A name that has been cropping up since Graham Westley's departure last week is Gary Smith. In
fact, Smith is currently the favourite for the job with bookmakers and is reportedly on Phil
Wallace's 6 man shortlist along with the likes of Paul Buckle and Paul Ince. However, Smith is the
one candidate that not many supporters know much about.
By Chris Wright
It wasn't a particularly strong field for one reason or another but, after whittling their
10-strong shortlist down to a final three, FIFA saw fit to hand their Puskas Award for the best
goal scored during 2011 to Santos wunderkind Neymar for his fine fleet-footed 'slalom' effort
against Flamengo back in July.
Brazilian teen superstar Neymar could not hide his joy when his name was called out as the
winner of the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal scored in 2011. The 19 year old won the award
after more than 1.5 million internet users and football experts voted in favour of his sublime solo
effort against Fluminense
Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Neymar could not hide his joy and excitement at
winning the prestigious award calling it the best goal he has ever scored.
Lionel Messi won the FIFA Balon d'OR for the second consecutive time after the inception of the
award last year. With this victory he has won the FIFA World Player of Year and Balon d'Or for the
third consecutive time. It was a no btainer from the time the three man shortlist was
announced.
Liverpool are reportedly contemplating a January move for Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal.
The Israel international has impressed all and sundry since his move to Parkhead from Maccabi Haifa
in the summer of 2010, and has made 55 appearances for the Hoops.
According to the Daily Mail, Kayal is a target for Liverpool as Kenny Dalglish considers bolstering
his midfield during the transfer window.
Since it's the time of year when no one is in the mood to do anything other than sloth out,
we've decided to have a look back at the year that was before asking our lovely readers to help us
declare a football power couple of 2011.
As you're painfully aware, we love our footy stars.
With Euro 2012 seemingly drawing ever closer, it is still unclear whether or not the English FA
have begun to consider who they would like to see replace current boss Fabio Capello whose contract
expires at the end of the tournament next Summer. Whoever takes the job will have the task of
getting England to the finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare to face off tomorrow in the much awaited clasico at the
Santiago Bernabeu. The match will offer hosts Madrid the chance to extend their lead over Barcelona
should they win and keep them level on points with the Catalans in case they lose.
A loss however is not on the mind of Jose Mourinho who is looking to extend Madrid's 9 game home
winning streak.
FIFA's final 3 man shortlist for the coveted World Player of the year award were announced
yesterday and usual suspects Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo made the Cut. Joining the pair is
Messi's Barcelona team mate Xavi.
Messi who has won the award on two previous occasions, is looking to make history by wining the
award for the third consecutive year at the award gala ceremony in Zurich's Kongresshaus on January
9th.
The shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or awards was announced today and we just
have to
ask: how will C-Ron be able to top his suavely suited style from last year? Oh, and who do you
think will win? That's important too.
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi will
win the Ballon d'Or once again but argues that he feels stronger than all his colleagues without
such an accolade.
Ibrahimovic has enjoyed an impressive return to form since moving to Milan from Barca in August
2010.
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has voiced his 'huge pride' at emulating former club legends by
wearing the number seven jersey at Anfield.
The Uruguay international has followed in the footsteps of Reds heroes such as manager Kenny
Dalglish and ex-frontman Kevin Keegan by donning the revered shirt.
Bale and Rooney on FIFA world XI shortlist
Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard also made the list, which was dominated by
La Liga
View the full story here: The Mirror
A news article on 2011-12-01 11:36:11 from: The Mirror
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
By Alan Duffy
2009 winner Ryan Giggs. Talent, looks, money AND personality no wonder he's a hit with the
ladies.
The Manchester Evening News demonstrated a rather fine example of parochialism in choosing its
shortlist for the 2011 BBC Sports Personality awards.
Andy Carroll will play his way into Fabio Capello's plans, says Liverpool manager Kenny
Dalglish
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is convinced £35 million striker Andy Carroll is still on
Fabio Capello's England shortlist for Euro 2012.
