Archive for February, 2007
Today’s football news brought to you by the team at BookieLabRat.com and Globet International, multilingual betting action across the European betting market.
Real Madrid, Arsenal battle for Malaga kid Alcala
Alcala’s agent, Jose Plaza, is actively seeking a move away for the teenager and has received contact from both Arsenal and Real Madrid. Malaga are fuming, having already lost Francisco Duran to Liverpool last month. Real Madrid are understood to be ahead of the Gunners in negotiations with Plaza.
Arsenal to trump Livorno for Genkov
The Lokomotiv Sofia striker is being tracked by the Gunners leading up to the summer market. Genkov should have signed for Livorno on transfer deadline day last month, but flight delays saw the deal collapse and left the youngster in tears.
Dudek ecstatic after Liverpool return
The Polish keeper revealed: “I’m so happy to have played in the Premiership again! My chance came from a bit of a coincidence. In the morning, when I appeared at the team meeting, Rafa Benitez said: ‘Well, Jerzy, put on your gloves’. I answered with a joke: ‘Why? Is it that cold?’. He was surprised I didn’t know – Pepe Reina had left in the middle of the night for the hospital with his wife, who was expecting a baby. He called the coach to say he was tired and didn’t have the strength to play. “‘You have to replace him well,’ Benitez told me. It came a bit unexpectedly. But we won 4:0. I again could really enjoy the victory with the guys.”
Novo wants to end career at Rangers
“I’ve not spoken with the gaffer but I would love to stay with Rangers,” said Novo. “I will just do my best on the pitch and see what happens. “I would be happy to sign a contract. If I could finish my career with Rangers then that would be great because this is a top team.”
Burke feeling better at Rangers
Ankle injuries and a shoulder problem have curtailed this campaign. But Burke aims to prove that he’s back to stay. He said: “It does take time to get back to fitness and get match fit. I need games; the more games I play the fitter I feel, which is good. Hapoel had their own tactics and I think they got a bit upset near the end but that happens in football. But we played really well and are looking forward to Osasuna.”
He added: “It’s a great experience playing in Europe. You learn so much from it and it doesn’t come every week so we have to cherish these moments. “The further you go, the more people get excited. But we have to take it one game at a time.”
Hearts owner Romanov boots Ivanauskas upstairs
Ivanauskas received the news at a meeting with Romanov in Turkey over the weekend and has reluctantly accepted a move upstairs. He has told Hearts staff members that he will no longer be head coach when he returns to the club later this week, says The Herald. No replacement has been appointed, but former Lithuania coach Kestutis Lataza is a frontrunner. Lataza knows Romanov and Ivanauskas very well and Hearts insiders suggested last night that he was the club owner’s first choice to take over.
February 28th, 2007
A Moment Of Terry-or!
If you saw John Terry get kicked in the head and collapse, it was only natural that something like ‘Eff’in hell, he’s a goner’ (or if you’re cockney ‘bloody ‘ell, e’s brown bread’) popped into your mind. It says a lot about Terry’s skull that the main result from the horrific incident was an injury to Abou Diaby – the player who did the head-kicking! JT viciously headbutted Diaby’s foot, meaning that the Arsenal player now faces a spell on the sidelines. It doesn’t look good for the Gunners as they face a Blackburn team that will try … em … how can we put this nicely … to kick them all over Ewood Park.
Will it be another painful cup defeat for the Gunners? Wed 8pm SS1
Win Draw Win
Blackburn 2/1 (3.00)
Draw 9/4 (3.25)
Arsenal 5/4 (2.25)
Giving Up the Pies
Italian club football has proved to be extremely interesting over the last year but unfortunately not for anything that has happened on the pitch. Scandal and riots have led to a midweek fixture schedule which provides some interesting encounters. Brazilian ‘lightweight’ Ronaldo has been impressing at AC Milan since his arrival from Real. Supposedly the star has given up fruit for lent and rumours have it that he is training once a week. Hang on does that mean he wasn’t training at Real.
Ronaldo grumbled this week “I’m not yet in perfect physical condition … but slowly but surely I will reach my top condition”, he’s already scored two goals, just imagine if he gave up the pies.
