And suddenly, just like that, the business end really starts. Like it or not, Liverpool fans would do well to get behind the new manager Brendan Rodgers, and any other senior staff on the way. Some may have complained that it took too long to appoint him. Yet had FSG been quicker, the conspiracy theorists would have complained about alleged behind-the-scenes pre-emptive discussions between FSG and their new appointment while Kenny was still in charge.

It is now sixteen years since Germany last won a major international tournament. This (perhaps surprisingly long) period of time hasn't been without its fair share of pain, but to suggest that this is some sort of drought when when they've reached the World Cup final, the World Cup semi-final and the European Championship final in those intervening years would be something of a push.

Morning all and it's Friday, at last.

News is somewhat scarce but we'll muddle on and find something to talk about. We could start with the fact the club gave some futher insight into the appointments of Steve Bould and Neil Banfield. We know that the former is going to be Arsene's assistant but Banfield thought he was just going to have a chat about the reserves when the boss called him into his office:

The manager invited me into his office, and with Steve Bould going up to be assistant manager I thought that he may have pulled me in to explain his decision.

Their Words "Thank you, Pep. For the happiness you have given us and for all you have done for your Barça; for having perfected a footballing model that can never be questioned again; for having represented the institution in such an exemplary fashion, honouring the values that define us as a Club; for all your support, affection and love".

While this piece, more general than usual, is not strictly to do with Manchester United, there are more than a few references to the club and its past and the overriding feelings of the write-up is one that'll surely resonate more with United fans than others. It is appropriate and topical, though not quite anything to do with the side this season and the title race, rather in reaction to the Premier League's sudden 'look at me' celebrations, looking back nostalgically at the best of the League since it started back in 1992; players, managers, even quotes.

Probably the best striker in Madrid history, Schalke's Spanish forward Raul Gonzales has confirmed that he will be leaving the Bundesliga club at the end of the season.

The 34 year old shocked fans and critics alike when he left Madrid for Schalke in the summer of 2010 with many believing it was the end of his illustrous career.

Predicting results at this stage of the season becomes something of a fool's errand. Easter time has always thrown up shock results. The only surprise is that we continue to be surprised by it. There are just so many factors at this stage of the season that make facing Wigan in December, for instance, a much, much different prospect to facing them in April.

By Alan Duffy

Chelsea's goal-hero at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night was the subject of a somewhat random Tweet of affection during the game with Barcelona, as pint-sized Hollywood heavyweight Danny DeVito expressed his admiration for the big Ivorian striker...

I can see a remake of Twins in the offing, with DeVito reprising his role and the Drog taking on Arnold Schwarzenegger's part.

[T]his time four years ago Carlisle United stood on the brink of glory. A single win from their last three games against Leeds United, Southend or Millwall would have been enough for the Cumbrians to claim the final automatic promotion spot from League One and reach the heady heights of English football's second tier for the first time in 20 years.

End of season title deciders in non-league football have a tendency to bring out vastly inflated crowds which hint at the potential of a club were it to be playing at a higher level, and this weekend was no exception with a crowd of 5,009 people turning out at The Exacta Stadium in Chester to see Chester FC draw 1-1 with Northwich Victoria to lift the Premier Division title in the Northern Premier League.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is confident he'll return to action stronger than ever next season after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The Brazilian international damaged anterior cruciate ligaments in his knee, stretchered off during the Reds' 2-0 win away at Chelsea in the League Cup.

Recent events have made French footballers more cautious with their affection. Not sure? Keep one hand in your pocket while giving, both hands behind your back if receiving. Image: CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images.

We love happy footballers.

We love happy footballers running, walking or standing still in shorts even more.

Having spent time in Singapore, I can personally vouch for the fact that the locals love them some Premier League. One couple with a particularly disproportionate affection for a league that takes place over 6,000 miles from their home is the newly pronounced Mr and Mrs Han, who themed their nuptials entirely around their favorite Merseyside club.

In the wake of what's transpired this evening with Fabrice Muamba, it's probably best we all take a moment and recognize the fragility of life, and perhaps more importantly, the need to take time out of our days to express affection for those that we truly care about. Less venom, more healthy debate.

The Smell of Football by Mick 'Baz' Rathbone Published by Vision Sports Publishing July 2011, £12.99 ISBN: 978-1907637148 I have a regular correspondent who likes to talk football. A Liverpool die-hard, man of Shrewsbury, our exchanges normally concern the current wiles of his personal idol, Rafael Benitez, or his affection for his hometown 'Salop!

It has taken me a couple of days to post my thoughts.Forgive me, Wednesday night gave us a lot to take in.
The settingI am not a fan of the Rogers Centre. I think it managed toget the ambience wrong, the connection between fan and field is too often missing.It works best for baseball, though even then it has it's flaws.

More indication about the potential departure of Barcelona's Seydou Keita next season arrived after the player revealed his interest on Liverpool's offer in bringing him to Anfield next summer.

The Mali international player revealed that the Reds' attention on him simply flattered the midfielder as Keita believes that Kenny Dalglish side are one of the top clubs in Europe and it's always nice when big teams showed an affection.

Real Madrid successfully grabbed another important victory in La Liga after beating Rayo Vallecano with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, the result obviously pleasing for the Galacticos' coach, Jose Mourinho, but he admitted that it was a rather fortunate win for them.

Mourinho gives lots of credit for Vallecano, who in his eyes actually deserved a point from the game, considering the positive attitude that the home side showed.

Ah, fine piece by Joe Posnanski about context in baseball.

It's this context that we think exists in football, but can't access.

