unarchworld

Music to Milan's ears

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:27:12 -0500

If Samson's strength lay in his hair, AC Milan seem to draw their force from the UEFA Champions League anthem. The competition brings the best out of the Rossoneri, so much so that they have taken to playing its theme tune ahead of Serie A games.

Motivation
"We listened to that music in the dressing room before the match," Rossoneri coach Leonardo revealed after Sunday's 1-0 victory against Bologna FC. As a motivational tool it certainly did the trick. After losing 4-0 at home to rivals FC Internazionale Milano at the end of last month a shell-shocked Rossoneri certainly needed lifting. One win from three Serie A games had fans fearing the worst about life after Carlo Ancelotti, Kaká and Paolo Maldini, but since the return of the UEFA Champions League and a 2-1 win at Olympique de Marseille, the storm clouds are clearing.

Winning feeling
"I don't know what happens to us when we hear the Champions League music, we'll have to ask a psychologist to find it out," vice-president Adriano Galliano joked after the win in Marseille. Even when they were struggling in Serie A in 2007, Milan still managed to win the UEFA Champions League and Leonardo admits the competition is part of the club's fabric. "It's something we have within us, we can't start off a season without thinking about winning it," Leonardo told uefa.com. "The Champions League is part of Milan's DNA. The fans expect it, and it's impossible for us to go on to the pitch without thinking about winning."

Ambition unchanged
Milan have always been Italy's standard bearers in Europe. They were the country's first European Cup winners in 1963, have won the trophy more times, seven, than their domestic rivals, and are the only Serie A side to have kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign this season with victory. But of course, their upturn in fortunes this week is not down to the music alone.

Seedorf drive
Leonardo's decision to play Clarence Seedorf in behind the strikers in place of Ronaldinho provided a creative spark the Rossoneri had been lacking, while former Italy Under-21 international Ignazio Abate's inclusion at right-back has given the side pace down the wing. Seedorf set up both Milan goals against Marseille and scored the winner against Bologna. The transition post-Ancelotti, Maldini and Kaká was always going to take time, but Leonardo's side remain competitive and the ambition is unchanged.

'Prudent'
"If you think about winning every match you play in, of course you think of winning the final as well, that's normal," the Brazilian coach explained. "I think this year we've gone through a few changes so it makes sense to be a bit prudent, but the matches will determine what we can do. We've got to take it one game at a time, keeping calm, then we will see what we can achieve this year." Leonardo may not yet know how far his team will go, but he is sure they are in the right groove, especially now they have found the soundtrack to their season.

Fernando Torres: I Could Be At Liverpool For Another Ten Years

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:47:25 -0500

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has revealed that he is not planning a return to Spain any time soon and could even see himself remaining in England for another decade.

"I think I have four more years of my contract here and I'm really happy. I don't think about coming back to Spain now," he told Sky Sports News.

"I don't know - maybe in a couple or in ten years! But I'm really happy in England, I would like to play in England for a long time."

As for his partnership with Steven Gerrard, Torres would like to see the England man playing back in his role behind the striker, after the skipper has lined up in a more withdrawn central midfield role in some recent games.

"Stevie's playing in the middle now, a little bit lower, because we have players in that position - Mascherano is coming back from his national team with an injury," he said.

"I hope that Mascherano will be fit and that Stevie can play between the lines because he's a very, very important player for us in that position. He's making a lot of goals and giving assists to everyone.

"He's the key player for us and if he can play close to the box it wil be better for the team."

The Spain star is also doing his best to curb his onfield dissent and says that he will be focusing more on the game rather than any disputes with match officials - particularly given the difficulty of their jobs.

"This is a mistake I have to try to not do again," he said of his recent bust-ups with referees.

"I have to stay focused on football, try to be focused on the game and my mates and forget the referee, because he is doing his job.

"I know how difficult it is to be a referee. They have probably the more difficult job because all the people can never stay happy with them - always 11 will be happy and 11 will be angry with the referee.

"So we have to help the referee and I'm sure, being like this, the referee will help and protect the players."

As for his hopes for the year, Liverpool winning the title and Spain winning the World Cup would certainly be something he would enjoy.

"I hope so," he said. "It will be a dream!"

Top 10 transfer cops and flops

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:41:37 -0500

think it is fair to say that after the spectacular climax of 2008, the 2009 summer transfer window slammed shut with a whimper rather than a bang.

