barclays premierleague 2012/13

your guide to the new football season!

INSIDE Top 10 stars x club-by-club guide Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 02 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 03

THREE of Manchester City’s potential banana sorry fergie, city skins in their defence of the Barclays Premier League title will be shown live on ESPN in the opening four months of the season. The visit of QPR – who so nearly prevented them lifting the trophy on a dramatic final day of the last campaign – on September 1 will be broadcast, along with the visit of last year’s surprise package Swansea and the tricky trip to are too strong... West Ham. Their coverage will begin with the opening day clash between Newcastle and Tottenham, two says ESPN football analyst Chris Waddle sides who are looking to build on last term. It will be Andres Villas-Boas’ first competitive anchester City will be the Vincent Kompany lifts the Barclays Premier last season and have not signed game as Spurs coach, after the London club team to beat again this anyone of note and will be down sacked Harry Redknapp despite leading them to League trophy on the final day of last season season – they have not have there again, while Sunderland have a fourth-place finish. M Villas-Boas’ replacement as Chelsea boss bought anyone yet, but they have a not had a great pre-season and it Roberto Di Matteo unified the Stamford got a strong enough side and will be could be hard for them as well. Bridge dressing room, claiming the FA Cup and focused on winning the league, while It will be interesting to see how Champions League trophies. See whether he can I’m sure they will want to do better they start as they could find maintain that momentum the following weekend, in the Champions League. themselves up against it. when they host Newcastle. They played some great football last It will be tough for the promoted Arsenal’s resolve will be tested in three live year, scored plenty of goals and still sides Reading, Southampton and West away games, with their trips to West Ham, look a tough side despite the lack of Ham. They can only reach a certain Norwich and Aston Villa all set to be shown. signings. I think every team, whoever level and it is then almost impossible they are, though, have to recruit as for them to go beyond that as they you need two or three fresh faces in just don’t have the money to compete LIVE SCHEDULE order to keep everyone on their toes with the big clubs. Big Sam will try to AUGUST and I am sure they will do some wheel and deal with the Hammers, Saturday 18 business before too long. but he has not signed much, while Newcastle v Tottenham...... 5.30pm Manchester United and Chelsea will Reading and Southampton are in a Saturday 25 be the main challengers again, with similar position. Chelsea v Newcastle...... 5.30pm Arsenal and Tottenham battling it out I can see there being around eight september for that elusive fourth spot. or nine clubs battling it out to avoid Saturday 1 United have not done much the drop this season, with Norwich, business, either. They have brought a Villa and Swansea – all with new Man City v QPR...... 5.30pm few in, but Sir Alex Ferguson knows managers in charge – possibly the Saturday 15 what it takes to win the Barc;lays ones to go down as they have failed Sunderland v Liverpool...... 5.30pm Premier League and he won’t be to strengthen significantly. A good Saturday 29 unduly concerned. The lad from start is imperative and most sides will Man Utd v Tottenham...... 5.30pm Borussia Dortmund, Shinji Kagawa, be eying a decent opening to the OCTOBER looks a solid signing and they should campaign. This is vitally important. Saturday 6 push City all the way. form of a few years back. The loss of fortunes. Rodgers has a history of okay. They have really exploited the On the question of whether the West Ham v Arsenal...... 5.30pm We all know how close it was last Drogba’s goals will be a blow but if playing football with his sides, and French market with players like Olympics will have any bearing for Saturday 20 year. It went right down to the wire, the Spaniard can rediscover his form the signing of Fabio Borini, from Hatem Ben Arfa. the players involved, well it is just the Norwich v Arsenal...... 5.30pm and I can see it being tight again. then they should be okay. Roma, gives him something extra up Those sides who came up from the same as them doing a pre-season Saturday 27 Chelsea have spent quite a bit and Roberto Di Matteo is back in the front – he and Luis Suarez could Championship in the 2010-11 really and all the players involved Man City v Swansea...... 5.30pm it may take some time for their hotseat after winning the FA Cup and strike up a decent partnership. campaign will have that second- should head into the season raring NOVEMBER players to gel, but the signing of Champions League, but the team As for the Andy Carroll situation, seasonitis that seems to affect to go. Saturday 3 Oscar looks a good one. I was basically picked itself last year. Rodgers has never played a big man promoted clubs. I think Norwich, Chris was talking to West Ham v Man City...... 5.30pm impressed with him at the Olympics These two sides will definitely be up front, it is just not his style. It is Swansea and QPR will all struggle. dominic picksley Saturday 17 and he looks some player, while they the ones challenging City. Arsenal and the manager’s prerogative how he QPR have been trying to sign n Chris Waddle is a pundit for ESPN, Norwich v Man Utd...... 5.30pm have taken the plunge on the likes of Tottenham remain strong and, I’m plays and who he plays, so Carroll anyone and everyone, as they really which broadcasts live coverage of the Saturday 24 Eden Hazard and Marko Marin. sure, will be battling for fourth. looks out of it at Anfield. don’t want to go down, as they know Barclays Premier League, starting on Aston Villa v Arsenal...... 5.30pm The loss of Didier Drogba is a big Liverpool could do quite well Newcastle will do well to replicate how much it means to be in the Saturday, August 18, with Newcastle one and they really need Fernando under Brendan Rodgers, although he their efforts of last season, although Premier League, but it could be hard United v Tottenham. For more details Torres to step up now and show his won’t instantly turn around their they won’t struggle and will be for them. Aston Villa did not do well visit espn.co.uk/tv. www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 4 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 5 20 years of drama

hat a match! What a We have had 20 years of English ful. In 1994 striker Chris Sutton £1.782­billion. The new £3bn deal is finale! What a season! bulldog spirit epitomised by ­Alan became the first £10,000-a-week a ­staggering rise. It all comes down WThat was the universal Shearer and Wayne Rooney and player when Blackburn signed him to demand and when you consider reaction to the manner in which wonderful foreign talent such as from Norwich. Now the wages of games this season will be broadcast Manchester City came from 2-1 Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and to around 600m people in more down in May to beat QPR 3-2 with Gianfranco Zola and David Silva. United’s Wayne Rooney are reported than 200 countries it is not difficult injury-time goals from substitute Twenty years of controversial to be £250,000-a-week. to see where the numbers come Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. characters such as Eric Cantona and In 1992-93 Manchester United’s from. By common consent it was the Didier Drogba and Mario Balotelli. shirt was sponsored by Sharp at a Despite the global recession there most dramatic ending to a season Twenty years in which plain old cost of £200,000 for the season. In is no reason to believe the world’s in 20 years of Barclays Premier Alex Ferguson has become Sir Alex 2011-12 American financial gi- most popular game has reached League football and etched the as he has guided Manchester United ant AON were paying a reported ­saturation point. Far from it. fifth name on the most coveted to those 12 league titles. £20million per season in a four-year The biggest change, perhaps, is ­domestic trophy. Who would bet against Sir Alex, deal to have their logo emblazoned the nature of the personnel. Twenty So Manchester City are the health and fitness permitting, on the United jerseys. United also years ago when the Premier League ­champions as the world’s most ­plotting another United title chal- have a training kit deal with DHL consisted of 22 clubs the opening famous league celebrates its 20th lenge this coming season and hoping worth an estimated £10m a year. day’s programme saw just 11 foreign anniversary. for a similar ending in 2013 to the In 1992 a season ticket at A­rsenal’s players take the field. Since then, Manchester United have won it first season in 1992-93 when club Highbury would have cost £476. Arsenal, for one, have taken the field 12 times, Chelsea and Arsenal three captain Bryan Robson and playing Last season, an equivalent seat, with a team of 11 overseas players times each and Blackburn once. captain Steve Bruce lifted the trophy admittedly at the state-of-the-art as talent from around the world has If the thrill of lifting the trophy to the Manchester skies? Emirates Stadium, cost £1,944. flocked to England. has not exactly been spread far Ferguson and United have been The figures, however, become truly Some argue football has sold its and wide, then the endless drama the obvious constants these past two mind-blowing when it comes to soul. Others say Chelsea’s ­Roman ­associated with the Barclays ­Premier decades but the rise of City, now television cash. Abramovich and Sheikh ­Mansour League have become a global the richest club in the world In 1992 Sky stumped up have made the League more phenomenon. under owner Sheikh Mansour, £60m-a-season to secure ­competitive: others now have the It is the reason television recently ­threatens to change all that. TV rights. The deal for TV financial muscle to compete with stumped up £3billion amid a time of Yet 20 years of the rights for the Premier United’s global fan base. recession and austerity for the rights ­Barclays Premier League League from 2010 As it prepares to mark 20 years to screen Premier League matches have seen so many to 2013 ­totalled since it all kicked off, the Barclays between 2013 and 2016. changes. Could anyone Premier League is not perfect. Football, it appears, stands alone have envisaged the way in Its rulers need to find a way of as immune from the economic which Eng- making fans feel closer to ­meltdown. Why? It is because it land’s their club. They need delivers, year top to address spiralling after flight wages and increased year, has debt and find a way to the big become nurture home-grown names, seemingly players. They need the best a licence to crack down on competition to print players diving and the most money, and reckless stirring or the challenges and ­action. way in intimidation of which referees. power has Yet, the switched ­Barclays ­Premier from owners League is the and managers most watched, to the players? most ­discussed, most It is doubt- ­entertaining around.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 06 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 07 top transfers of past 20 years Eric Cantona thierry henry ole g solskjaer robin van persie Fernando Torres he ­Frenchman earing pace elatively HE magic he striker Tbecame an Shelped Henry R­unknown Twith which Tmade a instant hit at Old pick up four ­outside Norway, Arsene Wenger ­stunning start to Trafford after ­Barclays Premier he quickly gained ­conjured up his time at helping United League Golden a reputation as ­Thierry Henry was ­Anfield, setting a win the first Boot gongs in five a sharp finisher ­repeated when then record goals seasons, notching Barclays Premier and was used to he ­converted tally for a foreign totals of 24, 30, Van Persie from player in his League title, 25 and 27, on the great effect as ending a 26-year way to becoming a “super-sub”, a left winger to debut season with drought for the Arsenal’s all-time often scoring a ­superb striker. 24. Accolades Red Devils. leading scorer and important goals – Overcame early flowed as he was ­Cantona was the the most prolific such as his most injury problems voted the third inspiration as Sir overseas ­marksman famous in the to claim a 30- best player in the Alex Ferguson’s ever to play in 1999 ­Champions goal haul which world behind side went on to England’s top flight. League final. earned him the Cristiano Ronaldo top the table four Secured two title Hit 91 Barclays Barclays Premier and Lionel Messi times in his five triumphs and three Premier League League’s Golden – joined ­Chelsea years at the club. FA Cup wins. strikes in 11 years. Boot last season. in January 2011.

(Leeds to Man United, £1.2m, 1992) (Juventus to Arsenal, £10.5m, 1999) (Molde to Man United, £1.5m, 1996) (Feyenoord to Arsenal, £2.75m, 2004) (At Madrid to Liverpool, £20m, 2007) nicolas anelka tim cahill alan shearer Patrick Vieira cristiano ronaldo he kind of ack Walker ROUGHT in mpressed ­Sir IS time at Tsigning that Jpaid a British Bby Arsene IAlex Ferguson HArsenal was has epitomised record fee for the Wenger prior to enough in a pre- short and not the David Moyes ­England striker taking charge of season friendly for the United boss to always sweet, but reign at Everton. but it proved the Gunners, the part with a hefty it’s hard to fault Made an immedi- money well spent France midfielder sum for a ­teenager, this bit of business ate ­impression as 34 goals in the cut a formidable but the Scot’s by Arsenay Wenger. when top-scoring 1994-95 season figure, combining ­­judgement was Got his big chance for the Toffees led Blackburn to pace, power and spot on. ­Ronaldo following injury to and being voted Barclays Premier stamina to form a ­matured into an Ian Wright in the the supporters’ League title glory. dominant physical explosive ­talent, 1997-98 season Player of the Also netted 31 presence, but scoring 66 ­Barclays and helped the Season in his times the next also provided Premier League Gunners to a opening term and term and ended ­composure that goals in his last League and FA Cup in 2006 was the up with 112 helped take three three seasons at double. Sold on first Everton star goals in 138 ­Barclays Premier Old ­Trafford ­ before joining to Real Madrid in 18 years to be League games League titles to Real ­Madrid. for £22million. nominated for the for Blackburn. North London.

(Paris SG to Arsenal, £500,000, 1996) (Millwall to Everton, £1.5m, 2004) (Southampton to Blackburn, £3.6m, 1992) (AC Milan to Arsenal, £3.5m, 1996) (Sporting to Man United, £12m, 2003)

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 8 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 9 did you know? trail blazers prime lamb city dedication ston Villa egendary goalkeeper Bert Awere the first outhampton’s Rickie Lambert L­Trautmann played the last 15 top-flight club Shas topped his respective League’s ­minutes of the 1956 FA Cup final with to appoint a goalscoring charts in three of the last a broken neck. City won 3-1 against manager from four seasons, finishing joint-third in Birmingham – and Trautmann had to outside the the other. be helped off the pitch at Wembley by United King- his ­teammates. dom or Ireland in July 1990 – ­Slovakian coach Dr Jozef ­Venglos, It’s snow joke! 101 not out! who was n the 1997-98 season uring Fulham’s meteoric rise to subsequently Chelsea played one of the I the Barclays Premier League, they sacked at the strangest matches in his- D achieved 101 points in two separate end of the tory. It was against Tromso seasons. First in 1998/99 under Kevin season. and was 100miles into the Artic Circle. At one point the Keegan in the third tier, and again in match had to be stopped so that 2000/01 when the Cottagers were snow could be cleared from the pitch! ­promoted to the top flight.

welsh pride Double bubble 1-0 to dial square getting in gear young latics wansea are the only Welsh club to yan Giggs, rsenal were originally founded as HE Reading chairman John Madejski Shave competed in the Premier Roy Keane and A“Dial Square” in 1886 by ­workers Tearned his fortune by founding igan Athletic are the youngest club in League since its inception in 1992, but R at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, the hugely successful Auto Trader Wthe Premier League, having only been Peter Schmeichel formed in 1932, following the winding up their highest position in the top flight are the only players South-East London. However, they ­Magazine, and was awarded an OBE in 2000. of Wigan Borough the previous year. came in 1981, when they finished sixth. in the history of changed their name to “Royal Arsenal” soon after, and did so again in 1891, English football to calling themselves “Woolwich Arsenal” have won three before going professional. sets of Double winner’s medals, with Manchester United in 1994, 1996 and 1999.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier 06 League 2012/13 top transfers of past 20 years Eric Cantona thierry henry ole g solskjaer he ­Frenchman earing pace elatively Tbecame an Shelped Henry R­unknown instant hit at Old pick up four ­outside Norway, Trafford after ­Barclays Premier he quickly gained helping United League Golden a reputation as win the first Boot gongs in five a sharp finisher Barclays Premier seasons, notching totals of 24, 30, and was used to League title, 25 and 27, on the great effect as ending a 26-year way to becoming a “super-sub”, drought for the Arsenal’s all-time often scoring Red Devils. leading scorer and important goals – ­Cantona was the the most prolific such as his most inspiration as Sir overseas ­marksman famous in the Alex Ferguson’s ever to play in 1999 ­Champions side went on to England’s top flight. League final. top the table four Secured two title Hit 91 Barclays times in his five triumphs and three Premier League years at the club. FA Cup wins. strikes in 11 years.

(Leeds to Man United, £1.2m, 1992) (Juventus to Arsenal, £10.5m, 1999) (Molde to Man United, £1.5m, 1996) nicolas anelka tim cahill alan shearer he kind of ack Walker IS time at Tsigning that Jpaid a British HArsenal was has epitomised record fee for the short and not the David Moyes ­England striker always sweet, but reign at Everton. but it proved it’s hard to fault Made an immedi- money well spent this bit of business ate ­impression as 34 goals in the by Arsenay Wenger. when top-scoring 1994-95 season Got his big chance for the Toffees led Blackburn to following injury to and being voted Barclays Premier Ian Wright in the the supporters’ League title glory. 1997-98 season Player of the Also netted 31 and helped the Season in his times the next Gunners to a opening term and term and ended League and FA Cup in 2006 was the up with 112 double. Sold on first Everton star goals in 138 to Real Madrid in 18 years to be League games for £22million. nominated for the for Blackburn. Ballon D’Or. (Paris SG to Arsenal, £500,000, 1996) (Millwall to Everton, £1.5m, 2004) (Southampton to Blackburn, £3.6m, 1992) Barclays Premier League 2012/13 07 top transfers of past 20 years ole g solskjaer robin van persie Fernando Torres HE magic he striker Twith which Tmade a Arsene Wenger ­stunning start to ­conjured up his time at ­Thierry Henry was ­Anfield, setting a ­repeated when then record goals he ­converted tally for a foreign Van Persie from player in his a left winger to debut season with a ­superb striker. 24. Accolades Overcame early flowed as he was injury problems voted the third to claim a 30- best player in the goal haul which world behind earned him the Cristiano Ronaldo Barclays Premier and Lionel Messi League’s Golden – joined ­Chelsea Boot last season. in January 2011.

