http://www.footymad.net Visit Footymad for the very latest football news and information. en-gb Copyright 2012 Footy Mad Limited All Rights Reserved. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 03:24:20 Sat, 4 Feb 2012 03:24:20 3 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064918 Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has held clear the air talks with owner-chairman Steve Morgan after his verbal dressing room attack on the players following Tuesday's 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool.Morgan made his feelings known to the squad after Wolves' sequence without a Barclays Premier League win was extended to nine matches. But McCarthy insists the matter was resolved in a meeting on Wednesday and Morgan's outburst has "not eroded my authority".McCarthy said: "It's common knowledge that the chairman came down to the dressing room."He added: "I've spoken to him about it and it's been sorted out. It was all done on Wednesday."He knows my feelings on it and that's enough for me. I don't have to give anyone a headline."We're second bottom and have won two games in 21 so do I need to sensationalise anything else? We've spoken about it and it's been sorted out.""This is the first time in my managerial career a chairman has done that."I don't feel it erodes my authority, but we've spoken and Steve knows my views about that and all that remains private."There is no animosity and no hard feelings and we have moved on." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064918 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064584 Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has admitted he and every top Barclays Premier League manager would be looking over their shoulders if Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid this summer.Villas-Boas was relaxed about a report suggesting Mourinho would be interested in returning to Stamford Bridge were the self-styled 'Special One' to cut his ties with the Spanish giants. The Blues manager acknowledged speculation over his own position would be rife if Mourinho became available but insisted the same would apply to the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Roberto Mancini, Harry Redknapp, Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger. Villas-Boas said: "At the moment, there is not a vacancy at this club, that is the most important thing."Villas-Boas, who worked under Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, added: "And the Real Madrid manager is not available at the moment. He's tied to the best club in the world."The only thing I can say is that I have lived Jose's availability when we were out of Chelsea and we know and I know how many clubs came knocking on our doors."So, a manager of Jose's dimension and the number one in the world will always be an attractive target for whatever club."Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to return to England one day.Villas-Boas added: "Because he's a manager that makes himself available to return to his beloved England will for sure capture the interests of City, United and Chelsea and Tottenham and Liverpool and Arsenal, and so on and so forth."So, in that sense, we are all under pressure, from Mancini to Ferguson to me to Dalglish to Harry Redknapp and so on." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:46:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064584 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064386 Rangers manager Ally McCoist insists he has no intention of quitting the Scottish champions.Rumours that McCoist could walk away from the club were rife after he emerged from Ibrox looking grim faced following a meeting with chairman Craig Whyte on transfer deadline day.Top goalscorer Nikica Jelavic was sold to Everton but McCoist was unable to secure a replacement before the deadline. But when asked on Friday whether he thought about quitting, McCoist said: "Absolutely never."He added: "There must have been 500 snaps of me leaving Ibrox and about 10 snaps with my face tripping me."My face wasn't tripping me. I can assure supporters I wasn't storming out. I'm as committed to doing this job as I've ever been."Meanwhile, McCoist insists there is no bad feeling between the club and Jelavic over his transfer to Everton.Ibrox chiefs and the striker on Thursday appeared to be at odds over whether the Croatian wanted to quit Ibrox or not.McCoist said: "There is no ill feeling between any of us and Nikica."He was wonderful here, he's a great lad and he goes with our best wishes."We hope he's a success and I'm sure he will be." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:16:54 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064386 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064385 Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists there is no "magic formula" to solve his side's winless run in the Barclays Premier League and has called for a response from his players.His side have not won in the league since December 4 when they beat Sunderland 2-1, taking just four points from their last nine games.That has left them second bottom, three points ahead of Wigan, with McCarthy coming under increasing pressure to deliver results, starting against QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday, and McCarthy said: "There's no magic formula for it, there really isn't."He added: "We've just go to go down there and try to win the game, as we've done all season. I've had a magic formula here for five years. I got us up, kept us up, it's been great, but it's not something you can click your fingers and change it."It really just demands hard work, a performance, don't make any mistakes and don't get beaten in the first instance. That would be a good starting point."If I've got an instant remedy for it, it would have been done and sorted out so we need a response don't we? The club need a response from me, from the team, from the group of players, so that we can get a result."Wolves have leaked six goals in their last two Premier League games against Liverpool and Aston Villa, prompting McCarthy to bring in Tottenham central defender Sebastien Bassong on loan until the end of the season.However, McCarthy refused to blame his squad despite his obvious frustration about the way they have conceded goals, and added: "I'm not going to sit here and point the finger of blame at all the players and say it's individual errors all the time. It has cost us on a lot of occasions, of course it has."The best performance recently was against Villa and we still contrived to lose that game (3-2), which was crazy in the extreme."We've managed to concede a goal from almost every conceivable position; when we're on top, when we're defending, when we've had a corner kick and it ends up in the back of our net. It makes life difficult." