Bookies are slashing odds on the Anfield Cat to become the next England boss. After his fearless display on Monday night, the Cat has been attracting attention from all over the globe. The 4 legged cutie showed more bottle in one night than in 5 years under the atrocious Sven McClaren.

‘With England’s woeful displays in recent tournaments, a change of direction is exactly what the team need’, said the Cat’s owner. ‘His English is coming along just fine too’.

Deloitte report assessing the financial impact of The FA Cup reveals: £650m earned by clubs in the past 10 years Crawley Town receive £1m pay day from single FA Cup tie

 As excitement builds ahead of The FA Cup with Budweiser Fourth Round Proper, the financial impact of the competition has been revealed in a new report by the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. The findings demonstrate that a total of almost £650m in prize money, TV payments and gate receipts have been generated by participating clubs in the ten years between 2001/02 and 2010/11. Focusing on case study clubs from five tiers of English football it highlights the substantial financial benefits for clubs at all levels of the football pyramid.

Last season’s eventual runners up Stoke City reached The FA Cup Final for the first time in their history. The Potters cup run earned them circa £3.5m, including £1.8m prize money from the Semi-Final and Final alone.

For clubs further down the football pyramid, a draw against higher league opposition provides an opportunity for a cash windfall as well as the chance to go down in history as one of the competition’s giant killers. In 2004 Millwall reached the Final, despite being outside the top flight, and whilst they lost on the pitch to Manchester United they certainly won off it. Revenues from the competition contributed to 29% of total club revenues for the season.

Last season, League One side Leyton Orient famously took Arsenal to a Fifth Round replay at the Emirates, a run that generated circa 30% of total club revenues for the year. The importance of The FA Cup’s financial impact is also highlighted by League Two side Accrington Stanley’s run to the Fourth Round in 2009/10. Reaching this stage of the competition provided the club with a cash injection of circa £150k at a time when the club faced an uncertain time due to financial difficulties.

For non-league clubs the financial impact of The FA Cup is even more important. In 2007/08 Havant and Waterlooville reached the Fourth Round, twice having led against Liverpool at Anfield before eventually losing 5-2. The Cup run earned them circa £0.6m, 70% of the club’s total estimated revenue for the year.

Last season’s giant killers elect Crawley Town earned themselves a dream Fifth Round draw at Manchester United after beating Torquay 1-0 in the previous round. The lucrative tie at Old Trafford earned the club an estimated massive  £1m pay day, two thirds of the circa £1.5m they earned during the competition.

The figures outlined in the report show how a good run in the Cup is beneficial to clubs at all levels with revenues generated through prize money, TV payments and gate receipts.  Prize money and TV payments totalled £230m over the ten year period with £24.5m paid out in 2010/11, whilst gate receipts are estimated to have exceeded £400m over the same period driven by total attendances of 22.7m.

Alex Horne, General Secretary of The FA commented: “The FA Cup is the most authentic knock-out competition in the world, every year it delivers magical moments for fans. This season we’ve already witnessed Tamworth gripped by FA Cup fever and Oldham supporters turning out in force taking 6,500 fans to their tie at Anfield. What this report reveals is the huge financial incentives for teams participating in The FA Cup. You only have to look to Crawley Town last season, who earned one million pounds from a single game against Manchester United, a truly phenomenal amount of money for a then non-league football club.”

Barry Hearn, Leyton Orient Chairman commented: “The FA Cup is the biggest Cup competition in the world. It’s a big chance for all small clubs to have their moment in the sun and get a little bit of glory, whilst the financial returns are also fantastic. It is miles ahead of everything else because of the pleasure it gives to ordinary football fans throughout the entire country, providing memories that last for generations not just for weeks.”

25 January 2012: FA Cup winner and Hollywood hardman Vinnie Jones has returned to Wembley for the first time in nearly 25 years, to star in an interactive film in which he presents fans with their personalised Wembley Way stone.

In the film, Vinnie plays tribute to the national stadium and the position that Wembley holds in the hearts of football, sport and music fans and jokes: “it’s a lot like Hollywood only closer to the North Circular.”

