Re: [RedDevils] Fergie hit by dosh bosh
> ALEX FERGUSON has been told there will be no cash for him to splash when the > transfer window opens in January. Chief executive David Gill, speaking ahead of today¹s United AGM, insisted: ³If it ain¹t broke, don¹t fix it. We developed the squad in the summer so we¹d be challenging for all the honours and we are challenging, so why would we want to make big changes in January?² Is a glass half full or half empty? Do we just want to be challanging or do we want to be winning? I'm not saying spend for spending sake, but if an opportunity came along to buy a world class player we should go for it and not let out competitors get their debt ridden hands on him. Gill the Accountant is continuing the small town mentality that has blighted our club for over thirty years. Much of our success has been IN SPITE OF and not due to the Board. > > ³The manager doesn¹t normally do major transfer work in mid-season even > before we had the window.² > Of course the manager doesn't NORMALLY do major transfer work in mid-season. It's only in the last couple of years that the January shop window has actually existed. Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Fergie hit by dosh bosh
ALEX FERGUSON has been told there will be no cash for him to splash when the transfer window opens in January. Manchester United boss Fergie is eager to add strength in attack to keep up with big-spending Premiership rivals Chelsea. Fulham striker Louis Saha, West Ham hotshot Jermain Defoe and Sao Paulo marksman Luis Fabiano have been earmarked as long-term strike partners for Old Trafford goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy. But chief executive David Gill, speaking ahead of today¹s United AGM, insisted: ³If it ain¹t broke, don¹t fix it. ³I don¹t think we will be going into the transfer market in a big way in January. ³We developed the squad in the summer so we¹d be challenging for all the honours and we are challenging, so why would we want to make big changes in January?² Gill, who will announce yearly profits of £39.3million, added: ³I think whatever we do in January will be consistent with previous seasons. ³The manager doesn¹t normally do major transfer work in mid-season even before we had the window.² It is no secret Fergie had an uneasy relationship with previous chief executive Peter Kenyon. And this block on a spending spree is likely to present the first major test between the tough Scot and Gill following the Old Trafford chief¹s appointment in September. Fergie fears United¹s chase for glory could end in disaster unless a top-class frontman is drafted in. Diego Forlan has just two Premiership goals this season, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to nurse a knee injury. Chinese wonderboy DONG FANGZHOU is poised to join United. The 18-year-old striker will move from Dalian Shide in a deal worth £1m. But Ferguson insists the whizkid is a player for the future and will not be thrown into first-team action. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] AGM
> To all those going tomorrow, to the plc's AGM, have a productive day and > don't let them get away with anything. > > Tanya Right on, Tanya. C'mon lads. Reds everywhere are with you. Sorry I can't be there this year but I'm with you in (hic) spirit. Dave Blatt > Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Re: I know most of us don't like him
on 12/11/03 1:50 pm, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > and some of you will know I've had my own run in with him, but we have a > chance to ask Ned Kelly some questions. If anyone has any (sadly why are you a > twat is not one we can ask), can they let me know asap, Barney Disregarding the contents of the book for one moment, one of the aspects I find most distasteful is that your previous career was in the SAS. Surely one of the fundermental things you are taught is not to break the code of silence. Therefore how could you of all people produce such 'National Enquirer' type revelations. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Re: I know most of us don't like him
on 12/11/03 1:50 pm, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > and some of you will know I've had my own run in with him, but we have a > chance to ask Ned Kelly some questions. If anyone has any (sadly why are you a > twat is not one we can ask), can they let me know asap, Barney If the contents of your book are nothing more than tittle tattle in order to get money from the gullible media, why did your company have to change its name once you left their employ? Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] Fergie would sack drug takers
> Ferguson told the News of the World: "I would like our supporters to be sure > of one thing: if there were any danger of one of our players dabbling in any > kind of drug, be it to enhance his performance or for his social life, he > would be quickly gone from Manchester United. I feel Fergie, The FA, The Olympic Committee and my parents should make the distinction between performance enhancing drugs and social drugs. To lump them all together is lazy, predictable and does not address the problem. Social drugs include tobacco and alcohol, which although legal, are far more damaging than marajana (in my opinion). Does Fergie's blanket ban apply to his beloved claret? Social drugs, by their very nature, reduce not enhance sporting performance. Any professional sportsperson should be big enough, old enough and ugly enough to make their own choices between attempting to reach the summit in their chosen sport, or have a good time. They shouldn't be punished by outside agencies which have a political agenda and not the welfare of the athelete at heart. Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Betrayal of trust
As odious as Ned Kelly is as a man, I just want to raise the subject of betrayal of trust. It doesn't matter to me if you are a butler, head of security or a lover, unless the person(s) who employed you committed murder, plotted to blow up the Twin Towers or supported City, your employment and your salary bought your silence/trust. That's one of the reasons they employed you. In business there are confidentiality clauses (Hello Peter). In affairs such intimacy should bring its own rewards. I get sick and tired of reading in the Sunday Papers all these revealing stories. OK, you could say don't read the Sunday papers if it makes you so mad, but hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil is not the solution. We all have our own morality. I've been faithful to Manchester United since before I was born but even I have seen Leyton Orient and Ilford (when they were alive) play at home. Ned Kelly was handsomely paid, even if he himself is ugly. As a former SAS man surely he more than anyone should abide by the rule of silence. For me this makes his revelations, whether true or exaggerated, even more appalling. As for the revelations themselves. Well, that's a debate in itself. Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Fergie hired SAS to spy on players
Here we go, here we go, here we go. Kelly's Heroes get knifed. What a nice man he must be; ` Dave Blatt BOOK THEY TRIED TO BAN: Man Utd laid bare By Jules Stenson, Chief Feature Writer MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson used a task force of SAS soldiers to spy on star players' private lives, the club's ex-head of security has sensationally revealed. In a shattering book United tried to ban, Michael "Ned" Kellywho spent 11 years in the elite Who Dares Wins regiment before moving to Old Trafforddetails every covert operation he carried out. His meticulously-planned missions, many involving former and even active SAS chums, included: TAILING an England international transfer target to see if he was a drug user. REPORTING on the movements of David Beckham so United could keep tabs on his home life. PROBING the lifestyle of a young Red Devils defender to see if he was keeping bad company. SWEEPING the paranoid manager's own family home for phone bugs and hidden microphones. Being ORDERED to sweep the home of one of Fergie's close associates. INVESTIGATING the notorious drug habits of a top goalkeeper. Says Kelly, 55: "There's little doubt in my mind that certain elements within the United hierarchy let the sheer size of this club overtake their sense of fair and proper behaviour. They were playing God." United threatened an injunction to stop Kelly's shock manuscript being revealed in the News of the World. But we successfully fought their legal action and the club caved in. Kelly told how Chris Sutton, a current Celtic star and former goal ace for both Chelsea and Blackburn, was targeted by Fergie's spy network. He says: "He'd never have been aware that, for two weeks of his life, he was watched 24 hours a day. "The then-head scout at United, Les Kershaw, wanted a report. Rumours "Chris played for Norwich at the time and the surveillance team went over there, picked him up' after a City home game, then followed and photographed his every move and checked out his associates. "There were four people tailing him including one woman. The team was led by two SAS guys who'd previously been with the Army's 14th Intelligence Company in Northern Irelandan elite unit that specialised in undercover surveillance. "After that Norwich game they followed him in three cars, swapping places regularly. The woman came in handy when Sutton went into a bar. Then she could join one of the male watchers to look like a couple. "The team would watch until he went to bed, then one of the boys would keep his vehicle under surveillance by sleeping in the car park. "They even followed Sutton when he visited his son. After two weeks, I submitted the report to Les Kershaw and told him we'd found absolutely nothing to substantiate rumours of illegal substance abuse." Despite the all-clear, manager Ferguson did not sign Sutton. Kelly says Sir Alex, 61, was meticulous about gathering informationand even used his services to probe England skipper David Beckham, now with Real Madrid. He writes: "Fergie was adamant David should live within reasonable distance of the stadium and training ground. Tales of him commuting from London after he met Victoria would send Fergie into blind rages. "The situation came to a head on a trip abroad. Fergie pulled me to one side in the airport VIP lounge and barked, Right, Ned. Don't lie to me. Where's Beckham living?' "London, boss, and travelling up and down to Old Trafford', I repliedinwardly cringing at having to tell tales on David. Stare "Fergie's face was a study in controlled anger. That Beckham is taking the p**s,' he growled. Yeah, boss,' I volunteered. Maybe you should sell him'. "Fergie's blank stare told me he was thinking the same thing. But hearing it from a third party must have brought home to him the enormity of losing Beckham and he smiled, Nah, I'll sort him'. "Fergie knew the toll it would take on Beckham's fitness if he had to face motorways or airports before training. He did, indeed, clip Beckham's wings and it was agreed he would live near his workplace." Kelly, who ran security at United for 12 years before leaving last year, was also told by Sir Alex to keep a watch on his England stopper Wes Brown. He says: "Once Wes began earning big money at United, Fergie insisted he move out of the family environment and get his own house. "My contacts would tell me he was sometimes out in Manchester, at one of the players' favourite haunts. "There are five big crime families in the city who control thingsall very well-known to the police. "The worry was they'd befriend Wes then get into United, so you'd see them in the players' lounge. "I was told to make sure this didn't happen. The idea was to put a little ring of steel around Wes. "That didn't mean my boys would accompany him when he went out on the townjust that he was watched so we'd know if anything untoward happened. Thankfully, it never did while I was at United." Sir Alex
[RedDevils] Fergie raged over sick chairman
