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------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- [28] Praise for Van der Sar --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Phillip Cocu "He is one of the best keepers in the world and it's so important to have that steadying influence. Often the goalkeeper can make all the difference, we've seen it many times. He transmits calmness to the defence." --------------------------------- [27] Mirror on days old rumours --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: 'Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is ready to gamble and offer injury-prone Quinton Fortune a two-year deal. Fortune, 29, was expected to join Celtic after being released by Manchester United following seven years at Old Trafford. But the deal collapsed as the Scottish champions were only prepared to offer the South African international a one-year contract. Now Pearce hopes to lure Fortune to Eastlands with a deal that will keep him at City until 2008. Pearce is desperate to strengthen his squad and is willing to take a chance on Fortune, who endured an injury ravaged United career. But the City boss faces competition from neighbours Bolton who also want the ex-Atletico Madrid man.' --------------------------------- [26] Ronald McDonald works with touts! --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: from Guardian 'McDonald's, one of the World Cup sponsors, was under fire from supporters' groups and tournament organisers last night after admitting that a batch of tickets reserved for competition winners was directed to English touts who sold them on for a huge mark-up. The Guardian has established that a number of tickets for Tuesday's South Korea v Togo match in Frankfurt were given to touts outside the stadium by McDonald's hostesses employed to look after corporate guests and competition winners. Eye-witnesses say the tickets were sold on to South Korean and other fans for around 200 euros each, a 200% increase on the market price and, in some cases, pure profit for the scalpers. The incident is a major embarrassment for the fast-food giant and for German World Cup organisers who have been heavily criticised by supporters' groups for allocating more tickets to sponsors than to fans. Over 27% of the 3m tickets for the tournament have gone to sponsors and corporate guests, more than the 19.2% allocated to competing nations. Alex Schramm, the McDonald's director of corporate affairs in Germany, confirmed yesterday that staff had given the tickets away outside the ground in contravention of company policy. Kevin Miles, the international co-ordinator of the Football Supporters' Federation, condemned the incident. "This encapsulates everything that is wrong with ticketing at this tournament," he said. "We have long suspected that sponsors' tickets would end up in the hands of touts and that genuine supporters would pay the price." Schramm said he was not certain how many tickets had been distributed to touts but suggested it could be as few as 10. Witnesses to the incident, however, said a thick bundle was handed over, with one estimating it numbered at least 50. McDonald's has an allocation of tickets for all World Cup matches to give to winners of competitions who are notified by post and told to meet at the stadium, where an agency distributes them, having first checked identification papers. Any unclaimed tickets are supposed to be taken to McDonald's branches in the city and given to staff but on Tuesday the hospitality staff decided otherwise. "It was intended as a gesture of good will but it was misguided and should not have happened," said Schramm. "We have investigated the circumstances and told the agency responsible that they must stick to the guidelines laid down before the tournament." A spokesman for the organising committee said: "Any incidents of this nature will be investigated. We want genuine supporters to have tickets." Fans in Nuremberg have been warned to be on their guard against a group of English ticket touts who have been distributing forgeries. At least four England fans were turned away from the game against Paraguay on Saturday after paying £300 each for fakes. There are fears that more will be circulating before tonight's match against Trinidad & Tobago at the 44,000-capacity Frankenstadion.' --------------------------------- [25] Sven on whether Prof Wallace is heading to Germany --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: "I have no comments about that." Booking a train ticket? var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/js/101842/608750?' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11); document.write(''); Red News are pleased to recommend a local marketing and design company who can do anything from a few flyers and stationery to full marketing strategies and stunning photography. visit: http://www.touchmarketing.co.uk http://www.touchmarketing.co.uk - they even offer special rates for Red News readers. Red News has started selling goods in its own Shop on e.bay - spread the word! http://stores.ebay.co.uk/RedNewsShop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/RedNewsShop great original t-shirts http://www.sumosam.co.uk/ http://www.sumosam.co.uk/ --------------------------------- [24] Rio on Euro 2004 --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: "I was in Miami with Wes Brown and couple of my mates and I was in the bar singing Wayne Rooney songs and so I know exactly what it's like, the essence of being a fan. The banter, the lead-up to game, the fallout from the game - the emotions are quite raw and they're only round the corner from me because it was only a couple of years ago. During the game you can't really take in that feeling because you're obviously concentrating but I'm sure that after the tournament I'll be able sit back and see how it was reported. I'll be a fan and travel out to World Cups and European Championships when I've finished playing football." --------------------------------- [23] Two to go? --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: from the Telegraph 'The Premier League are heading for a showdown with Fifa after football's world governing body announced yesterday that all top divisions in Europe must have no more than 18 clubs from the 2007-2008 season. With the 20-strong Premier League operating a three up, three down system, they would have to relegate five clubs at the end of next season. Fifa president Sepp Blatter insisted: "The reduction will come by the 2007-08 season. Instead of playing 38 matches, clubs will play 34, and you will have four more dates for the international calendar. The clubs will be happy." However, the plans were immediately attacked by the Premier League. Spokesman Dan Johnson said: "There's only one group of people who decide the make-up of the Premier League, and that's the 20 clubs. "There is no appetite to reduce the size and Fifa cannot force it on us. "We reduced the league from 22 clubs to 20 in 