(Molde to Man United, £1.5m, 1996) (Feyenoord to Arsenal, £2.75m, 2004) (At Madrid to Liverpool, £20m, 2007) alan shearer Patrick Vieira cristiano ronaldo ROUGHT in mpressed ­Sir Bby Arsene IAlex Ferguson Wenger prior to enough in a pre- taking charge of season friendly for the United boss to the Gunners, the part with a hefty France midfielder sum for a ­teenager, cut a formidable but the Scot’s figure, combining ­­judgement was pace, power and spot on. ­Ronaldo stamina to form a ­matured into an dominant physical explosive ­talent, presence, but scoring 66 ­Barclays also provided Premier League ­composure that goals in his last helped take three three seasons at ­Barclays Premier Old ­Trafford ­ before joining League titles to Real ­Madrid. North London.

(Southampton to Blackburn, £3.6m, 1992) (AC Milan to Arsenal, £3.5m, 1996) (Sporting to Man United, £12m, 2003)

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 10 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 11 top 10 players to watch jack wilshere Darren Bent Nikica Jelavic Wayne Rooney Pavel ­Pogrebnyak AST season He forward HERE are he ­forward IT five goals Lwas one the Tcould ­really Talways a few Tneeds no Hin his first talented English benefit if the doubts when a ­introduction, three Barclays midfielder will ­Villans take a more player moves but last season Premier League want to forget, ­attacking ­approach to the Barclays he stepped up games after having failed this ­season, hav- ­Premier League his game beyond joining Fulham on ing been utilised to kick a ball from the ­Scottish his exceptional a short-term deal largely as a lone levels. He hit last season. He in ­anger due to frontman last term. top flight, but ­injury problems. His strike rate is not Jelavic’s form 38 goals in all remained a key But if the 20- in doubt, and if the since signing from ­competitions for part of the year-old is back Midlands club are Rangers has been the Red ­Devils, ­Cottagers’ side as ­anywhere near able to engineer a nothing short his best ­return by the season drew his best then he top-half finish then of phenomenal. some distance. He to a close, and is could become the it will be on the He hit 11 goals will struggle to hit likely to be creative heartbeat back of his goals. in 16 first-team that impressive ­pivotal to of Arsenal as they And if he is finding ­appearances, and number again, ­Reading’s hopes look to return the net ­regularly, more of the same but is by far the of re-establishing to their role as expect a key role could see him most ­consistent themselves in the in ­England’s World title challengers challenge for the of United’s top flight ­after Cup qualifying attacking talents. promotion. once again. campaign. Golden Boot. clint dempsey carlos tevez papiss cisse rickie lambert Scott Parker HE American T may seem odd E sparkled AS scored AS a key thas been at Ito highlight Hwith 13 goals Hplenty of Wmember of Craven Cottage someone who in 14 ­appearances goals throughout the Tottenham since 2007, only played in 13 after joining his career in the team that finished fourth last season, and it is some Barclays Premier ­Newcastle in the lower leagues, and is likely to be ­achievement from League games January transfer including 31 a ­regular again Fulham that they last season as window, forcing last term as ­despite the change have managed to ­potentially key, Demba Ba – who ­Southampton won in manager at keep hold of him but after the farce had been ­hogging promotion back White Hart Lane. despite being of his long period the ­headlines to the top flight. He is the kind of linked with a host of absence he was – out of the The success of player who scores of clubs who could a key figure in ­spotlight. A goal Grant Holt at winning goals, vastly increase his Manchester City’s a game is a ratio Norwich last term ­instead if anyone is salary. He is a run-in to the he is not likely to showed that kind going to just nick creater of goals, season. His 75 match, but if Alan of success can be the ball off the but also ­provides goals in the Pardew’s side are maintained – and ­opposing team’s most dangerous a very real threat ­Barclays Premier to ­replicate the Lambert has player and slot it ­himself – as seen League is a s­uccess of last always been the into their own for- by his 23 strikes record that speaks year they will more proflic of ward, it will last term. for itself. need his goals. the pair. be him.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 12 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 13 Cazoria Wenger: now aims for Gunners are ­trophies Santi Cazorla outlined his desire to end Arsenal’s trophy drought after becoming the arsenal latest high-profile recruit at the Emirates Stadium. Formed...... 1886 ready to fire Cazorla joined the Gunners Manager...... Arsene Wenger Ground...... Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract from financially-stricken Spanish Capacity...... 60,355 rsene Wenger insists their wage bill before adding away from the fact Arsenal’s Nickname...... Gunners club Malaga for an undisclosed Arsenal have learned from more fresh faces – with Nicklas trophyless run is now fast fee believed to be in the region Last season...... 3rd the rollercoaster of last Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin ­heading towards a decade. www.arsenal.com A of £16million. season and maintains the both likely to move on sooner The club have not stood still in An attacking midfielder also transfers ­Gunners will be stronger for the rather than later. that period, reaching the adept at playing on either challenges ahead – with or The return of England ­Champions League final in 2006 wing, the 27-year-old Spain IN without captain Robin van Persie. ­midfielder Jack Wilshere, and also now sitting proudly in Lukas Podolski...... FC Koln international is an impressive It must seem like Groundhog ­recovering from ankle and knee their new 60,000-seater home at addition to a squad already Olivier Giroud.. Montpellier Day for Wenger, as the French problems, well before the end of Ashburton Grove. Santi Cazoria...... Mallorca strengthened by the coach went into a pre-season the year would also boost the Nevertheless, just making sure recent arrival of ­strikers campaign with frenzied squad after he did not kick a ball of qualification for Europe’s Lukas Podolski and OUT ­speculation over the future of in anger last season. lucrative club competition is not Gavin Hoyte...... Dagenham Olivier Giroud. the club captain, who went Wenger knows if Arsenal are to in itself the sole aim of the team Seven years have Manuel Almunia.. Watford public with his decision not to progress – and perhaps even – in the dugout at least. Carlos Vela .Real Sociedad passed since Arsenal sign a new deal and questioned mount a sustained title challenge “We are now 15 years on the Denilson.. Sao Paulo (loan) lifted any silverware, trot in the Champions League Joel Campbell...... Arsenal’s direction. – they cannot show the same but Cazorla believes ...... (Real Betis (loan) As yet, though, there have been disregard for consistency as the and I believe that shows that our fortunes will change no indications a big-money move opening of the 2011-12 business model works,” said VERDICT following the flurry of away from Emirates Stadium is in ­campaign, which included an Wenger, a champion of balancing transfer activity in With or without Robin van the offing, with Manchester City humiliating 8-2 reverse at the books while UEFA’s Financial north London Persie, big questions manager Roberto Mancini ­Manchester United. Fair Play was still a pipe dream. “There’s a very good remain about the backbone seemingly admitting defeat in his “I find the situation very “On the other hand we are squad here and we want to of Wenger’s young Gunners bid to land the 29-year-old exciting,” Wenger said. very ambitious, we want as well fight for titles and win titles,” who would have failed to Dutchman, whose 30 Barclays “I was very worried and to win trophies. he said. make the top four were it Premier League goals last season ­anxious last year for a long part “It’s not enough just to be in “The club has made a big not for the Dutchman’s dragged Wenger’s squad into the of the season because we faced the Champions League and we record goal haul. The cups step to sign players to have top three ahead of north London such a tough competition. are focused on that of course.” a better team and meet the again offer the best chance rivals Tottenham. “I knew already in October No matter how many years the of ending an eight-year expectations of the fans. That, of course, could that we could not afford to drop pundits continue to write off his “I’m very happy to be here, trophy itch, and expect all change over the coming many points to be in the team as also-rans, Wenger will another rollercoaster battle Arsenal are a huge club. I hope weeks before the transfer ­Champions League. remain true to his own ideology. to win trophies here, that is for Champions League ­window closes. “The tension was at the top “We work very hard to make qualification. what I want.” Wenger has not been standing level from September until May the team stronger. In this job, Cazorla has amassed 45 caps fan’s view still this summer, recruiting three and we managed just to be in the when you have consistency in for Spain and was a member top three. That was a quite your attitude you can stay at a We almost lost faith in marquee signings in German of the squads that won the Arsene Wenger last year, but striker Lukas Podolski, France remarkable achievement. certain level,” he added. ­European Championships in finishing third restored belief. forward Olivier Giroud and Spain “I am excited because we have “The most difficult thing is to 2008 and this year. Eight years is too long to wait midfielder Santi Cazorla. learned from last year, we have a be consistent and we have shown “He’s a versatile, attacking for a trophy though, . Arsenal have also been linked new start and a new opportunity. over the last 15 years that we can midfield player who can play and expectations have . with Turkey midfielder Nuri “We can be the surprise of the maintain that consistency. on either side of the pitch or been lowered meaning that Sahin, who is surplus to require- season because we have stability “I am confident that we have to centrally,” said Wenger. we are still far from being ments at Real Madrid. and stability is important.” be faithful to what we believe is “He has good pace, is a Barclays Premier League- The Gunners themselves are Despite all of his positive right in football and in the game ­technically gifted and will winning team. also expected to look to lighten rhetoric, Wenger cannot get – the way we play football.” be a huge asset to us.” Alan Grehan

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 14 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 15 Vlaar out lamb is not to match sheepish! greats SUMMER signing Ron Vlaar has set his aston villa arren Bent is relishing being dressing room have all bought into sights on emulating the likes of Paul Formed...... 1874 part of the “licence to thrill” his ideas.” McGrath, Olof Mellberg and Martin Manager...... Paul Lambert philosophy brought to Aston Bent, who reached the 100 Barclays Laursen at Villa Park. Ground...... Villa Park D The Dutch international, part of Villa by new manager Paul Lambert. Premier League goals mark last Capacity...... 42,640 his country's Euro 2012 squad, Nickname...... Villans England striker Bent was forced to season, knows Villa need to show a miss the final third of last season – massive improvement in the next signed a three-year deal with the Last season...... 16th Midlands club after moving from www.avfc.co.uk and the Euro 2012 finals – with ankle campaign, particularly in front of ligament damage suffered at Wigan. their own fans. Eredivisie side Feyenoord. transfers Even before that he gave the Only four League victories were Vlaar, 27, is aware of the pedigree of IN ­impression of being a frustrated figure chalked up at Villa Park in what was previous centre-backs at Villa Park and when being used as the lone central the worst home record in the club’s is determined to make his mark under Brett Holman...... AZ Alkmaar new manager Paul Lambert. Karim El Ahmadi.. Feyenoord striker in a 4-5-1 formation despite history in terms of lack of wins. still managing 10 goals. “Last season our home form let us “I am looking forward to following in Matthew Lowton... Sheff Utd. the footsteps of players such as Paul Ron Vlaar...... Feyenoord Now Lambert is putting the accent down and we need to improve on that on attack as Villa look to improve on this season,” he added. McGrath, Olof Mellberg and Martin OUT avoiding relegation from the Barclays Lambert has no doubt about Laursen – all of them great players for Premier League by only two points. the important of a fully this club,” he said. “It was great when the gaffer came fit and firing Bent to “`But I also do things for myself Emile Heskey...... released because I want to get the very best out Carlos Cuellar.... Sunderland in a couple of months ago and said he Villa’s campaign. wanted us to play with a real free- “He is a ­goalscorer. of myself. I can't do it alone. I also VERDICT dom,” said Bent. Every team needs need the other players in the team as New chief Lambert has “He wants us to be dangerous and them,” he said. well as the fans, who are so important. been charged with reviving create loads of chances. He wants us “You can’t just rely By us all working hard for one another, Villa's fortunes after a to be an attacking outfit. on one guy to score we can achieve our forgettable season under “He has a philosophy where he says: you the goals, but goals. Alex McLeish. Expect the ‘If we’re going to get beat, we’re going his influence at the “This is a dream former Norwich boss to to get beat having a go’. football club is come true for me. I make his new side hard to “He wants us to have a right good huge as a result of always look forward beat once more and move go at every single team. That’s how it what he has done and this is a great in the right direction. should be. in his football oppor- “We have attacking players in the career up to now. tu- fan’s view team who can cause real damage “He had a and he’s told them to go out and ­fabulous record After flirting with relegation do their stuff. at Sunderland for the past two seasons “It’s certainly going to be a dream and if you look under Gerard Houllier then for me playing that way as a striker. at it, his Alexx McLeish, the arrival “Last season was difficult. We were ­goalscoring of Paul Lambert has created playing 4-5-1 at times and you can career here is something of a buzz around become isolated as a striker. ­phenomenal. Villa Park. With big earners “The gaffer never, ever has a go at “For England such as Emile Heskey moving any player who’s in the attacking too, he is a on, and new faces including third, has a go and then gives it away. threat. He Brett Holman coming in, the “You have Charles (N’Zogbia) and would have rebuilding is already well Stevie (Ireland) and he’s telling them gone to the under way. Improving to just go out and do their stuff. Euros if he’d our home form is key, and the “He has told me what he expects been fit. It will prospect of attacking football as the norm from me and what he be a big plus for should put smiles on faces. wants me to do. The boys in the us to have him.” Kevin Challenger