SIR Alex Ferguson knew of disgraced Martin Edwards' perversions long before the former chairman's sordid habits were exposed, Kelly reveals. As long ago as 1998, Fergie and the SAS man discussed an incident where Edwardswho quit last yearwas caught following a woman into a toilet. Ferguson raged: "It's unbelievable. The Press would have a field day." Kelly replied: I know, boss. I must be the only security chief in football who has to try and stop the chairman going into the ladies' toilets." Kelly first became aware of the problem in the Eighties when Edwards visited an SAS barracks to award soccer prizes to soldiers. "Edwards was seen following a soldier's wife into the ladies'," he writes. "The lad concerned was all for tearing Edwards' head off, but I quietened him down." In 1996 United press secretary Ken Ramsden warned him Edwards' visits to the ladies' were "becoming more frequent". Kelly replied: "No problem, I'll keep steering him towards the gents'." He writes: "The chairman's fetish was a source of amusement to the players, but undeniably embarrassing. He seemed to have a compulsion to invade women's space in their most private moments. Eventually his deviations would destroy him." Edwards, 57, was caught with a prostitute in Rio at the FIFA World Club Championships in 2000. Another complaint of a ladies' toilet misdemeanour brought him a police caution. Kelly said: "It seemed sad that a potentially great man will now only be remembered as little more than a pervert." BOOK THEY TRIED TO BAN: Man Utd laid bare Married soccer legend bedded girl in front of clubbers By Jules Stenson, Chief Feature Writer MARRIED Man Utd legend Eric Cantona had a threesome with a porn club beauty and another man on a giant circular bed as a gang of revellers looked on. The lovecheat Frenchman cast his vows to the wind when he visited the wild Paris venue with his ex-SAS minder Michael "Ned" Kelly. Kelly was appointed to look after the soccer starrecently voted the club's greatest ever playerfollowing his infamous kung-fu kick on a fan in 1995. In his bombshell new book, Manchester United: The Untold Story, which the club tried to ban, the author also tells how Cantona: VISITED a brothel where all the prostitutes wore numbers for a kinky "pick and mix" game. BEDDED the beautiful and willing wife of a household-name United star. SEDUCED a sex-mad woman employee at a Manchester club. Kelly had little idea what was in store when he was appointed personal bodyguard to 37-year-old Cantona. But he soon discovered the truth about the love-rat star's repeated betrayals of wife Isabelle in a string of debauched encounters. Kelly recalled: "I was out on the town in Paris with Eric when he insisted we end the night at his favourite watering-hole. "We met up with a couple of Eric's friends, who I'll call Pierre and Luc. The club had wall-to-wall porn beaming down from angled TV screens but, in the basement bar, the action was strictly live. "In the centre of the floor was a huge circular bed, so none of the onlookers would miss an inch of the action. Tongue "All one had to do was climb on the bed and wait to be joined by another enthusiastic participant, to have sex while everyone else looked on. "After a few bottles of champagne, one of the club bossesa friend of Eric's joined us at the bar. "The man called over a stunning woman he introduced as his wife. The chemistry between her and Eric was electricbut I thought I was seeing things as I watched her lead Eric and Luc toward the bed. "Eric flashed me a wink and stuck his tongue out like a schoolboy heading for the cream bun counter in a baker's. "What the ?' I asked Pierre. But I was speaking to the back of his head as he was also on his way to the bed wrapped around a tall blonde. "Eric tried to call me over to join in with Luc and his romp. I later discovered the wife was an ex-porn star." Kelly describes the 1997 night out as "the most surreal experience of my life". Cantonawho has a son Raphael, 13, and daughter Josephine, six, with 38-year-old Isabellemoved them to Bar-celona, Spain, after quitting soccer and turning to acting. In the spring of 1999, he invited Kelly for the weekend. "Eric declared we must go out on the town," he said. As usual, after a few drinks, the conversation turned to women and, after a few reminiscences, I stopped Eric in his tracks. "I told him, I know who you were sing in my flat when you borrowed it for your secret liaisons'. Eric was dumbstruck. "Who then?' he asked. I named the wife of a former top United star whose car I often used to see parked outside my flat whenever she and Eric met. "He exclaimed, How did you find out?' It's my business to know everything, Eric', I told him." Kelly adds: "Eric then drove us to a less salubrious side of town. We went to an underground car park, then up by lift. Three floors later, Eric was knocking at a flat door which opened to reveal wall-t
[RedDevils] Eric bedded girl in front of clubbers
BOOK THEY TRIED TO BAN: Man Utd laid bare By Jules Stenson, Chief Feature Writer, News of the World MARRIED Man Utd legend Eric Cantona had a threesome with a porn club beauty and another man on a giant circular bed as a gang of revellers looked on. The lovecheat Frenchman cast his vows to the wind when he visited the wild Paris venue with his ex-SAS minder Michael "Ned" Kelly. Kelly was appointed to look after the soccer starrecently voted the club's greatest ever playerfollowing his infamous kung-fu kick on a fan in 1995. In his bombshell new book, Manchester United: The Untold Story, which the club tried to ban, the author also tells how Cantona: VISITED a brothel where all the prostitutes wore numbers for a kinky "pick and mix" game. BEDDED the beautiful and willing wife of a household-name United star. SEDUCED a sex-mad woman employee at a Manchester club. Kelly had little idea what was in store when he was appointed personal bodyguard to 37-year-old Cantona. But he soon discovered the truth about the love-rat star's repeated betrayals of wife Isabelle in a string of debauched encounters. Kelly recalled: "I was out on the town in Paris with Eric when he insisted we end the night at his favourite watering-hole. "We met up with a couple of Eric's friends, who I'll call Pierre and Luc. The club had wall-to-wall porn beaming down from angled TV screens but, in the basement bar, the action was strictly live. "In the centre of the floor was a huge circular bed, so none of the onlookers would miss an inch of the action. Tongue "All one had to do was climb on the bed and wait to be joined by another enthusiastic participant, to have sex while everyone else looked on. "After a few bottles of champagne, one of the club bossesa friend of Eric's joined us at the bar. "The man called over a stunning woman he introduced as his wife. The chemistry between her and Eric was electricbut I thought I was seeing things as I watched her lead Eric and Luc toward the bed. "Eric flashed me a wink and stuck his tongue out like a schoolboy heading for the cream bun counter in a baker's. "What the ?' I asked Pierre. But I was speaking to the back of his head as he was also on his way to the bed wrapped around a tall blonde. "Eric tried to call me over to join in with Luc and his romp. I later discovered the wife was an ex-porn star." Kelly describes the 1997 night out as "the most surreal experience of my life". Cantonawho has a son Raphael, 13, and daughter Josephine, six, with 38-year-old Isabellemoved them to Bar-celona, Spain, after quitting soccer and turning to acting. In the spring of 1999, he invited Kelly for the weekend. "Eric declared we must go out on the town," he said. As usual, after a few drinks, the conversation turned to women and, after a few reminiscences, I stopped Eric in his tracks. "I told him, I know who you were sing in my flat when you borrowed it for your secret liaisons'. Eric was dumbstruck. "Who then?' he asked. I named the wife of a former top United star whose car I often used to see parked outside my flat whenever she and Eric met. "He exclaimed, How did you find out?' It's my business to know everything, Eric', I told him." Kelly adds: "Eric then drove us to a less salubrious side of town. We went to an underground car park, then up by lift. Three floors later, Eric was knocking at a flat door which opened to reveal wall-to-wall hookers. "The girls were stunning and all had numbered badges. It was like a kinky pick and mix." Cantona selected a girl and led her to a private room. Kelly recalls: "From discussions I'd had over the years with Eric, I knew he had a penchant for slapping women's backsides. Flirting "And from the noises coming from next door, this lady had apparently been very naughty. "After that we headed for his favourite karaoke bar and the reception he got from punters and staff told me he was as popular here as at Old Trafford." But not as popular as he'd been in one Manchester sports club. Kelly writes: "One woman there was very attractive and was extremely hospitable to both of usespecially Eric. "She was always ushering him into an office and, while I socialised with club members, he'd be taking advantage of the more exclusive services on offer to him behind closed doors." Kelly tells of another night in a Manchester bar where Cantona and a French friend, Pascal, were flirting shamelessly with two pretty women watched by their irate husbands. "In no time at all they were squaring up to Eric and Pascal," says the author. "I offered sincere apologies to the well-built husbands. Eric bought the two couples champagne and calm was eventually restored. "To be fair, Eric rarely played away during his time in the UK. "While at Manchester, I don't think it would be unkind to suggest that he lived a pretty basic lifestyle and it was only on my own recommendation that he and his family moved from the ex-council house t
[RedDevils] Re: If Premiership teams were ladies...
> If Premiership teams were ladies... > > Arsenal - Angelina Jolie - Look good, a bit maverick at times and you > know they have the potential to really f**k you over. > > Aston Villa - Dido - One big hit. Fairly inoffensive really. > > Birmingham City - Maria Carey - Occasionally interesting, frequently > annoying. Supporters are thick. > > Blackburn Rovers - Melanie Sykes - Common as muck Lancy, constantly > worrying. > > Bolton Wanderers - Natalie Imbruglia - Always looks like she might go > down but never does! > > Charlton Athletic - Martine McCutcheon - Chirpy Cockney with the > ability to spring a few surprises! > > Chelsea - Maggie Thatcher - Hated by millions,supported by idiots! > > Everton - Barbara Windsor - Been laughing at those tits so long we > forget that once upon a time they actually looked quite good! > > Fulham - Andrea Corr - Not bad to look at but not much of her. Seems a > bit awestruck with fame. > > Leicester City - Patsy Palmer - Generally a bit crap and second rate > really, but some people like her. > > Leeds United - Christina Aguilera - Dirrrty. > > Liverpool - Sophie Ellis Bextor - Individually all the components look > fantastic - just doesn't work when put together. > > Man City - Madonna - Have been big at times - now lost the plot a bit > > Man United - Jordan - Dominated by tits. Quite repulsive really. > > Middlesborough - Tara Palmer Tompkinson - Can look quite good at the > back but nothing at all up front to speak of. > > Newcastle United - Pamela Anderson - Can look good. Various unsavoury > elements though. > > Portsmouth - Chrissie Hynde - On the face of it a has-been but you're > quite interested in what she's going to do next. > > Southampton - Kylie Minogue - Sometimes you feel sorry for them, > They're not huge and you've got a bit of a soft spot. > > Tottenham Hotspur - Kim Wilde - Glamorous in the 80's not so nice to > watch now. > > Wolverhampton Wanderers - Lynda Lovelace - Big in the 70's guaranteed > to go down. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Rent DVDs from home. Over 14,500 titles. Free Shipping & No Late Fees. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/mk9osC/hP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] US tycoon ups Man Utd stake
Man Utd made full year profits of £39m American sports entrepreneur Malcolm Glazer has increased his shareholding in Manchester United to nearly 10%, the UK Premier League club said. Mr Glazer owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Florida-based winners of the Super Bowl American football championship. Man Utd said Mr Glazer has raised his shareholding to 9.66%. It is the second time in a fortnight Mr Glazer has bought more Man Utd shares - earlier this month he raised his stake from 5.9% to 8.94%. Takeover talk Rumours of a takeover have swirled round Man Utd in recent weeks, as several sporting entrepreneurs have increased their shareholdings. Takeover speculation was sparked by satellite broadcaster BSkyB's decision to offload its 10% stake in the football club. Irish horse racing tycoons J.P. McManus and John Magnier snapped up BSkyB's stake in early October, taking their joint holding to 23.15%. That triggered a flurry of speculation that the Irish duo might be preparing a full-blown takeover attempt Mr Glazer has been named as a possible bidder for Man Utd, as has Dutch TV entrepreneur John de Mol, who took his stake from 3.5% to 4.1% in early October. Scottish mining entrepreneur Harry Dobson, and Dermot Desmond, the Irish millionaire who owns 21% of Celtic football club, have also been named as possible bidders. Institutional investors tend to steer clear of football clubs because their financial performance is unpredictable, and most do not make enough money. But analysts say Man Utd would make an attractive takeover target because, unlike many of its Premiership rivals, the club is free of debt and makes healthy annual profits. Man Utd's has turned its success on the pitch into a worldwide merchandising operation which generates hefty earnings. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] WELCOME TO ELL