On www.wembleystadium.com/wembleyway, Vinnie invites fans to write a message on a stone for themselves, a friend or loved one and create their own personalised video. The message will then appear on a Wembley Stone alongside Vinnie’s which is inscribed with the words, ‘Vincent Peter Jones, for services to The FA Cup 1988’.

Once fans have created their film, they can share their legendary status on Facebook and buy a Wembley Stone for real that will then go on display at the stadium.

In November 2011 Wembley Stadium launched Wembley Way, a new landmark that gives football, sport and music fans the opportunity to be a permanent part of the venue’s history. Stones inscribed with fans’ special messages, dedications and memories are set in the ground on the stadium’s outside concourse along a number of special panels, each of which celebrate a legendary Wembley event.

Vinnie Jones said: “Some of the greatest football, sport and music legends have played at Wembley including the Rolling Stones, Queen, Muse and even me. Now you can be part of Wembley’s history too with your own personalised stone on Wembley Way. Buy one for yourself or a mate and then tell everyone about the new Wembley legend.”

So far two panels have been unveiled at Wembley. The first commemorates England’s World Cup win in 1966 and contains the personalised stones for all eleven players from the winning team. The second location celebrates the 2007 England v Brazil game, which was the first international match at the new Wembley Stadium. It includes stones for all the members of the current England squad who have achieved their 50th cap.

Made from the finest grey granite, the Wembley Way stones come in various sizes ranging from 200mm x 100mm for a single stone to 600mm x 200mm for a celebration stone. Larger stones can also feature the England Three Lions crest or Wembley Stadium logo. Prices range from £50 to £495.

For further details or to purchase a stone visit www.wembleystadium.com/wembleyway

Carlo Ancelotti joined PSG in December after being sacked by Chelsea. The Italian won the double in his first season but failed to inspire The Blues as they finished without a trophy the following season.

The 52-year-old admitted he was hoping to replace Arsene Wenger in north London.

The Gunners are struggling with many Arsenal fans (myself included) feel he is taking the club backwards.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I was keen on a year-long sabbatical, hoping that in the summer a job like Tottenham or Arsenal – a top London bench – would become available, but I was tired of not working.

“Al Thani [PSG chairman] is similar to Abramovich in one thing: he doesn’t like it when people talk about him, rather than the team. [AC Milan owner Silvio] Berlusconi was a different thing from them both.”

Ancelotti also admitted that he found Abramovich “very cold” and insists Ligue 1 is a much more versatile league than the Premier League.

“When Abramovich fired me, he was very cold. He said me good luck and stopped,” he added.

“He knew that I wasn’t in agreement with that decision and he preferred to avoid talking about it in detail.

“Ligue 1 is tactically more various than Premier League. In England it isn’t difficult, every team plays in pretty much the same way.”

The former AC Milan man would have been the perfect replacement for an Arsenal boss, who along with his team have procrastinated. His inability to sign quality players, in particular in defense have suggested his best days are behind him. It’s ironic but the man who revolutionized football, is now looking rather prehistoric in his methods.

The inaugural UK Football Academy (UKFA) symposium at Emirates Stadium on February 8th has been renamed The Gary Speed Football Congress by UKFA founder, Raymond Verheijen as a tribute to the manager alongside whom he worked last year to elevate the Wales football team to new heights.

As a player and a manager, Gary Speed was a model professional who embraced a forward-thinking approach and modern methods. This pioneering attitude made him a stand-out choice as an ambassador for the UKFA for Verheijen and co-founder Guus Hiddink when the institute launched in November. The new coach-education body is dedicated to bringing the world’s best coaches and football experts to the doorstep of UK football people. Speed had been due to speak at the February 8th event.

The Gary Speed Football Congress will become an annual fundraising event on the football industry calendar, supported by Gary’s close friends Shay Given, Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer, in association with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and the League Managers Association (LMA).

Alan Shearer comments: ‘Speedo’s forward thinking approach transformed the Wales National Team. He left a true legacy. The Gary Speed Football Congress will allow coaches to learn from this approach. It is an honour to support this event as it will not only remember him but also celebrate his achievements and everything he stood for.

