Since the retirement of David Seaman from international football in 2002, it has been widely accepted that England have lacked a top class goalkeeper. Neither of the two players who have been the primary possessors of the number one jersey since his departure have ever convinced. David James is capable of brilliance and calamity, whilst Paul Robinson is solid but not a goalkeeper of international class. England fans have taken hope however, in a ‘keeper who genuinely has the potential to be a top class custodian; Manchester City’s Joe Hart. With David James fast approaching the age of 40, virtually every follower of England is in agreement that Joe Hart is the natural choice to take over as the nations’ first choice goalkeeper. Indeed on first impression it does appear to be the ideal solution, at 23 Hart is young and he arguably gave the best performances of any English keeper in the Premier League last season at Birmingham. However, it is not all good news, and a problem is looming large over the horizon.

The problem is that it is quite possible that Joe Hart will be playing very few games in the coming season. Man City’s first choice is Shay Given, and barring injury it is likely that he will play in the majority if not all of City’s league games this season. At 34 years-of-age Given is in the prime of his career and has been one of the best ‘keepers in the league for the past five seasons. Joe Hart may well be limited to cup appearances and the odd league outing. Roberto Mancini has already made it clear that he has no intention of selling Hart or sending him out on loan. City were stung towards the end of last season by a goalkeeping injury crisis when they had to bring Sunderland’s Marton Fulop in on an emergency loan. Mancini in his crucial second season, understandably wants his club to have two good goalkeepers in order to cope with injury and maintain the strongest assault possible on the Premier League. What exacerbates matters is that Given still has a good few years of playing ahead of him, and with Man City having no need or desire to sell the top English goalkeeping prospect, it may not be just this season that Hart largely sits out on the bench. This may well present a major problem, if Hart is not playing for his club it will be difficult for him to play for England, and another ‘keeper may have to take up the reins.

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The alternatives to Hart do not particularly inspire confidence. If he does not retire James may have a small role to play in some qualifiers, but is certainly not a viable choice as number one. Robert Green has failed on the big stage and probably destroyed any confidence he had. Capello does not appear to favour Paul Robinson. There is one alternative and that is Ben Foster, and he may provide a glimmer of hope. Unlike Hart, Foster is likely to be playing regular football, ironically at Birmingham City. If with regular football Foster can recapture the form he showed at Watford then England may have another top-class goalkeeper on their hands. However it is a big ‘if’, and if Foster doesn’t perform and Hart doesn’t play, England’s goalkeeping crisis may continue for a while yet.

When I sat down to watch England play the Platinum All-Stars on the internet there was no commentary, instead all I got was a torturous, mono-toned drone. I checked the speakers on my laptop and fiddled with the wires, but still it continued. I then realised that the noise was coming from the game, and after only 5 minutes it was bugging me. ‘I hope it doesn’t last for the whole game’, I thought. Unfortunately it lasted for the whole month.

The Vuvuzela, what more can I say? We all have our opinions on them, some love them most loathe them. Me? Well, I loathe them, so I was thrilled when the first few Premier League dominoes started to topple in banning them. In the World Cup we tolerated them as they were all part of the South African footballing culture. But now we’re coming back round to the start of our domestic season it is time to leave them in the sub continent.

Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham, Sunderland and Birmingham have all made official announcements which prohibit the instruments from entering their stadia this coming season. All of which cited health and safety and decibel levels as reasons for their actions. However I can’t help but feel that at some level these are just official excuses for saying: ‘We just find them irritating’. I don’t believe that anyone in England would relish sitting through a game with a man blowing on his Vuvuzela next to them for 90 minutes.

At some point we’ve all been sat in the stands near the large man banging away on his big bass drum *BANG BANG, BANG BANG BANG, BANG BANG BANG BANG, TOTTENHAM*. That can get a bit annoying sometimes, but at least it encourages some crowd interaction. What would happen to terrace chanting amidst the whining of trumpets? The strong hearted encouragement for the home team, the gentle mockery of the opponent; these are the thing we stand to lose if the Vuvuzelas are welcomed in the Premier League.

Blackpool are rumoured to be considering allowing them into Bloomfield Road in order to create an intimidating home field advantage. In fairness to them, they may be on to something. Blackpool will have the smallest stadium next season, so if they think they can increase the noise inside the ground with the Vuvuzelas then good luck to them. But the question that arises is will people actually do it? I expect one man with a Vuvuzela could quickly be discouraged from using it if the 100 people around him aren’t keen. Birmingham have said that they have banned it after a survey of fans were heavily in favour of keeping them away from St Andrews – power to the people!