RYAN GIGGS on tomorrow's venomous Leeds v Manchester Utd clash There's often too much hype but I've crossed the Pennines for ten years and this game can be hottest yet By David Mcdonnell RYAN GIGGS has warned his Manchester United team-mates they face the ultimate test of their temperament and resolve in the "unforgiving" hostile atmosphere at Leeds tomorrow. United are always assured a vitriolic reception at Elland Road and Giggs believes the current turmoil at Leeds means Peter Reid's side will be more determined than ever to beat their arch rivals. Rio Ferdinand, making his first appearance since the drug test row which saw him dropped from the England squad, can expect a relentless barrage of abuse from Leeds fans who have never forgiven him for moving to United. Leeds fans are certain to seize upon the controversy that has engulfed Ferdinand in the past fortnight in an attempt to unsettle the England defender. And Giggs is convinced Leeds, despite their on and off-field problems, have the capacity to dent United's title challenge, for the simple reason that there is no expectation on them to win. "There's often too much hype in the build-up to games these days," said Giggs. "But I know, from ten years of travelling across the Pennines with United, this match really is as big as they come. "There's never any love lost between the two clubs and I can't honestly see that ever changing. "And it could be one of the worst times in recent seasons to play Leeds because now, more than ever, they will probably feel they've nothing to lose - and that makes them more dangerous than ever. "Going to Elland Road is always tough and our record there isn't the best. More than at most grounds, you've always got to play against the crowd, as well as the Leeds players on the pitch. "Of course, that motivates us but it's an unforgiving atmosphere and you really have to earn your points when you go there. "Everybody knows what's happened at Leeds in the past year or so. They've been forced to sell some of their best players to balance the books, and they've been forced to bring in a lot of players on loan. "They've also been struggling for form this season. But their backs are against the wall and that's so often the worst time to face teams. "Every Leeds player knows there's no better way to turn their season around than by beating us in front of their own fans. "The fact we're playing them again in the Worthington Cup at the end of the month will only spice things up even more, because anything that happens on Saturday will still be fresh in people's minds for the second game." United occupy third place in the Premiership, just a point behind leaders Chelsea and Arsenal. Giggs admitted United cannot afford to let their two main rivals get too far out of sight. "In terms of the title race, three points is obviously very important to us," he said. "Chelsea and Arsenal have started well and we know we can't afford to lose our focus and let them edge too far ahead. "It's not that important to be top of the table at this stage of the season, but it's equally important not to let your main rivals put too much daylight between you." Chelsea, Arsenal and United have pulled away from the rest of the pack at the top of the Premiership, with a four-point gap separating Sir Alex Ferguson's side from fourth-placed Birmingham. Giggs refused to discount the threat of Liverpool and Newcastle despite the fact Liverpool are eighth and Newcastle are camped in the relegation zone, a staggering 14 points adrift from thetop. But, bizarrely, Giggs believes both have a shot at the title. "There may be a small gap between the top three and the rest at the moment, but no-one at United is thinking that it's going to stay that way. "At this stage, all you need to do to transform the look of the table is put together a run of six or seven games, and both Liverpool and Newcastle have proved they're capable of doing that before." Flop Roque Junior is likely to be dropped to the Leeds bench for the game. The Brazilian is available again following his one-match ban, but boss Peter Reid has hinted he will probably have to settle for a place among the substitutes. A HISTORY OF HATRED FEB 8, 1993: Leeds 0 Man Utd 0. Leeds fans attack the United coach on Eric Cantona's first return to Elland Road and Alex Ferguson said: "The hostility towards him and Manchester United had to be seen to be believed." SEP 27, 1997: Leeds 1 Man Utd 0. Roy Keane ruptures his cruciate ligament trying to foul Alfie Haaland, sparking a feud between the pair. AUG 14, 1999: Man Utd 2 Leeds 0. David Beckham gives Leeds fans the V-sign in response to sick chants about his wife and son. Sep 14, 2002: Leeds 1 Man Utd 0. Rio Ferdinand gets a fierce reception from Leeds fans on his first return to Elland Road. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Rent DVDs from home. Over 14,500 titles. Free Shipping & No Late Fees. T
[RedDevils] UNITED FEAR ON BOOK ON STARS
This story below, which is taken from today's Daily Mirror, has more than a passing interest for me. For a number of reasons. 1) As the father of a "personality", I have been witness to a number of incidents and situations over the years that could possibly earn me a quick buck in the media, but that thought is furthest from my mind due to trust and confidentially. People confided in me knowing (or hoping) I would never tell a soul. Anyone who betrays trust such as this creep, Ned Kelly, is to be dispised as the lowest of low. 2) As an active campaigner for Shareholders United Against Murdoch, it was Ned Kelly who frogmarched Richard Briers and myself from the forecourt in front of OT before that year's AGM as we were handing out leaflets urging fellow shareholders to vote against the proposed Murdoch takeover. (We made the back page of the Daily Mail) As shareholders ourselves what we were doing was perfectly legal, yet My Kelly took it upon himself to take the Denis into his own hands. When, surrounded by the national press, Richard and I asked Mr Kelly who had authorised his actions and he said "The Board." When we him, "So, was it A?" "er, No". "So, was it B?", "er, No." etc.. etc.. Of course not. As over sensitive as the Board often is when faced with real-life situations, it's often Ned Kelly who does their dirty work, but in our case it was Mr Kelly himself. 3) A couple of years ago, soon after arriving in Cannes, I got a job selling stands for "Football Expo", a football trade exhibition which used to be held every January in Cannes. (It's now gone bust - serves them right for not continuing my contract) Ned Kelly's security company was one of many companies I was trying to convince to take a stand. Let's just say his whole demeanour during my failed negociations left a lot to be desired. Just thought you'd like to know. Dave Blatt MANCHESTER United are desperately trying to block a book which lifts the lid on the private lives of Premiership stars. Lawyers will next week seek an injunction to stop the revelations by former club security chief Ned Kelly being published. A United source said: "Kelly has been privy to all kinds of things such as flare-ups behind the scenes. "This book would be a disaster for the game which has been rocked by a number of scandals." The book was due to be serialised in a newspaper from tomorrow and sold soon afterwards. But London-based O'Mara Books last night agreed to halt publication until after a meeting with a High Court judge. United claim ex-SAS man Kelly, 54 - who now lives in Florida - is in breach of confidentiality. The dad-of-two was close friends with Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs before he left over claims that he became a ticket tout. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Rent DVDs Online - Over 14,500 titles. No Late Fees & Free Shipping. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/Tq9otC/XP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Man Utd agree Bellion fee
Sunderland have accepted a compensation package from Manchester United for French striker David Bellion. The deal includes an initial £2m fee payable immediately and could rise to £3m depending on appearances and international call-ups. The Black Cats will also benefit from any future transfer of Bellion due to a sell-on clause in the deal. "We're happy with the package and feel that it is entirely deserved as we lost an exciting and talented young player," said Sunderland chairman Bob Murray. "It is to the benefit of both clubs that we have been able to reach an agreement without the need for a tribunal. "We were very disappointed to lose David as he is a player who should make a good name for himself in the future, but wish him every success." Bellion, who moved to the Stadium of Light from Cannes in 2001, rejected an improved Sunderland contract when his deal ran out in the summer and moved to Old Trafford in July. Ferguson faces hearing Under Premier League and Nationwide League rules a club is entitled to compensation if the out-of-contract player is under 24 and moves to another club. Bellion made just three starts for the Wearsiders, but was used as a substitute 15 times and netted the winner in the home game against Aston Villa last season - his only goal for the club. He has only played a peripheral role for United so far this season, although he made a goalscoring debut in the pre-season defeat of Celtic in Seattle. Sunderland turned down bids from United and Liverpool for the highly-rated forward last season. Murray accused the Old Trafford club of unsettling the youngster and trying to get him on the cheap during the January transfer window. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Ferguson faces hearing
Sir Alex Ferguson is set to appear before a Football Association disciplinary hearing on Monday to answer misconduct charges. The Manchester United boss was charged after his verbal outburst against match officials at Newcastle in August. He is facing a touchline ban or a heavy fine after being sent to the stand by referee Uriah Rennie following heated words with fourth official Jeff Winter. Ferguson elected to have a personal hearing to answer the charges. The incident happened during United's 3-0 win at St Jame's Park on 23 August. Ferguson reacted angrily to Rennie's decision not to punish Andy O'Brien for bringing down Ryan Giggs on the edge of the Newcastle area. The manager kicked a ball away in disgust and remonstrated with fourth official Winter on the sidelines before being dismissed by Rennie. Winter was then subjected to a sustained four-letter tirade from the Scot. Ferguson faces two separate counts, one relating generally to alleged "improper conduct" and the other specifically to claims that he used abusive language to the match officials. The weight of television evidence suggests Ferguson will be hard pressed to plead his innocence, and an FA commission would take a dim view if it is proved Ferguson labelled any of the officials as "cheats". But he can point to a previously unblemished record during his 17-year reign as United boss, which is expected to count in his favour. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Rent DVDs Online - Over 14,500 titles. No Late Fees & Free Shipping. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/Tq9otC/XP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Barthez set for move
Barthez has lost his first-team place Fabien Barthez is on the brink of joining Marseille on loan. The French club say they have reached an agreement for the goalkeeper with Manchester United, who deny that a deal has been done. "We are in discussions with Marseille but no final agreement has been reached," said a spokesman for the defending Premiership champions. Marseille president Christophe Bouchet, however, is convinced that the swap will be confirmed by the weekend. He announced the news on the club's website, and is awaiting Fifa ratification because the proposed loan is taking place outside of the allotted transfer window. Barthez, who signed from Monaco for £7.8m in May 2000, has found himself as third-choice at Old Trafford, behind summer signing Tim Howard and Northern Ireland's Roy Carroll. The 32-year-old played for Marseille until 1995, winning the European Cup with them in 1993. He was also an important part of the French squad which won the World Cup in 1998 and the 2000 European Championships. But national coach Jacques Santini has warned Barthez that his number one shirt is under threat if he does not play regular first-team football. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Rent DVDs Online - Over 14,500 titles. No Late Fees & Free Shipping. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/Tq9otC/XP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] KEW MADE A BAD MOVE
You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Smallville Kewell gets what he deserves in limited granny stabbers land Dave Blatt Oct 5 2003 LIVERPOOL..1 ARSENAL.2 Anthony Clavane AFTER 13 minutes of play the PA announcer put us on alert. "Standby for Operation Anfield," he declared. Nobody knew what he meant until, a few seconds later, Harry Kewell put Liverpool one up. To those who questioned the Wizard of Oz's mysterious decision over the summer, the announcement suddenly made sense. For Kewell had turned down Arsene Wenger's all-singing, all-dancing all-stars in favour of Gerard Houllier's perennial underachievers. And here, most emphatically it seemed, was the reason why. "Operation Anfield" was turning out to be an excellent move. Wrong. For a player of Kewell's mercurial talents "Operation Highbury" would have been a much smarter one. Or indeed "Operation Old Trafford". If you are in any way patriotic, of course, the big story to come out of this game was Michael Owen's injury. But while the nation is fretting over the striker's shin, spare a thought for Kewell. OK, he's an Aussie and he ran rings round the England defence at Upton Park last season - but the more players of his calibre who flourish in the Premiership the better. The former Leeds star performed brilliantly yesterday. Once again he showed how, playing at the highest level, he has the potential to be a world great. But that won't happen at Liverpool. He is good for the Reds - but the Reds aren't good for him. Apart from the goal, he was at the centre of a fine first-half display by the home side. Playing through the middle alongside Owen, rather on one of the flanks as in previous games, he helped rip the Gunners' defence to bits. Arsenal should have been dead and buried after half an hour. Kewell himself missed a glorious opportunity and Owen fluffed no less than three. But once the visitors had drawn level, admittedly through a lucky own goal from Sami Hyypia, Liverpool's limitations were cruelly exposed. The intention, in paying Leeds £5m for Kewell, was to provide more width and flair for Houllier's outfit. But as Arsenal began to take a hold of the game, especially in midfield where Brazilian pair Edu and Gilberto were again outstanding, Liverpool resorted to that infamous tactic of pre-Harry days - "Operation Hit Owen". And when their goal machine hobbled off with less than 20 minutes remaining they had to switch to "Operation Hit And Hope". Kewell's preference for Houllier over Wenger seems somewhat bizarre. As Arsenalshowed in the High Noon clash they have a team capable of winning back the title from Fergie's men. The irony of Robert Pires curling in the winner would not have been lost on the Aussie. Pires has had injury and form problems this season and, if things had gone differently, Kewell might have been lining up on the left for the north Londoners. A potential goal of the season, Wenger described it as "pure Pires". But at Anfield now, there's only one Kewell. There's no-one else with his flair and creativity. Perhaps he'd rather be, like at Leeds, a big fish in a small pond. But if he really gives a about fulfilling his awesome potential and shining at the highest level, Harry should have met Arsene - or Fergie - in the summer. Liverpool are no longer the Premiership's most boring club, as the first 45 minutes demonstrated. But his sublime skills are wasted at Anfield. Alongside Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp, Pires they would have undoubtedly blossomed. Houllier said yesterday was "make or break" for Liverpool's season - the week's best soundbite, after Dirty Den's "Ello Princess" and Tiger Tony's "No reversing." But, for Kewell's own career, make-or-break time came in the summer when he plumped for Anfield over both Highbury and Old Trafford. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] VAN THE BAN: MY AGONY