View the full story here: The Mail
A news article on 2011-11-19 23:04:00 from: The Mail
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Just a quick one before we get all Monday Night Football up in yo' grills. London
nightclub frequenter and occasional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur, Giovani Dos Santos, has got
himself on the shortlist for the Puskas Award. Or in plain-speak: FIFA's Most Bestest Most
Super Cool Goals of the Year award.
So it seems Arsenal's decision to cash in on Samir Nasri has not turned out to be as bad as
first feared.
The general feeling among the supporters and media were that Nasri following Fabregas out of the
club spelt the end of Arsenal dining at the top table of the Premier League and in Europe.
I am a big fan of Brazilian legend Pele, however, his recent remarks about players from other
nationalities is sad to say the least. Only a few weeks ago, Pele was in the news making similar
comments regarding Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi. This time, Pele has shifted his
attention to England international Wayne Rooney.
By Alan Duffy
Gervinho and Yaya Touré celebrate
Four Premier League stars have made the shortlist for the 2011 CAF African Player Of The Year
awards, with the Ivorian trio of powerhouse Yaya Touré, fleet-footed wideman Gervinho and veteran
hitman Didier Drogba all getting the nod along with QPR's Moroccan schemer Adel Taarabt
However, they'll be up against four-time winner Samuel Eto'o (FC New Russian Money & Cameroon),
Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan & Ghana), Seydou Keita (Barcelona & Mali), Asamoah Gyan (FC New Dubai
Money & Ghana), Andre Ayew (Marseille & Ghana) and Moussa Sow (Lille & Senegal).
"El 'loco' que Pep lleva dentro"
We've been remiss in posting our weekend TV guides the past couple weeks. This weekend we offer
a belated and truncated version, consisting of a single match that's kicking off in just a few
hours: La Liga's late match on Sunday, Athletic Bilbao hosting FC Barcelona, kicking off at 8pm in
"la Catedral de futbol" Estadio San Mamés (which corresponds to 2pmET; televised in the
US on ESPN Deportes, and also available via ESPN3.
Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the 2011 Ballon d'Or after the shortlist of names was released
and In The Stands makes a compelling case for the Barcelona superstar to win it. Who can deny that
Lionel Messi deserves to win his third successive Ballon d'Or crown? Throughout the last few years
the 23 [.
Welcome to another TGIF, which because of my work commitments is now written between Friday
evening and Saturday morning. I still feel that this feature is worth producing. It gives me a
chance to round up the issues of the week and comment about anything which is exercising Gooners
over their pints of beer.
ESPNsoccernet is reporting that Brazilian stat Neymar has agreed to join Real Madrid next summer
from Santos for around £53m.
At 19, Neymar is one of the brightest talents in world football having shone for his club Santos
and also on the international stage for Brazil. Yesterday he was included on the shortlist for the
World Footballer Of The Year.
The Golden ball has released their shortlist of players of which one will be chosen as the
undisputed best player for this past year. Yet, as it's been the case for a couple of years now,
the shortlist raised more questions than provided answers.
The list, which is chosen by France Football Magazine, has always had its critics although as of
late, it has attracted more widespread criticism than ever before.
Football federations are clueless at best, corrupt at worst, and in other breaking news the sky
is blue. At least when it's not overcast. Though even then it's probably blue above the clouds.
Unless there are no planes flying overhead and so nobody to see it, because then you're getting
into trees falling in the forest territory.
On this week's Gadsby's England roundup, Wayne Rooney is the only English player on the Ballon
d'or shortlist, proving again how the Premier League is the "greatest league in the world", John
Terry's racism probe, and for the second week running, Steven Gerrard calls in, this time to talk
about his ankle injury which rules him out of the Spain and Sweden fixtures.
