Chelsea have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Hilario for another year, the English Premier League runners-up announced on Monday.The shot-stopper has made 37 appearances for the west London club since joining from Portuguese outfit Nacional in June 2006.
The one-cap Portugal international will spend at least one more season at Stamford Bridge, where he has provided back up to first-choice keeper Petr Cech.
“Hilario has signed a one-year extension to his current Chelsea contract,” a statement on the club’s website read.
“The 35-year-old goalkeeper’s contract would have run out this summer but he will now spend a sixth season at Stamford Bridge, having so far made 33 starts and four substitute appearances in his role as one of the keepers supporting Petr Cech.”
“Last season, Hilario played one game, the Community Shield match against Manchester United at Wembley. In March 2010, he made his one appearance for the Portugal national side.”
The extension puts an end to speculation Hilario was on his way out of the club, who remain without a manager since the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti on May 22.
The only pass that Edwin van der Sar seems to making these days is with the Manchester United supporters.
It has never been a secret that Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial achilles’ heel has always been with the goalkeeper position, and it seems to be rearing it’s ugly head again.
van der Sar, who has just turned 40-years old, is unavoidably on the verge of retirement, and it comes as a relief that Sir Alex is already making an honest effort to bring in a suitable, accomplished goalkeeper to fill the void when he does call it a day.
There have been a handful of top-class goalkeepers linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Ferguson must pay for the best of the best rather than trying to develop another one, because it is one position that can either make or break a team’s aspirations.
That goalkeeper must possess not only the ability to play for one of the world’s biggest clubs, but also the mindset to handle the stresses of playing on football biggest stage at Old Trafford.
As he has discovered the hard way, Sir Alex has seen many ‘keepers with the ability try to make it, but unfortunately he has only had two in his 24 years to make it more than four years.
Merry-Go-Round
Before Peter Schmeichel arrived in 1991, Ferguson was faced with a goalkeeping dilemma having four different shot-stoppers – Chris Turner, Gary Walsh, Jim Leighton and Les Sealey – all making at least 30 appearances in his first four-and-a-half seasons with United.
Following Big Pete’s retirement in 1999, Sir Alex Ferguson went through another 11 different goalkeepers before signing van der Sar from Fulham for £2 million in 2005.
Edwin is revered as the man that helped organize United and lead them out of the dark days during the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons to the most successful three years in the club’s history.
Conversely though, he has not reach the heights he did in previous seasons, and his age may just finally be catching up to him.
The most disappointing part of Edwin’s game this year has been his distribution, because it has been very poor to say the least.
Five
However, the only time he has been remotely criticized for one of his five nearly costly lapses in judgment has been his hollower against West Bromwich Albion, which cost United two points, and ultimately subjected United to massive amounts of pressure from the media.
Thankfully, his other FOUR mistakes were not as costly, but they also cannot be forgotten or passed off as they have been.
Chris Brunt’s lofted ball into the United six-yard box was not the only time that van der Sar fumbled a very tame cross, either.
Prior to that, his first blunder which went unpunished was against Valencia.
Juan Mata floated in a cross from his right, which VDS completely misjudged it, but thankfully for United, so did Roberto Soldado, and the Valencia hitman was unable to direct his header under the bar.
THREE times in the last four starts, van der Sar has put his teammates under the cosh by clearing the ball directly to an opposing player, and if they were more accomplished finishers, then United would have been severely punished and forced to come from behind.
His next shocking mistake came against Stoke City when he wanted to prevent putting United under the strain of facing a long throw-in from Rory Delap, so he tried booting the ball down field, but it went to straight to the man who he wanted to prevent taking the throw-in.
With the United goalkeeper scrambling to get back, Delap had time to settle the ball down and have a shot from 40-yards out, but the goal gaping, the Stoke City midfielder screwed his attempt horribly wide and VDS was let off.
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His next mistake came against Bursaspor in the UEFA Champions League match.
With the match tied at nil-nil, and just on the stroke half-time, Edwin’s weak kick fell to Gustav Svensson 20-yards from goal, but the Green Crocodiles midfielder blasted well over the the United bar when he should have done much, much better.
Most recently, he hurried his clearance and it went straight to Karl Henry, but the Wolverhampton captain did not have the accuracy, or the awareness to really test the out-of-position United goalkeeper.
While he was not at fault for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake’s equalizer, VDS needs to accept responsibility for failing to reach his intended targets throughout the match.
Sir Alex Ferguson has to be aware of the deterioration of first-choice his goalkeeper, so the supporters, whether they agree with this observation or not, must believe that the Gaffer will buy a ready-made goalkeeper to fill Edwin van der Sar’s gloves rather than another tailor-made one.