When I was 13 I brought a flag at the Tottenham club shop. It was, what can only be described as a standard flag – a piece of cloth with the club badge on it attached to a piece of cheap wood. But when I got to the turnstiles it was taken from me because it was deemed a health and safety hazard. ‘Health and Safety gone mad’ I remember thinking. But, for once, it seems health safety has been thinking clearly. So long Vuvuzelas, it’s been…well…annoying.

Written By Karl Sears

Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

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A mid-week game at Upton Park in May saw the assembled crowd witness a peculiar case of déjà vu. Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and John Terry were among those sporting West Ham’s claret and blue strip that evening. These PL stars and countless others were in attendance for Tony Carr’s testimonial. The club’s Director of Youth Development was granted this special accolade having been associated with the club for over 40 years. It was a proud moment for a man who has tutored stars such as Michael Carrick, Jermaine Defoe, Glen Johnson and many more. Carr’s diligent and tireless work has seen a new generation of youngsters emerge at Upton Park. But with a change in manager and an eventful summer transfer window what are the prospects of James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Zavon Hines continuing their progression this season?

Since witnessing his own playing career prematurely ended by injury Tony Carr has been a constant presence at West Ham. His dedication to grass-roots football and development of young talent, capable of reaching the highest level of the game is an achievement that the club, its fans and Carr himself are rightly proud of. It is a source of frustration that many of the gifted players developed at West Ham went on to depart the club despite commanding huge transfer fees. The BBC dubbed Carr the ‘youth coach who had nurtured £80 million of talent’ in the past decade. As the next generation of young starlets reach maturity are their chances of regularly making the club’s first XI this season in doubt?

Under Avram Grant the club have made five summer signings thereby potentially restricting the playing chances of the recent Academy graduates. Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid have been signed to boost the manager’s defensive options. This may impinge on the development of Basildon born James Tomkins who was once described by Gianfranco Zola as ‘my JT.’ The youngster made a few untimely errors last season but is positionally intelligent and has aerial strength. Fans would not wish to see his professional development falter.

The acquisition of Pablo Barrera and possible loan signing of Miralem Sulejmani may scupper the playing time of Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears. Local lad, Sears is one player who has regressed since scoring on his PL debut against Blackburn in 2008. This match winning cameo would be hard to replicate but first team chances have not been forthcoming for the quick forward. Loan spells at Crystal Palace and Coventry City saw him employed sporadically and invariably out of position. How West Ham handle his development over the next season will be critical to his future prospects at the club.

Nonetheless recent Academy graduates including Zavon Hines and Jack Collison have forced their way into the first team picture at West Ham. Currently nursing a knee injury, Collison in particular has shown exemplary qualities, inviting comparisons with Lampard and Carrick. Used on the left of midfield but a strong candidate for a more central role, Collison is an elegant ball player, has a range of passing and goes for goal after commonly finding space on the edge of the box. The player showed dignity and character when returning to the field so soon after the tragic death of his father last year.

It is a convention that when a player or manager joins a new club there is the obligatory talk of a great history and traditions. Avram Grant made no departure from this predictable formula and must manage his youngsters with care. In the traditions of the club Academy graduates should be granted playing time. A balance needs to be struck between youth and experience but Grant will be mindful of not hindering the players who have all received the expert guidance of Carr. Anthony Edgar, cousin of Defoe, who has impressed in pre-season is proof that the production line keeps on coming at the Boleyn Ground.

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Scotland full-back Alan Hutton is desperate to return to first-team action in the near future, having drifted out of favour with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old former Rangers defender ended last season out on loan at Sunderland, but the Black Cats were priced out of a permanent deal, with Spurs looking to recoup much of the £9million they paid for Hutton.

"It has been tough for me. I was looking at options in the summer but nothing came off," Hutton told the Sunday Mail.

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

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

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

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

"But I want something sorted, one way or another, as soon as possible."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

New Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaus wants Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to end his international retirement.

Berbatov, 29, retired from international football in May following Bulgaria's disappointing qualifying campaign for the World Cup finals.

He scored 48 goals in 77 appearances for the Tricolors but ended his international career following criticism of both himself and the national team.

