Steve Boulds influence on Arsenal - Arsenal World

In the summer of 2012, Pat Rice finally called it time on a magnificent career spanning four decades at Arsenal. Quite the gentleman, Rice had always been the consummate professional and for Arsenal manager, fans and anyone associated with the club, he shall always be remembered in the highest regard. How fitting was it when Arsene Wenger hugged Pat Rice during the last game (W.B.A.) of the 2011-12 season. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, paid tribute to his colleague ?He had 100 per cent genuine commitment every day and you respect that when you see that from somebody, and he is someone you could go to war with. You would love to be in the trenches with Pat and those are very difficult qualities to find in modern society.?

The departure of Pat Rice created a mammoth void at Arsenal. The decision to appoint Steve Bould was a rather simple one, considering the club policy to promote from within. An Arsenal man through and through, Bould had spent 11 years at the club as a player and made 287 appearances during that time. He was one of the best defenders in the league and was always known for his no-nonsense attitude. After a successful playing career, Bould was entrusted with the role of Head Coach of the U18 academy side. He propelled the team to the Premier Academy League in 2008-09 and 2009?2010 and the FA Youth Cup in 2008?2009. Upon his appointment as the new assistant manager, many envisaged a drastic improvement in Arsenal's defense, one which shipped a staggering 49 goals in the previous term.

With Bould at the helm, Arsenal conceded just 8 goals in their first 10 games, (EPL) a significant improvement over 21 conceded during the same period last season. After 27 games the Gunners boast of having the second best defensive record (joint with Chelsea) conceding just 30 goals (38, same time last season) and, stand only behind Manchester City who have conceded fewer (24 goals). Bould's influence has been quite evident with the defense looking stronger. The team as a unit, seem to defend better and look more secure on set-plays. On the flip side, Arsenal seem to have lost their fluency and quickness of passing. An extraordinary large number of horizontal passes between the two center-backs and back-passes to goalkeeper have been witnessed this season.

However, as a unit Arsenal's defense appears stronger and there would be no greater evidence than a quick look at the EPL table. Yet, there are a few loop holes which do require a fix. Steve Bould has certainly had a positive impact and only certain final touches are required to ensure this defense becomes the best in the league.

Via: CD Mirandes - Lugo [Live Football]

West Brom likely to keep hold of Jerome Thomas - expressandstar.com

West Brom instructor Keith Downing today suggested the Baggies may hit back any fresh effort by Blackburn to signal winger Jerome Thomas on loan. Rovers manager and former Hawthorns coach Michael Appleton has admitted he holds a pastime in the 29-year-old, who almost moved to Ewood Park on move deadline time. But Baggies associate chef Downing said: aMichael had the attention before deadline morning therefore heas only continuing that. Amazement have a team of 19, 20, 21 players at the very most so from our viewpoint Jerome has been doing and around the group. aHe was in the squad for Sunderland on Saturday but he was the 19th man. aHe was in the 18 at Liverpool and he played against Villa, therefore heas very much part of our plans here at this present time. aItas a decision for Steve Clarke but, from the idea of view of our squad size, Jerome is very much element of things here. aAnything could happen within the next several weekends and we could be down seriously to the bare bones. "I wouldnat say itas ahighly unlikelya as itas Steveas decision but at the moment I would say Jerome is very much part of our group, having had a to play in recent times.a Thomas will probably take the matchday 18 at Chelsea on Saturday with Romelu Lukaku ineligible to handle his parent team. However the Baggies are positive that Shane Long can shake off the leg injury that forced him off throughout the 2-1 win in the home to Sunderland. Downing said: "Shane hadnat educated around recently. He will be assessed by us later this week nevertheless the swelling had opted down quite a bit so weare confident. aItas early area of the week and it absolutely was preventive. He should really be back once again to normal by Thursday and Friday. aItas not critical and we ought to have the ability to tie it up if necessary. Amazement had some bruises and bumps on Monday and four or five didnat train. aBut we'd a couple of back yesterday and we must certanly be back on track by the end of the week.a West Brom coach Keith Downing today hinted the Baggies will knock straight back any fresh attempt by Blackburn to indication winger Jerome Thomas on mortgage. Manager Steve Clarke feels West Brom is likely to be in pole situation to re-sign Romelu Lukaku if Chelsea choose to loan out the in-form teenager next year. West Brom hero Laurie Cunningham will undoubtedly be profiled in a TV documentary to be processed in a few days. Expressandstar.com bring you shift chat from Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Walsall.