Read more excellent blogs at ‘The United Religion’ website below
The FA have charged Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic with violent conduct, after he was caught punching Wigan forward Shaun Maloney in Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
Television footage captured the Serbian full back striking out at the Scottish attacker, which was not picked up by the match officials.
The governing body has confirmed that Ivanovic is set to be punished, and has set the date for appeal.
“Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has today [Tuesday 10 April 2012] been charged by the FA with violent conduct following an incident in his side’s game against Wigan Athletic,” an official statement reads.
“Ivanovic was involved in an incident with Wigan’s Shaun Maloney, which was not seen by the match officials, but caught on video, during his side’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 7 April 2012.
“Ivanovic has until 6pm on 11 April 2012 to respond to the charge,” it concludes.
Typical punishments for offences such as this generally carry a three-match ban, and if this was upheld Ivanovic would miss this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham and London derby fixtures with QPR and Arsenal.
Also, Mirror Football have indicated that Ivanovic has emerged as a transfer target for Real Madrid.
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The Serb’s versatility is reportedly an asset that would be appreciated at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Jose Mourinho is a fan of the Chelsea man.
Rangers striker David Healy has been left out of the Northern Ireland squad ahead of next week’s Carling Nations Cup.As his club side wrapped up the Scottish Premier League title on Saturday, Healy continued to struggle to find game time since moving from Sunderland in January.
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington did not pick the 31-year-old for the squad to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday and Wales three days later.
Teenager midfielder Josh Carson has received a call-up with Stuart Dallas and Jordan Owens also new faces in the squad.
Alan Blayney, Robert Garrett and Colin Coates were also included in the young squad.
Northern Ireland are without Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor, Fulham defender Aaron Hughes, West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt and Celtic winger Patrick McCourt, with all four being rested.
Squad: Jonathan Tuffey (Inverness), Alan Blayney (Linfield), Lee Hodson (Watford), Craig Cathcart (Blackpool), Colin Coates (Crusaders), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich), Ryan McGivern (Man City), Adam Thompson (Watford), Josh Carson (Ipswich), Sammy Clingan (Coventry), Niall McGinn (Celtic), Stuart Dallas (Crusaders), Steven Davis (Rangers), Robert Garrett (Linfield), Johnny Gorman (Wolves), Oliver Norwood (Man Utd), Liam Boyce (Werder Bremen), Warren Feeney (Oldham), Josh McQuoid (Millwall), Jordan Owens (Crusaders)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that striker Wayne Rooney may be fit to feature in England's upcoming European Championship qualifier against Montenegro.
The 24-year-old is currently struggling with an ankle injury and will miss his club's clash with Sunderland this weekend, but Ferguson thinks that Rooney could ready to play some part in the Euro2012 qualifier a week on Tuesday.
He told the local radio station Key103:"Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow.
"But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.
"I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing, because Wayne has not been doing himself justice.
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"I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don't play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Something I thought would never happen again occurred on Wednesday – Carlos Tevez pulled on a Manchester City shirt.
The Argentina striker was exiled by Man City manager Roberto Mancini after refusing to come off the bench in a Champions League match earlier in the season and it was thought he would never play for City again, especially after some of the comments he made in regards to the way the Italian treated him.
However, Tevez did come off the bench at The Eithad Stadium on Wednesday in the Premier League match against Chelsea and even set up Samir Nasri’s winning goal for City, which keeps them hot on the heels of Manchester United in the title race.
Here is Mancini giving instructions to Tevez, but what is the Italian saying?
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This week you can win a copy of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13
Blockbuster continues its assault on rivals with announcement of exclusive downloadable content for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR (R) 13, available to all Blockbuster customers who pre-order the classic title, out 30th March.
Fans who pre-order their copy of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR (R) 13 will receive two bonus golfer foursome downloads.
The first will allow gamers to take to the tee with legends of the Premier League – Wayne Rooney, James Milner, Theo Walcott and Petr Cech – in the Football Fourball.
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Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has blamed dropping so many points early in the season for their poor showing this campaign.The former Serie A champions have been unbeaten in their last seven matches and remain in contention for a place in next season’s Champions League.
But their current position in seventh does not even earn a Europa League spot, which means they must continue their winning ways when they face Chieva Verona on Monday.
“Yes, we certainly hope that happens. Our last win is making us regret the fact we lost some important points, but our aim is finishing the season with three more victories and then we’ll see what happens,” the 26-year-old said.
“Unfortunately we need some good luck too and hope for some mistakes by the other teams.”
Chiellini was speaking at a function for cancer prevention and said other things were more important than football.
“Yes, definitely something more important: cancer prevention,” he said.