As the likes of Tottenham, Portsmouth, Hull and Villa scrambled round for last minute deals, the 'big four' kept their hands and their money firmly in their pockets.

Of course there were rumours that Franck Ribery was spotted in London, David Silva was spotted in Manchester and a size 10 pair of shoes was ordered for a shoe shop in Liverpool which meant that David Villa WAS joining the Reds after all, but no, just like the reported deals of Vieira re-joining Arsenal and David Bentley going to City, they were not to be.

But that's not to say that the transfer window did not have some shocks and scandals as you will read below as we re-cap the top 10 transfer cops and flops of the summer transfer season 2009.

Transfer cops

Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid (30 million)

Liverpool's loss was most definitely Real Madrid's gain as the La Liga giants broke all transfer records in Florentino Perez's pursuit of a new set of 'galacticos.'

After rumours surfaced that there were dressing room issues between Alonso and Liverpool's Spanish manager Rafa Benitez, most possible to do with the fact Benitez tried to sell the influential midfielder to Juventus just one year before, only to see him become a Euro 2008 medal winner and one of the clubs best players in the 2007/08 season, it was perhaps no surprise that Alonso opted for a move from Merseyside to join Ronaldo, Kaka and Benzema at one of Spain's most celebrated clubs.

There is no doubt that Benitez tried to keep hold of his prized asset, but the wheels where in motion and on the August 5 2009 Alonso sealed his move to Madrid.

After their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the Reds in the Champions League last season, Real Madrid must surely now feel some sort of redemption for stealing one of Liverpool's best players, while Liverpool, well, they get left with Lucas - an unfair swap if ever there was one.

Michael Owen to Manchester United (free)

This is a story of which transfer dreams are made of.

Michael Owen, one of England's most prolific goalscorers and Newcastle crock was left clubless after declining to re-sign for dark and stormy nights playing the likes of West Brom in the Championship with the relegated Magpies.

Just weeks before Ferguson made the sensational swoop for the former Liverpool hero, a desperate Michael Owen had enlisted the help of his agent, who duly distributed a 32-page brochure that listed all of Owens talents and attributes, including Owen being 'cool, young, dynamic, charismatic' and of course, most importantly 'fit and healthy.'

Needless to say the brochure made the 29-year-old striker a laughing stock of the football world, but it was Owen who had the last laugh when Alex Ferguson of Premier League Champions Manchester United came calling.

Before the call from Sir Ferg, Owen was getting offers from the likes of Hull, Stoke, Everton and Aston Villa, but a two-year deal that came 'out of the blue' was offered to the hitman and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since signing for United, Owen has been handed the No shirt recently vacated by one C. Ronaldo and has scored 5 goals for the Red Devils, leaving other clubs, like cash-strapped Liverpool, to wonder just why they didn't take a chance.

Adebayor to Manchester City (25 million, reported)

This was possibly not one of the most shocking transfers of the summer, but it might prove to be the most worthy to cashed-up Manchester City as the North-west club bid to smash the strangle hold on the 'top four' this season.

After a troubled time at Arsenal, due to dressing room bust-ups and infamous newspaper interviews last season, it was clear that Ade's time at Arsenal was done.

Unlike other fans who had to resign themselves to losing their 'star players', Arsenal fans couldn't wait for Ade to be shown the Emirates exit, even going so fan as to produce a 32-page glossy brochure in a Michael Owen stylee which listed the Togo international as 'Good at impressions, definitely NOT lazy, fond of Godzilla and, er, 'not Irish.'

In previous seasons Ade had been linked to the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan, but it was City's Mark Hughes who stood up and took notice after he made the 25-year-old his fourth signing of the summer transfer season - giving him a five-year-deal at the club.

Since switching to Eastland's Adebayor looks like a player who has had the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders.

He has hit out at former Arsenal fans, telling them he is now once again enjoying football because of the love he feels from the City supporters, which must be true since he has banged in three goals in three appearances since the start of the season, helping City to sit a comfortable fourth on the Premier League table.

Glen Johnson to Liverpool (18 million)

Former Portsmouth star Glen Johnson became one of only two 'major' signings for cash-strapped Liverpool this season, but he has proved more than a match for the Real Madrid bound Alvaro Arbeloa since starting for the club

Many people balked at the 18 million pound price tag for the 25-year-old versatile right-back but with 2 goals and 2 assists in four games for Liverpool the critics are starting to change their minds.

