England Midfielder James Milner Anticipates Tough Test Against Switzerland

Citizens star praises under-fire team-mate Rooney...

 Tottenham Manager Harry Redknapp Relieved Over Michael Dawson Injury

It could have been worse, claims boss...

 England Winger Adam Johnson: Three Lions Are Going To Switzerland To Win

Winger wants to break into starting eleven...

 Track And field Phenomenon Usain Bolt Eyeing Football Career

Sprint champion claims he is good at football too...

 Chelsea Midfielder Frank Lampard Will Be Fit For West Ham Clash

Chelsea star making good recovery after surgery...

 Alan Hutton Pleads with Tottenham To Lower His £9 Million Price Tag

Scotland full-back still hopeful of playing part in Spurs' season...

 Roma Still Interested In West Ham United Midfielder Valon Behrami

President eying former Lazio star...

 Milan's Robinho Cites Struggling To Adapt In 'Awful Place To Live' As Key Reason Behind Leaving Manchester City

Brazil international could not settle to life in England...

 Manchester United Leave Owen Hargreaves Out Of Champions League Squad

New signing Bebe also misses out...

 Manchester City Goalkeeper Shay Given Determined To Win Back First-Team Place

Irishman keen to impress manager Roberto Mancini...

 Aston Villa Duo Brad Friedel And Stephen Warnock Against Gerard Houllier Appointment - Report



 England Boss Fabio Capello Wants Critics To 'Look In The Mirror'

Italian maintains Three Lions post is still his dream job...

 Sir Alex Ferguson Was Like A Second Father To Me At Manchester United - Barcelona Defender Gerard Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was like 'a second father'.

 Liverpool Forward Dirk Kuyt Admits To Holding Talks Over Move To Inter

Reds ace reveals he had held talks over a possible move to Italy...

 Real Madrid To Swoop For Tottenham's Gareth Bale In January - Report

Real Madrid are reportedly in line to make a move for Tottenham wide man Gareth Bale in January.

 Milner: England squad fully supportive of Rooney

James Milner has assured Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney he will be a welcome presence in the England team on Tuesday night, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Rooney has been the subject of intense scrutiny in his private life in two Sunday newspapers and there was a feeling he would ask to be allowed home in order to try and patch up his relationship with wife Coleen.

However, FA sources have confirmed they expect the 24-year-old to be aboard Monday morning's flight from Luton.

He remained at the team hotel in Watford last night and trained at Arsenal's London Colney base this morning.

"You want your best players out on the field and he's one of those," said Milner.
"He is top player. He showed that Friday and I am sure he will continue to show that."

Although it is now 11 games since Rooney last scored for his country, the Manchester United star claimed three assists in Friday's 4-0 destruction of Bulgaria at Wembley and had a major role in England's other goal.

"Wayne did the full session this morning," confirmed Milner.

"That's all I can tell you. You are going to have to ask him the other questions.

"It has been business as usual this morning. We are back to football. That is what we are here to do."

Need your Manchester United news fix? Click here for all United news and transfer rumours.

 Villa duo against appointment of Houllier as new boss

Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel and full-back Stephen Warnock are unimpressed with rumours that the club want to appoint former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier as the new manager at Villa Park.

Both Friedel and Warnock endured a difficult time at Anfield under the French coach.

Friedel was sold by the Frenchman to Blackburn Rovers in 1999, while Warnock was sent on loan to Coventry City.

A Villa source told the News of the World said: "When it was revealed Houllier was the favourite for the Villa, it went down like a lead balloon with a couple of the players. You can't underestimate the strength of feeling, especially of someone such as Brad Friedel who felt he had no relationship with Houllier when he was at Anfield."

Need your Aston Villa news fix? Click here for all Villa news and transfer rumours.

 Hutton feels Tottenham’s £9m price tag too rich

Alan Hutton is urging Tottenham to drop his £9 million tag in order for him to make a quick exit from White Hart Lane.

The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham since Harry Redknapp took over the club two years ago, prompting plenty of interest but not concrete bids.

However, Hutton's hefty price tag stood in the way of his permanent switch to Sunderland following a successful loan spell at the Black Cats.

The defender told the Daily Record: "It has been tough for me. I was looking at options in the summer but nothing came off.

"I moved to Spurs for big money and if I leave, the club will be wanting that. But it's tough to get someone to pay that kind of cash when you haven't been playing.

"It's not a great situation to be in. I just need to keep my head up at the moment and keep going.