1995-96, and since then Uefa have expanded the Champions League, Fifa have expanded the World Cup and brought in the Confederations Cup and World Club Championship, so it's a bit rich for anyone to talk about reducing the number of matches." --------------------------------- [22] Spurs get ready to replace Carrick? --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: from Guardian 'Tottenham Hotspur yesterday lodged a £2m bid for Blackburn Rovers' Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid. The offer was immediately rejected by the Ewood Park board, who paid Millwall £2.5m for Reid three years ago. It is believed that Blackburn will seek £6m for the 25-year-old, though this seems an ambitious demand given that the club's bargaining position has been weakened by Reid's contract situation. Reid has been offered a four-year extension to his current deal, which has 12 months to run, but the player reportedly favours a move to the capital. Tottenham's official approach for a player who can play centrally or on either flank will prompt renewed speculation about the future of Michael Carrick. Manchester United made a £10m bid for the England international late last Friday and are unlikely to have been completely deterred by Tottenham's refusal. United believe that the draw of Champions League football next season will be decisive in their attempt to lure the 24-year-old from White Hart Lane and that a £15m offer should be sufficient to secure Spurs' permission to talk to their player.' --------------------------------- [21] Guardian on Petit --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: 'Manchester United's attempts not to be left too far behind Chelsea in the summer transfer market have seen them add the name of Petit, Benfica's industrious midfielder, to their wish-list. Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the 29-year-old after he was recommended to him by United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz. Petit, a left-sided player who helped to eliminate United from last season's Champions League, broke off from his preparations for Portugal's World Cup game against Iran on Saturday to confirm he was giving strong consideration to moving to Old Trafford. Asked if United had made formal contact, he replied: "Yes, it is true. I have received the offer of a contract from Manchester United." United have already failed with bids for Michael Carrick of Tottenham Hotspur and Marseille's France international Franck Ribéry. Discussions are continuing with Tottenham for Carrick but Ferguson has all but given up on Ribéry and appears to have turned instead to a player who has consistently been one of the finer performers in the Portuguese league. The club had stated that they wanted to complete their summer transfer business before the World Cup yet it is now only 17 days before they begin pre-season training and they are still waiting to bring in their first recruit. Chelsea have already flexed their financial muscle to sign Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou.' --------------------------------- [20] Vieira on Keane --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: "I would have liked to have played him one more time. Roy Keane loved the game and was passionate about winning for his team. For myself and the younger players who came through in The Premiership, he has been a great inspiration. He gave fantastic years to United and to his country, and he was one of the best midfielders in the world." http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-795737-10306273 Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-795737-10357057 Up to 8Mbps Broadband Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news --------------------------------- [19] T&T hit out at Beckham --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Trinidad & Tobago assistant manager Wim Rijsbergen "Beckham is better at selling shirts than winning football games. He has a great success at Real Madrid doing that but he hasn't won any important competition since he arrived in Spain. Beckham is only a commercial player. You can see him playing at Real Madrid. He doesn't have any kind of commitment with the team. He doesn't give anything different to his team but, in the commercial aspect, he is brilliant and that is great for the club. But that isn't enough on a football pitch." --------------------------------- [18] Norm for just... £5.99!! --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news My Memories of Manchester United by Norman Whiteside (published 2003) just £5.99 INCLUDING postage and packing (rrp £14.99 - you save £9!) through Red News. All prices are for UK, for Europe add £2 for each book, £4 for ROW When ordering state Norman on product code e.mail https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=rednewsweb%40aol.com&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=Red+News+Books&item_number=RN+Books&cn=Please+state+book+title%28s%29¤cy_code=GBP https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=rednewsweb%40aol.com&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=Red+News+Books&item_number=RN+Books&cn=Please+state+book+title%28s%29¤cy_code=GBP --------------------------------- [17] The man in the picture --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Professor Wallace "I am going to speak with England. There will be a report on Thursday afternoon and maybe an announcement afterwards." --------------------------------- [16] Petit says we've made a bid --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Benfica's Armando Petit "Yes, it is true, I have received the offer of a contract from Manchester United. Anyone would like to play for Manchester United. f a proposal appears for me and Benfica, I have the possibility to leave." --------------------------------- [15] Order the Red News Summer Special out at the start of July - only available by mail order --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: The Red News Summer Special (issue 126) is out at the start of July and is ONLY available by online or mail order. So order Red News 126 here! This will not be sold at any game. United's First Fanzine. Now 19 years old! Without the fanzine, and your support, there is no website. Either send sterling cheque for £2.50 to Red News, P.O.Box 176, Manchester, M16 8LG made payable to Red News) or by credit card below. 100% Independent. 100% Unofficial. Let's keep it that way. RN126 Out end of June RN125 Out Sunday May 7th RN 124 Still available RN 123 Exclusive Ole interview Still available RN 121 George Best tribute Still available RN 120 Still available RN 119 Still available In the UK £2.50 inc p&p each copy ROW £3.50 inc p&p each copy To order a single copy click on https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rednewsweb%40mac%2ecom&item_name=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&item_number=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&no_shipping=0&no_note=1¤cy_code=GBP&bn=PP%2dBuyNowBF&charset=UTF%2d8 https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rednewsweb%40mac%2ecom&item_name=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&item_number=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&no_shipping=0&no_note=1¤cy_code=GBP&bn=PP%2dBuyNowBF&charset=UTF%2d8 UK 10 issue sub £25.00 inc p&p Europe 10 issue sub £30.00 inc p&p Rest Of The World 10 issue sub £35.00 inc p&p All our t-shirts - Some classic designs http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shoptsht.