October 4, 2006
Today’s News: October 4
As I search for a new name to call this that actually has some originality, here is that same daily item.
Alan Pardew is learning that you actually need to be winning matches in order to have influence over a club. [Sporting Life]
David Dein is now the most powerful man in the organization that fights against international football and Chelsea. [Eurosport]
Hidetoshi Nakata will not be coming out of retirement to play for amateur side Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Championship. [Sky Sports]
Fernando Gago wants to join Real Madrid just days after scoring his first for Boca Juniors. [International Herald Tribune]
Miroslav Klose wants to move to a bigger club outside of Germany, Premiership clubs surely interested. [Soccer365]
September 22, 2006
5 Intriguing Matches This Weekend
Celtic v. Rangers – It’s the first Old Firm derby of the season, and it is when it is at its best, before they play each other for the fifth time in the season. Celtic are beginning to run away with the title with their four point edge on the Gers, and apparently Paul Le Guen has no idea who to pick for this crucial match.
Catania v. Messina – Newly promoted Catania looks to continue their good start to life in Serie A against the second best team in the league and in Sicily in Messina. Christian Rigano and Giorgio Corona will probably find their way onto the scoresheet in this one.
Cerro Porteno v. Nacional – The weekly Unofficial World Club Championship is up for its weekly defense as the Tricolor of Nacional look to keep it against the side that held it for three months in Cerro Porteno, who also happen to be leading the Clausura.
Chicago Fire v. Los Angeles Galaxy – Landycakes and the Galaxy could be eliminated from playoff contention if results do not go in their favor on Saturday, while Chicago sits and waits for New England to be confirmed as the third place team in the East.
Barcelona v. Valencia – This is a huge match in La Liga this weekend as they will battle to see who can stay with a Sevilla side who have won their last nine league matches over two seasons. Valencia have key injuries while Barcelona have the nothing of the sort to worry about.
Today’s News: September 22
The FA’s Fast Track procedure apparently works once in a while as Celestine Babayaro has been handed a three-match ban. [BBC]
Glen Johnson has settled down at the ripe old age of 22. [Daily Mail]
Even Roman Bednar realizes that Valdas Ivanauskas is in over his head. [Sky Sports]
Paul Le Guen wants people to think he has no idea what he is doing at Rangers. [Sportinglife.com]
And the fat Ronaldo has vowed to fulfill a “30 years, 30 goals” pledge this season at Real Madrid. [News24]
September 19, 2006
Today’s News: September 19
Apparently the Football Association of Australia doesn’t want Stan Victor Collymore and Rivaldo to ruin the A-League by simply showing up. [The Australian]
The new era at Aston Villa can begin as Randy Lerner officially completed his takeover of the club. [The Globe and Mail]
Joseph-Desire Job has found a club in Sedan willing to pay his wage demands. [Eurosport]
German Lux has left River Plate to sign with Mallorca. [Sky Sports]
Marco van Basten continues to leave out Ruud van Nistelrooy from his national team. [Irish Examiner]
September 13, 2006
Today’s News: September 13
Charlton’s defense just got that much better after it was revealed that Djimi Traore broke his leg against Chelsea. [BBC]
Diego Tristan snubs negative football in England to join Mallorca. [Sky Sports]
Sota Hirayama lies to Heracles officials so he can get a free transfer to FC Tokyo. [Sporting Life]
Hearts puppet Valdas Ivanauskas’ job is clearly on the line against Sparta Prague. [TEAMTalk]
Former Russian international and Champions League winner Dmitry Alenichev has retired from the game. {The Moscow Times]
September 8, 2006
Today’s News: September 8
Jim Brennan becomes the first player to sign for Toronto FC [TSN]
Didier Agathe has been offered a place to bring his pace and, uh, his pace by Aston Villa. [The Mirror]
Thomas Gravesen fails to realize that people are able to watch games featuring Real Madrid in other countries. [Sporting Life]
William Gallas continues to upset Chelsea by saying he is willing to play left back for Arsenal. [Sky Sports]
I will be ready to buy those tickets for the 3004/05 season at Liverpool’s new stadium. [Soccernet]
5 Intriguing Matches This Weekend
Atletico Madrid v. Valencia – Two teams expected to contend for the title battle it out at the Vicente Calderon. Sergio Aguero picked up an injury in training this week and will be on the bench, while Mista looks to get revenge on the team that thought he was not good enough after scoring 19 goals for Valencia three seasons ago. Joaquin and Maniche could make their debuts for the visitors. One would expect a few goals in this match.
Derby County v. Sunderland – Roy Keane makes his managerial debut at Pride Park. Only Dwight Yorke out of his six late signings will not make their debut against the Rams as Sunderland looks to escape the relegation zone in the Championship.
Fiorentina v. Inter Milan – The Nerazzuri begin their defense of the Scudetto against strugglers Fiorentina. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Hernan Crespo should be among the Inter players making their debuts, while Adrian Mutu will partner Luca Toni in attack for the Viola.
Rimini v. Juventus – The long road back to Serie A begins for strugglers Juventus. They are already many, many points behind their newly-promoted hosts Rimini. At least the Bianconeri get to start in one of the most scenic locations in world football.
Nacional v. Tacuary – The Tricolor get to defend the Unofficial World Club Championship against an unpredictable Tacuary side. The sides sit 5th and 4th respectively in the Apertura table, so it could go either way.
September 6, 2006
Today’s News: September 6
After an impressive showing in the FIFI Wild Cup, Gibraltar hopes to attain UEFA membership in January. [BBC]
Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute will only wear a sponsorless shirt, as endorsing a gambling company would contradict his religious beliefs. [Daily Mirror]
Gilberto has never heard of Brazilian prospect Denilson. [Sky Sports]
Bamber Bridge hates football. [Leyland Today]
The Portuguese Football Federation wants to be above the law to keep their teams in Europe. [International Herald Tribune]
August 31, 2006
Deadline Day Recap: Rest of Europe
And besides the gigantic leagues, the rest of the major leagues in Europe are dealing with deadline day as well.
Deadline Day Recap: Spain and Italy
Not to be forgotten are the two other highest rated leagues in Europe, as they conclude their own deals on deadline day.
Deadly Musings 