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chelsea Formed...... 1905 Manager....Roberto Di Matteo Ground...... Stamford Bridge Capacity...... 41,841 Nickname...... Blues Last season...... 6th www.chelseafc.com transfers IN Marko Marin...... W Bremen Eden Hazard...... Lille Thorgan Hazard...... Lens Oscar...... Internacional OUT hands up if you are Didier Drogba.....Shanghai S Jose Bosingwa...... Salomon Kalou...... Lille Jeffrey Bruma...... Hamburg (loan) Patrick van Aanholt...... Vitesse Arnhem (loan) Tomas Kalas...... Vitesse Arnhem (loan) ­european champions... Thibaut Courtois...... hatever happens at Chelsea revitalised Fernando Torres. With ...... Atletico Madrid (loan) W this season, it is hard to imagine Didier Drogba having written the final how their campaign could be more Di Matteo must now try to replicate cup chapter in his Chelsea legend, Torres spectacularly unpredictable than has no more excuses for failing to live VERDICT the last. successes in Barclays Premier League up to his £50million price tag. Despite delivering the FA Ending their agonising wait for Despite having less to do with Cup and a coveted Champions League glory would have own fans over a potential move to a force of personality and bloody- Italian failed to do. The Blues ended up recruitment than many of his Premier Champions League trophy, been an historic achievement in any new stadium. mindedness. Toss in another FA Cup sixth, finishing 25 points behind League counterparts, Di Matteo will be new full-time boss Di year but the fact the Blues managed it Even when Villas-Boas was sacked on win, and a season that threatened to be champions Manchester City. expected to succeed where Villas-Boas Matteo will be expected to in 2012 still beggars belief. March 4, it would have been seemed Chelsea’s poorest in a decade ended up That made May’s Munich triumph failed and use these players to hit the ground running in Chelsea were heading for their worst transform the way the Blues play. the league - fail to do so laughable to suggest caretaker manager being the greatest in their history. even more historic for a club that season since Roman Abramovich Roberto Di Matteo could inspire a Abramovich spent somewhere in the might have been struggling to meet Despite being handed a two-year and he may test Roman bought the club with barely two contract in June, the Italian finds Abramovich’s patience. turnaround that would climax in region of £1billion – never mind going UEFA’s Financial Fair Play requirements months of the campaign remaining. Chelsea being crowned European through eight managers in eight years – had they been denied the tens of himself in arguably most precarious Morale appeared to have hit rock champions for the first time. chasing his so-called Holy Grail. millions of pounds playing in Europe’s position of any Chelsea manager thanks bottom, with some players said to be But no-one is laughing now after So the irony that the success of Di elite club competition brings. to the impending return of Pep fan’s view verging on a revolt against new what must surely go down as one of Matteo – by far the least decorated of Many of Chelsea’s Champions League Guardiola from a sabbatical at the end With an influx of young manager Andre Villas-Boas. the most astonishing ever European his expensively-assembled coaches – warhorses have already moved on to of the campaign. talented attacking players John Terry had been stripped of the Cup triumphs. will not be lost on the Russian. be replaced by younger, arguably more “I don’t feel any shadow above me or and a generally solid back England captaincy over allegations he Overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit Nor will the fact that Di Matteo’s technical players. behind me,” said Di Matteo of the five, I’m hopeful of a better used a racist slur towards Anton against Napoli and somehow surviving number one priority was ensuring Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and erstwhile former Barcelona boss. domestic campaign. Ferdinand – he still faces a fight to onslaughts to beat Benfica, Barcelona Chelsea secure Champions League Oscar have been recruited in attacking The will only remain the case if he clear his name – while the club found and Bayern Munich, rarely has the qualification via a top-four Barclays midfield roles in the hope they can gets the Blues flying high in the Joe Gibson themselves at war with some of their competition been won by such sheer Premier League finish, something the provide the ammunition for a Barclays Premier League once again. www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier 12 League 2012/13 Wenger: now Gunners are

arsenal Formed...... 1886 ready to fire Manager...... Arsene Wenger Ground...... Emirates Stadium Capacity...... 60,355 rsene Wenger insists their wage bill before adding away from the fact Arsenal’s Nickname...... Gunners Arsenal have learned from more fresh faces – with Nicklas trophyless run is now fast Last season...... 3rd the rollercoaster of last Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin ­heading towards a decade. www.arsenal.com A season and maintains the both likely to move on sooner The club have not stood still in transfers ­Gunners will be stronger for the rather than later. that period, reaching the challenges ahead – with or The return of England ­Champions League final in 2006 IN without captain Robin van Persie. ­midfielder Jack Wilshere, and also now sitting proudly in Lukas Podolski...... FC Koln It must seem like Groundhog ­recovering from ankle and knee their new 60,000-seater home at Olivier Giroud.. Montpellier Day for Wenger, as the French problems, well before the end of Ashburton Grove. Santi Cazorla...... Mallorca coach went into a pre-season the year would also boost the Nevertheless, just making sure campaign with frenzied squad after he did not kick a ball of qualification for Europe’s OUT ­speculation over the future of in anger last season. lucrative club competition is not Gavin Hoyte...... Dagenham the club captain, who went Wenger knows if Arsenal are to in itself the sole aim of the team Manuel Almunia.. Watford public with his decision not to progress – and perhaps even – in the dugout at least. Carlos Vela .Real Sociedad sign a new deal and questioned mount a sustained title challenge “We are now 15 years on the Denilson.. Sao Paulo (loan) Joel Campbell...... Arsenal’s direction. – they cannot show the same trot in the Champions League ...... (Real Betis (loan) As yet, though, there have been disregard for consistency as the and I believe that shows that our no indications a big-money move opening of the 2011-12 business model works,” said VERDICT away from Emirates Stadium is in ­campaign, which included an Wenger, a champion of balancing With or without Robin van the offing, with Manchester City humiliating 8-2 reverse at the books while UEFA’s Financial Persie, big questions manager Roberto Mancini ­Manchester United. Fair Play was still a pipe dream. remain about the backbone seemingly admitting defeat in his “I find the situation very “On the other hand we are of Wenger’s young Gunners bid to land the 29-year-old exciting,” Wenger said. very ambitious, we want as well who would have failed to Dutchman, whose 30 Barclays “I was very worried and to win trophies. make the top four were it Premier League goals last season ­anxious last year for a long part “It’s not enough just to be in not for the Dutchman’s dragged Wenger’s squad into the of the season because we faced the Champions League and we record goal haul. The cups top three ahead of north London such a tough competition. are focused on that of course.” again offer the best chance rivals Tottenham. “I knew already in October No matter how many years the of ending an eight-year That, of course, could that we could not afford to drop pundits continue to write off his trophy itch, and expect all change over the coming many points to be in the team as also-rans, Wenger will another rollercoaster battle weeks before the transfer ­Champions League. remain true to his own ideology. for Champions League ­window closes. “The tension was at the top “We work very hard to make qualification. Wenger has not been standing level from September until May the team stronger. In this job, fan’s view still this summer, recruiting three and we managed just to be in the when you have consistency in top three. That was a quite We almost lost faith in marquee signings in German your attitude you can stay at a Arsene Wenger last year, but striker Lukas Podolski, France remarkable achievement. certain level,” he added. finishing third restored belief. forward Olivier Giroud and Spain “I am excited because we have “The most difficult thing is to Eight years is too long to wait midfielder Santi Cazorla. learned from last year, we have a be consistent and we have shown for a trophy though, . Arsenal have also been linked new start and a new opportunity. over the last 15 years that we can and expectations have . with Turkey midfielder Nuri “We can be the surprise of the maintain that consistency. been lowered meaning that Sahin, who is surplus to require- season because we have stability “I am confident that we have to we are still far from being ments at Real Madrid. and stability is important.” be faithful to what we believe is a Barclays Premier League- The Gunners themselves are Despite all of his positive right in football and in the game winning team. also expected to look to lighten rhetoric, Wenger cannot get – the way we play football.” Alan Grehan Barclays Premier League 2012/13 13 Cazorla Wenger: now aims for Gunners are ­trophies Santi Cazorla outlined his desire to end Arsenal’s trophy drought after becoming the latest high-profile recruit at the Emirates Stadium. ready to fire Cazorla joined the Gunners on a long-term contract from financially-stricken Spanish away from the fact Arsenal’s club Malaga for an undis- trophyless run is now fast closed fee believed to be in ­heading towards a decade. the region of £16million. The club have not stood still in An attacking midfielder also that period, reaching the adept at playing on either ­Champions League final in 2006 wing, the 27-year-old Spain and also now sitting proudly in international is an impressive their new 60,000-seater home at addition to a squad already Ashburton Grove. strengthened by the re- Nevertheless, just making sure cent arrival of ­strikers of qualification for Europe’s Lukas Podolski and lucrative club competition is not Olivier Giroud. in itself the sole aim of the team Seven years have – in the dugout at least. passed since Arsenal “We are now 15 years on the lifted any silverware, trot in the Champions League but Cazorla believes and I believe that shows that our fortunes will change business model works,” said following the flurry of Wenger, a champion of balancing transfer activity in the books while UEFA’s Financial north London Fair Play was still a pipe dream. “There’s a very good “On the other hand we are squad here and we want to very ambitious, we want as well fight for titles and win titles,” to win trophies. he said. “It’s not enough just to be in “The club has made a big the Champions League and we step to sign players to have are focused on that of course.” a better team and meet the No matter how many years the expectations of the fans. pundits continue to write off his “I’m very happy to be here, team as also-rans, Wenger will Arsenal are a huge club. I remain true to his own ideology. hope to win trophies here, “We work very hard to make that is what I want.” the team stronger. In this job, Cazorla has amassed 45 caps when you have consistency in for Spain and was a member your attitude you can stay at a of the squads that won the certain level,” he added. ­European Championships in “The most difficult thing is to 2008 and this year. be consistent and we have shown “He’s a versatile, attacking over the last 15 years that we can midfield player who can play maintain that consistency. on either side of the pitch or “I am confident that we have to centrally,” said Wenger. be faithful to what we believe is “He has good pace, is right in football and in the game ­technically gifted and will – the way we play football.” be a huge asset to us.”

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arsenal Formed...... 1886 ready to fire Manager...... Arsene Wenger Ground...... Emirates Stadium Capacity...... 60,355 rsene Wenger insists their wage bill before adding away from the fact Arsenal’s Nickname...... Gunners Arsenal have learned from more fresh faces – with Nicklas trophyless run is now fast Last season...... 3rd the rollercoaster of last Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin ­heading towards a decade. www.arsenal.com A season and maintains the both likely to move on sooner The club have not stood still in transfers ­Gunners will be stronger for the rather than later. that period, reaching the challenges ahead – with or The return of England ­Champions League final in 2006 IN without captain Robin van Persie. ­midfielder Jack Wilshere, and also now sitting proudly in Lukas Podolski...... FC Koln It must seem like Groundhog ­recovering from ankle and knee their new 60,000-seater home at Olivier Giroud.. Montpellier Day for Wenger, as the French problems, well before the end of Ashburton Grove. Santi Cazorla...... Mallorca coach went into a pre-season the year would also boost the Nevertheless, just making sure campaign with frenzied squad after he did not kick a ball of qualification for Europe’s OUT ­speculation over the future of in anger last season. lucrative club competition is not Gavin Hoyte...... Dagenham the club captain, who went Wenger knows if Arsenal are to in itself the sole aim of the team Manuel Almunia.. Watford public with his decision not to progress – and perhaps even – in the dugout at least. Carlos Vela .Real Sociedad sign a new deal and questioned mount a sustained title challenge “We are now 15 years on the Denilson.. Sao Paulo (loan) trot in the Champions League Joel Campbell...... Arsenal’s direction. – they cannot show the same ...... (Real Betis (loan) As yet, though, there have been disregard for consistency as the and I believe that shows that our no indications a big-money move opening of the 2011-12 business model works,” said VERDICT away from Emirates Stadium is in ­campaign, which included an Wenger, a champion of balancing With or without Robin van the offing, with Manchester City humiliating 8-2 reverse at the books while UEFA’s Financial Persie, big questions manager Roberto Mancini ­Manchester United. Fair Play was still a pipe dream. remain about the backbone seemingly admitting defeat in his “I find the situation very “On the other hand we are of Wenger’s young Gunners bid to land the 29-year-old exciting,” Wenger said. very ambitious, we want as well who would have failed to Dutchman, whose 30 Barclays “I was very worried and to win trophies. make the top four were it Premier League goals last season ­anxious last year for a long part “It’s not enough just to be in not for the Dutchman’s dragged Wenger’s squad into the of the season because we faced the Champions League and we record goal haul. The cups top three ahead of north London such a tough competition. are focused on that of course.” again offer the best chance rivals Tottenham. “I knew already in October No matter how many years the of ending an eight-year That, of course, could that we could not afford to drop pundits continue to write off his trophy itch, and expect all change over the coming many points to be in the team as also-rans, Wenger will another rollercoaster battle weeks before the transfer ­Champions League. remain true to his own ideology. for Champions League ­window closes. “The tension was at the top “We work very hard to make qualification. Wenger has not been standing level from September until May the team stronger. In this job, fan’s view still this summer, recruiting three and we managed just to be in the when you have consistency in top three. That was a quite your attitude you can stay at a We almost lost faith in marquee signings in German Arsene Wenger last year, but striker Lukas Podolski, France remarkable achievement. certain level,” he added. finishing third restored belief. forward Olivier Giroud and Spain “I am excited because we have “The most difficult thing is to Eight years is too long to wait midfielder Santi Cazorla. learned from last year, we have a be consistent and we have shown for a trophy though, . Arsenal have also been linked new start and a new opportunity. over the last 15 years that we can and expectations have . with Turkey midfielder Nuri “We can be the surprise of the maintain that consistency. been lowered meaning that Sahin, who is surplus to require- season because we have stability “I am confident that we have to we are still far from being ments at Real Madrid. and stability is important.” be faithful to what we believe is a Barclays Premier League- The Gunners themselves are Despite all of his positive right in football and in the game winning team. also expected to look to lighten rhetoric, Wenger cannot get – the way we play football.” Alan Grehan Barclays Premier League 2012/13 13 Cazoria Wenger: now aims for Gunners are ­ Santi Cazorla outlined his desire to end Arsenal’s trophy droughttrophies after becoming the latest high-profile recruit at the Emirates Stadium. ready to fire Cazorla joined the Gunners on a long-term contract from financially-stricken Spanish away from the fact Arsenal’s club Malaga for an undisclosed trophyless run is now fast fee believed to be in the region ­heading towards a decade. of £16million. The club have not stood still in An attacking midfielder also that period, reaching the adept at playing on either ­Champions League final in 2006 wing, the 27-year-old Spain and also now sitting proudly in international is an impressive their new 60,000-seater home at addition to a squad already Ashburton Grove. strengthened by the Nevertheless, just making sure recent arrival of ­strikers of qualification for Europe’s Lukas Podolski and lucrative club competition is not Olivier Giroud. in itself the sole aim of the team Seven years have – in the dugout at least. passed since Arsenal “We are now 15 years on the lifted any silverware, trot in the Champions League but Cazorla believes and I believe that shows that our fortunes will change business model works,” said following the flurry of Wenger, a champion of balancing transfer activity in the books while UEFA’s Financial north London Fair Play was still a pipe dream. “There’s a very good “On the other hand we are squad here and we want to very ambitious, we want as well fight for titles and win titles,” to win trophies. he said. “It’s not enough just to be in “The club has made a big the Champions League and we step to sign players to have are focused on that of course.” a better team and meet the No matter how many years the expectations of the fans. pundits continue to write off his “I’m very happy to be here, team as also-rans, Wenger will Arsenal are a huge club. I hope remain true to his own ideology. to win trophies here, that is “We work very hard to make what I want.” the team stronger. In this job, Cazorla has amassed 45 caps when you have consistency in for Spain and was a member your attitude you can stay at a of the squads that won the certain level,” he added. ­European Championships in “The most difficult thing is to 2008 and this year. be consistent and we have shown “He’s a versatile, attacking over the last 15 years that we can midfield player who can play maintain that consistency. on either side of the pitch or “I am confident that we have to centrally,” said Wenger. be faithful to what we believe is “He has good pace, is right in football and in the game ­technically gifted and will – the way we play football.” be a huge asset to us.”

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 18 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 19 family affair for pienaar everton Formed...... 1878 Manager...... David Moyes teven Pienaar is hopeful so I just have to work hard and refusing to transfer his contract to Ground...... Goodison Park Sreturning to the club he make sure I get fit.” the newco club. Capacity...... 40,216 considers home will improve both Pienaar’s re-signing was made The 25-year-old has Nickname...... Toffees his and Everton’s fortunes. possible by the departure of been reunited with Last season...... 7th The South Africa international veteran midfielder Tim Cahill to the former Rangers strike www.evertonfc.com finally completed his permanent New York Red Bulls, who for such a partner Nikica Jelavic move back to Goodison Park 18 long time was Everton’s talisman. just six months after transfers months after leaving to find greater The South African has an the Croatia IN success at Tottenham. opportunity to assume that mantle international left Ibrox Steven Naismith....Rangers His gamble in moving to London but admits it is a big hole to fill. for Everton. Steven Pienaar.. Tottenham did not pay off: he played just 13 “Tim was one of the highest He hopes they will times for Spurs as a result of injury scorers in the Premier League and be able to pick up OUT and failing to force his way into he will be a big loss for the club,” their partnership Marcus Hahnemann...... Harry Redknapp’s plans. he said. where they left off. James McFadden...... However, on coming back to “But for us it is important to start “I had 18 months with Joao Silva...... Levski Sofia Goodison Park on loan for the well and get an understanding Jelavic at Rangers and Tim Cahill...... New York RB second half of the season he slotted going as soon as possible and make things were great,” he said. Joseph Yobo...... Fenerbache in seamlessly and his relationship sure the team are functioning as “It will be great to play James Wallace...... Tranmere with his old team-mates convinced a whole. alongside him again. Toto Nsiala...... Accrington him he wanted to stay. “If we have a good start [to the “In training we hit off a VERDICT “It is a special feeling for me,” season] that is the main thing. good relationship and in said the 30-year-old. “If we can start well we have the games we were on the same Moyes continues to get his “A few of my friends said they players to end well so it is a matter wavelength. well-drilled outfit punching wanted me back and this was of changing it (Everton’s tradition “He moved down here and well above their weight where I belong. of beginning poorly) around. a lot of people doubted and, fired by the goals of “It is something special when you “If we do we can hopefully win a whether he could hack it but Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic, expect the Toffees are wanted like that. trophy and qualify for Europe.” he has shown he will be a to again be pressing for a “I hope I can put a smile on Pienaar became Everton’s second world-class striker. top-six finish. their faces. signing after the club also brought “He is a quality player and if we “Hopefully it is going to be a new in Steven Naismith from Rangers can replicate that here it will go a fan’s view challenge again. It is a new season when he became a free agent after long way to helping me fit in.” For Evertonians the close season, and more specifically the transfer window, is a period of dashed hopes and the Hibbert ‘blessed’ by Toffees stay perennial struggle to attract new players who will allow Tony Hibbert is and Hibbert is proud to his testimonial season is just Everton to me. It’s us to kick on or at least adamant Everton will count himself among with a game against a big part of my life and remain in the chasing pack. remain a mainstay of his their dwindling number. AEK Athens. it always will be. I don’t view the oncoming life as he marks a decade The 31-year-old right- “It’s just normal,” he “To be a part of a club season any differently to what has gone before, so as a player at Goodison back, the only player said when asked about for that long, when I sit I predict a cup run and a Park. remaining at Goodison the significance of his down and think about it League finish of somewhere In modern football the from David Moyes’ first lengthy stay. it’s unbelievable. To be between sixth and 10th. one-club man is an game in charge against “I’ve been here since I here playing for that Gary Hankey increasingly rare breed Fulham in 2002, marked was 10 or 11, so Everton long, really is a blessing.”