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shoptsht.htm ECF '68 High Quality retro Shirts with Hand Embroided Crest. Order by credit card or cheque at... http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec68.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec68.htm NEW UNOFFICIAL 'ALTERNATIVE' HOME SHIRTS - £5 to Phoenix Fund http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shop64.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shop64.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shop65.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shop65.htm --------------------------------- [14] SUN talk Rooney --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: 'SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON will beg Wayne Rooneys doc for the right to play him against Trinidad & Tobago tonight. The FA flew Professor Angus Wallace to Germany yesterday to see how Rooneys broken toe is healing. Now Eriksson hopes to use his superstar striker as a sub, insisting: For me, Wayne Rooney is match-fit. But Gary Neville is OUT for 10 days with a calf injury meaning he will miss tonights game, the Sweden clash and Englands first knockout match. Eriksson added: Whether Rooney will play some part in the game, I have not decided. Let me sleep on it. Tomorrow I will decide. Almost for sure he will not be starting against Trinidad. He doesnt yet have 90 minutes in his legs. England coach Eriksson has always insisted he will be the man who decides when Rooney returns after a row with the players Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. But the FA agreed with United that independent specialist Prof Wallace would first give Rooney the all-clear. The doc was scheduled to fly to Germany tomorrow but the FA brought his flight forward. Prof Wallace last night confirmed: I am going to speak with England. There will be a report on Thursday afternoon and maybe an announcement after that. I have got nothing more to say. Eriksson has come under pressure from FA chief executive Brian Barwick not to go it alone. He admitted: There have been a lot of discussions with Brian and every day with the medical staff. My opinion is that Wayne is match fit. He has looked good in training. In fact he looks excellent. I dont want to say any more about him until after the match. But I must admit that I will be extremely happy and relieved when all this Rooney thing is over. Rooney was told by Eriksson on Monday he would play some part in the Trinidad game. But 24 hours later the Swede said his comeback might be delayed because of political pressure from within the FA. Rooneys United team-mate Neville is definitely KOd. He was sent for a scan after suffering the injury in training and will be out for up to 10 days. But Eriksson said: It doesnt rule him out of the tournament. --------------------------------- [13] Sheffield United --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: are after Nicky Butt --------------------------------- [12] Goalie unlinks himself --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: West Brom's Tomasz Kuszczak "I cannot do anything about the press in Poland. There's been lots of gossip about Manchester United and other clubs but to be honest I take no notice of it - some people have very little to write about at this time of year. I still have a contract with West Brom and that is all people need to know. Sometimes clubs do become interested in players and I, like any other player, would find that flattering but I am contracted to Albion. My main focus is with Poland and that's my only priority right now." --------------------------------- [11] Don't go Rene! --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Rene Meulensteen "I was contacted by Brondby and I asked them to clear up things with Manchester United before we proceeded. I went to Alex Ferguson and talked to him and he was very helpful." He is still in talks with Brondby to become boss. --------------------------------- [10] The 'VIP' Forum --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Red News has set up a VIP members forum for readers and subscribers and those paying £10 for entry for a year to share views, receive gossip and the occasional breaking news story from Red News itself away from prying eyes and ABUs. There are also a Ticket & Travel Forum and Travel information Forum in this VIP section http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php All you have to do to join the forum is log in and sign in and create yourself a username if you don't have one already, then if you are a subscriber follow the instructions at http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9703 http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9703 or if you are a reader or wish to purchase entry also go to http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9703 http://rnforum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9703 and follow the instructions. Any questions ask us at [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Men in Black - paperback edition out next month http://www.qksrv.net/click-795737-5042816 Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news --------------------------------- [9] Another player links himself? --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Ghana's Sulley Muntari I was very close to joining United when I was younger. At the time I had a problem getting a work permit because I was not playing for the international team. But now I am in the Ghana squad, the permit would not be a problem. I have been in Italy for four years now and think it is time for a change. I would like to play in the Premiership and, if possible, I would like to return to Manchester United. They are one of the greatest clubs in the world. If I got a call to play there I would be really happy. I speak with Michael Essien every day. I have been asking him about the Premiership since he first signed for Chelsea. He just says the football in England is fantastic. He is so happy there it makes me feel a little bit lost. --------------------------------- [8] That '68 Retro feel --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: Short Sleeve 1968 ECF top WITH full Embroidery. HIGHEST QUALITY ONLY £22.50 including postage and packing! Available in Medium, Large and Extra-Large sizes. Royal ECF Blue. Please specify SIZE when ordering. Click on http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec02.