Whopper soccer coupon
AC Milan 11/8 (2.37)
Draw 15/8 (2.87)
Palermo 15/8 (2.87)
Don’t forget to suss out Paddy’s latest cash back offer on site 
now at PaddyPower.com
[Eds note: Paddy Power is Ireland’s top bookie and a leading UK and European sports book growing in reputation for fun bets, cash backs and outlandish opinions! Oh, yeah and really good in-play betting]
February 27th, 2007
Cheers Fred!
Another one of Bet Fred Bookmaker’s special football betting offers has just paid off…
Called “Coasting to Victory”
A player born in the Ivory Coast had to score the last goal of the game in the Arsenal v Chelsea match on Sunday 25 February 2007. (So this could have been Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue or Salomon Kalou)
Didier Drogba’s winning goal in the Carling Cup final meant that Betfred will be refunding all losing single first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets on that game, in the form of a free bet. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer.
We suggest you keep your eyes peeled on BetFred.com for more special offers! (sorry, no US bettors).
February 27th, 2007
Today’s football news brought to you by the team at BookieLabRat.com and Globet International, a leading UK bookmaker.
Man Utd star Ronaldo: English can’t dance!
And Ronaldo has declared the English can’t dance unless they’re full of booze! In another clear sign of the Portuguese’s growing global profile, Ronaldo was interviewed by American Vogue magazine this week and declared: “I don’t need to drink alcohol before I can dance. It’s natural to me. It’s what I do.” Asked who is the team’s best dresser he said: “It is me, of course.” He said French striker Louis Saha was worst.
Moratti: Man Utd’s Ronaldo too rich for Inter Milan
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti admits they’re unlikely to risk blowing their transfer budget on Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. He said last night: “We will see if an opportunity presents itself. But you can be certain that I do not want to spend big money in the market. I don’t know how much it would cost to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. And I don’t know if we have the money to do so.”
Liverpool make Udinese contact for Iaquinta
Reds boss Rafa Benitez confirmed his interest in the World Cup winner last week and ControCampo says preliminary talks have already begun between the two clubs. Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo has assured Iaquinta he won’t stand in his way should be a big club come knocking and Benitez, armed with new spending power courtesy of the club’s American owners, is stepping up his interest in the Italy international.
West Ham turn to Fulham’s Diop
Despite their situation, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is still thought to be making plans to bolster his midfield with Nigel Reo-Coker expected to be on his way out of Upton Park in the summer. Diop almost left the Cottagers for Wigan in the transfer window before the move broke down, but a switch across London may appeal to the Senegal international who faces a fight to stay in Chris Coleman’s first-team plans.
AC Milan planning bid for Celtic keeper Boruc
The Sunday Mail says Polish star Boruc caught the eye of AC backroom-staff member Leonardo during the World Cup Finals last summer. Since then Boruc’s form has been monitored and Milan added to their info during spying missions on Celtic ahead of last week’s Champions League clash between the sides. It’s understood reports have been favourable and coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed with the keeper at Parkhead last Tuesday in the 0-0 draw. Another solid display in the San Siro return on March 7 could convince the Italian giants to make a bid in excess of £4million.
Ten Cate: proud and disappointed
This of course to the disappointment of Henk ten Cate, who was proud of his team, however. Ajax coach Henk ten Cate sat down behind the press table with mixed feelings after the match. The Ajax boss was proud of his team, who had made it very difficult for Werder Bremen; and disappointed, because Ajax had failed to reach the final sixteen of the UEFA Cup, despite the 3-1 victory.
“The round is two matches”, said the coach. “And so we went wrong in the first game. There we were quickly reduced to ten, a goal was allowed that had not passed the line and we missed a good chance to score. Also don’t forget that we missed important players. If we would have had a complete squad twice, we would have had a good chance.”
Ajax did get a chance to avenge the 3-0 loss in Germany in the home match, although the team walked the tightrope for most of the time. One Werder goal meant that Ajax would have to win very big against a side that was one of the favourites to win the UEFA Cup. Ajax started well when Leonardo scored after only three minutes, leaving 87 minutes for the other two goals. But unfortunately Hugo Almeida scored ten minutes later: 1-1 and now Ajax had to score four more times.