“In particular we are talking about 15, 16-year-old teenagers who are going through a very delicate age, an age you think you are indestructible, while it’s a good thing to begin thinking of your future at that age, avoiding things that can be dangerous for your own health.”
With Colin Calderwood having left Newcastle United to pursue his managing career at Hibernian in Scotland, the question remains, was Calderwood more than just an assistant coach? He must have had inherent within him certain leadership qualities, having managed in the lower leagues previous to becoming a coach at Newcastle. This coaching role was then superseded by becoming Chris Hughton’s right hand man, Hughton must have seen something in the character of Calderwood to suggest he would make an ideal number two. Or another possibility is that Hughton and Calderwood, having both been involved at Tottenham Hotspur, could form a strong bond and relate to each other easily.
Having regained promotion from the Championship last season with a formidable points tally of 102, having only lost four games and remained undefeated at St. James’ Park, it is fair to say that defensively Newcastle were on the whole impenetrable. Do we owe this record to Calderwood’s position as assistant manager? Having been a defender himself, as well as Hughton, and playing at the highest level for a number of years; it may be argued that he implemented the foundations that would secure Newcastle automatic promotion with ease and little discomfort.
Having never been renowned for defensive proficiency, this being ingrained upon the memory with some truly comical moments by previous Newcastle defenders with the main culprits being Titus Bramble and Jean-Alain Boumsong, it was compulsory to ensure that the defence was rectified after being relegated in such a manner. The players brought into by the club reflected what was being addressed, with a number of notable defenders being signed in January; these were Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall and Patrick van Aanholt. With Hughton manning the vessel and Calderwood his shipmate, the defensive dilemma dissipated into thin air and they delivered the cargo safely back to the Premiership. Although with the defensive line-up Newcastle had in the Championship anything less would have been a catastrophe and resulted in a mutiny from the fans.
All of the people involved at Newcastle have wished their best and been quoted as singing the praises of the former Magpie assistant. He was only present for a season and a half, but it can be seen that Hughton and Calderwood had a good understanding, having built up a firm rapport. The only tarnish on Calderwood’s white garments appears in the guise of the poor home form that Newcastle have portrayed. Conceding goals when at home, against teams we should be victorious against when wishing to consolidate our Premiership status.
Existing now is an empty chasm in which Calderwood used to reside; the matter at hand in which to respond is who shall be his successor? Hopefully a more offensive minded coach that can create a sense of equilibrium to compliment the defensive work previously employed. Hughton would also benefit from an experienced head that would be able to advise him accordingly, being relatively inexperienced and having only ever been an assistant himself in the top flight.
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The men who broadcast our football through the TV are almost as famous as the players themselves these days. Think John Motson, Clive Tyldesley or more controversially, Andy Gray and Richard Keys. But you always get the impression you’ve heard everything they say before. Well, that’s because you probably have. The commentator is the king of the cliché, using the same phrases to sum up most situations! Here is the A to Z of Commentators Clichés:
A- “All to Play for” – The phrase always issued after a dramatic goal is scored to get the losing team back in the match. I’m fairly sure there was all to play for before, it’s just they hadn’t managed to score then.
B- “Beckham Territory” – Anytime a team that old Goldenballs played for won a free kick in the opposition half, out came the familiar phrase. The ball inevitably hit the wall.
C- “Mark of True Champions” – Manchester United play dreadfully, they fail to break down Wigan all game long, defend like a bunch of strangers, yet sneak a late goal to pick up a vital win. Lucky? No that’s the mark of true champions.
D- “Schoolboy Defending” – Alan Hansen’s favourite saying on Match of the Day. Said defender makes first mistake of the season, yet needs to return to his youth to relearn the art of tackling.
E- “End to End stuff” – Normally used to describe a frantic game. Very overused, the action usually isn’t literally end to end, more like a few shots in a short space of time. Always heard whenever the Big Four play each other.
F- “Best Form of Defence is Attack” – Is it? Counter-attacking may be OK, but ask Ian Holloway and Blackpool how many goals they conceded when they tried abandoning defending altogether. I’d say the best form of defence is defending properly. (Sorry Mr Wenger)
G- “Game of Two Halves” – Whenever any side takes a big lead in the first half, the commentator has to keep the viewing public interested by reminding them anyone can mount a comeback. Well, in reality, this never happens and we get conned into watching 45 more minutes of one-sidedness. Unless it’s Istanbul 2005.
H- “He had to go” – Shocking challenge, red card given. Commentator shakes his head disappointedly, judging the naughty red carded player, “he had to go.” Well yes, that’s generally what a red card means.
I- “I’ve seen them given” – Another one for the pundit. A penalty gets turned down. It’s controversial. Knowledgeable pundit announces he’s seen them given. Well congratulations. You’re a pundit because you’ve meant to have seen everything in football anyway!