The dedication of the event and setting up of the fundraising has been organised in collaboration with Gary’s wife Louise Speed. All proceeds of this year’s event will go towards a charity of Louise’s choice.

Shay Given adds: ‘Throughout his career Speedo never stopped giving to football. He would never resist the opportunity to discuss the game or to pass on advice to anyone who asked. This event will enable him to continue to give something back to football.’

The Gary Speed Football Congress will be open to managers, coaches and practitioners at every level of the game, where Hiddink and Verheijen will be joined as keynote speakers by UKFA ambassador, Sam Allardyce. Former Wales Head of Performance, Damian Roden will make a special presentation in memory of Gary entitled ‘ Building a Successful Team’ – A Tribute to Gary Speed.

As well as plenary presentations, the congress will comprise specific sub-sessions for professional, amateur and youth football, and also for medical and sport science staff. All presentations will be delivered by internationally-renowned football specialists, including Marcel Lucassen (Football Technique), Frans Hoek (Goalkeeper Coaching), Ton Van Roon (Football Management), Nigel Mitchell (Football Nutrition), Simon Bitcon (Football Strength Training) and Frans Lefeber (Monitoring Football).

For further information or to register for the Gary Speed Football Congress, visit: www.ukfootballacademy.net

To make donations or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please visit www.acornpeople.com or contact Mandy Atherton on 01633 660000. Acorn Recruitment is one of the UK’s leading recruitment agencies, and a Welsh-headquartered business that Gary Speed had a long-standing relationship with.

What would premier league teams look like if they became sovereign nations, with their size dictated by their net worth?

Brought to you by http://www.dexysden.co.uk/?p=9939

Xabi Alonso has revealed that Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has still not returned to training ahead of Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash with Sporting Gijon.

Source Ronaldo UK

Brazil great Pele has labelled compatriot Neymar a far more complete player than Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona man is almost unanimously regarded as the finest talent in the game today but Pele is of the opinion that the diminutive Argentine is not as rounded as Santos striker Neymar.

“Making an individual comparison, I think Neymar is much better, more complete: [he] hits well with both feet, can dribble off either side, and scores goals,” the three-time World Cup winner is quoted as saying by Globoesporte.

“Messi is very good, but much depends on where he plays. He is doing very well in Barcelona, but [with] the Argentina team, which is not yet fully formed, he has difficulties. Neymar plays well for both Santos and the national team.”

When queried on whether Neymar, who could go head to head with Messi during the upcoming Club World Cup, might be more talented than even he, Pele admitted that it is a topic worthy of debate.

However, the iconic No.10 suggested that there is no player, including Neymar, capable of surpassing his achievements on the football field.

“Better than me? [Neymar] He might be. [But] the same as Pele? Nobody could be.”

Pele was speaking at a ceremony during which it was confirmed that he will perform in an ambassadorial role for former club Santos during their centenary celebrations next year.

Source Messi Uk

Backpackers FC is a unique sports holiday that enables you to work, play football and play some more in Perth, Australia’s sunniest state capital, enjoying over 3000 hours of sunshine a year.  In 2012, Backpackers FC will kick off their inaugural season in the Perth Metropolitan Football Competition.  The team will be made up of international travellers passing through Perth as part of their year out, on working holidays, or those travelling to Perth on holiday specifically to play for Backpackers FC.

There are no trials (except for the showcase we put on the for the local semi-pro clubs to come talent spotting once you are here) and the itinerary includes plenty of good times (assuming you like sun, sea and surf!)
The team will live, train and party together while experiencing living life down under in the beautiful city of Perth.

The packages we offer include budget accommodation, travel to and from the airport, orientation and a range of social events throughout the season.  This is in addition to all football associated costs including kit, travel, pitches, league registration, referee costs, transport to matches and coaching by qualified staff.

Our packages include support services such as orientation, assistance finding work, tours and organised 5 a-sides.  Tickets to local sporting events will be provided to help you make the most of your time in Perth.

If you are looking to have a ball downunder then please register your interest with us as soon as possible.  Joining Backpackers FC will undoubtedly be one of your life highlights and the management team will be on hand at all times to make sure it lives up to your expectations.

Backpackers FC offers the ultimate football experience and will undoubtedly be the best season of your football career.

