Manchester United have opened talks with Grêmio about signing Douglas Costa, their highly rated Brazil Under-20 attacking midfield player, as Sir Alex Ferguson steps up his search for the new Cristiano Ronaldo.
Douglas, 18, has been closely monitored by United for more than a year, but despite interest from a host of leading European clubs including Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Ferguson is confident of signing the player this summer as the Barclays Premier League champions continue to look to Brazil for potential stars of the future.
As well as signing Anderson, the Brazil midfield player, from Porto in July 2007, United have plucked three Brazilian players — the Da Silva twins, Rafael and Fábio, and Rodrigo Possebon — from relative obscurity in the past two years.
John Calvert-Toulmin, United’s principal scout in Brazil, recommended that Ferguson sign Douglas last summer, but the manager has opted to wait until now to make his move. Douglas is rumoured to have a £21 million release clause in his contract with Grêmio, which has four years left to run, but United hope to secure him for less than that. Any deal would be dependent on the player getting a work permit.
“There have been informal conversations and I believe United would match those values,” Cesar Bottega, Douglas’s agent, said yesterday. “At the end of the Brasileirão [the South American league championship that ends in December], Douglas will be worth at least twice that.”
United are also understood to have agreed a £5.5 million deal with Corinthians for Dodô, a 17-year-old defender who is expected to join the club next February, although given that he has a Portuguese background and holds an EU passport, that proposed transfer is not expected to be complicated by red tape.
Carlos Alberto, Brazil’s World Cup-winning captain in 1970, accused United this month of “raping Brazilian football” and has urged Fifa, the sport’s world governing body, to intervene to prevent the country’s most promising young players from being lured away by Europe’s leading clubs, but United are proud of their expanding operation in South America.
As well as employing two full-time scouts in Brazil, United secured a deal last year with Desportivo Brasil, a youth club owned by Traffic Football Management and a subsidiary of the largest sports agency in Latin America, that gives them first option on more than 120 teenagers whose development in São Paulo is being overseen by Carlos Alberto Parreira, the country’s 1994 World Cup-winning coach.
Ferguson also hopes to conclude a deal for Antonio Valencia, the Wigan Athletic and Ecuador winger, before the squad flies to Asia for a pre-season tour in the middle of next month.
Manchester City completed their second signing of the summer yesterday with the capture of Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers. The Paraguay striker, who has signed a four-year contract, will cost an initial £16 million, with the fee rising to £18 million with add-ons.
Liverpool have concluded the £18.5 million signing of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth on a four-year deal worth £80,000 a week.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Martinez seeks to strengthen
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has drawn up a list of top targets as he aims to strengthen his squad.
The 35-year-old has already recruited Jordi Gomez from Espanyol, having had the midfielder on loan at Swansea City last season, and he is prepared to return to his former club for more signings.
Martinez has already contacted Swansea about striker Jason Scotland, although no official approach has yet been made.
WORKING HARD
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan expects to be able to deliver the targets Martinez has outlined to him.
He said: "We got our priority list from Roberto, and we are working hard on it.
"Jordi Gomez was right at the top and we moved very quickly on that, and we are moving on others as well.
"But there are a lot of players away on holiday - and I think the market will only rev up in about a week or 10 days."
Whelan hinted that some of those signings are likely to come from Spain.
Whelan added: "Roberto lives for football, and his knowledge of the Spanish league is unbelievable.
"He knows all the players - how they play, where they play - he has just got it."
The 35-year-old has already recruited Jordi Gomez from Espanyol, having had the midfielder on loan at Swansea City last season, and he is prepared to return to his former club for more signings.
Martinez has already contacted Swansea about striker Jason Scotland, although no official approach has yet been made.
WORKING HARD
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan expects to be able to deliver the targets Martinez has outlined to him.
He said: "We got our priority list from Roberto, and we are working hard on it.
"Jordi Gomez was right at the top and we moved very quickly on that, and we are moving on others as well.
"But there are a lot of players away on holiday - and I think the market will only rev up in about a week or 10 days."
Whelan hinted that some of those signings are likely to come from Spain.
Whelan added: "Roberto lives for football, and his knowledge of the Spanish league is unbelievable.
"He knows all the players - how they play, where they play - he has just got it."
Torres enjoying fans' support
Fernando Torres says he has been blown away by Barclays Premier League fans in South Africa.
The Liverpool hotshot is on international duty with Spain who take on the USA in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final.
Victory could see the Spaniards up against Brazil in the final and the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa, admits he has been taken aback by the number of Liverpool shirts at the matches.
MORE DRIVE
"Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said Torres.
"To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England.
"I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear."
Torres, along with Spanish team-mates Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina will be given some time off on their return from South Africa before meeting up with the rest of the Reds squad for their tour of Asia.
"After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour," said Torres.
"We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end."
The Liverpool hotshot is on international duty with Spain who take on the USA in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final.
Victory could see the Spaniards up against Brazil in the final and the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa, admits he has been taken aback by the number of Liverpool shirts at the matches.
MORE DRIVE
"Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said Torres.
"To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England.
"I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear."
Torres, along with Spanish team-mates Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina will be given some time off on their return from South Africa before meeting up with the rest of the Reds squad for their tour of Asia.
"After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour," said Torres.
"We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end."
Jimenez to join Hammers
West Ham have completed the signing of forward Luis Jimenez from Inter Milan on a season-long loan.
The striker has joined the Hammers with a view to a possible permanent transfer.
The east London club moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams for the player, who will officially join on 1st July provided he passes a medical.
GREAT PLAYERS
Jimenez told the club's official website:: "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do."
The 25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago (The Wizard) for his playmaking abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals.
"I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club.
"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot. (Manager) Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for his country since March 2008, meaning he did not immediately meet Football Association work permit rules.
However, Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation, including Zola, to the FA earlier this month.
Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca Nani, before the deal was finalised on Tuesday.
He said: "I am pleased we have been able to secure the services of Luis.
"Many clubs were after him, so we have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next season."
The striker has joined the Hammers with a view to a possible permanent transfer.
The east London club moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams for the player, who will officially join on 1st July provided he passes a medical.
GREAT PLAYERS
Jimenez told the club's official website:: "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do."
The 25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago (The Wizard) for his playmaking abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals.
"I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club.
"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot. (Manager) Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for his country since March 2008, meaning he did not immediately meet Football Association work permit rules.
However, Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation, including Zola, to the FA earlier this month.
Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca Nani, before the deal was finalised on Tuesday.
He said: "I am pleased we have been able to secure the services of Luis.
"Many clubs were after him, so we have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next season."
Hangeland praises team ethic
Brede Hangeland has pinpointed Fulham's defensive strength as a key factor in last season's success.
Just a year after avoiding relegation on the last day of the campaign, the Cottagers achieved their highest Premier League finish to qualify for Europe.
Roy Hodgson's men secured seventh spot and much of that is down to the new-found solidity at the back.
Fulham conceded just 34 goals in their 38 Barclays Premier League matches, the fourth best record in the division.
Only the top three sides - Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - conceded fewer goals than Fulham.
FOUR DOGS
Hangeland took most of the plaudits but he has been quick to share the credit with his defensive partners and with the rest of the team.
He told the official club website: "I think Aaron (Hughes) is a top class player. He's a true professional and we have a good understanding at the back, me, Aaron, Johnny (Pantsil), Konch (Paul Konchesky) and Mark (Schwarzer).
"There's been a lot of talk about the back five but the reason why we didn't concede too many goals was because the whole team worked very hard when we didn't have the ball. That started from the front players, then the four dogs in midfield running their socks off.
"That made it a little bit easier for the back four and the goalkeeper. It's a team effort going forward as well as defending. That was one of the key points the manager wanted to get across to us players - we all work for each other and there are no 'star men' in the team, there's only the team."
Just a year after avoiding relegation on the last day of the campaign, the Cottagers achieved their highest Premier League finish to qualify for Europe.
Roy Hodgson's men secured seventh spot and much of that is down to the new-found solidity at the back.
Fulham conceded just 34 goals in their 38 Barclays Premier League matches, the fourth best record in the division.
Only the top three sides - Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - conceded fewer goals than Fulham.
FOUR DOGS
Hangeland took most of the plaudits but he has been quick to share the credit with his defensive partners and with the rest of the team.
He told the official club website: "I think Aaron (Hughes) is a top class player. He's a true professional and we have a good understanding at the back, me, Aaron, Johnny (Pantsil), Konch (Paul Konchesky) and Mark (Schwarzer).
"There's been a lot of talk about the back five but the reason why we didn't concede too many goals was because the whole team worked very hard when we didn't have the ball. That started from the front players, then the four dogs in midfield running their socks off.
"That made it a little bit easier for the back four and the goalkeeper. It's a team effort going forward as well as defending. That was one of the key points the manager wanted to get across to us players - we all work for each other and there are no 'star men' in the team, there's only the team."
New Blues deal for Malouda
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has signed a new two-year extension to his current contract with the club.
The 29-year-old Frenchman, who had two years remaining on his previous agreement, has ended speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge by putting pen to paper on a new deal that will now keep him at the club until 2013.
Malouda, who enjoyed a fine end to the Barclays Premier League campaign under interim coach Guus Hiddink, was linked with a move to AC Milan.
But a spokesman for Chelsea confirmed: "The club and the player have agreed terms on a new four-year contract."
NOW STAYING
Malouda had two years remaining on his existing deal and was expected to move on, especially when the London club were linked with a move for Russian Yuri Zhirkov.
But the France international is now staying at Stamford Bridge.
Malouda said: "I can reveal that I have signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea.
"I am staying. From now on, I have four years left on my contract.
"I know that every time the transfer window opens there are a lot of rumours and I hope in this one people will know what has happened."
Malouda had struggled to settle into English football following his £13.5m transfer from Lyon in 2007.
But he returned to top form under Hiddink and eventually started 31 matches for the Blues last term - scoring seven goals including a crucial equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
He turned in an exciting display in the FA Cup final victory against Everton and recently said: "It was a great year with the trophy for Chelsea and above all the fact that I have always dreamed of winning this great tournament and finally realised my dream.
"I have great relationships at Chelsea and, in sporting terms, things are getting better and better. I am part of a team where I am flourishing."
The 29-year-old Frenchman, who had two years remaining on his previous agreement, has ended speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge by putting pen to paper on a new deal that will now keep him at the club until 2013.
Malouda, who enjoyed a fine end to the Barclays Premier League campaign under interim coach Guus Hiddink, was linked with a move to AC Milan.
But a spokesman for Chelsea confirmed: "The club and the player have agreed terms on a new four-year contract."
NOW STAYING
Malouda had two years remaining on his existing deal and was expected to move on, especially when the London club were linked with a move for Russian Yuri Zhirkov.
But the France international is now staying at Stamford Bridge.
Malouda said: "I can reveal that I have signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea.
"I am staying. From now on, I have four years left on my contract.
"I know that every time the transfer window opens there are a lot of rumours and I hope in this one people will know what has happened."
Malouda had struggled to settle into English football following his £13.5m transfer from Lyon in 2007.
But he returned to top form under Hiddink and eventually started 31 matches for the Blues last term - scoring seven goals including a crucial equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
He turned in an exciting display in the FA Cup final victory against Everton and recently said: "It was a great year with the trophy for Chelsea and above all the fact that I have always dreamed of winning this great tournament and finally realised my dream.
"I have great relationships at Chelsea and, in sporting terms, things are getting better and better. I am part of a team where I am flourishing."
Premier Skills launches in Malawi
The Premier League's leading international grassroots project Premier Skills this week launches in Malawi.
The Malawi course follows a number of other successful Premier Skills projects that are taking place across the African continent.
Premier Skills, run in partnership with the British Council, is an innovative coaching project that will not only help develop the coaching skills of around 40 young Malawian coaches, including 12 women, but will also teach them to use football as a tool for skills and community development.
AFRICAN COUNTRY
The project, which includes support from local partners, will also work to develop the coaches' English language ability.
The one week Premier Skills course, to be run in the city of Blantyre, is being led by former Wimbledon and Jamaica international footballer Robbie Earle.
He will be joined by Mike Dixon and Jonathan Garside, community coaches from Manchester City and Everton respectively. All of the coaches involved in Premier Skills are UEFA and English FA qualified coaches.
For the Premier League, Premier Skills represents its flagship international development programme. The Malawi project represents the seventh African country to host Premier Skills after previous projects in Botswana, Egypt (in Alexandria and Cairo), Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Uganda.
ROLLED OUT
Follow-up evaluation has found that 19 of the original participants in Egypt have already secured jobs delivering community football coaching as a result of the training that they received on Premier Skills.
With this successful model now in place, a number of projects will be rolled out across Africa, India, China and South East Asia between now and 2010. The overall aim is to train 1,000 coaches, who will go to impact upon the lives of a further 100,000 people.
Premier Skills projects are always run in conjunction with local partners and in Malawi it will be supported by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), along with Supersport, the Premier League's broadcast partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As part of the training component of the course, participants will be able to develop their English language skills and subsequently build upon these using the suite of Premier Skills multi-media English language materials. These include a dedicated Premier Skills website, www.britishcouncil.org/premierskills, which features an online community space for participants.
YOUTH LEADERS
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore said: "At home the Premier League and our Clubs have a long-held commitment and reputation for investing in community and education programmes. Given our popularity and success internationally we felt it only right to take this approach to a wider community.
"The Premier League is becoming increasingly popular in Africa and it is important we use our profile and reach to encourage and engage communities - the roll-out of Premier Skills projects will do just that. Our partnership with the British Council, using top coaches like Robbie Earle, will help develop the skills of local youth leaders for the long term benefit of their local communities."
British Council Chair, Lord Kinnock, said: "This is a truly exciting, creative initiative. Football transcends race and language among people everywhere. By putting the British Council's experience and global network together with the Premier League's great know-how, we can reach countless young people and help to enhance their skills on the pitch, their self-development, and their understanding of other cultures."
Walter Nyamilandu Manda of the Football Association of Malawi said: "We need to enhance the skills of our coaches who act as our intermediaries in the communities they live in. It is from these communities that great skills are born, nurtured and perfected before the whole world sets its eyes on. There is no better way of doing this by partnering with Premier League, 'the Home of Football', together with the British Council.
"Football development is an on-going process of learning. You learn to teach, you learn to share, you learn to improve, you learn so that others may also learn from you and that is the key to it."
The Malawi course follows a number of other successful Premier Skills projects that are taking place across the African continent.
Premier Skills, run in partnership with the British Council, is an innovative coaching project that will not only help develop the coaching skills of around 40 young Malawian coaches, including 12 women, but will also teach them to use football as a tool for skills and community development.
AFRICAN COUNTRY
The project, which includes support from local partners, will also work to develop the coaches' English language ability.
The one week Premier Skills course, to be run in the city of Blantyre, is being led by former Wimbledon and Jamaica international footballer Robbie Earle.
He will be joined by Mike Dixon and Jonathan Garside, community coaches from Manchester City and Everton respectively. All of the coaches involved in Premier Skills are UEFA and English FA qualified coaches.
For the Premier League, Premier Skills represents its flagship international development programme. The Malawi project represents the seventh African country to host Premier Skills after previous projects in Botswana, Egypt (in Alexandria and Cairo), Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Uganda.
ROLLED OUT
Follow-up evaluation has found that 19 of the original participants in Egypt have already secured jobs delivering community football coaching as a result of the training that they received on Premier Skills.
With this successful model now in place, a number of projects will be rolled out across Africa, India, China and South East Asia between now and 2010. The overall aim is to train 1,000 coaches, who will go to impact upon the lives of a further 100,000 people.
Premier Skills projects are always run in conjunction with local partners and in Malawi it will be supported by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), along with Supersport, the Premier League's broadcast partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As part of the training component of the course, participants will be able to develop their English language skills and subsequently build upon these using the suite of Premier Skills multi-media English language materials. These include a dedicated Premier Skills website, www.britishcouncil.org/premierskills, which features an online community space for participants.