“With some more luck, we could have scored more goals”, said Ten Cate about the chances for Ryan Babel, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Wesley Sneijder and Kenneth Perez and Leonardo’s header that was cleared off the line. “But we should not lose sight of reality, Werder also had some big chances”, said the Ajax coach, referring to Almeida who could have made it 1-2 at a few occasions.
The Portugese forward did not score anymore and thus kept the door open for Ajax to put the Germans under pressure. After an hour Babel touched it to Huntelaar who scored and fifteen minutes later it was Babel himself who let the Arena erupt. The Ajax players went on the hunt for more goals and a semi-miracle, and almost succeeded. However, goalkeeper Wiese reacted well on chances for Sneijder and Perez, and gradually it became clear that Ajax was running out of time. Yet in some ways, the home team had won.
Ten Cate: “This kind of games give you so much valuable experience. And we had something to lose today: prestige. I am proud of what the team has achieved today.”
February 26th, 2007
Agent reveals Arsenal’s January offer for Robinho
Robinho has admitted some frustration with the lack of action he’s seen this season under coach Fabio Capello and his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, revealed yesterday: “In January, offers arrived from Arsenal and AC Milan. “But Real Madrid refused and told me they did not want to sell him. “At the moment, the player’s situation is complicated and we must meet with (Real sports director) Predrag Mijatovic in order to learn the intentions of Real in sight of next season.”
Messi: I’d love to play with Man Utd’s Ronaldo
“He is an extraordinary player and it would be brilliant to share the same team with him,” Messi said. “I do not know if someday it will be able to happen, but I would like it very much because he is a great, great player.”
Meanwhile, Messi admits he shivers at the prospect of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho eventually joining Barca. The Argentine was delighted with Frank Rijkaard’s public show of commitment to the Nou Camp last week and on Mourinho, he said: “I cannot say many good things about him and, in addition, I already have a coach.”
Chelsea owner Abramovich to bid £50M for Eto’o
Aware of the tension inside the club’s dressing room, Abramovich is ready to test Barca’s resolve to hang onto the Cameroon star at the end of this season. The News of the World says Chelsea will offer £50 million for Eto’o when the summer market opens.
Bolton boss Allardyce could’ve had Eto’o for knockdown fee
Allardyce could have secured half of Eto’o’s registration while he was still with Real Madrid, but couldn’t find the money the Spanish giants were asking at the time. He revealed to benchtalk.co.uk: “(I) never had enough money for Samuel Eto’o – 8 million euros to buy 50 per cent of him.”Despite his issues with Michael Ricketts, Allardyce still rates the newly signed Preston North End striker as his best ever buy. “Michael Ricketts, I bought for £450,000 and sold him for £3.5 million.”
Strachan: Celtic a mad, great club
Before heading off to Inverness for today’s cup tie, he spoke of the quirks of his club, comments sparked by his press conference being interrupted initially by the haunting sounds of Clannad being piped through the stereo system and then by a disembodied Lennon welcoming day-trippers to Celtic Park.
“You go for a team meeting and you get stopped by a wedding reception and get your picture taken with the bride,” Strachan laughed. “I’m bollocking a kid the other day and the tour goes by me. The guide is going: ‘and there’s the manager and he’s talking to this kid coz he’s out of order’. People walk in and out of here. I’ve had somebody come in my office 15 minutes before a game. ‘Eh, can you tell Lennon I’m here for the tickets.’ “I think he’s warming-up pal, but I’ll see if I can get him.’ Then the tour goes by again. Incredible, this club. It’s a great club. Mad but great.”
Many thanks to Globet for the latest football headlines. Visit this top-rated UK bookie here. (Sorry, No US Bettors)
February 25th, 2007
Carling Cup Final
Chelsea evs (2.00) v Arsenal 9/4 (3.25), the draw 9/4 (3.25)
Chelsea are without the talismanic John Terry once more as he suffered ankle ligament damage in Porto. Chelsea must be low on confidence of late as they are not playing to their full potential and their squad has been crippled with injuries. Arsenal however are a team that never appear to lack confidence. Certainly Arsene Wenger has confidence in his young guns and is tipped to stick with most of them on Sunday. Denilson and the like have shown skill and technique beyond their years and are sure to push Chelsea all the way. If we see the same Arsenal that thrashed Liverpool this game will be won by Wenger’s men. A 2-1 Arsenal victory is 11/1 with Jeremie Aliadiere 8/1 for the 1st goal. I got 6/5 about over 2.5 goals which has a huge chance at a decent price.
