Football News: Arsenal To Buy In January, Watch Malfunctions Afflict Egyptian Refs And 8 Other Stories From The Last Few Days
Image from: thefootyblog.net
1. Wenger says Arsenal will be busy in the transfer market
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal will be looking to make signings in the January transfer window, after a quiet summer, with just Petr Cech joining the title chasing Londoners. With the Gooners heading the pack, and the usual injury problems afflicting them, Wenger is intent on bringing in some additions to keep the title run intact. FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny looks set to be the first signing, as a deal is almost complete for him, but Wenger is looking for more. "I've already said we are a bit short. We will be busy," he said.
2. Egyptian referee suffers watch 'malfunction'
Egyptian referee Mahmoud Ashour is being criticised from all quarters following a claimed watch malfunction which he said caused him to add on two extra minutes in first half stoppage time during a match between Ahly and Aswan. The game ended in a 3-1 win for Ahly, who scored one of their goals in the extra two minutes the referee played. The Aswan coach, Emad El-Nahas, revealed that the referee was informed by his assistant when the initial planned minute ended, but chose to play on for two more. This follows on from a recent allegation of corruption by officials that Zamalek made, launching a lawsuit against the referee committee.
3. Mandaric looks to hire Redknapp once again
Milan Mandaric is hoping to team up with his favoured manager once more, as he tries to hire Harry Redknapp to manage his latest club. This time it is Slovenian league leaders NK Olimpija Ljubljana that Mandaric would like Redknapp to lead. Redknapp has been out of work since he was sacked by QPR in January, leaving Sky Sports News missing the vital component of their transfer deadline day coverage, the Harry Redknapp car window piece. Whether Redknapp would be keen on a move to a club so far from his Poole home, and SSN's cameras, remains to be seen.
4. Hiddink dismisses Fabregas talk
Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink has dismissed speculation about Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas leaving the club in January. With the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan being linked in the media with a bid for Fabregas, Hiddink has moved quickly to quash the story, despite Fabregas's poor form over the last 12 months. "We need all the players here until the end of the season," Hiddink said. "Chelsea are still in a position where we have to improve to get up the table, so we need all the players at the moment. He's coming in with a smile, which is what I always like. They come in with a smile and not a worn out face."
5. Moyes backs van Gaal
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has said the club need to give Louis van Gaal more time. Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson in 2013 and only lasted ten months before being sacked, with van Gaal being the man brought in to replace him. Despite his short stint Moyes told BT Sport that: "What Manchester United stand for is that they keep their managers, they've always supported their managers." Obviously he is forgetting his short period in charge, like so many of the fans are still trying to do! Moyes went on to say, "I hope they stick with Louis van Gaal, he deserves more time. It's still a work in progress for him, he's made some signings and from my experience in Spain it will take time for players from abroad to settle in. So, I think they should stick with it. They don't want to become a club which continuously changes their manager." Not so sure his 'experience' in Spain is something to call upon, personally. If the former Everton manager showed anything there, it was that his 'experience' at Man Utd taught him nothing.
6. Villa confirm Kozak can go
Out of favour Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak has never been able to force his way into the Villans first team, despite the Birmingham club's struggles for goals in his time there. Now manager Remi Garde has confirmed that they are willing to offload the 26 year old Czech in January, on either loan or a permanent move. Celtic have been heavily linked with the forward, as Ronny Deila has been to watch him score twice for Villa's U21s in a win over Derby County's U21s recently, and had a move rejected in the summer.
7. FA to investigate alleged racist chanting
Sheffield United are to face an FA investigation, after allegations of racist chanting by a section of their fans during the 3-1 win over Bradford City. The travelling Bradford fans reported the Blades supporters, which has led Sheffield United to also launch their own investigation into the events at Bramall Lane. United, issued the following statement on Wednesday: "The club has received complaints about both sets of fans from the fixture - including a number of contradictory reports. The Blades will take every step to track down and deal with those responsible for any inappropriate actions, which ruin the match-day experience for other supporters. Sheffield United is an inclusive family and community orientated club where everyone is made to feel welcome and it endeavours to improve on this principle year on year." The match was also marred by claims that Bradford fans threw coins at Sheff Utd striker Billy Sharp, who later said on Twitter: "Cheers Bradford for the coins."
8. Puel claims Real Madrid interest in Ben Arfa
Despite the way his time ended in England, with a swift boot up the back side from both Hull City and Newcastle United as his weight ballooned and performances flopped, Nice coach Claude Puel has claimed that Hatem Ben Arfa has now attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Ben Arfa has been in excellent form for the Ligue 1 club this season, the 28 year old has forced his way back into the France set up after seven goals in eighteen games so far. "I am not surprised to hear that big clubs such as Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him," Puel told Nice Matin. "Hatem has become part of the club, just like Mathieu Bodmer when he joined us from PSG. I do not agree with those who say Hatem needs to be at a small club in order to deliver his best performances. I hope for him that he no longer plays for Nice next season. The high level he has been playing at is not just some isolated dazzling performances. He has been very consistent and has been working very hard."
9. Pjanic plays down Madrid rumours
While French club Nice are talking up rumours of Real Madrid interest in one of their players, As Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is doing quite the opposite following talk of interest in him from the Spanish giants. The 25 year old Bosnia-Herzegovina international has seen his name linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent weeks, but he has played it down. "Real Madrid interest? I am focused on Roma at the moment," Pjanic told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We are still fighting for the Scudetto and have the Champions League round of 16 coming up. That's why leaving Roma is impossible right now." Pjanic's agent, Michael Becker, has also played down the reports.
"These rumours surprise me. I don't know where they are coming from," Becker added. "Neither Miralem, nor his father or Roma have been in touch with Real Madrid, Barcelona or any other European club." Pjanic has become a key figure at Roma since joining them from Olympique Lyonnaise in August 2011 and is contracted to the Rome club until 2018.
10. Caretaker given permanent job
Yeovil Town have decided to turn Darren Way's caretaker role as manager into a permanent job. Way took on the caretaker role at Huish Park back on the 1st of December when Paul Sturrock was sacked. He led the Somerset club into the 3rd round of the FA Cup but they remain rooted to the foot of the table in League Two, following three draws in their last four league matches. Way has been at Yeovil since joining them in 2000 from Norwich City, but his career as a midfielder was cut short by serious injuries sustained in a car crash. Since then he has embarked on a coaching career with the club and is currently working to obtain his FA UEFA Pro license. Way said: "I am very very honoured and privileged to become the manager of Yeovil Town. I am ready to take this club into battle and secure our Football League status. I feel the players have given everything for me since I have taken charge and the supporters have shown a lot of love and respect towards the players and the football club. I feel I have worked very hard to be given this opportunity. I have shown the same passion and commitment as a manager that I did when I played. As it stands right now, the club needs passion and commitment and I am sure there is enough around the town and community with everyone pulling in the same direction to maintain our league status. I fully respect the fans who have turned up week in week out to show their support and I think they can see the change since I took over. Keep positive and let's keep marching on."
Written by Tris Burke December 31 2015 12:37:17