RUUD van Nistelrooy has revealed his anguish at being suspended from Holland's final Euro 2004 qualifier by boss Dick Advocaat. As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Mirror three weeks ago, Advocaat will not select the Manchester United striker against Moldova on Saturday. Van Nistelrooy verbally abused Advocaat, kicked a water bottle and threw his jacket around on the bench after being subbed against the Czech Republic. He admitted: "I am a very emotional player, I could not hide my disappointment. Immediately after the game in Prague I realised I had been wrong. "So I went up to the manager and told him I wanted to speak with him. We did sit down and I told him how sorry I was. He accepted my apologies. "But this week he phoned me in England and told me he could not tolerate what I had done. "I must say that I have looked at the incident since on television and admit it looks pretty bad." Van Nistelrooy, on target again for United yesterday, added: "I understand the manager's point and his explanation to me on the phone was very clear. "I have to accept what he is doing to me. However, I am still very disappointed I am not part of the Dutch team now. "I desperately want to go to the European Championships in Portugal. I have never been to a major tournament in my career." If Patrick Kluivert and Roy Makaay play well for Holland on Saturday, Van Nistelrooy knows there is no way he will return in the team for the two play-off games next month. Advocaat said: "The only reason I waited so long with telling him, was because I did not want to upset him even more at club level. "He had a few very big games with United in the space of two weeks. But I knew from the moment he misbehaved that I was going to leave him out for Holland's next game." Advocaat said he had to do something as a signal to the rest of the Dutch camp, which has been a war zone for months. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] Fernandez set to be Fergie's No 2 at United
> Frenchman Luis Fernandez last night emerged as the surprise front runner for > the role of assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. > Fernandez, who has been out of work since the summer when he left Paris > Saint-Germain, looks to have beaten the likes of Bryan Robson, Martin Jol > and Mike Phelan to the coveted position. Very interesting but suspect. It was Luis Fernandez who clashed with Ronaldinho which led to the latter wanting away from PSG and resulted in only intermittant performances from the Brazilian. PSG fans adored him because he swore, smoked and spoke like them, reflecting their passion for the club, but he often rubbed the authorities up the wrong way with his forthright comments. Honest to a fault but tempermental. Is he the right foil for Sir Alex? I have my doubts. His tactical awareness seems average and his success with PSG has not been consistant. Is he Don Howe in disguise? i.e. a better coach than manager. Don't know. Perhaps like a goldfish (or poisson rouge in his case) he will expand in a larger environment. Personally I have my doubts. I don't think he's the one for us. Salut les copains. Concerned of Cannes Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] UNITED TO MAKE £6M FERGIE HIGHEST PAID BOSS IN EUROPE
If ever a man deserved this kind of money (apart from me, that is) it's Sir Alex. Dave Blatt THE amazing details of Sir Alex Ferguson's new Manchester United deal can be revealed today, writes STEVE BATES. Talks on a new contract for the 61-year-old Scot will centre on a £96,000-a-week basic package earning him a guaranteed £5million a year - more than any United player. But that super salary is just a starter for the Old Trafford general, who has won 17 trophies in a reign spanning 17 years next month. Bonuses would include the £10,000 he and the players received for beating Panathinaikos in the Champions League group phase recently, plus £250,000 for winning the Premiership. Add on £500,000 if United lift the European Cup in Germany next May and Ferguson could earn close to £6m, eclipsing the £5.3m banked by Europe's best-paid chief Marcello Lippi. Negotiations between Ferguson's lawyers and United's new chief executive David Gill are already under way to add an extra two years to a contract with two years still to run. It will put Ferguson in charge until 2007 and a United insider said last night: "This will be the definitive contract for Sir Alex." Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] OUT OF CONTROL
ARSENAL will be charged by the FA today for the disgraceful and violent conduct of their players at the end of yesterday's ill-tempered clash at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy was struck by Martin Keown, Ray Parlour and Lauren at the final whistle after the Dutchman's role in the 80th-minute controversy which led to Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira's dismissal. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branded Arsenal's behaviour at the end "beyond the pale" and called for the FA to investigate their bullying conduct which marred the game. And in a further twist, Vieira branded van Nistelrooy a cheat for the over-reaction which led to the eighth red card of his career and sparked the ugly scenes between both sides. Television replays clearly showed Vieira made no contact with van Nistelrooy and the Frenchman said: "I am really angry with Ruud, not the referee. Ruud made more of the challenge than he should have done, and in that way he cheated. He tried to stamp on me." Wenger insisted the United striker should also have been dismissed for the alleged stamp. "Van Nistelrooy is not the fairest player on the pitch," said Wenger. "What he did was a form of cheating. He should have been sent off for the foul which Patrick ended up reacting to. "Van Nistelrooy's behaviour on the pitch doesn't help. He is a great player but he is always looking to provoke something by diving. "He looks a nice boy on the pitch but his behaviour is not fair. If people are trying to convince me that van Nistelrooy is an angel, they will have a problem. "Patrick retaliated, even though he didn't make contact. He had already been booked, so he had go. But van Nistelrooy should have gone as well for the way he behaved." Ferguson reacted angrily to Wenger's claims and launched an impassioned defence of van Nistelrooy who missed an injury-time penalty. "I've heard what Arsene Wenger said about Ruud and I'm extremely disappointed," said Fergie. "I can defend Ruud completely. He is not a diver. "Vieira committed some bad fouls throughout the game and he reacted badly to Ruud's challenge. All Ruud did was look at the referee, as if to say 'what kind of challenge was that?' "And Arsenal's behaviour at the end was beyond the pale. You never want to see that kind of conduct, and I think everyone in the country will be disappointed with what they saw. "But it's not for me to talk about Arsenal's disciplinary record. That's for them to sort out. I can only talk about my players, who I thought acted properly." Vieira will receive a one-match ban for yesterday's dismissal and will miss Arsenal's Premiership clash with Chelsea on October 18. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Remanufactured Ink Cartridges & Refill Kits at MyInks.com for: HP $8-20. Epson $3-9, Canon $5-15, Lexmark $4-17. Free s/h over $50 (US & Canada). http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=6351 http://us.click.yahoo.com/0zJuRD/6CvGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Arsenal players at the end were NOT in their right mind.
>From the soaraway Scum Dave Blatt the events at the end of a match yesterday that saw eights bookings and a red card for Vieira was probably worse than anything we had seen before. What they will make of it all in Istanbul doesn¹t bear thinking about as the countdown starts to England-Turkey on October 11. Before the disgraceful scenes that saw four Arsenal players push, jostle and hit Ruud van Nistelrooy after the final whistle, there might have been sympathy for the Gunners. Never more so than when referee Steve Bennett handed Vieira his first yellow card for a challenge that saw the Arsenal skipper clearly take the ball not the man. And some may make a case that the kick Vieira aimed at Van Nistelrooy two minutes later landed a good foot or two short of its mark. And that the Dutchman was asking for or looking for some sort of reaction with his clumsy initial challenge as he landed on the prone Arsenal man. When Van Nistelrooy, hardly the most popular player in the Premiership, then smacked his added-time penalty against the Arsenal crossbar there may even have been a certain poetic justice. But what followed was a total and utter disgrace. Even for a Sunday morning game on Hackney Marshes if that is not an insult to those who turn out on the East London playing fields. ³Why are we always the devils . . . and play against angels?² enquired Arsene Wenger a bit later. Well, Arsene old chum, if you study the video closely you will find out for yourself. Except your version will probably cut out as Bennett blows his final whistle. After that Van Nistelrooy took a whack round the head from a celebrating Martin Keown the look on the face of the Arsenal centre-half suggesting he was close to losing touch with reality. Then Lauren trod on Van Nistelrooy¹s left ankle as the striker was getting off the turf. And Ashley Cole gave the Dutchman a shove from behind before Ray Parlour provided a slap in the chest for good measure. While all this was going on, Wenger was applauding the travelling Arsenal fans in the corner remembering just how Alex Ferguson went over to salute his own supporters at Highbury on the night last April when United took a giant stride to reclaiming their title. The FA will now have to throw the book at an Arsenal side who clearly lost all control at the end. What a message to send out to kids watching both at Old Trafford and on TV. Yes, Van Nistelrooy may be a total pain in the backside. Yes, many fans up and down the country will applaud the action taken by the Arsenal players in the euphoria of their escape from Old Trafford with the point that kept them on top of the Premiership. And, yes, Van Nistelrooy may be such a provocative customer that even Edgar Davids one of his own Dutch team-mates had to be restrained in training the other day. But the evidence in front of his own eyes clearly spells out to Wenger that his players were demonstrably in the wrong. Unless, of course, he prefers to register as blind. Then there is the small matter of all those other 51 red cards which Arsenal had accumulated before yesterday¹s battle at OId Trafford. Not to mention the disciplinary action currently still hanging over Sol Campbell following the earlier incidents in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium last month. The case for the prosecution is damning. And Arsenal should be damned. Afterwards both Vieira and Wenger accused Van Nistelrooy of cheating while Ferguson hit back by condemning the Arsenal manager. Fergie, in fact, went even further insisting the FA launch an immediate investigation. No one in their right mind can argue with that. Except certain Arsenal players at the end were NOT in their right mind. It was a day when England¹s two most famous clubs managed to produce a match that dragged the national game down and through the gutter once again. And to think there were some English journalists in Istanbul yesterday to take in the full horror of the Galatasaray-Fenerbahce local derby . . . Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Remanufactured Ink Cartridges & Refill Kits at MyInks.com for: HP $8-20. Epson $3-9, Canon $5-15, Lexmark $4-17. Free s/h over $50 (US & Canada). http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=6351 http://us.click.yahoo.com/0zJuRD/6CvGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Fergie telling it like it was
I saw it. Fergie saw it. Everybody saw it except Wenger, of course. Whatever the scenerio, the reaction by Arsenals players at the end was the most dispicable I have ever witnessed in the UK. The FA, including David Dein, should throw the book at all of 'em. But we all know what will happen, don't we? As Edwin Starr once sang, "War,absolutely nothing. Say it again y'all." Dave Blatt .Ferguson was even angrier the Arsenal players attacked Van Nistelrooy at the end. Martin Keown jumped on him, landing an arm on his shoulder, and Lauren trod on him and pushed him. Ashley Cole then barged past him and Ray Parlour hit him in the ribs. Ferguson said: ³I think the FA should look at that terrible behaviour out there. You do not want to see that kind of behaviour. It¹s beyond the pale. ³Everyone in the country will be disappointed to see that kind of behaviour.² Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Special Sale: 50% off ReplayTV Easily record your favorite shows! CNet Ranked #1 over Tivo! http://us.click.yahoo.com/WUMW7B/85qGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] boring 0-0 draw? I don't think so.
