news
Wed, 25 Apr 2001 13:28:09 -0700
--------------------------------- [32] Gary Nev on appeal --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I think we're happy that we have had a fair and full hearing. We just wanted a fair hearing and we believe we got that and in terms of reductions I think we can say we are happy with what we have achieved." --------------------------------- [31] Gary Nev has fine reduced --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: PA story 'Gary Neville has had his £30,000 fine for using foul and abusive language towards a match official reduced to £7,000 on appeal. But the two-game ban for the Manchester United defender will stand. The Football Association's independent appeal board agreed that the £30,000 fine was too high. Neville, who arrived at the hearing on crutches because of a knee injury, was charged with misconduct following United's FA Cup defeat at home to West Ham on January 28. The ban comes into effect on Monday and he will be suspended for the home match against Derby on Saturday week and the trip to Southampton on May 13. However, Neville looked set to miss the games anyway after picking up the injury during training this week.' --------------------------------- [30] Utd-Boro stats --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From the Telegraph Form over last 10 Premiership games Boro DDLDWLDWLW Man Utd WWDWDWLWWD Previous Premiership meetings at Middlesbrough 3.10.92 Boro 1 (Slaven) United 1 (Bruce p) 5.5.96 Boro 0, United 3 (May, Cole, Giggs) 23.11.96 Boro 2 (Ravanelli, Hignett p), United 2 (Keane, Mayb) 9.5.99 Boro 0, United 1 (Yorke) 10.4.00 Boro 3 (Campbell, Ince, Juninho), United 4 (Giggs, Cole, Scholes, Fortune) Facts & Figures * United have not lost at Middlesbrough since January 1989 and have never been beaten there in the Premiership. * In November, Christian Karambeu gave Boro the lead but Nicky Butt equalised and Teddy Sheringham got the winner. * United's two penalties against City - one scored, another missed - where their first at Old Trafford this season. * Roy Keane's sending off against Manchester City was his eighth red card in eight years - and the fourth time he has been dismissed by David Elleray. * Boro have won three home games and scored just 16 goals at the Riverside, the lowest home total in the Premiership. --------------------------------- [29] They've got the tallest mast in the Nationwide --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From the MEN 'MANCHESTER'S new £135 million Commonwealth Games stadium is on course to match the best in the world. A 60-metre mast has just been erected on the 146-acre site and has introduced a new feature to the East Manchester skyline. The mast is the first of 12 being installed at the venue ready for the XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002, and from 2003 will be the new home for Manchester City Football Club. Roof girders are already in position, currently supported by temporary frames, and the distinctive shape of the stadium is now clearly visible. Leader of Manchester City Council, Richard Leese, said: ''It's fantastic to see this significant and highly visible milestone in construction. Everyone can see the City of Manchester stadium growing day by day. It's a tremendous boost to the profile of the city, to watch a major project bringing jobs and pride to our community.'' Trevor Brooking, chairman of Sport England, who have invested heavily in the north west, said: ''I am delighted to see the City of Manchester Stadium taking shape. ''The stadium will be the focal point for the Commonwealth Games, and a showpiece for the country. Facilities at the site will include a 200-metre indoor athletics track, the National Squash Centre, the Velodrome, sports medicine and sports science facilities to deliver support services to elite competitors.' --------------------------------- [28] Ruud - Ronaldo helped me --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "Ronaldo's injury was slightly different but he really supported me. As soon as he heard I was injured he contacted me and that was fantastic. We spoke several times. People talk about pressure but I don't feel it. I was only 20 when my £4.5million transfer to PSV from Heerenveen broke the Dutch record. There were questions about me from the first day but I was okay and the goals came." --------------------------------- [27] Davids responds to dope test talk --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I have never taken any illegal substances in my life. I never took nandrolone. I'm always against any type of doping and I have always been loyal to sport. I have never even thought of the possibility of using any kind of doping. After the match against Udinese on March 4 I had to report for a doping test which was a routine test to which all Serie A players are regularly subject. In the past I have been tested many times and several times already this season. Obviously I expected that as all the times before everything was fine and that the test would be negative. Therefore I was totally perplexed and surprised when I read and heard the news of recent days that allegedly something was wrong with my test. I have very strong principles about which substances I consume. I have only one body which is the home of my spirit therefore I cherish my body. Because of the importance of this principle it is not always easy for our medical staff to work with me. Sometimes I don't even accept the simplest medical treatment, such as for example the anti-flu vaccine. It is a matter of deep conviction that for this reason would lead me to reject a simple glass of wine at dinner or any sort of chocolate bars." --------------------------------- [26] Dyer wants to stay at Geordies --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I am staying at Newcastle and that's all there is to it. As far as I'm concerned, any talk of a £15million bid is ridiculous and nobody at the club knows anything about it. I'm flattered that my name keeps being linked