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 20 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 21 Ruiz is ready to

fulham Formed...... 1879 ­repay jol’s faith Manager...... Matin Jol Ground...... Craven Cottage ryan Ruiz is a firm believer ­Cottagers last summer, needed time the club. Experienced former Eng- Capacity...... 25,700 in his own abilities and has to mould the team to his liking dur- land ­internationals Danny Murphy Nickname...... Cottagers promised Fulham fans there ing the season but eventually finished and Andrew Johnson both moved Last season...... 9th B www.fulhamfc.com is plenty more to come from him level on points with Liverpool, who on while Russia forward Pavel this season. spent considerably more on talent to ­Pogrebnyak opted to sign for Reading transfers The 26-year-old moved to Craven embellish their squad. rather than extend his Fulham deal. Cottage last summer from Dutch side Ruiz was the major signing of Jol’s Jol has brought in forward duo IN FC Twente for a fee believed to be in first year in charge and the former Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega Mladen Petric...... Hamburg Hugo Rodallega...... Wigan excess of £10million. Tottenham manager recently stated on free transfers, as well as signing Sascha Riether.... FC Koln (loan) Manager Martin Jol was delighted he reckons his expensive acquisition Cologne defender Sascha Riether on to get Ruiz on board but, although will have a better second campaign a season-long loan deal and Ruiz will OUT glimpses of his undoubted talent in England – something the player bid to help them settle in. Andrew Johnson...... QPR were evident, it was a debut season himself also believes. “From what I have seen so far, they Orlando Sa...... AEL Limassol that flattered to deceive. “I agree, I think there is more to look really good. Sascha is a strong Danny Murphy...... Blackburn The Costa Rica international scored come,” he said. defender while Mladen has done Marcel Gecov...... Gent two Barclays Premier League goals “I know that the manager has well too. He has scored a lot of goals Pavel Pogrebnyak...... Reading last year, including a sublime chip in talked about me making a greater so far, and hopefully he can continue a 2-0 win over Bolton, and claimed a contribution and that he has faith to do so,” he said. VERDICT number of assists. that I can. Is that pressure? I don’t “It can be difficult joining a new After a sluggish start But this season Ruiz has revealed think so. club so if I can help the players that following their Europa he wants to produce more in the at- “It is exactly what I want to hear have come in after me then I will. League campaign, Martin Jol's side settled into form tacking third of the pitch as ­Fulham because I came to England to show There are a few new faces in the last season and should look to improve on their ninth- my qualities. If I am honest, I believe dressing room already and in ­Sascha again be looking to placed finish. that it has taken me a little while to and Mladen we have two consolidate with a finish in “As a player that plays fur- find my feet. very ­important additions. the top half of the table. ther up the pitch, it is one of my “Having had almost a year to “Hugo has come in as well, and ­responsibilities to help in that adjust to the culture, the team, the we’re looking forward to seeing him fan’s view area,” he said. manager and my team-mates, I feel in action. He did well in his time at “Whether that is through that I have a lot more confidence. Wigan and, as a result, has Premier We fans have become ­assists or scoring goals, “I want to be an important player League experience. He’ll be hoping used to being a second-half that’s what I am here for the club and one that can make he can make an impact too, and I’m and a second-part of the to do. a difference. It’s nice that people sure he will be a success. season team. Martin Jol has “It would be nice believe that I can do it – so I want to “It’s nice to welcome new players. brought in Mladen Petric to score a few more show that I can.” The spirit of the team is really good who has scored in four as the new season Jol has been active in the trans- and we are all looking forward to out of five of his pre- ­progresses.” fer market once again this sum- getting the season started. We had a season games and we have Jol, who took mer, ­although he has lost more good year together last season, and exciting youngster’s in charge of the players than he has brought into we want to do good things again.” Frei, Kacaniklic and Trotta. We still hope to cling onto Dempsey and Dembele, but our biggest loss is Danny Murphy who, although often unable to last 90 minutes, ran our midfield. Tom Kent

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier 18 League 2012/13 family affair for pienaar everton Formed...... 1878 Manager...... David Moyes teven Pienaar is hopeful so I just have to work hard and refusing to transfer his contract to Ground...... Goodison Park Sreturning to the club he make sure I get fit.” the newco club. Capacity...... 40,216 considers home will improve both Pienaar’s re-signing was made The 25-year-old has Nickname...... Toffees his and Everton’s fortunes. possible by the departure of been reunited with Last season...... 7th The South Africa international veteran midfielder Tim Cahill to the former Rangers strike www.evertonfc.com finally completed his permanent New York Red Bulls, who for such a partner Nikica Jelavic move back to Goodison Park 18 long time was Everton’s talisman. just six months after transfers months after leaving to find greater The South African has an the Croatia IN success at Tottenham. opportunity to assume that mantle international left Ibrox Steven Naismith....Rangers His gamble in moving to London but admits it is a big hole to fill. for Everton. Steven Pienaar.. Tottenham did not pay off: he played just 13 “Tim was one of the highest He hopes they will times for Spurs as a result of injury scorers in the Premier League and be able to pick up OUT and failing to force his way into he will be a big loss for the club,” their partnership Jack Rodwell...... Man City Harry Redknapp’s plans. he said. where they left off. Joao Silva...... Levski Sofia However, on coming back to “But for us it is important to start “I had 18 months with Tim Cahill...... New York RB Goodison Park on loan for the well and get an understanding Jelavic at Rangers and Joseph Yobo...... Fenerbahce second half of the season he slotted going as soon as possible and make things were great,” he said. James Wallace...... Tranmere in seamlessly and his relationship sure the team are functioning as “It will be great to play Toto Nsiala...... Accrington with his old team-mates convinced a whole. alongside him again. him he wanted to stay. “If we have a good start [to the “In training we hit off a VERDICT “It is a special feeling for me,” season] that is the main thing. good relationship and in said the 30-year-old. “If we can start well we have the games we were on the same Moyes continues to get his “A few of my friends said they players to end well so it is a matter wavelength. well-drilled outfit punching wanted me back and this was of changing it (Everton’s tradition “He moved down here and well above their weight where I belong. of beginning poorly) around. a lot of people doubted and, fired by the goals of “It is something special when you “If we do we can hopefully win a whether he could hack it but Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic, expect the Toffees are wanted like that. trophy and qualify for Europe.” he has shown he will be a to again be pressing for a “I hope I can put a smile on Pienaar became Everton’s second world-class striker. top-six finish. their faces. signing after the club also brought “He is a quality player and if we “Hopefully it is going to be a new in Steven Naismith from Rangers can replicate that here it will go a fan’s view challenge again. It is a new season when he became a free agent after long way to helping me fit in.” For Evertonians the close season, and more specifically the transfer window, is a period of dashed hopes and the Hibbert ‘blessed’ by Toffees stay perennial struggle to attract new players who will allow Tony Hibbert is and Hibbert is proud to his testimonial season is just Everton to me. It’s us to kick on or at least adamant Everton will count himself among with a game against a big part of my life and remain in the chasing pack. remain a mainstay of his their dwindling number. AEK Athens. it always will be. I don’t view the oncoming life as he marks a decade The 31-year-old right- “It’s just normal,” he “To be a part of a club season any differently to what has gone before, so as a player at Goodison back, the only player said when asked about for that long, when I sit I predict a cup run and a Park. remaining at Goodison the significance of his down and think about it League finish of somewhere In modern football the from David Moyes’ first lengthy stay. it’s unbelievable. To be between sixth and 10th. one-club man is an game in charge against “I’ve been here since I here playing for that Gary Hankey increasingly rare breed Fulham in 2002, marked was 10 or 11, so Everton long, really is a blessing.” Barclays Premier League 2012/13 19 family affair for pienaar refusing to transfer his contract to the newco club. The 25-year-old has been reunited with former Rangers strike partner Nikica Jelavic just six months after the Croatia international left Ibrox for Everton. He hopes they will be able to pick up their partnership where they left off. “I had 18 months with Jelavic at Rangers and things were great,” he said. “It will be great to play alongside him again. “In training we hit off a good relationship and in games we were on the same wavelength. “He moved down here and a lot of people doubted whether he could hack it but he has shown he will be a world-class striker. “He is a quality player and if we can replicate that here it will go a long way to helping me fit in.”

Hibbert ‘blessed’ by Toffees stay is just Everton to me. It’s a big part of my life and it always will be. “To be a part of a club for that long, when I sit down and think about it it’s unbelievable. To be here playing for that long, really is a blessing.”

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 22 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 23 Suarez has support­ lucky lucas of manager Rodgers­ REDS manager Brendan normally because they iverpool midfielder performance. At the moment I as he seeks to bring in the passing ­Rodgers has offered words of are good. We have seen it over Lucas Leiva is determined only think about being 100 per style which ­became a ­trademark comfort to striker Luis Suarez, time and players can become Lto prove injury has not cent recovered.” of his Swansea side last season. citing the example of David ­stronger for sure. Looking ­diminished him in any way as The appreciation now felt for The Northern Irishman, who Beckham as proof of how at the Beckham scenario a he targets a return early in the Lucas is a remarkable turnaround replaced Dalglish in June, ac- quickly perceptions in football ­number of years ago, they were liverpool new campaign. from the early days of his cepted there will not be an can change. burning ­effigies of him. Formed...... 1892 The 25-year-old missed the final ­Liverpool career when he was the overnight transformation as he Suarez signed a new long- “Now he is king of the world. Manager...... Brendan Rodgers six months of last season after subject of criticism from fans needs time to make his term contract with the Reds That is how it can change. Ground...... Anfield undergoing surgery on the who felt he was well short of methods successful. this pre-season. “Luis probably still feels a Capacity...... 45,276 anterior cruciate ligament in his the standard required. “There is a lot of The Uruguayan is guaranteed little bit of injustice about last Nickname...... Reds left knee in November. Then manager Rafael Benitez, work going on and a a warm reception from the season, but for me the mes- Last season...... 8th In the period he was sidelined who signed him from Gremio lot of hours have Anfield faithful, who ­continued sage is we have to move on. We www.liverpoolfc.tv the Brazil international’s for £5million in July 2007, been spent to back the 25-year-old have to move forward. transfers ­reputation was only enhanced as ­consistently picked the ­midfielder analysing the throughout his protracted race “What’s happened has the team stuttered without him. and left himself open to ridicule group,” he said. row with Manchester United’s ­happened and let’s let it go IN A downward spiral of poor over his seemingly blind faith in “There is a lot of Patrice Evra last season. now, however hard it is.” Fabio Borini...... Roma Barclays Premier League results the player. work to be done Suarez was handed Suarez cited “unbeliev- Joe Allen...... Swansea in the latter stages of the Lucas undoubtedly benefited and it will take a an eight-game able” Liverpool fans ­campaign saw the Reds finish from the experience he was given bit of time until we ­suspension and and the people of OUT eighth and ultimately cost by Benitez, but admitted he had get what we want. a £40,000 fine the city behind his Paul Konchesky...... Leicester manager Kenny Dalglish his job. to change himself in order to “Initially it is in after being reasoning for sign- Fabio Aurelio...... Gremio The absence of Lucas, who had adapt to the demands of the about assessing found guilty of ing tje new long- Dirk Kuyt...... Fenerbahce arguably been Liverpool’s best English game. the group and racially ­abusing term contract Maxi...... Newell’s Old Boys player of the preceding 18 “I have it clear in my mind that looking at their Evra. with the club. VERDICT months, was highlighted as my first two seasons here it was strengths.” Away from Suarez had New boss Rodgers will have a significant factor as new central not a question of quality or his home been linked with his work cut out to take midfield signings Charlie Adam desire, it was a question of me ground, how- a move away from Liverpool straight back into and Jordan ­Henderson failed to not being ready,” added the ever, it is likely to ­Anfield, with Ital- the top four, but should at deliver while Jay ­Spearing proved Brazilian, who played his first be a ­different story ian giants Juventus least get the Reds playing a less-than-­adequate replace- competitive match for more this season. ­understood to be leading the right way and if they ment. than eight months in He was booed at Old Traf- the chase. can add a killer instinct, And it brought the defensive ­Liverpool’s Europa League ford, Wembley and the Millen- Although ­Suarez has had Anfield could become a midfielder, who was much qualifier away to FC nium Stadium ­during his recent his fair share of problems fortress once more. maligned in his first couple of Gomel during pre- Olympic appearances for his since joining Liverpool, life on years at Anfield, a new legion season. national team and it is difficult Merseyside is to fan’s view of fans who came to realise “I needed to to imagine the ­reaction being his taste. A new manager and a new his worth to the team. change a few any more forgiving when the “When you are a kid, culture from top to bottom “The position I play in, people things to be new Barclays Premier League ­everybody wants to play for will take time to bed in, don’t see a lot because they successful in takes him around Liverpool,” he said. though the standard over normally watch who scores goals the Premier the country “I am here now and it is a the top expectations of all or who beats players,” he said. League, and I Rodgers believes it could dream for me, and now I am a Liverpool fans means we'll “The players who do the dirty changed make the former Ajax man ­Liverpool fan.” be looking to challenge the work, as it is called in England, that.” stronger, recalling the Suarez, has scored 21 goals top four and go far in all you don’t see as much. Lucas ­reaction to Beckham’s red card in 52 appearances for the Reds. three cup competitions. A “I think as soon as I got the will be a against Argentina ­during the “I am happy off the pitch new central midfielder, or injury people started to realise key part 1998 World Cup in France as ­because the people of ­Liverpool Alberto Aquilani, and the the job I was doing for the team, of new proof opinions can be ­radically are good with me and my blooding of some very and if you watch the big teams boss transformed. ­family,” he said. talented home grown youngsters this season who fight for titles they always “I didn’t hear the reaction “I try my best on the pitch should see an improvement, have these kind of players. (during the Olympics) but top and when you are happy off “It has been a very good two players get a bit of stick at the pitch, you are happy on but not by much, in the ­ Barclays Premier League. years for me with eight months ­Brendan every away ground,” he said. it. I want to say thank you to on the sidelines but I’ll be back Rodgers’ “But if there is a negative the fans because they are our Dominic Haynes again and be at the same level of plans reaction towards a player it is 12th player.”

