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'He Said What?!'

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:07:35 +0000

Soccer is a serious game: anyone who’s woken bug eyed with exhaustion just to catch that league two play off repeat at three in the morning knows this.

But what of the stupid side of the game? We take a look at some of the more ridiculous statements to have ever slipped from the mouths of those glorious men who love the beautiful game as much as we do. Just don’t trust them to make sense, that’s all…

"I've told the players we need to win so that I can have the cash to buy some new...

By Lip Service

Manager Madness Part 2

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:13:43 +0000

Well, it’s Friday again (woooo!) and we here at Imagine truly do have that Friday feeling. So much so that we’re going to conclude our countdown of the maddest managers in the world, and share with all of our lovely readers some of their greatest quotes. So, our final two brings us to two absolute legends of the game: Sir Bobby Robson and Ian Holloway (who should become a ...

By Lip Service

Manager Madness

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:01:20 +0000

5. Kevin Keegan. Whilst notorious for his ‘LOVE IT if we beat them’ speech, Geordie hero Kev also brought his fair share of insanity to the footballing world…

‘The Germans only have one player under 22, and he’s 23.’ – Mr Keegan managing in backwards land.

‘He’ll also be very dangerous from set-pieces. That means he’ll be a threat from free-kicks and corners in the final third of the field....
By Lip Service

Chants Would Be A Fine Thing

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:21:15 +0000

A few of you may recall a while back that we here at Imagine celebrated the masterful invention of the UKs football fans by sharing with you some of our favourite hilarious (and often offensive) football chants from the terraces. Well, people loved them so much that we’ve put together a load more.

‘Feeeed the scooousers, Let them know it’s Christmas time!’ – A belter from Newcastle v Everton, sung during the yuletide period.

‘Van-Per-Sie, When a girl says no, Mo-lest her.’ ...
By Weird World...

Merry Christmas for City Giggs Continues Record for United

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:46:35 +0000

For the first time since 1929, Manchester City will be top of the English Premier League at Christmas after a comfortable victory in midweek. Rivals Manchester United kept up the pressure with a crushing victory away from home, while Tottenham and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at the Lane. At the opposite end, it’s looking increasingly likel...
By Chris White

Terry to face Criminal Charges in Race Row

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:14:37 +0000

Chelsea and England captain John Terry is to face criminal charges of using racist language towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in October.

Terry is to be charged by the Crown Prosecution Service, (CPS), with a racially aggravated public order offence, something the 31-year old defender has vowed to fight “tooth and nail....
By Chris White

Suarez Given 8-Match Ban

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:06:34 +0000

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been given a £40,000 fine by the FA and banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.

The 24-year old Uruguayan striker, who has denied the allegations throughout the proceedings, has 14 days in which to re...
By Chris White

Salgado Frozen Out of Blackburn Plans

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:30:04 +0000

Blackburn defender Michel Salgado claims that he is fully fit and ready to help his side fight for their survival in the Premier League. But the club are refusing to select him.

Steve Kean, the Rovers boss, announced earlier this week that they would not be renewing the...
By Chris White

Arsenal to Face Milan in Champions League

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:43:27 +0000

The draw for the last 16 stage of this season’s Champions League could have been kinder to all of the teams remaining in the competition, with all eight ties looking potentially tricky. Arguably the pick of the draw though sees Arsenal coming up against AC Milan in a repeat of their 2007/08 knockout stage clash, which Arsenal won 2-0 on aggregate, courtesy of a victory in the San Siro.

Arsene Wenge...
By Chris White

Silva's Golden Goal Keeps City Top

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:33:01 +0000

With the busy Christmas period likely to test most teams, Manchester City still lead the way after winning a thriller against Arsenal, while Manchester United have turned up the pressure, moving to the top of the Premier League for a matter of hours on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, at the other end, the games keep coming at the likes of Bolton and...
By Chris White

Can Arsenal Gun Down City?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:19:47 +0000

Having suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season last week at the hands of Chelsea, leaders Manchester City come up against another London club this weekend. Arsenal make the trip to Manchester knowing that they need to keep their winning run going in order to stay in touch with the top teams after their disastrous start to the season. Elsewhere, the champions...
By Chris White

Anelka to join Shanghai Shenhua in January

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:48:26 +0000

Having had a transfer request accepted by the club last week, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has confirmed that he will be joining Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in January, once the transfer window opens.