other big clubs, but at the moment, all I'm concentrating on is getting fit. I won't go to the manager's door asking to leave St James' Park, and the club don't want me to leave. That's pretty conclusive - but I can't stop the speculation." --------------------------------- [25] Utd didn't eat all the pies --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From RN reader Chris 'The Mirror carries a piece Today entitled Who Ate All The Pies. It seems our fat friends at minor road are in a champions league spot when it comes to pie eating, second only to Everton. Apparently we are floundering at the bottom of this esteemed league in a no hope Bradfordesque style. What with being the worlds greatest, most vociferous fans (although I didn't exactly find them deafening on Saturday, and I was located in N Tier 3, the ideal spot to tell seeing as hot air rises) and the most hilarious (Real Fans, Real Club) it seems that their brief stay in the PL hasn't all been in vain.' --------------------------------- [24] More from Jaap --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "He can't get any better as a player in Holland. His learning there has probably stopped, and he needs to move to a league like the Premiership to really fulfill his potential. I have seen him play since his comeback from injury on Dutch television and he seems to be scoring goals and approaching his old form. Ruud is very impressive in front of goal. When he gets a chance, he always seems to score. Before getting injured last season, he was on course to break the record for the most goals scored in a Dutch season. I should say, though, that Ruud will need time to adjust to the Premiership next season, where he will be playing against better teams and better defenders than he is used to in the Dutch league. But I have no doubt that he will settle, as his style of play will be suited to the Premiership. It will also be nice to have another Dutchman at Old Trafford. After Jordi Cruyff's departure last year, it will bring our quota back up to three with me and Raimond van der Gouw. We're getting stronger!" --------------------------------- [23] Jaap on Ruud --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I'm pleased that my international team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy, after a season's delay, has signed for Manchester United. I'm sure he will be an excellent addition to what is already a very strong United squad. Ruud will have to get used to everyone calling him the £19m man, as I was called the £10m man three years ago. However, I know Ruud from playing with him for Holland and he is a very down-to-earth guy. There is no chance of him acting like a superstar. And even though United have paid a lot of money for him there is no guarantee that he will walk straight in to the team. I believe that we already have four good strikers here, the best collection of strikers in the Premiership in my view. Ruud knows that he will have to fight for his place with Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer already at Old Trafford. Ruud is still only 24 years old, so United will be treated to the best years of his career. He is a very talented striker: He is good in the air, very fast, physically strong and has a very powerful shot." --------------------------------- [22] George is back --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From the official site 'George Best was back at Old Trafford after the Manchester Derby on Saturday to pick up his award for being voted MUDA's favourite player. George received a standing ovation when collecting the special trophy, and said "People say awards don't matter, but I think they're great!" His presence made the Development Association's birthday party a memorable occasion as 40 years of lottery fund raising was celebrated.' --------------------------------- [21] More from Ruud --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I talked with Fergie on the phone when the deal first collapsed over my medical. He was on holiday in Spain and he told me not to worry, that everything would be fine. But for him to then turn up on my doorstep after the injury was just amazing. Imagine it, to have such a big manager from such a big club at your door. He showed me such warmth, and he stayed in touch with me throughout my rehabilitation. That, along with the warmth I received from the staff and the fans when I came over last year, is why I signed this time. It will be a shame when he retires but I will be delighted to work with him even if it is for just one year. It has been very important for me not to rush my comeback. The injury taught me as much. I had hurt my knee two months prior to that, I tried to rush things and look what happened. It cost me a season and I am determined that I won't make that mistake again. The reason the original transfer broke down was because United wanted to open up my knee, but I knew that would cost me a place in the European Championship squad. I told them I wanted to play and that I wouldn't have the operation. I came back and I wanted to show everyone that I was fit. I wanted to show Frank Rijkaard that I was fit for the Dutch team. Looking back, maybe I should have let them perform the exploratory surgery." --------------------------------- [20] Ruud on Utd life --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "As soon as Fergie heard about the injury, he got in contact with me. That was fantastic. His injury was slightly different to mine, but he was so supportive. We have kept in contact and speak on the telephone often. A number of players helped me. Marc Overmars had been through the same experience, so he was able to tell me what to expect, how the rehabilitation should go. And when I spoke to Mr Ferguson, he reminded me that Lothar Matthaus and Roy Keane had both made a complete recovery." --------------------------------- [19] More from Soccernet --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "Sir Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United