think about a transfer to United or any other club. This has
always been his number one priority, and he must concentrate on his rehabilitation. He
needs to play matches to get back to his best form before anyone can talk about a
transfer. That is not the case at the moment, and he is just coming back."
---------------------------------
[30] Leeds trial latest
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
'Shoes that Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were seen wearing on closed circuit TV on
the night student Sarfraz Najeib was violently assaulted were almost certainly not the
ones they later handed over to police, Hull Crown Court was told today.
Home Office forensic chemist Geoffrey Gray told the jury he had studied the film of
the two Leeds United players outside a city centre nightclub before Najeib was kicked
and beaten senseless.
He had also been handed pairs of shoes the two players claimed to have been wearing on
the night.
"There is strong support for the assertion that these shoes were not the ones worn on
the evening in question," he said. "To my mind there are differences."
---------------------------------
[29] Short and sweet
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Ali G went to his mate's fancy dress party wearing nothing but a girl on his back.
"So what are you supposed to be?" the host asked.
"I Iz a snail," Ali replied.
The host asked, "How can you be a snail when all you've got is that naked girl on
your back?"
Ali replied. "Diz Iz Michelle."
---------------------------------
[28] Big Fat Ron on Becks
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
"There were a lot of really encouraging signs in England's 3-0 victory over Spain, not
least the performances of Nick Barmby and Frank Lampard. But if one thing disappointed
me it was the fact that David Beckham again did not make the impact he is capable of.
As against Valencia in Manchester United's recent Champions League matches, Beckham
was below his best. And to my mind that's because he's often too deep and isolated
rather than searching for the ball inside and doing damage in the final third.
His best moments on Wednesday night came when he dropped off the touchline, almost
releasing Michael Owen at one point, and I would like to see him do that more
frequently and get in more advanced positions.
That doesn't necessarily mean playing him as one of the two central
midfielders. From the right he should be able to get in those great crosses while also
coming inside to link up with the front players and threaten 30 yards from goal with
shots and killer passes.
I know if I was managing a team faced with Beckham I would be happy to see him in
those deeper areas or tied to the flank. It's far easier to
pressurise him there, so he mustn't be obsessed with receiving passes from the back
players and just hitting balls Gary or Phil Neville could do for him. He is at his
best when he comes inside, makes a positive pass and then gets on his bike. Hopefully
Sven-Goran Eriksson will give him that licence to roam, look for the ball and dictate
the play."
---------------------------------
[27] Here they go again
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Lucas Radebe believes: "I watched their demolition of Arsenal, who were clearly not
good enough at the back. They are a top class team, but I don't think we are that far
behind. At the moment I think we are showing signs of the kind of form we displayed
last season. We all know how important this game is for us, and I think we are due a
win, if only to send out a message and show them we are back."
Back to where they were last season eh. And how many points did we win the league by
when they were at their peak?
---------------------------------
[26] Early team news
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Giggs still out, Keane expected to shrug off knee injury, Cole still suspended and
Fergie will see how Yorke is after his massive travelling this week.
---------------------------------
[25] Norway coach backs Ole
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Norway coach Nils Johan Semb: "Of course I would have hoped that he would play more
games, but I don't think this is a big problem. Manchester United play so many games
that he will always get his fair share of games. He is at a very big club, with three
other very good
strikers, and Sir Alex Ferguson lets them all play at different times. I saw the
highlights of the game against Arsenal and I'm happy that he's playing well enough."
---------------------------------
[24] Ken Bates backs Manchester!
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Ken Bates said: "In 1997 I said that this [Wembley] would be a total cock-up, let's go
to Manchester or Birmingham. I advocated Manchester but also thought we could take the
games around the country. But by that time the die was cast."
---------------------------------
[23] Call this justice?
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Retired policeman's payout is 100 times greater than victims' award
'Angelique Chrisafis
The Guardian
Relatives of victims of the Hillsborough football disaster yesterday
criticised South Yorkshire police for awarding a retired officer £330,000 compensation
for a "late onset" of post traumatic stress.
Martin Long, 39, a former sergeant in the South Yorkshire police force, entered the
Sheffield stadium pens as more than 96 fans were crushed to death in an FA cup
semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest almost 12 years ago.
Mr Long did not suffer post traumatic stress until nine years later, when he went back
to the stadium on another job. He retired the following year on medical grounds and
with an enhanced pension. South Yorkshire police yesterday awarded Mr Long an
out-of-court settlement before the case reached Sheffield high court. The force
recognised Mr Long's symptoms of depression, nightmares and anxiety after putting
himself at risk of being crushed in the crowd.
