Friday, February 25, 2011
Sunderland extend manager Steve Bruce's contract
Steve Bruce
Bruce has masterminded a real renaissance at Sunderland this season
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has signed a new contract that is set to keep him at the club until 2014.
The 50-year-old, who arrived at the Stadium of Light in June 2009, had been in discussions about a new deal with the Black Cats for some time.
Currently sitting seventh, Sunderland are chasing a first top-10 finish in the Premier League for 10 years.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract," said Bruce. "It's a magnificent club from top to bottom."
Former Manchester United defender Bruce, who initially signed a three-year contract with the club after leaving Wigan to succeed Ricky Sbragia, added: "[The club] has wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager.
"We have the makings of a fantastic young team.
Steve embodies the ethos of team-work and the importance of camaraderie
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn
"It's been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished. So we're looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years."
Chairman Niall Quinn, who along with owner Ellis Short has provided Bruce with the financial backing to rebuild the squad, said he was delighted to have reached an agreement with the former Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Birmingham boss.
"It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that in Steve we have the man to do just that," stated Quinn.
"In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players, many of whom are young and desperate to achieve and improve.
"He embodies the ethos of team-work and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff.
"As someone born and bred in the north east he fully understands the unique passion for football in this region.
"He has already raised the aspirations of not only the players, but also the supporters, and instilled a belief in everyone that we can go on to achieve the sustained success that we all crave for this club."
Sport world
Sir Alex Ferguson writes off Chelsea's league challenge
The Blues are 12 points adrift of leaders United, who see second-place Arsenal as their only rivals.
Red Devils boss Ferguson has also dismissed Chelsea captain John Terry's suggestions United could yet falter.
"Normally two teams break away when you come to the end of the season - that's the way it's looking," Ferguson said.
"I think either Arsenal or ourselves will win it."
United, who were crowned English champions for a record-equalling 18th time in 2009, would stretch their lead at the top of the league to four points over Arsenal if they win their game in hand on the Gunners at Wigan on Saturday.
A victory would also take the Red Devils 15 points clear of Chelsea, who do not play this weekend.
And Ferguson rejected Terry's claim earlier this week that United could struggle to deal with the pressure of heading the Premier League table.
"You try things. We all try things," the 69-year-old United boss added. "But it won't be easy [for Chelsea] to come back from that kind of points deficit.
"I said some time ago, the team that is most consistent would win the league. That is why I stress that we have to keep our momentum going and get that consistency."
606: DEBATE
Have your say on Chelsea v Manchester United
United striker Michael Owen could face Wigan after recovering from injury, while Ryan Giggs could also return after missing last week's FA Cup victory over Crawley Town and the goalless Champions League draw with Marseille.
United suffered their first league defeat of the season, a 2-1 reverse at Wolves, in their last away game in the Premier League.
As well as the Stamford Bridge meeting - which is followed by a Sunday afternoon clash with Liverpool at Anfield - United still have to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on 7 May, six days after they take on Arsenal at the Emirates.
Red Devils boss Ferguson has also dismissed Chelsea captain John Terry's suggestions United could yet falter.
"Normally two teams break away when you come to the end of the season - that's the way it's looking," Ferguson said.
"I think either Arsenal or ourselves will win it."
United, who were crowned English champions for a record-equalling 18th time in 2009, would stretch their lead at the top of the league to four points over Arsenal if they win their game in hand on the Gunners at Wigan on Saturday.
A victory would also take the Red Devils 15 points clear of Chelsea, who do not play this weekend.
And Ferguson rejected Terry's claim earlier this week that United could struggle to deal with the pressure of heading the Premier League table.
"You try things. We all try things," the 69-year-old United boss added. "But it won't be easy [for Chelsea] to come back from that kind of points deficit.
"I said some time ago, the team that is most consistent would win the league. That is why I stress that we have to keep our momentum going and get that consistency."
606: DEBATE
Have your say on Chelsea v Manchester United
United striker Michael Owen could face Wigan after recovering from injury, while Ryan Giggs could also return after missing last week's FA Cup victory over Crawley Town and the goalless Champions League draw with Marseille.
United suffered their first league defeat of the season, a 2-1 reverse at Wolves, in their last away game in the Premier League.