What makes this move even sweeter for Liverpool is England international Johnson snubbed a switch to Man City and former club Chelsea in favour of joining 'Rafa's revolution' and since coming to Anfield he is playing like he has always been there.

Liverpool might be struggling at the start of the new Premier League season, but there is no doubt that by the looks of his performances so far the money Benitez shelled out on Johnson is going to worth every penny for the club.

5. Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal (10 million, reported)

It's no secret that Arsenal boss Arsenal has come in for a bit of criticism for failing to splash the cash gained from the sale of Adebayor and Toure in order to strengthen his depleted squad (and no last-gasp transfer deals for Wenger, what's that all about?!) but one player they did land was former Ajax ace Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal had their eye on this swift defender since March 09, but in the summer transfer window they finally nabbed the youngster who former Man United star Jaap Stam has predicted to become a 'top class Premier League performer.

And Jaap could be right if the 23-year-old's early performances are anything to go by.

Just like his Premier League rival Alex Ferguson, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is known for his ability to nurture young footballing talent, and after scoring on his debut for the London side against Everton in their first game of the Premier League there is definitely great things to come from this relatively unknown star.

Other notable transfer cops: Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid - Carlos Tevez Man United to Man City - Joleon Lescott Everton to Man City - Peter Crouch Portsmouth to Tottenham - Alberto Aquilani Roma to Liverpool - Yuri Zhirkov CSKA to Chelsea - Michael Turner Hull to Sunderland - Johnny Heitinga Atletico Madrid to Everton - Nico Kranjcar Portsmouth to Tottenham - Sylvian Distin Portsmouth to Everton - Stephen Warnock Middlesbrough to Aston Villa - Damien Duff Newcastle to Fulham - Lee Cattermole Wigan to Sunderland - Antonio Valencia Wigan to Man United - Darren Bent to Sunderland - Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona - Samuel Eto'o to Inter Milan

Transfer flops

John Terry to Manchester City

The John Terry to Manchester City story was one of the most interesting of the summer transfer season. Would the heartbeat of Chelsea REALLY give up playing for the club he loves to play with Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz for muchos cash at City? Er. As it later transpired, no.

But that doesn't mean there were not some heart-in-the-mouth moments as this rumour gathered momentum.

For weeks JT refused to make clear just where his playing future lay as Mark Hughes' club dangled enough money to save an African village, or five in front of the England skippers nose (a reported 200,000k per week was on the table).

But what JT was REALLY holding out for was a pay rise and more commitment from the club he had devoted his career to and after weeks of silence and speculation, JT put paid to rumours that he would leave London for Manchester.

Since then, John Terry has signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, reported to be in the region of 40 million quid, keeping the defender at the Chelsea until the end of his playing career.

There has also been reports that he will be offered a coaching position at the club when he finally decides to hang up his boots, and City, well, they got Joleon Lescott.

David Villa to Liverpool

Ever since his spectacular performance for Spain in the 2008 European Championship Valencia's David Villa has been on the radar of every top European club.

And so in 2009, rumours once again surfaced that the Spanish striker could once again be on his way to the Premier League.

Real Madrid wanted him, Chelsea, Barcelona and United too, but the most likely destination seemed to be England's very own Spanish scousers, otherwise known as Liverpool.

The thought of David Villa linking up with Spain team mate Fernando Torres in attack for the Reds was enough to get Liverpool fans salivating, but sadly it was not to be as Liverpool's lack of cash scuppered any hope of sealing a deal for the 27-year-old and Villa committed himself to seeing out the rest of his contract at struggling Valencia.

Franck Ribery to Man United

The Franck Ribery to Man United rumour started before last season had even finished, which in retrospect may show that the Red Devils were resigned to losing C.Ronaldo to Real and were already in the market for a replacement.

It was reported in May that United HAD made a 62.5 million pound bid for the France star, and the deal looked likely as Ribery made clear his desire to leave Bayern Munich.

But as the transfer merry-go-round got into full swing, it was not just United who were in for the star, as Real Madrid, Man City and Chelsea also tried to tempt him from Germany.

