http://stats.football.co.uk Visit Footymad for the very latest football news and information. en-gb Copyright 2013 Footy Mad Limited All Rights Reserved. Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:27:55 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:27:55 3 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6307269 Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin claims there has been no approach from Liverpool for in-demand midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan - but they would be willing to listen to offers.The 24-year-old has emerged as the Reds' major transfer target this summer and reports have suggested he could be available for ?22million.Mkhitaryan set a Ukrainian league record with 25 goals last season and while Shakhtar are keen to hang on to their prize asset Palkin suggested he would be available for the right price."As you know, there have been too many different conversations about Henrik Mkhitaryan," he told Russian newspaper Izvestia."But the situation has been strongly and artificially inflated. I can say that we have had no communication from any member of Liverpool."Henrikh is an important player in our team. Shakhtar want to keep him but we are willing to listen and consider all proposals for his transfer."We have already parted with Willian and Fernandinho but the club will not just sell players."Soon we will also strengthen ourselves with quality players, designed to replace those who have left." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:17:26 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6307269 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6306516 Andy Carroll hopes his club record move to West Ham will help him cement a place in the England squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.The 24-year-old finalised what is understood to have been a ?15.5million deal, plus a further ?2million in add-ons, from Liverpool after passing a medical on Tuesday night.Carroll, whose six-year deal could be extended by a further two, scored seven times in 24 league appearances while on loan at Upton Park last season.Much of his stay in east London was hampered by injuries, with a heel problem ruling the frontman out of contention for the end-of-season friendlies against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley and Brazil at the Maracana.However, Carroll feels if all goes well for him at the Irons next season then he should be very much in Roy Hodgson's plans once again as the Three Lions battle to qualify for the World Cup."I just want to keep fit now, keep scoring goals and performing week in and week out for West Ham, if I do that here, play well and keep fit, then hopefully I will get in the England team," Carroll told West Ham TV.Wednesday's confirmation brings to an end a largely disappointing spell of the centre-forward's career at Anfield, where he never really made a major impact following a high-profile £35million transfer from Newcastle on deadline day in January 2011.Now, though, the striker is fully focused on helping West Ham build on a creditable 10th place last season as he and his team-mates prepare for their opening game of the season, at home to promoted npower Championship winners Cardiff.Carroll is in no doubt he has signed for a club going places, with West Ham set to take up tenancy in the revamped 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium for the start of the 2016/2017 campaign.He said: "Getting promoted the season before last, then finishing where we did - we did great, and it can only get better for us. The way the club is being run, obviously getting the new stadium and everything like that, it is only going up, and that is what I want to be a part of." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:47:37 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6306516 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305791 Jose Mourinho has admitted his first match back at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager will be an emotional occasion - even though visitors Hull City have vowed to spoil his return party.Mourinho told the club's website: "Starting the season at home is a great way for our supporters to show the players they are ready to be behind the team all the way, and at the same time it is a great way for the players to show how much they are motivated and committed."I am so happy to start at the Bridge, but at the same time Hull City is a team who were promoted from the Championship and they will have that spirit, even if now they are in the Premier League. So it is an emotional but a hard start."Steve Bruce's newly promoted Hull side may be Mourinho's first opponents on August 17 but his second will be Manchester United at Old Trafford a week later.Mourinho won all four of his opening league fixtures during his first spell as Chelsea manager but Hull's Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler insists they can pull off a shock.He said: "I'm sure the manager will have us all fired up and ready to go for that opening game against Chelsea. Jose Mourinho will do the same with his players and they'll be hoping to win the league. It will be tough, but maybe we can spoil his party."Manchester United's new boss David Moyes will get his season underway at Swansea, followed by Chelsea at home and then trips to Liverpool and Manchester City.Former United star Quinton Fortune has claimed Mourinho should be more worried about the explosive second weekend showdown at Old Trafford than Moyes.Mourinho lost just once in the Premier League to United, and defeated them in the Champions League with Real Madrid this season, and has never been beaten by Moyes.But Fortune told MUTV: "Mourinho has been boasting about his record against United. He always brings it up. But this is a different manager, with a different style of play. If David Moyes brings the same desire and fighting spirit that he had at Everton I am sure Mourinho will find it tough." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:17:15 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305791 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305793 Tony Mowbray is glad his Middlesbrough side will start the season with a home meeting against Leicester, believing it will provide him with a good marker for the campaign ahead.City are at the Riverside on August 3, with both sides reflecting on disappointing ends to the 2012-13 run. Each was tipped for promotion but neither managed it, with Boro fading dismally after Christmas and Leicester losing in the play-offs.Mowbray is ready to go again, though, and believes Leicester are the perfect opener. "Starting the season against Leicester will be a good test for us," he told Boro's official website. "They are an ambitious club who reached the play-offs last season and I'd expect them to be competing at the top end of the table this year. It's an interesting fixture because that's where we want to be."Harry Redknapp's rebuilding mission at QPR will start when Sheffield Wednesday visit Loftus Road. Rangers are spending the summer licking their wounds after their high-profile relegation from the Premier League, and Redknapp has warned his big-name players they need to be ready for the second-tier's 46-game slog.That will begin against Dave Jones' Wednesday, followed by a trip to Huddersfield a week later and then a home meeting with Ipswich.Owen Coyle's first game in charge of Wigan will take him to Oakwell for a meeting with Barnsley. Coyle took the job this week after Roberto Martinez left the relegated FA Cup winners for Everton. The other side to have dropped into the Championship, Reading, host Ipswich, with manager Nigel Adkins set to try to win a fifth promotion."We know the demands of the Championship over 10 months, you're probably looking at 55 games. You have to have a squad who will all contribute. We have goals in mind, and we have players and staff who are course and distance for the Championship and know what is required mentally," Adkins said on Reading's website.Play-off final losers Watford, who will be be adapting to the new overseas loan rule, start at Birmingham, while defeated semi-finalists Brighton are away to Leeds.League One champions Doncaster kick off their second-tier return at home to Paul Ince's Blackpool, runners-up Bournemouth are at home to Charlton and play-off winners Yeovil head to Millwall for Steve Lomas' first game in charge.The remaining opening-day games feature two of the Football League's 125th anniversary games - Burnley at home to Bolton and Blackburn at Derby - plus Nottingham Forest's hosting of Huddersfield. Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:17:15 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305793 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305792 Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has insisted he is going nowhere after the resignation of managing director Derek Llambias plunged the club into fresh chaos.The 51-year-old confirmed his intention in a brief message to the city's evening newspaper as news of Llambias' departure, which came in the wake of Joe Kinnear's controversial arrival as director of football, emerged.Pardew told The Chronicle: "I'm staying - to take the club up the league."It was the manager's first comment since the circus which has accompanied Kinnear's unveiling as the new senior executive in charge of all football-related matters at St James' Park pitched tent on Gallowgate.Pardew and Kinnear met for the first time since the 66-year-old Irishman was appointed on Tuesday, and Press Association Sport understands the initial talks were amicable.But it remains to be seen whether or not he and highly rated chief scout Graham Carr can forge a working partnership with a man who has a high opinion of his own abilities, but whose return to St James', where he was manager for less than six months during the 2008-09 season, has been greeted with incredulity by the club's fans.Llambias, however, has already voted with his feet and decided the time was right to end his five-year stay on Tyneside. The former casino boss has played a key role in the day-to-day running of the club and was heavily involved in its transfer business, although some of those duties have now passed to Kinnear.Llambias' departure was announced in a statement issued at around 8.40am, 20 minutes before the fixtures for the new season, which handed the Magpies a tough start away at Manchester City, were due to be published. It said: "The club can announce that managing director Derek Llambias has resigned from his position with immediate effect."Llambias, who is currently out of the country, was diplomatic in his comments less than 24 hours after he had welcomed Kinnear to the club.He said: "I have had an incredible journey during my five years at the club, including some challenging times. I will reflect with great fondness on my time in the North East and in me, Newcastle United have a lifelong supporter. I want to thank the staff for their hard work, our fans for their support of the club, and wish them all well for the future." