One of the more improbable news stories this week claimed Ian Rush, at the behest of mobile phone operator Digicel, has recomended six youngsters from Central America for a 10-day trial at Platt Lane. Rush apparently visited Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama on behalf of the Blues.
Continue Reading →Fifa vice-president, Jack Warner, said yesterday that wage restraint was necessary in football to ensure a “level playing field”, and a “salary cap should be introduced”. Noble sounding talk from a high ranking official that was once again offering no detail as to how it would work.
Was he suggesting that Manchester United only be allowed to pay as much as Burnley? Who knows, but it’s doubtful. Was he tacitly supporting Michel Platini’s competition destroying idea of limiting a club’s expenditure on wages and transfers to a percentage of it’s revenue? Maybe he was.
Continue Reading →As everybody pointed out, the receptions afforded Richard Dunne and Gareth Barry by their former fans contrasted markedly on Monday night at Villa Park. City fans were commended, while Villa fans felt justified. Let’s consider the unwritten rules for players hoping to ensure a happy return after moving to a rival club.
Continue Reading →Given – Needed to be on his toes from the off when a Agbonlahor flick nearly sneaked in. Otherwise the Irishman had surprisingly little to do. 6
Zabaleta – Did an excellent job in keeping Ashley Young quiet. The recalled Argentine international was decent in possession without really threatening the Villa defence. 7
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