Phil Hammond, vice-chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group said he was
surprised and disgusted by the sum, which was 100 times more than relatives and
victims had received.
Mr Hammond, who received £3,500 for the death of his 14-year-old son,
Philip, said: "I find it offensive. We all thought too much time had passed for claims
like this. I am not saying he doesn't deserve something if he was in the thick of it.
But he has received more than people who were in the crowd and were badly injured and
will never work again. We still blame police for their role in the disaster and we
are no nearer to finding out the truth of what happened. The police are just covering
up the truth and they will take it to their graves. In that light, the pay-out is just
ridiculous."
---------------------------------
[22] Jordi to return?
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
To the Premiership that is. Interviewed about his recent sensational form in the
Spanish leage and talk of a possible move back to Barca - he said: "I was very unhappy
with the way my career ended in England, I like the football over there, who knows if
I will return" on talk of a move to Soton.
---------------------------------
[21] Ruud quotes
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
"It's good to have that kind of opposition because in training your teammates pull
out of tackles. I don't think for one second about my injury now. I'm not afraid of
anything because I don't feel anything. I'm not at the level I was but I'm ready to
be part of the team again - even 20 minutes as a substitute. I have to put
Manchester United to the back of my mind for the moment. Deliberately so. I only want
to think football in order to get back to my level and I can't combine that with
thinking about transfers and Manchester United."
---------------------------------
[20] Ruud returns
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From the Forum, cheers.
'RUUD VAN NISTELROOY returned to action on Thursday and clinically bagged a couple of
goals in the reserve clash between PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Rotterdam that ended up
6-1 to the home side. The 24-year-old, still wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson at Old
Trafford, took his first tentative steps back into the game, after suffering cruciate
knee ligament damage last April.
A bumper crowd turned out to watch van Nistelrooy in action, along with four TV
channels, showing the worldwide interest in how the Dutch
international would cope. Both of van Nistelrooy's efforts were from close range and
the star looked out of touch, having spent so long out and still looking way short of
match fitness.
PSV were already 3-0 up before van Nistelrooy got his first, in the 34th minute to put
the game beyond doubt. The star striker almost looked embarrassed, tapping in his
second in the 63rd minute with the Sparta defence nowhere, but two goals will at least
have given his confidence a boost.'
---------------------------------
[19] Former United player dies
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
'Former Manchester United striker Colin Webster died at his home in
Swansea today, aged 68. Welshman Webster, who lost his two-year battle against lung
cancer, became one of the Busby Babes following a move to Old Trafford from Cardiff in
1953 and enjoyed six seasons with United. The Cardiff-born Welsh international starred
for his country in the 1958 World Cup finals and only avoided the Munich air disaster
in the same year because he had flu and was not selected for the fateful trip to
Belgrade. Webster, who could play anywhere up front, moved back to Wales with Swansea
in 1959 before finishing his playing career with Newport.'
He played 79 times for Utd, scoring 31 goals and won a title medal in 1956 - rest in
peace.
---------------------------------
[18] Safe standing early day motion
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Below is the link to EDM379 Safe Standing - 36 signatures so far, so contact your MP
and get him to sign up now!
(link:http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=379)
http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=379
EDM 379
FOOTBALL STADIA AND SAFE STANDING
27.02.01
Clarke/Tony
That this House notes the implementation of the Taylor report and the subsequent
development of all-seater stadia within the Premier and
Nationwide Leagues; recognises the advances in stadium technology
throughout Europe, including those stadia within Germany to be used as part of its
hosting of the 2006 World Cup; further notes the recent fact finding visits by the
Football Licensing Authority and supporters' representatives to those stadia;
recognises the wishes of a large number of football supporters to stand safely during
matches and the potential benefits in reducing the cost of attendance to those on low
incomes; is concerned at the possible danger and inconvenience to other seated
spectators of large numbers of supporters standing within all-seated areas; and calls
upon the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Secretary to
conduct an urgent review of current policy to examine the feasibility of introducing
safe standing areas at grounds within the Premier and Nationwide Leagues.'
---------------------------------
[17] Utd youngster on the move
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From the official site.
'Manchester United have today completed the temporary transfer of
20-year-old George Clegg to Wycombe Wanderers. The young striker will spend one month
on loan at Adams Park, and could make his debut this Saturday at home to Port Vale.