As well as the Stamford Bridge meeting - which is followed by a Sunday afternoon clash with Liverpool at Anfield - United still have to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on 7 May, six days after they take on Arsenal at the Emirates.
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas ruled out of Carling Cup final
Carling Cup final
Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday, 28 February Kick-off: 1600 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One & BBC One HD from 1500 GMT, highlights on The League Cup Show; also live on Sky Sports 1; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas walked off the field after 14 minutes against Stoke
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of the Carling Cup final on Sunday with a hamstring injury.
The midfielder joins winger Theo Walcott (ankle) in missing the match against Birmingham at Wembley.
"Cesc is sad and disappointed but it is a very small injury," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Friday. "He will be out for one or two games."
Robin van Persie is fit to captain the side, while Laurent Koscielny and Abou Diaby are also expected to return.
The trio missed Wednesday's 1-0 home victory over Stoke with hamstring, back and calf problems respectively, although Diaby was also suspended, but Wenger said all three would be available.
It is very unlikely Walcott will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.
Arsene Wenger
Fabregas inspired Arsenal to a blistering start against the Potters but left the field after only 14 minutes and was replaced by Andrey Arshavin.
The look on the 23-year-old's face suggested he feared the worst and on Wednesday he Tweeted: "I don't know if I'll make Sunday or not, but all I know is that from this moment to Sunday 1630 I wont sleep if it is necessary.
"I've waited too long to captain a final for Arsenal and I won't give up until the last second."
FOOTBALL TACTICS BLOG
I think you need to play a couple of strikers to really test Arsenal when you are in possession of the ball
Ex Arsenal defender Martin Keown
Although he was part of the Gunners side that lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the 2007 showpiece and also started in the 2005 FA Cup final, this was set to be his first cup final as captain.
"He is disappointed," added Wenger. "We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition."
On Thursday, Wenger would not be drawn on whether the Spaniard would be fit in time to face his former club Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 second leg on 8 March.
But the Frenchman sounded more upbeat on Friday and with the Gunners playing Leyton Orient on 2 March and Sunderland three days later, Fabregas could yet feature at the Nou Camp.
Sport world
Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday, 28 February Kick-off: 1600 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One & BBC One HD from 1500 GMT, highlights on The League Cup Show; also live on Sky Sports 1; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas walked off the field after 14 minutes against Stoke
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of the Carling Cup final on Sunday with a hamstring injury.
The midfielder joins winger Theo Walcott (ankle) in missing the match against Birmingham at Wembley.
"Cesc is sad and disappointed but it is a very small injury," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Friday. "He will be out for one or two games."
Robin van Persie is fit to captain the side, while Laurent Koscielny and Abou Diaby are also expected to return.
The trio missed Wednesday's 1-0 home victory over Stoke with hamstring, back and calf problems respectively, although Diaby was also suspended, but Wenger said all three would be available.
It is very unlikely Walcott will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.
Arsene Wenger
Fabregas inspired Arsenal to a blistering start against the Potters but left the field after only 14 minutes and was replaced by Andrey Arshavin.
The look on the 23-year-old's face suggested he feared the worst and on Wednesday he Tweeted: "I don't know if I'll make Sunday or not, but all I know is that from this moment to Sunday 1630 I wont sleep if it is necessary.
"I've waited too long to captain a final for Arsenal and I won't give up until the last second."
FOOTBALL TACTICS BLOG
I think you need to play a couple of strikers to really test Arsenal when you are in possession of the ball
Ex Arsenal defender Martin Keown
Although he was part of the Gunners side that lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the 2007 showpiece and also started in the 2005 FA Cup final, this was set to be his first cup final as captain.
"He is disappointed," added Wenger. "We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition."
On Thursday, Wenger would not be drawn on whether the Spaniard would be fit in time to face his former club Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 second leg on 8 March.
But the Frenchman sounded more upbeat on Friday and with the Gunners playing Leyton Orient on 2 March and Sunderland three days later, Fabregas could yet feature at the Nou Camp.
Sport world
Ferguson dismisses Terry remarks
Reigning champions Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League, 12 points behind United, but they will have the chance to reduce the deficit when the teams meet at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Terry admitted that Chelsea have only a "really small" chance of retaining the title but said "a little bit of pressure" could see United lose their grip at the top of the table.
Having become renowned as a master of mind games during his 25 years at Old Trafford, though, Ferguson has given the comments short shrift.