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:17:15 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305792 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305131 West Ham have completed the signing of Andy Carroll from Liverpool on a six-year contract for a club-record fee.The 24-year-old finalised the deal, which is understood to have cost the Hammers ?15.5million plus a further ?2million in add-ons, after successfully undergoing a medical on Tuesday night.Despite the lengthy contract, West Ham have the option to add a further two years if they wish.Carroll spent last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven times in 24 league appearances in a campaign which was dogged by injury."It's fantastic for me to be here. I really enjoyed last season, and that shows in me coming back and making it permanent," he told whufc.com."The fans, the lads and the club itself has been great to me, and what I wanted to do was come back here and play football."Since the end of the season I've had a lot of time to think, I've missed it and that's why I'm back." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:46:55 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6305131 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303756 Former Manchester United star Quinton Fortune has claimed Jose Mourinho should be more worried about the explosive second weekend showdown at Old Trafford than new Red Devils boss David Moyes.Fortune described United's opening five fixtures, which start at Swansea, followed by that titanic meeting with Chelsea before trips to Liverpool and Manchester City, as "unbelievable". Mourinho could be excused a wry smile considering he lost just once in the Premier League to United, and defeated them in the Champions League with Real Madrid this season, and has never been beaten by Moyes.However, Fortune feels there is an element of the unknown about the Red Devils, which will make the man who has been touted as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor feel slightly uneasy. "Mourinho has been boasting about his record against United," Fortune told MUTV. "He always brings it up."He added: "But this is a different manager, with a different style of play. If David Moyes brings the same desire and fighting spirit that he had at Everton I am sure Mourinho will find it tough."He is playing a completely different United and I am sure he is worried about that. He knew Sir Alex Ferguson for many years. He knows what type of team to play against him. It is a different ball game now."One-time United defender Henning Berg accepted it was a tough start, although pointing out the uncertainty over Michael Laudrup's position at Swansea may be an advantage for United.However, with United, Chelsea and Manchester City under different stewardship, he feels it puts even more emphasis on the respective pre-season campaigns."The recruitment in August is going to be important," he said. "If they are not 100 per cent sure about bringing a player in, this might tip it. It will be interesting to see how long it takes these teams to get to their best form. Looking at these fixtures, they will have to get there quickly."Cardiff's Mark Hudson, whose team open at West Ham, declared himself fit for the forthcoming campaign.The Bluebirds captain, who missed the end of the Championship-winning campaign with ankle trouble, said: "I'm back running now, I've been in the last 10 days and I will be ready to start when everyone else is back in." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:17:04 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303756 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303757 Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of former England assistant manager Franco Baldini as technical director at the Barclays Premier League club.The 52-year-old Italian recently left his post as general manager of Roma and is understood to be set to look after Spurs' scouting and transfer policy.A statement on Tottenham's official Twitter feed read: "We are delighted to announce that Franco Baldini has joined the club in the role of technical director."Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has been keen for the club to move to a structure similar to those adopted by many in mainland Europe, having worked with a technical director during his successful time in charge at Porto.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy also favours that set-up, with Frank Arnesen and Damien Comolli both having undertaken similar roles at White Hart Lane in the past.Levy said on the club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "Franco is extremely well respected in the industry, possessing an extensive knowledge of players around the world."He will strengthen our football management team, particularly in the field of recruitment, working closely with Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood across all levels on the playing side." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:17:04 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303757 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303284 Harry Redknapp's rebuilding mission at QPR will start on August 3 when Sheffield Wednesday visit Loftus Road on the first day of the new Championship season.Rangers are spending the summer licking their wounds after their high-profile relegation from the Premier League, and Redknapp has warned his big-name players they need to be ready for the second-tier's 46-game slog. That will begin against Dave Jones' Wednesday, followed by a trip to Huddersfield a week later and then a home meeting with Ipswich.Owen Coyle's first game in charge of Wigan will take him to Oakwell for a meeting with Barnsley. Coyle took the job this week after Roberto Martinez left the relegated FA Cup winners for Everton. The other side to have dropped into the Championship, Reading, host Ipswich, with manager Nigel Adkins set to try and win a fifth promotion.Play-off final losers Watford - who will be adapting to the new overseas loan rule - start at Birmingham, while defeated semi-finalists Brighton and Leicester are away to Leeds and Middlesbrough respectively. League 1 champions Doncaster kick off their second-tier return at home to Paul Ince's Blackpool, runners-up Bournemouth are at home to Charlton and play-off winners Yeovil head to Millwall for Steve Lomas' first game in charge. The remaining opening-day games feature two of the Football League's 125th anniversary games - Burnley at home to Bolton and Blackburn at Derby - plus Nottingham Forest's hosting of Huddersfield.As well as QPR's trip to Huddersfield, the second weekend includes other intriguing match-ups such as Reading's visit to Bolton and Yeovil's first home game against Birmingham. The busy Christmas period sees a handful of short-haul trips, with Bolton going to Barnsley on Boxing Day, while Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have games with Blackburn and Blackpool.Bournemouth and Yeovil play-off for local bragging rights, Huddersfield take on Derby, Watford welcome Millwall and Charlton face Brighton. Other December 26 fixtures are Doncaster against Ipswich, Leicester against Reading, Middlesbrough at home to Burnley, QPR at Nottingham Forest and Wigan at home to Birmingham.The new year is brought in with a full programme - the pick of which is Reading at home to Nottingham Forest - before the league takes a break for the FA Cup. As it did last season, on a memorable and breathtaking final day, the campaign draws to a close on the opening Saturday in May, the 3rd.QPR are the favourites to lift the title and if that plays out it could come at Barnsley, while second-fancied Bolton are at home to Birmingham. Reading will be at home to Burnley while a Lancashire derby between Blackburn and Wigan could have plenty riding on it.Leeds finish with perennial bogey side Derby, while Ipswich are at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Charlton wrap their season up at Blackpool, Watford host Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest and Brighton square-up, Leicester are at home to Doncaster and Millwall at home to Bournemouth. Finally, Middlesbrough's fans will hope the longest trip in the division - to Yeovil - will have a tangible reward attached to it. Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:46:55 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303284 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303209 Derek Llambias has resigned from his post as managing director at Newcastle, the club have announced.Llambias' resignation comes a day after Joe Kinnear was confirmed as the club's director of football on a three-year deal.In a short statement on the club's official website, posted 20 minutes before the release of the 2013-14 season fixtures, Llambias said: "I have had an incredible journey during my five years at the club, including some challenging times. I will reflect with great fondness on my time in the north east and, in me, Newcastle United have a lifelong supporter."He added: "I want to thank the staff for their hard work, our fans for their support of the club, and wish them all well for the future."Llambias, who has worked closely with United owner Mike Ashley since he took over the club in 2007, has polarised opinions of the club's fans during his time at St James' Park.He has overseen the sales of some of the club's most popular players, such as Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, while also being involved in controversial decisions such as the one to appoint Kinnear as manager in 2008 and changing the name of the club's famous ground.There have been positives too - the club's smart recruitment and wage policy was heralded when they finished fifth in the 2012-13 season, but a troubled last campaign stirred things up once more.Kinnear's return to the club, which he announced on Sunday but the club did not confirm until Tuesday, caused outrage among Newcastle fans, with the 66-year-old giving a radio interview during which he insulted them.He also pronounced a number of first-team player's names wrong, while also referring to Llambias as Llambeeze. The ex-Wimbledon manager correctly called Llambias' resignation, before claiming to have replaced him, even though Llambias' job was a different one.He told talkSPORT on Monday: "I only signed the contract last night. So that was someone speaking to Mike but it's been ongoing for the last three weeks. Derek Llambeeze was the director of football. Derek has resigned now." Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:16:56 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303209 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6302728 Andy Carroll is on the brink of joining West Ham permanently after passing a medical with the Barclays Premier League club.The 24-year-old striker, who spent last season on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool, had been due to undergo an assessment on Wednesday, but on Tuesday night Hammers chairman David Gold revealed the examination was already complete."We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this evening and I am delighted to informed you that he has passed with flying colours," Gold wrote on Twitter.Carroll passed the tests despite a heel injury suffered towards the end of last season, ruling him out of England's friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and expected to sideline him for up to four months.With the medical complete, Carroll can now complete a move worth ?15million-plus, with the fee having been agreed between the two clubs weeks ago.Carroll scored seven goals and added four assists in 26 league appearances for the Hammers last season, having been sent out on loan with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers unable to accommodate the club's record signing in his system.Liverpool will take a significant loss on the 24-year-old, who signed from Newcastle for ?35million in January 2011 as a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Fernando Torres.However, Rodgers is keen to bring in funds to help his own summer spending, with Shakhtar Donetsk's ?20million-rated forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori, Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto and Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet all on the radar, with Manchester City defender Kolo Toure and Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas already secured.Carroll will become West Ham's third signing of the summer following Shakhtar Donetsk defender Razvan Rat and Real Betis goalkeeper Adrian. Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:14:48 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6302728 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303122 Gareth Southgate is the overwhelming bookmakers' favourite to replace Stuart Pearce as England Under-21s manager.Pearce was on Tuesday informed by the Football Association that his six years at the Young Lions helm would come to an end when his contract expires at the end of the month.Former international team-mate Southgate is expected to fill the void, with bookmakers pricing the former Middlesbrough boss as low as 1/5 to be named his successor. Glenn Hoddle, Michael Appleton and Phil Neville have also been linked to the post many had expected to be vacated after a miserable European Championship.Pearce's side headed to the tournament in Israel on the back of nine successive victories without conceding, but swiftly returned home after losing all three group games. That, coupled with England's group exit two years ago, led to the FA's confirmation that the former full-back will leave when his contract expires at the end of the month."I'd like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work," chairman David Bernstein said. "Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as Under-21 coach."He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments, we believe it is time to change coach. On behalf of everyone at The FA I'd like to wish Stuart well for the future."With the future in mind, Bernstein added: "It is important the organisation now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment."While Pearce may have paid the price for a poor summer, the FA have by no means avoided scrutiny themselves. Questions over the structure have been raised and former England manager Steve McClaren called for an experienced head of youth development to be appointed after watching Spain retain the European Championship with a 4-2 win over Italy in Tuesday night's final."It is talking about taking coaching all the way back to that level and I know they are working on that at the FA at the present moment with Dan Ashworth, technical director at St George's Park," he told Sky Sports 1. "They are doing that at grassroots level but this elite level they need somebody at the top with experience."We talked about Arrigo Sacchi with Italy and Louis van Gaal doing that philosophy with Holland - experienced coaches setting the vision, starting the philosophy. It starts at the top and works down. Starting at the bottom with the coaches, working up, you'll eventually have a conveyor belt, like the Spanish, of players who can do all four components of the game."Source: PA Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:46:54 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6303122 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6301548 Andy Carroll will have a medical with West Ham on Wednesday as he moves closer to a permanent move from Liverpool, Hammers chairman David Gold has confirmed.Gold wrote on his Twitter account: "Andy Carroll is having his medical tomorrow."There could be one significant hurdle for Carroll to overcome during the assessment.The England international has been out of the country on holiday having missed out on the national team's end-of-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil with a heel problem, with fears it could sideline him for up to four months.But assuming there are no long-term fears over his fitness, he appears poised to complete a move several weeks after the clubs first agreed a £15million-plus deal to make his loan permanent.Carroll scored seven goals and added four assists in 26 league appearances for the Hammers last season, having been sent out on loan with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers unable to accommodate the club's record signing in his system.Liverpool will take a significant loss on the 24-year-old, who signed from Newcastle for ?35million in January 2011 as a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Fernando Torres.However, Rodgers is keen to bring in funds to help his own summer spending, with Shakhtar Donetsk's ?20million-rated forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori, Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto and Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet all on the radar, with Manchester City defender Kolo Toure and Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas already secured.Carroll could become West Ham's third signing of the summer following Shakhtar Donetsk defender Razvan Rat and Real Betis goalkeeper Adrian. Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:16:56 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6301548 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300883 Stoke have confirmed that winger Jermaine Pennant has signed a new one-year deal with the club.The Potters had announced earlier this month that, with his contract coming to an end, Pennant would be leaving them this summer.But the 30-year-old has been handed the chance of a fresh start at the Britannia Stadium after impressing new Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who in May was appointed as successor to Tony Pulis.Hughes told www.stokecityfc.com: "I've admired Jermaine from afar and there is no question about his ability."I am looking to introduce more creativity and attacking options to the side, qualities Jermaine can certainly offer us."I had a very positive meeting with him and it's now up to him to show everyone what he is capable of doing." Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:47:50 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300883 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300642 Stuart Pearce has been informed by the Football Association he will not be kept on as England Under-21s manager.The former international full-back was appointed to the post in 2007 and led the Young Lions to four successive European Championship finals.However, Pearce's side failed to get a point at this summer's tournament in Israel and will now leave the role when his contract expires at the end of the month.It was a move many had expected, especially given England also failed to make it out of the group in 2011, and was taken following Club England Board discussions."I'd like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work," FA chairman David Bernstein said. "Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as U-21 coach."He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments, we believe it is time to change coach. On behalf of everyone at The FA I'd like to wish Stuart well for the future."Talk of a replacement is already rife, with former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate standout favourite with the bookmakers.Glenn Hoddle has also been linked with the role, although the outspoken former England manager said he would only accept if the current national set-up was overhauled.Michael Appleton, who worked with senior manager Roy Hodgson and Dan Ashworth, the FA's director of elite development, at West Brom, has also been linked with the post, as has Phil Neville after joining Pearce's coaching staff in Israel.With the future in mind, Bernstein added: "It is important the organisation now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment." Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:51:32 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300642 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300525 Aston Villa have completed the signing of striker Nicklas Helenius from Aalborg.Villa announced last Tuesday they were in negotiations with the Danish outfit over Helenius, adding that they expected to secure his transfer, subject to a medical and personal terms, within 10 days.And so it has proved, with it being confirmed on Tuesday that the 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the midlands club.Denmark international Helenius told www.avfc.co.uk: "This is a big opportunity for me, a big dream to play in the Premier League with a club with the history of Aston Villa, and I'm very excited."Helenius, who has two senior international caps, came through the youth ranks at Aalborg and the 6ft 5in frontman was the second-highest scorer in the Danish league last season with 16 goals."I learnt a lot over the past few seasons with (Aalborg coach and former Villa defender) Kent Nielsen as my manager," he said."He was a player here at Villa and, while I have always been a good finisher, he taught me to be more aggressive and determined when I don't have the ball."He showed me how to work hard and this will help me in this league."I thought that maybe when I was 28 or something I might eventually be able to move to the Premier League having made my mark in Danish football, but now I have my chance and I think this is the right club for me with all the other young players in the side who want to do well and achieve something together."I want to show the fans that I'm hungry for this and that I'm very proud to be a Villa player." Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:18:07 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300525 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300414 Fernando Torres has reiterated his commitment to Chelsea and is hoping he has a role to play under "demanding" new Blues coach Jose Mourinho.The Spain striker has struggled to justify his £50million price tag since moving to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in 2011 but finished last season in decent goalscoring form under interim coach Rafael Benitez and helped the club win the Europa League title.Since the end of the campaign Torres, who recognises he has not done as well as he would have hoped with the Blues, has been linked with Barcelona but the 29-year-old insists he sees his future at Chelsea and is looking forward to speaking with Mourinho about his plans.Speaking on