Some nice quotes:

I think that, in many ways, baseball arguments come down to context. I hear all the time about how baseball fans are "stat people" and "anti-stat people," but I don't think that dividing line exists.

Captain Cuddles John Terry must have thought yesterday was going to be a dream afternoon for him. Three points against Manchester United, plus the perfect opportunity to put his new PR campaign into action. An unsuspecting Ramires was the bemused recipient of the former England captain's affection as JT addressed his race relations isses with [.

Live Babel Twitter chat

Ryan Babel may have swapped Liverpool for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in January but the Dutch star has never made any secret of the affection he still holds for the Reds.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2011-12-19 18:25:35 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

6pm: Live Babel Twitter chat

Ryan Babel may have swapped Liverpool for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in January but the Dutch star has never made any secret of the affection he still holds for the Reds.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2011-12-19 13:10:56 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

All the futbolitos we've spoken to from Argentina (who support Boca disculpe Independiente fans!) share the same level affection for Juan Roman Riquelme, who is easily one of the club's most respected players. We can also reveal that he's a very level-headed hombre, and for that reason, has struck a chord with many football fans.

Warnock: I'm still a red

Stephen Warnock has spoken of his deep affection for Liverpool Football Club and is relishing the prospect of going head-to-head with his former club when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2011-12-17 11:41:40 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Happy Friday everyone. Yesterday brought news of another loan stint for an American overseas. In this case though, it was one of the more high profile national team players with Landon Donovan headed to Everton.
The Los Angeles Galaxy and Everton came to terms on a two-month loan deal that will see Donovan play for the English side until February 25th.

By J Hutcherson - WASHINGTON, DC (Dec 5, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Those of us that grew up in the televised soccer wasteland that was the United States for a lot of years probably share a similar story and a similar affection for a collection of video tapes. After all, it was how we saw what we read or heard about.

Despite the fact that David Villa has had a slightly tough time of late at the Nou Camp, it appears as though Kenny Dalglish will not be getting his hands on the Barcelona striker.
Speaking earlier today, the prolific Spain frontman, who has scored over 50 international goals, cooled rumours of an exit.

Their Words I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time. Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford. Other Sources Gary Speed: A football man of principle who engendered huge affection - from The Guardian's Richard Williams: Speed's entire record formed a testament to his natural aptitude for the game on the.

Image Credit: Claudio Villa/Getty Images.

AC Milan/Italy forward, Antonio Cassano, publicly thanked his supporters yesterday after successfully undergoing heart surgery.

Stemming from a mysterious illness that he suffered on a return plane ride following AC Milan's match against AS Roma on 28 October, Cassano told well-wishers how their kind thoughts and words of encouragement had lifted his own spirits.

Fergie's the greatest manager... but would you go for a pint with him?

Here's a sneak preview of how I'll look on Strictly Come Dancing's Halloween special this Saturday. People have been saying for years that I'm nothing but hair and teeth and this proves they're right!

Having little playing chances since pretty much the latter part of last season, many rumors are spreading regarding, Marouane Chamakh's future with Arsenal as the media believed that the Moroccan would be leaving Emirates soon.

However, that negative news were immediately squashed by the Gunners' manager, Arsene Wenger, who confirmed that his striker isn't going to move away from the London outfit especially next January.

Every Wednesday, we round up the offbeat stories in football for you! This week, read what Xabi Alonso & Diego Forlan's women have to say and watch Hope Solo as she waltzes across the ballroom.

Nagore Aranburu, also known as Xabi Alonso's beautiful and intelligent wife (classy as Mrs.

There have been a fair few strikers that have come to Chelsea and have struggled to find their form for one reason or another. Robert Fleck, Chris Sutton, Pierluigi Casiraghi and Mateja Kezman. All outstanding strikers in football and like I say for one reason or another struggled to make an impact at the club.

CJ talked about the reaction to his poem/rap for Hope Solo, breaking hearts, fans and the desire to finish top of the table in the conference. CJ rapping his affection for Hope Solo

Diego Forlan has said goodbye to Atletico Madrid and he is set to sign for Inter Milan. The Uruguay striker is expected to travel to Milan today (Monday) and sign a two-year contract with Inter.

"It's difficult to say goodbye after four years here and three years at Villarreal," said Forlan in a press conference in Madrid.

Diego Forlan has bid Atletico Madrid goodbye and he is set to sign for Inter Milan. The Uruguay striker is expected to travel to Milan today (Monday) and sign a two-year contract with Inter.

"It's difficult to say goodbye after four years here and three years at Villarreal," said Forlan in a press conference in Madrid.

Barcelona have finalised an agreement for the transfer of Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.

Arsene Wenger earlier revealed that he hoped the long-running saga would be resolved very soon and later confirmed his skipper would play no part in Saturday's Premier League opener against Newcastle at St James' Park.

Kenny Dalglish's plan in trying to keep Alberto Aquilani at Anfield for the new season seems to be an utopia as the latest reports suggested that the player is very close in making another return to Italy, in another potential loan move to Fiorentina with permanent buy-out clause for the next season.

Out of favor Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch is not paying too much attention to the speculation surrounding his future.

The 30-year old former QPR striker was reportedly closing in on a return to Loftus Road, particularly after his encouraging comments for the recently promoted outfit.

My love for The Gaslight Anthem is well-documented so I will not regale you with further confessions of affection for Brian Fallon and co. I will however mention that Fallon has a new side project called The Horrible Crowes and basically songs like GA on the mellow although Fallon says this is his chance "to experiment with the darker side of soul music.