"You try things," he said. "We all try things, but it won't be easy to come back from that kind of points deficit.
"I said some time ago the team that is most consistent would win the league. That is why I stress that we have to keep our momentum going and get that consistency."
Before heading to Chelsea, United will be looking to take maximum points for a trip to relegation-threatened Wigan.
"It'll be a difficult game," Ferguson said. "Wigan are a team who play fantastic football, but this time of season they're all difficult."
He added: "The new pitch [at the DW Stadium] improves the quality of the game, there is no question about that.
"I believe it was very bad before but that they have done something about it is more in their interests than ours.
"If they thought it would help them to play us on a bad pitch, they would have left it, but they play in a particular way, where passing is important."
Sport world
Terry admitted that Chelsea have only a "really small" chance of retaining the title but said "a little bit of pressure" could see United lose their grip at the top of the table.
Having become renowned as a master of mind games during his 25 years at Old Trafford, though, Ferguson has given the comments short shrift.
"You try things," he said. "We all try things, but it won't be easy to come back from that kind of points deficit.
"I said some time ago the team that is most consistent would win the league. That is why I stress that we have to keep our momentum going and get that consistency."
Before heading to Chelsea, United will be looking to take maximum points for a trip to relegation-threatened Wigan.
"It'll be a difficult game," Ferguson said. "Wigan are a team who play fantastic football, but this time of season they're all difficult."
He added: "The new pitch [at the DW Stadium] improves the quality of the game, there is no question about that.
"I believe it was very bad before but that they have done something about it is more in their interests than ours.
"If they thought it would help them to play us on a bad pitch, they would have left it, but they play in a particular way, where passing is important."
Sport world
WENGER DEFENDS SIGNING OF YOUNG STAR FROM BARCELONA YOUTH ACADE,Y
Barca president Sandro Rosell described Arsenal's capture of the 16-year-old midfielder for a fee reportedly worth about £296,000 as "a little immoral".
But Wenger said: "You forget that this boy is English. He has an English passport, his mother is from England.
"We have done what just is legal. Plenty of players leave us under exactly the same rule."
Toral, who was free to sign with any team, is set to join the Gunners in the summer.
If you go in the academy of Barcelona and you look where all the players come from, come back to me and we can talk about it
Arsene Wenger
He follows a number of players who have made the move to north London from Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy.
As well as club captain Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal have, in the past, signed Fran Merida - now at Atletico Madrid - and 18-year-old defender Ignasi Miguel, who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient last Sunday.
Wenger added: "I love Barcelona, I love Catalonia. I have nothing against them, but when a player who is half English and Spanish wants to join us, why should we turn him down if it's all legal?
"If we have done something illegal, I will say 'sorry, my boy, we cannot do it'.
"If you go in the academy of Barcelona and you look where all the players come from, come back to me and we can talk about it."
The agent who engineered Toral's move is Pere Guardiola, brother of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who has signed a one-year contract extension.
Sport world
But Wenger said: "You forget that this boy is English. He has an English passport, his mother is from England.
"We have done what just is legal. Plenty of players leave us under exactly the same rule."
Toral, who was free to sign with any team, is set to join the Gunners in the summer.
If you go in the academy of Barcelona and you look where all the players come from, come back to me and we can talk about it
Arsene Wenger
He follows a number of players who have made the move to north London from Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy.
As well as club captain Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal have, in the past, signed Fran Merida - now at Atletico Madrid - and 18-year-old defender Ignasi Miguel, who made his first-team debut in the FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient last Sunday.
Wenger added: "I love Barcelona, I love Catalonia. I have nothing against them, but when a player who is half English and Spanish wants to join us, why should we turn him down if it's all legal?
"If we have done something illegal, I will say 'sorry, my boy, we cannot do it'.
"If you go in the academy of Barcelona and you look where all the players come from, come back to me and we can talk about it."
The agent who engineered Toral's move is Pere Guardiola, brother of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who has signed a one-year contract extension.
Sport world
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Friday, 25 February 2011
Npower League One
Notts County v Charlton, 19:45
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00
Everton v Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00
Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Blackpool, 15:00
Sport world
Npower League One
Notts County v Charlton, 19:45
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00
Everton v Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00
Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Blackpool, 15:00
Sport world
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