Football News: Review Of The Day 8th March 2018

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Review of the Day

Gordon Returns To Training Early

Celtic have had some good injury news with the return of Craig Gordon for training sooner than expected. He was ruled out for 3 months in January, but has returned to training already. With stand-in Dorus De Vries making a few howlers, Gordon's return can not come quickly enough for manager Brendan Rodgers.

Robertson Rewards Young Fan

Liverpool left back Andy Robertson has sent a signed Roberto Firmino shirt to a young supporter who donated his pocket money to a food bank, along with a personalised letter which showed some real class from the Scottish defender. It said: "I remember being your age just how important pocket money is and how there's hundreds of things you could have bought for yourself. For you to give that up for people who are having a tough time and need some help to get by is absolutely amazing... Anyway - the point of this letter. You've done something amazing for other people and expected nothing in return for it. Because of that I want to make sure it is rewarded. I've got one of Roberto Firmino's match shirts from this season and asked him to sign it for you, by way of a thank you for what you did for the foodbanks. Let's be honest Alfie - no one wants the left back's shirt - which is why I got you Bobby's instead... I'll make sure all the lads hear about what you've done. You've done LFC proud - your family will be made up with you, I'm sure."

McCoist Reveals Gazza Prank

When now-AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso was a young player at Rangers, he was trying hard to prove himself to the manager at the time, Walter Smith ahead of a forthcoming Old Firm derby. Smith was unsure about the 19 year old's temperament and worried if the atmosphere would push the fiery Italian over the edge after he picked up a red card against Hearts. McCoist said: "Rino [Gattuso] was only 19 but had played more than a dozen games and made his European debut against Strasbourg. Walter had no doubt about the kid's ability, but whether he had the temperament for an Old Firm game was another matter. It has to be said Rino wasn't exactly soothing the gaffer's nerves in the build-up to the game. He got sent off in his previous game against Hearts and was trying to get back in Walter's good books the only way he knew how. He was training as if his life depended on it, flying into tackles. Problem was, he was in danger of crocking one of his own team-mates! Walter was concerned as Rino careered around, tackling potential match-winners like Brian Laudrup. So the gaffer called Gazza over to speak to Rino in Italian and stress to him he had to calm down and prove he was mature enough for a game against Celtic. In fact, Gazza did the complete opposite and informed Gattuso that Smith was 'furious' with the player and felt that he was not putting in the effort. Furthermore, the midfielder needed to start putting in the tackles. It was a red rag to a bull as Rino launched into tackles and the boys started going down like skittles. Rino was in danger of wiping out half of our team and when he saw Walter going apoplectic on the touchline, he probably assumed he wanted more aggression. Meanwhile, Gazza had sloped off to avoid the wrath of Walter, who eventually rumbled him."

Heynckes Confirms Bayern Want Malcom

Jupp Heynckes has confirmed Bayern Munich's Malcom interest to SportBild: "I know little about the player, but he's certainly in the focus of our scouting section - and many other players as well. Brazzo has very clear ideas there, he is driving forward the plans."

West Ham Get Doping Fine From FA

After West Ham United were fined for a 3rd breach of anti-doping rules in the last 12 months, they have admitted it was their fault. A West Ham spokesperson said: "The club accepts the charge and we will endeavour to tighten our procedures to avoid this happening again. The breach related to administrative oversights on The FA's whereabouts system, where for example a player's address had been registered and the house number digits transposed. We would like to reiterate that the breach was a club administrative matter and did not concern any of our players."

Bellerin Suffers Knee Ligament Injury

Arsenal's Spanish right back Hector Bellerin has had tests on a knee ligament injury as Arsene Wenger confirms he will miss the Europa League clash with AC Milan. "He has an inflammation of his left knee. Some ligament damage. He had to spend the afternoon in the hospital to see why he is in so much pain. It's not a long-term thing."

Silvestre Backs Jose's Pogba Decision

"Because of the transfer price tag and where he's been before, coming from Juve, we've expected him to be the talisman, to be 'Mr 100 Per Cent', to be fit all the time and to win games for United," Silvestre told Sports Tonight on Dubai Eye 103.8. "On some occasions he's failed, he's failed [to meet] the expectations. That's why there's a question mark and that's why he was put aside by Jose Mourinho. I think that was very smart from Jose, especially the way he's handled it. You know it's clear that Paul hasn't played well for us and that's why he's not starting the games and that's the end of story. At least everybody knows the reason why, it's clear. There is no misunderstanding, there is no 'maybe Pogba is finished with United', that wasn't the case. He was just not performing at the level everybody is expecting."