Other games Sunday 25th Feb
Blackburn 11/10 v Portsmouth 2/1, the draw 9/4. This game could go either way and I wouldn’t like to wage too much on either. I go for the draw here in a very tight encounter. 0-0 is 7/1 and 1-1 is 11/2.
Tottenham 11/10 v Bolton 2/1, the draw 9/4. A combination of Tottenham’s good home form with Bolton’s indifferent away form leads me to a home win in this one. Martin Jol’s team often play attractive football at White Hart Lane so I expect them to knock a few goals in here. 3-1 is 16/1 with Dimitar Berbatov 5/1 to score 1st/last.
Wigan 11/8 v Newcastle 13/8, the draw 11/5. Wigan are hovering perilously close to the bottom of the table and a win would help them no end. However this one has draw written all over it. 1-1 is 11/2
All my markets and prices are available via betfred.com
Good Luck,
Fred.
February 24th, 2007
Inter Milan to offer night-owl Adriano to Man Utd
Corriere dello Sport says Inter management have lost their patience indulging the Brazilian after he spent the early hours of Wednesday morning partying ahead of a crucial Champions League tie with Valencia. It’s reported that Adriano was at one local nightclub until 4am in the morning – and then moved onto another! The Brazilian was left on the bench by coach Roberto Mancini for the draw. It was the last straw for Inter management, which are now ready to use Adriano as a carrot to tempt United into parting with Ronaldo. Should the Premiership leaders refuse, Inter will turn to Barcelona and a potential swap deal for Leo Messi.
Juventus ask Liverpool for Crouch in Trezeguet talks
The France international is a confirmed target for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who admitted his interest in the want-away forward earlier this week. Juve have already been shutdown over demands for Steven Gerrard to be included in the talks, but an alternative has been put forward by the Bianconeri management – Peter Crouch. A swap which will see the England international move to Turin in exchange for Trezeguet has already tentatively begun, says Corriere dello Sport.
Bellamy dismisses Liverpool exit talk
“I am a player who has always been linked with other clubs each season,” Bellamy told the Daily Star. “At Blackburn last year it was ‘he’s moving on’ all that sort of stuff. At Newcastle I was joining a different club in every transfer window. I live with speculation. When you are at a club like Liverpool and are my sort of player there are always going to be stories about getting rid or bringing someone else in. It doesn’t bother me at all, it’s part of football and life. I am going to enjoy the moment, which I repeat is the best of my career. This result after all that had been said about me is right up there.”
Nedved: I chose Juventus ahead of Chelsea money
The Czech Republic star admitted: “For Juve, I chose to turn down the money of (Chelsea owner) Roman Abramovich. “I don’t regret anything. I have achieved everything I want to with Juventus”.
LA Galaxy chasing Celtic outcast Gravesen
John Sivebaek admitted: “It was a surprise he did not start against AC Milan. “I have no explanation for it. As a player you have to accept the manager’s decision and that is what Thomas is doing. We all know, though, a player at his level cannot accept the situation as it is for a long time. Thomas is still happy at Celtic, and he has two and a half years remaining, but things can change quickly.”
US Major League outfit LA Galaxy, who will welcome David Beckham this summer, today expressed their interest in Gravesen, who played at Real Madrid with the world’s most famous footballer. Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said: “Thomas Gravesen would be welcome here. He is a very good player with great experience at the highest level of club and international football. I think he could be a superstar in the MLS.”
Kiwi Killen ready to pen Hibs contract
The New Zealander, who is recovering from an Achilles operation, told the Edinburgh Evening News: “I still have the contract offer on the table and, although I have not got round to it as I’ve been concentrating on the injury, I’m sure I’ll be sorting something out in the near future.
“I am really happy at Hibs. I almost feel as if I have a bit of unfinished business, a lot more to show the fans. I’ve been offered another year but I leave these sort of things to my agent while I get on with the football. It’s brilliant that Hibs are doing the right thing and have said the offer is still there for me and I am looking forward to being back the way I was before the injury. But I also think it also shows they know they have a player who is, hopefully, going to be a great asset for them.”