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manchester united ...let’s do it again! Formed...... 1880 Manager...... Roberto Mancini Ground...... Etihad Stadium incent Kompany expects to the FA Cup in 2011, is to become more ­although they were admittedly pitted­ strong feeling that having now broken contract, will want them to remain Capacity...... 47,715 hear people recalling the tale of convincing champions and establish against tough the psychological barrier of winning in line. Mancini. however, would Nickname...... The Citizens VManchester City’s dramatic themselves among Europe’s elite. ­opposition the title, City’s financial muscle should have liked to have gone into the new Last season...... 1st last-day title success for decades to The club may be ahead of schedule, in Bayern allow them to attract even greater ­Barclays Premier League campaign www.mcfc.co.uk come, but has no intention of living on having made accelerated progress ­Munich and ­players and therefore power away from with some new faces in his squad. past glories himself. since their takeover by Abu Dhabi Napoli. the opposition. Mancini revealed he has turned transfers The inspirational City captain will royal family member Sheikh There While there is certainly no doubt that down a series of bids for Balotelli IN never forget the day in May when the Mansour in 2008, but there is is a is within the club’s capabilities, they do this ­summer, but it is the players he No signings club ended a 44-year wait for a league no room for complacency. have to be mindful of UEFA’s financial wants to get rid of that are proving a title with two injury-time goals in a Despite their at times fair play regulations. ­handicap to bringing in new faces. OUT dramatic defeat of QPR. spellbinding football, their The lavish transfer spending of The Italian feels he needs a couple Wes Brown...... Sunderland That pulsating 3-2 success also Barclays Premier League recent years is therefore likely to be more high quality players to mount John O'shea...... Sunderland capped a most extraordinary Barclays success was ultimately ­curtailed but the base is there, with a better challenge in the Champions Owen Hargreaves...... , Premier League season in which City decided by goa­l a fine home at the Etihad Stadium League than last season. Gai Assulin...... Racing had established an early dominance ­difference ahead of and state-of-the-art training facilities “After four months, I don’t know Stuart Taylor...... but been caught and passed by a far-from-vintage in the pipeline, for a future at the what to say. You need to ask Brian Abdi Ibrahim...Stromsgodset ­Manchester United, only for their United side. game’s top table. ­Marwood,’’ he said. Vladimir Weiss...... Pescara rivals to then falter. Their first Kompany, 26, a relatively modest “I am not the sporting director. I Ben Mee...... Burnley City supporters only too used to taste of the £6million signing from Hamburg can’t say anything about players. Wayne Bridge ...... Brighton ­living in the shadow of their ­illustrious Champions four years ago, said: “You lay down “I am not happy – but I don’t know (loan) neighbours have spent the summer League also the foundation and if you do it right what to say.” ­revelling in the glory but Kompany is ended at then you can be successful for a long One player who came close to an ready to move on. the group time. That is the aim. exit, but now looks certain to stay, is VERDICT “The last game was a game that stage, “But it is not for me to just keep defender Kolo Toure. City’s wealthy owners saw will remain a very strong part of our ­saying it or keep thinking about it. The Ivory Coast centre-back insists he their hefty investment pay ­history,” he said. “I think there is so much more great is happy at the Etihad Stadium, but ad- dividends with a dramatic “I think there will be people stuff ahead of us and that is what mits he does not know what the ­future final day which clinched speaking about this game for 50, 100 ­interests me.” holds for him as he enters the final the title. However, with years to come. City could also benefit from fewer year of his contract with the Barclays eyes now firmly set on “But in the same way I have enjoyed distractions in terms of off-field Premier League champions. conquering Europe, a it, I am looking forward already. ­headlines from star players. The 31-year-old held talks with successful defence of their “One of the main things for me is to Much to manager Roberto Mancini’s ­Turkish side Bursaspor domestic crown will prove not keep looking back at this game for irritation, it was not ­always the bril- “I did speak to the people there, but a real test. too long. I just want to move on. liant play of his side that ­dominated I’m just focusing on City,” he said. fan’s view “It has been a big story all over the the ­media last season, but an unhealthy “I’m a City player, I still enjoy it here, world. I have travelled a lot and met a saga involving the absent Carlos ­Tevez you can see that,’’ he was quoted as We have been unusually lot of people from different countries – who played more golf in his home- saying by several newspapers. quiet in the transfer and all of them have got their reminder land of ­Argenitna more than football in “I love playing at the same club as window, but still have the of that particular moment. ­Manchester – and the madcap antics of my brother. But we will see what will squad that won the Barclays “All of them have somehow experi- the bonkers Mario Balotelli. happen. I’ve got one year left on my League last season and enced it in a special way. But looking There has been much speculation contract and that’s it. they can do it again. I hope forward for me, this is over now. It is over whether both players might stay “I am still at City but you never know to see us do a lot better in about what lies ahead.” but the pair remain and Mancini, now the future. For me the most important the Champions League, but The task ahead for City, who ended in a position of great strength after thing is every day I’m at City I’ll give the main priority has to be retaining the title. a 35-year trophy drought by winning ­being rewarded with a new five-year 100 per cent.” Bryn Cooper

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ntonio Valencia is not amazing things and doesn’t just wait expectations are exactly the same as ­feelingy an additional bur- for me to assist him. There are other they have always been.” Aden of expectation now he good players and he can do it on his Thanks to a combination of injuries has ­inherited the famed Manchester own. He is looking good,” he said. and Rafael’s presence at the Olympics, manchester united United number seven shirt. The Old Trafford outfit have a point it cannot entirely be discounted that Formed...... 1878 Following Michael Owen’s exit at to prove this term. during the early weeks of the season, Manager...... Sir Alex Ferguson the end of last season, United’s most Not only did they toss away an Valencia will be required to display Ground...... Old Trafford famous shirt became available. eight-point advantage over the ­final his versatility once more by filling a Capacity...... 76,100 Prior to Owen, Cristiano Ronaldo six games of last season, in ­doing defensive berth. Nickname...... The Red Devils wore it. Before that David Beckham. so they may just have provided He did it last term to great ­effect, Last season...... 2nd Other famous wearers have ­Manchester City with the impetus and would happily answer any www.manutd.com ­included Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson required to launch their own era of ­Ferguson SOS again. Although he transfers and George Best. dominance given the finances on offer hopes it does not happen. But Valencia is not too bothered at the Etihad Stadium. “I was a little uncomfortable at the IN about the history. One of the first things United beginning because it was the first time Shinji Kagawa....B Dortmund He just wants to keep making a manager Sir Alex Ferguson did when I had played in that position,” he said. Nick Powell...... Crewe significant impact on the Red Devils’ his side landed in South Africa for the “But I soon got into the rhythm of it fortunes. first part of their extended pre-season and then I felt much better. OUT “There is no extra pressure,” programme was to declare ­reclaiming “Having said that, I hope I don't Tomasz Kuszczak.....Brighton he said. the Barclays Premier League as have to do it again.” Michael Owen...... “The club asked me if I would like ­“priority number one”. The one bizarre thing about Paul Pogba...... Juventus to wear the number seven shirt and I The arrival of Japanese midfielder Valencia is that, after six years in Ritchie De Laet...... Leicester said I would be delighted. Shinji Kagawa in particular looks to England, he still does not speak Matty James...... Leicester “I am excited to wear it and want be aimed at giving the Red Devils the language. Park Ji-Sung ...... QPR to enjoy it, but really I just want to ­additional creativity and Ferguson, It is presumably a measure of Oliver Norwood..Huddersf'ld ­continue improving my own game.” despite being past his 70th birthday, his overall professionalism and Fabio...... QPR (loan) dedication to the game that he Ben Amos...... Hull (loan) A £16million signing from Wigan in retains the same combative spirit to 2009, Valencia has had to overcome meet any challenge head-on. has not been criticised in the two serious ankle injuries to make “I don’t feel it was such a bad same way as Carlos Tevez, who an impact at United. ­season, but when you look at it, has been repeatedly condemned VERDICT Though he lacks the obvious­ we lost the League when at one for failing to grasp a decent Dug in last season, but ­repertoire of skills Ronaldo is blessed point we were eight points in front,” command of English. were eventually made to with and does not have Nani’s tricks, said Valencia. Yet Valencia insists it is not a pay for defeats home and Wayne Rooney in particular has­ “Even then we only lost out by a worry for him. away to their noisy ­spoken highly of Valencia for the few goals. It is always very tricky in “It is a little difficult, but I neighbours. However, with football. You never know what is ­going can communicate with my City set to be distracted by ­direct manner of his wing play. European ambitions, Sir Not that Valencia feels he is an to happen­ because all these other big team-mates,” he said. Alex Ferguson’s men will ­essential part of Rooney’s success. teams: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester “And I can also understand hope to come good again “We all know Rooney. He can do City, have the same aim. But our when the manager shouts.” when it matters.

fan’s view If anything, I am more worried about this season Vidic needs time to be back to best than I was last year as United captain Nemanja Vidic is relishing his return to ­obvious that you have to get used to your positioning. Chelsea will be vying for . action, but concedes it may be a few weeks into the sea- Fitness-wise it’s not as it will be in a few weeks but my the title again, as well son before he is back to top form. knee felt well. as City. A lack of quality The defender made an eagerly-awaited comeback from “I knew I would be out for six months. I tried to make midfield options and . his cruciate operation in during the pre-season tour of the best of it and when I came back wanted to be the Patrice Evra’s regression . Scandinavia, but has had just two weeks’ to prepare same as I was before the injury. do not strengthen my for the start of the Barclays Premier League season. The “That was my target. We’ll see how good a job I did in resolve either. ­Serbian said: “After eight months without a game it’s that six months.” Sam Brown

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 28 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 29 CISSE is backed to stay in toon newcastle united Formed...... 1892 Manager...... Alan Pardew Ground...... St James’ Park Capacity...... 52,287 apiss Cisse will return to ­victory over Aston Villa at St James’ something they did reluctantly and to Nickname...... The Magpies ­Barclays Premier League action Park on February 5, and has not his understandable disappointment. Last season...... 5th as a marked man. looked back. With another Africa Cup of Nations www.nufc.co.uk PThe 27-year-old Senegal He has left onlookers open-mouthed looming early next year, they felt they ­international made just 14 appearances on more than one occasion, scoring had no option but to try to protect one transfers in England's top flight last season and with an audacious chip at Swansea of their most highly-prized assets. IN in many ways, is still coming to terms while he found the back of the net with “I am sure he had pressure from Romain Amalfitano....Reims with life in another country ­following a volley so outrageous in its ­execution within the country for him to play, but Gael Bigirimana..... Coventry his January move from ­German club at Chelsea that keeper we had to release that pressure for him Curtis Good...... Freiburg. Petr Cech may still not quite believe it because physically, he couldn’t do that...... Melbourne Heart He will run out on the opening day of actually happened. It's impossible,” said Pardew. the new campaign against ­Tottenham “It was a wonderful goal. It was the The challenge for Newcastle this OUT needing no ­introduction – having best goal of my career – I was so happy time around will be to at least ­ Alan Smith...... MK Dons ­already established himself as one of to score it,” he said. replicate what they did last season, Peter Lovenkrands...... B’ham the most lethal marksmen “When the ball came to me, I was while at the same time coping Danny Guthrie...... Reading in the division. only thinking about scoring. It was an with the demands of a Europa Tamas Kadar...... Roda JC It was not so much the number of instinctive finish. League campaign. Fraser Forster...... Celtic goals he scored during his first few “I came to the Premier League to Pardew knows that will be dif- Leon Best...... Blackburn months on Tyneside – a haul of 13 show my quality, and everything is ficult after their unexpected heroics VERDICT ­established him as the club’s second- going well. I’m enjoying my football – ­during 2011-12, but having pushed Pardew was named top scorer behind compatriot Demba everything is good on and off the ­Champions League regulars so Manager of the Year for Ba – but the quality of many of the the pitch.” close, he is relishing the chance to have last season's heroics as the strikes which marked him out as Cisse swiftly established himself as a ­another crack at them. Toon Army punched above ­something special. crowd favourite last season as his goals The 51-year-old was a controversial their weight. A European Manager Alan Pardew could hardly helped to fire the Magpies into fifth appointment to the post in ­December adventure awaits as be more pleased with just how quick place and back into European football. 2010 in the wake of the popular Chris rewards, and if Cisse fires a return he has had on the club’s But his efforts are also appreciated Hughton’s departure, having left again, expect the Magpies ­£10million investment. inside the dressing room, with keeper ­Southampton with the club in the to be in for another “You can’t say we predicted the Tim Krul in particular having seen his League One ­relegation zone. positive campaign. impact he would have, but we knew he determination to succeed at close hand But the continued resurgence he fan’s view was a good player,” he said. on the training pitch. inspired has won over his doubters to “The Bundesliga is one of the best “He’s incredible. He gets so upset the extent that he, like Cisse, can now Pardew worked miracles last leagues in the world and he was top when he misses a chance in training,” often hear his name echoing around season as we finished fifth, scorer there for a poor team. said the Dutch international. the stadium. but I don’t think anyone is “He gets more chances at this club “Sometimes you’ll see him arguing “It’s great because it’s nice to have expecting him to replicate and at the minute he’s taking them. with himself for five minutes about the respect of a crowd-base that knows that. We’ve managed to Whenever he’s needed a goal, he’s how he missed it. its football,” he added. keep hold of our star names hit the target. “It shows you what fantastic “The North-East knows its football from the lure of the bigger “He’s got everything and the ­commitment he has. He wants to score and wants it to be played in the right clubs but we’ve also got a ­work-rate, and he’s also bought into all the time.” manner, so to have your name sung Europa League campaign what we do here.” Such is Cisse’s importance to means you are ticking some boxes­ on to contend with. While Cisse got his career on Tyneside ­Newcastle that the club persuaded him that side. the nucleus of our squad off to a perfect start with a the win- not to represent his country at this “That’s all I have done, and is formidable, there is not ner in a 2-1 Barclays Premier League summer's Olympic Games ­tournament, ­hopefully that will continue.” much in reserve. David Charlesworth

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier 25 League 2012/13 title win was great

manchester united ...let’s do it again! Formed...... 1880 Manager...... Roberto Mancini Ground...... Etihad Stadium incent Kompany expects to the FA Cup in 2011, is to become more ­although they were admittedly pitted­ Capacity...... 47,715 hear people recalling the tale of convincing champions and establish against tough Nickname...... The Citizens VManchester City’s dramatic themselves among Europe’s elite. ­opposition Last season...... 1st last-day title success for decades to The club may be ahead of schedule, in Bayern www.mcfc.co.uk come, but has no intention of living on having made accelerated progress ­Munich and past glories himself. since their takeover by Abu Dhabi Napoli. transfers The inspirational City captain will royal family member Sheikh There IN never forget the day in May when the Mansour in 2008, but there is is a Jack Rodwell...... Everton club ended a 44-year wait for a league no room for complacency. title with two injury-time goals in a Despite their at times OUT dramatic defeat of QPR. spellbinding football, their Wes Brown...... Sunderland That pulsating 3-2 success also Barclays Premier League John O'shea...... Sunderland capped a most extraordinary Barclays success was ultimately Owen Hargreaves...... , Premier League season in which City decided by goa­l Gai Assulin...... Racing had established an early dominance ­difference ahead of Stuart Taylor...... but been caught and passed by a far-from-vintage Abdi Ibrahim...Stromsgodset ­Manchester United, only for their United side. Vladimir Weiss...... Pescara rivals to then falter. Their first Ben Mee...... Burnley City supporters only too used to taste of the Wayne Bridge ...... Brighton ­living in the shadow of their ­illustrious Champions (loan) neighbours have spent the summer League also ­revelling in the glory but Kompany is ended at ready to move on. the group VERDICT “The last game was a game that stage, City’s wealthy owners saw will remain a very strong part of our their hefty investment pay ­history,” he said. dividends with a dramatic “I think there will be people final day which clinched speaking about this game for 50, 100 the title. However, with years to come. eyes now firmly set on “But in the same way I have enjoyed conquering Europe, a it, I am looking forward already. successful defence of their “One of the main things for me is to domestic crown will prove not keep looking back at this game for a real test. too long. I just want to move on. fan’s view “It has been a big story all over the world. I have travelled a lot and met a We have been unusually lot of people from different countries quiet in the transfer and all of them have got their reminder window, but still have the of that particular moment. squad that won the Barclays “All of them have somehow experi- League last season and enced it in a special way. But looking they can do it again. I hope forward for me, this is over now. It is to see us do a lot better in about what lies ahead.” the Champions League, but The task ahead for City, who ended the main priority has to be retaining the title. a 35-year trophy drought by winning Bryn Cooper Barclays Premier League 20112/13 25 title win was great ...let’s do it again!