YOUTH LEADERS
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore said: "At home the Premier League and our Clubs have a long-held commitment and reputation for investing in community and education programmes. Given our popularity and success internationally we felt it only right to take this approach to a wider community.
"The Premier League is becoming increasingly popular in Africa and it is important we use our profile and reach to encourage and engage communities - the roll-out of Premier Skills projects will do just that. Our partnership with the British Council, using top coaches like Robbie Earle, will help develop the skills of local youth leaders for the long term benefit of their local communities."
British Council Chair, Lord Kinnock, said: "This is a truly exciting, creative initiative. Football transcends race and language among people everywhere. By putting the British Council's experience and global network together with the Premier League's great know-how, we can reach countless young people and help to enhance their skills on the pitch, their self-development, and their understanding of other cultures."
Walter Nyamilandu Manda of the Football Association of Malawi said: "We need to enhance the skills of our coaches who act as our intermediaries in the communities they live in. It is from these communities that great skills are born, nurtured and perfected before the whole world sets its eyes on. There is no better way of doing this by partnering with Premier League, 'the Home of Football', together with the British Council.
"Football development is an on-going process of learning. You learn to teach, you learn to share, you learn to improve, you learn so that others may also learn from you and that is the key to it."
City swoop for Taylor
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Stuart Taylor from Aston Villa.
Taylor, who follows Gareth Barry from Villa Park to City, will serve as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Shay Given.
The 28-year-old Taylor spent four years at Villa after joining from Arsenal.
The move will allow Joe Hart to leave Eastlands on loan, with Birmingham City very keen to seal a season-long deal.
Taylor has revealed that he spoke to Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel about what it was like to work with Mark Hughes when the pair were together at Blackburn Rovers.
GOING PLACES
Taylor told the club's official website: "I talked to Brad for some advice and he couldn't speak highly enough of the manager and his goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock.
"He has a high regard for Kevin as a person as well as a coach and I can't wait to start. This is a fantastic club to be joining, a club that is going places with a great new owner and a manager I have a lot of respect for."
Hughes himself said: "We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Stuart's undoubted calibre to the squad.
"Stuart is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28 but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability."
www.mcfc.co.uk
Taylor, who follows Gareth Barry from Villa Park to City, will serve as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Shay Given.
The 28-year-old Taylor spent four years at Villa after joining from Arsenal.
The move will allow Joe Hart to leave Eastlands on loan, with Birmingham City very keen to seal a season-long deal.
Taylor has revealed that he spoke to Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel about what it was like to work with Mark Hughes when the pair were together at Blackburn Rovers.
GOING PLACES
Taylor told the club's official website: "I talked to Brad for some advice and he couldn't speak highly enough of the manager and his goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock.
"He has a high regard for Kevin as a person as well as a coach and I can't wait to start. This is a fantastic club to be joining, a club that is going places with a great new owner and a manager I have a lot of respect for."
Hughes himself said: "We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Stuart's undoubted calibre to the squad.
"Stuart is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28 but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability."
www.mcfc.co.uk
Behrami targets return
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami is hoping to be back in the first month of next season.
The Switzerland international damaged his cruciate knee ligaments against Manchester City in March and is currently in the recovery process.
He has been working hard in the swimming pool and hopes to be back in the last week of August.
GOING WELL
He said: "My work is going very well and if I continue like this on 10th August I will start back with the team, try to kick the ball and join in with my team-mates. After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, in the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."
Behrami hopes to be in contention for the national team's World Cup qualifier against Greece on 5th September.
"The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham and only then can I think about the national team," he added.
"I have to thank West Ham because they said I can go home and someone will come to work with me. They are a good club and this shows that."
The Switzerland international damaged his cruciate knee ligaments against Manchester City in March and is currently in the recovery process.
He has been working hard in the swimming pool and hopes to be back in the last week of August.
GOING WELL
He said: "My work is going very well and if I continue like this on 10th August I will start back with the team, try to kick the ball and join in with my team-mates. After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, in the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."
Behrami hopes to be in contention for the national team's World Cup qualifier against Greece on 5th September.
"The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham and only then can I think about the national team," he added.
"I have to thank West Ham because they said I can go home and someone will come to work with me. They are a good club and this shows that."
Benitez defends Johnson move
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended the signing of Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson.
The Portsmouth defender has agreed to move to Anfield and he is expected to formally sign a contract in the next couple of days.
Reports suggest the transfer is costing £17m, although much of that will be written off because of money still owed by Pompey after Peter Crouch's move to Fratton Park last summer.
ONE MORE
"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more," said the Liverpool manager. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.
"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories."
Benitez is confident he will make other signings, although he may spend more of his time trying to hang on to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javier Mascherano who have all been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving," he said.
"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract. If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."
The Portsmouth defender has agreed to move to Anfield and he is expected to formally sign a contract in the next couple of days.
Reports suggest the transfer is costing £17m, although much of that will be written off because of money still owed by Pompey after Peter Crouch's move to Fratton Park last summer.
ONE MORE
"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more," said the Liverpool manager. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.
"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories."
Benitez is confident he will make other signings, although he may spend more of his time trying to hang on to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javier Mascherano who have all been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving," he said.
"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract. If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."
Special ticket offers
Check out the latest ticket and hospitality offers from Barclays Premier League clubs.
EVERTON
SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE
2009/10 Season Tickets are on sale now. Current Season Ticket holders wishing to keep hold of their existing seat have until May 16 to renew. £10 discount on Season Tickets purchased online. Pay no interest on Season Ticket purchases over £272 when using an Everton MasterCard.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.evertonfc.com/seasontickets for details or to buy online.
MATCH BREAK PACKAGES FROM JUST £76
Match Break packages available with Thomas Cook Sport now priced from £76pp. Packages include match ticket, hotel accommodation.
To book visit www.thomascooksport.com/everton.php or tel 0870 752 0924 (Mon-Fri 9.30-5.00)
FULHAM
THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO GET A SEASON TICKET!
The gripping drama, the big names, the big games, and the heritage of more than 130 years of matchday atmosphere. Watching the excitement of the Barclays Premier League at Fulham is both accessible and affordable.
Adult and Concession Season Tickets for 2009/10 start at just £285,and Junior Season Tickets from just £95 - that's only £15 and £5 per game respectively! We even have a limited number of FREE Season Tickets for Under 8s if purchased at the same time as a full Adult Season Ticket*.
Click here for full details and to purchase your season ticket online alternatively please call the Fulham Ticket Office on 0870 442 1234.
* Under 8s Season Tickets available in limited areas (blocks A, K, AL, KL; Under 8 renewals in H3) and each must be purchased with a full paying adult.
LIVERPOOL
50 PER CENT OFF LFC OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP - FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Apply today and you'll enjoy a full 12 months of membership for just £14.50 for adults and £10.00 for juniors!
Not only will you make a 50 per cent saving, you'll enjoy: access to more match tickets through the Liverpool Ticket Exchange where hundreds of tickets are released by season ticket holders who are unable to attend matches. Members receive a 10 per cent discount on all club purchases and exclusive merchandise you won't find in stores.
Apply online today, visit www.liverpoolfc.tv/membership or call our membership team on 0844 499 3000.
MANCHESTER UNITED
UNITED TO FACE VALENCIA IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
Manchester United v Valencia, Pre-season Friendly, Wednesday 5th August, 8pm.
United have faced Valencia six times before in competitive matches, with Old Trafford hosting the most recent meeting in February 2001, a 1-1 Champions League draw. The friendly follows July's four-game Asia Tour, and sets Sir Alex Ferguson's side up for the Community Shield meeting with Chelsea at Wembley.
Tickets are on general sale and can be purchased online or by calling 0161 868 8000.
Prices: £15 - £30.00 (Adults)*
£10 - £17.50 (Over-65s)*
£5 (Under-16s)
*One United Members can get a £5 discount on adult and senior tickets.
Hospitality packages are also available priced £110 + VAT. Book online now at ManUtd.com or call 0161 868 8000 and select option 2.
WEST HAM UNITED
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS NOW AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE
Fans are now able to save up to eight per cent compared to this season's prices. In addition to this the club can also confirm that season ticket prices for the 2010/11season will be frozen, subject to VAT staying at the same level. This means adult supporters can save up to £75 on their season ticket for next season, with Under 16's still receiving generous discounts and under 10's available for just £100!
This represents a saving of 20 per cent of the cost of all 19 match tickets. As an additional incentive to reward for long-term loyalty, any season ticket holder who renews for the fifth consecutive season (including this renewal) will receive a 20 per cent discount on the cost of their season ticket for season 2012/13. At current season ticket prices this would save an adult a minimum of £100.
For further information please click here
WIGAN ATHLETIC
JJ'S BIG TICKETS
Wigan Athletic are delighted to bring you JJ's Big Ticket - a scheme whereby schools, charities, sports teams, community groups (in fact anyone!) can apply for free tickets to use to get kids interested in football, sport and exercise. We will even provide free tickets for adults to come and look after the kids!
EVERTON
SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE
2009/10 Season Tickets are on sale now. Current Season Ticket holders wishing to keep hold of their existing seat have until May 16 to renew. £10 discount on Season Tickets purchased online. Pay no interest on Season Ticket purchases over £272 when using an Everton MasterCard.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.evertonfc.com/seasontickets for details or to buy online.
MATCH BREAK PACKAGES FROM JUST £76
Match Break packages available with Thomas Cook Sport now priced from £76pp. Packages include match ticket, hotel accommodation.
To book visit www.thomascooksport.com/everton.php or tel 0870 752 0924 (Mon-Fri 9.30-5.00)
FULHAM
THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO GET A SEASON TICKET!
The gripping drama, the big names, the big games, and the heritage of more than 130 years of matchday atmosphere. Watching the excitement of the Barclays Premier League at Fulham is both accessible and affordable.
Adult and Concession Season Tickets for 2009/10 start at just £285,and Junior Season Tickets from just £95 - that's only £15 and £5 per game respectively! We even have a limited number of FREE Season Tickets for Under 8s if purchased at the same time as a full Adult Season Ticket*.
Click here for full details and to purchase your season ticket online alternatively please call the Fulham Ticket Office on 0870 442 1234.
* Under 8s Season Tickets available in limited areas (blocks A, K, AL, KL; Under 8 renewals in H3) and each must be purchased with a full paying adult.
LIVERPOOL
50 PER CENT OFF LFC OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP - FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Apply today and you'll enjoy a full 12 months of membership for just £14.50 for adults and £10.00 for juniors!
Not only will you make a 50 per cent saving, you'll enjoy: access to more match tickets through the Liverpool Ticket Exchange where hundreds of tickets are released by season ticket holders who are unable to attend matches. Members receive a 10 per cent discount on all club purchases and exclusive merchandise you won't find in stores.
Apply online today, visit www.liverpoolfc.tv/membership or call our membership team on 0844 499 3000.
MANCHESTER UNITED
UNITED TO FACE VALENCIA IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
Manchester United v Valencia, Pre-season Friendly, Wednesday 5th August, 8pm.
United have faced Valencia six times before in competitive matches, with Old Trafford hosting the most recent meeting in February 2001, a 1-1 Champions League draw. The friendly follows July's four-game Asia Tour, and sets Sir Alex Ferguson's side up for the Community Shield meeting with Chelsea at Wembley.
Tickets are on general sale and can be purchased online or by calling 0161 868 8000.
Prices: £15 - £30.00 (Adults)*
£10 - £17.50 (Over-65s)*
£5 (Under-16s)
*One United Members can get a £5 discount on adult and senior tickets.
Hospitality packages are also available priced £110 + VAT. Book online now at ManUtd.com or call 0161 868 8000 and select option 2.
WEST HAM UNITED
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS NOW AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE
Fans are now able to save up to eight per cent compared to this season's prices. In addition to this the club can also confirm that season ticket prices for the 2010/11season will be frozen, subject to VAT staying at the same level. This means adult supporters can save up to £75 on their season ticket for next season, with Under 16's still receiving generous discounts and under 10's available for just £100!
This represents a saving of 20 per cent of the cost of all 19 match tickets. As an additional incentive to reward for long-term loyalty, any season ticket holder who renews for the fifth consecutive season (including this renewal) will receive a 20 per cent discount on the cost of their season ticket for season 2012/13. At current season ticket prices this would save an adult a minimum of £100.
For further information please click here
WIGAN ATHLETIC
JJ'S BIG TICKETS
Wigan Athletic are delighted to bring you JJ's Big Ticket - a scheme whereby schools, charities, sports teams, community groups (in fact anyone!) can apply for free tickets to use to get kids interested in football, sport and exercise. We will even provide free tickets for adults to come and look after the kids!
Club by club fixtures
All the new season's fixtures from each Barclays Premier League club.
Champions Manchester United kick off the new campaign at home to Birmingham City and finish at home to Stoke City.
Carlo Ancelotti begins life as Chelsea manager at home to Hull City while Steve Bruce's Sunderland reign begins at Bolton Wanderers. Roberto Martinez kicks off his charge of Wigan Athletic at Aston Villa. New-boys Burnley start at Stoke City and their first ever home match in the Premier League will be against Manchester United.
It is a tough start to the campaign for the Clarets who face four of last season's top five in their opening five fixtures.
The new Barclays Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday 15th August although all fixtures remain provisional and are subject to change.
Three matches have already been postponed. Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers will not take place on 18th August because of the Gunners' involvement in the Champions League Play-offs.
Similarly West Ham United v Aston Villa on 18th August and Manchester City v Everton on 19th August will have to be re-arranged because of Europa League Play-offs.
Teams will play twice in three days over Christmas with matches on Boxing Day and 28th December. There are no fixtures on New Year's Day and the season will finish on Sunday 9th May to allow extra time for preparations for the World Cup finals.