Since his decision Matthaus has replaced Stanimir Stoilov as coach and the former Germany international has revealed that talks with Berbatov are his number one priority.

"I plan to start talks with Berbatov," said Matthaus.

"He is still welcome in the Bulgarian national team. As a Bulgarian player he should be proud to play for his country."

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Berbatov is currently playing the best football of his United career after going some way to silence his doubters with a stunning hat-trick in last weekend's 3-2 Premier League victory over Liverpool.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Manchester United fans have been asked for their patience after a day of meetings between Sir Alex Ferguson, chief executive David Gill and representatives of Wayne Rooney.

United claimed "no developments" were available on the future of their unsettled striker following showdown talks at Old Trafford.

On Wednesday Rooney went public with his desire to leave after citing United's lack of ambition.

Ferguson vowed to act swiftly and prevent the situation becoming a saga and following Wednesday evening's 1-0 Champions League victory over Bursaspor he promised to "put it to bed".

However, amid newspaper reports that the 24-year-old has had a sensation change of heart and now wants to stay at Old Trafford, United are remaining tight-lipped on the issue.

"We are aware that there is intense public and media interest on the club at the moment, but there are no developments of note to report," read a club statement.

"We can confirm a number of meetings have taken place today (Thursday), including with the player's representative.

"The outcome of those meetings will become clear in the near future. In the meantime, fans are asked to be patient."

Meanwhile, up to 30 United supporters had to be moved on by police after staging a protest outside Rooney's home on Thursday evening.

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"Cheshire Police can confirm that at 8.30pm, a call was received from a resident in Prestbury regarding 20 to 30 people assembling outside their address," confirmed a police spokesperson.

"Police attended the scene and the group dispersed peacefully. No offences were disclosed."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Liverpool are arguably still the most famous team in England, despite what them down the road say (the last time I checked, Liverpool still had a few more European Cups anyway). However, this season, whilst United have already added a League Cup to their cabinet, Liverpool have been languishing in the Premier League, and got knocked out of the Champions League. However, do not fret Liverpool fans, as you do not walk alone. It appears that whilst you may not be top of the Premier League, you are well represented with REAL fans in celebrity circles. Here are Liverpool’s top ten celebrity fans…

Click on Billy Bob Thornton to see Liverpool’s TOP 10 Celebrity Fans

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Well there you have it. Liverpool have some rather blooming huge Hollywood stars supporting the Reds, as well as locals like Tarbuck, Charles and Peel. However, if you think you know of more celebrity supporters, feel obliged to add to the list at your own discretion.

Some horrific injuries have put an end to players careers there and then and some have left mental scars so deep that players have never been the same on a football pitch. There have been some harrowing tales of players never being the same after horrific injuries, but we shouldn’t forget the niggling less dramatic injuries that have cost very good players their lively hoods. After Owen Hargreaves limped out of Manchester United’s 2-1 win at home to Wolves on Saturday, we highlight 10 players whose careers have been ended completely or have taken a down wood trajectory after injury. This list is in no order, it only highlights the damage that some players have been subjected to.

Click on image below to see ten careers ruined by injury

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Yes, Christmas is finally here. Well, not really, but we have already entered the festive period and whilst many are counting down to the 25th of December and the New Year, most football fans are counting down to the opening of the winter transfer window! I don’t normally get excited about January transfer windows since they are usually low-key for us, our last major January signings being Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic for a total fee of £12.5m but for those who have experienced the Football Manager revolution, it can be fun to speculate on squad changes! Here are some thoughts in bullet points:

1. Replacing the old guard: You might have noticed that we have a fair few oldies in our squad who will be most probably retire in a year or two. I think we are well covered for Gary Neville (who hasn’t really been indispensable recently) with Rafael finally showing some kind of consistency. I still hope De Laet has a future at United, given his versatility and promise. Yesterday I read Giggs hinting about this season being his last and we could see problems in ‘replacing’ Giggs and Scholes. We do have Anderson at the moment, but unless Gibson gets more chances, I don’t think we would have enough options in midfield once the Ginger Prince leaves. I am more worried about our left wing. Park is an able winger, but he is more dangerous when he ventures infield and as for Obertan, he also looks better just behind the striker. We are crying out for a natural left-winger. If only Adam Johnson was really unhappy at Eastlands…

2. VDS defying Father Time: Van Der Sar has been a mainstay of the United side for some time now and as he recently turned 40 and with Fergie effectively saying that this season could be his last, we need some changes in the goalkeeping department. With Lindegaard joining us in January, speculation about incoming goalkeepers refuses to go away. We could potentially have an unhappy Kuszczak on our hands too who despite his less than stellar performance against West Ham during the week, I still value and I would be gutted if he didn’t get a crack at the No.1 spot.