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J- “Just enough to put him off” – Used just after the lumbering centre-back clatters into the striker with a desperate challenge after being beaten all ends up.
K- “Killer Ball” – Normally heard when the team’s playmaker plays a majestic pass. Sounds painful…
L- “Lost the Dressing Room” – That was careless. Where on earth did you put it?
M- “Magic of the FA Cup” – Lower league team beats bigger league team. Why? Not because bigger team put out reserves due to fixture congestion. Nope, it’s definitely the magic of the cup.
N- “Needs a Goal” –Most games do need a goal, yes. I cant ever remember enjoying a 0-0 draw.
O- “On Paper” – Yes we all know Manchester United have a stronger squad on paper than Torquay United. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
P- “Park the Bus” – One of Jose Mourinho’s favourites after a Spurs side went all defensive at Stamford Bridge. The commentator recognises the negative attitude (usually from the away side) and out comes the big double decker of a cliché.
Q- “Can’t Question his Commitment” – Means said player is terrible and the only thing he can do is run around like a headless chicken.
R- “Rub of the Green” – Having watched one team miss two open nets, have three penalty appeals turned down and see a goal chalked off for offside, the commentator usually ruefully decides the other team had all the luck.
S- “Six Pointer” – Big clashes between teams (usually at the bottom of the division) are referred to as six pointers. Which is rather ‘pointless’ as they still only carry the standard three.
T- “Too Good to go Down” – The pundits always know best. They always predict whose squad isn’t good enough to keep them in the division and who’s got the quality to stay in the league. Errmm, think again. Ask Leeds fans in 2004,Newcastle fans in 2009 or West Ham fans last year if they were “too good to go down.” Didn’t think so…
U- “Unbelievable Jeff!” – Enough said.
V- “Virtually Unmarked” – I wouldn’t say he was virtually unmarked. More like literally unmarked. Hence why he scored.
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W- “Worked his Socks off” – Always used to describe a player with an exceptional work rate. Every time Park Ji Sung plays for Manchester United or Dirk Kuyt turns out for Liverpool, you can guarantee hearing this phrase at least once during the game. Can’t say I’ve ever actually seen those workhorses without said sock though.
X- “X-Rated Challenge” – Alright, it was a fairly bad two footed tackle. But that’s what the fans come for right?
Y- “Yard of Pace” – When a player gets old, according to our friends with the microphones, they always lose that yard of pace. I’d still back any said player in a foot race against Per Mertesacker though.
Z- “Row Z” – The words a commentator reserves specifically for Emile Heskey. Even though most grounds don’t have a Row Z.
Barcelona are in a commanding position ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg with Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.The Catalans have a 2-0 lead after the first leg at the Bernabeu thanks to a brace from the majestic Lionel Messi, who now has 52 goals to his name for the 2010-11 season in all competitions.
In an ill-tempered affair, Madrid defender Pepe was sent off in the 61st minute, and Barcelona substitute goalkeeper Joes Pinto was also sent off after an ugly fracas at half-time.
The Pepe dismissal also resulted in Real coach Jose Mourinho being sent to the stands, and the post-match fallout was extensive – centring on Mourinho’s outspoken criticism of referee Wolfgang Stark, who he accused of favouring Barcelona.
Both teams enter the clash on the back of some poor league form, with Barca suffering a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad on Saturday, while Mourinho’s men all but handed their fierce rivals the title with their 3-2 loss at home to Real Zaragoza the same day.
Barca have an eight-point lead in the league with four games to play, meaning the Champions League is likely to be Real’s last chance of securing any more silverware this season after their victory in last month’s Copa Del Rey.
Tuesday’s game will be the fourth El Clasico encounter in 18 days.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in La Liga action on April 16, before Cristiano Ronaldo scored an extra-time winner to hand Real the Copa Del Rey four days later.
Both managers have selection dilemmas ahead of the match, with Pep Guardiola’s Barca side particularly hard hit by injuries.
Skipper Carles Puyol is out, Andres Iniesta is in doubt, while French left-back Eric Abidal is still recovering from surgery to remove a tumour from his liver.
Defenders Maxwell and Adriano are both injured, and to further stretch Guardiola’s reserves at the back, Gabriel Milito and Martin Montoya will both miss out after they were hurt in the match with Real Sociedad.
Milito suffered a calf strain while Montoya – in his full match for the club – suffered a broken collarbone.
Mourinho has defensive headaches of his own, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe both suspended, but central defender Ricardo Carvalho should be back after his one-match ban.
Midfielder Sami Khedira is out through injury, but Mourinho could inject Kaka into the fray with the need for goals paramount, after the influential Brazilian was conspicuous by his absence in the first leg.