Clegg is also eligible to play in Wycombe's FA Cup quarter-final tie at Leicester City
on 10 March.'
---------------------------------
[16] Southampton indecision
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
We hear that another reason that the Soton fixture hasn't been re-arranged is that the
home team stalled on playing the game on March 10th and want it later. Presumably so
that they didn't get shot back down in a relegation battle again.
---------------------------------
[15] Crap tabloid story of the day
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
By guess who?
Harry Harris in the Mirror of course.
That Sven wants Sol Campbell as England captain and will replace the armband around
Becks - this only 2 days after Sven says he wants Becks to be his long term captain
and a 3-0 win. Quality Harry!
---------------------------------
[14] Ticket application details for Milan Champs league Final
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Ticket application procedures for final in Milan (Thanks to MC)
>From Uefa's website.
'This season's UEFA Champions League final will be played at the Stadio Giuseppe
Meazza in Milan on Wednesday 23 May and, even though names of the two finalists will
not be known until two weeks before the big match, the general public will be able to
order tickets for the game well in advance.
Tickets available till 15 April
The period for applications will be from 26 March till 15 April 2001. The general
public will have two alternative methods of applying for tickets. Firstly, application
forms will be available via UEFA's Internet web site, where a special page will be set
up. The address is: www.clubfinals.com.
Secondly, application forms will also be available via the purchaser's national
football association. In both cases, orders are restricted to a quota of two tickets
per applicant.
If, on the deadline, it is discovered that demand for tickets exceeds the number of
11,000 available for sale to the general public, applications will be put into a draw.
The two finalists will receive 24,000 tickets each. However, the url given elsewhere
is www.clubfinals.uefa.com '
So 11,000 tickets go to numpties who will probably flog them on to the fans' who
actually get there - and how many corporate does that make if that only takes the
grand total to 59,000 so far. That's it UEFA - concern yourself with the ones that
really count, the burger chains and official car manafacturers and the official Champs
League bladder bags makers.
---------------------------------
[13] A fat Spurs fan writes
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Danny Kelly in Football 365 has a pop. Can't he just be happy that we
thrashed the Arse on Spurs behalf?
"The Premiership champions have one great goalkeeper, a basic back four of Neville G,
Stam, Brown and Silvestre; Irwin and Neville P provide cover at full back; Ronny
Johnsen, if he's fit, occasionally slots into the centre. In midfield, they have the
fantastic four - Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs - and, erm, Nicky Butt, a player most
think no better than the average Prem plodder. Oh, and Quinton Fortune.
It's only up front, where they permutate Cole, Sheringham, Solskjaer
and Yorke (when he's not too busy climbing the north face of some
likely looking lass), that they actually rotate the staff. Now, correct me if I'm
wrong, but that is not A Big Squad. Indeed, it's no larger than those of the
mid-Seventies.
Now compare and contrast. Arsenal, in their desperation to believe the Big Squad lie,
have no less than 19 full internationals. ''Pathetique'' comes the cry from Anfield,
where, contained within a squad only slightly smaller than the passenger list of the
Titanic, they harbour 20 full internationals.
And then there's Chelsea, always at the head of the largeing queue. Despite selling
Chris Sutton and Tore Andre Flo in recent months and having Mikael Forssell on loan
at Palace, they still have 20 capped players sucking on their supporters' monetary
tit. They all have Big
Squads, yet have spent the last few months, as usual, choking on
United's dust."
---------------------------------
[12] Becks reflects on Ingerlund
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
"I think certain people will look at this game and just say it's a friendly and makes
no difference but you just have to live with that. I'm sure if we'd lost the game
people would have given it some importance. Needless to say it's not three points and
the real test lies ahead with important World Cup qualifiers coming up. This win
will be a boost but we have to maintain that type of form when we play Finland at
Anfield.
I must admit it was a bit strange to play at Villa Park and not
Wembley but I thought the fans were incredible throughout. And it helps, because it's
no good to anyone when they get on the players' backs because as much as you like to
say it doesn't get to you, it does. It's that type of support that will be crucial as
we prepare to go into the World Cup qualifiers and if they can get behind us like
they did in this game, it's bound to help us in the long term."
---------------------------------
[11] Becks drop hints to Eriksson
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
"I've made it clear to the new boss that I prefer to play in the centre of midfield.
But having said that, I was pleased with my contribution on Wednesday night. You take
a certain amount of pleasure from any victory but the fact it was our first game
under Sven-Goran Eriksson makes the win a bit sweeter for everyone concerned."