After admitting early in the season that Bayern would consider letting Ribery go, general manager Uli Hoeness then changed his mind after the record-breaking 80 million pound sale of Ronaldo, saying he would accept no-less then 80 million for the 26-year-old hitman.

Man United, Chelsea and Real were all still interested in Ribery, but none of the deals came to fruition after Bayen played hardball with their star.

It's a shame for United really, as Ribery could have be the perfect partner for Wayne Rooney upfront, BUT don't think this story has gone away yet as rumours suggest Ribery is still keen on a move away from the Bundlisliga - and with 80 million burning a hole in Sir Ferg's back pocket expect this one to blow up again come January.

Gareth Barry to Liverpool

Along with the will he, wont he Ronaldo transfer saga of 2008, the Gareth Barry to Liverpool was one of the longest and painful stories of last years summer transfer season.

Barry wanted his 'dream move' to Liverpool to fulfil his 'dream' of playing Champions League football but the deal broke down as stubborn Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill refused to let his long-standing skipper leave.

So it was perhaps a surprise to some that in the summer of 2009, instead of completing his 'dream' move to Liverpool in order to fulfil his 'dream' of playing Champions League football, Gareth Barry's head was turned by the glitz, glamour and money of Manchester City as he became the clubs first signing of the summer transfer season.

The 12 million pound move infuriated Villa fans, and left Liverpool stunned as Benitez had lined up Barry as the perfect partner for Steven Gerrard after seeing the two link-up so well for England.

Later Barry claimed he decided on a move to City, who last year finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will NOT be playing European football this season, because he was 'excited' by what the club was attempting to achieve - but everyone knows he did for the money.

Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

Another on-going transfer saga that failed to transpire in 2009 was that of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas' rumoured transfer to Catalan giants Barcelona.

How amazing it would have been to see the influential Spanish star linking up with the likes of Messi and Iniesta for the European Cup winners and La Liga champions - but like the rest of our flops list, this transfer was not to be.

And while Barca made no secret of their desire to bring their former youth player back to the Nou Camp, Arsenal officials were furious at the tapping of their star.

Fabregas himself half opened the door for a return to Spain when he publicly gushed about the clubs coach Pep Guardiola, and Barcelona themselves have defended their pursuit of the Gunners star, with Barca president Joan Laporta saying the midfield ace is a 'special case'

Adding 'I apologise if I bothered Mr Wenger, but he knows perfectly that the case of Cesc Fabregas is special. He is a Catalan player from our youth team and it is not a secret that we love this player.'

And just like the transfer rumours surrounding Ribery, don't expect this one to be going away anytime soon!

Other notable transfer flops: David Silva to Liverpool, Man United - Kaka to Chelsea - Marouane Chamakh to Arsenal, West Ham - Patrick Vieira to Arsenal, Tottenham - David Beckham to Chelsea, United, Tottenham - David Bentley to Man City - Karim Benzema to United - David James to Tottenham - Pato to Chelsea - Deco to Inter Milan - Robino to Barcelona

Who were your top transfer cops and flops of the summer transfer season 2009? Have your say below

Too Many Right-Backs Spoil The Broth (what do you think)

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:38:01 -0600

As far as the centre of defence is concerned, United have a world class pairing in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, with young Jonny Evans pushing behind them. It's the flanks that have Fergie miffed.

In recent weeks, 18-year-old right-back Rafael da Silva has exploded onto the scene, producing form and composure that would have any manager drooling. So where does that leave veteran duo Gary Neville and Wes Brown? Ferguson himself has claimed that the Old Trafford lifers have a real problem in the shape of Rafael, despite them being England's most accomplished right-backs at present. Skipper Neville is unlikely to abandon ship at 33, despite being loosely tipped to join brother Phil at Everton, but Brown is younger and, when fit, would start at many other top flight clubs. Perhaps he'll move on, but not yet.

On the other side, Patrice Evra remains one of the world's most accomplished left-backs. However, his festive ban – a punishment for his part in the Stamford Bridge brawl of last season – leaves only John O'Shea as realistic cover. This may not be sustainable, as it's questionable whether the Irish utility man could fill in for a longer spell. Luckily, Fergie has another ready-made sensation in Fabio Pereira da Silva, who could make the breakthrough once he shrugs off his shoulder problems.