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec02.htm for badge detail Price: £22.50 inc. p&p in UK (Europe add £2 / ROW add £4) - please fill in the price column and product code online accordingly. Prod. Code: RNE02 You can order by credit card - Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Switch or Solo. Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news Just mark the product code - RNE02 - when ordering below. Click on Long Sleeve 1968 ECF top WITH full Embroidery. HIGHEST QUALITY ONLY £25.00 including postage and packing! Available in Medium, Large and Extra-Large sizes. Royal ECF Blue. Please specify SIZE when ordering. Click on http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec02.htm http://www.rednews.co.uk/shop/shopec02.htm for badge detail Price: £25.00 inc. p&p in UK (Europe add £2 / ROW add £4) - please fill in the price column and product code online accordingly. Prod. Code: RNE03 You can order by credit card - Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Switch or Solo. Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news Just mark the product code - RNE03 - when ordering below. Click on --------------------------------- [7] Guardian on it all --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: 'Sven-Goran Eriksson announced the news that Sir Alex Ferguson had been dreading last night when he confirmed his intentions to defy medical opinion and use Wayne Rooney in tonight's game against Trinidad & Tobago. The England head coach has ignored professional advice by declaring Rooney fit but he will definitely be without another Manchester United player after Gary Neville pulled out with a calf strain. On another day to strain relations between Eriksson and Ferguson, Neville was taken to hospital to ascertain the seriousness of his problem and, as Owen Hargreaves prepared to fill in at right-back, an independent foot-injury specialist widely regarded as the best in his business flew into Germany to pass a second opinion on Rooney, a visit that had been prearranged as a courtesy to Manchester United. It is only eight days since Professor Angus Wallace, from Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, warned Eriksson against playing Rooney before the knockout phase but the Swede has taken little notice thus far and he repeatedly made it clear he will reach his own conclusion from Rooney's performances in training, where he reported the 20-year-old had been "very good, excellent, challenging everyone just as usual". Showing a side to him that Ferguson and the medical staff at Old Trafford regard as reckless, Eriksson also seems to be going against the advice of the team's fitness coach, Ivan Carminati, who said on Tuesday that it would be another week before Rooney was fully fit. "My opinion is that he is now match-fit," said Eriksson. "He will not start because I do not think he has 90 minutes in his legs but, for me, he is fit. I will sleep on it and make a decision in the morning." Eriksson will not just consult Wallace, Carminati and the team doctor Leif Sward but the Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick, who has misgivings about the repercussions should Rooney play and be injured again. Barwick is wary of the threat of lawsuits and insurance claims. "It's been reported that Brian and I have had a row but that is a complete lie," said Eriksson. To Eriksson, it is a case of whether Rooney is ready in terms of general fitness and, controversially, nothing to do with the condition of the player's foot. The Swede has justified it in his own mind on the basis that Wallace has no football background and, as such, is not qualified to decide whether Rooney could manage 20 minutes or so. United say that is irresponsible and, making no attempt to conceal their ire, they have cited the fact that Rooney is still wearing special insoles as a precaution against rebreaking his metatarsal. They have asked Wallace to submit a full report of his findings. Eriksson, however, will not be swayed. "You should see him [Rooney] in training," he reported. "He's been involved in full tackles and he told me three, maybe four, weeks ago that he would be fit." Neville's situation should become clearer today but the early diagnosis is that it is not a serious problem. "We have taken him out because we don't want to risk it," said Eriksson. "He's gone to hospital for a scan and we are waiting to hear what they say." Neville may also miss the Sweden game. That is likely if England have already qualified.' --------------------------------- [6] Gary Nev --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: to have scan, below from Indy 'Neville could be out for a week, depending on the results of his scan, after developing a calf problem that is connected to the hamstring injury that kept him out of the recent friendly against Jamaica.' --------------------------------- [5] FREE £10 World Cup bet --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: When you plan to have a bet - use Sporting Odds through us http://www.sportingodds.com/index.asp?tpid=2983 http://www.sportingodds.com/index.asp?tpid=2983 --------------------------------- [4] Sven gets giddy with Rooney now he knows he (Sven) is soon off --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: "I am almost sure he will not start the match. I don't think he's got 90 minutes in him yet. For me, Rooney is match fit. I will decide [whether he plays] in the morning. Let me sleep on it, but it has been reported that Brian [Barwick, chief executive of the FA] and I had a row about it and that is a lie. We have discussed it a lot but there is no dispute at all. My opinion is that he's match fit. He was excellent in training, he threw himself at everything as usual, and since he came back to training he has had no problem [with his injury] at all. I speak with my medical staff every day and [today] I will make the decision. If a player is going to be involved I [usually] tell them at least two days before" --------------------------------- [3] Indy on whether Sven will pick him or not --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: 'He has a reputation for being extremely confident, and he once saved the life of a woman on an aeroplane operating with a coat hanger sterilised with cognac, but Professor Angus Wallace faces a challenge this morning of an altogether different magnitude. The Scottish orthopaedic surgeon with an expertise in car safety has to tell Sven Goran Eriksson the state of Wayne Rooney's fitness the England manager, it seems, has already made up his mind the striker is ready to play. Professor Wallace is not a man afraid to speak his mind and years working his way to the very top of the British medical establishment means that he will not bow to the wishes of Eriksson when his reputation is at stake. Yet, in the end, and this may come as something of a novel experience to such an eminent surgeon, if he says that Rooney is not ready he could well be ignored by Eriksson. England face Trinidad & Tobago in Nuremberg this