­ although they were admittedly pitted­ strong feeling that having now broken contract, will want them to remain against tough the psychological barrier of winning in line. Mancini. however, would ­opposition the title, City’s financial muscle should have liked to have gone into the new in Bayern allow them to attract even greater ­Barclays Premier League campaign ­Munich and ­players and therefore power away from with some new faces in his squad. Napoli. the opposition. Mancini revealed he has turned There While there is certainly no doubt that down a series of bids for Balotelli is a is within the club’s capabilities, they do this ­summer, but it is the players he have to be mindful of UEFA’s financial wants to get rid of that are proving a fair play regulations. ­handicap to bringing in new faces. The lavish transfer spending of The Italian feels he needs a couple recent years is therefore likely to be more high quality players to mount ­curtailed but the base is there, with a better challenge in the Champions a fine home at the Etihad Stadium League than last season. and state-of-the-art training facilities “After four months, I don’t know in the pipeline, for a future at the what to say. You need to ask Brian game’s top table. ­Marwood,’’ he said. Kompany, 26, a relatively modest “I am not the sporting director. I £6million signing from Hamburg can’t say anything about players. four years ago, said: “You lay down “I am not happy – but I don’t know the foundation and if you do it right what to say.” then you can be successful for a long One player who came close to an time. That is the aim. exit, but now looks certain to stay, is “But it is not for me to just keep defender Kolo Toure. ­saying it or keep thinking about it. The Ivory Coast centre-back insists he “I think there is so much more great is happy at the Etihad Stadium, but ad- stuff ahead of us and that is what mits he does not know what the ­future ­interests me.” holds for him as he enters the final City could also benefit from fewer year of his contract with the Barclays distractions in terms of off-field Premier League champions. ­headlines from star players. The 31-year-old held talks with Much to manager Roberto Mancini’s ­Turkish side Bursaspor irritation, it was not ­always the bril- “I did speak to the people there, but liant play of his side that ­dominated I’m just focusing on City,” he said. the ­media last season, but an unhealthy “I’m a City player, I still enjoy it here, saga involving the absent Carlos ­Tevez you can see that,’’ he was quoted as – who played more golf in his home- saying by several newspapers. land of ­Argenitna more than football in “I love playing at the same club as ­Manchester – and the madcap antics of my brother. But we will see what will the bonkers Mario Balotelli. happen. I’ve got one year left on my There has been much speculation contract and that’s it. over whether both players might stay “I am still at City but you never know but the pair remain and Mancini, now the future. For me the most important in a position of great strength after thing is every day I’m at City I’ll give ­being rewarded with a new five-year 100 per cent.”

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 30 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 31 hughton to keep canaries flying­ NORWICH CITY Formed...... 1902 Manager...... Chris Hughton New boss inherited confident Norwich side Ground...... Carrow Road Capacity...... 27,033 Nickname...... The Canaries ew Norwich manager goalkeeper John Ruddy and what the team was able to will score one and still win’. Last season...... 12th Chris Hughton maintains captain Grant Holt, who had achieve, which surprised a lot That is the aim, and if we www.canaries.co.uk Nit will very much be a rocked the club with a shock of people, as did Swansea. can score more goals case of evolution rather than transfer request at the end of “However, it is never a than last season and let transfers revolution at Carrow Road last season. good thing to put targets at in less, then that is a IN this season. Reinforcements have also the beginning of the season, good recipe.” Steven Whittaker.. Rangers The former Birmingham ­ arrived in the form of Scotland because you never know how Jacob Butterfield...Barnsley boss, 53, has been charged with international Steven Whittaker, it is going to go. Robert Snodgrass...... Leeds safeguarding the future of the promising midfielder Jacob “Ultimately, though, all we Michael Turner..Sunderland Norfolk club following Paul Butterfield from Barnsley as want to do is make sure we Lambert’s departure for well as Leeds captain Robert sustain the progress the club OUT Aston Villa. Snodgrass and Sunderland has made and see where it Zak Whitbread...... Leicester Hughton accepts a balance defender Michael Turner. takes us” Aaron Wilbraham... C Palace has to be found between Hughton is confident the If Norwich are to progress, or Josh Dawkin...... Braintree introducing a new regime building blocks are in place for indeed equal, last season’s Matt Bell...... while also keeping hold of another positive campaign. achievements, then they will Adam Drury...... Leeds everything which has been “With the football this club have to tighten up at the back. behind Norwich’s impressive played last season and the For all their endeavour, VERDICT rise up from the third tier to endeavour which the players Lambert’s men shipped 66 goals After Lambert's move to the top flight. showed, I would be delighted if over their 38-game Barclays Villa, former Birmingham “It is an exciting challenge,” I got the same again,” said the Premier League campaign to boss Chris Hughton has said Hughton, who has former Tottenham defender. finish with a goal difference been charged with unfinished business with the “These players are prepared of minus 14. safeguarding the future of Barclays Premier League after to work hard, they have a real Goalkeeper John Ruddy – who the Norfolk club, who will being sacked by Newcastle in desire to want to do well, missed out on Euro 2012 with do well to emulate last December 2010 when his side that has to be the blueprint England after breaking a finger season's success, with consolidation the target at were mid-table. of any team. in training on the eve of the Carrow Road. “When I took the job, there “When you have a team tournament – accepts Norwich was a genuine feel-good factor which is prepared to do that, must improve those unwanted fan’s view at the club, and that is no then you just see where it statistics. surprise because of last season takes you.” “You know you are always After three seasons in “Now, it is my responsibility However, the Norwich going to be busy in a league like heaven, we had a turbulent to sustain as much as I can. manager is under no illusions as this, but last season, we only off-season, with the “What I have got here is a to the challenge which will managed something like three seemingly genius gaffer, team who have done well, and await the Canaries, who clean sheets and we want to Paul Lambert, leaving and have a good team spirit. punched above their weight to build on that,” he said. and three-time Player of the “While wanting to improve finish 12th. “We score as a team and Year, Grant Holt, handing . the squad, what I have also to “Every season is a tough defend as a team, so we know in a transfer request. Holt be very conscious of is there is season,” he said. that is not enough. has since signed a new . a lot of good here and you “We will be one of a group of “We need to tighten things up deal, but we will have to see don’t want to remove too eight to 10 teams whose biggest because last season you felt we if the fans take him back to much of that.” priority will be sustaining always had to score two goals their hearts. Hughton moved quickly to tie Premier League status, but you to give ourselves a chance of Joe Edge up some of Norwich’s key men never know what is possible. It winning, whereas this season on improved deals – including was shown here last season in we would like to say ‘right, we www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 32 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 33 Reunion cisse to put was key for Hoilett The chance to work with manager Mark Hughes again played a big part in Junior Hoilett’s decision to newcastle united 'bad boy' days join QPR this summer. Formed...... 1882 The 22-year-old Canadian, who Manager...... Mark Hughes was at the end of his contract with Ground...... Loftus Road Blackburn, became Rangers’ Capacity...... 18,360 seventh signing of the close season. Nickname...... The R's Rob Green, Ryan Nelsen, Fabio Last season...... 17th Da Silva, Ji-Sung Park, Samba www.qpr.co.uk Diakite and Andy Johnson had transfers ­behind him already signed – and Hoilett revealed his relationship with IN Hughes convinced him to follow Ryan Nelsen...... Tottenham jibril Cisse is looking forward to helping establish The calibre of additions at QPR highlights the level of in their footsteps. Hughes gave him Andrew Johnson...... Fulham QPR as a Premier League force this season. the club’s ambition, Cisse believes. his first chance at Blackburn. Robert Green...... West Ham The France international joined the Hoops from It has been less than a year since Tony Fernandes “The manager played a big part Samba Diakite...... Nancy D in my decision to come here. He’s Serie A outfit Lazio during the January transfer window, became chairman, but he has been quick to transform Park Ji-sung...... Man United penning a two-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road. the club on and off the field. someone I know well here, having Fabio...... Man United (loan) As well as bringing in new faces, the Malaysian worked with him and his backroom Junior Hoilett...... Blackburn Cisse spoke of big ambitions upon his arrival but it had looked like his first full season with businessman is helping the club move team at Blackburn,” he said. the Rs would be spent in the second to a state-of-the-art training “I signed my first professional OUT tier as they teetered dangerously complex next summer and is contract under him and I will Patrick Agyemang...... always remember that and be Gary Borrowdale...... over the precipice. planning for a new stadium. However, Mark Hughes’ side “He is someone I really like grateful to him. Akos Buzsaky...... “Working under such a great Lee Cook...... escaped relegation at Manchester and it is always good to see manager will help me to develop Danny Gabbidon...... City on the final day of the season him,” Cisse said of Fernandes. Fitz Hall...... Watford and the former Liverpool striker now “He is someone who is my skills and further my career. Peter Ramage...... C Palace wants QPR to prove their worth in always true with me and QPR are a club that are certainly Danny Shittu...... the top flight. always tells me if he is heading in the right direction.” Rowan Vine...... St Johnstone “If we can be safe before that then happy or if he is not. Hoilett fired seven goals in a Paddy Kenny...... Leeds that would be the ideal scenario,” “I like people like struggling Blackburn team that was Cisse said. that and that is why relegated from the Barclays Premier VERDICT “If we have to do it (fight I really like him.” League last season. After last season's QPR chairman Tony Fernandes rollercoaster battling the relegation) again, well, we are going Cisse saw to do it again. Fernandes’ angry side believes the club will reap the drop, QPR’s owners have rewards of their early work in the spent enough in the “There is a lot of good, good a few times last season, transfer market. Hughes has had all summer to make sure there things that we can do and I look most notably after receiving a will a much more positive forward to starting the season and second red card on just his of pre-season to work with most of upward movement. showing people we really deserve to be in the fifth QPR appearance (pictured). his summer captures. Premier League.” The Frenchman made amends by netting six “It is ironic, this time last year I fan’s view QPR have been quick to add to their squad since times – including in the season finale against City had one week to do it all. Now I’ve ensuring survival, with Manchester United’s Park Ji-sung – to help the Hoops retain Premier League had the best part of two months Mark Hughes has made and I think a lot of great work was some very astute signings, among a number of players to have joined this summer. status, which maintained his record of scoring done,” he said. with Ji-Sung Park being “We’ve been really, really active in the market,” or being sent off in each of his eight the pick. We started to find Cisse said. appearances. “We have never said this before our feet towards the latter “It is good for us because we need players, we need “I’ll just do the goals this time,” Cisse but the moment the Man City game stages of last season. This to improve. added. [on the final day of the season] was year we will be a far more “If we are stay in the Premier League for a long time, we “The reds are gone from my mind. It is over, we started working.” formidable force, with or are going to need to buy players.” finished. The red cards are finished.” without Joey Barton. Mark Johnson

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 34 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 35 Shore

reading Formed...... 1871 Manager...... Brian McDermott Ground...... Majedski Stadium thing Capacity...... 24,161 Nickname...... The Royals Last season.. 1st (Championship) icky Shorey believes stake in the club to businessman now hopes to re-ignite his rapport www.readingfc.co.uk ­Reading face a new ­challenge Anton Zingarevich. with the club’s supporters. Nthis season as they look to The Russian has insisted he will not “I spoke to another couple of transfers establish themselves as a top-flight splash millions on players and is managers, I’ve got a lot of respect for club again. instead intent on settling the them and I’m sure I would’ve been IN Shorey was promoted to the side in the Barclays Premier League happy going to one of those clubs,” Garath McCleary.....N Forest Barclays Premier League with and slowly developing them into a said Shorey. Danny Guthrie..... Newcastle Reading in 2006, but left when bigger club. “But the pull that Reading had, Pavel Pogrebnyak..... Fulham the Royals were relegated two Shorey’s signing was preceded by I didn’t feel I could turn it down. Nicky Shorey...... West Brom seasons later. deals for Garath McCleary, Danny “I just hope that I can get the Pierce Sweeney...... Bray The England international had Guthrie, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Pierce same support that I had when I Adrian Mariappa.....Watford Chris Gunter...... N Forest spells at Aston Villa, Fulham, Sweeney while fellow defenders was here last. Nottingham Forest and West Brom Adrian Mariappa “They’ve always been good to me OUT before rejoining Brian McDermott’s and Chris Gunter joined the and I do feel like I owe them a lot, Mathieu Manset...... FC Sion side ahead of their first season back following week. I’d like to end my Reading career Andy Griffin...... in the Barclays Premier League since Shorey is happy with the way the on a high this time instead of a low Brian Howard...... his departure. club is being run and revealed talks like it was last time. I feel the fans Tomasz Cywka...... Barnsley The 31-year-old may face a tougher with McDermott made the return to deserve that and that’s what we’ll be task breaking into the side than he Berkshire a simple decision. aiming to do as a club.” did during his first spell at the club, “This club is run right and you’ve McDermott took over at the but he is looking forward to playing got good people working here. I was Madejski Stadium in 2009 and picked for the Royals again. delighted when they got promoted up the League Manager’s Association VERDICT “It feels good, I’m looking forward last year,” he said. Championship Manager of the Year McDermott’s men finished to it and I’m excited,” “I didn’t have one thought that I award last season after a run of 15 like a train last season to he said. might be coming here again, but it’s wins in 17 games culminated in a 1-0 claim the Championship “I had great times here and it’s a nice to be a part of it. victory over Nottingham Forest to crown, but the Royals will new challenge now. The club’s “It’s such a good place and a good secure the Championship title. be set for a tough return to completely changed, it’s a brand new town – everyone gets behind the The 51-year-old has been working the top flight, which could challenge and a new season so I’m team so it’s a nice feeling around the with the Royals since 2000 in a just prove a step too much. just looking forward to that. club. number of backroom roles and got “People might look at my time “I spoke to Bri (McDermott) on the the top job after Brendan Rodgers fan’s view away from the club and think it phone and he made it clear that he was sacked. hasn’t gone so well, but I still wanted me to come back, which is Everyone involved with the club After punching above feel I’ve played OK and for whatever always nice, and I made it clear that would love to replicate the our weight to win the reason it doesn’t work out I was more than happy to do that. achievements of Steve Coppell’s side Championship, I was sometimes. I’m pretty happy and if I “It was an easy conversation to in their first season in the Premier a little apprehensive we can get myself fit and ready to go, have. Most of the summer I was League back in 2006/07. could do it again in the I’m sure I can make a good impact.” waiting and I had other clubs Fancied as one of the favourites for Barclays Premier League. interested so it’s been a long summer. a swift return to the Championship The marquee signing of Sir John Madejski has been the Pavel Pogrebnyak, however, architect of Reading’s resurgence But as soon as Brian made the call, Coppell guided his team to an has signalled our intent that over the past 20 years, and the club my mind was made up.” eighth-placed finish before a poor we are here to stay. will continue to move forward now The full-back had spoken to other second season saw them relegated on Dave Johnson the 71-year-old has sold a majority clubs before choosing Reading, but goal difference.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 36 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 37 the saints go marching on southampton Formed...... 1885 Manager...... Nigel Adkins t was not so long ago acquitted themselves. Ground...... St Mary’s that Southampton Football Southampton Football Capacity...... 32,689 IClub were on the brink of Club ultimately have Nickname...... The Saints ­bankruptcy. Now they will got to be in the Last season...... 2nd (Champ) start the new season at Bar- division to get into www.saintsfc.co.uk clays ­Premier League champi- Europe and have the ons Manchester City. dream of winning the transfers For those close to the club, division.” few could have imagined such Such comments will IN a fixture after the journey take aback many, Jay Rodriguez...... Burnley Saints went on when their especially those who Steven Davis...... Rangers 27-year spell in the top flight were with the club Nathaniel Clyne ...... C Palace ended on the final day of the when it was at its Paulo Gazzaniga .. Gillingham 2004-05 season. lowest ebb three Their seven years in the years ago. OUT Football League were But fortunes are David Connolly...... dominated by disappointment, changing at the South Lee Holmes...... Preston adversity and, at times, passed away aged 62 in August we’re very ambitious. Coast club and, after an Bartosz Bialkowski....Notts C tragedy. 2010. “What we’ve got to do is up-and-down few Aaron Martin...... C Palace After a brief dalliance with Following his death, a make sure we’re ambitious in years, the future Tommy Forecast.. Gillingham promotion, things for statement on the club website the Premier League and not certainly looks VERDICT Southampton gradually went said “he would have wanted to just go there and think ‘oh, bright. The Saints finally marched downhill and they were be there when the Saints get well if we can just get enough back up to the top flight relegated to the third tier at promotion to the Premier points to stay up then that will following successive the end of the 2008-09 season. League” but that his dream be successful’.” promotions, but their Things off the park, though, would continue under Those ambitions saw the club return has been a long time were far worse. executive chairman Nicola splash out a club record coming and expect it to be Just six years after reaching Cortese. £6million fee for Burnley a tough campaign down at the FA Cup final, the club were True to those words – striker Jay Rodriguez earlier St Mary’s. on the brink financially and and ahead of schedule – this summer. looked like they could become Southampton have overcome His acquisition was followed the biggest name in English the odds to follow in Norwich’s by the additions of Rangers fan’s view football to go out of business. footsteps by securing back-to- captain Steven Davis, We have a great mix of Step forward, Markus back promotions. Gillingham goalkeeper Paulo experience as well as Liebherr. “It’s a very positive future Gazzaniga and Crystal Palace’s exciting and creative Few fans – if any – had heard ahead,” said manager Nigel Nathaniel Clyne, with more players. We are still waiting of the German-born Swiss Adkins, who was lured from signings expected before the on that marquee signing businessman when he pulled Scunthorpe when the Saints end of the transfer window. who has proven top level the club away from the were in the lower reaches Saints have big ambitions, experience, but Nigel precipice, but he is now a of League One, and has and Adkins is certainly not Adkins has installed a legend at St Mary’s. guided the club to two going to allow his players to confidence in us and a style He put the club back on a consecutive promotions. think finishing fourth from of play that suits our players sound financial footing, “Nicola Cortese set the bottom would be a success. and is attractive on the invested in the playing squad dream out and the vision to me “We’ve got to drive on, eye. The winning mentality and announced a five-year plan to be in the Premier League strive to be the best and that has been built up in us to return the Saints to the top within five years. Europe is the goal,” he added. over the past few years will flight. They did it in three. “Since he has been here, “We can draw inspiration hopefully see us through. Liebherr, though, was not there they’ve done it in three with from Norwich and Swansea Matt Cutler to see it. The Saints owner back-to-back promotions and last season in how they