ARSENAL
August
15 Everton (A)
18 Bolton (H) Postponed
22 Portsmouth (H)
29 Man Utd (A)
September
12 Man City (A)
19 Wigan (H)
26 Fulham (A)
October
3 Blackburn (H)
17 Birmingham (H)
24 West Ham (A)
31 Tottenham (H)
November
7 Wolverhampton (A)
21 Sunderland (A)
28 Chelsea (H)
December
5 Stoke (H)
12 Liverpool (A)
15 Burnley (A)
19 Hull (H)
26 Aston Villa (H)
28 Portsmouth (A)
January
9 Everton (H)
16 Bolton (A)
27 Aston Villa (A)
30 Man Utd (H)
February
6 Chelsea (A)
9 Liverpool (H)
20 Sunderland (H)
27 Stoke (A)
March
6 Burnley (H)
13 Hull (A)
20 West Ham (H)
27 Birmingham (A)
April
3 Wolverhampton (H)
10 Tottenham (A)
17 Wigan (A)
24 Man City (H)
May
1 Blackburn (A)
9 Fulham (H)
ASTON VILLA
August
15 Wigan (H)
18 West Ham (A)
22 Liverpool (A)
29 Fulham (H)
September
12 Birmingham (A)
19 Portsmouth (H)
26 Blackburn (A)
October
3 Man City (H)
17 Chelsea (H)
24 Wolverhampton (A)
31 Everton (A)
November
7 Bolton (H)
21 Burnley (A)
28 Tottenham (H)
December
5 Hull (H)
12 Man Utd (A)
15 Sunderland (A)
19 Stoke (H)
26 Arsenal (A)
28 Liverpool (H)
January
9 Wigan (A)
16 West Ham (H)
27 Arsenal (H)
30 Fulham (A)
February
6 Tottenham (A)
10 Man Utd (H)
20 Burnley (H)
27 Hull (A)
March
6 Sunderland (H)
13 Stoke (A)
20 Wolverhampton (H)
27 Chelsea (A)
April
3 Bolton (A)
10 Everton (H)
17 Portsmouth (A)
24 Birmingham (H)
May
1 Man City (A)
9 Blackburn (H)
BIRMINGHAM CITY
August
15 Man Utd (A)
18 Portsmouth (H)
22 Stoke (H)
29 Tottenham (A)
September
12 Aston Villa (H)
19 Hull (A)
26 Bolton (H)
October
3 Burnley (A)
17 Arsenal (A)
24 Sunderland (H)
31 Man City (H)
November
7 Liverpool (A)
21 Fulham (H)
28 Wolverhampton (A)
December
5 Wigan (A)
12 West Ham (H)
15 Blackburn (H)
19 Everton (A)
26 Chelsea (H)
28 Stoke (A)
January
9 Man Utd (H)
16 Portsmouth (A)
27 Chelsea (A)
30 Tottenham (H)
February
6 Wolverhampton (H)
9 West Ham (A)
20 Fulham (A)
27 Wigan (H)
March
6 Blackburn (A)
13 Everton (H)
20 Sunderland (A)
27 Arsenal (H)
April
3 Liverpool (H)
10 Man City (A)
17 Hull (H)
24 Aston Villa (A)
May
1 Burnley (H)
9 Bolton (A)
BLACKBURN ROVERS
August
15 Man City (H)
18 Fulham (A)
22 Sunderland (A)
29 West Ham (H)
September
12 Wolverhampton (H)
19 Everton (A)
26 Aston Villa (H)
October
3 Arsenal (A)
17 Burnley (H)
24 Chelsea (A)
31 Man Utd (A)
November
7 Portsmouth (H)
21 Bolton (A)
28 Stoke (H)
December
5 Liverpool (H)
12 Hull (A)
15 Birmingham (A)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Wigan (A)
28 Sunderland (H)
January
9 Man City (A)
16 Fulham (H)
27 Wigan (H)
30 West Ham (A)
February
6 Stoke (A)
10 Hull (H)
20 Bolton (H)
27 Liverpool (A)
March
6 Birmingham (H)
13 Tottenham (A)
20 Chelsea (H)
27 Burnley (A)
April
3 Portsmouth (A)
10 Man Utd (H)
17 Everton (H)
24 Wolverhampton (A)
May
1 Arsenal (H)
9 Aston Villa (A)
BOLTON WANDERERS
August
15 Sunderland (H)
18 Arsenal (A)
22 Hull (A)
29 Liverpool (H)
September
12 Portsmouth (A)
19 Stoke (H)
26 Birmingham (A)
October
3 Tottenham (H)
17 Man Utd (A)
24 Everton (H)
31 Chelsea (H)
November
7 Aston Villa (A)
21 Blackburn (H)
28 Fulham (A)
December
5 Wolverhampton (A)
12 Man City (H)
15 West Ham (H)
19 Wigan (A)
26 Burnley (A)
28 Hull (H)
January
9 Sunderland (A)
16 Arsenal (H)
26 Burnley (H)
30 Liverpool (A)
February
6 Fulham (H)
10 Man City (A)
20 Blackburn (A)
27 Wolverhampton (H)
March
6 West Ham (A)
13 Wigan (H)
20 Everton (A)
27 Man Utd (H)
April
3 Aston Villa (H)
10 Chelsea (A)
17 Stoke (A)
24 Portsmouth (H)
May
1 Tottenham (A)
9 Birmingham (H)
BURNLEY
August
15 Stoke (A)
18 Man Utd (H)
22 Everton (H)
29 Chelsea (A)
September
12 Liverpool (A)
19 Sunderland (H)
26 Tottenham (A)
October
3 Birmingham (H)
17 Blackburn (A)
24 Wigan (H)
31 Hull (H)
November
7 Man City (A)
21 Aston Villa (H)
28 West Ham (A)
December
5 Portsmouth (A)
12 Fulham (H)
15 Arsenal (H)
19 Wolverhampton (A)
26 Bolton (H)
28 Everton (A)
January
9 Stoke (H)
16 Man Utd (A)
26 Bolton (A)
30 Chelsea (H)
February
6 West Ham (H)
9 Fulham (A)
20 Aston Villa (A)
27 Portsmouth (H)
March
6 Arsenal (A)
13 Wolverhampton (H)
20 Wigan (A)
27 Blackburn (H)
April
3 Man City (H)
10 Hull (A)
17 Sunderland (A)
24 Liverpool (H)
May
1 Birmingham (A)
9 Tottenham (H)
CHELSEA
August
15 Hull (H)
18 Sunderland (A)
22 Fulham (A)
29 Burnley (H)
September
12 Stoke (A)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Wigan (A)
October
3 Liverpool (H)
17 Aston Villa (A)
24 Blackburn (H)
31 Bolton (A)
November
7 Man Utd (H)
21 Wolverhampton (H)
28 Arsenal (A)
December
5 Man City (A)
12 Everton (H)
16 Portsmouth (H)
19 West Ham (A)
26 Birmingham (A)
28 Fulham (H)
January
9 Hull (A)
16 Sunderland (H)
27 Birmingham (H)
30 Burnley (A)
February
6 Arsenal (H)
10 Everton (A)
20 Wolverhampton (A)
27 Man City (H)
March
6 Portsmouth (A)
13 West Ham (H)
20 Blackburn (A)
27 Aston Villa (H)
April
3 Man Utd (A)
10 Bolton (H)
17 Tottenham (A)
24 Stoke (H)
May
1 Liverpool (A)
9 Wigan (H)
EVERTON
August
15 Arsenal (H)
19 Man City (A)
22 Burnley (A)
29 Wigan (H)
September
12 Fulham (A)
19 Blackburn (H)
26 Portsmouth (A)
October
3 Stoke (H)
17 Wolverhampton (H)
24 Bolton (A)
31 Aston Villa (H)
November
7 West Ham (A)
21 Man Utd (A)
28 Liverpool (H)
December
5 Tottenham (H)
12 Chelsea (A)
15 Hull (A)
19 Birmingham (H)
26 Sunderland (A)
28 Burnley (H)
January
9 Arsenal (A)
16 Man City (H)
27 Sunderland (H)
30 Wigan (A)
February
6 Liverpool (A)
10 Chelsea (H)
20 Man Utd (H)
27 Tottenham (A)
March
6 Hull (H)
13 Birmingham (A)
20 Bolton (H)
27 Wolverhampton (A)
April
3 West Ham (H)
10 Aston Villa (A)
17 Blackburn (A)
24 Fulham (H)
May
1 Stoke (A)
9 Portsmouth (H)
FULHAM
August
15 Portsmouth (A)
18 Blackburn (H)
22 Chelsea (H)
29 Aston Villa (A)
September
12 Everton (H)
19 Wolverhampton (A)
26 Arsenal (H)
October
3 West Ham (A)
17 Hull (H)
24 Man City (A)
31 Liverpool (H)
November
7 Wigan (A)
21 Birmingham (A)
28 Bolton (H)
December
5 Sunderland (H)
12 Burnley (A)
15 Stoke (A)
19 Man Utd (H)
26 Tottenham (H)
28 Chelsea (A)
January
9 Portsmouth (H)
16 Blackburn (A)
26 Tottenham (A)
30 Aston Villa (H)
February
6 Bolton (A)
9 Burnley (H)
20 Birmingham (H)
27 Sunderland (A)
March
6 Stoke (H)
13 Man Utd (A)
20 Man City (H)
27 Hull (A)
April
3 Wigan (H)
10 Liverpool (A)
17 Wolverhampton (H)
24 Everton (A)
May
1 West Ham (H)
9 Arsenal (A)
HULL CITY
August
15 Chelsea (A)
18 Tottenham (H)
22 Bolton (H)
29 Wolverhampton (A)
September
12 Sunderland (A)
19 Birmingham (H)
26 Liverpool (A)
October
3 Wigan (H)
17 Fulham (A)
24 Portsmouth (H)
31 Burnley (A)
November
7 Stoke (H)
21 West Ham (H)
28 Man City (A)
December
5 Aston Villa (A)
12 Blackburn (H)
15 Everton (H)
19 Arsenal (A)
26 Man Utd (H)
28 Bolton (A)
January
9 Chelsea (H)
16 Tottenham (A)
26 Man Utd (A)
30 Wolverhampton (H)
February
6 Man City (H)
10 Blackburn (A)
20 West Ham (A)
27 Aston Villa (H)
March
6 Everton (A)
13 Arsenal (H)
20 Portsmouth (A)
27 Fulham (H)
April
3 Stoke (A)
10 Burnley (H)
17 Birmingham (A)
24 Sunderland (H)
May
1 Wigan (A)
9 Liverpool (H)
LIVERPOOL
August
15 Tottenham (A)
19 Stoke (H)
22 Aston Villa (H)
29 Bolton (A)
September
12 Burnley (H)
19 West Ham (A)
26 Hull (H)
October
3 Chelsea (A)
17 Sunderland (A)
24 Man Utd (H)
31 Fulham (A)
November
7 Birmingham (H)
21 Man City (H)
28 Everton (A)
December
5 Blackburn (A)
12 Arsenal (H)
16 Wigan (H)
19 Portsmouth (A)
26 Wolverhampton (H)
28 Aston Villa (A)
January
9 Tottenham (H)
16 Stoke (A)
26 Wolverhampton (A)
30 Bolton (H)
February
6 Everton (H)
9 Arsenal (A)
20 Man City (A)
27 Blackburn (H)
March
6 Wigan (A)
13 Portsmouth (H)
20 Man Utd (A)
27 Sunderland (H)
April
3 Birmingham (A)
10 Fulham (H)
17 West Ham (H)
24 Burnley (A)
May
1 Chelsea (H)
9 Hull (A)
MANCHESTER CITY
August
15 Blackburn (A)
19 Everton (H) Postponed
22 Wolverhampton (H)
29 Portsmouth (A)
September
12 Arsenal (H)
19 Man Utd (A)
26 West Ham (H)
October
3 Aston Villa (A)
17 Wigan (A)
24 Fulham (H)
31 Birmingham (A)
November
7 Burnley (H)
21 Liverpool (A)
28 Hull (H)
December
5 Chelsea (H)
12 Bolton (A)
15 Tottenham (A)
19 Sunderland (H)
26 Stoke (H)
28 Wolverhampton (A)
January
9 Blackburn (H)
16 Everton (A)
26 Stoke (A)
30 Portsmouth (H)
February
6 Hull (A)
10 Bolton (H)
20 Liverpool (H)
27 Chelsea (A)
March
6 Tottenham (H)
13 Sunderland (A)
20 Fulham (A)
27 Wigan (H)
April
3 Burnley (A)
10 Birmingham (H)
17 Man Utd (H)
24 Arsenal (A)
May
1 Aston Villa (H)
9 West Ham (A)
MANCHESTER UNITED
August
15 Birmingham (H)
18 Burnley (A)
22 Wigan (A)
29 Arsenal (H)
September
12 Tottenham (A)
19 Man City (H)
26 Stoke (A)
October
3 Sunderland (H)
17 Bolton (H)
24 Liverpool (A)
31 Blackburn (H)
November
7 Chelsea (A)
21 Everton (H)
28 Portsmouth (A)
December
5 West Ham (A)
12 Aston Villa (H)
15 Wolverhampton (H)
19 Fulham (A)
26 Hull (A)
28 Wigan (H)
January
9 Birmingham (A)
16 Burnley (H)
26 Hull (H)
30 Arsenal (A)
February
6 Portsmouth (H)
10 Aston Villa (A)
20 Everton (A)
27 West Ham (H)
March
6 Wolverhampton (A)
13 Fulham (H)
20 Liverpool (H)
27 Bolton (A)
April
3 Chelsea (H)
10 Blackburn (A)
17 Man City (A)
24 Tottenham (H)
May
1 Sunderland (A)
9 Stoke (H)
PORTSMOUTH
August
15 Fulham (H)
18 Birmingham (A)
22 Arsenal (A)
29 Man City (H)
September
12 Bolton (H)
19 Aston Villa (A)
26 Everton (H)
October
3 Wolverhampton (A)
17 Tottenham (H)
24 Hull (A)
31 Wigan (H)
November
7 Blackburn (A)
21 Stoke (A)
28 Man Utd (H)
December
5 Burnley (H)
12 Sunderland (A)
16 Chelsea (A)
19 Liverpool (H)
26 West Ham (A)
28 Arsenal (H)
January
9 Fulham (A)
16 Birmingham (H)
26 West Ham (H)
30 Man City (A)
February
6 Man Utd (A)
9 Sunderland (H)
20 Stoke (H)
27 Burnley (A)
March
6 Chelsea (H)
13 Liverpool (A)
20 Hull (H)
27 Tottenham (A)
April
3 Blackburn (H)
10 Wigan (A)
17 Aston Villa (H)
24 Bolton (A)
May
1 Wolverhampton (H)
9 Everton (A)
STOKE CITY
August
15 Burnley (H)
19 Liverpool (A)
22 Birmingham (A)
29 Sunderland (H)
September
12 Chelsea (H)
19 Bolton (A)
26 Man Utd (H)
October
3 Everton (A)
17 West Ham (H)
24 Tottenham (A)
31 Wolverhampton (H)
November
7 Hull (A)
21 Portsmouth (H)
28 Blackburn (A)
December
5 Arsenal (A)
12 Wigan (H)
15 Fulham (H)
19 Aston Villa (A)
26 Man City (A)
28 Birmingham (H)
January
9 Burnley (A)
16 Liverpool (H)
26 Man City (H)
30 Sunderland (A)
February
6 Blackburn (H)
9 Wigan (A)
20 Portsmouth (A)
27 Arsenal (H)
March
6 Fulham (A)
13 Aston Villa (H)
20 Tottenham (H)
27 West Ham (A)
April
3 Hull (H)
10 Wolverhampton (A)
17 Bolton (H)
24 Chelsea (A)
May
1 Everton (H)
9 Man Utd (A)
SUNDERLAND
August
15 Bolton (A)
18 Chelsea (H)
22 Blackburn (H)
29 Stoke (A)
September
12 Hull (H)
19 Burnley (A)
26 Wolverhampton (H)
October
3 Man Utd (A)
17 Liverpool (H)
24 Birmingham (A)
31 West Ham (H)
November
7 Tottenham (A)
21 Arsenal (H)
28 Wigan (A)
December
5 Fulham (A)
12 Portsmouth (H)
15 Aston Villa (H)
19 Man City (A)
26 Everton (H)
28 Blackburn (A)
January
9 Bolton (H)
16 Chelsea (A)
27 Everton (A)
30 Stoke (H)
February
6 Wigan (H)
9 Portsmouth (A)
20 Arsenal (A)
27 Fulham (H)
March
6 Aston Villa (A)
13 Man City (H)
20 Birmingham (H)
27 Liverpool (A)
April
3 Tottenham (H)
10 West Ham (A)
17 Burnley (H)
24 Hull (A)
May
1 Man Utd (H)
9 Wolverhampton (A)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
August
15 Liverpool (H)
18 Hull (A)
22 West Ham (A)
29 Birmingham (H)
September
12 Man Utd (H)
19 Chelsea (A)
26 Burnley (H)
October
3 Bolton (A)
17 Portsmouth (A)
24 Stoke (H)
31 Arsenal (A)
November
7 Sunderland (H)
21 Wigan (H)
28 Aston Villa (A)
December
5 Everton (A)
12 Wolverhampton (H)
15 Man City (H)
19 Blackburn (A)
26 Fulham (A)
28 West Ham (H)
January
9 Liverpool (A)
16 Hull (H)
26 Fulham (H)
30 Birmingham (A)
February
6 Aston Villa (H)
9 Wolverhampton (A)
20 Wigan (A)
27 Everton (H)
March
6 Man City (A)
13 Blackburn (H)
20 Stoke (A)
27 Portsmouth (H)
April
3 Sunderland (A)
10 Arsenal (H)
17 Chelsea (H)
24 Man Utd (A)
May
1 Bolton (H)
9 Burnley (A)
WEST HAM UNITED
August
15 Wolverhampton (A)
18 Aston Villa (H) Postponed
22 Tottenham (H)
29 Blackburn (A)
September
12 Wigan (A)
19 Liverpool (H)
26 Man City (A)
October
3 Fulham (H)
17 Stoke (A)
24 Arsenal (H)
31 Sunderland (A)
November
7 Everton (H)
21 Hull (A)
28 Burnley (H)
December
5 Man Utd (H)
12 Birmingham (A)
15 Bolton (A)
19 Chelsea (H)
26 Portsmouth (H)
28 Tottenham (A)
January
9 Wolverhampton (H)
16 Aston Villa (A)
26 Portsmouth (A)
30 Blackburn (H)
February
6 Burnley (A)
9 Birmingham (H)
20 Hull (H)
27 Man Utd (A)
March
6 Bolton (H)
13 Chelsea (A)
20 Arsenal (A)
27 Stoke (H)
April
3 Everton (A)
10 Sunderland (H)
17 Liverpool (A)
24 Wigan (H)
May
1 Fulham (A)
9 Man City (H)
WIGAN ATHLETIC
August
15 Aston Villa (A)
18 Wolverhampton (H)
22 Man Utd (H)
29 Everton (A)
September
12 West Ham (H)
19 Arsenal (A)
26 Chelsea (H)
October
3 Hull (A)
17 Man City (H)
24 Burnley (A)
31 Portsmouth (A)
November
7 Fulham (H)
21 Tottenham (A)
28 Sunderland (H)
December
5 Birmingham (H)
12 Stoke (A)
16 Liverpool (A)
19 Bolton (H)
26 Blackburn (H)
28 Man Utd (A)
January
9 Aston Villa (H)
16 Wolverhampton (A)
27 Blackburn (A)
30 Everton (H)
February
6 Sunderland (A)
9 Stoke (H)
20 Tottenham (H)
27 Birmingham (A)
March
6 Liverpool (H)
13 Bolton (A)
20 Burnley (H)
27 Man City (A)
April
3 Fulham (A)
10 Portsmouth (H)
17 Arsenal (H)
24 West Ham (A)
May
1 Hull (H)
9 Chelsea (A)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
August
15 West Ham (H)
18 Wigan (A)
22 Man City (A)
29 Hull (H)
September
12 Blackburn (A)
19 Fulham (H)
26 Sunderland (A)
October
3 Portsmouth (H)
17 Everton (A)
24 Aston Villa (H)
31 Stoke (A)
November
7 Arsenal (H)
21 Chelsea (A)
28 Birmingham (H)
December
5 Bolton (H)
12 Tottenham (A)
15 Man Utd (A)
19 Burnley (H)
26 Liverpool (A)
28 Man City (H)
January
9 West Ham (A)
16 Wigan (H)
26 Liverpool (H)
30 Hull (A)
February
6 Birmingham (A)
9 Tottenham (H)
20 Chelsea (H)
27 Bolton (A)
March
6 Man Utd (H)
13 Burnley (A)
20 Aston Villa (A)
27 Everton (H)
April
3 Arsenal (A)
10 Stoke (H)
17 Fulham (A)
24 Blackburn (H)
May
1 Portsmouth (A)
9 Sunderland (H)
All fixture dates provisional and subject to change.