> From: "helene blatte" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Arsenal must have come in at half time and thought "How >> the fuck did we get away with that?" > > as the person sitting next to me pointed out - we had a huge Scholes-shaped > hole in our team and it really brought it home today. I think if he'd been > there we would have won. That's easy to say, but I truly believe it. Hope > he's back soon. > > Bruce I couldn't agree more about Scholsey. It was so apparent to me as well as the match unfolded. That one extra dimension that would have unlocked Arsenals predictable but effective defence. Now, what about Ronaldo? Pretty or effective, or pretty effective? On the ball he's wonderful to watch and excites the crowd, but unlike our Georgie in the sixties who poccessed a myriad of virtuoso ball skills, Christiano's mesmorising reportoire consists of feinting his feet over the ball as the ball runs on in a straight line. Lovely to see, but if the defender is doing his job properly he just waits for moment to go for the ball whose trajectory is predictable - it continues in a straight line. Then if the defender doesn't like looking a plonker in front of a lot of people he brings Christiano down. I'll now answer my own question. First of all, by bringing our man down we gain a free kick in a dangerous (for the opposition) part of the field. And Giggsy is almost Beckham in these situations. If anyone saw Ronaldo's performance for Portugal Under 18's in their win over Eng-er-land, he was running the show and damm effective in the bargain. I believe once he has gained a bit more confidence by being able to communicate with his chums on the field and once he and his team-mates work out the best way of harnessing his talents for the benefit of the team as a whole we will be able to translate football eye candy into goals. Like Forlan before him, once he gets his first goal the floodgates will open and unlike Forlan (who I love as a player for his attitude but have severe reservations over his class) he will soar. As Carole King once sang, "It Might As Well Until September", so being there or there abouts at the moment without firing on all cylinders is better than par for the course for us. It's just that Arsenal were there for the taking but in the end their take-away was a point when we should have had three. Will it be significant come next May? Don't ask me, I'm not a fucking fortune teller. What a stupid question. Oh well. It's off to work we go, hi ho hi ho hi ho hi hoetc. Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> ReplayTV: CNet Ranked #1 over Tivo! Instant Replay & Pause live TV. Special Sale: 50% off! http://us.click.yahoo.com/UUMW7B/.5qGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] 1958 v Arse
A couple of years ago I submitted an article to Red News entitled "My very First Time" in which I recollected my first match going experiences. Included was a brief reference to my first ever United game, and believe it or not, it was THAT game. I was 9 years old. Read On. Dave Blatt > > Arsenal 4-5 Man Utd (Feb 1, 1958) > As their last game on English soil, this enthralling victory will forever be > remembered as a fitting tribute to the 'Busby Babes', eight of whom died > five days later in Munich. > > > I spotted the above in a post pre- tomorrows game . > > Much is often written about the POST Munich game(s) , but I've never > personally seen any account of this game . > > I know it's a long shot , but was anyone on the list(s) actually there who > can give us their memories ? > > Only Pete's Dad comes to mind , but there must be others . > ³O² - MY VERY FIRST TIME I was born on 17th June 1949 at the Middlesex Hospital in Mortimer Street in Central London. I was zero at the time but not for long. I began life with my parents in boring suburbia, South Woodford to be exact. In 1956 we owned our first television set, a black & white Ferguson. (If you¹re looking for omens, go no further. Spooky!) It wasn¹t long before my mother came out with a line that only mothers could ever come out with. ³If you sit in front of the television all day, you¹ll end up with square eyes.² Now, hang on a minute here. With the value of hindsight let¹s examine that statement. In 1956 television programs only came on at something like 3.45pm in the afternoon, then finished abruptly at 6.00pm, so as not to temp the little lady of the house from her duties for the 2.4 family. Resumption at 7.30pm consisted of programs that no seven year old would be remotely interested in anyway. Square eyes. I don¹t think so. Didn¹t parents get away with murder in those days? Still, at the impressionable age of seven years old you believed everything your parents told you. I didn¹t want to succumb to this new disease that doctors had yet to find a cure for, so it fell to my Dad to find an answer. (We didn¹t have marketing bollocks words like ³solutions² in those days either thank fuck!) So what was the ³answer²? You¹ve guessed it football. Now this is quite interesting because my Dad didn¹t actually like football. Poor man. He paid lip service to Aston Villa, but only because, as a sargent, he was posted to an Italian prisoner-of-war camp in Aston, Birmingham during World War Two. Some of the local sqaddies followed The Villa and I suspect it was more a case of joining in so as to be accepted than some dark, recessed longing for the claret & blues. Also, for no apparent reason, he chose a boy from my class, Stephen Moy, to accompany us to our very first football match. Why Stephen Moy you ask? Beats me. He wasn¹t even a friend of mine at the time, just a kid in my class at Oakdale County Primary School in South Woodford. In fact, if the truth be told, he was a bit ³ruff² and not the sort of boy Mum would normally let me play with. He dropped all his ³aitches² yet had the most beautiful handwriting. (I told you I was impressionable). A strange package indeed. So, what was our first match? Leyton Orient V Brighton & Hove Albion in the old Second Division of course. You see, The ³O²¹s were my nearest league team, so it was logical they would be the first team I actually saw live. But I want you to know that I didn¹t go all the way. Not on a first date. It was OK I suppose. It was cold and everyone seemed bigger than me. I remember one team played in royal blue and one team played in orange. Orange! M, nice. So that was the team I supported that day. It was only as we came out of Brisbane Road that I overheard a conversation that lead me to the conclusion that I had mistakenly supported Brighton & Hove Albion in their away colours. Still, no lasting psychological damage was done the game ended 2-2. For the next two years my Dad took me to the Bermondsey Triangle of First Division clubs, namely Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham. At these larger grounds the weather was colder, people were taller and I saw even less. So, as you can see. Lots of dates. The odd kiss but I never went all the way. Then one night at Highbury it all changed. Even walking to the stadium I could feel the electricity in the air. I began to tingle. Inside the ground I entered a new dimension. WOW. The noise, the atmosphere. And when the teams came out that ROAR. This was foreplay above and beyond anything I had experienced before. ³What team¹s that, Dad? ³Manchester United, son.² ³Well Dad, that¹s the team for me.² At last - penetration. That all encompassing feeling when you know everything has finally come together. That spark that had been missing suddenly exploded in front of me, inside me and all around me. I was in love. This really was the first day of the rest of my life. The speed, the skill, the sea-saw of scoring and emot
[RedDevils] Much Ado about Little
Virtually all the media speculation/frenzy since the announcement of Peter Kenyon's departure has been oh so predictable. I imagine we all could have written the articles ourselves. From the analytical ramblings of the broadsheets, stating the obvious, but using some long words to justify their inflated journalistic wages, to conspiracy theories from the tabloids about horse trading and the like. It goes without saying that the Board's plans for globalising the brand (pass the bucket, mother) will continue unopposed, with those in charge only a fraction less capable, as Kenyon came from a marketing background and Gill comes from a financial background. The club's creativity and vision may be partially curtailed, but whether that is a good or bad thing is open to debate. My principal concern, is that coming from a Martin Edwards financial background (pass the other bucket, mother) David Gill is more likely to sing from the Edwards hymn book and put more severe restrictions on Ferguson's dealings in the transfer market, which I believe would be counter productive in establishing Manchester United as the biggest and best football club in the world. Without the firmest of foundations in place you cannot build the tallest buildings. United's foundation is the team. It's the team's successes and glorious failures over decades that has built up our world-wide reeputation and support. Without the team and its fans the PLC's global strategy is built on a house of cards. The best team means the best players, home grown and transfers, and the best manager. Much of our success in the 1990's was in spite of, not due to Fartin' Martin's fiscal policy. I fervently hope that David Gill turns out to be a goldfish. By that I mean when he has transferred from his goldfish bowl to the pond, he grows within his new environment and expands his vision outside the spreadsheet. Only time will tell. Meanwhile I'm counting down the days to the next United AGM. Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] too close for comfort?
> REUTERS; LON; 04 SEP 2003; SP > > Upton Park Chief Terrence Brown has promised > supporters that the hammer > sales are over after selling fans in the Bobby Moore > lower to Chelsea for > GBP8m, despite claims he would only have to sell the > fans in the Chicken > Run. Brown had claimed in May, that the 'nucleus' of > West Ham support > would be kept. > > Brown's statement released yesterday read: > "Chelsea now have an array of talent on the field, but > because they have > no fans, and the ones they do have are crap, Roman > came in and bid for > some fans, I had to say yes. Plus they were getting on > my nerves a bit" > > As the deal was sealed, those entering the stadium for > last nights game > against Bradford, were whisked down to Stamford Bridge > in coaches and > ordered to support Chelsea. > > One former Hammers fan said: > > "The board and I had been in discussions for 18 months > about the renewal > of my season ticket, but ultimately I just wanted > Champions League > football to further my enjoyment of the sport, > something the club couldn't > provide. So I've fcuked off to Chelsea with the > players" > > Another supporter said: > "I was preparing for life in division 1, when the > board told me they'd > sold me to Chelsea cos their fans are so pony. But now > i'm here I'll > > forget about my past and start wearing naff earrings, > mind you, it seems > like yesterday I was telling fellow supporters not to > pi$$ off and leave > just cos we got relegated" > > Trevor Brooking insisted today that no more supporters > would have to be > sold, despite claims in a newspaper this morning which > suggested some fans > would be loaned out to Portsmouth till the end of the > season. > > However, Portsmouth club source stated "that's > > fiction, because even if we > did, we'd have nowhere to put them... because our > ground is a $hit hole." > > Brown was unavailable for comment today as he had > changed the GBP8m into > five pound notes and was rolling in the money in his > garden, laughing. > Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Yahoo - Barney!