The striker has seen his first team opportunities reducing on a game-by-game basis since January this year when the club signed Fernando...
By Chris White

Fletcher Out Indefinitely with Illness

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:47 +0000

Both Manchester United and Scotland have been dealt a huge blow by the news that midfielder Darren Fletcher is being forced to take an “extended break” from all football, after being diagnosed with a serious abdominal illness.

A statement from the Premier League champions said that the 27-year old midfielder ...
By Chris White

Chelsea End City's Unbeaten Run

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:25:40 +0000

Manchester City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge, going down to a late Frank Lampard penalty, which means that because of a victory for their rivals United on Saturday, the gap at the top is down to just two points.

The 2-1 win for Chelsea has moved them up to third in...
By Chris White

Chelsea Host Leaders in Weekend Highlight

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:28:43 +0000

With both Manchester clubs knocked out of the Champions League this week, it’s time for both to ensure that they qualify for next year’s competition, and that mission starts this weekend. The leaders of the Premier League will have to wait until Monday night, however, to get back to domestic business, in what is the biggest clash of the week.By Chris White

Champions League Last 16 Decided

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:10:48 +0000

The sixteen teams to reach the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League have been settled, with the 2011/12 group stage reaching its climax. With both Manchester clubs, United and City eliminated, as well as 2004 champions Porto there are chances for some of the so-called smaller teams to progress, with APOEL Nicosia and Zenit St Petersburg both having qualified for the f...
By Chris White

Euro 2012 Draw Throws up Exciting Battles

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:24:29 +0000

With the 16 teams all looking on anxiously, and 12 of those hoping to avoid World and European champions Spain, the group stage draw for next summer’s Euro 2012 finals has been done, with all four groups throwing up some intriguing fixtures, with several big sides needing to hit the ground running.

Co-hosts Poland were allocated into Group A, where they will face the Euro 2004 champions Greece, By Chris White

O'Neill Faces an Uphill Battle Rovers off the Bottom

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:29:41 +0000

New Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill faces a difficult challenge at the Stadium of Light, trying to turn around the club’s fortunes after taking over on Monday morning after yet another defeat for the Black Cats. Blackburn Rovers moved off the bottom of the Premiership table thanks to a 4-2 victory at home to By Chris White

Another Difficult Trip for Villas-Boas

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:28:44 +0000

The difficult games just keep on coming for Chelsea and manager Andre Villas-Boas. Just when your team could do with a couple of relatively simple weeks – if such a thing exists in the Premier League – a trip to Newcastle probably wouldn’t be on many people’s wish list. The Premiership is reaching that tradit...
By Chris White

Pressure Mounts on Villas-Boas

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:57:33 +0000

Having arrived at Chelsea tipped to become “the new Jose Mourinho,” it appears that the man in the hot-seat at Stamford Bridge isn’t as special as his compatriot, with the pressure mounting by the week.

Andre Villas-Boas moved to the Bridge in the summer from FC Porto, having guided them to the Portuguese Super Cup within weeks,...
By Chris White

Football Mourning the Death of a Great Player and Man

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:50:08 +0000

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to Wales boss Gary Speed, who was found dead at his home in Chester on Sunday morning. He was 42.

The former Wales, Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United midfielder was the first player to make 500 appearances in the Premier...
By Chris White

Goalkeepers Shine as Spurs Close Gap

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:23:55 +0000

Joe Hart and Tim Krul produced stunning performances between the posts to ensure their sides took something away from their difficult away matches in the Premier League this weekend, with Tottenham the only side in the top four to win, closing the gap on the top two to just two points with a game in hand.

However, all the action this weekend has been overshadowed by...
By Chris White

Leaders Travel to Anfield while Second play Fourth at Old Trafford

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:57:05 +0000

The leaders of the Premier League make the short trip along the motorway to face their local rivals in the game of the weekend, while two of the top four collide at Old Trafford.

Manchester City travel to Liverpool in the final game of the weekend on Sunday afternoon, in what is set to be a real test for Roberto...
By Chris White

English Clubs Struggling in Europe

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:35:19 +0000

Of the four English clubs in the group phase of this year’s Champions League, only Arsenal have booked their place in the knockout phase with just one match left in the first round. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reliant on positive results against difficult opposition in their final fixtures to qualify, while the Italians and Spaniards are showing just how i...
By Chris White

Thrills Spills and Last Gasp Goals

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:02:03 +0000

The Premier League lived up to its reputation as the best league in the world this weekend, with action from the first whistle up to the very last in just about every one of this week’s fixtures. Liverpool pulled off arguably the biggest win of the weekend, while the clash at the bottom of the table was possibly the game of the weekend.