Thanks to UK bookie, Globet for this football news update.
February 24th, 2007
Knight-mare Scenario
After suffering a drubbing at the hands of Tottenham, Fulham’s Zat Knight confessed that “at the end of the game, words were exchanged.” The words ‘absolute’, ‘crap’, ‘pathetic’, ’embarrassing’, ‘shambles’ and ‘disgrace’ must have featured strongly in the exchange. Knight even went as far as to say “I would like to apologise to the fans”. With Man Utd next up, you get the feeling that Knight might just have to buy a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates for the Cottagers faithful after this game. After winning a tricky little match against Lille during the week, you’d put the house on United leaving the Cottage with all 3 points! (Sat 12.45pm Prem+)
Premiership Coupon at Paddy Power Bookmaker
Man Utd 4/9 (1.44)
Draw 3/1 (4.00)
Fulham 13/2 (7.50)
Not A Smashing Time
You’d have to fear for the mental state of West Ham’s Anton Ferdinand. After several poor performances you would have to wonder has he taken a knock to the head recently. Anton’s car was vandalised this week but he wasn’t blaming West Ham fans. “There was no indication that it was West Ham fans. It never even occurred to me that it might be West Ham fans.” Anton its time you received some medication, it may not have been West Ham fans but they certainly weren’t fans of yours. And the way the Hammers are playing they’ll have few fans left if they go down. Charlton at home can break this one up @ 13/10.
Premiership Coupon at Paddy Power
Charlton 13/10 (2.62)
Draw 11/5 (3.20)
West Ham 2/1 (3.00)
Paddy’s Special Weekend Accumulators:
Back one of Paddy Power’s “Special Weekend Accumulators” this weekend and if all your selections win except for one then Paddy Power will give you a free bet to the same value on 1st Goalscorer for the Blackburn v Arsenal FA Cup match on Wednesday 28th February.
- London Lads: Fulham, Charlton, Tottenham and Watford all to win 100/1 (101.00)
Home Delight: Charlton, Middlesboro, Wigan and Blackburn all to win 30/1 (31.00)
Avoid the Drop: Watford, Wigan, West Ham and Middlesboro all to win 50/1 (51.00)
Away Magic: Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bolton and Reading all to win 92/1 (93.00)
Capital Kings: Arsenal, West Ham, Watford and Tottenham all to win 52/1 (53.00)
Motley Crew: Charlton, Watford, Portsmouth and Bolton all to win 76/1 (77.00)
Special Accumulator Ts and Cs:
– Max Value for free bet is €75/£50 per customer/bet.
– If any matches on your selection are postponed then the free bet will not apply
– Applies to the win part of each-way goalscorer bets only.
Money-Back Special ‘Penalty Points’ on Chelsea v Arsenal – Carling Cup Final
Sun 3pm Live on SS1. If you back a team to win in 90 minutes and they fail to win in normal time but go on to lose on a penalty shootout, then Paddy Power will refund all win-draw-win bets on that team only.
PS: Sorry no US bettors.
February 23rd, 2007
Today’s UK and European football news summarised by Globet Sports International
Riise: Liverpool scorers written in stars
Riise reckoned it was written in the stars that both he and Bellamy would prove to be the Euro heroes. He said: “It was destiny for both of us I think. Craig and myself have had a difficult build-up but we’ve put it behind us. The team is happy and we are going to enjoy this. We’ve put things behind us very early, worked hard for the team and we will move forward.
“I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that before. Looking back I could have taken a touch but when I got the ball from Bellamy I just thought ‘smash it’. He’s had a difficult time as well and I could see it meant a lot to him so I’m happy for him he scored. The whole team is, so all in all we did well.”
Boss Rafa Benitez admitted: “I am really pleased with the team winning here and Craig and John scoring the goals. “Maybe that was a coincidence but I am delighted with them both. “But I didn’t see Craig’s celebration because I thought the goalkeeper was going to catch it.”