If he does leave, I would rather have someone with more experience than Lindegaard. If we are planning to throw cash at this, instead of a young De Gea who admittedly is a tremendous talent, I would rather go for Lloris or even Buffon! Akinfeev looks good too and very experienced for his young age but I don’t know if how long he might take to settle down in North West England.

3. Creative attacking midfielder™: United have been in need of a creative attacking midfielder for years. I don’t remember us ever having a creative attacking midfielder in the last 10 years, not in the mould of the ones we have been linked to. Scholes has been very creative for us, but he likes to lie deep and occasionally venture in the area for a goal or two. Fans and the press have been talking about Sneijder, Ozil and Van Der Vaart who I think would definitely improve our side, but we are not a team who just buy players who would theoretically make us have a stronger starting XI, so we need to think about what exactly we need and what we could realistically acquire.

I, for one, don’t think we are screaming for a creative attacking midfielder we just need more options in the centre of midfield and I think Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is stalling over a new contract, would be an utterly brilliant acquisition… Even Ballack thinks so!

Continue to PAGE TWO for the final two points…

4. Defence review: Since some of our youngsters were ‘exposed’ in the Carling Cup, we are in a state of crisis and Jonny Evans is now officially the worst player in England or indeed the universe! I still think he has a future at United, although, on current form it really makes you think! Rio and Vidic have some more years left, so it is not critical to think about their replacements. Smalling looks like a good signing, one who is only going to improve and defeats like Tuesday’s are part of the learning process for our youngsters. Wes Brown is also around for to relieve Vida and Rio when need be. In the full-back positions, the Da Silva twins are finally getting more games and the only way is up for them. Evra will be dominating that left-back position for another 3-4 years I reckon and John O’Shea is an option on either side so no big upheavals expected or required in defence.

5. Youth: Now, we might not need to replace or revamp any of the above players or areas if we can find someone in our youth and reserves sides to help us out! At the moment, apart from Rafael, Welbeck seems to be our brightest young talent. He is having a great season at Sunderland, playing Premier League football week in week out. My only worry is that we do not actually need strikers at the moment, and the only way he could come back to United would be if we sell 1-2 of our current attackers. Even then, he will be on the bench. The fact that he is increasing his price tag might sadly mean that we could be tempted to sell him off for a nice profit. Cleverley is another one to look out for finally getting some games at Wigan. He might provide further options in midfield for us, for free! We also have loads of burgeoning talent in the form of Eikrem, Morrison etc, but it may be a while before any break into the first team.

Finally a word about Macheda who doesn’t seem to be lighting up Old Trafford according to some. I would preach patience, he can still succeed at United and hopefully he gets to play with a partner rather than on his own when he is reduced to holding the ball up and passing it back to a midfielder!

What are your thoughts regarding potential squad changes in January and beyond?

Written by Yashi

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Chilean midfielder Alexis Sanchez is being strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, and long time admirers Manchester United are said to be heading the queue.

The 21 year old Udinese winger, who has a skilful and eye-catching style of play, has been tracked for some time by Sir Alex Ferguson and can play anywhere across the midfield or in a more advanced position.

Sanchez’s representative, Fabrizio Larini, believes that his player is well equipped to deal with the style of football in England: “The Premier League would be a good destination for Alexis as he is young, strong and very fast, something very important for being able to have success in that league.”

“Manchester United has been following the performances of Alexis since some time ago and it could be a possibility in the future.”

Despite his age, Sanchez has over 150 club appearances to his name during his career in South America and Europe and since making his international debut in 2006 against New Zealand, Sanchez has hit an exemplary 12 goals in 33 games.

Described as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’, Sanchez was named among the ’50 Most Exciting Teenagers in the World Game’ in 2007 by World Football magazine.

Manchester United already have a wealth of tricky wingers in Antonio Valencia, Nani and Anderson, so the arrival of Sanchez could signal the departure of one of the aforementioned players.

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Watch the video below to see some Alexis Sanchez highlights…

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eHgDw3IQVmQ%3Ffs%3D1%26hl%3Den_GB

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