to sign Kieron Dyer, even if they have to break the British transfer record again. The Old Trafford manager has made it clear that the 22-year-old Newcastle United midfielder is his next major target after this week's record £19million purchase of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Since pitching an opening bid for Dyer at around £15m, United have been told it will take £20m and warned that the price could be forced even higher by strong interest from Juventus and Barcelona. A source at Newcastle said: 'United will find that £20m is the starting point for negotiations. Juventus are particularly eager to take Kieron and he has an open mind about whether to stay in the Premiership or move abroad. Juventus and Barcelona were on the point of making bids when he suffered his shin injury and have kept tabs on him ever since.' AND "Martin O'Neill, United's prime target to replace Ferguson, is having doubts about following in the great man's footsteps. The Celtic manager, who is on course to achieve the club's first domestic Treble since 1969 in his maiden season in Glasgow, believes succeeding the Old Trafford legend is an impossible job. His contract at Parkhead has two years to run and it is understood that if O'Neill were to consider the challenge at United, he would prefer to be the manager after next." --------------------------------- [18] England's no.1! --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From Soccernet 'Nicky Weaver will make a shock £6million exit from Manchester City if they are relegated from the Premiership. Anxious Maine Road chiefs have already calculated the financial impact of going down to the First Division and concluded that drastic measures will be needed to counter an anticipated £15m shortfall in income. Although Weaver has always been viewed as an integral part of their future, City will reluctantly cash in on him to help overcome the problem of meeting their wage bill on reduced means.' --------------------------------- [17] Greening for Preston? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Just been told latest rumours are that Greening was at Deepdale with his agent on Sunday. --------------------------------- [16] The oldest jokes are the best --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Thanks to Vic 'The Sultan of Brunei was beginning to worry, for although he had 6 children, he had no son and therefore, no heir. Imagine his joy when one of his wives finally presented him with his first and only son and heir. Before his son's sixth birthday, the Sultan spoke to him and said,"Son, I am proud of you. Anything you want, I shall get it for you." His son replied, "Daddy, I would like to have my own aeroplane." Not wanting to do things by halves, he bought him American Airlines. Before his son's 7th birthday, the Sultan spoke to him and said, "Son, I am very proud of you. Anything you want, I shall get it for you." His son replied, "Daddy, I would like a boat." Not wanting to do things by halves, his father bought him The PrincessCruise Lines. Just before his son's eighth birthday, the Sultan spoke to him and said, "Son, you bring so much happiness into my life. Anything you want, I shall get for you." His son replied, "Daddy, I would like to be able to watch cartoons." Not wanting to do things by halves, his father bought him Disney Studios, and their theatres, where he watched all his favourite cartoons. Just before his son's ninth birthday, the Sultan spoke to him and said, "Son, you are an inspiration to us all. Anything you want, I shall get for you." His son, who had really become obsessed with the Disney cartoons, replied, "Daddy, I would like a Mickey Mouse outfit." Again, not wanting to do things by halves, his father bought him Manchester City.' --------------------------------- [15] Tabloid gossip --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Has Yorke linked with a £10m bid back to Villa. And a £20m bid for Dyer will get see United get him from the Geordies. --------------------------------- [14] More from Frank Stapleton --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "I know that Martin Edwards said last year before van Nistelrooy's first move broke down that one striker would have to go, but I would have thought if the manager wanted to keep five strikers that would not be a problem. There have been times this season when United have been stretched up front even with the squad they have got. I'm thinking of Christmas time when Solskjaer was the only striker they had. So maybe five is the right number to have nowadays." --------------------------------- [13] Stapleton thinks Yorke may go --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "You would have to think how are they going to keep five strikers happy? There are only going to be two or three happy most of the time. Solskjaer has already gone on record saying he wants to stay at United and he seems to have accepted the situation. He isn't going to be a problem and I would think Teddy Sheringham would sign his contract. Sheringham may be concerned about van Nistelrooy's arrival, but, he's had a fantastic season. He's played very well and he's the Footballer of the Year. If anyone could be vulnerable it could be Yorke and most of the speculation has surrounded him. His form has been in and out this season, although there have been mitigating circumstances and he's been injured while the travelling with Trinidad and Tobago has not helped." --------------------------------- [12] Debate on another tackle --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Joe Cole on David Batty's regular use of the arm challenge. "He knocked into me with his elbow - it happens in football. It was probably just accidental, I should think. David Batty is not the sort of player who would do anything intentionally - in midfield you are going to get tackles flying about and he is probably unlucky. I reacted a little bit," Cole told the West Ham website. Things happen in the heat of the game and, looking back on it