Karren Brady’s football diary
BEST man on the field at Old Trafford is ref Phil Dowd.
Acting the part of friendly bobby, twice he prevents pettiness and arrogance turning into what could have been a full-scale, physical collision of super-egos. Blessed are the peacemakers, I say.
SUNDAY
WHAT is it about South Americans?
No sooner has Uruguayan Suarez disgraced himself again than stories are surfacing that Carlos Tevez is leaving his hidey-hole in Argentina for Manchester with an olive branch clenched between his teeth.
He's another one who finds the hardest word to say is sorry. And I fancy it isn't deep contrition that is the cause of his wish to return to the light blue colours but his emptying pockets.
MONDAY
WILL Wolves benefit from the sacking today of Mick McCarthy?
I doubt it. Minor miracles are required for them to fend off relegation so I think owner Steve Morgan acts in haste.
Mind you, the honest and genuine McCarthy on the touchline against West Brom looked like a tired old hawk viewing the wreckage of his nest — and that was before the deluge.
Wolves failed to spend in the transfer window. We did that once at St Andrew's and went down but we stuck with Steve Bruce, who took us straight back up.
TUESDAY
WE'VE currently got more players banned than injured as we get another red card tonight, this time against Matt Taylor.
He appears to lay hands on Saints striker Billy Sharp's chest as you would an excitable Yorkie with an 'off boy' to go with it.
And once again I must add that the over-production of red cards is not confined to Valentine's Day — they are being shown for piffling reasons and spoiling contest after contest.
West Ham lose their lead late on but the draw keeps us on track for promotion.
Getting a result against the top of the table, with 10 men, shows the real resilience that Sam has bestowed on our team.
WEDNESDAY
NANI and Danny Welbeck arrive smartly dressed for Man U's flight to Amsterdam for tomorrow's Europa League. They've got their ties but no passports. It's as well the pair weren't travelling Ryanair, there'd have been fines.
It could be said Arsenal tonight lose their passport to the Champions League, drubbed by Milan.
I too have long proclaimed the Prem the best in domestic football. With both Manchesters out of the main competition, Arsenal soon to follow and Chelsea well. . .
This could be the second time in three years England have no team in the Champions League semis. Is our crown is slipping?
THURSDAY
THINGS are astir inside all those beer bellies encased in England shirts. Mutiny gurgles.
Only eight matches into the current fashion and the strip is to be changed. At £90 a kit, that's a lot of money even if it's a lot of material too, so the protests aren't a surprise.
The FA defend themselves by saying profits are ploughed back into the game. Our profits go into the club. And every club I know needs every penny.
Football has existed on the edge of financial insanity for far too long but what would fans think if their club opted out — sold cheap shirts, cheap seats, paid low wages, let the stadium fall apart and ended up in the Blue Square? Not a lot I guess.
FRIDAY
IN 2007, Glasgow Rangers were ranked 15th richest club in the world with revenue of £120million.
Tomorrow they play Kilmarnock at Ibrox, in administration, 10 points worse off, owing anything from £50-75m.
The Greeks know about this sort of catastrophe. The Scots, well, on top of the RBS fiasco, they surely have lost their reputation for prudence with money. Rangers will limp on in some form because their fans will not let them die.
the sun
Ravel’s FA rap as he admits gay slur
t
WEST HAM'S new signing Ravel Morrison has admitted an FA charge of making a homophobic remark on Twitter.
The FA will now decide what punishment the ex-Manchester United starlet, 19, should suffer.
the mail
Charged: Ravel Morrison is yet to play for his new club West Ham
Twitter storm: Morrison has given explanation to the FA for his tweet
West Ham youngster Morrison accepts FA charge over homophobic tweet
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has admitted a Football Association charge of 'using abusive and/or insulting words' after a homophobic remark on Twitter.
The 19-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Manchester United at the end of January, is reported to have made the comment in response to another Twitter user.
The FA wrote to Morrison last week for his observations on the matter and formally charged him on Wednesday.
Today the FA said in a statement: 'West Ham United's Ravel Morrison has admitted a charge under FA rule E3 of using abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person's sexual orientation in relation to Twitter comments.
'Morrison has requested a non-personal hearing.'
The FA will now determine the punishment for the offence without Morrison appearing in person.
Morrison was also involved in various off-field controversies while at Old Trafford.