Hi Barney Your editorial email address is rejecting my messages. Please contact me off list so that I can send you my revised intro to the MMMoM article. regards Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] SVEN'S BACKS FERDINAND TO BEAT FORM SLUMP
SVEN Goran Eriksson has refused to push the panic button over England's slack defending, but admitted Rio Ferdinand slumped last season. Ferdinand's central defensive partnership with Sol Campbell was the bedrock of England's World Cup campaign as Eriksson's team conceded just three goals in five games. But the defensive problems that surfaced against Slovakia last June showed no signs of being cured in the win over Croatia as John Terry suffered an uncomfortable first start alongside the sluggish Ferdinand. With barely two weeks before the testing trip to Macedonia, it demonstrated the need for Campbell to conquer his concerns that he is being unfairly targeted by the FA and return to harness with the Manchester United man. Eriksson, though, insisted he was not unduly concerned about the way the space behind Ashley Cole was exploited for the second game running and the lapses that should have been punished. He said: "I'm not worried about the defence. When it is a real game we nearly always defend very well. Remember the World Cup? We were one of the best teams defending." In the World Cup, of course, that defence was drilled by Steve McClaren, who left his part-time role last October and whose role has not really been replaced. Eriksson added: "Against Croatia we defended badly in the last 20 to 25 minutes of the first half. For the rest I think we did okay." Ferdinand's poor form over the past year since his £30million move to Old Trafford has not gone unnoticed, even from Eriksson. The Swede added: "I saw Rio in Cardiff in the Community Shield and he was excellent. "During the practices he did with us he was much, much better than last season and I'm sure he will have a great, great season. "I think he has no problems with injuries any more and I'm optimistic about him. I don't think he has to have Sol alongside him to be good." It does seem, though, that Campbell's physical presence and quietly-spoken defensive leadership keeps Ferdinand more focused. In the 10 competitive games they have played together for Eriksson, England have conceded just six goals. They have let in the same number in just six games without them as a pair. Eriksson, meanwhile, dismissed the suggestion that Paul Scholes' international goal drought could endanger his automatic place in the England team. Scholes has now gone 23 games and more than two years since his last England goal, in Greece in June 2001, while Frank Lampard's stunning first international goal summed up his quantum leap forward. Eriksson said: "Frank Lampard is growing as a footballer. He's getting better and better, stronger and stronger and scored a marvellous goal. He did very well when he came on. But I would be very surprised if I dropped Paul. I've never had a problem with him. I know he can play better than he did against Croatia but it was a friendly and he's Paul Scholes, he's very important. "It doesn't concern me at all that he's not scored for two years. He scored a lot for Manchester United last year." Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Haaland raps Roy - again
ALFIE HAALAND announced his retirement from football and said he will never forget Roy Keane for the tackle that allegedly ended his career. Manchester City midfielder Haaland, 30, has called it quits after visiting a specialist in the US. The Norwegian was hurt by a horror tackle from Manchester United skipper Roy Keane in April 2001. Keane received a five-game ban for admitting in his autobiography he deliberately fouled the City star. And Haaland said: ³As for the Roy Keane issue, I shall never be able to forget the incident or his comments in his book.² He added: ³After three operations and extensive physio, there comes a time when there is no point carrying on. ³I realise my situation could not go on for ever I almost had my own treatment table at the training ground.² United boss Alex Ferguson will use midfielders Keane and Eric Djemba-Djemba as emergency defenders this season. The Scot, who has failed to buy any defensive cover, admitted: ³We could have a problem. ³But I think Djemba-Djemba can play at right-back. Roy can also play centre-half.² Captain Keane still rates Arsenal as the biggest threat to United. The Irishman said: ³They have probably had a stronger squad than us over the last year or two. ³And getting Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira to sign new contracts was probably more important than buying new players.² United defender Gary Neville has hit back following a row over his two-footed tackle on Blackburn¹s Corrado Grabbi in a reserve team game on Wednesday. Rovers boss Graeme Souness rushed from the stands after referee Steve Brand decided not to give a free-kick for the challenge. But Neville, who declared himself fit to face Newcastle tomorrow after a hamstring injury, said: ³The ball is there to be won. That¹s my job. ³I didn¹t go over the top. I never want to try to hurt anybody.² Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] DIAMOND PORTU-GEEZER ... wonderkid Cristiano Ronaldo
NEWCASTLE have been told to expect the unexpected when wonderboy Cristiano Ronaldo swaggers into St James¹ Park tomorrow. The warning comes from the Manchester United star¹s best pal Newcastle¹s Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana. The twinkle-toed pair have known each other for eight years and Viana reckons his Geordie boys have an even tougher task trying to avenge last season¹s 6-2 thrashing with winger Ronaldo around. The 18-year-old, signed by United for £12.4million from Sporting Lisbon a fortnight ago, set the Premiership on fire with last Saturday¹s electrifying debut. His speed and trickery had Bolton¹s back four spinning and now every top-flight defender will be panicking. Viana predicts magic every time Ronaldo gets the ball. He said: ³Ronaldo is a very good player for England because he is quick and strong and has great technique. ³For a winger, you have to be skilful and he has the technical ability. You can give him the ball and he will make something happen. ³I¹ve known Ronaldo since I was 12 years old, we played in the same team at Sporting. ³He is my closest friend and we used to do everything together. We trained and played in the same teams and dreamed we would play for Sporting and for Portugal. ³Ronaldo was always a special talent and very confident he would achieve his goals even when he was 12 and I am happy for him that he has joined Manchester United.² Viana, 20, is desperate to play against his mate tomorrow, even though a back injury ruled him out of the Toon¹s 2-2 draw at Leeds last weekend. But he hopes his 90-minute run-out for Portugal in Wednesday¹s 1-0 win over Kazakhstan may convince Newcastle boss Bobby Robson he is ready. VIANA ... big Cristiano fan Viana is determined to earn a run in the side after starting just 17 games for the Magpies. He declared: ³My back is fine and I lasted the whole game for Portugal. I am fit for the next game and I want to play against Ronaldo. ³We need to have a very good game against Manchester United because last time it was 6-2 and the fans want us to put it right. We know we need to be at our best. ³I saw the game against Leeds and Newcastle played well. It was a hard game, although all the away games are hard so it was a very good result.² It has been a long journey from Sporting¹s academy to the hard-knocks school of the Premiership. Viana is two years older but he and Ronaldo were inseparable in their formative years. They would travel to training sessions together and hone their skills late into the night in a bid to make the grade. And, side by side, they plotted a path into Sporting¹s first team and even made their debuts in the same game against Academica on August 15, 2001. Viana¹s superior strength saw him make rapid progress and, a year later, he was on his way to Newcastle for £8.5m. But the Toon midfielder always knew his mate would quickly follow. Now Ronaldo has done just that and is looking to cap the most amazing week of his life tomorrow, following on from his Old Trafford bow and first senior international on Wednesday. United know they have a gem, with Reds youth coach Francisco Filho praising Ronaldo as one of the best talents he has seen. Brazilian Filho was hired by Alex Ferguson last year to boss the Under-18s after being recommended by his old assistant and current Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz. Filho said: ³Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player and United captured him at the right time. ³Ronaldo is an exceptional case because he is only 18. Usually, players have to wait until they are 24 or 25 before they are good enough to play for a club like United. ³Usually, the best foreign players play for around three years at a Premiership club if they are good enough and then go back but Ronaldo has the chance to be here a long time.² Boss Fergie has placed United¹s future in Filho¹s hands with orders to churn out players to follow homegrown stars like Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. And Filho is now working hard to establish an exchange programme with Sporting so United can tap into the conveyor belt that produced Ronaldo. Filho said: ³Lots of them will certainly play in the first team later on. ³I would like the English players and the Portuguese players of Sporting to do some exchanges. ³When they are young and, if they have talent, an exchange is beneficial for both sides.² Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to ht
[RedDevils] Roman's football crazy
I know this is not United related, but I'm thinking - if I had all the money in the world, wouldn't I do something similar? Take away all the crap, jealousy and media speculation, and I believe we are left with a man who has actually got the bug and genuinely loves football. It would be easier if he were a Maxwell or a Murdoch. We could hate him as a one dimensional villain (booo!). But I don't think he is. Just my 2 euros worth. Dave Blatt SUPERFAN ... Red Rom will do just about anything to watch the footie CHELSEA new boy Adrian Mutu has lifted the lid on Roman Abramovich¹s amazing football obsession. The £15.8million striker revealed Red Rom once flew NINE hours in his private jet to watch Match of the Day-style highlights after his telly packed up. Romanian star Mutu declared: ³With that kind of guy in charge of our club, everything is possible.² Chelsea¹s billionaire owner regularly sits glued to the football on his hi-tech satellite systems in the remote Russian province of Chukotka in Siberia. He also monitors Chelsea¹s progress from his yacht in Alaska. But Red Rom once exploded with frustration when his satellite went dead just before a vital match and flew 3,900 miles simply to make sure he could watch the highlights on TV! Former Parma star Mutu said: ³Abramovich has turned me into his No 1 fan since he informed all the Chelsea players how crazy he is about our game. ³When he spoke to the squad last week, he told us he was once sitting in his house in Siberia excited about a vital game from the Russian championship. ³Suddenly his satellite connection wouldn¹t work and it became impossible for him either to see the game or get the system fixed in time. ³It was incredible what he did next. He took his personal jet and flew for nine hours to ensure he was somewhere he could see the highlights on TV.² Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] If....then why not?
If, and I repeat, "if", we feel it's neccessary to sign a big name to complete the jigsaw, then why haven't more people suggested Ronaldo? 1) It's easier to spell and pronounce than Ronaldinho 2) He has more natural skill, a better temperament and more European experience than Ronnie who. 3) In the world of lower (despite Chelski) transfer fees, if we're going to spend silly money on a striker to partner Ruud, or if Ruud gets injured, then Ronaldino is one of the best. 4) Since the crowd at OT reacted with the highest possible respect and dignity to Ronaldo's hat trick, he must emotionally favour us above all other clubs on the planet. 5) If he can play as spectacularly as that night whilst still carrying a little weight, think how he could actually improve within a strict Manchester regime. 6) The fickle fans at Real Madrid have made their feelings known. Ronaldo himself has stated they are a very difficult crowd to play for. Wouldn't he want to play for a club where he would be wanted, nay "loved"? 7) He has all the money in the world, therefore it's the football challange that should appeal. Alex, are you reading this? Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Free shipping on all inkjet cartridge & refill kit orders to US & Canada. Low prices up to 80% off. We have your brand: HP, Epson, Lexmark & more. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5510 http://us.click.yahoo.com/GHXcIA/n.WGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Rio - Ron who?