Reproduced under license from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence number FDCED0910/118839.
Champions Manchester United kick off the new campaign at home to Birmingham City and finish at home to Stoke City.
Carlo Ancelotti begins life as Chelsea manager at home to Hull City while Steve Bruce's Sunderland reign begins at Bolton Wanderers. Roberto Martinez kicks off his charge of Wigan Athletic at Aston Villa. New-boys Burnley start at Stoke City and their first ever home match in the Premier League will be against Manchester United.
It is a tough start to the campaign for the Clarets who face four of last season's top five in their opening five fixtures.
The new Barclays Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday 15th August although all fixtures remain provisional and are subject to change.
Three matches have already been postponed. Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers will not take place on 18th August because of the Gunners' involvement in the Champions League Play-offs.
Similarly West Ham United v Aston Villa on 18th August and Manchester City v Everton on 19th August will have to be re-arranged because of Europa League Play-offs.
Teams will play twice in three days over Christmas with matches on Boxing Day and 28th December. There are no fixtures on New Year's Day and the season will finish on Sunday 9th May to allow extra time for preparations for the World Cup finals.
ARSENAL
August
15 Everton (A)
18 Bolton (H) Postponed
22 Portsmouth (H)
29 Man Utd (A)
September
12 Man City (A)
19 Wigan (H)
26 Fulham (A)
October
3 Blackburn (H)
17 Birmingham (H)
24 West Ham (A)
31 Tottenham (H)
November
7 Wolverhampton (A)
21 Sunderland (A)
28 Chelsea (H)
December
5 Stoke (H)
12 Liverpool (A)
15 Burnley (A)
19 Hull (H)
26 Aston Villa (H)
28 Portsmouth (A)
January
9 Everton (H)
16 Bolton (A)
27 Aston Villa (A)
30 Man Utd (H)
February
6 Chelsea (A)
9 Liverpool (H)
20 Sunderland (H)
27 Stoke (A)
March
6 Burnley (H)
13 Hull (A)
20 West Ham (H)
27 Birmingham (A)
April
3 Wolverhampton (H)
10 Tottenham (A)
17 Wigan (A)
24 Man City (H)
May
1 Blackburn (A)
9 Fulham (H)
ASTON VILLA
August
15 Wigan (H)
18 West Ham (A)
22 Liverpool (A)
29 Fulham (H)
September
12 Birmingham (A)
19 Portsmouth (H)
26 Blackburn (A)
October
3 Man City (H)
17 Chelsea (H)
24 Wolverhampton (A)
31 Everton (A)
November
7 Bolton (H)
21 Burnley (A)
28 Tottenham (H)
December
5 Hull (H)
12 Man Utd (A)
15 Sunderland (A)
19 Stoke (H)
26 Arsenal (A)
28 Liverpool (H)
January
9 Wigan (A)
16 West Ham (H)
27 Arsenal (H)
30 Fulham (A)
February
6 Tottenham (A)
10 Man Utd (H)
20 Burnley (H)
27 Hull (A)
March
6 Sunderland (H)
13 Stoke (A)
20 Wolverhampton (H)
27 Chelsea (A)
April
3 Bolton (A)
10 Everton (H)
17 Portsmouth (A)
24 Birmingham (H)
May
1 Man City (A)
9 Blackburn (H)
BIRMINGHAM CITY
August
15 Man Utd (A)
18 Portsmouth (H)
22 Stoke (H)
29 Tottenham (A)
September
12 Aston Villa (H)
19 Hull (A)
26 Bolton (H)
October
3 Burnley (A)
17 Arsenal (A)
24 Sunderland (H)
31 Man City (H)
November
7 Liverpool (A)
21 Fulham (H)
28 Wolverhampton (A)
December
5 Wigan (A)
12 West Ham (H)
15 Blackburn (H)
19 Everton (A)
26 Chelsea (H)
28 Stoke (A)
January
9 Man Utd (H)
16 Portsmouth (A)
27 Chelsea (A)
30 Tottenham (H)
February
6 Wolverhampton (H)
9 West Ham (A)
20 Fulham (A)
27 Wigan (H)
March
6 Blackburn (A)
13 Everton (H)
20 Sunderland (A)
27 Arsenal (H)
April
3 Liverpool (H)
10 Man City (A)
17 Hull (H)
24 Aston Villa (A)
May
1 Burnley (H)
9 Bolton (A)
BLACKBURN ROVERS
August
15 Man City (H)
18 Fulham (A)
22 Sunderland (A)
29 West Ham (H)
September
12 Wolverhampton (H)
19 Everton (A)
26 Aston Villa (H)
October
3 Arsenal (A)
17 Burnley (H)
24 Chelsea (A)
31 Man Utd (A)
November
7 Portsmouth (H)
21 Bolton (A)
28 Stoke (H)
December
5 Liverpool (H)
12 Hull (A)
15 Birmingham (A)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Wigan (A)
28 Sunderland (H)
January
9 Man City (A)
16 Fulham (H)
27 Wigan (H)
30 West Ham (A)
February
6 Stoke (A)
10 Hull (H)
20 Bolton (H)
27 Liverpool (A)
March
6 Birmingham (H)
13 Tottenham (A)
20 Chelsea (H)
27 Burnley (A)
April
3 Portsmouth (A)
10 Man Utd (H)
17 Everton (H)
24 Wolverhampton (A)
May
1 Arsenal (H)
9 Aston Villa (A)
BOLTON WANDERERS
August
15 Sunderland (H)
18 Arsenal (A)
22 Hull (A)
29 Liverpool (H)
September
12 Portsmouth (A)
19 Stoke (H)
26 Birmingham (A)
October
3 Tottenham (H)
17 Man Utd (A)
24 Everton (H)
31 Chelsea (H)
November
7 Aston Villa (A)
21 Blackburn (H)
28 Fulham (A)
December
5 Wolverhampton (A)
12 Man City (H)
15 West Ham (H)
19 Wigan (A)
26 Burnley (A)
28 Hull (H)
January
9 Sunderland (A)
16 Arsenal (H)
26 Burnley (H)
30 Liverpool (A)
February
6 Fulham (H)
10 Man City (A)
20 Blackburn (A)
27 Wolverhampton (H)
March
6 West Ham (A)
13 Wigan (H)
20 Everton (A)
27 Man Utd (H)
April
3 Aston Villa (H)
10 Chelsea (A)
17 Stoke (A)
24 Portsmouth (H)
May
1 Tottenham (A)
9 Birmingham (H)
BURNLEY
August
15 Stoke (A)
18 Man Utd (H)
22 Everton (H)
29 Chelsea (A)
September
12 Liverpool (A)
19 Sunderland (H)
26 Tottenham (A)
October
3 Birmingham (H)
17 Blackburn (A)
24 Wigan (H)
31 Hull (H)
November
7 Man City (A)
21 Aston Villa (H)
28 West Ham (A)
December
5 Portsmouth (A)
12 Fulham (H)
15 Arsenal (H)
19 Wolverhampton (A)
26 Bolton (H)
28 Everton (A)
January
9 Stoke (H)
16 Man Utd (A)
26 Bolton (A)
30 Chelsea (H)
February
6 West Ham (H)
9 Fulham (A)
20 Aston Villa (A)
27 Portsmouth (H)
March
6 Arsenal (A)
13 Wolverhampton (H)
20 Wigan (A)
27 Blackburn (H)
April
3 Man City (H)
10 Hull (A)
17 Sunderland (A)
24 Liverpool (H)
May
1 Birmingham (A)
9 Tottenham (H)
CHELSEA
August
15 Hull (H)
18 Sunderland (A)
22 Fulham (A)
29 Burnley (H)
September
12 Stoke (A)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Wigan (A)
October
3 Liverpool (H)
17 Aston Villa (A)
24 Blackburn (H)
31 Bolton (A)
November
7 Man Utd (H)
21 Wolverhampton (H)
28 Arsenal (A)
December
5 Man City (A)
12 Everton (H)
16 Portsmouth (H)
19 West Ham (A)
26 Birmingham (A)
28 Fulham (H)
January
9 Hull (A)
16 Sunderland (H)
27 Birmingham (H)
30 Burnley (A)
February
6 Arsenal (H)
10 Everton (A)
20 Wolverhampton (A)
27 Man City (H)
March
6 Portsmouth (A)
13 West Ham (H)
20 Blackburn (A)
27 Aston Villa (H)
April
3 Man Utd (A)
10 Bolton (H)
17 Tottenham (A)
24 Stoke (H)
May
1 Liverpool (A)
9 Wigan (H)
EVERTON
August
15 Arsenal (H)
19 Man City (A)
22 Burnley (A)
29 Wigan (H)
September
12 Fulham (A)
19 Blackburn (H)
26 Portsmouth (A)
October
3 Stoke (H)
17 Wolverhampton (H)
24 Bolton (A)
31 Aston Villa (H)
November
7 West Ham (A)
21 Man Utd (A)
28 Liverpool (H)
December
5 Tottenham (H)
12 Chelsea (A)
15 Hull (A)
19 Birmingham (H)
26 Sunderland (A)
28 Burnley (H)
January
9 Arsenal (A)
16 Man City (H)
27 Sunderland (H)
30 Wigan (A)
February
6 Liverpool (A)
10 Chelsea (H)
20 Man Utd (H)
27 Tottenham (A)
March
6 Hull (H)
13 Birmingham (A)
20 Bolton (H)
27 Wolverhampton (A)
April
3 West Ham (H)
10 Aston Villa (A)
17 Blackburn (A)
24 Fulham (H)
May
1 Stoke (A)
9 Portsmouth (H)
FULHAM
August
15 Portsmouth (A)
18 Blackburn (H)
22 Chelsea (H)
29 Aston Villa (A)
September
12 Everton (H)
19 Wolverhampton (A)
26 Arsenal (H)
October
3 West Ham (A)
17 Hull (H)
24 Man City (A)
31 Liverpool (H)
November
7 Wigan (A)
21 Birmingham (A)
28 Bolton (H)
December
5 Sunderland (H)
12 Burnley (A)
15 Stoke (A)
19 Man Utd (H)
26 Tottenham (H)
28 Chelsea (A)
January
9 Portsmouth (H)
16 Blackburn (A)
26 Tottenham (A)
30 Aston Villa (H)
February
6 Bolton (A)
9 Burnley (H)
20 Birmingham (H)
27 Sunderland (A)
March
6 Stoke (H)
13 Man Utd (A)
20 Man City (H)
27 Hull (A)
April
3 Wigan (H)
10 Liverpool (A)
17 Wolverhampton (H)
24 Everton (A)
May
1 West Ham (H)
9 Arsenal (A)
HULL CITY
August
15 Chelsea (A)
18 Tottenham (H)
22 Bolton (H)
29 Wolverhampton (A)
September
12 Sunderland (A)
19 Birmingham (H)
26 Liverpool (A)
October
3 Wigan (H)
17 Fulham (A)
24 Portsmouth (H)
31 Burnley (A)
November
7 Stoke (H)
21 West Ham (H)
28 Man City (A)
December
5 Aston Villa (A)
12 Blackburn (H)
15 Everton (H)
19 Arsenal (A)
26 Man Utd (H)
28 Bolton (A)
January
9 Chelsea (H)
16 Tottenham (A)
26 Man Utd (A)
30 Wolverhampton (H)
February
6 Man City (H)
10 Blackburn (A)
20 West Ham (A)
27 Aston Villa (H)
March
6 Everton (A)
13 Arsenal (H)
20 Portsmouth (A)
27 Fulham (H)
April
3 Stoke (A)
10 Burnley (H)
17 Birmingham (A)
24 Sunderland (H)
May
1 Wigan (A)
9 Liverpool (H)
LIVERPOOL
August
15 Tottenham (A)
19 Stoke (H)
22 Aston Villa (H)
29 Bolton (A)
September
12 Burnley (H)
19 West Ham (A)
26 Hull (H)
October
3 Chelsea (A)
17 Sunderland (A)
24 Man Utd (H)
31 Fulham (A)
November
7 Birmingham (H)
21 Man City (H)
28 Everton (A)
December
5 Blackburn (A)
12 Arsenal (H)
16 Wigan (H)
19 Portsmouth (A)
26 Wolverhampton (H)
28 Aston Villa (A)
January
9 Tottenham (H)
16 Stoke (A)
26 Wolverhampton (A)
30 Bolton (H)
February
6 Everton (H)
9 Arsenal (A)
20 Man City (A)
27 Blackburn (H)
March
6 Wigan (A)
13 Portsmouth (H)
20 Man Utd (A)
27 Sunderland (H)
April
3 Birmingham (A)
10 Fulham (H)
17 West Ham (H)
24 Burnley (A)
May
1 Chelsea (H)
9 Hull (A)
MANCHESTER CITY
August
15 Blackburn (A)
19 Everton (H) Postponed
22 Wolverhampton (H)
29 Portsmouth (A)
September
12 Arsenal (H)
19 Man Utd (A)
26 West Ham (H)
October
3 Aston Villa (A)
17 Wigan (A)
24 Fulham (H)
31 Birmingham (A)
November
7 Burnley (H)
21 Liverpool (A)
28 Hull (H)
December
5 Chelsea (H)
12 Bolton (A)
15 Tottenham (A)
19 Sunderland (H)
26 Stoke (H)
28 Wolverhampton (A)
January
9 Blackburn (H)
16 Everton (A)
26 Stoke (A)
30 Portsmouth (H)
February
6 Hull (A)
10 Bolton (H)
20 Liverpool (H)
27 Chelsea (A)
March
6 Tottenham (H)
13 Sunderland (A)
20 Fulham (A)
27 Wigan (H)
April
3 Burnley (A)
10 Birmingham (H)
17 Man Utd (H)
24 Arsenal (A)
May
1 Aston Villa (H)
9 West Ham (A)
MANCHESTER UNITED
August
15 Birmingham (H)
18 Burnley (A)
22 Wigan (A)
29 Arsenal (H)
September
12 Tottenham (A)
19 Man City (H)
26 Stoke (A)
October
3 Sunderland (H)
17 Bolton (H)
24 Liverpool (A)
31 Blackburn (H)
November
7 Chelsea (A)
21 Everton (H)
28 Portsmouth (A)
December
5 West Ham (A)
12 Aston Villa (H)
15 Wolverhampton (H)
19 Fulham (A)
26 Hull (A)
28 Wigan (H)
January
9 Birmingham (A)
16 Burnley (H)
26 Hull (H)
30 Arsenal (A)
February
6 Portsmouth (H)
10 Aston Villa (A)
20 Everton (A)
27 West Ham (H)
March
6 Wolverhampton (A)
13 Fulham (H)
20 Liverpool (H)
27 Bolton (A)
April
3 Chelsea (H)
10 Blackburn (A)
17 Man City (A)
24 Tottenham (H)
May
1 Sunderland (A)
9 Stoke (H)
PORTSMOUTH
August
15 Fulham (H)
18 Birmingham (A)
22 Arsenal (A)
29 Man City (H)
September
12 Bolton (H)
19 Aston Villa (A)
26 Everton (H)
October
3 Wolverhampton (A)
17 Tottenham (H)
24 Hull (A)
31 Wigan (H)
November
7 Blackburn (A)
21 Stoke (A)
28 Man Utd (H)
December
5 Burnley (H)
12 Sunderland (A)
16 Chelsea (A)
19 Liverpool (H)
26 West Ham (A)
28 Arsenal (H)
January
9 Fulham (A)
16 Birmingham (H)
26 West Ham (H)
30 Man City (A)
February
6 Man Utd (A)
9 Sunderland (H)
20 Stoke (H)
27 Burnley (A)
March
6 Chelsea (H)
13 Liverpool (A)
20 Hull (H)
27 Tottenham (A)
April
3 Blackburn (H)
10 Wigan (A)
17 Aston Villa (H)
24 Bolton (A)
May
1 Wolverhampton (H)
9 Everton (A)
STOKE CITY
August
15 Burnley (H)
19 Liverpool (A)
22 Birmingham (A)
29 Sunderland (H)
September
12 Chelsea (H)
19 Bolton (A)
26 Man Utd (H)
October
3 Everton (A)
17 West Ham (H)
24 Tottenham (A)
31 Wolverhampton (H)
November
7 Hull (A)
21 Portsmouth (H)
28 Blackburn (A)
December
5 Arsenal (A)
12 Wigan (H)
15 Fulham (H)
19 Aston Villa (A)
26 Man City (A)
28 Birmingham (H)
January
9 Burnley (A)
16 Liverpool (H)
26 Man City (H)
30 Sunderland (A)
February
6 Blackburn (H)
9 Wigan (A)
20 Portsmouth (A)
27 Arsenal (H)
March
6 Fulham (A)
13 Aston Villa (H)
20 Tottenham (H)
27 West Ham (A)
April
3 Hull (H)
10 Wolverhampton (A)
17 Bolton (H)
24 Chelsea (A)
May
1 Everton (H)
9 Man Utd (A)
SUNDERLAND
August
15 Bolton (A)
18 Chelsea (H)
22 Blackburn (H)
29 Stoke (A)
September
12 Hull (H)
19 Burnley (A)
26 Wolverhampton (H)
October
3 Man Utd (A)
17 Liverpool (H)
24 Birmingham (A)
31 West Ham (H)
November
7 Tottenham (A)
21 Arsenal (H)
28 Wigan (A)
December
5 Fulham (A)
12 Portsmouth (H)
15 Aston Villa (H)
19 Man City (A)
26 Everton (H)
28 Blackburn (A)
January
9 Bolton (H)
16 Chelsea (A)
27 Everton (A)
30 Stoke (H)
February
6 Wigan (H)
9 Portsmouth (A)
20 Arsenal (A)
27 Fulham (H)
March
6 Aston Villa (A)
13 Man City (H)
20 Birmingham (H)
27 Liverpool (A)
April
3 Tottenham (H)
10 West Ham (A)
17 Burnley (H)
24 Hull (A)
May
1 Man Utd (H)
9 Wolverhampton (A)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
August
15 Liverpool (H)
18 Hull (A)
22 West Ham (A)