RONALDO'S RETURN

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:00:16 -0500

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Cristiano Ronaldo has no cause to win United’s fans over after a summer which saw the player heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Reds boss instead has praised the player's maturity as he prepares to return from an ankle injury against Villarreal on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old winger is well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and will make an appearance of some sort – most likely as a substitute – when the Reds take on the Spaniards in Wednesday’s Champions League Group E opener at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid’s public pursuit of Ronaldo throughout the summer brought matters to a head when Sir Alex met with the Portuguese international during pre-season. The United boss insists that is where the matter ended, and now predicts a welcome return from the Old Trafford faithful.

“I don’t think [he has to win the fans over],” Sir Alex said on Tuesday. “I think our fans understand the situation. He’s a young man who was tempted by the lure of money, but since we gave him our decision he has accepted it.

“He said that he’d like to go to Real Madrid. When I had the meeting with him, that was it finished. He understood my position and the club’s position. He has accepted it and got on with it like a professional. There has not been a problem since.”

Ronaldo has thrown himself at his recovery from the surgery he underwent in July with the same dedication he has to developing his raw skill into world football's most sought-after talent during five years with the Reds.

“His training and rehabilitation has been fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “Every day, right through till five o’clock, he has shown a real determination to get back playing for us.

“He is well ahead of schedule. That is credit to him and our medical team. They have done a fantastic job, but he has been a great patient. We could have included him against Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe if we’d been at home we would have done. With the game being away we thought it best to give him a few more days.

“He has shown great maturity as well, accepting the decision of Manchester United and getting on with it. No pettiness, no throwing the toys out of the pram. He’s been professional, in training every day and working very hard. We’re delighted that he is back. His return is a huge lift because he is such a fantastic player.”

And Sir Alex isn’t the only one delighted at Ronaldo’s return. His team-mates will be pleased to see a player whose 42-goals coloured and characterised United’s incredible Premier League and Champions League double success last term.

“He is such a massive player for us,” said Carlos Tevez. “He is a great person to have on your side. It’s almost like having an extra player when he is playing for you because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back.”

well-accomplished away performance'

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 09:14:16 -0500

On keeping Blackburn quiet…

“Blackburn are a team that can be dangerous going forward and I feel that, as well as our good offensive performance, we had a good defensive performance. On crosses they can be extremely dangerous but we kept [Roque] Santa Cruz quiet. I am happy we didn't concede and that we always looked fluid going forward. It was a well-accomplished away game.”

On the midweek trip to the Ukraine…

“It is another big game on Wednesday night. It is important to start the Champions League well, with a win away from home. That will give us confidence. It will be same approach on Wednesday. It is our strength and we can be successful by expressing our strength. It is a difficult group because all the teams are used to playing in the Champions League, are strong at home as well, and that is why we need to find the same kind of performance.”

On Walcott's starting berth…

“I assessed every individual and was thinking to leave Theo out, but for the balance I kept him in. I wanted to rest Nicklas Bendtner and I thought having Theo away from home could give us the penetration. I think he can play left and right and he is happy on the left because he knows he can score with his right foot; he tried a couple of times today. Theo has been educated that way, where he can play on either side., but he also prefers to play in the middle. The problem with scoring three times for the national team is that everyone expects you to score again. Football isn't like that. What is most important is that he has a good team attitude, tries to work hard and the rest will come with time.”

On hitting top gear…

“We try always to play our way and slowly we are getting there. We started our training late because of the amount of players away at the European Championships. We are growing now and scored four goals against FC Twente, three against Newcastle and four again today, all without conceding. Despite our youth we looked mature.”

On the timing of the second goal…

“We looked before half-time that we just wanted to keep the ball, and when you are patient and simple the chance come along. That is what we did and I think it was about 20 passes from right to left, back to front and it gave us the momentum for the dangerous last pass.”

On his players being greedy…

"I am after my players to make the right decision and many times you see when a player shoots, someone could be in a better position. So I want my team to be capable of making the right decision without being greedy.”

On injuries…

“[Samir] Nasri is a big doubt for that, Eboue we might lose and Clichy too. We have to assess them tomorrow. It doesn't look too good.”

On Jack Wilshere's record breaking appearance…

“I bring English players slowly through. He is another one who will soon play for you [England].”

Wenger - 'Directors of football' have a role

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:25:09 -0500

Arsène Wenger has no problem with 'directors of football' in his sport - but he could not envisage working at a club where he did not control the recruitment of players.