Arsenal FC can spend big money as Villa, Falcao, Cavani linked with AFC - Crunchsports.com

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists the club are in a position to spend big money in the transfer market this summer.

Arsenal this week announced half-year profits of £17.8million to the end of November 2012 and cash reserves of £123.3m.

The Gunners continue to be linked with a number of players, with Barcelona forward David Villa still believed to be on their shopping list, while the likes of Napoli striker Edinson Cavani and Atletico Madrid's Adrian Lopez were rumoured to be January transfer targets.

Manager Arsene Wenger said last week the club could afford to buy Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, who would come with a price tag of more than £40m, and Hill-Wood has backed those claims by insisting Arsenal have the funds to compete for their top targets.

Hill-Wood also defended Arsenal's position following criticism over their trophy drought, which looks likely to stretch to eight seasons this year.

"I understand that they want us to win everything, but so do I. But we are in a damned sight better position than a lot of people," he added.

And he insisted: "Let me be quite clear that our intention is to keep our best players and recruit new talent to make us stronger.

"Although we were disappointed to see Robin van Persie leave the club, we have taken steps to secure our best players going forward and have recently signed Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson to new long-term contracts.

"During this financial period we also invested £40.9m in the acquisition of new players, Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud, and the extension of other player contracts. More recently we added Nacho Monreal to our ranks from Malaga.

"Our desire is to make everyone connected with Arsenal proud of the club. We know that comes through winning trophies but also through the way we do things and that will remain our constant guide."

More Info: CD Mirandes - Lugo [Live Football]

True Madrid make bid for Spurs hot-shot Gareth Bale - The Week British

REAL MADRID are willing to jump for Tottenham's Welsh star Gareth Bale this summer, reports the Daily Telegraph. Tottenham won't listen to offers of less than A50m for Bale, who was in beautiful form during Monday's 3-2 success at West Ham, but a close to the Spanish leaders believes they have the desire and financial muscle to land his services. Real's former president RamAn CalderAn, who retains close links with the team, shows the Daily Telegraph: "I think we are capable to pay the amount of money they're likely to ask for." He adds: "[Bale] is one particular players you would always prefer to have in your team." The Spanish club's next shift can depend on the continuing future of former Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward, who has 2 yrs left to run on his contract at the BernabAu, will hold discussions with the club in-may. Reports in Spain declare that current Real leader Florentino PArez will be willing to sell the forward to fund a summer shift for a clutch of top people including Bale, who's known in Spain as "the left-footed Ronaldo." PArez is willing to create a "box-office signing" to improve his appeal and is a result of are a symbol of re-election as president later in 2010. Different groups circling for the young Welshman's services contain Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City. Meanwhile, friends of Bale claim that his future is determined by whether Tottenham qualify for Champions League football next year. Victory over their north London competitors Arsenal on Sunday would have been a important increase to third-placed Tottenham's bid for European certification. In-form Bale, who has scored 15 objectives in 23 Premier League hearings for Spurs this season, is widely expected to be named player of the entire year for the second amount of time in three years.AA

Real Madrid C.F. - Official Website - Casillas: "My teammates were...