29 Birmingham (H)
September
12 Man Utd (H)
19 Chelsea (A)
26 Burnley (H)
October
3 Bolton (A)
17 Portsmouth (A)
24 Stoke (H)
31 Arsenal (A)
November
7 Sunderland (H)
21 Wigan (H)
28 Aston Villa (A)
December
5 Everton (A)
12 Wolverhampton (H)
15 Man City (H)
19 Blackburn (A)
26 Fulham (A)
28 West Ham (H)
January
9 Liverpool (A)
16 Hull (H)
26 Fulham (H)
30 Birmingham (A)
February
6 Aston Villa (H)
9 Wolverhampton (A)
20 Wigan (A)
27 Everton (H)
March
6 Man City (A)
13 Blackburn (H)
20 Stoke (A)
27 Portsmouth (H)
April
3 Sunderland (A)
10 Arsenal (H)
17 Chelsea (H)
24 Man Utd (A)
May
1 Bolton (H)
9 Burnley (A)
WEST HAM UNITED
August
15 Wolverhampton (A)
18 Aston Villa (H) Postponed
22 Tottenham (H)
29 Blackburn (A)
September
12 Wigan (A)
19 Liverpool (H)
26 Man City (A)
October
3 Fulham (H)
17 Stoke (A)
24 Arsenal (H)
31 Sunderland (A)
November
7 Everton (H)
21 Hull (A)
28 Burnley (H)
December
5 Man Utd (H)
12 Birmingham (A)
15 Bolton (A)
19 Chelsea (H)
26 Portsmouth (H)
28 Tottenham (A)
January
9 Wolverhampton (H)
16 Aston Villa (A)
26 Portsmouth (A)
30 Blackburn (H)
February
6 Burnley (A)
9 Birmingham (H)
20 Hull (H)
27 Man Utd (A)
March
6 Bolton (H)
13 Chelsea (A)
20 Arsenal (A)
27 Stoke (H)
April
3 Everton (A)
10 Sunderland (H)
17 Liverpool (A)
24 Wigan (H)
May
1 Fulham (A)
9 Man City (H)
WIGAN ATHLETIC
August
15 Aston Villa (A)
18 Wolverhampton (H)
22 Man Utd (H)
29 Everton (A)
September
12 West Ham (H)
19 Arsenal (A)
26 Chelsea (H)
October
3 Hull (A)
17 Man City (H)
24 Burnley (A)
31 Portsmouth (A)
November
7 Fulham (H)
21 Tottenham (A)
28 Sunderland (H)
December
5 Birmingham (H)
12 Stoke (A)
16 Liverpool (A)
19 Bolton (H)
26 Blackburn (H)
28 Man Utd (A)
January
9 Aston Villa (H)
16 Wolverhampton (A)
27 Blackburn (A)
30 Everton (H)
February
6 Sunderland (A)
9 Stoke (H)
20 Tottenham (H)
27 Birmingham (A)
March
6 Liverpool (H)
13 Bolton (A)
20 Burnley (H)
27 Man City (A)
April
3 Fulham (A)
10 Portsmouth (H)
17 Arsenal (H)
24 West Ham (A)
May
1 Hull (H)
9 Chelsea (A)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
August
15 West Ham (H)
18 Wigan (A)
22 Man City (A)
29 Hull (H)
September
12 Blackburn (A)
19 Fulham (H)
26 Sunderland (A)
October
3 Portsmouth (H)
17 Everton (A)
24 Aston Villa (H)
31 Stoke (A)
November
7 Arsenal (H)
21 Chelsea (A)
28 Birmingham (H)
December
5 Bolton (H)
12 Tottenham (A)
15 Man Utd (A)
19 Burnley (H)
26 Liverpool (A)
28 Man City (H)
January
9 West Ham (A)
16 Wigan (H)
26 Liverpool (H)
30 Hull (A)
February
6 Birmingham (A)
9 Tottenham (H)
20 Chelsea (H)
27 Bolton (A)
March
6 Man Utd (H)
13 Burnley (A)
20 Aston Villa (A)
27 Everton (H)
April
3 Arsenal (A)
10 Stoke (H)
17 Fulham (A)
24 Blackburn (H)
May
1 Portsmouth (A)
9 Sunderland (H)
All fixture dates provisional and subject to change.
Reproduced under license from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence number FDCED0910/118839.
Brown confirms Owen interest
Hull City's Phil Brown has revealed the club intends to speak to Michael Owen's representatives "within the week".
Owen confirmed on Monday he will be leaving Newcastle United at the end of his contract with the former England striker available on a free transfer.
He is expected to command considerable interest from the Barclays Premier League and abroad but Brown believes the Tigers can pull off a notable coup by snapping up the 29-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid star.
"We will be speaking to Michael's representatives within the week," Brown said.
"I would think he would have a number of offers and we'll have to be competitive.
"But I wouldn't sit down with him if I thought I was wasting my time. Anything is possible in football."
Owen claimed on Monday the link with Hull was a "new one" to him when asked about the possibility of moving to the KC Stadium.
But Brown is adamant the lure of first-team football could tempt Owen to Humberside.
HIGHEST POSSIBLE
He added: "I don't think Michael will go for the best financial offer, I don't think it's about that for him at this stage of his career, he'll want the best offer for his future.
"He needs to spend a high percentage of next season's games at the highest possible level and that's where we can come in."
Brown acknowledged a player with Owen's record would not come cheap, adding: "Breaking the bank is not a term the chairman would be keen on. But he's certainly someone that you would push the boat out for. He's a world-class international footballer.
"There's been a lot of documentation about injuries and being unable to fulfil contracts because he can't get on the field of play.
"But as far as I'm concerned, with a good pre-season under his belt, he's still a quality player and if I could sit around the table with Michael Owen I would be interested in doing that.
"It would be exciting to get someone through the door that could possibly score you 15 or 20 goals a season. That would be a fantastic achievement."
Owen confirmed on Monday he will be leaving Newcastle United at the end of his contract with the former England striker available on a free transfer.
He is expected to command considerable interest from the Barclays Premier League and abroad but Brown believes the Tigers can pull off a notable coup by snapping up the 29-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid star.
"We will be speaking to Michael's representatives within the week," Brown said.
"I would think he would have a number of offers and we'll have to be competitive.
"But I wouldn't sit down with him if I thought I was wasting my time. Anything is possible in football."
Owen claimed on Monday the link with Hull was a "new one" to him when asked about the possibility of moving to the KC Stadium.
But Brown is adamant the lure of first-team football could tempt Owen to Humberside.
HIGHEST POSSIBLE
He added: "I don't think Michael will go for the best financial offer, I don't think it's about that for him at this stage of his career, he'll want the best offer for his future.
"He needs to spend a high percentage of next season's games at the highest possible level and that's where we can come in."
Brown acknowledged a player with Owen's record would not come cheap, adding: "Breaking the bank is not a term the chairman would be keen on. But he's certainly someone that you would push the boat out for. He's a world-class international footballer.
"There's been a lot of documentation about injuries and being unable to fulfil contracts because he can't get on the field of play.
"But as far as I'm concerned, with a good pre-season under his belt, he's still a quality player and if I could sit around the table with Michael Owen I would be interested in doing that.
"It would be exciting to get someone through the door that could possibly score you 15 or 20 goals a season. That would be a fantastic achievement."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Everton trio sign new contracts
Everton trio Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard have all signed new extended contracts with the club.
All three had agreed to their new deals in the last few weeks but now the formalities have been officially completed.
Jagielka, currently sidelined after knee surgery, was the Toffees' player of the season and it was he who scored the penalty which defeated Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final.
The former Sheffield United defender was part of Everton's first-choice centre-back partnership alongside Joleon Lescott, but that was no bar to Nigeria international Yobo signing a new deal.
Howard, who broke Neville Southall's 13-year-old club record for league clean sheets this season, was also keen to pledge his future to the FA Cup runners-up.
OUR BUSINESS
"It's great that three valuable members of the squad have committed themselves to the club for a lengthy period," manager David Moyes told the club's official website.
"Tim, Phil and Joseph have been big players for us over the last few years and it's great news that they will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
"I have been pleased with the way we've gone about our business.
"We spoke to Phil, Tim and Joseph and we got everything done and dusted efficiently and quietly, which is the way we like things to be done."
Moyes has already stressed he has no plans to sell any players from his squad.
The manager knows he has to strengthen if he is to have any chance of improving on this season's fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Everton's playing staff was devastated by serious injuries this year with Jagielka's ruptured knee ligament the last in a long line which saw the seasons of Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Achilles), Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe (both knee) ended prematurely.
Further injuries to Louis Saha, James Vaughan and Nuno Valente saw the Toffees play most of December and January without a recognised centre-forward.
All three had agreed to their new deals in the last few weeks but now the formalities have been officially completed.
Jagielka, currently sidelined after knee surgery, was the Toffees' player of the season and it was he who scored the penalty which defeated Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final.
The former Sheffield United defender was part of Everton's first-choice centre-back partnership alongside Joleon Lescott, but that was no bar to Nigeria international Yobo signing a new deal.
Howard, who broke Neville Southall's 13-year-old club record for league clean sheets this season, was also keen to pledge his future to the FA Cup runners-up.
OUR BUSINESS
"It's great that three valuable members of the squad have committed themselves to the club for a lengthy period," manager David Moyes told the club's official website.
"Tim, Phil and Joseph have been big players for us over the last few years and it's great news that they will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
"I have been pleased with the way we've gone about our business.
"We spoke to Phil, Tim and Joseph and we got everything done and dusted efficiently and quietly, which is the way we like things to be done."
Moyes has already stressed he has no plans to sell any players from his squad.
The manager knows he has to strengthen if he is to have any chance of improving on this season's fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.
Everton's playing staff was devastated by serious injuries this year with Jagielka's ruptured knee ligament the last in a long line which saw the seasons of Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Achilles), Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe (both knee) ended prematurely.
Further injuries to Louis Saha, James Vaughan and Nuno Valente saw the Toffees play most of December and January without a recognised centre-forward.
Bruce to restore Sunderland pride
New manager Steve Bruce does not expect his Geordie roots to be held against him by Sunderland fans.
The former Birmingham City tactician was unveiled as the new manager of the Black Cats after a compensation package was agreed with former club Wigan Athletic.
Bruce has made no secret of the fact he was a boyhood fan of Newcastle United, Sunderland's neighbours and fiercest rivals, but he does not expect that to be a problem.
"I don't think so," he said. "I think they like one of their own from the north east.
"It's results on the pitch that matter. I hope I can win over the few doubters I have. The vast majority of what I've seen is positive."
Bruce believes being from the north east will give him an advantage.
HUGE ABILITY
"I'm proud to sit here and be Sunderland manager," he said. "Unless you're born up here, you don't really realise what it means.
"It's a working class area. It was born in me and bred in me that I only got there with hard work. I wasn't blessed with any huge ability.
"I got there with a bit of hard graft and a bit of determination and I want my team to mirror that.
"I'm going to give everyone a chance. I've got the chance to work with the players for a good few weeks before the transfer deadline.
"Whatever happened in the past, I'm not really interested in. To start with I want to give every single one of them a chance. We have some good players here and I want to have a good look."
Bruce will be joined on Wearside by coaches Eric Black, Nigel Spink and Keith Bertschin, who have agreed to follow him from Wigan.
And he hopes together they can take Sunderland forward and replicate the success they had at their previous club.