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:16:54 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064385 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064180 The Football Association have confirmed that John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy until after his racism court trial.The decision was explained to the Chelsea defender and England manager Fabio Capello by FA chairman David Bernstein in phone calls this morning.The FA said in a statement: "Following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, the Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved."Capello will be free to pick Terry for England friendlies and Euro 2012. Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064180 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064182 Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits it is 'fantastic' to have striker Luis Suarez back from suspension.The Uruguay international has served the eight-match ban imposed after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United Patrice Evra.He is available for Monday's home game against Tottenham, and Dalglish admitted: "It is great for everybody that we have Luis back in the squad."Considering his lack of action he may be inclined to put him on the bench."He's been back training a couple of weeks now and he's stayed pretty fit," the Reds boss added."It is fantastic for us to have him available"There is a lot to be taken into consideration: the fact he's not played for over a month and more importantly how well the other players have done in his absence."But it is good for us - and Steven [Gerrard] will be back so we should be pretty strong." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064182 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064181 Sir Alex Ferguson intends to speak with Rio Ferdinand ahead of Manchester United's Premier League encounter with Chelsea on Sunday to try and calm concerns about the pre-match handshake.As John Terry is doubtful for the Stamford Bridge encounter with a knee injury, the issue over whether Ferdinand should shake his England team-mate's hand may not arise.But Ferguson admitted: "John Terry might not play but I would have a word with Rio about the situation."On Thursday it was confirmed that Terry would not face a court case into his alleged racial abuse of Ferdinand's brother, Anton, until after Euro 2012, and a tweet sent by Rio the same day seemed to indicate the 33-year-old was not too impressed by the situation.The elder Ferdinand believed to be in two minds about whether to shake hands with Terry after the Premier League confirmed they had no plans to scrap the traditional pre-match greeting.And Ferguson added: "Rio has been fighting racism for many years and the lad must rise above it."It doesn't detract from anything to shake John Terry's hand. He (Rio) has done nothing to be ashamed of."It is the first of two such cases United are faced with on successive weekends given Luis Suarez is set to be in the Liverpool squad to face the Red Devils at Old Trafford on February 11.It would be the Uruguayan's first meeting with Patrice Evra since he was banned for eight matches for making racist comments towards the Frenchman."Patrice Evra has already shown the courage to fight it by complaining about it," said Ferguson. "It is nothing to be ashamed of. There is not a problem shaking hands." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064181 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064128 Neil Lennon has denied he was fuming with his coach Alan Thompson for having a drink with Rangers keeper Allan McGregor.The Scottish Sun reported that the Celtic boss would be having "showdown talks" with former team-mate Thompson on Friday morning.However, ahead of Saturday's William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Inverness, Lennon said: "It is a nothing story. One of my staff and Allan McGregor frequent the same pub. Wow."He added: "The media are the ones who say that more should be done to put away the sectarian element and I have been there myself when Allan has been in and had his company for 15, 20 minutes."It is a very difficult thing to do in Glasgow sometimes but there is total respect between Alan and Allan."I don't know the whole story of went on that night but it is very difficult for Celtic and Rangers players to socialise with each other in the city. But it happens every now and again and now all of a sudden one of the tabloids want to make a whole big thing about it."It only stirs it up, in my eyes that is what they are basically trying to do, stir up some sort of controversy that isn't really there. I think it is disgusting."Lennon confirmed striker Mo Bangura will be out for the rest of the season following knee surgery.The Irishman said: "He had a scan and it revealed he needed the surgery. The surgery was a success but he will be out for 12 to 16 weeks."It is unfortunate for him and possibly the reason he hasn't recaptured his form, maybe it was hampering him a little bit." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:46:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064128 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064052 John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy due to concerns about his racism court trial.The Chelsea defender was informed of the decision by Football Association chairman David Bernstein in a phonecall at 10am.It comes after Bernstein contacted all the other members of the 14-strong board to seek their views following the announcement that Terry's court case will not take place until July 9 - after Euro 2012.The FA have refused to confirm the action but Press Association Sport understands Terry will still be eligible for the England squad for Euro 2012.Terry denies racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match against QPR last year. Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:20:04 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064052 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064054 Arsene Wenger maintains his Arsenal team must rise above any off-field protests as they look to fight their way back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.Some disgruntled Gunners supporters are planning to put black bin liners over any empty seats at Emirates Stadium against Blackburn on Saturday, highlighting their claims many fans are staying away because of poor performances which have seen Arsenal slump to seventh in the table.When asked by Press Association Sport for his reaction to the latest planned protests, Wenger said: "I would not like to make any comment on that, I feel we have to be above that and show our quality on the football pitch and not respond to every individual provocation."Wenger has himself been the subject of increased criticism from some sections of the stands in recent weeks, which saw the Gunners suffer three straight league defeats before their midweek goalless draw at Bolton.The Arsenal manager, though, insists all is not yet lost and the team have to take a distance as they focus on the job in hand on the pitch, and added: "I believe we played 15 years on the trot in the Champions League and we play in 10 days in the last 16 of the Champions League."We want to come back in the Champions League position in the league, we want to prepare properly for the next round of the FA Cup and I wish that in the next 16 years it will be exactly the same for the club and that the fans will be happy. After that, what can I say?"Ideally I want everybody to be completely happy and over the moon, but we live in a world where you have to accept that not everybody reacts the same."Rovers boss Steve Kean has also found himself under fire from the club's supporters this season as they struggle at the other end of the table, and Wenger feels people everywhere need to keep the bigger picture in mind."It is not easy anywhere nowadays, but with the media and the opinions of everybody we live in a constant drama. But it is not like that," the Arsenal boss added. "Football is a happy moment where people come together to watch the team they love."We have to stop making a drama of everything. There are much more dreadful things in life than that. We have to keep focused on the fact that we have a fantastic opportunity to play football and we want to focus on that with happy minds, not always to be in a drama." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064054 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064053 Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted Carlos Tevez could feature in the Premier League again - if he proves his fitness.Despite a widespread belief that the 27-year-old would have left City during the transfer window, Tevez remains with the Blues after interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain failed to turn into permanent move.The striker remains in Argentina and there has been no indication when he may return. However, Mancini, who previously said it was unthinkable for Tevez to play for the club again, has named him in his 25-man squad for the remainder of the season, and admitted: "Carlos is not an option at the moment but it is possible in the future if he comes back."He added: "I hope for him he has been training in the last three months to help his condition."There is only one thing on my mind, the Barclays Premier League. But if he comes back - and he is fit - it is possible."Meanwhile, Mancini has confirmed Owen Hargreaves remains available but has struggled to gain any consistent form during his time at City, triggering the deadline-day loan deal that saw David Pizarro move from Roma."Owen always has these little problems," said Mancini. "When he came to us in the summer we took a gamble because he had not played for two years."We thought we could try and get him fit in two or three months and then he would be able to play."But, like any player who hasn't played for two years, when they start to train, every day there is a problem, with his knee or his hamstring."I hope for him he eventually is able to play all the time. He deserves to." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:16:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4064053 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063940 Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard will be out for at least a month with an ankle injury.Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the 27-year-old Dane has suffered ligament damage and will be "at least four weeks, maybe five or six" on the sidelines.Lindegaard's injury means David De Gea is likely to be in goal for United for the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:16:51 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063940 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063895 New Everton striker Nikica Jelavic hopes he can score the goals to help bring European football back to the club.The Croatia international, signed from Rangers on deadline day for a reported ?5.5million, is keen to be involved against Wigan on Saturday. But the longer-term aim the 26-year-old has set is to return the club to the European stage."Europe is something special and we need to play well if we want to get there, but everyone among the players wants to play in Europe," he said."I know Everton have not scored much this season but I don't feel the pressure, I like a challenge."I will do my best to score many goals. I am always looking to be better every day and my ambitions are to play well and to be useful for the team and score as many goals as possible."Playing in Scotland helped me a lot and I think I am ready. The Premier League is something on a higher level and I hope it will be good for me. I don't think I will need time to settle."Fellow deadline-day signing Steven Pienaar is also hoping to have an impact, having returned to the club he left a year ago on loan from Tottenham.The South Africa international has made just seven appearances this season, only two of those in the Barclays Premier League and both as substitute.But, having followed in the footsteps of American Landon Donovan in returning to the club on loan, he hopes he can have as much impact as the Los Angeles Galaxy forward."You have to look at someone to inspire you and you only have to see what Landon Donovan has done in the last couple of games and I hope to be able to do the same," he said. Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:48 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063895 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063899 Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing wants to secure a regular first-team place in order to be able to play at Wembley.The Reds face Cardiff in the final of the Carling Cup later this month and having just returned to the squad after injury, the 23-year-old has set himself a short-term goal."I've got take it day by day, keep improving and keep getting better," said the academy graduate, who made his comeback after four matches out with a hamstring injury in Tuesday's win at Wolves."There is a lot of competition in the club. We're known worldwide and anyone would love to come and play for us, so I've got to keep on my toes and keep fighting to get that place."I've got to nail it down, get the games going and try to get that Carling Cup final place."Spearing has had something of a stop-start season and with the likes of Lucas Leiva missing the rest of the campaign after knee surgery and captain Steven Gerrard also spending a long time sidelined with injury, he would have wanted to play more.Just when it seemed he would get his chance, starting back-to-back matches for the first time since May, he was sent off in December's defeat at Fulham. Having served a three-match suspension he returned after Christmas to start four successive matches but a hamstring injury forced him out again.The sending-off at Craven Cottage had manager Kenny Dalglish reaching for the DVD to highlight the refereeing inconsistencies in that game but for Spearing it was all part of the learning experience."The support I had from the club and people around helped me after that red card," he told liverpoolfc.tv."Some people thought it was [a sending-off], some thought it wasn't but it was one of those things in my career I had to learn from. I've done that and I've come back fighting stronger and harder." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:48 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063899 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063894 Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insists the Blues have the mental toughness to stand the heat in the Barclays Premier League title race.The pressure has been turned up on league leaders City, with their 1-0 defeat at Everton on Tuesday night coupled with Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Stoke meaning that Roberto Mancini's side now top the table by goal difference alone.It remains to be seen whether they can hold off United's challenge, but Kompany is confident City's players will not buckle, and said: "If there is one thing I know about our team it is that we are mentally strong."He added: "We have been living with this pressure for the past three and a half years [since the club's Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008], and it has not affected us. If anything it will give us a boost to carry on and if people want to underestimate us, then please do so."The game at Goodison Park marked Kompany's return to the City team after a four-game suspension following his red card in the 3-2 FA Cup third-round defeat to United last month.In the defender's absence, the team managed to win twice in the league but were beaten over two legs by Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final.With the Everton loss included, it has been a frustrating period for Kompany, but the Belgian is feeling optimistic about what lies ahead and - with the visit of Fulham to the Etihad Stadium coming up in the league on Saturday - eager to push on."It's not been enjoyable but I have been looking at the team and still feel that we have done a good job," Kompany said. "Now we have to look forward, and looking forward I see good things for us, and that is what is important."I have always said about our team that we always bounce back very well, and if for some reason you are not lucky and lose a game - giving due credit to Everton - you just have to carry on. On another day we would have won the game. "My role now is to say to the guys that this one is over, and it's on to the next game, and a clean sheet. We start from the beginning again." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:48 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063894 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063897 The season starts here for Manchester United's Brazilian full-back Rafael.The 21-year-old has been restricted to just six appearances so far this term after yet more injury problems, first dislocating a shoulder during United's pre-season campaign before straining his hamstring in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.Finally, Rafael is fit again and eager to make up for lost time, and told United Review: "In many ways it feels like it's only the beginning of the season for me. I'm just getting started, so I'm really looking forward to playing as many games as possible and, hopefully, helping the team win another Premier League trophy."Rafael was on the bench on Tuesday as United overcame Stoke to join Manchester City on top of the table, although this weekend promises to be a bit more tricky as a trip to Chelsea has rarely ended productively in recent times.Although United did win the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on their last visit, it is 10 years since they last recorded a league triumph at Stamford Bridge.Three points would come in very handy this time around as it would really turn the screw on City, who felt their major advantage over the second half of the campaign was through having most of their top-of-the-table clashes at home.And if United can emerge on the Blues' coat-tails from a run of matches that also includes Liverpool and Tottenham, as Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded, Rafael believes greater experience could become a key factor."I know everyone says this but I believe our experience will give us the edge," he said. "We've won many titles before and that is so important. Other clubs don't have that advantage."Sometimes that comes into play when you lose a game in April or May. Your first reaction may be to panic but if you look at people like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, they are always calm."They know how to act - and know that one bad game doesn't mean it is all over." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:48 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063897 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063896 Per Mertesacker has challenged Arsenal to lay down an early marker with victory over Blackburn as they look to close back up on the top four.The Gunners missed the opportunity to capitalise on Chelsea's draw at Swansea when they failed to beat Bolton after a goalless encounter at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday night. However, with Saturday's visit of struggling Rovers moved forwards to a 1pm kick-off because of engineering works on the London Underground, Arsenal could leapfrog both Liverpool and Newcastle, who are not in action until later over the weekend, and the German centre-back said: "It is an early game and as we are one of the first teams (to play), so we have to go for three points to show the other teams we are there."He added: "We are always looking for clean sheets and good performances. We created good chances to score at Bolton, but it wasn't enough. There is a lot of room for improvement."We have a very good side with lots of potential but we have to be good on the pitch and we have to use our opportunities."Midfielder Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal have to consistently produce good performances every week if they are not to fall behind in the race for Champions League qualification, currently trailing Chelsea by five points."Hopefully we will get the points on Saturday because we really need them as we have been losing too many in the last few weeks," said the Spaniard."We should win the game, like we should have won against Bolton. However, Blackburn will make it tough because they are in a relegation battle and you know how hard a team works in that situation."Arteta added: "It (the race for a top-four place) is going to be tough. We have the talent and quality in the side, but we have to show it game by game."I am confident because we train together every day and I know how good we are, but we have to show it every week not every two or three weeks." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:48 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063896 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063796 Football Association leaders are expected to decide as early as Friday whether John Terry should give up the England captaincy due to his racism trial.The BBC is reporting that Terry is set to lose his captaincy after FA chairman David Bernstein on Thursday contacted all the other members of the 12-strong board to seek their views after the announcement that the defender's court case will not take place until July 9 - after Euro 2012.Terry has been accused of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand, a charge which he denies.More than one board member argued strongly that Terry should not be the England figurehead with such a serious charge hanging over him, and that the FA should act immediately rather than putting off a decision until the next board meeting on February 23.The spectre of England being forced to make a complaint about racist abuse from the crowd when playing matches in Ukraine this summer has been raised - it would be difficult for the FA to take the moral high ground if England's captain is himself facing a criminal charge for racism.Other board members believe the FA are in a no-win situation and that if they remove the England captaincy from Terry they will be accused of pre-judging the case and ignoring the principle of innocent until proven guilty. Terry's barrister on Wednesday entered a formal not guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court.England manager Fabio Capello is another factor and the Italian has previously insisted he should be the one making the decisions over the captain.Some significant voices have been raised calling for Terry to stand aside. Damian Collins, a Tory MP who sits on the culture, media and sport committee and who has made a name for himself as a campaigner for FIFA reform, told Press Association Sport: "He is in a public position as England captain. "Anyone else in a public position faced with such a criminal charge would stand aside from their position and then if cleared be able to return to that position. This has gone beyond being an allegation. He has been charged and has to appear in court and I don't think under those circumstances he can fulfil his duties. It is also what it means for communities across the country if people just close their eyes to the situation until after the court case."Piara Powar, the executive director of European anti-discrimination body Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), also believes the captaincy has to be removed, saying on Twitter: "Innocent until proven guilty. But should John Terry remain as England capt through the Euros? I can't see how he can." Source: PA Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:46:55 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063796 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063304 John Terry faces a D-Day over his England captaincy with Football Association leaders expected to decide as early as Friday whether he should give up the armband due to his racism trial.FA chairman David Bernstein on Thursday contacted all the other members of the 12-strong board to seek their views on Terry's captaincy after Wednesday's announcement that the Chelsea defender's court case, where he is accused of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand will not take place until July 9 - after Euro 2012.More than one board member have argued strongly that Terry should not be the England figurehead with such a serious charge hanging over him, and that the FA should act immediately rather than putting off a decision until the next board meeting on February 23.The spectre of England being forced to make a complaint about racist abuse from the crowd when playing matches in Ukraine this summer has been raised - it