"There was a lot of speculation but I have a family now and my oldest child is at school. So I can't be going here, there and everywhere on loan and unsettling them. It's a hard decision.

"I heard the Rangers rumour but whether it's true or not I don't know.

"At the moment I'd like to stay down in England. I have a lot to prove and a lot to offer down there - so my heart is set on doing well down south.

"I have a massive amount of unfinished business. Even at Spurs, I feel that way.

"I had a really good first six months then got injured and went through a change of manager. It was tough.

"It has been a rocky road down there but while I believe I have a lot to offer I'll just keep plugging away.

"But I want something sorted, one way or another, as soon as possible.

"In this day and age you're not going to get clubs paying that sort of money for a right-back.

"But if it gets to January and I haven't played a lot then how can they ask so much? So surely it has to drop. Hopefully it will be in my favour then.

"No way is there that kind of money going around just now - unless it's Man City or Chelsea. So I have to hope the asking price will drop."

Need your Tottenham news fix? Click here for all Spurs news and transfer rumours.

 Notts County celebrate centenary with 4-0 win

Notts County boss Craig Short was delighted to celebrate Meadow Lane's centenary with a 4-0 win over Yeovil.

Before the game, a troop of Magpies legends had done a lap of honour on the pitch, and Short was pleased the pressure had not got to his side.

He said: "I said to the players that these are the best days of your life - a manager told me that when I was 30 years old.

"Sometimes you feel the pressure as a player, especially when you see these ex-players walking around the pitch, some with dodgy knees and dodgy hips.

"But these lads are young and strong and fit, and they should enjoy every game. They shouldn't put any pressure on themselves, and we certainly don't do that from our side. Football is such a short-lived career that you want to come off the pitch thinking you've given everything. Sometimes we will get beaten, but we want to put a performance in every time."

 Konchesky: Liverpool move last chance to play in Premier League

Paul Konchesky believes signing for Liverpool is his last chance to play at the highest level.

The 29-year-old left-back was brought in from Fulham on Tuesday but has had little time to get to know his new team-mates as most have been away on international duty.

Konchesky played the second half of Jamie Carragher's testimonial yesterday, in which Liverpool comfortably beat an Everton XI 4-1.

"I'm 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level. That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it," said Konchesky, who has been reunited with former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.

"It was a big factor (Hodgson) but Liverpool being a big club was a massive factor.

"I'm looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard.

"I can't wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League, it is a massive club and it is a big step for me.

"I just want to give it my all and go from there.

"I've had three or four days' training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon.

"It was good to be involved in Jamie's testimonial and put a Liverpool shirt on."

Need your Liverpool news fix? Click here for all Reds news and transfer rumours.

 Taylor concentrating on Newcastle fitness rather than speculation

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor insists he is only concentrating on getting back to fitness, and is ignoring speculation over his transfer listed status.

The 24-year-old central defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and at the moment he would be free to open talks with any potential new employers in January.

Now Manchester City are being strongly linked with a move for Taylor, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury he picked up in pre-season.

"All I am doing is concentrating on getting myself fit and making myself available for selection," Taylor told The People.

Need your Newcastle United news fix? Click here for all Toon news and transfer rumours.

 Former Hibernian keeper could find berth with Swansea

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers could sign trialist stopper Yves Ma-Kalambay in an effort to boost his options.
The Congolese international is currently available as a free agent after being released by Hibernian this summer.

The 24-year-old former Chelsea apprentice has been in training with the Swans during the week and has reportedly impressed the new Swans coach, who could well offer him a contract.

"It's an area that I've looked at and I think we need a more senior keeper," Rodgers told This is South Wales.

"At the moment we have got Dorus (de Vries) who is No.1 and we have Dave (Cornell) who at 19 has been a loyal and terrific No.2.
"But for his career, Dave needs to play games.

"But before that can happen, I want to get a No.2 keeper in who has a bit of experience and who will fit into our way of playing, someone in between Dorus and Dave if you like.

Although Ma-Kalambay will not be first choice at the Liberty Stadium, Rodgers, who coached the player at Chelsea's youth-team level, was confident he would be happy to wait for his chance.

"I wanted to have a look at him in and around the group this week.

"We need someone to push our No.1 keeper, a loyal No.2 who will wait for a chance and then take it when it comes.

"Yves is a big presence and a good guy. I will have a chat with (goalkeeping coach) Adrian Tucker and then we'll see what we can do."