Reid Out For Season

West Ham's defender Winston Reid is out for the rest of the season due to an injury suffered in the defeat against Swansea City. The Kiwi was taken off on a stretcher with an oxygen mask over his face in concerning scenes after being knocked unconscious and twisting his knee.

Arsenal In A Negative Spiral

According to Gunners captain Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal's run of four defeats in a row has left them in a negative spiral they are struggling to recover from. "We need to have positive voices in our heads because the brain dictates the body and the legs," Koscielny said. "We are in a negative spiral and it's difficult to get out of this. When you have bad results, it's always bad for the team. We are disappointed with how we played. We need to be together. That's the most important. We have to be positive to have a good result and step by step we will come back stronger."

Player Sent Off For Telling The Referee His Name When Asked For It

Former Arsenal youth player Sanchez Watt, now plying his trade in National League South for Hemel Hempstead Town, was shown a yellow card by the referee in a match versus East Thurrock United. As referee Dean Hulme tried to take his name down, he asked the 27 year old to tell him his name. Sanchez Watt replied: "Watt." The referee asked him again, and again, until eventually he thought Watt was just messing him about, changed the yellow to a red for dissent. Once it was explained to him what (watt?) was going on, the referee immediately rescinded the red and Sanchez Watt was able to stay on the field. "It was a human error," Hemel Hempstead chairman Dave Boggins told BBC Sport. "The referee was man enough to rectify it. I think everybody found it amusing afterwards - including the referee. He came into the boardroom after the game and explained how he had made the mistake. He was very apologetic and saw the funny side of it. He was a good ref on the night to be fair to him."

Juventus Believed They Would Get Through Because Spurs Are Spursy

We have all said it at some point, each time Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of something big they get all 'Spursy' and throw it away. We have seen it for many years now, but most notably in the last couple of seasons in the league, the pressure is on and they crumble. It seems that reputation has reached Italy according to Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini: "It's the history of Tottenham. We knew Tottenham have fantastic players and are an amazing side - but they concede many chances every game. For us it is an amazing night. It was very difficult and we knew before this match and also before the first game. But we believed it and believed in the win. Tottenham have always created many chances to score - but they miss always something at the end. We believe in the history - we saw it yesterday between Paris and Real. The history is important, with experience it is important and we used our skill."

Teen Becomes First Englishman To Represent Barca Since Lineker

A former Arsenal youngster, Marcus McGuane, made a substitute appearance in the Catalan Super Cup against Espanyol to become England's first player to represent Barca since Lineker in the 1980s. Makes a refreshing change from Barca's youngsters turning up at English sides as they can sign professional terms a year earlier in England than they can in Spain. McGuane only joined Barcelona in January and has been playing for Barca B up until now.

Transfer Round Up

Young Brazilian midfielder Matheus Jesus has left Estoril of Portugal on loan to take the long trip to Japan and play for Gamba Osaka.

Nigerian international Taye Taiwo has joined Finnish side Rovainemen Palloseura on a one season deal. The 32 year old left back has represented Marseille, QPR, AC Milan and Dynamo Kiev, amongst others, in a much travelled career.

Mignolet Drops Agent

In scenes familiar to watching Liverpool fans, the Reds' Belgian keeper has dropped something, this time his agent, as he switches to a new one ready for a summer move. Having been replaced as Liverpool's number one goalkeeper, Mignolet has very publicly revealed his unhappiness with the situation and his desire to move on in the summer.

Leno Keen To Move Abroad

Bayer Leverkusen may have to face up to losing their first choice goalie as Bern Leno has admitted he would like a move abroad after reported interest from England and Spain. "I have often said that playing abroad is tempting for me," Leno said. "But right now, I am not wasting too much time on those thoughts. First of all, I want to return to Champions League with Bayer Leverkusen."

Johnson Nears Comeback

Borussia Moenchengladbach's American international midfielder Fabian Johnson is back in training with the first team after being ruled out through injury since early December. A back problem has kept him watching from the sidelines though he says it is much better now: "I don't have any complaints about my back anymore and I'm hoping to make the next step," Johnson said. "I have to put in one or two extra shifts before that, and then I'll have to see how things go."