Manchester United allowed the teenager to leave despite him being rated as one of the finest prospects to come out of the club in recent years.
the mail
Shooting for a chance: Freddie Sears will hope for more game time at Colchester
West Ham youngster Sears heads to League One Colchester in loan move
West Ham's forward Freddie Sears has moved on loan to Colchester United until March 18.
He joined up with his new League One team-mates on Friday morning, and could play at Yeovil Town on Saturday.
He has appeared 12 times for Sam Allardyce this season, four of those appearances were starts.
But West Ham's plethora of strikers - boosted by new signings Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard mean his first team opportunities have been curtailed.
The 22-year-old could feature in up to eight league matches for Colchester during his time at The U's.
Meanwhile, fellow Hammers youngster Olly Lee has joined Gillingham on loan until March 18.
good luck freddie
team talk
Gills make swoop for Lee
Gillingham have signed West Ham midfielder Oliver Lee on a youth loan until March 18.
The 20-year-old, son of former England international Rob Lee, has been on trial at Priestfield for several weeks, scoring in a practice match against Chelsea's reserves on Tuesday.
And Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler believes the youngster has inherited his father's attacking attributes.
"He gets up and down. I've got to say, he's got good legs getting forward, he gets goals and he's all-action, a bit like his dad was and if he turns out anything like his dad then we've got a good player," Hessenthaler told the club's official website.
"He's got a fantastic upbringing at West Ham and I think he's been told that he's perhaps not going to get a deal there, so it gives us an opportunity to have a look at him, get him involved with us and a chance to get in the first team. So we'll see where that takes us."
Lee will go straight into the squad to face Port Vale on Saturday.
all the best oliver
east london advertiser
Model Hayley Mac gets £2k from West Ham fans for Richard House hospice
Fans showed their loving side at West Ham when they donated £2,000 in loose change to a children’s hospice during a Valentine’s night top-of-the-table match.
L-R 'Miss Teen Essex' Sasha Wright, 'Miss Commonwealth International' Hayley Mac and 'Miss Essex' Syndey FenningsL-R 'Miss Teen Essex' Sasha Wright, 'Miss Commonwealth International' Hayley Mac and 'Miss Essex' Syndey Fennings
They filled the buckets brought round by an army of volunteers from Richard House Hospice at Beckton in east London before and after Tuesday’s home game at Upton Park when they drew 1-1 against Southampton.
Many donated by text at half time after an appeal by Miss Commonwealth International, model Hayley Mac, who was accompanied by Miss Essex Syndey Fennings and Miss Teen Essex Sasha Wright.
Top scorer Mark Noble, who got West Ham’s only goal on the night and is also a Richard House patron, said afterwards: “We are a family club and do what we can for the hospice.”
The seventh annual ‘charity awareness’ match raised enough for two children to stay a full weekend at the hospice, which supports 270 families with youngsters, many with life-threatening conditions.
Manchester City are ready to outbid rivals Manchester United with a £35m offer for Benfica's highly-rated 23-year-old attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan.
Daily Mirror
Queens Park Rangers could reignite their interest in former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack after the 35-year-old was told he is free to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
talkSPORT
Former QPR manager Neil Warnock has been spotted with Leeds chairman Ken Bates outside a cafe in Monte Carlo. The Yorkshire club are still looking for a new manager after Simon Grayson's exit last month.
Daily Mail
Liverpool and Manchester United have been put on red alert after Udinese's 24-year-old Chilean defender Mauricio Isla confirmed he is set to leave the Italian club at the end of the season.
Michael Ballack
Ballack is free to leave Bayer Leverkusen
Tottenham look poised to step up their interest in Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen after sending scouts to watch the Belgian against Manchester United on Thursday.
Inside Futbol
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit says even the signing of 21-year-old Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard would not save the Gunners from their current poor form.
Metro
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and could return before the end of the season.
Daily Mail
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has backed calls from Gunners legend Denis Bergkamp for the club to sign stronger players.
the Sun
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, has urged van Persie to quit Arsenal to further his career.
the Sun
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has told winger Matt Phillips, 20, to forget playing for Scotland because he will be an England star one day.
: Daily Star
Everton must fight off interest from Manchester United for manager David Moyes when Alex Ferguson retires, according to Holloway.
Liverpool Echo
Hypnosis could help Birmingham shock Chelsea in the FA Cup. Winger Nathan Redmond has turned to a sports psychologist to help him prepare for games.