Liverpool hero Bellamy: My best moment in football
The Reds achieved an historic win over Barca with strikes from Bellamy and John Arne Riise – an irony not lost on the Welshman. “You couldn’t make up what has happened tonight,” he said. “I’ve not been reading the papers so I’ve not been too bothered what people say. All I wanted to do was make the most of the special atmosphere and the build up to the game. I’ve been reasonably lucky in football, playing for my country and other big clubs, but this is my best moment in the game”.
However, despite two away goals, the striker insists no one at Anfield will be getting carried away. He said: “It was important at the final whistle that we didn’t milk the victory. The dressing room was actually quite subdued afterwards. Well, as subdued as it can be after a win at the Nou Camp. This is a great result but it is only half-time. We’ve got to go back to Anfield for a completely different game, so as good a result as this is, there’s still a long way to go.
“I take the rough with the smooth and to be honest I’m a bit gobsmacked tonight – coming here to the Nou Camp was something else. It’s also my boy’s 10th birthday today so it’s just been really special. “We wanted to hold them out for as long as possible but we knew it was going to be difficult. They are a top, top side and the reigning champions of Europe, but we’ve done a lot of work to prepare for this game and I think you could see that.”
Meanwhile, Riise paid tribute to Benitez’s tactical prowess. He said: “We knew we needed to enjoy it out there and believe in ourselves. To be fair we started the game very well. They scored but we knew that if we worked hard we would get a goal back. “The boss has shown tonight that, tactically, he’s one of the best around.”
Lille accuse Man Utd of dirty tricks
Midfielder Ludovic Obraniak said: “It is worse than frustrating – it is a total injustice. Although Giggs’ goal was not cheating, it showed a lack of fair play. It is yet another refereeing mistake. We will go to Manchester remembering what has happened and with a huge will to win.”
Striker Nicolas Fauvergue boasted: “We will go over to Manchester for the second leg aiming to win – and that will make everybody shut their mouths.” Lille midfielder Matthieu Chalme accused Giggs of dirty tricks. Chalme said: “You get a yellow card in the French league if you take a free-kick too quickly. It is infuriating to have lost to a trick of that nature. The ref denied us a goal that would have been given nine times out of 10 and gave United one that would have been ruled out nine times out of 10.”
Fellow midfielder Mathieu Bodmer added: “We lined up for the free-kick and waited for the ref to blow his whistle – as they do in the French league. Next thing we are turning towards the referee and seeing he’s awarded the goal. We tried to make a complaint but it did not result in anything. The fourth official could not understand what we were saying to him. The refereeing was bizarre. Next time we face a free-kick we will get someone to stand in front of the ball.”
West Ham boss Curbishley: We didn’t think it would be this tough
“It was like going on a blind date when I first met him [Magnusson] as I had never spoken to him before,” Curbishley said, in an interview to be shown on Football Night on Five tonight. “I don’t think any of us envisioned that the relationship was going to be tested so soon. When you’ve won one game in ten [league matches], there’s no hiding place. There’s no hiding place for me, the players and the chairman. I have had a whirlwind eight weeks, but the chairman has had a whirlwind ten weeks.
“Everywhere I look and go there is a West Ham fan. They’re not happy and I can understand that. We’re trying our hardest but it’s not been good enough. The milkman and postman are fans. They left me alone when I was Charlton Athletic manager. It brings added pressure. I took my father-in-law, who is 82, a West Ham plate out of the canteen and he won’t eat off anything else now. It is a different situation to Charlton as I live in amongst it [now].”
Curbs also said: “I’ve not really had enough time to impose myself on the squad because the team’s changed every week. I found myself picking the team Friday mornings because of injuries and the lack of form.”
>>You can visit Globet here for the latest in sports betting around the globe (sorry, no US bettors)
February 22nd, 2007
I like the look of the latest cash back offer at Paddy Power – for a change this refund is on a win-draw-win rather than a scorecast/first scorer type bet.
Applies to win-draw-win single bets placed before kick-off only
Max refund €300/£200 per customer.
Latest odds:
Chelsea 11/10 (2.10)
Draw 11/5 (3.20)
Arsenal 12/5 (3.40)
If you want to know more or to take Paddy up on this offer, check out his web site here. (Sorry, no US bettors)
February 21st, 2007
Previous Posts