Hannover 96 Agree Gloster Summer Signing

US youth international Chris Gloster is set to join Hannover 96 in the summer when he turns 18. Gloster is a product of New York Red Bulls academy and has been on trial with both Schalke and Hannover. The 17 year old will sign officially at the end of July on his 18th birthday. "We expect a lot from him, also with a view to the senior team," said Michael Tarnat, the head of Hannover's academy, told the club's website. "He made a good impression during his two-week trial here." Gloster is the third youngster from the US to sign with a Bundesliga side in 2018, following Josh Sargent, who joined Werder Bremen, and Zyen Jones, who has signed for Schalke 04.

Klinsmann Too American

Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of Jurgen, has been told he is too American by Hertha assistant coach Zsolt Petry, and it is harming his progress with Hertha Berlin. "He's got the basic skills, and taken a good athletic development," Petry said. "But he does not bring his skills to the pitch every day. All of the coaching staff misses that. The past two, three months did not go as we hoped. The serious, focused German working is not fully in him, there's too much American left in him. His personality development has stalled a bit. You can see that in training. He does not talk too much to his teammates, has little contact, not a lot of charisma, confidence and determination. One word: The body language is still missing. Without it you won't get far in football. If he can do it he can become an option."

Charlton To Discipline Video 'Stars' Internally

A video originally sent privately via online messenger app Whatsapp in October 2016, has come to light publicly. The video involves six current and former Charlton Athletic players using a string of expletives in a discussion about two other Charlton players. The two targets, Northern Ireland internationals Mikhail Kennedy and Josh Magennis, have confirmed it was just a bit of banter between players and no offence was taken by them, but Charlton have apologised and spoken to the six players in the video, current Charlton players Chris Solly, Dillon Phillips and Harry Lennon plus former Charlton players Morgan Fox, Ricky Holmes and Roger Johnson. The video begins with Phillips saying: "Northern Ireland are baggy." Solly, who is vice-captain, then follows with: "They are so baggy." Lennon then looks into the camera and says: "urgh, Northern Ireland." Fox is the next player to comment, saying: "Can't even get in our 21s team you mug." Holmes, who now plays for Championship side Sheffield United, then calls Kennedy a "baggy Irish c*** man." Johnson then says: "Micky, f****** Irish little c***, you're a f****** p**** p****. You're white s***. Your mum's a s*** as well." A statement on Charlton's official website said: "The video is from October 2016 and was filmed during an international break and shared on a private WhatsApp group. The video contains language directed at Charlton teammate Mikhail Kennedy and a comment at fellow teammate Josh Magennis' expense. The club has spoken to Kennedy and Magennis and both confirmed they took it in good spirit. Both confirmed there is no bad blood between any of the individuals involved. Despite that, Charlton Athletic and the players in the video that are still at the club would like to apologise to anyone offended by the language in the video. The club and those involved agree that the language used is unacceptable. The manager has spoken to those players and they will be disciplined internally."

Oyston Takes The Fight Over Blackpool FC Back To The Courts

Blackpool owner Owen Oyston has claimed that Monday's legal enforcement action by court-appointed bailiffs was unlawful as he files a claim for damages. Despite missing a payment deadline following a High Court judgement in November, Oyston has managed to obtain an interim injunction from the High Court. An Oyston statement read: "Mr Oyston was informed by his legal advisers that the action undertaken by the High Court enforcement officers was unlawful. As a result, Mr Oyston has instructed his legal team who have issued a claim for a final injunction and damages. That claim was issued in the High Court this morning. In the meantime, Mr Oyston has obtained an interim injunction restraining the High Court enforcement officers from unlawful enforcement pending a further hearing. Mr Oyston will not make any further comment at this time."

Leeds Owner Blasts Wolves Unfair Advantage

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani dealt with last night's defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a fashion reminiscent of previous fiery Italian owner Massimo Cellino. Radrizzani took to Twitter to blast Wolves tie up with super agent Jorge Mendes as "not fair or legal". Radrizzani said: "We have our own problems but we should play in a fair competition. Not legal and fair (to) let one team owned by a fund whom has shares in the biggest players agency with evident benefits (top European clubs giving players with options to buy ..why the other 23 teams can't have same treatment?). We should play all 24 with the same rules and opportunities (it's enough to google it). Congratulations to the best team but hope the league can be fair and equal to all 24 teams." Wolves owners Fosun have a stake in Mendes' agency, Gestifute, and a number of clients of the agency, including standout player of the season Ruben Neves and manager Nuno Espirito Santo, are contracted to the Midlands side.

Written by Tris Burke March 08 2018 06:01:33