afternoon with Eriksson pondering not his first team line-up but one substitution in particular. Whether he plays Rooney or not is a decision that depends on more than the simple factors of form and fitness. The England manager has the potentially unfavourable diagnosis of a specialist to navigate, the wrath of Manchester United to risk and the nervous interventionism of a Football Association who cannot decide whether fielding their best player would be courting catastrophe. an equally rebellious mood of late. A strange mix of nationality and identity converge in Nuremberg today: the joyful Caribbean support, the vast English following and their eager German hosts all meeting in a place infamous for something Europe would rather forget. The crumbling remains of the Nazi Party rally grounds are an absurd and macabre backdrop to what should be a mismatch between England and a Trinidad & Tobago team of players from Falkirk, Luton Town and Wrexham. And a match in which the most important man of all is on the substitutes' bench. England could qualify top of Group B today if they win and Sweden draw with Paraguay, and it is typical of Eriksson that even if he achieves that much he could have still have edged closer to chaos by the end of the afternoon. To recap on his handling of the Rooney affair thus far, Eriksson is already in a dwindling group of people who believe that risking the player in the group stages is the right decision. On 7 June, Professor Wallace stood in a private hospital treatment room surrounded by officials from Manchester United and the FA and told Rooney personally that he did not believe he would be fit in time to play before the last Group B game on 20 June. Eriksson accepted his diagnosis that the fourth metatarsal of Rooney's right foot was mended but declined to take Professor Wallace's advice about the length of the recovery time. Not even United's pressure could bring Eriksson around. Whether you agree with him or not, the Swede has faced down Sir Alex Ferguson to the extent that United have given up the option to send out a doctor. Professor Wallace flew out to Germany today at the FA's request in one last hope that he can lend medical weight to the militancy of the Swede's opinions and keep their insurance validated. Trinidad & Tobago was supposed to be the colourful walkover that provided the light entertainment on Group B. Instead, the World Cup debutants led by Dwight Yorke have stolen a precious point from Sweden and then walked straight into the middle of the FA's latest administrative crisis. But Rooney is not the only selection crisis that Eriksson faced yesterday: Gary Neville walked straight back out of training in the Frankenstadion last night, the pain in his hamstring that had troubled him of late has transferred to his calf. Owen Hargreaves played right-back in the first XI for much of the closed training session, Jamie Carragher filled that position for the set-piece practice. No one could accuse Eriksson of having a team that picks itself any longer. Anything else to worry about? Training in the Frankenstadion yesterday, the heat of another oppressive German summer afternoon bore down on England. The forecast tomorrow is for some cloud cover but, even as the 6pm local time kick-off approaches, with temperatures at 29C the issue of dehydration becomes as dangerous as ever. The nation may have struggled to reconcile the aspirations it has for this England team to some aspects of Saturday's second-half performance against Paraguay, but the complexion of the tournament has changed since then. Portugal's narrow victory over Angola, the slender nature of Brazil's win over Croatia and France's desperate draw with Switzerland have all been mitigating evidence to suggest that a 1-0 victory over Paraguay is not quite such a badge of shame. To reinforce that argument yesterday, Eriksson came armed with statistics. England, he said, he had 55 per cent of possession against Paraguay that compared favourably with Argentina's 49 per cent against the Ivory Coast or that enjoyed by France (51 per cent) and Brazil (50 per cent) in their opening games. In the Frankenstadion, Rooney struck a shot from 40 yards that clipped the crossbar in a practice match and Eriksson's mind no doubt clicked one notch nearer to giving his player a momentous return. The England manager now seems set on a course from which no one, not even the famous professor, can move him.' --------------------------------- [2] 6 mags for £6 - has a nice ring to it --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, June 15, 2006 by ed: There are 6 Red News' from last season still available... and you can get ALL 6 for JUST £6 INCLUDING p&p in UK... £10 ROW... and when you order you get FREE entry into our VIP Forum for a month. What a bargain! Never read the mag? Or just missed out this season? Then order the 6 available Red News' from this season (including the Bestie tribute comes with the 6 as well) for JUST £6 in the UK INCLUDING p&p and £10 ROW (inc p&p). You also then qualify for a free months entry into our news breaking VIP Forum. Order here - product code 6OFFER To order a single copy click on https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rednewsweb%40mac%2ecom&item_name=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&item_number=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&no_shipping=0&no_note=1¤cy_code=GBP&bn=PP%2dBuyNowBF&charset=UTF%2d8 https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=rednewsweb%40mac%2ecom&item_name=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&item_number=Red%20News%20Single%20Copy%20Order&no_shipping=0&no_note=1¤cy_code=GBP&bn=PP%2dBuyNowBF&charset=UTF%2d8 --------------------------------- [1] Fixtures for next season --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: are released 10am next Thursday (22nd) --------------------------------- [37] From last Sunday's Paul McCarthy column in the People --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: http://www.people.co.uk/sport http://www.people.co.uk/sport THERE are so many reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson's temper is causing major tremors throughout Western Europe. His authority has been undermined over Wayne Rooney, he has lost a battle to the hated English and been completely out-witted by another manager. But what is surely threatening to tip him over the edge is the knowledge that his Old Trafford swansong could be holed below the water line before a ball is kicked. Have no doubts, Manchester United - and Ferguson - need Wayne Rooney far more than England need Wayne Rooney. Imagine a tournament without him and names like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen and John Terry still trip off the tongue. Now imagine United starting next season without Rooney and ominous clouds form on the horizon ... as Fergie knows only too well. That's why he's desperately using every one of his infamous array of dark arts to keep his prodigy away from the World