---------------------------------
[10] Has been uses Becks to remind us he's still alive
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
As Vincent 'soft arse' Jones sticks his nose in where it's not wanted
"I think he means he's not a natural leader of men, but he is a leader because of his
ability. People look up to him because of his ability. I think what it proves is that
he is going to be a king-pin in the England side for a long time."
---------------------------------
[9] And praise for Big fat Ron from Fergie
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
On signing Eric H: "It was one of the best day's work Ron ever did for
Manchester United. Eric's record in bringing through young players who have gone on
to become internationals is second to none."
---------------------------------
[8] Gary Nev on Eric Harrison
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
"He was a massive influence and has vast experience. He's a great
coach and someone who knows what the game is all about. He's tough, hard and at the
start I was frightened to death of him to be honest. But you respected him, he worked
for us and those years as a trainee are among the best of my life."
---------------------------------
[7] We got Wesley Brown
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
As Eric Harrison says:
"I would not swap Wes Brown for anybody and I really mean that. Give me any
centre-back in the world and I would not swap him - he's
that good. He is very, very talented and has got a great attitude. If you don't have
that attitude you have got no chance. You can spot that attitude when they are 14 or
15, when they are maturing, but it's usually when they are 16 or 17 before you know
whether they are going to make it into the first team. With Wes Brown it was obvious
he was always going to make it."
---------------------------------
[6] Opta stats for the sheep game
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Sheep stats first
28 Games 28
ATTACKING
41 Goals scored 65
1.46 Ave goals per game 2.32
45% Shooting Accuracy 45%
12% Goals to shots % 16%
PASSING
10823 Passes 14706
68% Pass completion % 79%
DEFENDING
74% Tackle success rate % 76%
36 Goals conceded 18
1.29 Ave goals conceded per game 0.64
DISCIPLINE
468 Fouls 319
49 Yellow cards 28
1 Red cards 2
Ref is Graham `have a card' Barber
---------------------------------
[5] Doni a done deal?
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Soccernet (Yes I know!!) are reporting that we are about to sign
Cristiano Doni from Atalanta for £2 mill. He's a `powerful attacking
midfielder or a withdrawn striker' according to the men at the Moral
Sounds too cheap to be true.
---------------------------------
[4] Massive excuses
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Joe Royle on trying to flog Lee Crooks and Andy Morrison to Bristol City.
"Andy is an influential player and a leader but we are not short of centre-halves at
the moment. Andy deserves to be playing games at this stage of his career and that's
why we are prepared to let him go."
Translation? - Such a leader that, er, I want shot of him!
---------------------------------
[3] Some cheap flight offers at the moment
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Going round, perhaps worth thinking about as Qtr Finals (crossed fingers) approach. BA
World offers have some gems - and this from the Indy.
'FLY TO EUROPE FOR PEANUTS! The Independent has come up trumps again with a great
flights offer in conjunction with Easyjet. A little advanced notice on this one, but
it is a genuinely good offer, and you would not want to miss out.. Buy The Independent
on Saturday 3rd March for details of how to book flights with Easyjet to the following
locations: Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow for £30 return, Geneva for £35
return, Barcelona £38, Madrid £45, Nice £47 and Zurich £50. These flights are all from
Luton. See the paper on Saturday for details of flights from Liverpool, Gatwick,
Belfast and Edinburgh.'
---------------------------------
[2] Norwegian trialist latest
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
Thanks to Lars for this scoop.
Norwegian goalkeeper talent Rune Almenning Jarstein is at the end of a week long trial
at United. He has been training with both the reserves and juniors and is happy with
the stay.
"I am satisfied. Dave Ryan is the coach which I have dealt most with, but also Tony
Coton has coached me."
The 16-year old is uncertain of what will happen next, but he will be under
observation from United next week when he plays two European qualifying matches for
NorwayU17 against Scotland and Wales.
"Geoff Watson, Tony Coton and Dave Ryan will all go up to Scotland to see me, which of
course is very motivating."
Rune plays for a Norwegian Division III-side Herkules, but is at the moment out of
contract.
---------------------------------
[1] Rotterdam memories for Red News anyone?
---------------------------------
Posted Friday, March 2, 2001 by bar-knee:
For Red News 77 - the decade anniversary of Rotterdam (May 15th 1991) - we plan to do
a feature on that wonderful night with memories of that mad Dutch experience.