The changing role of managers is a hot topic following the resignations of Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley from Newcastle and West Ham respectively. Both men cited a lack of control over transfer policy as their reasons for leaving. Meanwhile, the spending power of Manchester City's new owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, may yet affect Mark Hughes' role at Eastlands.

Wenger insists on having the final say over the players Arsenal buy or sell but he accepts that some of his counterparts prefer a more hands-off approach in the transfer market.

"In life everyone is free to work as you want to work," said the Frenchman.

"If I go into a job and someone says to me that you have a director of football who buys and sells the players, I accept or don't accept it.

"If I accept it, I cannot complain. I would personally not accept that but I can understand as well that some people don't want to deal with that and they feel comfortable getting the most out of the players they have because they have come from a different country.

"There's no problem with directors of football so long as you have a very good one. I feel myself and the board are on the same wavelength in that regard."

Arsenal wins top award for regeneration

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:20:54 -0500

Arsenal is delighted to announce that the regeneration created by the move to Emirates Stadium has been acknowledged at a top awards ceremony.

The Club, together with Newlon Housing Trust and Islington Council have won the ‘Best Development Partnership’ at the 2008 Affordable Home Ownership Awards.

The award is huge recognition for the successful partnership between Arsenal, Newlon and Islington Council which has delivered over 1,000 affordable homes in the Borough of Islington, as a direct result of Arsenal moving from Highbury to Emirates Stadium.

The success at winning the Best Development Partnership Award follows on from the Arsenal regeneration programme, which is one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe, also winning the 2008 Housing Corporation Gold Award for ‘Delivering joined-up development’.

Arsenal’s move to Emirates Stadium, which has created over 2,500 new homes in total and a over 2,600 new jobs into Islington, has now won over 20 awards in recognition of both the stadium itself and the regeneration to the local area.

The regeneration associated with Arsenal is only one part of the work of Newlon Housing Trust, which is a charitable housing association founded in Hackney in 1968 to provide decent and affordable homes for local people. Today, Newlon provides more than 6,000 homes across London for key workers.

The regeneration work by Arsenal has completely transformed the area around Emirates Stadium, making use of previously disused land and providing many new community facilities. The project has also been committed throughout its course to providing new and sustainable opportunities for local people through the work of the strong partnership between Arsenal, Newlon and the London Borough of Islington.

Arsenal Director Ken Friar, who played an instrumental role in the Club’s move to Emirates Stadium said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. It’s further recognition of the success of our strong working partnership with Newlon and Islington Council.

“Arsenal Football Club is extremely proud of the benefits that have been brought to the community as part of our move to the Emirates Stadium. In addition to the provision of affordable housing, the Emirates Stadium project has provided a host of other community benefits, such as a state of the art waste recycling centre, a wide range of new job opportunities, a learning centre, public transport and open space improvements, as well as major investment in an area that suffered from serious deprivation.”

Awards won by Arsenal as a result of the Emirates Stadium project:

2006 Planning Awards - ‘Best Built Project Contributing to London’s Future’.
2006 Planning Awards - ‘Mayor’s award for Planning Excellence’.
International Securitisation Report (ISR) - 'Corporate Deal of the Year 2006 – Europe'.
Treasurer Magazine Deals of the Year awards 2006 - ‘Winner of Securitisation and Structured Finance category’.
Building Design – Regeneration Awards 2006 - 'Best Mixed-use Regeneration Project'.
Quality in Construction Awards 2007 - 'Winner of Major Project Award'.
Building Awards 2007 - 'Building Project of the Year’.
Building Awards 2007 - ‘Constructing Excellence Award’.
Building Awards 2007 - ‘Major Contractor of the Year - Sir Robert McAlpine’.
Building Awards 2007 - 'Engineering Consultant of the Year – Buro Happold'.
Building Awards 2007 - 'Specialist Contractor of the Year Award – Keltbray'.
Beaumont Safety Trophy 2006 - Won for the Design of a specialist rig for drilling the holes used to fix the seating in Emirates Stadium.
2007 RICS Awards - 'Winner of the London region RICS Regeneration Award category’.
2007 NAS (National Association of Shopfitters) Design Partnerships Awards - 'Won for the Diamond Club project'.
2007 Retail and Leisure Property Awards - 'Best Commercial Leisure Scheme'.
2007 British Construction Industry Awards - Best Major Project.
2007 Visit London Awards – Business Venue of The Year
2007 Visit London Awards – Emirates Stadium Tours, Silver Award for Sports Tourism.
2007 Institution of Structural Engineers Awards - Award for Sports Structures
2008 Meet England’s Business Tourism Gold Award
2008 Housing Corporation Gold Award for Delivering joined-up development
2008 Affordable Home Ownership Awards – Best Development Partnership – Arsenal FC and Newlon.