Daily Mirror
A man has been charged with criminal damage after the St James' Park name was painted on the wall of Newcastle's ground following the removal of a sign.
Metro
Gary Neville is on a collision course with former club Manchester United after the club opposed his plans to build a supporters' club opposite Old Trafford.
the Times (subscription needed)
VAN PERSIE SHOULD LEAVE - ZLATAN
Robin van Persie has been encouraged to turn his back on Arsenal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
REDKNAPP: NAME ENGLAND BOSS IN MAY
Harry Redknapp has vowed to remain at Tottenham until the end of the season.
RANGERS BLOCKED IN BID TO SIGN COUSIN
The SPL have blocked Rangers attempt to sign Daniel Cousin.
ENGLAND TALK WON'T DISTRACT REDKNAPP
Harry Redknapp insists England talk won't distract Tottenham from their title charge.
MANDARIC'S LOYALTY IS WITH WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Wednesday chairman Milan Mandaric has "no interest" in buying Rangers.
AEG: NO INTEREST IN BUYING SPURS
American entertainment company AEG have denied they are interested in buying Tottenham.
DE BOER TIPS VERTONGHEN FOR ENGLAND
Ajax coach Frank de Boer believes defender Jan Vertonghen has proven he is ready for English football.
MERTESACKER FACES LONG SPELL OUT
Arsenal's Per Mertesacker faces a long-term spell out of action after undergoing ankle surgery.
DAVID BECKHAM BACKING REDKNAPP
David Beckham believes Harry Redknapp has all the right credentials for the England job.
STEVE BRUCE SET FOR WOLVES INTERVIEW
Steve Bruce is reportedly set to be interviewed for the Wolves job today.
ANELKA: DROGBA TO JOIN SHANGHAI SOON
Nicolas Anelka thinks he will be joined at Shanghai Shenhua by Didier Drogba this summer.
HIDDINK TAKES OVER AT ANZHI
Guus Hiddink has been confirmed as the new head coach of Anzhi Makhachkala
ALLY McCOIST WON'T WALK AWAY
Rangers boss Ally McCoist insists he has never considered walking away from the club.
REDKNAPP: UNFAIR TO LEAVE SPURS NOW
Harry Redknapp says it would be "unfair" to leave Tottenham now.
PART-TIME REDKNAPP IDEA REJECTED
Sir Keith Mills says it would be unworkable for Harry Redknapp to go part-time with England.
TOP GUNNERS MUST GO - EMMANUEL PETIT
Emmanuel Petit says Arsenal need to get rid of a host of their big names and sign six top men.
PSG KEEPING TABS ON LUIS SUAREZ
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could be set to move to PSG, according to reports.
DONOVAN OPEN TO TOFFEES RETURN
On-loan LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan is open to another return to Everton in the future.
EDEN HAZARD FEELS DRAWN TO ENGLAND
Lille star Eden Hazard admits he sees himself playing in England in the near future.
KEAN HOPES FOR NEW HOILETT DEAL
Blackburn boss Steve Kean has not given up hope that Junior Hoilett will sign a new contract.
ROBSON SET FOR BORO EXIT
Barry Robson is to leave Middlesbrough in the summer having lined up a move to join Vancouver.
MAN UNITED CHASING GOTZE - AGENT
Mario Gotze's agent Dirk Hebel claims he has had contact with Manchester United.
READING: NO BRIAN McDERMOTT APPROACH
Reading have played down speculation linking Brian McDermott with the Wolves job.
WOLVES TO START MANAGER HUNT
Wolves are reportedly set to interview Alan Curbishley for the manager's job on Thursday.
ERIKSEN IN NO RUSH TO LEAVE AJAX
Christian Eriksen is not in a rush to leave Ajax, despite interest from Europe's top clubs.
MANCINI REFUTES TEVEZ CLAIMS
Roberto Mancini dismissed Carlos Tevez's claim he was "treated like a dog" in Munich.
GUIDETTI WILL RETURN TO MAN CITY
John Guidetti insists he still has a future at Man City after his loan deal at Feyenoord ends.
RANGERS WILL SURVIVE - ADMINISTRATORS
Administrators Duff and Phelps insist "Rangers will continue as a football club".