Rooney the sole Englishman on Ballon d'Or shortlist
Manchester United striker is one of four Premier League players in running for the award
View the full story here: Talksport
A news article on 2011-11-01 10:37:47 from: Talksport
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez in hunt for World Footballer of the Year
award
Four Premier League players have been unveiled on the shortlist for the World Footballer of the
Year award. As revealed by Sportsmail last month, Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman in the 23 men
in the running.
Rooney up for Ballon d'Or
Wayne Rooney is the only English player named on the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 Ballon
d'Or.
View the full story here: Sky Sports
A news article on 2011-11-01 08:00:32 from: Sky Sports
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Rooney up for Ballon d'Or
Wayne Rooney is the only English player named on the 23-man shortlist for the 2011 Ballon
d'Or.
View the full story here: Sky Sports
A news article on 2011-11-01 08:00:32 from: Sky Sports
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
Wayne Rooney, Nani, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez in hunt for world player of the year
award
Four Premier League players have been unveiled on the shortlist for the World Footballer of the
Year award. As revealed by Sportsmail last month, Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman in the 23 men
in the running.
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Liverpool's Luis Suarez make 23-man shortlist for
2011 Fifa Ballon d'Or
An impressive number of seven Spaniards are in contention to win the prestigious individual
trophy, while three Germans are in the race to scoop up the award
View the full story here: Goal
A news article on 2011-11-01 07:35:00 from: Goal
This news item has been reproduced from today's media.
FIFA and France Football have announced the names of the players and coaches on the short lists for
the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Coach of the Year for the Women's
Football and three U.S. players have made the list of 10: Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Alex
Morgan.
U.
FELIZ MARTES! The shortlist for the Women's FIFA Ballon d'Or has been
announced and surprise, surprise, three of the names drawn are from the US national team.
The winners, Japan, also have two possible winners in the list, as do France. Abby
Wambach (seen above with a fan), Hope Solo and Aya
Miyama are a few of the key names but all these talented futbolitas are all
winners in their own right.
CLIFTON 0-2 AFC HUCKNALL Saturday 22nd October Central Midlands League Division -
South Norman Archer Memorial Ground, Green Lane, NottinghamA trip up to Nottinghamshire is the order of the day with Clifton being one that was on a shortlist
of four – the other three being clubs in the Notts Senior League.
John Henry admits he was won round by Kenny Dalglish after initially wanting to appoint a younger
manager in the Liverpool FC hotseat.
Saturday marked the anniversary of Fenway Sports Group's protracted £300million LFC takeover that
banished Tom Hicks and George Gillett from the club.
One of Henry's first decisions as principal owner was to install Dalglish in place of deposed
manager Roy Hodgson on a temporary basis in January until the end of last season.
Feels a long time since that godawful game against Birmingham doesn't it? Since then we've seen
Nigel Doughty leave following the departure of his last managerial appointment, we've seen a LOT of
rumours we've seen Frank Clark arrive as chairman, and we've seen him announce that he's going to
take some time to put a shortlist together.
If widespread reports are to be believed, Nottingham Forest have narrowed their search for a new
manager, drawing up a final shortlist of three names: Steve Cotterill, Mark Robins and Kevin
McDonald. There can be no doubt that following one of the most successful Championship managers
currently around in Billy Davies, and a former England manager in Steve McClaren, these names will
be a major disappointment to many fans who still have hopes of the City Ground being a lofty
footballing haven for top quality bosses [.
The last gasp of the Gasperini
It took just five matches but Massimo Moratti decided he had had seen enough. Its Rolodex time
once again at the San Siro as Gian Piero Gasperini was given his marching orders after Inter lost
1-3 against newly promoted Novara.
Gasperini after the news of his sacking:
"In the end, the results are the ones that determine everything.
Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is top of Blackburn's shortlist should they sack the
under-fire Steve Kean.
Solskjaer – now 38 - is the current manager of Norwegian side Molde and is on the brink of
winning the league title in Norway, which has drawn the attention of the Blackburn owners,
according to an article in The Mirror.