Wigan and By Chris White

Beckham Leads Galaxy to MLS Cup

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:33:05 +0000

Former England captain David Beckham got his hands on his first trophy in America as he helped LA Galaxy to a 1-0 win against Houston Dynamo in the final of the MLS Cup, in what could be his final appearance for the club.

Beckham combined with another Brit, Robbie Keane, to set up Landon...
By Chris White

International Break Over Time for the Real Football

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:38:29 +0000

The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, with the past two weeks seeming to take a lifetime to go by. Just when the league was heating up, those pesky international friendlies come along to stop us in our tracks, but what a weekend of action is ahead of us, the highlight being at Stamford Bridge...
By Chris White

Ireland Qualify for Euro 2012

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:33:18 +0000

The Republic of Ireland have qualified for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, after beating Estonia 5-1 in the Euro 2012 playoffs. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side won 4-0 in Tallinn in the first leg, and then drew 1-1 in Dublin to book their place in the finals.

With the tie as good as over thanks to the 4-0 win in the first leg – wit...
By Chris White

The Magic of the Cup

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:42:22 +0000

The minnows of English football are just 90 minutes away from trips to places such as Old Trafford, Anfield, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge, with the second round draw for this season’s FA Cup having been made. Seven non-league teams will play Football League opposition, with a place in the hat for the third round the prize at stake, and the possibility of pulling out one of the big boys.

AFC Totto...
By Chris White

Best of British

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:21:32 +0000

It was good news for the four British sides in action over the weekend, with all of them coming out victorious. England, Scotland and Wales were in friendly action, while the Republic of Ireland won the first leg of their Euro 2012 playoff.

The Irish were away to Estonia with a place in the European Championships at stake, and gave themselves the best possible chance of getting to Poland and Ukraine thanks to a 4-0 victory...
By Chris White

Trapattoni Delays Striker Decision

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:05:35 +0000

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has named ten members of his starting line up for the Euro 2012 playoff first leg match against Estonia in Tallinn, with the decision over whether Jonathan Walters or Simon Cox will lead the front line expected nearer...
By Chris White

Capello's Youngsters Face Spanish Test

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:21:15 +0000

Fabio Capello has handed Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge their first call-ups to the full England squad for this week’s friendlies against Spain and Sweden at Wembley. The two youngsters are included in the 25-man squad...
By Chris White

United Pay Tribute to Ferguson

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:10:08 +0000

In recognition of his 25 years in charge of Manchester United, officials at the club renamed the North Stand in honour of Sir Alex Ferguson, with it now known as the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson Stand’. The unveiling was made to the shock of the Scot before the 1-0 win against Sunderland, a day before the 25^th anniversary...
By Chris White

United Give Fergie Anniversary Present

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:37:43 +0000

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 25 years as manager of the Old Trafford club this weekend, and he was rewarded in more ways than one. His side earned arguably the most important present in three vital points, while the club renamed the North Stand ‘The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand,’ to a clearly emotional Scotsman.

However, what the boss would like most is to close that gap on rivals City at the...
By Chris White

No Win in Three for Chelsea

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:58:16 +0000

Having lost their last two Premier League matches, and then played out a disappointing 1-1 draw in the Champions League, Chelsea need a response this weekend to avoid not only losing track of the Manchester clubs at the top of the table, but to evade the clutches of the chasing pack, which includes a resurgent Arsenal side, who won 5-3 at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side travel to the North West on Saturday afternoon, to take on struggling Blackburn at Ewood Park, knowing that only a win will do against a team with off-field troubles, as protests over manager Steve Kean’s position continue, with no sign of letting up. Rovers lead 3-1 at Carrow Road last week, before eventually having to settle for a 3-3 draw, but they still only have one win so far this season. Chelsea, meanwhile, have dropped to fourth in the table having lost their last two league matches, so they need to take advantage of what should be a routine win.

The team that has overtaken Chelsea for third place, is Newcastle, who are surprising everybody in the Premier League at present, as they remain unbeaten after ten games, just six points off top spot. The Magpies face a home fixture against Everton who have started to show some form in recent weeks, despite not turning that promise into goals and victories, and they remain 16^th in the table, something David Moyes needs to address, and fast. Demba Ba is the man to be stopped on Saturday lunchtime, having scored two hat tricks already this season, including all three in Newcastle’s win last time out.