RIO FERDINAND last night insisted that Manchester United are better off WITHOUT Ronaldinho, blasting: We only want players who will die for this club. The England centre-half believes Ronaldinho could have destroyed the dressing room harmony that led to Premiership glory last season because the Brazilian would not have been fully committed to United. Ferdinand insists the World Cup winner's hesitation about joining United, coupled with his lavish demands, proved the club were RIGHT not to match Barcelona's £21million bid. Rio opened his heart about the transfer saga and the secrets behind his roller-coaster debut season at Old Trafford. He also told how: He FAILED to meet his own high standards. Was FRUSTRATED by three operations. Felt winning the title JUSTIFIED his decision to quit Leeds. Ferdinand, 24, said: "We only need players who want to play here. If Ronaldinho doesn't want to join then good luck to him. "He can go and play where he wants. It doesn't matter to us. "I don't know how much you can read into his demands for helicopters and other stuff. "In the end, only one thing really mattered that he had the chance to play for Manchester United. "I don't know why the transfer collapsed but if he had really wanted to come here, really wanted to become a Manchester United player and really wanted to wear the red shirt then he would have done. "He, obviously, didn't want it enough." Ferdinand knows this is a big year for both himself and for United. He admits he failed to hit the standards expected of a £30m British transfer record signing, even though he won a Premiership medal. A series of niggling injuries coupled with three operations hampered his first season at Old Trafford and left some critics claiming that United had bought the wrong man. But Ferdinand insists he will prove the doubters wrong next season by rediscovering the form which made him one of the world's most wanted defenders. He said: "In the end, it was a good first year. Coming to United and winning the championship at the first attempt I couldn't have asked for much more. "I left Leeds because I wanted to go to a club where I had a chance of winning things and that happened. "The downside of last season was that my injuries were frustrating. I had never been injured until I came here. "Now I've had three operations, although I am not using that as an excuse. "Injuries get on your nerves but you have to get on with it. These things happen for a reason and you have to get through it. "Of course, when you go somewhere new you are eager to do well. You want to go out there and put in 100 per cent performances but I didn't play well consistently enough. "But we won the League with the best defensive record and if I have that as a starting point then I've done all right. "Winning the title shut up a lot of people and justified why I joined United." Speaking at Nike's multi-billion pound world HQ in Oregon, Ferdinand also revealed how the team's desire left him wanting to join the world's sporting greats. He added: "You don't realise just how big this club is until you get here. "The expectations of the supporters and the people in and around the club are enormous. "I learned a lot about Manchester United last season and the character and belief among the players here. "We believe in each other and feel that if we win one or two games we can go on a run of 10 or 11 victories. "We won the League with that incredible run of nine wins and a draw in our final 10 matches. "Before Christmas, people were saying we weren't going to win anything. "And that is why we celebrated so much when we picked up the trophy on the last day of the season at Everton. You could see players who had won the title six or seven times were enjoying the occasion as much as those who were winning it for the first time. "We have a genuine belief in each other. Our manager Sir Alex Ferguson demands we do well and no one sits on their laurels. "Winning the title was fantastic for me but it is not enough. "I want to win the European Cup and the FA Cup because I haven't won either. "The players are hungry and the boss will bring in more players who are just as hungry. "As for me, I want to be the best. You look around the Nike HQ and see people like Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods all have buildings named after them. "That's what I want, Ferdinand Towers in my honour! I want to join the legends." Ferdinand also insists United will be the team to beat again next season, despite the cash Chelsea are spending and the departure of David Beckham. He added: "It is sad to see someone go. Becks has been such a great player and done so much for us but Manchester United is bigger than anyone. "The manager has been in the market for years. He knows who he is buying and we have to trust his judgment. "He has proved it time and again with the success he has brought the club. "We know it will be tough next seaso
[RedDevils] Deals, Deals, deals
MANCHESTER United are poised to sign up ANOTHER feeder club Scottish side Livingston. They have agreed a deal in principal with the Scottish Premier League outfit and will sign next month making it their SIXTH partnership of the summer. Livingston are THE success side of football north of the border. Formerly Meadowbank Thistle, they have risen from non-league football to the Scottish top flight. Crucially, they are based in between Glasgow and Edinburgh giving United the pick of the best Scottish talent. Sport of the World can reveal that the Premiership champions will have 12 deals with clubs across the globe by September which will give them access to the top young prospects. This summer they have signed up Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, Nantes in France, Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Welsh side Connahs Quay Nomads and First Division Walsall. They already have links with Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Parramatta Eagles in Australia, Brommapojkarna in Sweden and Oslo Ost in Norway and are now also in talks with North Wales based Newport and Dutch outfit MVV Maastricht. United Chief Executive Peter Kenyon (left) said: "We have just tied up a relationship with Livingston because we're conscious we used to get so many players coming from Scotland and sadly I think that has dried up in the last few years. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Free shipping on all inkjet cartridge & refill kit orders to US & Canada. Low prices up to 80% off. We have your brand: HP, Epson, Lexmark & more. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5510 http://us.click.yahoo.com/GHXcIA/n.WGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] United in first for Spanish striker
Fergie is offered Raul MANCHESTER UNITED have been offered Real Madrid superstar Raul. We can reveal United were contacted BEFORE Chelsea made their shock £37million bid for the Spanish striker last week. Last night Raul's agent, Gines Garvajal, refused to deny our story, saying only: "I do not want to talk about this." But he did add: "Raul regards Manchester United as a fantastic club. " Although he doesn't know Sir Alex Ferguson on a personal basis, he has the highest regard for his professionalism." Chelsea made their move on Tuesday, although their bid was nowhere near the widely-reported figure of £71m. Real would sell for far less around £40m. With United getting £25m for David Beckham and another £14m From Back Page if they sell Juan Veron to Chelsea, then Raul could be theirs. Fergie has always valued the Spaniard. He said: "You can buy Figo, you can buy Zidane, you can buy Ronaldo but the best player in the world just now is Raul." We understand United would be willing to match Raul's current £7m-a-year wages, but they have not yet discussed a fee. Although Raul, 26, is an icon for Madrid fans, Real president Florentino Perez is willing to sell their most-prized player after a bitter row between the pair. Perez forged a strong business relationship with United's chief executive Peter Kenyon during negotiations over Beckham's move. Raul has two years to run on his contract and Real have no plans to negotiate a new deal. His agent Garvajal admitted: "There have been no discussions regarding a new contract. If Raul left Madrid, he wouldn't go to another Spanish club." It is well known in Madrid that Raul has fallen out with Real's president after the sacking of ex-boss Vicente Del Bosque and legendary defender Fernando Hierro at the end of last season. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Buy Toner for Your Printer or Fax at LaserTonerSuperstore.com-Save 55%! We have your brand: HP, IBM, Canon, Xerox, Apple and many more for less! http://www.LaserTonerSuperstore.com http://us.click.yahoo.com/YmQqWC/qicGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Butt kicks butt
DAVID BECKHAM has gone but the spirit at Manchester United remains as strong as ever. That is the message from Nicky Butt, who insists the departure of England¹s captain will do nothing to hamper the Old Trafford will to win. When Becks was sold to Real Madrid some claimed it was the beginning of the end of the United empire. Yet midfielder Butt is sure it will be business as usual, with the Red Devils eyeing yet more success next season. Butt, 28, said: ³Bigger players have left in the past and will leave in the future. But the spirit will stay in the team because we still have a big group of players here who remain the heartbeat of the side. "Not just me, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles but the likes of Roy Keane, who has been here 10 years, and Ole Solskjaer who has been here seven years. ³We have been together so long you know you can trust each other. You are confident that, whoever you sit next to in the dressing room, they have the right ability and spirit. ³And on the pitch you get to know each other so well. I know if I give the ball to Paul Scholes he will perform some magic. ³If Gary Neville is being challenged one-on-one he will defend the ball and so on.² Phil Neville echoed Butt¹s upbeat approach, adding: ³David is a good friend and I still speak to him but it is no different to when Eric Cantona or Bryan Robson left. ³Manchester United will move on, as we have done in the past. Inside the club, we have ALREADY moved on.² With Becks training in the Far East with Real, Gary Neville the best man at his wedding is staring at life without his big pal. Yet, rather than the break-up of the famed United youth team Class of 92, it is the emergence of new talent that keeps the England right-back¹s mind alive to the future. He said: ³We all know that, one day, our time at this club will end. ³But it was my dream as a youngster to play for United and I will fight for every single minute while I¹m at this club to make it last as long as I can. ³I don¹t feel under any threat. What excites me and reinvigorates me and gets me going are the lads coming through, like Darren Fletcher, David Bellion and Kieran Richardson, who want your place. ³It gives the rest of us a new lease of life. ³There has been a lot made of the break-up of the Class of 92 but we play for Manchester United as individuals not as a group and you just get on with it. ³The spirit within the camp has been fantastic in pre- season just as it has throughout my time at the club and nothing that happens this summer will affect that.² The evidence of United¹s pre-season so far does, indeed, suggest nothing has changed. Even in eight-a-side training matches the players have been delivering crunching tackles on each other, fighting for every ball and loudly demanding better. All of which will come as a shock to new-boys Bellion and Eric Djemba Djemba, Klebersen and Tim Howard who will soon join up with the rest of the squad. Butt added: ³Whether it is five-a-side or a Premiership match we are always competitive. That, for us, is the right way to go about it. ³It will take time for new players to get used to that but it shows them the high standards at this club. ³The new players see the likes of Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy working hard, tackling and swearing in training and they know it is a very serious game they are in. ³It is that spirit which sets us apart. We are really United together and we know what we are capable of. And if someone wants to beat us, we don¹t like it.² Butt leaves us in no doubt as to where that steely approach comes from boss Alex Ferguson. He added: ³The gaffer will be competitive until his dying day. We could tell how excited he was by last season¹s title triumph and we felt the same. We were 10 points behind Arsenal, not playing well and knew it was going to be hard to salvage. ³But he told us it would be our best achievement if we did it and we did. ³When someone says they are going to go through a season unbeaten, like Arsenal did, it gives you a push and makes you want to beat them. There is no way we would have said anything like that.² However Butt and the lads want more. He admitted: ³We want to be known as a great team. We¹re a brilliant team, who have won loads of Championships. But you are recognised worldwide for what you do in the European Cup. ³Over the last four or five years we should have won more than one.² So how about a dream final against Real and Beckham? Butt, in typical fashion, added: ³I could not care if we were playing against the Dog and Duck in the final just as long as we win it!² Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Free shipping on all inkjet cartridge & refill kit orders to US & Canada. Low prices up to 80% off. We have your brand: HP, Epson, Lexmark & more. http://www.c1tra
[RedDevils] QUEIROZ ... Becks fan
CARLOS QUEIROZ kicked off his first day in charge of Real Madrid by singing the praises of David Beckham. The new Bernabeu coach chose the Bruce Springsteen anthem Born to Run to sum up the strength of the England skipper and what he can bring to the Spanish giants. Former Old Trafford No2 Queiroz, who has signed a two-year contract, declared: "David is a brilliant professional, the type of guy who didn't miss one training session while I was at Manchester United. "He is born to run - and I say that because it's as if he's addicted to training and working, making himself fitter and stronger. "I like that ethic. And when people ask me whether having Luis Figo and David Beckham in the same team means that one of them will have to sit on the bench, then I answer that will only happen when one of them is injured or out of form." Portuguese star Figo currently occupies Becks' usual position on the wide right of midfield. And Queiroz, 50, hinted the time may have arrived for his £25million new boy to move to a more central position. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Get A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions. http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] QUEIROZ ... praise for Ferguson