would be difficult for the FA to take the moral high ground if England's captain is himself facing a criminal charge for racism.Other board members believe the FA are in a no-win situation and that if they remove the England captaincy from Terry they will be accused of pre-judging the case and ignoring the principle of innocent-until-proven guilty. Terry's barrister yesterday entered a formal 'not guilty' plea at Westminster magistrates court.England manager Fabio Capello is another factor and the Italian has previously insisted that he should be the one making the decisions over the captain. Some significant voices have been raised calling for Terry to stand aside, while reports today quoted sources close to the player saying he had no intention of resigning the captaincy.Damian Collins, a Tory MP who sits on the culture, media and sport committee and who has made a name for himself as a campaigner for FIFA reform, said Terry had to stand aside.Collins told Press Association Sport: "He is in a public position as England captain. Anyone else in a public position faced with such a criminal charge would stand aside from their position and then if cleared be able to return to that position."This has gone beyond being an allegation. He has been charged and has to appear in court and I don't think under those circumstances he can fulfil his duties. It is also what it means for communities across the country if people just close their eyes to the situation until after the court case."Piara Powar, the executive director of UEFA-funding European anti-discrimination body Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) also believes the captaincy has to be removed. Piara said on his Twitter account: "Innocent until proven guilty. But should John Terry remain as England capt through the Euros? I can't see how he can." Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:16:53 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063304 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063305 Carlos Tevez has attempted to diffuse the latest furore about his relationship with Manchester City by denying he made the comments attributed to him in the German magazine Kicker.In the published interview, it was said that Tevez felt the way he had been treated by City was "strange" and he did not care what people thought about his conduct. However, his representatives have this evening poured cold water on the entire interview.A statement issued by his representative read: "Regarding an interview published in Kicker magazine today (2.2.12), Carlos Tevez categorically denies both speaking to any journalist about his situation at Manchester City and the quotes attributed to him in the interview."The Argentinian's future has been the subject of intense debate for months now.He has still not played for City since becoming embroiled in a dispute with the club in September and it was widely anticipated he would leave during the transfer window.However, despite interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, no transfer was concluded and City flatly refused to enter into discussions over a loan deal for the 27-year-old.Tevez remains in Argentina and whilst there has been speculation he is about to return, it is understood that is not going to happen immediately. Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:16:53 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063305 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063225 Harry Redknapp has fought back tears in court as he fiercely denied telling his tax evasion trial "a pack of lies".The football boss shouted from the witness box at prosecutor John Black QC: "You think I put my hand on the bible and told lies? That's an insult, Mr Black, that's an insult."Bespectacled Redknapp shook his head as Mr Black ended his cross-examination at Southwark Crown Court, in London, by saying: "I suggest you have been telling the court a pack of lies."With a voice trembling with emotion, Redknapp replied: "Everything I have told you is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God."Both Redknapp, 64, and co-defendant Milan Mandaric, 73, deny two counts of cheating the public revenue through "bungs" worth £189,000 in a Monaco bank account. Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:16:56 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063225 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063192 Blackburn captain Christopher Samba is fit and available but will not be in the squad for Saturday's trip to Arsenal, Rovers boss Steve Kean has said.The defender has not played since handing in a transfer request last month, which was rejected, and Kean said after Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat by Newcastle he did not feel Samba had been in the right frame of mind to return to the side.The manager had stated his intention to sit down with his skipper on Thursday and was hopeful they could put the matter behind them, but at a press conference the media were told questions about Samba were off limits. Kean said: "I'm prepared to say he's fit and he's available but he's not in the squad for the Arsenal game."He added: "I'd rather speak about people who are available to play against Arsenal. Chris has trained well today but he's not going to be in this squad."Samba is a huge figure for Blackburn both in defence and attack and Kean's reluctance to discuss the situation is sure to cast more doubt on the centre-back's future at the club.Samba's long-time defensive partner Ryan Nelsen was allowed to leave Ewood Park after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent and on Thursday morning he joined Tottenham on a short-term deal.Spurs assistant manager Kevin Bond revealed Nelsen would go straight into the squad for Monday's meeting with Liverpool, despite playing only one Premier League game this season because of knee trouble.Rovers had expected Nelsen to go to Major League Soccer in the US before Tottenham's last-minute interest changed his mind, and Blackburn fans are sure to question his release if he does go on to play a part for Spurs this season.Kean said: "He was having a lot of problems with his knee. Right at the last minute he got the call (from Tottenham) and he's decided to go with it."We understand the pain he was in and I hope their medics can look at it and get him back on the pitch because he's found it difficult. He's only played one game in eight months." Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:46:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063192 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063118 Jelavic- I did not demand move.Nikica Jelavic insists he did not force his transfer to Everton despite claims from Rangers chairman Craig Whyte that he had no choice but to sanction their top goalscorer's exit on transfer deadline day. The Croatian striker, who netted 17 goals for the Scottish champions this season, moved to the Barclays Premier League club for a fee reported to be around £5.5million. "My dream was to play in the English Premier League but I never forced my transfer," said Jelavic. "I spoke with Ally McCoist and said if the president wants me to stay I'll stay and if they need money and want me to leave, I'll leave - the club decided." Jelavic also expressed concerns over the troubling times his former club is facing but backed Rangers to overcome a difficult period. The Glasgow giants continue to face financial uncertainty as they await the verdict of a tax tribunal, which could leave them with a bill as high as £49million if they lose the dispute with HMRC. Whyte this week also issued a denial over allegations he used season ticket sales to fund his takeover of the club in May. Jelavic added: "It is a difficult situation for them I know and I heard inside information about them having problems. It is still my team and my friends are there and I am worried about the situation but I think they will find a solution because they are a big institution." Rangers were unable to secure a replacement for Jelavic ahead of Tuesday's deadline after failing with a bid to sign Norwich striker Grant Holt. But Jelavic believes McCoist's men can still retain their SPL crown this season despite his departure, while paying tribute to his former team. He said: "It was difficult for me but we are professional and that is football. It was difficult because they gave me a beautiful 18 months, two trophies, many goals and it was not easy. This is football and we are all professionals. "I just want to say thanks to everyone from Rangers, they will have a special place in my heart always. With or without me I don't see why they shouldn't win the championship - they are a good team and there are plenty of games to go."Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:46:57 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063118 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063009 Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta insists they have to consistently produce good performances every week if they are not to fall behind in the race for Champions League qualification.The Gunners' goalless draw at Bolton on Wednesday night was their first point in four league matches and they dropped to seventh in the Barclays Premier League, although still only five points off fourth-placed Chelsea."For me it is not good enough. We have the players and the quality to come here (to Bolton) and get a better result than what we got," said the Spaniard."It (the race for a top-four place) is going to be tough. We have the talent and quality in the side but we have to show it game by game."I am confident because we train together every day and I know how good we are but we have to show it every week not every two or three weeks. It is tough because I am sure Chelsea will go on a good run so we have to go on a good run and win games as we were doing a month ago."There are still a lot of games to play and a lot of the season left so I am sure we can get it done. I am not saying we are not performing but there are more details [needed] to score and make the game much easier for us."Arsenal wasted some good chances in the first half, with Robin van Persie having a header cleared off the line, while Theo Walcott wasted a one-on-one with goalkeeper Adam Bogdan before, in the second half, Van Persie was twice denied by the framework of the goal.Arteta said they could not afford to pass up as many opportunities again if they want to keep pace with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle."We had enough chances to win the game comfortably in the first half but we missed too many and it makes it very hard away from home when you don't take them," said the ?10million summer signing from Everton."At least we kept a clean sheet because we took a lot of risks going forward trying to score." Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:46:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063009 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063011 Martin Jol believes Fulham are better off for the departure of wantaway striker Bobby Zamora.The 31-year-old left Craven Cottage for west London rivals QPR this week, moving for a fee that could be worth more than ?6million. There has been much speculation in recent months of a rift between Zamora and Jol, although the pair have always been quick to play down such talk.The latter was again coy when asked about their relationship on Thursday, but admitted it was a good time for the striker to leave. Jol said: "The talk of a rift wasn't just over the past couple of weeks, it was over the last couple of months and probably since August."He added: "Bobby wanted to move so we had to wait for a good offer and QPR made a good offer."It was only a matter of making a decision of whether to keep him or let him go."I had the opportunity to get somebody else, who is a bit younger in Pavel [Pogrebnyak]."[I would] not [say he is] better because Bobby was a good player for us so all credit to him."It was just about making a decision for us. I think in the games he played he always gave 100%, but if players ask for a move you get the impression [he doesn't want to be here]."If you ask your boss to move, I think he will get the impression you don't want to work for him. That is the only impression I got. He wanted to move."We have a good atmosphere here, a good spirit and they all want to play for the club. You have to appreciate for me the most important thing is that they want to play for Fulham and that they want to play with their heart." Source: PA Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:46:47 http://www.footymad.net/storytext.asp?article=4063011