PERFECT FIT
He said: "The aim is to take the progression forward. We don't want to be flirting with relegation. We want to be up where we were with Wigan."
Chairman Niall Quinn expects Bruce to add some backbone to a team which was threatened with the drop this season.
"There are times - and the players would admit this - when we've been brittle," he said. "We've made some giant strides and some backwards steps.
"I believe the thing that's been missing is steel.
"(Bruce) will forgive a player working hard if their passing goes astray, but what he won't forgive is not working.
"He was top of the list, we had some very good candidates, but I think Steve is the perfect fit."
The former Birmingham City tactician was unveiled as the new manager of the Black Cats after a compensation package was agreed with former club Wigan Athletic.
Bruce has made no secret of the fact he was a boyhood fan of Newcastle United, Sunderland's neighbours and fiercest rivals, but he does not expect that to be a problem.
"I don't think so," he said. "I think they like one of their own from the north east.
"It's results on the pitch that matter. I hope I can win over the few doubters I have. The vast majority of what I've seen is positive."
Bruce believes being from the north east will give him an advantage.
HUGE ABILITY
"I'm proud to sit here and be Sunderland manager," he said. "Unless you're born up here, you don't really realise what it means.
"It's a working class area. It was born in me and bred in me that I only got there with hard work. I wasn't blessed with any huge ability.
"I got there with a bit of hard graft and a bit of determination and I want my team to mirror that.
"I'm going to give everyone a chance. I've got the chance to work with the players for a good few weeks before the transfer deadline.
"Whatever happened in the past, I'm not really interested in. To start with I want to give every single one of them a chance. We have some good players here and I want to have a good look."
Bruce will be joined on Wearside by coaches Eric Black, Nigel Spink and Keith Bertschin, who have agreed to follow him from Wigan.
And he hopes together they can take Sunderland forward and replicate the success they had at their previous club.
PERFECT FIT
He said: "The aim is to take the progression forward. We don't want to be flirting with relegation. We want to be up where we were with Wigan."
Chairman Niall Quinn expects Bruce to add some backbone to a team which was threatened with the drop this season.
"There are times - and the players would admit this - when we've been brittle," he said. "We've made some giant strides and some backwards steps.
"I believe the thing that's been missing is steel.
"(Bruce) will forgive a player working hard if their passing goes astray, but what he won't forgive is not working.
"He was top of the list, we had some very good candidates, but I think Steve is the perfect fit."
Whelan sorry to lose Bruce
Wigan Athletic have already begun the task of looking for a new manager.
Chairman Dave Whelan was disappointed to lose Steve Bruce who has left the club to take charge of Sunderland.
Whelan paid a glowing tribute to Bruce and his assistant Eric Black who has also moved to the Stadium of Light.
However he stressed he will not rush the decision to appoint a successor and remains confident he will not be short of candidates.
BEST INTEREST
He said: "Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different.
"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in the way of anyone who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic.
"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.
"We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward.
"As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days. We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly.
"We will make a statement when an appointment has been made."
Chairman Dave Whelan was disappointed to lose Steve Bruce who has left the club to take charge of Sunderland.
Whelan paid a glowing tribute to Bruce and his assistant Eric Black who has also moved to the Stadium of Light.
However he stressed he will not rush the decision to appoint a successor and remains confident he will not be short of candidates.
BEST INTEREST
He said: "Everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is devastated that Steve and Eric have gone, we would be lying if we said any different.
"But things can change very quickly and I have always said I would not stand in the way of anyone who wishes to leave the club, as long as the terms are in the best interest of Wigan Athletic.
"What Steve has achieved here over the past 18 months has been magnificent. After a period of instability, he put the team in order and started laying the foundations for a prosperous future.
"We finished in our second highest ever league position this season and this is something we will be looking to build upon going forward.
"As for a new manager, we have several options to consider and we will be talking to clubs and candidates over the next seven days. We will not rush the appointment as it is a decision not to be taken lightly.
"We will make a statement when an appointment has been made."
Bruce named Sunderland manager
Sunderland have confirmed that Steve Bruce has been appointed as the club's new manager.
The 48-year old has signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats, until 2012.
Bruce has established a reputation for producing well organised teams and for unearthing and nurturing terrific talent, something he has done exceptionally well at Wigan Athletic. In the season just ended he steered the Latics to a highly creditable 11th place finish.
A brief earlier spell at Wigan in 2001 separated stints as manager of Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace before a six-year tenure with Birmingham City.
After completing the deal to bring Bruce to Sunderland, Chairman Niall Quinn expressed his delight: "Steve will bring a professionalism and strength of character to this club that will really help to bring us forward to where we all want to be.
"He knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region and I'm confident that he will be able to instill into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club."
HUGE CLUB
Steve Bruce added: "I am genuinely excited by this fantastic opportunity. This is a huge club with great tradition and great supporters and it's up to me now to produce a team that can match that."
Born in Corbridge in Northumberland, Bruce has 11 years experience as a manager since becoming player/manager with Sheffield United in 1998. He has since taken charge of seven Barclays Premier League campaigns, five with Birmingham City and two with Wigan with whom he began a second spell in November 2007.
Having taken over at St. Andrews in December 2001, he guided the Blues to promotion in his first full season and kept them in the top flight for four years. In 2007 Bruce again led Birmingham into the top flight, his side only losing out on the Championship title to Sunderland on the last day of the season.
COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE
Bruce will be joined by coaching staff Eric Black, Nigel Spink and ex-Sunderland striker Keith Bertschin.
Black is a former Motherwell and Coventry City manager who had a spell as caretaker boss at Birmingham as well as being assistant manager at Celtic. He has been described by Steve Bruce as, "a truly outstanding tactical coach with a comprehensive knowledge of world football."
Goalkeeping coach Spink played over 450 times for Aston Villa, famously winning the European Cup on only his second appearance. Spink spent six years coaching at Birmingham before re-joining Bruce at Wigan in January 2008.
Bertschin scored 10 goals in 30 starts (plus 13 as sub) at Sunderland from 1987-88. He joined Birmingham as reserve team coach in November 2007, a position he has since held at Wigan.
The 48-year old has signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats, until 2012.
Bruce has established a reputation for producing well organised teams and for unearthing and nurturing terrific talent, something he has done exceptionally well at Wigan Athletic. In the season just ended he steered the Latics to a highly creditable 11th place finish.
A brief earlier spell at Wigan in 2001 separated stints as manager of Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace before a six-year tenure with Birmingham City.
After completing the deal to bring Bruce to Sunderland, Chairman Niall Quinn expressed his delight: "Steve will bring a professionalism and strength of character to this club that will really help to bring us forward to where we all want to be.
"He knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region and I'm confident that he will be able to instill into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club."
HUGE CLUB
Steve Bruce added: "I am genuinely excited by this fantastic opportunity. This is a huge club with great tradition and great supporters and it's up to me now to produce a team that can match that."
Born in Corbridge in Northumberland, Bruce has 11 years experience as a manager since becoming player/manager with Sheffield United in 1998. He has since taken charge of seven Barclays Premier League campaigns, five with Birmingham City and two with Wigan with whom he began a second spell in November 2007.
Having taken over at St. Andrews in December 2001, he guided the Blues to promotion in his first full season and kept them in the top flight for four years. In 2007 Bruce again led Birmingham into the top flight, his side only losing out on the Championship title to Sunderland on the last day of the season.
COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE
Bruce will be joined by coaching staff Eric Black, Nigel Spink and ex-Sunderland striker Keith Bertschin.
Black is a former Motherwell and Coventry City manager who had a spell as caretaker boss at Birmingham as well as being assistant manager at Celtic. He has been described by Steve Bruce as, "a truly outstanding tactical coach with a comprehensive knowledge of world football."
Goalkeeping coach Spink played over 450 times for Aston Villa, famously winning the European Cup on only his second appearance. Spink spent six years coaching at Birmingham before re-joining Bruce at Wigan in January 2008.
Bertschin scored 10 goals in 30 starts (plus 13 as sub) at Sunderland from 1987-88. He joined Birmingham as reserve team coach in November 2007, a position he has since held at Wigan.
Green states World Cup case
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green has revealed his determination to be part of England's 2010 World Cup plans.
Green is a strong candidate to make his first start for his country in either Saturday's qualifier in Kazakhstan or the home match with Andorra on 10th June.
Injuries to David James and Ben Foster have played a large part in presenting the opportunity to Green - who wore gloves with 'England's number six' written on them at one point last season because he felt he had slipped so far down the pecking order.
But the Hammers keeper, who has made two substitute appearances for his country, has always retained belief in himself to make the breakthrough at international level.
TREMENDOUSLY WELL
He said: "The 'number six' gloves thing is ancient history now, or at least I thought it was until people started bringing it up this week.
"It was 18 months ago. It was just a gag started up by the West Ham fans, a light-hearted jibe, a bit of self-deprecation on my part.
"But I never seriously thought my England chance had gone. I'm still fairly young. I've not hit 30 yet.
"You look at someone like David James who has done tremendously well for his country and he is now in his late 30s.
"I've got nearly 10 years on him yet and he is still going strong. You've got to take stock of that and how well he has done and how strong he is looking and how he plays.
"You take encouragement from that - and hopefully between now and the time I'm 39 I'll hopefully get a chance!"
Green is competing with the recalled Paul Robinson and Scott Carson for a place but feels he is ready to stake his claim if given the call-up by Fabio Capello.
He said: "It is frustrating when you are not playing but it's part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. When you are 18, 19, 20 and you are not the first choice keeper at your club, then that is frustrating.
GROWING UP
"It's a similar thing with the national side. It's part of learning, growing up as a person and dealing with it. You always keep your belief and I feel I am ready.
"There is a step to be taken and you should never deny yourself that step up. I am very hopeful of getting my first start.
"I've looked and watched and taken part on a few occasions with the first team, and it is a tremendous honour to be there, but it feels like an opportunity is there to be taken.
"I've been involved in squads for the best part of 40-odd games and, each time you come away, you have learnt something from important games, massive games.
"The next step is obviously to play in them and, if I take part, I am more than ready for it."
Green believes the timing will be ideal for whoever is handed an opportunity by Capello.
"There is the chance to stake a claim for one of the three of us. Jamo (David James) needed his operation. The position has arisen from nowhere," he added.
"He took everyone by surprise in that he needed the surgery and it has left a hole in the team that needs to be filled.
"One of us is going to get the chance and there is such a great opportunity and a carrot at the end of it with the World Cup in a year's time.
"A lot can happen between now and then but one of us will be hoping to take that chance."
Green admitted: "I don't think I have reached my peak. There is more to be learnt and more to be improved on in my game.
"That is one of the great things about football. There is always time for improvement but I feel like I am ready to take the chance."
Green is a strong candidate to make his first start for his country in either Saturday's qualifier in Kazakhstan or the home match with Andorra on 10th June.
Injuries to David James and Ben Foster have played a large part in presenting the opportunity to Green - who wore gloves with 'England's number six' written on them at one point last season because he felt he had slipped so far down the pecking order.
But the Hammers keeper, who has made two substitute appearances for his country, has always retained belief in himself to make the breakthrough at international level.
TREMENDOUSLY WELL
He said: "The 'number six' gloves thing is ancient history now, or at least I thought it was until people started bringing it up this week.
"It was 18 months ago. It was just a gag started up by the West Ham fans, a light-hearted jibe, a bit of self-deprecation on my part.
"But I never seriously thought my England chance had gone. I'm still fairly young. I've not hit 30 yet.
"You look at someone like David James who has done tremendously well for his country and he is now in his late 30s.
"I've got nearly 10 years on him yet and he is still going strong. You've got to take stock of that and how well he has done and how strong he is looking and how he plays.
"You take encouragement from that - and hopefully between now and the time I'm 39 I'll hopefully get a chance!"
Green is competing with the recalled Paul Robinson and Scott Carson for a place but feels he is ready to stake his claim if given the call-up by Fabio Capello.
He said: "It is frustrating when you are not playing but it's part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. When you are 18, 19, 20 and you are not the first choice keeper at your club, then that is frustrating.
GROWING UP
"It's a similar thing with the national side. It's part of learning, growing up as a person and dealing with it. You always keep your belief and I feel I am ready.
"There is a step to be taken and you should never deny yourself that step up. I am very hopeful of getting my first start.
"I've looked and watched and taken part on a few occasions with the first team, and it is a tremendous honour to be there, but it feels like an opportunity is there to be taken.
"I've been involved in squads for the best part of 40-odd games and, each time you come away, you have learnt something from important games, massive games.
"The next step is obviously to play in them and, if I take part, I am more than ready for it."
Green believes the timing will be ideal for whoever is handed an opportunity by Capello.
"There is the chance to stake a claim for one of the three of us. Jamo (David James) needed his operation. The position has arisen from nowhere," he added.
"He took everyone by surprise in that he needed the surgery and it has left a hole in the team that needs to be filled.
"One of us is going to get the chance and there is such a great opportunity and a carrot at the end of it with the World Cup in a year's time.
"A lot can happen between now and then but one of us will be hoping to take that chance."
Green admitted: "I don't think I have reached my peak. There is more to be learnt and more to be improved on in my game.
"That is one of the great things about football. There is always time for improvement but I feel like I am ready to take the chance."
Barry: City will challenge for honours
Gareth Barry says Manchester City's potential to be a "major force" is the main reason behind his move.
And the England midfielder revealed the regret he felt in not being able to help bring trophy glory to the Villa Park outfit for whom he made 440 appearances.
But he is confident that he can achieve such goals with City after holding talks with manager Mark Hughes despite being made a "fantastic" new contract offer by Villa.
Barry, who came close to moving to Liverpool last summer, took the unusual step of explaining his reasons to leave Villa after 12 years in a letter to the club's fans.
WIN TROPHIES
He wrote: "After all the speculation over the last 12 months, I want the chance to explain my decision to the Aston Villa fans.
"I want to thank them for the incredible support I have received over the last 12 years and this football club has been a huge part of my life.
"I joined as a 16-year-old boy and 12 years later I am moving on as a 28-year-old man with a wife and two children. A lot of things have changed in that time - players, management and a chairman.
"But every season bar none, whether we have been bottom half, mid-table or challenging for Europe, the support myself and the team have received has been fantastic.
"My one huge regret is that during my time at this club we have not brought the fans the success they deserve and I obviously have to take my share of responsibility that we have not been good enough to win trophies.
"I feel the club is in the best position it has been in during my time here. I think we have a group of very good young players, we have a fantastic chairman who is here for the good of the club, and one of the best managers in the game."
Barry added: "Obviously people will ask why I am leaving if I feel like that. I have honestly been very undecided what to do.
"The manager and the whole club have bent over backwards to try and persuade me to stay and made me a fantastic offer which I am extremely grateful for.
"But, after changing my mind lots of times, I came to the decision that the time was right for me and for the club to part company.
"I need a new challenge, I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.
"I believe the deal is a good one for the club. I am sure the manager will use the money well to strengthen the team and the club will go from strength to strength. I am also excited now about my new challenge."
MAJOR HONOURS
Barry had spoken of his desire to play Champions League football and admitted: "A lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City.
"They were the club prepared to meet the valuation which, for a 28-year-old with a year left on his contract I think shows how much they wanted me.
"Once I had spoken to Mark Hughes, there was nowhere else I wanted to go, I was also desperate to avoid any long drawn-out saga. I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours.
"People might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force."
Barry also feels he will have the best chance of staking a claim to be part of the England team at the 2010 World Cup under the role he will be operated in by Hughes.
He said: "Also the World Cup has always been a major part of my thinking and I feel at Man City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.
"Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons."
Barry says he will be leaving Villa on good terms this summer after all the speculation surrounding the move to Anfield 12 months ago.
He said: "I have grown bored of all the speculation surrounding me over the last 12 months and I am sure all the fans have as well. I am glad I never left last summer because I would have left under a huge cloud. This year I feel things are different.
"I haven't used an agent. I have discussed things with my best friend but ultimately made my own choices and I think the situation has been handled properly by everybody involved and once again I have to thank the manager and the club for that.