 Redknapp relieved at positive diagnosis of Tottenham defender Dawson

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was a relieved man to discover Michael Dawson is expected to be fit within eight weeks.

Dawson was stretchered off during England's 4-0 victory over Bulgaria on Friday night after his leg collapsed beneath him in a freak accident early in the second half.

Scans showed the 26-year-old defender had only sprained left knee ligaments and a left ankle ligament and he could be back in action by the end of next month.

"First of all, it's a big blow for Michael and a great shame for him," Redknapp told the club's official website.

"But watching it live, I thought it could have been worse than it's turned out.

"It could have been his cruciate ligament and that would have been the end of the season for him but as it is, it's not such a long job and he should be back in a couple of months."

Redknapp believes Dawson's injury has underlined the value of signing veteran former Arsenal defender William Gallas on a free transfer last month.

"Jonathan Woodgate is struggling, Ledley King can't play every game and you also have to remember that Michael had an Achilles injury last season, so it was always a position we needed to do something in and that's why we did it (signed Gallas)," said Redknapp.

"Sebastien Bassong was excellent last season and we've got decent cover in there, players who can come in and do a job, but you also need experience.

"Ledley's got experience, Michael's got experience and now William's experience will be invaluable.

"He'll give us a bit of know-how and a real presence. You don't do what he's done in the game without being a top, top player and he's got all the medals to show for it."

Need your Tottenham news fix? Click here for all Spurs news and transfer rumours.

 Wolves crock Vokes still hopes for Bristol City chance

Wolves striker Sam Vokes is desperate to make an impact at Bristol City after his recent injury setback.

The 20-year-old Welsh forward was sent on loan to Ashton Gate at the start of the season but had only been on the pitch 13 minutes when he suffered a hamstring tear against Millwall.

But his loan spell with the Robins runs through until January and he hopes to return to first-team action after a few more weeks on the sidelines.

"The loan runs to January so I think the plan is to go back to Bristol City, " he told Wolves' official website.

"Hopefully I can get some game time there which was the main objective of going out on loan and if I can do that, hopefully some goals as well.

"I need some games under my belt to build up the confidence levels again.

"The long term plan is to get some experience at Bristol. I haven't played a great deal of games in the last year or so and if I can do that then I can hopefully come back a stronger player for it."

Wales international Vokes has promised much but not yet delivered, having not enjoyed the best of spells on loan at Leeds last term.

On his latest injury, he added: "It was very frustrating. I thought I'd had a good pre-season and got up to a good level of fitness.

"I went out on loan to get some football and unfortunately within 10 minutes tore my hamstring which was a bit of a nightmare.

"It's been three-and-a-half weeks now since I got back here and will probably be the same again before I am back. But I'm making good progress."

Need your Wolves news fix? Click here for all Wolves news and transfer rumours.

 Bullard told to fight for Hull first team place

Hull City head of football operations Adam Pearson has said that Jimmy Bullard will not receive any preferential treatment despite being available for selection again.

The 31-year-old looked to be on his way out of the Tigers after being made available to move this summer, with the club desperate to offload the player due to his £45,000-a-week wages.

However, Bullard is still on the club's books and unable to leave until January unless a fellow Championship club move for him.

"Jimmy comes back into the plans but we'll have to see how it goes," he told the Hull Daily Mail.

"If he trains well and shows up well, I'm sure he will get his chance.

"His performances at the end of last season were mixed and he's got a lot to prove to show he deserves a place in the side.

"Jimmy wanted to play Premier League football and we wanted to reduce our wage bill.

"It would have been in everyone's interests, but we haven't had one Premier League team come in for him.

"That leaves Jimmy as a Hull City player and he will be treated like any other member of the squad."

 Houllier to be announced as new Villa boss within 48 hours

Aston Villa hope to announce Gerard Houllier as successor to Martin O'Neill in the next 48 hours.

Houllier is spending the weekend deciding whether to return to Premier League management after a six-year absence.

Houllier was interviewed for the post last week - along with the likes of care-taker boss Kevin MacDonald and former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley.

The indications are former Liverpool boss Houllier would not be against joining Villa in a traditional managerial type of role.

But reserve team chief MacDonald's coaching skills are highly rated by Lerner - and the Villa players - and he could have a role with the first team.

He is currently France's technical director but has come under fire after their disappointing World Cup campaign and may welcome a change.

There have been question marks raised over Houllier's health after he suffered heart problems during the latter part of his time with Liverpool.
But he has apparently assured Villa they would have no cause for concern in this direction.