CARLOS QUEIROZ took control of Real Madrid yesterday and told Alex Ferguson: "I love you". The former Manchester United No2 will be David Beckham's new boss at the Bernabeu. But the Portuguese coach had tears in his eyes as he said: "This is the proudest, happiest day of my life and it's thanks to Alex Ferguson that I'm able to accept this great honour. "You can tell him that I love him. I went to speak to Alex personally about this opportunity and it was not a surprise to me that he told me to grab it. The former Manchester United No2 will be David Beckham's new boss at the Bernabeu. But the Portuguese coach had tears in his eyes as he said: "This is the proudest, happiest day of my life and it's thanks to Alex Ferguson that I'm able to accept this great honour. "You can tell him that I love him. I went to speak to Alex personally about this opportunity and it was not a surprise to me that he told me to grab it. "Alex Ferguson is football itself. No, that's wrong, he is more than football, he has a great sensitivity and humanity that people don't know about. "He is a gentleman and a fantastic person. I'm proud to call him my friend." QUEIROZ ... praise for Ferguson MORE STORIES Becks is runderful Silvestre raps flop guns Queiroz: Alex's my great hero By MIKE JEFFREY CARLOS QUEIROZ took control of Real Madrid yesterday and told Alex Ferguson: "I love you". The former Manchester United No2 will be David Beckham's new boss at the Bernabeu. But the Portuguese coach had tears in his eyes as he said: "This is the proudest, happiest day of my life and it's thanks to Alex Ferguson that I'm able to accept this great honour. "You can tell him that I love him. I went to speak to Alex personally about this opportunity and it was not a surprise to me that he told me to grab it. "Alex Ferguson is football itself. No, that's wrong, he is more than football, he has a great sensitivity and humanity that people don't know about. "He is a gentleman and a fantastic person. I'm proud to call him my friend." Real Madrid have now stolen two of United's major assets in the space of one week following Beckham's amazing £25million transfer. Even though Queiroz still had two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, it seems that United have allowed him to go without compensation. The new Real Madrid coach, 50, said: "Such things as this can only happen between two great clubs when there is respect and great dignity in the relationship. That is why we have been able to do these pieces of business with style. "I am here because this is the greatest club in the world. But I will bring this club many things which I learned at Old Trafford." Queiroz denied that he was inheriting Becks as his star player because the relationship between Fergie and the England skipper was in pieces. He said: "The words which Alex Ferguson used about David were like a father talking about his son. I was not aware of anything going wrong in that relationship." Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Get A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions. http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] GUNNERS FEAR VIEIRA OFFER THEY CAN'T REFUSE
United v Arsenal: The battle to prise £22m skipper from Highbury Wenger must decide whether it is now or never to sell his talisman By Martin Lipton, Chief Football Writer IF there is a prospect designed to send a shudder down the back of every Arsenal fan, it is the idea of Patrick Vieira leaving Highbury to join the club's bitterest rivals. Vieira, more than any of the other players Arsene Wenger has brought to North London, represents the heart and soul of the club the Frenchman has built over the past seven years. Losing the captain, to Manchester United of all teams, would be a signal that the ambitions that have driven Arsenal since the beginning of the Wenger revolution are over. No wonder, then, that Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein reacted with such speed to Mirror Sport's revelation that Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to launch a £22million raid for the midfielder. Dein insisted the captain is not for sale and so far he and Wenger have been able to head off all attempts to seduce Vieira away from Highbury, spurning the entreaties from United and Real Madrid over the past two years as the player's reputation has continued to soar.That has been done by a mixture of soft-talking and ego-massage, allied to Vieira's decision to dump agent Marc Roger in favour of Highbury's favourite representative, Jerome Anderson and his Sports Entertainment Media group. Yet with Vieira so far proving reluctant to sign the new deal that has been on offer for months, the reality is that the club may have to consider the inconceivable. With only a year left on his contract, Vieira knows all the cards are stacked in his favour. Unless he decides to put pen to paper, the Frenchman can sign a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer to the overseas club of his choosing on January 1. As the best holding midfielder in world football, Vieira is aware that his value has held up. Even in what is a receding global market he is one of the untouchables. Yet if he will not sign a new contract in the next few weeks, then Arsenal have to decide whether they should not cash in on the asset while they can. But it is impossible to believe that the Gunners would be willing to sell to United - whatever the offer. Dein, as much as Wenger, would not countenance the prospect of his captain replacing Roy Keane as the fulcrum of the Old Trafford side, a constant reminder of what the Gunners had let go. But if £22m were on the table from elsewhere, a figure that would dwindle away to nothing in just 12 months' time, the arguments in favour of cashing in grow swiftly. Wenger knows he has limited funds available this summer in the wake of the cash problems caused by the delays on the Ashburton Grove stadium project. That is why Arsenal are discussing a cash-plus-player exchange deal to land Harry Kewell from Leeds. If Wenger could be persuaded of the merits and exact a promise that any money raised by selling Vieira would be put into his transfer pot, that could see him bring in four or even five top-class players. Should Real be tempted again - and their desire to see Vieira in a white shirt has not been abated by the capture of David Beckham - Wenger could demand Claude Makelele as the relatively-inexpensive makeweight. In addition, Wenger would have the funds to bring in the central defender, right-back and goalkeeper that he has admitted are essential to challenge United for the title. Wenger has vowed once again this week that he will see out the remaining two years of his own Highbury contract, despite the interest of Real and other clubs. The French manager, though, could justifiably argue that he was being undermined if Vieira was allowed to go against his will. If he departed, then the other French musketeers - Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord - will surely follow. Arsenal cannot allow that to happen. The hard talking begins now and Arsenal must be willing to bend as far as they can in order to ensure Vieira signs an extension until at least 2006. That might mean a private promise to the player that he will be allowed to go to the club of his choice that meets Arsenal's valuation if Wenger's side can neither recapture their Premiership crown next May nor reach at least the last eight of the Champions League. It is not a particularly good deal for the Gunners. But it is far better than the alternative. President Richard Nixon's advisor Chuck Colson explained US foreign policy in the early 70s in simple terms: "When you've got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow." Vieira has an iron grip on Arsenal. And he knows it. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> Get A Free Psychic Reading! Your Online Answer To Life's Important Questions. http://us.click.yahoo.com/Lj3uPC/Me7FAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to
[RedDevils] SIR ALEX: WE WANT VIEIRA
EXCLUSIVE: United plan £22m swoop for Gunner By David McDonnell SIR ALEX FERGUSON is ready to launch a staggering £22million bid for inspirational Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira. The Manchester United boss has instructed his board to make a formal offer for long-term target Vieira, right, who he tried to sign two years ago. Vieira has just one year left on his current deal and it is understood the Highbury board, while reluctant to lose their most influential player, feel they could not turn down such an offer. The signing of Vieira would represent the biggest transfer coup of modern times but it is one Fergie and the Old Trafford board feel they can complete following the sale of David Beckham. Fergie and the United board expect an initial hostile response in their attempt to sign the prized asset from Arsene Wenger's title rivals, but believe the size of the offer could clinch the deal. United will be able to finance it with money from the Beckham deal and the expected £14.2m transfer of unsettled midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron to Juventus. Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi has been in touch with United about Veron via his son, Alessandro, and a deal is expected to be concluded in the next fortnight. Vieira is known to have become disillusioned with Arsenal's lack of success in the Champions League and the lack of spending power. There are no such restrictions at United and Vieira knows he would almost double his current £60,000-a-week wages at a club who do not possess such a strict wage structure as Arsenal. United are ready to offer the 26-year-old a four-year deal. Only last season, Fergie made the bold claim that every player wanted to join United. "They all want to come here," he said. "Even Vieira wanted to come here a couple of seasons ago." With Roy Keane not the force of old, Fergie has been looking for a dynamic figure to command the centre of midfield. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> $50 - $100 gift card with digital cameras & camcorders $299 & up Now you can have the digital camera or camcorder of your dreams, and a gift card to put towards a future purchase. Excludes select models. http://us.click.yahoo.com/bHgiAD/FjRGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[RedDevils] Just the ticket
Friends, Mancunians, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury my pride and praise you. I've already booked my flight from the hell that is the warm and sunny south of France to the heaven that is Old Trafford, for the Leeds game on Sunday 4th May. Unfortunately Brutus has stabbed me in the back and my promise of a ticket has disappeared. Can anyone help me out with a ticket for this game? (Lick, Lick, Grovel, Grovel) Also, can anyone recommend a cheap, but not nasty hotel near the ground or near Manc centre? Keeping various bits of my anatomy crossed, I await the flood / trickle of responses. Red regards Dave Blatt Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> FREE Cell Phones with up to $400 Cash Back! http://us.click.yahoo.com/_bBUKB/vYxFAA/i5gGAA/tsUolB/TM -~-> *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] FOR SA REDS ONLY
As an UK Red exiled in France, I know what it feels like to be so near (spiritually) but so far (physically). I've followed your exchanges with the suits at OT for the past 3/4 years and its history of olive branches and broken promises. Why am I saddened but not surprised at their antics and your action. May I wish all your fellow Reds the very best for the future. Your own, overwhelming personal contribution should be recognised by Reds all over the world. Keep the faith and it's great news to hear that your branch will rise, phoenix like, from the flames. As they say in the adverts... the new, improved model will be available from 2003/2004. regards Dave Blatt *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] Ruud and Python
> > I am both a Red and Python but I was not amuse to say > the least albeit more on the Python angle because I > feel it is a sell-out whereas I expected that from > Manchester United. Sorry, but I can't agree with you on this one, Chksum. Like you I am both a Red and Python fan but I fail to see the down side. The club's politics are one thing, but footballers since commercial times began have earned extra wedge by putting their name to football boots and the like. True the last decade or two has seen a more substantial and sophisticated marketing machine at play, with players used in a similar role to all people in the public eye such as pop stars, actors and actresses, etc... In fact many a struggling and successful actor has kept the Rolls from the door by doing TV voice-overs and corporate videos. And let's face it, who's the biggest sporting earner in Britain but our own Becks. The main point here is, demand for player and club endorsement is fuelled by their performances on the pitch/stage/screen/charts. This is the crux to everything. Once this suffers at the expense of the extra terrestial trappings then it's time to pull up the drawbridge and let the agents who feed like pirhanas off their clients suck their own dicks. As for the beloved Monty Python, individual members of the cast have been doing ads for years. Where have you been? One final point though. After this afternoon's performance, the only ads our players will be doing will be Senategin. Dave Blatt *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [RedDevils] 7 - 1
Stuffed at Christmas. I can't believe the players can forget so quickly how they scared the shit out of the Arse. This afternoon we looked as if we couldn't be Arsed. 50/50 balls - let the Boro have 'em. Pathetic. I can't believe players earning £20, 30, 50, 80,000 a week can play like me. Yeah, we can all have off-days but the players have the right to at least try. There's no doubt we have the talent, but commitment - I have my doubts. I think more hairdryers in the players stockings are called for. Dave Blatt *** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