Team GB: The facts

The London Olympics will be the first time in 52 years that Great Britain has fielded a football team in the games.  Team GB plans to enter both male and female teams to play on home turf next year.  While this will be an exciting and historical moment in British sport, it has caused a great deal of controversy among the organisers, fans and players.  Here GetMeIn explores some of the issues.

Separate nations

The Welsh, Scottish and Irish football associations are worried that Team GB will affect how they are seen by FIFA. With the English FA taking in the lead in the formation of Team GB’s football squad, the other home nations are worried this will affect their independence in FIFA organised tournaments, such as the World Cup and next year’s Euros. In a joint statement, released in June, they explained this that stance was “principally to protect the identity of each national association”.

The FA claims that an ‘historic agreement’ was made to allow players from each team to play.  However the joint statement said that no such agreement had taken place. Obviously this has had an implication for players and Wales captain Aaron Ramsay has tweeted: “Relax everyone, there is no way I would play if it was going to affect Wales’s identity as an individual nation!” in an attempt to reassure fans.

Age limit

As the 2012 Euros are also next year Fifa planned to exclude all players over the age of 21 from competing. This way they hoped to avoid clashes between the two major tournaments.

The International Olympic Committee was against this restriction and set the upper age limit at 23. The committee has allowed each team to field up to three ‘over age’ players. This means that while many of Britain’s footballing legends will be excluded, some stars, such as David Beckham, might be able to represent Great Britain next summer.

What do the fans think?

With all of the politics surrounding this event, it’s easy to overlook what the fans think about the British team. Some Welsh, Scottish and Irish fans are as against Team GB as their football association. Fansite NoTeamGB.com  was set up in opposition of the Olympic team. It has released an array of anti-Olympic press releases.

These fans feel that “such a move toward a joint team could severely jeopardise the independent status of the four Home Associations. All four associations have a proud tradition of very long standing which fans
from the four countries wish to retain and any move toward a joint team is seen a major threat to this status.”

Prominent Sky broadcaster Jeff Stelling is also set against the event. He told the Independent that an Olympic football was ‘nonsensical’ and believes the Games should stick to track and field events.

It’s not all bad news

While this is going on behind the scenes, players such as David Beckham are getting behind the event. Beckham has already mentioned that he would be ‘honoured’ to be asked to play as an ‘over-ager’. Wales and Tottenham star Gareth Bale has also given team GB his support, posing for a photo shoot in the official kit.

If it’s alright for them…

Football isn’t the only sport to consider the implications of mixing up home nations teams. Other sports have done it successfully. Rugby is probably the best example of this with the British Lions taking part in international tours regularly. The Lions often play rugby powerhouses such as South Africa and New Zealand, while the home nations are kept separate for tournaments such as the World Cup and Six Nations.

Cricket also sees a joint effort between the Home Nations. The England cricket team is actually representative of England and Wales. The only Welsh county cricket team, Glamorgan, often provides Welsh players with a platform from which to launch their England cricket career.

Player announcements for the two Olympic GB football teams will be made in 2012.  Keep watching the domestic football league and Champions League this season to make your predictions for the football stars of the Games in the meantime.

To see how a British team should be, visit getmein.com for cricket, rugby tickets and other sports tickets.

Portsmouth have signed Manchester City attacking midfielder Abdul Razak on a month-long loan.

The 18-year-old, who was born in the Ivory Coast, has made four appearances for City and could make his Pompey debut against Derby on Saturday.

Razak was discovered on the grass roots football website UK Football Finder, starting his career with Battersea Ironside before Bolton, Palace & City all came in for the talented youngster.

Pompey joint caretaker manager Guy Whittingham told the club website: “Abdul is a gifted midfield player who Manchester City think very highly of.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to come here and get some experience.”

City boss Roberto Mancini said: “He’s a talented footballer and a very good young man. I believe he has the ability to become a very important player for Manchester City.”

Source BBC

There’s no doubting Arsenal’s 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Man United was humiliating, all be it against an Arsenal B team, but getting beat 6-1 at home by your closest rivals is surely worse.

Both results were coming, but which is actually more embarrassing?