It's game on - Sir Alex

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:04:44 -0500

United and Liverpool have both received late injury boosts ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash at Anfield. Sir Alex is able to call on fit-again Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves, while Rafael Benitez confirmed Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have been passed fit to play.

Carrick suffered an ankle injury against Newcastle, while Hargreaves has again been struggling with a tendinitis problem over the summer. But both players have trained this week and are ready if called upon.

“Everyone is fit,” said Sir Alex. “Carrick and Hargreaves are both fit to play.”

Liverpool, meanwhile, are seemingly at full strength on the pitch, even if off-the-field murmurings of dissatisfaction remain. Reports suggest Liverpool fans are planning a protest at Anfield – “Is that against me?” Sir Alex joked.

“It’s crazy to think about pressure [for either team] this early in the season,” he added. “What won’t change is the intensity to the game, the atmosphere, and the commitment from both teams. Liverpool’s supporters will roar them on and we need to perform to withstand all that. These things don’t change, it’s a normal United-Liverpool game. It doesn’t matter about form, it’s a game you cannot predict.

“When Liverpool go on the field you know you’re going to face a committed team. That’s never going to change. It’s always a great fixture and our games against Liverpool are the biggest. It’s an incredible fixture.

"But it doesn’t matter what happens on Saturday. There is a lot of football to be played and plenty of interesting games. Hopefully we will get the result we want at Anfield, but there’s a long way to go.”

Sir Alex will call on new signing Dimitar Berbatov, who was officially unveiled to the media at Old Trafford on Friday. The Bulgarian's arrival has further enhanced United's growing arsenal of goal-getters, subsequently fuelling the Reds boss' confidence of extending a run of seven wins and a draw in the last eight league meetings with Liverpool.

“People have said that I haven’t had great alternatives up front,” said the boss. “But now I have those options. When Cristiano comes back I can also play him as a striker. I think that if you look at the possible combinations, we look very strong now. The addition of Dimitar is a big, big advantage for us.

“Dimitar is capable of 20 goals, as are Tevez and Ronaldo. And I’ve always said that Rooney is capable of goals. I’ve said that last season we were maybe a bit unfair on him with the way we played him. But he is capable of goals, no question. If Wayne can add to that tally then you are looking at the level of goals needed to win things.”

Berbatov brings his own qualities to United's attack, not least experience according to the boss. "If you look at the ages of my forward players, they are very young," concedes the Scot. "Dimitar takes it up a notch in terms of experience and composure. His presence is also something we haven’t had since the likes of Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham. His balance and vision are excellent and his goal-ratio is very good. So he's bringing a lot of attributes to the team – without wanting to put too much pressure on him!"

Pressure comes with the territory when United visit Anfield, and this match is no different. But the Reds increasingly look in good shape to cope with the task at hand.

Dimi admits nerves

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:55:52 -0500

Dimitar Berbatov admits he’ll probably be nervous when he makes his United debut at Anfield on Saturday, but the Bulgarian is confident his new team-mates will help him acclimatise to life in a red shirt.

“I might be nervous because it’s a new team, new players, a new atmosphere,” the striker told media at Old Trafford on Friday.

“But hopefully with the help of my team-mates I can find my place in the side and help the team with my goals.”

Despite a prolific two-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur, the 27-year-old failed to find the net against Liverpool in three Premier League outings.

On Saturday he’ll be reacquainted with former Spurs strike partner Robbie Keane, now plying his trade under Rafa Benitez.

“It will be strange to play against Robbie, but it will also be nice. I have good memories of playing alongside him – it was a good partnership.

“Everything comes to an end but I will be glad to see him again.”

United fans will be hoping Dimitar is still smiling come the final whistle on Saturday afternoon.