Villa believe he has the resume to keep them progressing in the right direction after three successive top six finishes in the Barclays Premier League.

Need your Aston Villa news fix? Click here for all Villa news and transfer rumours.

 Bueno keen to kick-start his Derby career

Derby striker Alberto Bueno is keen to settle in at Pride Park after completing his season-long loan from Real Valladolid.

The Rams' first-team squad had Friday off but Bueno was keen to train and came in to join in with the Under-18s.

He told the club's official website: "I am very happy to be here and I hope I can help the team to have a great season.

"I am learning English, I want to settle quickly and I look forward to being able to speak to the fans soon."

 Rochdale boss overjoyed at Southampton victory

Rochdale boss Keith Hill saluted a "special" day after his side sank Southampton 2-0 on Saturday.

Saints began the season as hot favourites for the title while Rochdale are widely tipped to return to League Two, but goals from Chris O'Grady and Gary Jones secured a memorable victory for the visitors.

"It is incredible to win at places like this," said Hill. "These are special days for a club like Rochdale.

"There can't have been anybody in the football world who thought we would win at Southampton. But we came here expecting to win and we did. It is a great result and a great performance."

 West Ham co-owner dismisses reports Grant on borrowed time

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists boss Avram Grant is not under pressure after losing their first three games.

Some reports have claimed that Sullivan and his co-owner David Gold were considering Grant's position - despite only appointing him in the summer.

"I haven't relayed any messages to Avram at all. I just expect a gradual improvement in form. It's not all doom and gloom," he told the News of the World.

"You can't judge a team after three games. It's very premature. When you're building something it takes time and there have been changes at all levels.

"The next three games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke who are particularly good on their own ground and Tottenham at home.

"Three tough games and then the season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2. But I hope to surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham.

"The Bolton game was a major disappointment but it's early days.

"There was a stage last season where we lost six games in a row, these things happen.

"He inherited a very imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things round. Results will gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the future.

"He'd love to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't?

"I've got every confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."

Sullivan did, though, take a swipe at some of his squad, claiming some of the 'foreign players' were not performing their best.

"We've got a few foreign players who wanted to leave but we didn't receive any offers," he continued. "I think they couldn't be bothered but now the deadline has passed they realise the only way out is to play for the club and to play well and I think they will make a contribution.

"They realise now that they are here until at least January so they will get their heads down and work for the benefit of the club. They had their heads in the air before that.

"The team that started against Man United was the same team from last season because virtually all the new signings were injured.

"You will find over the next few weeks that it won't be the team of last season - but if players are performing well they will retain their place. It's the manager's decision.

"Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have international clearance, Thomas Hitzlsperger was injured, Winston Reid has a torn muscle in his buttocks, Tal Ben Haim was not fully fit and Pablo Barrera was knackered after playing two full games in the week after the World Cup.

"Now with our new players getting back and the others back playing, you will see us get better game by game."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Stockport claim first three points since February

Stockport boss Paul Simpson was pleased to see County pick up their first win in six months after a 2-0 victory over Macclesfield.

Simpson handed a debut to goalkeeper Matty Glennon and was rewarded in the 50th minute when an Emile Sinclair penalty was saved by the stopper.

"It's certainly a monkey off our backs." said Simpson. "I've had the date 27th Feb when we last won written on our white board in the manager's room and at last I can rub it out.

"I know I've not been here that long but I've been certainly carrying that feeling with me. It was a great performance with some absolutely fabulous support at a place we really wanted to win.

"I explained to the boys beforehand the importance of beating Macclesfield and how much it meant to the fans and they really responded."

 Konchesky delight at Reds chance
New Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky has admitted it was probably his last chance to join a big club...

 Wayne Rooney admits hotel trysts with call girl
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 Lampard set for Hammers comeback
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to be fit for their next Premier League game against West Ham United...

 Houllier not ruling out Villa role
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League with Aston Villa...

 Harry reveals Dawson's devastation
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has revealed Michael Dawson's devastation at the knee and ankle injuries picked up while playing for England...

 No Hargreaves in United Euro squad
Owen Hargreaves has been left out of the Manchester United squad eligible to compete in this season's Champions League...

 FA still expect Rooney to travel
Wayne Rooney is expected to travel with the England squad to Switzerland for next week's Euro 2010 qualifier despite allegations about his private life...

 Martinez wants focus from N'Zogbia
After the recent events of the transfer window, Roberto Martinez has been left with Charles N'Zogbia in the squad after he failed to agree terms with Birmingham City...