Like the Massive memories piece in RN 75 we're looking for some great recollections
and very short special articles - not the standard memories but the unusual memories
of the night, trip, game, day, etc - what it meant to you, strange events, emotional
ties, wild celebrations, from Rotterdam or even back home.
We'd love to hear your great, surreal, unique experiences from that night - and if any
of you have any special photos (we'll of course return them) from the ground, day,
etc, we'd love to include them.
Send anything to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Thanks, Barney
Gets me going just thinking back to that first, great European night.
---------------------------------
[31] Pre-season confirmed
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, March 1, 2001 by bar-knee:
>From official site
'Manchester United have officially confirmed the dates of their Far East pre-season
tour. The Reds will be in Kuala Lumpur on 22 July, Singapore on 24 July, and Bangkok
on 29 July. No opposition has yet been arranged.'
Any other info from RN readers out there, about tickets, bars, etc, let RN know.
---------------------------------
[30] Champs League games get all clear
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, March 1, 2001 by bar-knee:
We didn't even know they were in doubt!
'Uefa have confirmed that next week's European matches will go ahead, despite the
recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in England and Wales. With doubt being cast
over a host of sporting events, football's European governing body believes the games
should go ahead as normal.
There remains concern on the continent about the ability of the disease to spread at
speed and all anyone travelling abroad has been told is that they will not be allowed
to take food with them.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Spartak Moscow, Leeds travel to Real Madrid, and
Manchester United are away at Panathanaikos, for the latest round of Champions League
games, while Liverpool face Porto in Portugal in the Uefa Cup quarter-finals.'
"There is no reason for these games to be cancelled," said a Uefa spokeswoman. "We
have not had any notification that the matches should be cancelled. We have followed
the news in Britain and are aware of the position of the British government and at the
moment the games will be played normally. It is a national issue and we cannot force
the games to take place," added the spokeswoman. "But we have had no contact from any
of the clubs involved and there is no reason to believe they will be called off."
A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport added: "The risk of the
spread of the disease by humans is minimal. Our advice is that unless the clubs are
travelling from a restricted area, then the games can all go ahead as planned."
That's Leeds out then...
---------------------------------
[29] Bestiality update
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, March 1, 2001 by bar-knee:
'A man who attacked his son after he saw him French-kissing his dog has been jailed
for nine months. Frank Buble tried to kill his 44-year-old son in Maine because of his
relationship with crossbreed Lady. Phillip Buble admits having sex with Lady and calls
her his wife. His father was jailed after pleading guilty to attempted murder and was
ordered to undergo counselling. The Bangor Daily News says he told the court a lack
of sleep and his son's behaviour had pushed him over the edge. His lawyer, Randy Day,
said Buble had made a mistake, but added he had come home one day to find his son
French-kissing Lady. There are no laws in Maine against bestiality, although legal
moves are now being taken to make the crime punishable by a large fine.'
---------------------------------
[28] Phil Nev on United
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, March 1, 2001 by bar-knee:
"Switching back to Manchester United, we've a big game coming up on Saturday morning
against Leeds at Elland Road. That match comes on the back of our magnificent 6-1 win
over Arsenal last Sunday, so we'll be going into the game brimming with confidence.
I have a lot of respect for Leeds because, like Manchester United, they've brought a
lot of young players through the ranks. You can see by their results in Europe
they're a quality team and will give their all against us."
Translation - it's their Cup Final.
---------------------------------
[27] Phil Nev on England
---------------------------------
Posted Thursday, March 1, 2001 by bar-knee:
"We can be so proud of ourselves. To be picked in the starting line-up for Sven Goran
Eriksson s team was great, this was my chance to go out and impress the new boss.
Before the game the boss didn t really say much apart from to go out and be positive.
We all knew what our job was and what was expected of us.
Spain are higher than us in the FIFA rankings so we knew this was going to be a
difficult game to win. The first 20 minutes were slow but this enabled us to gel as a
team and in a new formation. After that we played some good football and totally
dominated the Spaniards.
Although it was a friendly, the Spaniards had one of their strongest teams out with
some world-class players involved like Raul, Luis Enrique, Guardiola and Real Madrid
s midfielder Helguera.
I think we should come away very proud of ourselves. It was good to score two goals
from set-pieces, as we'd been practising them all morning in training. The new boss
comes with a very good track record and having worked with him for three days I can
understand why. I hope I did enough in my own performance to secure myself a place in
the squad to be selected against Finland and Albania at the end of March."