Arsenal grew into the game against Chelsea last weekend, coming from 2-1 down to lead the game at the Bridge, but suffered a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Marseille in Europe during the week. Robin van Persie, left on the bench in midweek, should return to the starting line-up to lead the line for the Gunners against West Brom at the Emirates. The Baggies won two games in a row before a 2-0 home defeat last weekend. Shane Long is ruled out for West Brom with a knee injury, which is a big blow for Roy Hodgson. Arsenal have been inconsistent this season, but have closed the gap to the top sides in recent weeks, and on paper they should beat West Brom at home, however, as shown in the Champions League, the Gunners are prone to blips in form.

Champions Manchester United have the chance to close the gap to the leaders City to just two points, if only for a few hours, when they take on Sunderland at Old Trafford. United beat Otelul Galati 2-0 in the Champions League, and have kept three clean sheets since the derby day disaster. Sunderland have struggled this season, failing to string a set of results together, but showed great spirit to fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 last week. However, United should be far too strong for the Black Cats, and if United can maintain their defensive form of the past fortnight, their firepower up front should be too much for former captain Steve Bruce and his men.

The team on the wrong end of that Sunderland fight back, Aston Villa, take on another team that had to battle back from behind. Norwich are the visitors to Villa Park and have been in good form of late, taking a point from Anfield and then taking four points from their last two home games. Villa have looked good going forward, through the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent, but Norwich have shown that they don’t fear anyone in the top flight, with strikers Steve Morison and Grant Holt looking deadly in front of goal at present.

Liverpool face a tricky fixture this weekend, and need to keep the pressure up on the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal around them, when they welcome Swansea to Anfield. The Swans are just inside the top half of the table, six points behind their hosts, who won at West Brom last time out. Steven Gerrard is ruled out for the reds, but Jamie Carragher should return. Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair have been in fine form of late for the Welshmen, and will need to keep that running if they’re to get anything out of their trip to Merseyside.

Leaders Manchester City face a difficult trip to West London on Saturday evening, as they travel south to take on QPR at Loftus Road. The Hoops won their last home game 1-0 against Chelsea, and despite defeat last weekend, are starting to find their feet in the top flight. City, meanwhile, are still unbeaten this season and won 3-0 in Spain in the Champions League, and are looking very impressive so far, although David Silva is a doubt after picking up an injury in Spain.

There’s a potential relegation battle at Molineux on Sunday lunchtime, with 17^th placed Wolves welcoming bottom of the table Wigan. Both are in desperate need of victories to pull themselves away from the wrong end of the league, and Wolves were valiant in their efforts at the Etihad Stadium last week, eventually losing 3-1, while Wigan looked awful in their home defeat to Fulham.

The Cottagers have a London derby to contest this weekend, against an in-form Tottenham side who are level on points with Chelsea, with a game in hand. While Fulham have been picking up points of late, they have been very inconsistent, something Martin Jol will be looking to amend, having beaten QPR 6-0, and then lost two in a row in the league. Spurs are the complete opposite, having started the season slowly; they are now putting the pressure on the leaders, with Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart looking sublime in recent weeks, and loan signing Emmanuel Adebayor fitting into the team well.

Last but by no means least, Bolton who are sinking like a stone this season, only kept off the bottom by the wretched form shown by Wigan so far, take on Stoke at the Reebok Stadium. Wanderers have lost six games already in the league this season, while Stoke have made a solid start, and a win would move them into the top half of the table.

This weekend’s fixtures (3pm kick off unless stated):

Saturday – Newcastle v Everton (12.45pm), Arsenal v West Brom, Aston Villa v Norwich, Blackburn v Chelsea, Liverpool v Swansea, Manchester United v Sunderland, QPR v Manchester City (5.30pm).

Sunday – Wolverhampton v Wigan (1.30pm), Bolton v Stoke, Fulham v Tottenham (4pm).

What are your predictions for this weekend’s action? Give us your thoughts here, on Twitter @ImagineSoccer or on Facebook by clicking here.
By Chris White

Ballon d'Or Shortlist Announced

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:41:04 +0000

The 23 players shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or award have been announced, and there aren’t any real surprises as Barcelona dominate, but just one Englishman has made the cut. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is that man, in what has been a poor showing from those plying their trade in the Premier League.
...
By Chris White

Van the Man for Arsenal

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:45:04 +0000

Robin van Persie and Demba Ba showed their class in front of goal this weekend, with both grabbing hat tricks in their side’s victories in a goal-fest of a weekend in the Premier League.