Cup for as long as possible. Whispers of inconclusive scans, pointed press statements, threats... they've all been trotted out this week in a bid to heap pressure on the FA, only for Sven Goran Eriksson to dismiss them all out of hand. That leaves Ferguson with only one option - prayer. A prayer that Rooney arrives back in the rudest of health and not nursing the metatarsal injury which could see United's season implode before the end of September. If Rooney is out for even a few weeks, the consequences for Old Trafford are dire. United's campaign was in tatters after a weak start saw Chelsea rack up enough points by the beginning of October to make their lead unassailable. Even with Rooney in the side, there was no way back for Ferguson despite an heroic end-of-season charge. If Rooney returns from Germany still feeling the effects of that broken bone, there's absolutely no hope for United. Not when Chelsea can splash out £31 million for Andriy Shevchenko. Not when they can add such illustrious reinforcements as Michael Ballack to an already formidable squad. Not when Jose Mourinho is renowned for injecting fresh hunger into his team. Ferguson knows that his last season - and surely even the battle-hardened Scot will concede the end is in sight - could all end in dreadful anti-climax if the champions are allowed the luxuryof a flying start. He has had to grit his teeth while Mourinho breaks transfer records and pays his stars £130,000 a week. United's movement in the transfer market has been lethargic at best. The only certainty seems Ruud Van Nistelrooy's exit and the loss of one of United's few remaining jewels. They could barely survive losing another one in the shape of a far-from-fit Rooney. So who can blame Fergie for doing his damndest to scupper the FA and Eriksson? The problem is he has gone head-to-head with a man who he may never speak to again and Eriksson knows it. It won't be the Swede who has to pick up the pieces, so why the hell should he care for diplomacy and keeping the United boss sweet? Let somebody else make the peace while Eriksson is in Madrid or Milan next season. Unfortunately, the man who could suffer most is a man for whom Ferguson still has the utmost respect. But respect for Steve McClaren doesn't mean Fergie is going to make life any easier, especially if his worst fears are made flesh and Rooney breaks down. All England fans can do is hope Rooney emerges unscathed, that United keep Chelsea in their sights from day one and that the wrath of Sir Alex is diluted. Anything less and McClaren could find that this England lark is not all it's cracked up to be. --------------------------------- [36] Yorke on Beckham --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: "My relationship with Becks has always been fantastic, and it will be a bit strange coming up against him. I always thought he was a fantastic player. His work-rate, his leadership, his supply, he leads by example. A fit and in-form David Beckham would cause havoc to any team. I know his game inside out but we have to be at our best to make sure he's not at the top of his game." --------------------------------- [35] Torres hits out at Spain fans --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: We may have to do it without the whole nation behind us thats the sad truth. In Spain, we have a great league . . . so great that for many supporters only the clubs matter. They go to see Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia and to watch Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Beckham and Aimar and many more. It spoils them. So, when Spain play and those wonderful foreigners are not available, people switch off. They do not seem able to separate their club loyalties from their patriotism. Plus, of course, there are parts of Spain where the national team doesnt matter. In the Basque area and in Catalonia, many people have NEVER seen us play. Its hard for people from other countries to believe but we will have cities where nobody will watch us against the Ukraine. The players are totally involved, be they from Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona, wherever. We all know the national team is ALL that matters because what you do with your country makes you a greater or a less player. You can win all the medals there are with your club but very few people lift prizes at international level. Booking a train ticket? var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/js/101842/608750?' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11); document.write(''); Red News are pleased to recommend a local marketing and design company who can do anything from a few flyers and stationery to full marketing strategies and stunning photography. visit: http://www.touchmarketing.co.uk http://www.touchmarketing.co.uk - they even offer special rates for Red News readers. Red News has started selling goods in its own Shop on e.bay - spread the word! http://stores.ebay.co.uk/RedNewsShop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/RedNewsShop great original t-shirts http://www.sumosam.co.uk/ http://www.sumosam.co.uk/ --------------------------------- [34] More Yorke --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: Ive spoken to Gary and Rio as well as texting them both. The feeling amongst everyone else is great. Its just a bit of banter really. I wished them the best against Paraguay and they wished us the same back. --------------------------------- [33] Press Release --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: "It might be the summer months and the start of the world cup, but the Stretford End Flags (SEF) group is already focusing on next season and making Old Trafford more colourful and more atmospheric than ever before. Stretford End Flags hope to have a large over the head super flag in place for the first European home game and funding is reaching the target gure. SEF are calling on all supporters to help get this flag funded and in place in time for September. The group are also in the process of collaborating designs for some new Stretford End banners and all supporters can submit designs via the groups website. If you wish to submit designs for banners or the superflag or simply want to donate towards the cost of these items, then please visit the Stretford End Flags website at www.stretfordendflags.com the more YOU the fans donate, the more that can be achieved". --------------------------------- [32] You got a lot of expenses to blow? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: RN in a bid to allow this site and fanzine to advance, expand and develop (provide even more news for you!) needs to look at new ways to survive and grow and is entertaining the idea of looking for a sponsor ('unsuitable canditates' need not apply) which would provide the suitable candidate (for next to nothing!) with a permanent main link on the top of the news page as well as a permanent image in the fanzine itself. If you or your company may be interested in this, please contact us at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks --------------------------------- [31] Sportinglife on Torres rumours --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: 'Fernando Torres could form a formidable strikeforce with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney at Manchester United next season. Reports indicate that Sir Alex Ferguson is closing in on a £25million deal for Spain international Torres, who will lead the attack for his country in Wednesday's World Cup Group H clash against Ukraine in Leipzig. The Atletico Madrid striker, 22, weighed in with 13 goals in La Liga last season as the capital club finished 10th. But he won numerous plaudits for his all-round displays and has leapt ahead of Raul in the national team's pecking order after scoring seven times in 11 World Cup qualifiers. And instead of Torres replacing van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford, Ferguson is now keen to pair them together, with Rooney completing a fearsome attacking trio. United know they need to match the firepower of Chelsea if they are to have any chance of wresting the Premiership crown back from Stamford Bridge. And with Jose Mourinho able to call upon Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba, Ferguson is determined to assemble an equally robust set of strikers ahead of the 2006/7 campaign.' --------------------------------- [30] Times on '70% fit' Rooney --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: 'SVEN-GÖRAN ERIKSSON may have seen off Sir Alex Ferguson in a row over Wayne Rooney, but yesterday he found himself at loggerheads with his own employer. To his frustration and that of the striker, the England head coach may be forced by Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the Football Association, and an anxious hierarchy to delay Rooneys comeback until next week. The concerns are not medical Rooney was sprinting and shooting freely in a practice match yesterday but political and legal, with the likely outcome that, rather than 20 minutes against Trinidad & Tobago tomorrow, as Eriksson had planned, the striker will be restrained by red tape. The principal issue within the FA is that its insurance policy would not provide sufficient cover if Rooney was to suffer a breakdown in Nuremberg, particularly given that he has not been checked out by an independent surgeon since last weeks scan. While insured under the FAs general policy, these are exceptional circumstances involving a precious asset. The FA had already been open to allegations of risk- taking given that Angus Wallace, professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, advised that Rooney should not play until the knockout stages. Eriksson had invited Wallace out to Germany to examine Rooney before he plays but, with FA sources continuing to claim that no visit had been scheduled before kick-off tomorrow, it is another reason why the striker may have to wait until the match against Sweden next Tuesday. Barwick was back in the team hotel yesterday and he is known to have had dialogue with David Gill, his Manchester United counterpart, about the timing of Rooneys return. While United must allow England to have the final say, Gill will have made his opposite number aware of the risks and the strikers value. Barwick will also know that the club-versus-country issue, particularly relating to injured players and compensation, is increasingly vexed. The G14 clubs, of which United are a prominent member, are even backing a lawsuit against Fifa after a Moroccan player from Charleroi, the Belgian club, was injured on international duty. Provided that the circumstances were favourable, Rooney had been told to expect about 20 minutes off the bench tomorrow night, his first competitive action in more than six weeks since breaking a metatarsal, and he will be hugely frustrated at the idea of being held back. One England source described him as about 70 per cent fit and in need of matches. With Eriksson desperate to have his star striker in good condition for the knockout rounds, the Swede was believed to be trying to find a resolution last night, but he may have to resign himself to waiting until next week. That would not only disappoint England fans but also their opponents. Dwight Yorke, the Trinidad & Tobago captain and former United striker, hoped that Rooney could play some part in Nuremberg. You want the best players in the world playing on this stage and he deserves to be here, Yorke said. We would look forward to it. He brings another dimension to the England team and this World Cup is a fantastic opportunity for him to show his talents. Rooney aside, England hope to stick to the team that beat Paraguay 1-0 on Saturday, although Gary Neville has required further treatment for his troublesome hamstring. Their hopes of playing in cooler conditions may have been dashed, however. England-style weather had been predicted, but more Caribbean temperatures now seem likely.' order anything through itunes from us var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/js/11703474/608750?' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);document.write(''); var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp/img/11582233/608750?' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);document.write(' http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=608750&g=11582233 Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news '); --------------------------------- [29] SKY on Eidur --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: 'Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has agreed a deal with Barcelona and will sign a four-year deal on Wednesday, provided he passes a medical. The Blues gave the Icelandic international permission to head to Barcelona to discuss a move after agreeing a fee with the Catalans on Tuesday. With the arrival of Andrei Shevchenko at Stamford Bridge increasing the likelihood that Gudjohnsen would be restricted to a bit-part role, he opted to listen to the proposal from Barca. Camp Nou officials put a four-year deal on the table and the former Bolton man wasted little time before agreeing terms. Barca view Gudjohnsen as the ideal man to fill the void left by Henrik Larsson's departure and they will unveil their new man at a press conference at 12pm. The only stumbling block is the mandatory medical, but provided Gudjohnsen passes the tests he will be a Barcelona player later on Wednesday. Gudjohnsen has proved to be one of the classiest strikers in England over the course of the last eight years and his technical qualities are sure to fit in well at Camp Nou. His move will come as a blow to the host of Premiership clubs who had been alerted to his availability.' --------------------------------- [28] Fortune may now join Bolton or Siddy --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: "I've decided to stay in Manchester for another season. I want to concentrate on getting my fitness back and hopefully that will swing