"I genuinely wish the club all the best for the future, and want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me in my time here. For the rest of my life, Aston Villa will be the first result I look for."
And the England midfielder revealed the regret he felt in not being able to help bring trophy glory to the Villa Park outfit for whom he made 440 appearances.
But he is confident that he can achieve such goals with City after holding talks with manager Mark Hughes despite being made a "fantastic" new contract offer by Villa.
Barry, who came close to moving to Liverpool last summer, took the unusual step of explaining his reasons to leave Villa after 12 years in a letter to the club's fans.
WIN TROPHIES
He wrote: "After all the speculation over the last 12 months, I want the chance to explain my decision to the Aston Villa fans.
"I want to thank them for the incredible support I have received over the last 12 years and this football club has been a huge part of my life.
"I joined as a 16-year-old boy and 12 years later I am moving on as a 28-year-old man with a wife and two children. A lot of things have changed in that time - players, management and a chairman.
"But every season bar none, whether we have been bottom half, mid-table or challenging for Europe, the support myself and the team have received has been fantastic.
"My one huge regret is that during my time at this club we have not brought the fans the success they deserve and I obviously have to take my share of responsibility that we have not been good enough to win trophies.
"I feel the club is in the best position it has been in during my time here. I think we have a group of very good young players, we have a fantastic chairman who is here for the good of the club, and one of the best managers in the game."
Barry added: "Obviously people will ask why I am leaving if I feel like that. I have honestly been very undecided what to do.
"The manager and the whole club have bent over backwards to try and persuade me to stay and made me a fantastic offer which I am extremely grateful for.
"But, after changing my mind lots of times, I came to the decision that the time was right for me and for the club to part company.
"I need a new challenge, I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.
"I believe the deal is a good one for the club. I am sure the manager will use the money well to strengthen the team and the club will go from strength to strength. I am also excited now about my new challenge."
MAJOR HONOURS
Barry had spoken of his desire to play Champions League football and admitted: "A lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City.
"They were the club prepared to meet the valuation which, for a 28-year-old with a year left on his contract I think shows how much they wanted me.
"Once I had spoken to Mark Hughes, there was nowhere else I wanted to go, I was also desperate to avoid any long drawn-out saga. I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours.
"People might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force."
Barry also feels he will have the best chance of staking a claim to be part of the England team at the 2010 World Cup under the role he will be operated in by Hughes.
He said: "Also the World Cup has always been a major part of my thinking and I feel at Man City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.
"Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons."
Barry says he will be leaving Villa on good terms this summer after all the speculation surrounding the move to Anfield 12 months ago.
He said: "I have grown bored of all the speculation surrounding me over the last 12 months and I am sure all the fans have as well. I am glad I never left last summer because I would have left under a huge cloud. This year I feel things are different.
"I haven't used an agent. I have discussed things with my best friend but ultimately made my own choices and I think the situation has been handled properly by everybody involved and once again I have to thank the manager and the club for that.
"I genuinely wish the club all the best for the future, and want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me in my time here. For the rest of my life, Aston Villa will be the first result I look for."
City consider Hart loan
Mark Hughes is debating whether to allow Manchester City keeper Joe Hart to go out on a season's loan.
Hart is keen to get regular matches with the World Cup looming in 2010 after losing his place to Shay Given.
The stopper was used in City's UEFA Cup campaign last season and made 33 appearances overall but is keen for more regular action.
NO DOUBT
Hughes told the club's website: "Joe is frustrated and obviously wants to play.
"We will look at his situation in the coming weeks and it might be to both Joe's and the club's benefit if he did go out on loan.
"He'd be playing on a regular basis and, given his ability, he would no doubt improve his standing in the game and help his development."
Hart, who is in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships, has been linked with a loan move to newly-promoted Birmingham City.
Hart is keen to get regular matches with the World Cup looming in 2010 after losing his place to Shay Given.
The stopper was used in City's UEFA Cup campaign last season and made 33 appearances overall but is keen for more regular action.
NO DOUBT
Hughes told the club's website: "Joe is frustrated and obviously wants to play.
"We will look at his situation in the coming weeks and it might be to both Joe's and the club's benefit if he did go out on loan.
"He'd be playing on a regular basis and, given his ability, he would no doubt improve his standing in the game and help his development."
Hart, who is in the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships, has been linked with a loan move to newly-promoted Birmingham City.
Benitez moves to Birmingham
Birmingham City have signed Ecuador striker Christian Benitez from Mexican side Santos Laguna.
The newly-promoted Blues have confirmed a club record fee has been agreed for the 23-year-old, who will travel to England for a medical next week having already agreed personal terms.
Although the fee is undisclosed it is set to surpass the £6.25m paid for Emile Heskey in 2004 with the Midlands side beating off competition from several top European clubs to secure the striker.
WORK PERMIT
Benitez - son of the Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorer, Ermen - starred in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has scored 31 goals in 58 matches in Mexico's Primera Division over the last two campaigns.
He recently underwent surgery on a shoulder injury and is unlikely to be involved when Ecuador play World Cup qualifiers against Peru (7th June) and Argentina (10th June).
The club are confident of acquiring a work permit for the striker as he has played in 86 per cent of Ecuador's competitive A grade matches over the last two years - well above the required amount.
The newly-promoted Blues have confirmed a club record fee has been agreed for the 23-year-old, who will travel to England for a medical next week having already agreed personal terms.
Although the fee is undisclosed it is set to surpass the £6.25m paid for Emile Heskey in 2004 with the Midlands side beating off competition from several top European clubs to secure the striker.
WORK PERMIT
Benitez - son of the Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorer, Ermen - starred in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and has scored 31 goals in 58 matches in Mexico's Primera Division over the last two campaigns.
He recently underwent surgery on a shoulder injury and is unlikely to be involved when Ecuador play World Cup qualifiers against Peru (7th June) and Argentina (10th June).
The club are confident of acquiring a work permit for the striker as he has played in 86 per cent of Ecuador's competitive A grade matches over the last two years - well above the required amount.
Nani rules out United exit
Manchester United winger Nani has rejected suggestions that he will leave Old Trafford in the summer.
The Portugal international joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2007 and experienced a fruitful first season in England.
However, he failed to make an impact last term as he found himself behind Park Ji-Sung in the club's pecking order.
VERY HAPPY
Reports in England have suggested Nani could be offloaded by United, but the player has rejected stories the club are looking to cash in on him.
"My future is at Manchester United, of course," he said. "It is a privilege to be at a club like this.
"I won one more title (last season) and I am very happy to have won it for these two consecutive years.
"I was born to play football and I feel fine, although I did not play much. I will not leave Manchester United, nor will I be loaned out. I will see out my contract."
Similarly, Park Ji-Sung has denied rumours that he is set to quit Manchester United for a lucrative offer to join Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.
In recent months, the 28-year-old has arguably played his best football in a United shirt - since joining from PSV for £4m in July 2005.
Now settled in England, Park said: "That's the first time I heard that. It's not true. I want to stay and play in Europe."
The Portugal international joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2007 and experienced a fruitful first season in England.
However, he failed to make an impact last term as he found himself behind Park Ji-Sung in the club's pecking order.
VERY HAPPY
Reports in England have suggested Nani could be offloaded by United, but the player has rejected stories the club are looking to cash in on him.
"My future is at Manchester United, of course," he said. "It is a privilege to be at a club like this.
"I won one more title (last season) and I am very happy to have won it for these two consecutive years.
"I was born to play football and I feel fine, although I did not play much. I will not leave Manchester United, nor will I be loaned out. I will see out my contract."
Similarly, Park Ji-Sung has denied rumours that he is set to quit Manchester United for a lucrative offer to join Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.
In recent months, the 28-year-old has arguably played his best football in a United shirt - since joining from PSV for £4m in July 2005.
Now settled in England, Park said: "That's the first time I heard that. It's not true. I want to stay and play in Europe."
Knee op for Bale
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Gareth Bale faces two months out after undergoing knee surgery.
The 19-year-old pulled out of Wales' World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku this week and an MRI scan showed a "medial meniscal tear", Spurs confirmed in a statement.
Bale played in his country's win over Estonia but the Football Association of Wales have stressed he did not pick up the problem during the friendly.
FIRST WIN
Spurs now expect him to be out for up to eight weeks, which would push him close to the new campaign. The teenager is still looking for his first win in the top flight after arriving from Southampton two years ago, although he has not been helped by injuries.
This season he has fallen behind Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the pecking order at left-back, with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believing the youngster needs to work on his defending.
The injury could prevent Bale being used to raise money if he was deemed surplus to requirements, as Redknapp is expected to sell players as well as bolster his squad to improve on last season.
The 19-year-old pulled out of Wales' World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku this week and an MRI scan showed a "medial meniscal tear", Spurs confirmed in a statement.
Bale played in his country's win over Estonia but the Football Association of Wales have stressed he did not pick up the problem during the friendly.
FIRST WIN
Spurs now expect him to be out for up to eight weeks, which would push him close to the new campaign. The teenager is still looking for his first win in the top flight after arriving from Southampton two years ago, although he has not been helped by injuries.
This season he has fallen behind Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the pecking order at left-back, with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believing the youngster needs to work on his defending.
The injury could prevent Bale being used to raise money if he was deemed surplus to requirements, as Redknapp is expected to sell players as well as bolster his squad to improve on last season.
Early bird Hughes targets more deals
Mark Hughes is keen to complete some more early transfer business at Manchester City after Gareth Barry's arrival.
The former Aston Villa midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Eastlands having completed a successful medical. A target for Liverpool last summer, Barry leaves Villa after 12 years and more than 400 matches.
Hughes said: "I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us."
He added: "I hope we can conclude some more so that when we come back for pre-season training we have everybody fit and well and set for a successful campaign."
Barry said he joined City because their ambition matched his own.
GREAT POTENTIAL
Currently with the England squad preparing for a World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Saturday, he told City's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining City.
"It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."
Hughes added: "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself.
"With Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world.
"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled he is joining us."
The former Aston Villa midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Eastlands having completed a successful medical. A target for Liverpool last summer, Barry leaves Villa after 12 years and more than 400 matches.
Hughes said: "I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us."
He added: "I hope we can conclude some more so that when we come back for pre-season training we have everybody fit and well and set for a successful campaign."
Barry said he joined City because their ambition matched his own.
GREAT POTENTIAL
Currently with the England squad preparing for a World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Saturday, he told City's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining City.
"It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."
Hughes added: "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself.
"With Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world.
"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled he is joining us."
Gerrard wants quality signings
Steven Gerrard wants Liverpool to make quality signings this summer in a bid to win silverware next season.
The midfielder believed his England colleague Gareth Barry would have been a suitable signing, however Barry's £12million transfer to Manchester City means that will not be an option.
Gerrard said: "We are getting really close to becoming champions. Our next two or three signings as far as we are concerned are crucial to push on and try and go one better than this year. I am certainly not sitting here proud of not winning a trophy."
Gerrard insisted Liverpool should be looking for players "of Gareth's standard" if they missed out on Barry, and added: "He is English and you need English players at your club now."
BIG PICTURE
Liverpool's captain is hurting at the club's failure to win a trophy during the 2008-09 campaign but believes a few more quality players could end the wait to take the Premier League title.
Speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday, Gerrard reflected on Liverpool's battle with United for league glory, which the Red Devils won.
Gerrard said: "Has the season been a success or failure at club level? I think failure is a bit strong but you've got to be realistic and look at the big picture.
"We've finished the season without a trophy which hurts. But from a Liverpool point of view, a lot of progress has been made."
Gerrard would like more players of the quality of striker Fernando Torres to arrive at Liverpool. He said: "How do we go to the next step? Get more players of Torres' level. He is a massive player for us. You saw the impact he made in his first season and how good he has been when fit this year.
"If we can keep Torres fit, and had a little bit more quality to our squad, we can become champions. Manchester United won the league because they had that spark coming off the bench, that little bit more strength in depth."
The midfielder believed his England colleague Gareth Barry would have been a suitable signing, however Barry's £12million transfer to Manchester City means that will not be an option.
Gerrard said: "We are getting really close to becoming champions. Our next two or three signings as far as we are concerned are crucial to push on and try and go one better than this year. I am certainly not sitting here proud of not winning a trophy."
Gerrard insisted Liverpool should be looking for players "of Gareth's standard" if they missed out on Barry, and added: "He is English and you need English players at your club now."
BIG PICTURE
Liverpool's captain is hurting at the club's failure to win a trophy during the 2008-09 campaign but believes a few more quality players could end the wait to take the Premier League title.
Speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday, Gerrard reflected on Liverpool's battle with United for league glory, which the Red Devils won.
Gerrard said: "Has the season been a success or failure at club level? I think failure is a bit strong but you've got to be realistic and look at the big picture.
"We've finished the season without a trophy which hurts. But from a Liverpool point of view, a lot of progress has been made."
Gerrard would like more players of the quality of striker Fernando Torres to arrive at Liverpool. He said: "How do we go to the next step? Get more players of Torres' level. He is a massive player for us. You saw the impact he made in his first season and how good he has been when fit this year.
"If we can keep Torres fit, and had a little bit more quality to our squad, we can become champions. Manchester United won the league because they had that spark coming off the bench, that little bit more strength in depth."
Manchester United show financial muscle after signing record £80m shirt contract
Manchester United have defied the credit crunch to secure the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in football history.
The Barclays Premier League champions yesterday announced a four-year contract worth £80million with Aon Corporation, the American financial giant, which will replace AIG as the club's shirt sponsors from the start of the 2010-11 season.
The deal comfortably eclipses the £68million four-year agreement that Bayern Munich have with T-Home, the telecommunications firm, and dwarfs United's existing £56.5million contract with AIG, the discredited American insurance company.
Although politicians in America have put pressure on AIG to pull the plug on its four-year agreement with United after being granted an $85 billion (now about £52 billion) rescue package by the US Federal Reserve last September, the firm will remain as the club's shirt sponsors until its deal finishes at the end of next season.
United have been scouring the globe in search of a new principal sponsor since AIG announced in January that it would not be renewing the £14million-a-year deal and are understood to have held negotiations with a small number of firms, including Sahara, the Indian financial services corporation, and Saudi Telecom.
Aon, which is the world's leading risk adviser and human capital consultant, emerged as the most suitable partner, however, and talks are thought to have been concluded within three weeks.
Given the adverse publicity generated by the collapse of AIG, United are eager to draw a line under that saga and start afresh, although Aon has been embroiled in a controversy of its own in recent months involving employee pensions. The insurance broker cut pension contributions to most of its 5,400 United Kingdom workforce in April in a move widely seen as heralding a clampdown on retirement schemes.
Aon said the cuts were necessary to reduce costs to remain profitable, but with that in mind, it remains to be seen how its employees react to news that the company is about to pay a record amount to sponsor a football club's shirts.
Aon has defended the decision to invest in United, saying: “The economic downturn has affected virtually all businesses, but we felt that we had to continue to be forward thinking in our attitude. An opportunity such as this to build a world-recognised brand rarely presents itself and it seemed that we should grab it now and reap the rewards in the years to come.
“In general, our sector has been less affected than those of the other global financial services providers and so we were fortunate to be in a position where we could seriously consider an opportunity of this scale.”
Greg Case, the president and chief executive of Aon, added: “It is a unique opportunity when two leaders in their respective fields can come together in a partnership such as this. We play to win in our business and that is why we believe this partnership will create tremendous benefits for both organisations worldwide.”
The deal is a far cry from the first shirt sponsorship agreement United struck, with Sharp, the Japanese electronics firm, in 1982. Its initial five-year partnership was worth £500,000.
Sharp remained United's shirt sponsors until 2000, when United struck a four-year deal worth £30million with Vodafone, the mobile phone group. It was renewed in December 2003 to the tune of £36million over four years only for Vodafone to trigger a break clause to end the partnership in 2006 with two years left on the contract to concentrate on its sponsorship of the Champions League.
David Gill, the United chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010-11 season.
“We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management, a firm which shares our values and is an exciting partner for Manchester United. This announcement clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football.”