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 38 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 39 pulis plots

stoke city a top 10 hit Formed...... 1863 Manager...... Tony Pulis toke boss Tony Pulis is not a man with Pulis splashing out a combined training camp and then jetting over to Ground...... Britannia Stadium Capacity...... 28,376 prone to hyperbole. £20million on Peter Crouch, Cameron the States for matches against Nickname...... The Potters S This will be the Potters’ fifth Jerome and Wilson Palacios last August. Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City Last season...... 11th season in the Barclays Premier League There will be no repeat this summer, and Orlando City. www.stokecityfc.co.uk but Pulis’ mantra of the past four years with Stoke keeping their recruitment Pulis believes in pushing his players has been that it is a great achievement low key as they instead turn their hard physically, but the manager is transfers for his side simply being there, and that financial focus to generating the stars confident it will pay dividends come is unlikely to change. of the future. the start of the season. IN “We will work harder than most Jamie Ness...... Rangers Any suggestion that Stoke are now an The club are ploughing millions into established top flight side normally their Clayton Wood training facilities clubs to get the players fit and prepared OUT prompts the Welshman to refer to the and recently discovered their for the new season, so I’m not Andrew Davies...... Bradford many teams in the Championship that academy has been granted elite concerned about results,” he added. Salif Diao...... would previously have said the same – Category One status. “This is a new experience for us as a Ricardo Fuller...... Bolton and Blackburn for example. Pulis has added a couple of new club and I am sure it is one which will Louis Moult...... There is almost a zeal about Pulis’ faces, with young midfielder Jamie be of enormous benefit to us in the Tom Soares...... determination to avoid complacency, Ness taking the opportunity to leave weeks and months ahead. Jonathan Woodgate.M’Boro but a first top-10 finish has to be Rangers on a free transfer and versatile “The players had a hard week in Danny Collins...... N Forest the target. United States international Geoff Switzerland, they’ve done a lot of Matthew Lund...... Bristol R The last two seasons have produced Cameron set to complete his move travelling and now they’re playing in all some of the best moments in Stoke’s from Houston Dynamo. this heat and humidity. VERDICT history, with an FA Cup final The 27-year-old, who has been “But it’s so important they are fit, Stoke’s European appearance in 2011 that set the stage capped five times, can play across ready and prepared when we start the endeavours took their toll for last season’s European adventure. defence or midfield and his move will season at Reading, so there’ll be no let on the domestic efforts last Stoke claimed some notable scalps be rubber-stamped provided he is up for now.” season, but Pulis’ men still and came through a group including granted a work permit. have enough to ruffle a few Pulis is confident Cameron will prove more feathers over the next Besiktas and Dynamo Kiev to reach the nine months. last 32, where they lost two close legs a good addition. against Spanish giants Valencia. “With the squad that we have, it’s fan’s view Pulis’ pragmatism meant he risked the always useful to have players who are wrath of the thousands of fans who versatile, so in that sense he will be a Stoke supporters have . travelled to Valencia by leaving many of good asset for the club,” he said. been spoilt over the last few his star names at home, but Stoke's “We believe that he is a player who years, having experienced league form tailed off anyway and they can cope with the Premier League promotion, an FA Cup eventually finished 14th. because he has done exceptionally well final appearance and last The Potters have delighted in being over the past year. season’s memorable “We have watched him a few times, European adventure. the unfashionable relations in the Things started to go a little glamour world of the Premier League but he also comes with great stale last year, however, and but murmurs of discontent have been recommendations from many who the lack of dynamism and heard at the Britannia Stadium. consider him one of the top players creativity in the final third Stoke’s physical style has riled many in the MLS.” was frequently exposed. managers and fans, and some of the There have been departures as well” Stoke should avoid a Potters' supporters clearly feel now is Ricardo Fuller, Jonathan Woodgate and relegation scrap, but fresh the time for their team to evolve into Danny Collins have all left the club. faces are required if a top- something more aesthetically pleasing. Stoke’s pre-season has been half finish is to be attained. There has certainly been no shortage characteristically gruelling, with the Chris Devine of expenditure since Stoke’s promotion, Potters heading to Switzerland for a

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 40 League 2012/3 League 2012/13 41 O’Neill is

sunderland draw for Formed...... 1879 Manager...... Martin O'Neill Ground...... Stadium of Light Capacity...... 49,000 Nickname...... The Black Cats Last season...... 10th www.safc.com cuellar transfers IN arlos Cuellar had way he trains and the way you the chance to Carlos Cuellar..... Aston Villa no hesitation in ­heading play with him: tt’s enjoyable, but remain in England. for Sunderland when the there is pressure too with him,” “When you are OUT opportunityC arose to renew his said Cuellar. young you have Trevor Carson...... Bury ­acquaintance with manager “Training every day is fantastic. ambitions and dreams and my Jordan Cook...... Charlton ­Martin O’Neill. It is always enjoyable. You come dream when I was in Spain was Craig Gordon...... The 30-year-old Spaniard, inset, in happy every day – that is the to play in La Liga for the big George McCartney. West Ham faced a big decision when his main thing. clubs, Madrid or Barcelona, but I Oumare Tounkara...... contract at Aston Villa, where “But afterwards, there is a big couldn’t get it and when I got the Marcos Angeleri.Estudiantes he had first worked with the pressure to play because he opportunity, my other Cristian Riveros..Kayserispor Ulsterman, ran down this wants to win every dream was to play in Asamoah Gyan...... Al-Ain summer. game. You are allowed the Premier League,” When Sunderland came calling, to play your football he said. VERDICT the offer to become O’Neill’s first and do your best. “Now for me, I O’Neill produced the permanent signing as Black Cats “You can have am living a dream required upward impact on boss was one he could not ignore. a different every day, which is his appointment last “He knows what you’re thinking relationship with why I didn’t want season, and the Black Cats every moment, he is very good at the manager and to go back to will continue to improve . reading how you are feeling,” have a joke maybe Spain. I wanted to in all areas. Steady progress said Cuellar. in training, but when stay here. In should be more than “He gives you everything you you have a game, you England, I like the enough for the club – and need to make sure you give him have to work, you have to Premier League and I feel that means a top-half finish everything back. There is good play, you have to be 100 per cent. comfortable here. I like the is a realistic target. communication and that makes “He gives you a lot of atmosphere.” it easy.” confidence and you are allowed Cuellar’s recruitment has added O’Neill arrived at the Stadium to do everything you want with further experience to a defensive fan’s view of Light last December, with your skills and the way you play, pool which will be expected to Sunderland in real danger of but there is a responsibility on provide the basis for an improved If the manager can sort out slipping into an unseemly scrap you to work hard.” showing this season. our poor home form we for Barclays Premier League If Cuellar needed any further Black Cats o wner and could have a crack at getting survival. The initial recovery he reassurance about his decision, it chairman Ellis Short wants the into the top six, though we’ll inspired was little short of came from Villa team-mate club to be considered a fixture in just settle for a better start spectacular and, although results Darren Bent, whose goals during the top half of the table and, than last time round. It’s slid as injuries hit hard towards his spell on Wearside had helped while that will take further also time we had a decent investment, O’Neill has run in one of the cups – an the end of the campaign, they to establish the club firmly in the area Martin O’Neill has comfortably retained their top- Barclays Premier League. acknowledged that arch rivals had great success in with flight status. The former Rangers defender Newcastle’s surge into the top previous clubs. “He has always had a good could have returned to his native five has proved sizeable steps can Barry Crawford season wherever he has been. The Spain, but was happy to be given be taken in a short time.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 42 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 43 de guzman relishes reunon with laudrup swansea Formed...... 1912 onathan de Guzman is ready coach early in the season and a run of flight. He said: “The Premier League is manager Brendan Rodgers. The loss of they loved playing good football, and I Manager...... Michael Laudrup to put a season of frustration behind niggling injuries limited De Guzman’s a difficult league and is at a higher the Northern Irishman to Liverpool is think he can bring his tactics here and Ground...... Liberty Stadium him by making an impact in what opportunities as the Yellow Submarine level than I have played at before. seen as a sizeable blow to the Swans, hopefully we can grow as a team and Capacity...... 20,500 J he describes as “the biggest league in fought in vain to avoid relegation from “It is probably the biggest league in as was the failure to land last season’s get some points and a lot of goals. Nickname...... The Swans Last season...... 16th the world”. the Primera Division. the world and I looking forward to loan star Gylfi Sigurdsson on a “Every player wants to be here and www.swanseacity.net The 24-year-old, a former Holland Having been impressed with being part of it. permanent deal – he opted to play here and I am looking Under-21 international, has arrived at Swansea’s performances during a “It’s a well-known League worldwide, instead try his luck in the forward to that chance.” transfers the Liberty Stadium on a season-long maiden Barclays Premier League especially where I am from in Canada British capital with De Guzman is just loan from Villarreal. campaign that saw them confound and Holland. Tottenham Hotspur. eager to get back to IN The ex-Feyenoord playmaker was expectations to “We all know the English teams They also lost highly- playing after his Chico...... Genoa rapidly sought out by new Swans boss finish 11th, and I noticed Swansea when (Dutch rated midfielder Joe Allen, difficulties last season, Michu...... Rayo Vallecano Michael Laudrup, with the Dane having De Guzman goalkeeper) Michel Vorm was playing who followed Rodgers but he hopes some Jonathan de Guzman...... here. He did very well and the whole to Anfield. strong performances ...... Villarreal (loan) admired the Canada-born midfielder’s had little talents when they worked together at hesitation in team did well, even beating But Seans chairman at his new club may OUT Mallorca. accepting a Manchester City who are champions, Huw Jenkins appears to attract the interest of Joe Allen...... Liverpool Going back just 12 months, the switch to and it was a no-brainer when my have made another shrewd Holland manager Louis Ferrie Bodde...... idea of De Guzman, inset, making his south ex-coach from Mallorca came here. managerial appointment in van Gaal. Scott Donnelly...... way to Swansea would have appeared Wales, and “The club is good and the people former Barcelona and Real He said: “It’s not on my Casey Thomas...... rather far-fetched. is excited have been very welcoming. Pre- Madrid midfielder Laudrup. mind at the moment as I did not play His form for Mallorca had led to a at the season has been good for us and And De Guzman says the Dane, that much last season. VERDICT £7million move to Villarreal, prospect hopefully we can make our stamp who won plaudits for the attacking “But everyone wants to play After last season’s superb and he looked primed to of playing on the league this season.” football his Getafe and Mallorca sides international football. I just want more displays under Rodgers, set La Liga alight. in the One negative by-product of played, is the right man to keep games this season and to work hard as Laudrup will have his work A change English Swansea’s successful passing style Swansea moving forward. part of this team and we will see what cut out to emulate those of top last term was the interest it He said: “He brings good football happens from there.” achievements on a first raised in players and then- and that’s what Swansea are all about. If the Swans start flying, he may season in English football, Watching them last season, realise that hope. which will be a test.

fan’s view There’s no disguising the fact that Brendan Rodgers’ departure came as a huge blow, but we head into our centenary season under the leadership of Danish legend Michael Laudrup. The collapse of the Gylfi Sigurdsson deal was an early setback in the transfer market, but the subsequent signings offer cause for optimism. Once again, the target for this season must be survival, but there’s no reason why we can’t replicate last year’s efforts. Jack Davies

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tottenham hotspur on villas-boas Formed...... 1882 Manager..... Andre Villas-Boas Ground...... White Hart Lane Capacity...... 36,310 Nickname...... Spurs Last season...... 4th www.tottenhamhotspur.com in trophy bid transfers IN aniel Levy is not season, there was a growing Stamford Bridge – a reign he Gylfi Sigurdsson Hoffenheim renowned for taking a feeling that Redknapp did not described as a “tremendous Jan Vertonghen...... Ajax D punt on new signings, have the wherewithal to deliver learning experience”. but the Tottenham chairman the club’s first championship Unlike his equivalent at OUT took the biggest gamble of his since 1961. Chelsea, Villas-Boas’ unveiling Ben Alnwick...... Barnsley career this summer when he That is why Levy turned to at Tottenham was much more Oscar Jansson...... appointed Andre Villas-Boas as Villas-Boas. The 34-year-old has low-key. Only one TV crew Ryan Nelsen...... QPR the club’s new manager. championship pedigree, having were allowed to attend: he Louis Saha...... In October 2008 Levy sent an taken Porto to the Portuguese appeared much less cocksure Vedran Corluka....L Moscow SOS to Harry Redknapp when title during his first full season and much more humble. Niko Kranjcar...... D Kiev Spurs were bottom of the in charge. His first tasks at White Hart Bongani Khumalo ...... PAOK Barclays Premier League table He endured a terrible time at Lane were completing the Massimo Luongo.....Ipswich Chelsea but his determination shrewd purchases of Ajax Ledley King...... retired after eight matches, four points Steven Pienaar...... Everton adrift of safety. to win the Barclays Premier captain Jan Vertonghen and Fast-forward four years and League had not diminished – Hoffenheim playmaker Gylfi VERDICT the Londoner had recorded that was clear when he Sigurdsson. Harry Redknapp paid the fourth, fifth and fourth-place addressed his new team for the Iceland international price for failing to deliver finishes. He had turned Gareth first time. Sigurdsson, who starred on loan Champions League Bale into one of the most “Winning the title was a at Swansea last year, turned football, but former devastating players on the proposition I put to the players down Liverpool to move to Chelsea boss Villas-Boas planet, taken Tottenham to the on the first day we met,” White Hart Lane because he will be hard pushed to do quarter-finals of the Champions Villas-Boas said. thinks exciting times are ahead the same in the first year of League, and got his team “We would like to assume this for the London club. his new “project” at White playing such an attractive style responsibility – not to put more “In the last few years the club Hart Lane. of football that Manchester pressure on ourselves, but have finished fourth, fifth and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson because I think it goes along fourth, so they’ve been fan’s view called Spurs the most attractive with what we’re trying to build improving,” he said. to watch in the Barclays at this club.” “There is massive ambition We will struggle to finish in Premier League. Just because Villas-Boas has within the board and the players the top four this season. We So, why on earth was he won four trophies to Redknapp’s are great. We want to be aiming have not been active enough sacked? The reason is quite one, it should not be assumed higher than last season.” in the transfer market On simple – Levy thought 65-year- that the Portuguese coach is Villas-Boas will be afforded a more positive note, we old Redknapp could not take certain of delivering silverware. more time at Spurs than he have managed to keep the the club to the next level. At Chelsea he failed to connect had at Chelsea, but he also likes of Gareth Bale and Redknapp himself said his with a number of the senior knows his chairman has I’m surprised no one has squad were capable of winning players and publicly he was too staked a lot on him made a bid for Kyle Walker the title, so after watching confrontational. succeeding – and can be considering the year he had. Tottenham drop from second to Villas-Boas insists he has ruthless if he loses faith Andrew Miller fourth in the second half of the learnt a lot from his tenure at in his boss.