things and I can have a look again at Celtic in another six or 12 months. I've not closed the door on a move to Scotland and I hope something can still be worked out with Celtic. They're a great club and like AC Milan or Manchester United you don't turn them down lightly. It was difficult from a family point of view to accept a 12-month contract and I did not want to uproot them at this stage. However, I've nothing bad to say about Celtic and I respect their point of view. I hope to use the next season to get back to playing regular football again and then take things from there. I don't yet know what is on offer with the other clubs who have shown interest in signing me, but I will have to look at it. If I can find a new club and play football again then Celtic will still be at the back of my mind. I hope we can arrange something again in the future." --------------------------------- [27] Pallister on Keane --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: When Roy arrived at United he had big boots to fill - Bryan Robsons and, no question, he filled them. Roy was a special player. He was a great leader, a great motivator and he had unbelievable drive and will to win. Who knows,one day we might see him as the manager of Man United. Its always important to leave on a high; he achieved his childhood dream of playing for United and for Celtic. He has to make the right decision for himself and his family. His body had a few knocks over the years because thats the type of player he is and Im sure its been a tough decision for him but hes received medical advice and spoken with his family, thats the best decision. It must have been a huge blow when Roy and Paul Scholes missed out on the Champions League final. Roys drive meant he wanted to play in the final and I think he got frustrated with the team maybe not reaching the heights they did in 1999 on a regular basis. To his credit he always wanted to achieve bigger and better things. Unfortunately, United never managed reach a European final again, I think its one of the frustrating parts of his career. Who knows, one day we might see him as the manager of Man United." --------------------------------- [26] Daily Star --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: link us with £25m bid for Torres --------------------------------- [25] More Becks on Yorke --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: "Dwight Yorke is still a force and being the person he is, he'd love to put one over England. Dwight and Andy Cole formed one of the best strike partnerships I have played with in their time at Old Trafford." http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-795737-10393254 Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-795737-10364037 CDs, DVDs, Games - great prices with free delivery Check http://www.rednews.co.uk to view the image which has been removed from plain text email version of news --------------------------------- [24] MEN on Vidic --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: NEMANJA Vidic has a fight on his hands to get fit in time for the start of United's new season in August after suffering an agonising World Cup KO. The Serbia and Montenegro defender's campaign in Germany was wrecked in training as he prepared for his tournament debut against Argentina in Gelsenkirchen on Friday. The 24-year-old, who was becoming a cult figure as a no-nonsense defender at Old Trafford following his £7m move from Spartak Moscow in January, missed his country's opener against Holland because of a one-match ban. But his misery was compounded when he twisted his knee and damaged ligaments. Serbia and Montenegro's national team spokesman Aleksandar Boskovic said: "Our national team will have just 21 players for the rest of our games in Germany as Nemanja Vidic is sidelined because of a serious knee injury. "During practice he went to block a shot but, unfortunately, he rotated his knee too much. His yell was horrendous and we all knew immediately something bad had happened. "He was taken to hospital and it was found he had damaged his medial collateral ligament. He must rest for several weeks, according to our national team doctor Ilija Asanin. Nemanja will remain with us here in Germany. He is in a stable condition and is psychologically good, as much as a youngster who dreamed about the World Cup can be after suffering such a thing." Having been immediately ruled out of the competition, it suggests the United player has suffered a Grade III medial collateral ligament injury which needs a recovery period of six weeks plus. Six weeks would take Vidic to the last week in July, just as the Reds return from their pre-season tour of South Africa and just over four weeks away from the August 19 start of the Premiership. Sir Alex Ferguson has four other of his senior outfield defenders, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand (England), Gabriel Heinze (Argentina) and Mikael Silvestre (France) away on World Cup duty.' --------------------------------- [23] It all gets legal? --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: from the SUN 'Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a row which is set to rule him out of the clash with Trinidad & Tobago tomorrow. Sven Goran Eriksson is to do a U-turn after originally telling the striker he would be a sub and Rooney is furious. The FA fear Manchester United will take legal action if Rooney were to break down in the game as he recovers from his broken metatarsal. United have not got involved in the argument this week. But manager Alex Ferguson has already made it clear he did not want his star striker to play in any of the group games. He warned England chief Eriksson that if he ignored him then it would be on the Swedes head. Now the bigwigs of Soho Square have clearly intervened. It is known that FA chief executive Brian Barwick has discussed the situation with his opposite number at United, David Gill, who backed Fergusons position.' --------------------------------- [22] Van Basten on Ruud --------------------------------- Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006 by ed: "I have not discussed anything with Ruud. He did not play well on Sunday but these things happen. I played a lot of games at a very high level. Sometimes you play badly, sometimes you play well. There is nothing unusual in that. I still have total confidence in his ability." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For United books, videos, DVDs etc http://www.rednews.co.uk/ama.php?id=amazon ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Something is new at Yahoo! Groups. Check out the enhanced email design. http://us.click.yahoo.com/SISQkA/gOaOAA/yQLSAA/GtUolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> For the very latest news check out the website: http://www.rednews.co.uk Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RED_NEWS_MUFC_NEWS/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! 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