now, if I hadn't reacted I wouldn't have got a silly booking but the red mist just came down. When I saw that he got a red I felt that the ref might feel under pressure to even things up but I didn't feel I deserved a red; it was just handbags, just pushing." --------------------------------- [11] More still on the tackle --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Alfie Haaland: "I don't know if there was any intent on his part - I hope there wasn't - but I was lucky not to get injured and it could have been much worse. I've watched it a few times on telly since - it certainly looked nasty and, as our manager said, I was fortunate to have my leg off the floor otherwise we could still be looking for it. These things happen, and I do like a tackle myself, but I also try to play football and if it looks like I'm going to accidentally go in late I will try to pull out, which is something Keane didn't do. People are wondering if it all stems from the incident when I was with Leeds. I don't know if that was the case, but back then it was his tackle on me that caused his injury so you can't really blame me for that. You can see me after the incident having a go at him but that was because I thought he was cheating and looking for a free-kick. I also made some comments before the last Manchester derby about Keane and that may have upset him. I really don't know. There's no doubt Roy Keane is a great player, but Manchester United have to obey the same rules as everyone else and the referee did the right thing. You don't like to see fellow professionals getting sent off, but no player should be above the rules. It might be in the back of my mind the next time we meet United, but as far as I'm concerned I don't want revenge or anything like that. I'm finished with the whole thing, and with him." And do you still think we're scum as you once called us? --------------------------------- [10] Bad joke of the day --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Make that year. 'Dracula is in his castle in Transylvania preparing himself for a night's bloodletting when he is struck on the back of the head by a sausage roll. 'Strange', he thinks, and as he starts to turn around he notices a slice of pizza heading towards him out of the corner of his eye. Taking evasive action the pizza glances off his shoulder, but as he is starting to regain his balance he is struck in the eye by a cheese and pineapple cube on a cocktail stick. Holding his wounded eye and by now very angry, Dracula turns around to see a young blonde girl standing behind him. 'What the hell is going on?' he exclaims! 'Who the devil are you?' The girl looks up at him and says...'I am Buffet the Vampire Slayer' --------------------------------- [9] Same old FA, always lost it --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From Ananova 'The pitch at the Millennium Stadium is to be completely relaid ahead of the FA Cup final on May 12. Work is expected to begin on Saturday, with the whole process set to take three or four days. The announcement comes after Football Association officials visited Cardiff to express concerns at the state of the turf, which has not been protected because of problems with the retractable roof at the ground. The FA are confident that the pitch will be fully bonded by the time Arsenal take on Liverpool, in the first of what will be at least four finals at the venue. Sunday's LDV Vans Trophy final between Port Vale and Brentford was completed on what was described as a 'sticky' surface, by the rival managers and the problem was compounded when it was decided to go ahead with a junior game immediately afterwards despite constant driving rain. When they announced the decision to stage the Cup final at the home of the Welsh Rugby Football Union until 2004, the FA were given guarantees about the state of the pitch.' --------------------------------- [8] Important message --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From the IMUSA lists Standing and renewal of season tickets/LMTB's IMUSA have been contacted recently by a number of members who are are worried that their season tickets or LMTB's might not be renewed for next season because of their presence on a so-called "hit list" of fans who have been standing during games. Some have been told that they are on this list by stewards and some have seen such a list being openly displayed in the West Stand Tier 2. At the present time we don't know whether this threat is real, and there is thus very little that we can do, but IMUSA has been in touch with United and left them in no doubt that we know what is happening and that we are monitoring very carefully the renewal process. Renewals will be arriving in the next few days, if anyone gets a sniff of any supporter (not just IMUSA members) not receiving their renewal, please let us know ASAP, via my email address above or via the email link on the IMUSA website. Please pass this message on to everyone you know who may be affected. Thank you. [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------- [7] Celtic fans respond to speculation --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Rafferty, President of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters' Clubs, said: "Unfortunately, this kind of speculation is going to happen continuously.There's no question that he's done a good job and it's obvious that Manchester United and other top clubs are going to be linked with him. But Martin O'Neill has continuously stated that he isn't going anywhere and that's the end of the matter. We can't help people speculating and it's always the same with good managers doing well and with good players doing well. So as far as we are concerned Martin O'Neill has done a fantastic job and we want him to stay to continue what he's started. He's not going anywhere." --------------------------------- [6] O'Neill on staying or going? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: "It's been a fantastic first year and I've got two more years to go and that is precisely right. I've got no intention of going out any other way - I'll be kicking and screaming at the end - but I know how fickle the game is." --------------------------------- [5] Celtic boss favourite to take over from Fergie? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Celtic director Dermot Desmond: "There's always the chance of Martin going to a big club in Europe. He's one of the outstanding managers. It's to his credit that he might be in demand by Manchester United, Barcelona or Inter Milan. He's an outstanding manager, but I can't handcuff him. If Martin wanted to join the board I think he'd be welcome. I think he has the capabilities to be a PLC director of Celtic. I'm surprised we've won so many trophies this year. I was hoping that we would win one trophy this year. I though it was asking a lot to win two trophies. I'm not surprised about winning because I think Martin is a winner and will always be a winner." --------------------------------- [4] Gary Nev faces ban hearing today --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: >From PA 'Gary Neville could miss most of the remainder of Manchester United's Premier League matches because of injury and suspension. Neville has been ruled out of the champions' game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday after picking up a knee injury in training. Football Association will consider his appeal against his two-match ban and £30,000 fine imposed for using foul and abusive language towards an assistant referee. Neville intends to base his appeal on the case of Patrick Vieira, who received only a one-match suspension and a £10,000 fine for kicking Leeds' Olivier Dacourt on the head. Neville's appeal will be heard at the Professional Footballers Association offices in Manchester.' --------------------------------- [3] Clegg on his way out? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Shame as he looked the part a few years back. >From Ananova 'Michael Clegg has hinted he may soon leave Manchester United because of a lack of first-team opportunities. Clegg has become frustrated by his lack of progress since making his debut in 1996. The full-back has made just two senior appearances in the Worthington Cup this season and his patience is running out. Clegg, whose current deal expires in 2002, said on MUTV: "I'm thinking at this stage of my career, and I'm 24 in the summer, that it's not going to be a disappointment to move on. It's going to be a happy occasion because it means I can play first-team football so we'll have to wait and see what happens." --------------------------------- [2] Good idea --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: This posted on the www.iManUnited.com forum 'Will United Parade the Trophy thru Manchester This Year? Well will they? If any other club won the Premiership, they would be parading the trophy in an open top bus thru the streets. United didn't do it last year, so will they do it this year.?? I think they should mate. It might only be the Premiership, but it's the trophy we visit OT day in and day out to win.' --------------------------------- [1] Your fanzine needs you?! --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2001 by bar-knee: Firstly we'd like to know if any of you would fancy a piss-up after the final home game of the season. Let us know at [EMAIL PROTECTED] if so. Also deadline day of Friday approaches for the final Red News of the season so if you have any ideas/articles/letters get them sent into [EMAIL PROTECTED] We're especially looking for moments of the season (good and bad), short, unique on and off pitch memories from this year. A goal, a piss-up, a moment on the pitch - we've had a few in so far but want more, more, more as Billy Idol might say (who, cue old age this end). Thanks. --------------------------------- [32] Have we made Dyer bid? --------------------------------- Posted Tuesday, April 24, 2001 by bar-knee: >From Ananova 'Newcastle and Manchester United are remaining tight-lipped over claims that the Premiership champions have tabled a £15million bid for England's Kieron Dyer. Reports in the north-east suggest that the Magpies have turned down the approach from Old Trafford, and will resist and increased offer of up to £20million during the summer. Neither club confirmed or denied the story, further fuelling speculation that Manchester United's interest in the midfielder is genuine and ongoing. Newcastle have repeatedly insisted that Dyer is not for sale. "It's just speculation," a spokesman said. "We've said our bit and we're not saying anymore. The club does not comment on media speculation." Manchester United's position was also ambiguous, and director of communications Paddy Harverson would only say: "We have no comment." To complicate matters, the stress fracture which has sidelined Dyer since February will rule him out of action for up to five months, and that means he is unlikely to return to full fitness until the eve of the new season. He has undergone two operations - one of which involved grafting bone from his hip into the injured area - and although he is expected to make a full recovery, in the light of the initial problems Manchester United experienced with Ruud van Nistelrooy, a cautious approach to any move would seem prudent. Leeds and Juventus have also been linked with summer moves for Dyer. Dyer's performances before his injury propelled him into the limelight both at home and abroad, and only last week boss Bobby Robson dismissed claims that the club were about to off-load the 22-year-old. "We have no intention of selling Dyer. We want to build with Kieron Dyer. "That's the sort of club we have to be - and the chairman is in agreement with that. We want to add to Alan Shearer and Dyer and our best players." Can't see us bidding for an injured player can you? --------------------------------- [31] Gary Nev has appeal against FA ruling --------------------------------- Posted Tuesday, April 24, 2001 by bar-knee: Over the West Ham fine on Wednesday morning.