Van Persie set the tone for the weekend in a 5-3 win for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, as th...
By Chris White

United Legend Wins Norwegian League title

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:43:18 +0000

Former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was never too far away from silverware during his time at Old Trafford, and having taken his first steps into management with former side Molde back in Norway, he has now won the Norwegian League title at his first attempt.

The 38-year old Treble winner, who was forced...
By Chris White

Drogba Banned for Crunch Clash at the Bridge

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:23:19 +0100

Having gone down to nine men in the first half of their defeat at Loftus Road last weekend, Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime as they look to reign in the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League.

The clash at Stamford Bridge between two of last season’s top f...
By Chris White

Strongest Promoted Trio Ever

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:37:31 +0100

Every season, three teams are relegated from the top flight of English football, and the top two from the Championship and the winner of the playoffs replaces them. On so many occasions, those three teams have come up and gone straight back down the following season, but this season looks likely to be the opposite with the three promoted sides playing some outstanding football at times.

Queens Park Rangers were promoted as Champions, while Norwich City joined...
By Chris White

Kean Should Walk for the Good of Blackburn

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:15:32 +0100

With the club rooted to the foot of the table, continuing their disastrous form from the 2010/11 season, surely the time has come for Blackburn Rovers to change their manager, with the hapless boss and clueless owners dragging the club down into the Championship if something isn’t done soon.

Steve Kean was promoted to manager last season by the owners, the Rao family owners of Venky's, to re...
By Chris White

United Hit for Six

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:52:58 +0100

Manchester City ran riot at Old Trafford to take a five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League away from the first Manchester derby of the season as they put six past a hapless Manchester United, with Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko grabbing braces.

In...
By Chris White

Derby Day Drama to Grip Manchester

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:25:13 +0100

With the two Manchester clubs in first and second in the Premier League, this year’s Manchester derbies are set to be more fiercely contested than ever before, with not just passion and pride, but vital points at the top of the table on the agenda.

The first derby of the season is the highlight of this weekend’s fixtures in the Premiership, kicking off at 1.30 on Sunday afternoon, with both sides comin...
By Chris White

Big Guns Flex their Muscles in Europe

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:28:38 +0100

We’re reaching the stage in this season’s Champions League where the future of teams in this year’s competition becomes much clearer. We’ve arrived at the halfway point in the group stage and for some, the path to the knockout stage is clear, while for others, there are plenty of obstacles for them to overcome.

For Real Madrid, it couldn’t be much clearer. A 4-0 win against Lyon at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night gave them three wins from three in Group D, p...
By Chris White

Hillsborough Documents to be Released

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:11:57 +0100

After years of campaigning and a 140,000 signature e-petition, families and campaigners have been given the news that they’ve been waiting for, with their appeal for all the documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster being approved.

Labour MP Steve Rotheram called the decision a “victory for democracy and people power” after the Home Secretary Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, and it couldn’t have returned with a much bigger game, as two of the giants of English football go head-to-head at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

18-time league champions Liverpool host the current 19-time champions Manchester United in a renewal of one of the oldest rivalries in the sport. Liver...
By Chris White

Euro 2012 Qualifiers Confirmed

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:38:15 +0100

The final round of qualifying fixtures were completed on Tuesday night, with the twelve teams automatically through to the Euro 2012 finals now confirmed, along with the eight who must go through the torture of the two-legged playoffs to seal their places in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

The hosts both qualified automatically, leaving ten automatic places up for grabs. Spain, Holland, Italy and Germany had...
By Chris White

Scotland Keep Hopes Alive

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:00:26 +0100

It was a mixed set of results for the UK and Irish sides, with England through, two clinging to hopes of qualification for Euro 2012, but it’s the end of the road for Northern Ireland after their defeat, and Wales were already out before their match with Switzerland.

A 32^nd-minute strike from Craig Macka...
By Chris White

England Qualification Just Covers the Cracks

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:30:20 +0100

In traditional fashion, Fabio Capello’s England side made things much harder for themselves than they needed to, throwing away a two-goal lead in Montenegro to come away with the one point they needed to seal their place at the European Championships next summer.

Ashley Young headed England into an early lead in Podgorica and Darren Bent<...
By Chris White