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 46 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 47 Clarke’s challenge to Markus ben’s class is New West Brom striker Markus Rosenberg has been challenged to emulate the success he has enjoyed in Holland, west bromwich albion Spain and Germany permanent with the Barclays Formed...... 1878 Manager...... Steve Clarke Premier League club. Ground...... The Hawthorns The Sweden Capacity...... 28,003 est Brom defender international has Nickname...... The Baggies Liam Ridgewell is signed a three-year Website ­delighted the Baggies contract with the W Baggies and will www.wbafc.co.uk signed “world class’’ goalkeeper Ben Foster on a permanent deal provide competition transfers this summer. for Peter Odemwingie, IN Foster, 29, spent last season on Shane Long and Marc- Ben Foster...... Birmingham loan at the Hawthorns from Antoine Fortune. Yassine El Ghanassy.....Gent Birmingham, but has now made The former Malmo, Claudio Yacob...... Racing the full-time switch on a three- Ajax and Racing Markus Rosenberg...... year contract for a fee believed to Santander player was a ...... Werder Bremen be around the £4million mark. free agent after his Wales international Boaz Myhill contract with Werder OUT is also back with Steve Clarke’s Bremen ran out at the Keith Andrews...... Bolton side, after his loan spell at end of last season. Marton Fulop...... Birmingham as part of a swap Baggies manager Joe Mattock...... Sheff Wed for Foster. And Ridgewell Steve Clarke said: Paul Scharner...... Hamburg believes the Baggies have some “Markus is an Nicky Shorey...... Reading the strongest goalkeeping experienced striker Somen Tchoyi...... options in the Barclays Baggies midfielder Zoltan Gera boss Clarke after launching his who has scored goals VERDICT Premier League. was a teammate of Foster’s last comeback during the pre-season in three of Europe’s Clarke has a tough act to “Signing Ben was absolutely season in name only, after a tour of Sweden. top leagues, as well as follow after Roy Hodgson fantastic – one of the best nightmare campaign. “Last season did not work out as in the top European left for England, but the pieces of news of the The Hungarian international I would have wanted and to play competitions. Now he Baggies have a strong summer,” he said. spent an initial four seasons at The only three games was so is determined to prove enough squad to finish “The term world class is Hawthorns and rejoined from frustrating,” he said. himself in the Barclays mid-table again and steer easily used these days, but Fulham last summer when he was “I made the decision to come Premier League. away from trouble. Foz really is that good. reunited with former Cottagers back here because I had many “Markus will really “He gives great boss Roy Hodgson. good years in my first spell and increase competition fan’s view confidence to the But Gera was restricted to just being out for so long was very for places in the Roy Hodgson’s decision defenders playing in front three appearances and was a disappointing. forward areas and to swap West Brom for of him. I’m sure a few frustrated spectator as Albion “But I’m looking ahead now, the hopefully spur on the Wembley deprived the clubs wouldn’t have secured a Barclays Premier knee is 100 per cent, I’ve had a strikers we already Baggies of a great man and minded signing him, so League top 10 finish. good recovery from my injury and have here. He had a great manager. While for us to get him was a He missed the start of the it was a great feeling to play again several other offers Steve Clarke was far from fantastic bit of business. season after undergoing ankle during pre-season after so many but he made it clear everyone’s first choice, “Boaz isn’t a bad lad to surgery and then knee ligament months out. that joining us was there is genuine belief that have as a No.2 either. I know damage in November after his “Now I just need to get match his first choice.” Albion have assembled their him well from my time at Villa return signalled the end of his sharpness. I’m getting stronger Rosenberg, 29, has best squad since the early and he has gone from strength to involvement. and fitter and then it will be up scored 83 goals in 186 1980s. Signing Ben Foster strength. There can’t be many Hodgson has since departed for to the coach to decide whether league games during permanently was smart, . Premier League clubs who have England but Gera is determined to I’m ready when the first game his career, in addition but a top-17 finish would two such brilliant goalkeepers.” make an impression under new comes around.” to six goals in 30 satisfy most supporters. appearances for Daniel McCulloch his country.

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west ham united he spotlight of the world has this summer to a club buoyed by Hopefully I won’t have too many giving 100 per cent and even if I'm Formed...... 1895 shone on east London over the promotion. West Ham were a more memories like that! I just not doing so well in a game I'll Manager...... Sam Allardyce Tlast month and West Ham duo newly-promoted club when cannot wait to get back and always stick my head in and give Ground...... Upton Park Mark Noble and James Collins are Collins joined them first show the fans what a better 100 per cent,” Collins added. Capacity...... 35,016 determined to keep the Olympic time around and the player I am now.” “That’s the way I’ve been playing Nickname...... The Hammers feelgood factor alive. Wales international Collins moved back to since I was a kid and that’s what the Last season...... 3rd (Champ) The Hammers were chosen ahead played a key role in Upton Park for a fans can expect from me. www.whufc.com of Tottenham in February last year the Hammers’ run to reported £2.5million “Hopefully I can bring a bit more transfers by the Olympic Park Legacy the FA Cup 2006 as manager Sam to the team than what we have Company to take over the ground final a ninth-placed Allardyce refreshed already got. I can see the IN when it becomes available in 2014. finish. his squad, along with improvements they have made Stephen Henderson...... However, a High Court judge over- Collins, inset, is Mali striker Modibo around the training ground and ...... Portsmouth turned the ruling and a loan-finance confident that West Maiga from Sochaux. stadium. West Ham is a family club Mohamed Diame...... Wigan deal between the club and Newham Ham can make the same West Ham have signed and it’s like I’ve never been away. Jussi Jaaskelainen...... Bolton Council subsequently collapsed. kind of impact on the goalkeepers Jussi Everyone is friendly and it George McCartney...... “Everyone at the club knows of Barclays Premier League this Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson makes it easier ...... Sunderland the importance of a legacy being season– and keep the spotlight and Raphael Spiegel plus defender to perform.” Modibo Maiga...... Sochaux left for London after the 2012 trained on east London. George McCartney and midfielder Raphael Spiegel...... Olympic Games,” said Noble “I think we can have a great Mohamed Diame...... Grasshoppers (main image). season with the players we have The ambitious Hammers spent the “No one more so than us all here signed in the off-season. The players summer attempting to sign OUT at West Ham. We wore T-shirts already here who did so well in the England striker Andy Carroll Robert Green...... QPR (before the pre-season friendly Championship last year,” he said. from Liverpool , in a bid to Papa Bouba Diop...... against Ipswich) that state our “I don’t think we should have reunite him with his friend John Carew...... been down there and I think it was and former Newcastle Julien Faubert...... intentions on that legacy and how Abdoulaye Faye...... Hull we as a club can help with that if a bit of a false position for the club, team-mate Kevin Peter Kurucz...... we were to move to the Olympic so we’re looking to get off to a good Nolan. Freddie Sears..... Colchester Stadium. start and then anything is possible. “My Marek Stech...... Yeovil “We can already see what having “I’ve got so many good memories game is Frank Nouble...... Wolves the Olympics and the stadium has – getting into the FA Cup final in my based on done to improve parts of London. I first season and finishing so high in VERDICT am from Canning Town myself and the league and then Big Sam did the job in it is really something we can be the way we escaped getting the Irons back up relegation that year last season, albeit through proud of. Not just for now, but in the play-offs, but the real the future as well.” was one of my test of his credentials are Collins was sold to fondest to come. Aston Villa, against his memories in own wishes, in 2008 football. fan’s view as the cash-strapped Hammers There isn’t usually much looked to to cheer for us, with two raise relegations in the last 10 urgent years with sides that should funds but never been in the bottom he returned three. But Big Sam is the man for the job and I . would be chuffed with a mid-table finish, Joe Chattaway

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 50 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 51 bobby ­dazzler is still main wigan athletic Formed...... 1932 Manager...... Robert Martinez Ground...... DW Stadium Capacity...... 25,138 Nickname...... The Latics Last season...... 15th www.wiganlatics.co.uk man for ­latics transfers IN Fraser Fyvie...... Aberdeen Ivan Ramis...Real Mallorca here have been one or two notable goalscorer Hugo Rodallega, who have 19-year-old midfielder admits the exits from Wigan already this joined West Ham and Fulham prospect of playing alongside several of OUT Tsummer and there may yet be some respectively after reaching the end of his countrymen in the English top flight Mohamed Diame..West Ham more – but the most crucial thing for the their contracts at the DW Stadium. was a significant part of the attraction of Steve Gohouri...... club ahead of their eighth successive Also on the way out could be key joining the Latics. Chris Kirkland..... Sheff Wed Barclays Premier League season is that forward Victor Moses, a target of As well as the club’s personnel, though, Hugo Rodallega...... Fulham boss Roberto Martinez is staying put. Chelsea’s, but Wigan supporters will bear another significant factor for Fyvie was Hendry Thomas...... After he kept the Latics up last term in mind that their team’s impressive the particular brand of football Martinez thanks to a remarkable finish to the escape last term – where, having has promoted – and, for the time being campaign, it had seemed Martinez could struggled for most of the season, they at least, will continue to promote – at VERDICT be destined for pastures new, with his won seven of their final nine games, Wigan. Martinez again left it late name being linked with the vacant including victories over Liverpool, “I knew there were a few Scottish lads to produce the ‘Great managerial positions at Aston Villa – Manchester United and Arsenal – was doing well down here, so I knew it can’t Escape’, but this time who he had turned down a year earlier achieved without wide man Charles be a bad place,” Fyvie said. around may well have – and Liverpool. N’Zogbia, their star performer in “It definitely was part of my decision, wished he took up offers The Spaniard met the Reds’ owners the previous campaign. a big part. elsewhere when he had . Fenway Sports Group in the United States The side’s exploits last season following “If you also take into account the the chance, as the Latics and noises from Wigan chairman Dave N’Zogbia’s summer move to Aston Villa manager and his style of play, who side he takes into this Whelan suggested Martinez might soon showed once again that, certainly while wouldn’t want to play for Wigan Athletic? season do not look any be unveiled as the new man in charge they are under Martinez’s guidance, “It was important for me to move to a better prepared to stay up. at Anfield. Wigan are to be written off at one’s peril. club who like to pass the ball around.” Yet a week later Brendan Rodgers The results game by game can hardly Fyvie will be hoping to make his fan’s view was confirmed in that role, while Whelan be described as consistent, but Martinez competitive debut for his new side when had announced Martinez would remain has persevered with a philosophy of free- Wigan’s Barclays Premier League season with Wigan. flowing, attacking play which in each of gets under way at home against European Roberto Martinez worked Whelan has often stressed he will not the three seasons since his move from champions Chelsea on August 19. wonders at the back end of last season, but it makes stand in Martinez’s way if the opportunity Swansea has always yielded enough what happened earlier in arises for him to manage one of Europe’s points to keep Wigan safe, and won him the campaign all the more major teams, a step up he is confident plenty of admirers in the process. frustrating. We just can’t the 39-year-old will one day take. Among them is Fraser Fyvie, one of seem to avoid a relegation With that day still yet to arrive, though, the two players – along with Spanish scrap, despite evidently Wigan fans have every reason to be defender Ivan Ramis – that Martinez has beingcapable of a top-half looking to this season in optimistic mood recruited so far this summer in an finish. I can’t see this season – even with the squad shorn of the attempt to offset the departures. being any different, services of influential midfielder The arrival of Fyvie, signed from unfortunately. Mohamed Diame and the Latics’ Aberdeen, further boosts the Scottish Ricky Phillips record Barclays Premier League contingent at the DW Stadium and the

www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball Barclays Premier Barclays Premier 52 League 2012/13 League 2012/13 53 city will prove too Barclays Premier League quiz 1 Four players have hit five goals in a Premier League match. Can you name then? 2 Which current Premier League player has featured in more games in the division than anyone else? slick 3 Which Premier League club were originally formed as Thames Ironworks FC back in 1895? anchester City them after the mad hype that 4 Which club did Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert play for when he won the M­established themselves as a surrounded King Kenny. That Champions League? force in the Barclays Premier could really work in 5 How old was Liverpool manager League by winning the ­title in Brendan Rodgers’ Brendan Rodgers when he retired May, and no ­other club looks favour, and there is from playing professionally? capable of ­dethroning them as every chance his brand of 6 Wigan Athletic won promotion to the Premier League in 2005, ­champions just yet. football – which controls but when did they claim a place City (13-10 with Coral) are possession, ­Barcelona-style – in the Football League? favourites to retain their ­title, and could see them claim a top- 7 Which stadium has the largest they should go on to finish top of four finish again (5-2 at capacity in the Premier League? the pile with less trouble than Stan James). 8 How many of the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs have a lion on they ­encountered last season. Of the promoted clubs, their badge? This is largely due to a ­expect Southampton to adapt don’t 9 And how many have a bird? ­deterioration in the quality of the best. Their ­manager Nigel consider 10 And how many feature a castle? their rivals. Manchester United Adkins has an incredible success him as 11 Man City’s Sheikh Mansour also have made no ­significant additions rate going back to his days in top owns a club in his home city of Abu to their squad, while the likes of charge of Bangor City – he scorer, Dhabi – can you name them? Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will specialises in ­getting ­players to as Roberto Mancini’s 12 Which current Premier League club did Southampton manager Nigel be forced into a role as bit-part perform substantially above ­rotation policy means he Adkins (above) play for? players as they ­simply don’t have ­expectations. could well sit out many 13 Michael Laudrup, the Swansea the legs for anything more. Billy Sharp (150-1 ­Ladbrokes) League games to manager, won one international Roberto Di Matteo worked and Rickie ­Lambert (80-1 preserve him for trophy with Denmark. What was it? wonders at Chelsea last­ ­season, Ladbrokes) probably won’t finish European outings. That 14 What nationality is the Aston Villa rotation makes any City captain Stiliyan Petrov? but he had a pretty as the division’s top scorer, but 15 When Roberto Martinez joined straightforward scenario. are worth an each-way punt at player a risk, given they Wigan as a player in 1995, along with He wasn’t Andre Villas-Boas, so long odds. will surely get through to Jesus Seba and Isidro Díaz. What name the Blues players wanted to play Wigan (7-4 Coral) look in the knockout stages of the were the trio widely known by? for him. They claimed the danger of relegation. ­ Champions League. Champions League, but someone Roberto Martinez worked Wayne Rooney is worth a look

has to force through some wonders to keep the Latics up at at 9-1 with ­BetVictor, hoping that

ANSWERSAthletic Wigan 10. Jazira; Al 9. Sunderland); ­United also suffer in Europe like

Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, Reading and and Reading Newcastle, Chelsea, Villa, ­rebuilding – and the players the end of last season, but that 7. Old Trafford (75,811); 8. Five (Aston (Aston Five 8. (75,811); Trafford Old 7. proved with their dressing room great escape rather glossed over they did last term – ­resulting in

Borussia Dortmund (1997); 5. 20; 6. 1978; 1978; 6. 20; 5. (1997); Dortmund Borussia total ­focus on their title push.

Giggs (598); 3. West Ham United; 4. 4. United; Ham West 3. (598); Giggs revolt last season that they don’t the fact they were in so much

v Blackburn, November 2010); 2. Ryan Ryan 2. 2010); November Blackburn, v like change. trouble to start with. The 16-1 widely available for

Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United United (Manchester Berbatov Dimitar

(Tottenham v Wigan, November 2009), 2009), November Wigan, v (Tottenham And Arsenal look set to lose Avoid Van Persie in the Luis Suarez to finish as top scorer

September 1999), Jermain Defoe Defoe Jermain 1999), September Robin van Persie. That weakens goalscoring market until it is clear is worth a look as Liverpool’s (Newcastle v Sheffield Wednesday, Wednesday, Sheffield v (Newcastle

v Ipswich, March 1995), Alan Shearer Shearer Alan 1995), March Ipswich, v any team. Liverpool now seem to where he will be playing his more passing approach should 1. Andrew Cole (Manchester United United (Manchester Cole Andrew 1. have a sense of realism about football. If he ends up at City create plenty of chances for him.

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