Company profile
Aon Corporation is one of the world's largest insurance brokers. Based in Chicago, it employs 37,000 staff worldwide and operates from 500 offices in 120 countries.
It generated revenues last year of $7.6 billion (now about £4.6billion). It also acts as a consultant on pension, employment and risk management issues for companies. Its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
In the UK, it trades as Aon UK Ltd and is Britain's biggest insurance broker. It employs more than 5,400 staff and Peter Harmer has been chief executive since January 2007.
Having acquired several British insurance brokers, the Aon brand was first established in the UK in 1996. Last year, it acquired Benfield, the Lloyd's of London broker, for £738 million.
Aon's UK arm has twice attracted controversy this year. In January, it was fined £5.25million after it was found to have made 66 suspicious payments between early 2005 and late 2007 in countries including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Burma and Vietnam in an effort to win overseas business. It was the sixth-largest fine levied by the Financial Services Authority, the City watchdog. In April, Aon became one of the first UK companies to cut contributions to its staff pension fund. It halved them to a maximum of 6 per cent of an employee's salary.
The Barclays Premier League champions yesterday announced a four-year contract worth £80million with Aon Corporation, the American financial giant, which will replace AIG as the club's shirt sponsors from the start of the 2010-11 season.
The deal comfortably eclipses the £68million four-year agreement that Bayern Munich have with T-Home, the telecommunications firm, and dwarfs United's existing £56.5million contract with AIG, the discredited American insurance company.
Although politicians in America have put pressure on AIG to pull the plug on its four-year agreement with United after being granted an $85 billion (now about £52 billion) rescue package by the US Federal Reserve last September, the firm will remain as the club's shirt sponsors until its deal finishes at the end of next season.
United have been scouring the globe in search of a new principal sponsor since AIG announced in January that it would not be renewing the £14million-a-year deal and are understood to have held negotiations with a small number of firms, including Sahara, the Indian financial services corporation, and Saudi Telecom.
Aon, which is the world's leading risk adviser and human capital consultant, emerged as the most suitable partner, however, and talks are thought to have been concluded within three weeks.
Given the adverse publicity generated by the collapse of AIG, United are eager to draw a line under that saga and start afresh, although Aon has been embroiled in a controversy of its own in recent months involving employee pensions. The insurance broker cut pension contributions to most of its 5,400 United Kingdom workforce in April in a move widely seen as heralding a clampdown on retirement schemes.
Aon said the cuts were necessary to reduce costs to remain profitable, but with that in mind, it remains to be seen how its employees react to news that the company is about to pay a record amount to sponsor a football club's shirts.
Aon has defended the decision to invest in United, saying: “The economic downturn has affected virtually all businesses, but we felt that we had to continue to be forward thinking in our attitude. An opportunity such as this to build a world-recognised brand rarely presents itself and it seemed that we should grab it now and reap the rewards in the years to come.
“In general, our sector has been less affected than those of the other global financial services providers and so we were fortunate to be in a position where we could seriously consider an opportunity of this scale.”
Greg Case, the president and chief executive of Aon, added: “It is a unique opportunity when two leaders in their respective fields can come together in a partnership such as this. We play to win in our business and that is why we believe this partnership will create tremendous benefits for both organisations worldwide.”
The deal is a far cry from the first shirt sponsorship agreement United struck, with Sharp, the Japanese electronics firm, in 1982. Its initial five-year partnership was worth £500,000.
Sharp remained United's shirt sponsors until 2000, when United struck a four-year deal worth £30million with Vodafone, the mobile phone group. It was renewed in December 2003 to the tune of £36million over four years only for Vodafone to trigger a break clause to end the partnership in 2006 with two years left on the contract to concentrate on its sponsorship of the Champions League.
David Gill, the United chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010-11 season.
“We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management, a firm which shares our values and is an exciting partner for Manchester United. This announcement clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football.”
Company profile
Aon Corporation is one of the world's largest insurance brokers. Based in Chicago, it employs 37,000 staff worldwide and operates from 500 offices in 120 countries.
It generated revenues last year of $7.6 billion (now about £4.6billion). It also acts as a consultant on pension, employment and risk management issues for companies. Its shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
In the UK, it trades as Aon UK Ltd and is Britain's biggest insurance broker. It employs more than 5,400 staff and Peter Harmer has been chief executive since January 2007.
Having acquired several British insurance brokers, the Aon brand was first established in the UK in 1996. Last year, it acquired Benfield, the Lloyd's of London broker, for £738 million.
Aon's UK arm has twice attracted controversy this year. In January, it was fined £5.25million after it was found to have made 66 suspicious payments between early 2005 and late 2007 in countries including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Burma and Vietnam in an effort to win overseas business. It was the sixth-largest fine levied by the Financial Services Authority, the City watchdog. In April, Aon became one of the first UK companies to cut contributions to its staff pension fund. It halved them to a maximum of 6 per cent of an employee's salary.
Chelsea turn attention to Franck Ribéry
Carlo Ancelotti, the new Chelsea manager, has urged Roman Abramovich to redouble his efforts to sign Franck Ribéry after the club conceded defeat in their pursuit of Kaká last night.
Chelsea released a statement denying reports that they had made a new £73.5 million bid for Kaká, leaving the way clear for the AC Milan and Brazil forward to join Real Madrid.
Abramovich had taken personal charge of Chelsea's move for Kaká, holding talks with Bosco Leite, the player's father and agent, in Milan last week, as The Times revealed on Monday. However, the Russian was told at that meeting that the player had his heart set on joining Real.
Kaká repeated that message to his Milan team-mates before he left for international duty on Tuesday. The clubs have agreed a £56.2 million fee and an announcement of the deal is expected on Monday.
Kaká's reluctance to enter into formal negotiations represents a serious blow to Chelsea, particularly given the fact that Ancelotti was until this week his manager at Milan, and goes some way towards explaining their attempt to distance themselves from the deal. It is the second summer in a row they have missed out on their primary transfer target after Robinho opted to join Manchester City last September because of the club's failure to agree a fee with Real.
“We have never made an offer to AC Milan for Kaká and therefore not one at this extraordinary level,” a Chelsea statement read. “As a consequence we have not discussed a salary with the player either. Any reports to the contrary are totally untrue.”
Silvio Berlusconi, the Milan president, said yesterday that Kaká's decision would be made public on Monday. “I will talk with Kaká next Monday and on Monday I will be able to reveal the decision,” Berlusconi said. “It is early to think about what happens next.”
Given his close relationship with Kaká, Ancelotti had already accepted the futility of Chelsea's interest before signing his three-year contract as manager on Monday, saying the day before that there was one player he would like to bring with him from the San Siro but that it was an impossibility, and he has already turned his sights to Ribéry.
The Bayern Munich winger is also wanted by Real, but Ancelotti is hoping that Abramovich's pride will not allow him to be beaten to the signature of two players by the Spaniards. Bayern are publicly insisting that Ribéry is not for sale, but have privately conceded that they would accept a fee of £40 million. Chelsea are willing to pay an outlandish transfer fee this summer, but Abramovich may be reluctant to sanction such a level of spending for a player he could have had for less than half that sum two years ago.
“We will not let Ribéry go,” Uli Hoeness, the Bayern general manager, said yesterday. “Most clubs only ended their season recently and when the players go on holiday, the bosses start with their planning.
“There will be inquiries for Ribéry in the next four to six weeks, I'm sure. But we have not had any decisive inquiry. We will be polite, but we will not negotiate. We're not going to celebrate on the telephone when somebody offers a certain amount.”
In addition to a fantasy player such as Ribéry, Ancelotti is also looking for a striker to provide back-up for Didier Drogba, who will miss at least a month of next season at the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea have opened talks with representatives of Daniel Sturridge, the 19-year-old striker who is a free agent after refusing an offer of a new contract from Manchester City. Sturridge demanded wages of £65,000 a week at City, which the club were unwilling to match for a player who has made only five Barclays Premier League starts.
Chelsea suffered another setback yesterday when Ricardo Carvalho revealed his desire to leave the club after what he described as the worst year of his career. The Portugal defender made 12 appearances last season after a series of hamstring injuries.
“I'm open to offers if someone wants to make one, but an agreement has to be struck with Chelsea,” the 31-year-old said. “Clubs can be interested, but that doesn't mean they will be able to sign me. First, they have to reach an agreement with the club and then talk to me, but I am available for whoever wants me the most.
"It has been the worst year of my life, with injury after injury. I want to be where I feel good. It's obvious that it's hard now to respond to these questions because I had four fantastic years at Chelsea and this last year hasn't been good at all.”
Ancelotti is likely to have to begin work at Chelsea without his trusted No 2, Filippo Galli. The 46-year-old has been offered a pay rise to stay at Milan and is expected to accept it and continue working under the club's new coach, Leonardo. Ancelotti is still exploring the possibility of bringing Bruno Di Michele, a sports psychologist, to Chelsea.
Chelsea released a statement denying reports that they had made a new £73.5 million bid for Kaká, leaving the way clear for the AC Milan and Brazil forward to join Real Madrid.
Abramovich had taken personal charge of Chelsea's move for Kaká, holding talks with Bosco Leite, the player's father and agent, in Milan last week, as The Times revealed on Monday. However, the Russian was told at that meeting that the player had his heart set on joining Real.
Kaká repeated that message to his Milan team-mates before he left for international duty on Tuesday. The clubs have agreed a £56.2 million fee and an announcement of the deal is expected on Monday.
Kaká's reluctance to enter into formal negotiations represents a serious blow to Chelsea, particularly given the fact that Ancelotti was until this week his manager at Milan, and goes some way towards explaining their attempt to distance themselves from the deal. It is the second summer in a row they have missed out on their primary transfer target after Robinho opted to join Manchester City last September because of the club's failure to agree a fee with Real.
“We have never made an offer to AC Milan for Kaká and therefore not one at this extraordinary level,” a Chelsea statement read. “As a consequence we have not discussed a salary with the player either. Any reports to the contrary are totally untrue.”
Silvio Berlusconi, the Milan president, said yesterday that Kaká's decision would be made public on Monday. “I will talk with Kaká next Monday and on Monday I will be able to reveal the decision,” Berlusconi said. “It is early to think about what happens next.”
Given his close relationship with Kaká, Ancelotti had already accepted the futility of Chelsea's interest before signing his three-year contract as manager on Monday, saying the day before that there was one player he would like to bring with him from the San Siro but that it was an impossibility, and he has already turned his sights to Ribéry.
The Bayern Munich winger is also wanted by Real, but Ancelotti is hoping that Abramovich's pride will not allow him to be beaten to the signature of two players by the Spaniards. Bayern are publicly insisting that Ribéry is not for sale, but have privately conceded that they would accept a fee of £40 million. Chelsea are willing to pay an outlandish transfer fee this summer, but Abramovich may be reluctant to sanction such a level of spending for a player he could have had for less than half that sum two years ago.
“We will not let Ribéry go,” Uli Hoeness, the Bayern general manager, said yesterday. “Most clubs only ended their season recently and when the players go on holiday, the bosses start with their planning.
“There will be inquiries for Ribéry in the next four to six weeks, I'm sure. But we have not had any decisive inquiry. We will be polite, but we will not negotiate. We're not going to celebrate on the telephone when somebody offers a certain amount.”
In addition to a fantasy player such as Ribéry, Ancelotti is also looking for a striker to provide back-up for Didier Drogba, who will miss at least a month of next season at the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea have opened talks with representatives of Daniel Sturridge, the 19-year-old striker who is a free agent after refusing an offer of a new contract from Manchester City. Sturridge demanded wages of £65,000 a week at City, which the club were unwilling to match for a player who has made only five Barclays Premier League starts.
Chelsea suffered another setback yesterday when Ricardo Carvalho revealed his desire to leave the club after what he described as the worst year of his career. The Portugal defender made 12 appearances last season after a series of hamstring injuries.
“I'm open to offers if someone wants to make one, but an agreement has to be struck with Chelsea,” the 31-year-old said. “Clubs can be interested, but that doesn't mean they will be able to sign me. First, they have to reach an agreement with the club and then talk to me, but I am available for whoever wants me the most.
"It has been the worst year of my life, with injury after injury. I want to be where I feel good. It's obvious that it's hard now to respond to these questions because I had four fantastic years at Chelsea and this last year hasn't been good at all.”
Ancelotti is likely to have to begin work at Chelsea without his trusted No 2, Filippo Galli. The 46-year-old has been offered a pay rise to stay at Milan and is expected to accept it and continue working under the club's new coach, Leonardo. Ancelotti is still exploring the possibility of bringing Bruno Di Michele, a sports psychologist, to Chelsea.
Manchester City plan £50m transfer double
Manchester City are plotting a £50 million double swoop for Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tévez.
The prospect of playing the two strikers in tandem in a team already featuring Robinho would give City one of the most exciting forward lines in the Barclays Premier League.
Garry Cook, the chief executive, has spent several weeks putting together a package that he hopes will persuade Eto'o, the Barcelona striker, to move to the City of Manchester Stadium.
With City willing to offer a fee in the region of £25 million for Eto'o, Barcelona would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next season.
Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, appeared to hint yesterday that Eto'o could leave Spain this summer, although the Cameroon striker, 28, must decide if he is willing to forgo the Champions League for a season at least and accept the riches on offer at City.
“The football market is very dynamic and there might be a surprise because he [Eto'o] is a much-coveted player,” Laporta said.
Tévez will make a decision on his future within the next seven days after Manchester United made the Argentina striker a take-it-or-leave-it offer yesterday.
Kia Joorabchian, the businessman whose companies own the economic rights to Tévez, spent two hours in “cordial” talks at Old Trafford with David Gill, the United chief executive, who has agreed to pay the £25.5 million required to secure the player's permanent signing after accepting defeat in his efforts to drive down the price.
But if Tévez decides to leave the champions, City are ready to pounce, having informed Joorabchian that they will pay the full fee and wages of at least £135,000 a week.
Mark Hughes, the City manager, confirmed his interest in Tévez yesterday. “Carlos Tévez is a good player and when good players become available, obviously every manager is interested,” he said.
City made the first big domestic purchase of the summer transfer window on Tuesday with the signing of Gareth Barry, the England midfield player, from Aston Villa for £12 million. If their ambitious plan to recruit Eto'o and Tévez fails, they are likely to turn to Diego Forlán, the Atlético Madrid striker, and Thierry Henry, a team-mate of Eto'o.
The prospect of playing the two strikers in tandem in a team already featuring Robinho would give City one of the most exciting forward lines in the Barclays Premier League.
Garry Cook, the chief executive, has spent several weeks putting together a package that he hopes will persuade Eto'o, the Barcelona striker, to move to the City of Manchester Stadium.
With City willing to offer a fee in the region of £25 million for Eto'o, Barcelona would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next season.
Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, appeared to hint yesterday that Eto'o could leave Spain this summer, although the Cameroon striker, 28, must decide if he is willing to forgo the Champions League for a season at least and accept the riches on offer at City.
“The football market is very dynamic and there might be a surprise because he [Eto'o] is a much-coveted player,” Laporta said.
Tévez will make a decision on his future within the next seven days after Manchester United made the Argentina striker a take-it-or-leave-it offer yesterday.
Kia Joorabchian, the businessman whose companies own the economic rights to Tévez, spent two hours in “cordial” talks at Old Trafford with David Gill, the United chief executive, who has agreed to pay the £25.5 million required to secure the player's permanent signing after accepting defeat in his efforts to drive down the price.
But if Tévez decides to leave the champions, City are ready to pounce, having informed Joorabchian that they will pay the full fee and wages of at least £135,000 a week.
Mark Hughes, the City manager, confirmed his interest in Tévez yesterday. “Carlos Tévez is a good player and when good players become available, obviously every manager is interested,” he said.
City made the first big domestic purchase of the summer transfer window on Tuesday with the signing of Gareth Barry, the England midfield player, from Aston Villa for £12 million. If their ambitious plan to recruit Eto'o and Tévez fails, they are likely to turn to Diego Forlán, the Atlético Madrid striker, and Thierry Henry, a team-mate of Eto'o.
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