Iker Casillas appeared for the media in the press room at the Camp Nou. The Real Madrid captain analysed the match and showed the happiness that there was in his teamas attire room: "My teammates were outstanding. They controlled all areas of the industry and were exceptional defensively. Individuals were at their utmost and pressed hard to produce it right through to the cup final. From off of the field I found a very sober performance and a team that have been rarely under great pressure. Real Madrid beat Barcelona on the tactical front and are justified winners of the tie. This match can encourage us to push forward for the remainder of the time and it's a moment to enjoy and to generally share with everyone connected with Real Madrid, though we're aware that we have not won the title" Information and views 27 February 2013 Helios de la Rubia Diego Jabalquinto (Barcelona) Iker Casillas seemed for the press in the press room at the Camp Nou. The Real Madrid captain analysed the match and showed the pleasure that there is in his teamas dressing room: "My teammates were brilliant. They controlled every area of the industry and were excellent defensively. Individuals were at their best and pressed hard to make it to the cup final. From off the area I saw an extremely sober performance and a group that have been barely under pressure. True Madrid beat Barcelona on the tactical front and are justified winners of the tie. This match may stimulate us to press forward for the rest of the time and it's an instant to observe and to fairly share with everyone associated with Real Madrid, although we are informed that we have not won the title" The ex-academy player also spoke about the morale boost that win brings: "You go out with additional strength and somehow more motivated after not having started in addition to we needed in the category. Hopefully this is just a turning indicate have won this link and to produce it better it was against Barcelona. We enjoyed a very good tie all round and this will inspire us to make a good showing of ourselves in other fits. Earning the Champions League is a greater chance than the group, but Real Madrid will battle to the end."Casillas recognized Cristiano Ronaldo, who had still another brilliant match in the Camp Nou. "He is showing he is just a very important player for all of us. He is our focus and in these fits he has shown how good he is. Ronaldo is really a essential player and is certainly going via a very good work of form and we should simply take full advantage of that. He was fantastic. His repair? That may need to be resolved between the player and the club. The main thing is that he gives these times to us of happiness." About to Diego Lopez, he said: "He is a superb goalkeeper and I do believe he's been an essential improvement and provides us some calmness."The Real Madrid chief hopes to continuity to this result in the Champions League tie against Manchester United: "We have to move this to the match against Manchester United. It's also 1-1 and we've to report and keep a clean sheet. That's the aim that weare choosing. Manchester United know how to play football, it's a difficult spot to visit and we've to get what we've done today to Old Trafford."About the La Liga Clasico at the Bernabeu on Saturday, he said: "I know many players from Barcelona and I know they are competitive. We have to keep yourself updated that in the group, when we do not win, the fans experience and it's our duty to fight in most fit and another one is against Barcelona. What you want to do is gain and keep cutting their cause. It's a disadvantage that it mightn't be as big as it's, but this competition is all about reliability and in that respect Barcelona have now been much better than us. We shall head out to get to cut the length in terms of points. It's a considerable length, but with the added bonus of our home fans we need to round off the week well."Finally, he gave reasons for him appearing in the media room: "I came because we have determined that it was good time for the captain to create an appearance. It had been a notion that came from the dressing room. I hope that has not bothered anyone since I have done it happily. We decided it was an occasion to savor and for me as team leader to come out to congratulate the team and every one connected with Real Madrid."

Link: Tigers--Monarcas Morelia [Live Football]

Carrick quashes title talk - Official Manchester United Web site

25/02/2013 14:03, Report by Nick Coppack Jordan Carrick says nobody inside the Manchester United dressing room thinks the subject race has ended, despite the Reds' healthy guide at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Sir Alex's men have established a 12-point space with only 11 league activities outstanding but United midfielder Carrick contends not really a trace of complacency has crept into the Reds' camp. "We are trying the very best we could [to filter talk of the concept being won already]," he told MUTV. "We have a job to do and the director has said we must believe game to game and only get the next fit, what's facing us. "You can't seem past an acceptable limit ahead because it can come back and bite you." Last year the Reds blew an lead with six games to play, an event Carrick and his team-mates will be decided not to try this time around. Truly, the current signs are good. Since 5 December and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has almost a full team at his disposal United are unbeaten in every tournaments. Only Phil Jones (leg) and Robin van Persie (hip) are doubts for this Saturday's recreation against Norwich, with Paul Scholes almost certainly eliminated with a knee injury. "We have the pressure]," Carrick said got the experience round the place [to cope. "You saw at QPR, it had been all about obtaining a result and that is what we focused on. Now we go onto the next game." More:ARafael originates 'best target'

FULHAM STILL WAITING ON MAHAMADOU DIARRA INJURY - Daily Star

The former Real Madrid star, who moved to the Bernabeu for £22m in 2006, has struggled to recapture his old form and fitness.

Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "Diarra is still not right. He had an operation, looked better and then had a rest and it was even more painful. He will need quite a while to come back, and hopefully he will before the end of the season."

Via: NEC - Feyenoord [Live Football]