 West Brom plan Moore loan

Roberto Di Matteo revealed he plans to send Luke Moore out on loan after leaving him out of his 25-man Barclays Premier League squad...

 Baggies plan Moore loan
Roberto Di Matteo revealed he plans to send Luke Moore out on loan after leaving him out of his 25-man Barclays Premier League squad...

 The man who made Chelsea smile! Carlo Ancelotti on reveals the secrets of his Double success
Carlo Ancelotti had been studyingEnglish all afternoon, one of his threeweekly lessons, and was puzzling over thepast conditional tense...

 Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge insists he's working hard to shake off bad boy image
Daniel Sturridge was forced to grow upfast after arriving atChelsea with thereputation of ayoungster who has anattitude problem...

 Cesc Fabregas admits Arsenal held onto him against his will
Cesc Fabregas has admitted he only stayed at Arsenal because he was given no choice...

 Ray Clemence takes Hart as confident Joe looks the part for England
The emergence of Joe Hart has given England real hope that they have unearthed a goalkeeping gem in the mould of great shot-stoppers such as Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton...

 Gerard Houllier leaves door open to Aston Villa
Gerard Houllier refused to deny he is bound for Aston Villa when he watched Jamie Carragher's testimonial at Anfield on Saturday...

 Newcastle blow as Xisco handed three-match ban for reserve team red card
Newcastle have confirmed Spanish forward Xisco will serve a three-match ban following his sending-off in Tuesday night's reserve clash with Sunderland...

 Santa Cruz still a wanted man
| Submit Comments| Comments (1)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapRoque Santa CruzLazio could make another bid to prise Roque Santa Cruz away from Manchester City in January...

 Carragher scores in testimonial
Jamie Carragher marked his testimonial with a goal for each side as Liverpool beat an Everton XI 4-1 at Anfield...

 Michael Johnson eyes City return
| Submit Comments| Comments (72)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapMichael JohnsonMidfielder Michael Johnson's return from a knee operation is being spurred on by the prospect of playing alongside Manchester City's galaxy of stars...

 11-a-side report: Preston A 10-0 Stoke
Potters suffer heavy defeat in first game The Potters fans team suffered a heavy defeat in their first ever game, but took away a lot of positives from the learning curve...

 Tottenham and England defender Michael Dawson ruled out for two qualifiers
The England coaching staff feared Dawson had torn his cruciate knee ligament when he feel awkwardly in the second half of England's 4-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday night but scans revealed that the Tottenham defender could be out for as little as four weeks after damaging knee ligaments...

 Lletget signs Hammers contract
Sebastian Lletget has celebrated his 18th birthday by penning a professional contract with West Ham...

 Randy Lerner would be taking a big gamble naming Gerard Houllier as Aston Villa manager
Out of work for three years with a history of health problems, Houllier's appointment would represent a gamble at a time when Villa's standing in the Premier League (they finished sixth last term) is being strongly challenged by a number of clubs...

 Gerrard and Owen are the hero and villain in Carragher's testimonial at Anfield
Jamie Carragher thanked Michael Owen for returning to Anfield and England coach Fabio Capello for allowing Steven Gerrard to play in his testimonial...

 Carragher happy with Anfield turnout
Jamie Carragher thanked Michael Owen for returning to Anfield and Fabio Capello for allowing Steven Gerrard to play in his testimonial...

 Collins escapes serious injury
Aston Villa can breathe a sigh of relief after it was revealed that defender James Collins did not sustain a serious injury during Wales' 1-0 defeat to Montenegro in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday...

 Dawson sidelined for eight weeks
Michael Dawson has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks after spraining left knee ligaments and a left ankle ligament on Friday...

 Carragher nets testimonial brace

Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team rolled back the years in beating an Everton XI 4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield...

 Memorable day for Carragher
Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team rolled back the years in beating an Everton XI 4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield...

 Memorable day for Carragher
Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team rolled back the years in beating an Everton XI 4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield...

 Collins damage not serious
Aston Villa defender James Collins has been cleared of serious injury after apparently being elbowed in the face on international duty on Friday night...

 Two-month lay-off for injured Dawson
Tottenham have confirmed that Michael Dawson could be out of action until the end of October after he had to be stretchered from the pitch during England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday evening...

 Carragher on target in testimonial
Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team beat an Everton XI 4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield...