SCHOLES MAY PLAY ON, NOT FOR ENGLAND
Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Paul Scholes could play on but won't return to the England squad.
DELPH RETURNS FOR TREATMENT
Leeds' on-loan midfielder Fabian Delph has gone back to Aston Villa for treatment on an ankle injury.
MASSEY BACK AT WATFORD
Watford have recalled forward Gavin Massey from his loan spell at Colchester.
MARTINEZ FEARS LATICS EXODUS
Roberto Martinez fears relegation will spark an exodus of talent from Wigan.
CLARK 'PERPLEXED' BY HUDDERSFIELD AXE
Lee Clark is "perplexed" after being sacked by high-flying League One club Huddersfield.
HUGHTON RULES OUT WOLVES SWITCH
Birmingham's Chris Hughton has ruled himself out of the running to be Wolves manager.
RANGERS' COUSIN DEAL COULD CRASH
Rangers' week could go from bad to worse with news that Daniel Cousin's move could fall through.
AVB BACKED TO PROVE HIMSELF
Andre Villas-Boas had more backing from Porto as speculation over his future continued.
BATES COOLS McCARTHY TALK
Ken Bates has distanced himself from talk of a Leeds offer to Mick McCarthy.
SPURS TRIAL FOR BRAZILIAN DEFENDER
Brazil Under-20 captain Bruno Uvini has been given a trial at Tottenham.
BENTLEY WANTS LOAN MOVE TO MLS
David Bentley's agent has confirmed that he is hoping to finalise a loan move to America.
ANDREWS WANTS WEST BROM STAY
Keith Andrews would like to stay at West Brom on a long-term basis if he is offered the opportunity.
RODGERS KEEN TO KEEP DOBBIE
Brendan Rodgers has told Stephen Dobbie to forget leaving Swansea on loan.
NO HARTLEPOOL MOVE FOR BARKER
Hartlepool boss Neale Cooper says a move for Brighton youngster George Barker is "off".
DORTMUND OFFER KLOPP JOB GUARANTEE
Borussia Dortmund have offered Jurgen Klopp a job guarantee beyond the expiry date of his new contract.
RANGERS APPOINT ADMINISTRATORS
Rangers have appointed administrators, triggering a 10-point deduction by the SPL.
CARLOS TEVEZ BACK AT MAN CITY
Carlos Tevez has arrived back at Man City with the apparent backing of his team-mates.
DANIEL COUSIN FUTURE IMPERFECT
Daniel Cousin was not registered by Rangers before the club went into administration.
HAZARD PONDERS SPURS SWITCH
Eden Hazard admits he could join Tottenham, but says no deal has been done yet.
DONOVAN WOULD CONSIDER TOFFEES MOVE
Landon Donovan admits he would love to sign a permanent deal with Everton
MORGAN: CURBISHLEY OF RIGHT CALIBRE
Steve Morgan says Alan Curbishley is the type of manager Wolves want to appoint.
PORTO CHIEF: VILLAS-BOAS NEEDS TIME
Porto's president believes Andre Villas-Boas' job at Chelsea is being hindered by Jose Mourinho.
GERVINHO WANTS RVP TO STAY
Arsenal's Gervinho says he loves playing with Robin van Persie and he hopes he is not sold.
GIGGS WON'T QUIT TOO SOON
Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs is determined not to retire too early.
HUGHTON WANTS NEW STRIKER
Birmingham manager Chris Hughton has revealed the Blues are close to bolstering their squad
COTTERILL SIGNS FOR BARNSLEY
Barnsley have signed ex-Sheffield United man David Cotterill on a free transfer.
EVERTON SNAP UP JUNIOR
Everton have signed former Benfica academy graduate Francisco Junior on a free transfer.
DAWSON SINGS REDKNAPP PRAISES
Michael Dawson believes it is plain to see why Spurs fans want Harry Redknapp to stay.
SAMMY LEE MAKES BOLTON RETURN
Sammy Lee has joined Bolton for a third time during his football career.
LJUNGBERG LEAVES S-PULSE
Freddie Ljungberg has left Shimizu S-Pulse by mutual consent after just six months .
FORMER HIBS PAIR TAKE CHARGE AT LIVI
Livingston have confirmed John Collins and John Hughes as the club's new management team.
NEW ZEALAND DEAL FOR HERBERT
Ricki Herbert has signed a new deal to remain as New Zealand's manager.
babe of the day
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