 Carragher on target in testimonial
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 Jack sad to see Zola leave
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has admitted he was disappointed with the decision to axe Gianfranco Zola at the end of last season...

 Jamie Carragher testimonial picture special: Gerrard joins Liverpool legend at Anfield
Jamie Carragher marked his big day with a goal for each side as his Liverpool team rolled back the years in beating an Everton XI  4-1 in his testimonial at Anfield...

 Ancelotti shrugs off Azzurri job talk
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has put any thoughts of becoming Italy coach to bed - as he is enjoying his Stamford Bridge adventure so much...

 Vaughan set for Toffees loan exit
Everton boss David Moyes is set to allow out-of-favour striker James Vaughan go out on loan so he can get some first-team football...

 Dawson ruled out of Swiss clash
England's medical team have confirmed that central defender Michael Dawson will miss the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday evening due to a knee injury sustained in the win over Bulgaria...

 Kuyt confirms talks with Inter
Liverpool's versatile Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt has confirmed that talks took place with Internazionale over the summer, before the Reds declared their player not for sale...

 Collins suffers facial injury
Aston Villa central defender James Collins could be sidelined for some time after suffering a nasty facial injury during Wales' 1-0 defeat on Montenegro...

 Capello full of praise for Defoe
Front pairing Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney took the plaudits from head coach Fabio Capello after leading England to a 4-0 defeat of Bulgaria at Wembley...

 Capello: Scholes initially said yes
England head coach Fabio Capello has claimed that Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes initially agreed to come out of retirement to feature at the World Cup finals, before changing his mind...

 Bruce retains hopes for Bent
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is hopeful that striker Darren Bent will be given a run of games in the England national team...

 Kightly content to take his time
Wolves winger Michael Kightly has backed manager Mick McCarthy's decision to leave him out of the 25-man squad named for the first half of the Premier League season...

 Hunt targets Wolves bow
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 Essien takes a break from Ghana
Ghana head coach Milovan Rajevac says that Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has decided to take a break from international football to concentrate on regaining top fitness...

 Jiranek shunned Spanish offers
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 Gerrard: Carra is a Liverpool great
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 Ben Arfa happy with his fitness levels
Hatem Ben Arfa is confident he will be ready to make his first-team debut next weekend when Newcastle United face Blackpool at St James' Park...

 Mixed feelings for departing Lawrence
Republic of Ireland international Liam Lawrence has admitted that he did not really want to leave Stoke City...

 Toshack: Big-money summer bid for Bale
Wales manager John Toshack has revealed that Gareth Bale was the subject of a "big-money bid" from an unnamed club over the summer...

 Seasiders fear for injured Baptiste
Blackpool are waiting to hear how bad Alex John-Baptiste's hand injury is after the defender suffered the problem during training in readiness for the pre-season friendly against FK Jelgava in Latvia...

 Ibrahimovic: I decided against City move
Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has indicated that he had the chance to move to Manchester City before eventually opting to join AC Milan...

 Donadoni interested in Villa job
Former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has applied for the Aston Villa managerial post, according to his UK representative...

 Behrami disappointed deal fell through
West Ham United winger Valon Behrami is disappointed that he was not able to seal a move away from Upton Park on transfer deadline day...

 Villa re-sign goalkeeper Marshall
Aston Villa have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Andy Marshall to act as cover for Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan...

 Benjani accuses greedy City players
Zimbabwe international Benjani claims that some of the players at Manchester City are motivated purely by money...

 Keane happy with strong Republic
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane believes the Republic of Ireland have a great chance of qualifying for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine...

 

The Premier League is the top professional English football league for association football clubs and has become England's primary football competition as well as one of the most popular football leagues in Europe and all over the world. The Premier League consists of 20 clubs and operates on the same promotion and relegation basis as the football league.

The Premier League run between August and May, during that time the member teams play a total of 380 games which are mostly held on Saturdays and Sundays; however, occasionally some matches are held during weekday evenings.

The Premier League was formed in 1992 when following an attractive and most lucrative television rights deal, the clubs in the First Division of the English football league decided to detach from the football league.

The 22 football clubs who formed the Premier League were Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wimbledon.

The television rights deal made the Premier League become the most lucrative football league in the world as well as the most watched association football league.

The Premier League is commonly known as "The Greatest Show On Earth" as it's the most popular and most watched football league in the world having more than 500,000,000 people following it in more than 200 countries all over the world.

Out of the 44 clubs that competed in the Premier League since it was established; only four have won the title: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester United has won more than 10 Premier League championships in its record.