Spanish radio show Al Primer Toque, Torres said: "I am the first to admit that a lot more was expected of me, even I expected more of myself. Now I have the added pressure of Mourinho and that's a challenge for any player."Chelsea is the club I'm at and where I want to be, I want to keep winning trophies there."I am dealing with the situation in a normal way, every summer there are rumours about new coaches and new players. Mourinho is a very demanding coach but he always guarantees success, and I trust that he has a plan for me."Torres, who is currently on international duty with Spain at the Confederations Cup in Brazil, was also quizzed about supposed interest from Barcelona.The former Atletico Madrid hitman said: "I have known (Barca president Sandro) Rosell for a very long time. We have a close relationship but that's it."I'm focusing on the Confederations Cup for now and immediately after I will focus on Chelsea again. I want to speak with Mourinho first and then prepare myself for the coming season."Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:48:12 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6300414 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299839 A boardroom shake-up at Leicester is set to see Sir Dave Richards become the Championship club's new chairman, Press Association Sport understands.Richards, the former Sheffield Wednesday chairman, will return to club football when he steps down from his role with the FA Premier League at the end of this month.The 70-year-old will replace Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha at Leicester with Terry Robinson set to join him at the King Power Stadium to work alongside manager Nigel Pearson as director of football after leaving Stoke's academy.It is understood the Foxes have made the appointments with Financial Fair Play (FFP) in mind.The forthcoming FFP rules, if broken, carry penalties such as a transfer embargo and last season Leicester's losses were in excess of £29million.As Srivaddhanaprabha prepares the club for what he hopes will soon be Premier League football, Richards has been brought in to ensure it is run on a cost-effective basis.He is a member of the FA's board, chairman of the FA's international committee, president of the European Professional Football Leagues organisation and chairman of UEFA's Professional Football Committee.Robinson's brief will be to assist Pearson in squad building but he will specifically be asked to concentrate on lowering Leicester's wage bill by jettisoning a number of high earners signed by former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:20:10 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299839 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299592 West Brom have confirmed defender Steven Reid has signed a new one-year contract with the club.Albion announced around a month ago that they were in negotiations with the former Republic of Ireland international after he failed to make enough appearances in 2012-13 to guarantee the final season of the two-year deal he signed in April 2012.And with the Baggies on Tuesday morning confirming those talks are now complete, Reid is set for an 11th consecutive Premier League campaign.He had already written on his Twitter account: "Delighted to be extending stay at WBA. Thanks for all the positive messages last few weeks. Roll on next season!" Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:18:09 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299592 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299515 Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has promised Owen Coyle any cash generated by player sales this summer will be ploughed straight back into the Latics' promotion drive.Coyle was unveiled as Roberto Martinez's successor as manager on Monday, with the Scot immediately confirming he does not need to sell star men Callum McManaman, Shaun Maloney, James McCarthy and Arouna Kone. Yet that might not prevent the quartet leaving anyway, with Kone set to be the first out given his £6.5million buy-out clause. Whelan said: "We don't go into football to lose money, We were one of the few clubs to make a profit last year and we stay within the limits of what we can and cannot do. But I have promised Owen every transfer fee will go straight back out for spending out on the football field."He added: "That is what we believe in. The intention is to get back in the Premier League. It may take two years. It may take three. It might take longer."With the parachute payment handing Wigan a sizeable advantage, the next 12 months provide the best chance of an immediate return, and the Latics will discover their first opponents of the season on Wednesday morning, when the fixtures are released.It was something not lost on Bolton, who cut Coyle adrift after a poor start to their attempt to bounce back at the first attempt, although the Scot feels Wigan are better placed."When Bolton lost their place there was a negativity that spilled into the following season," said Coyle."You have to accept you are not in the Premier League anymore."It is a tough gig."Wigan have already lost Maynor Figueroa to Hull, whilst the contracts of Antolin Alcaraz and Franco di Santo have expired. Loanees Joel Robles and Paul Scharner will not be returning either. Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:51:01 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299515 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299516 England head coach Hope Powell believes it is worth taking a gamble on the fitness of Arsenal striker Kelly Smith as part of her 23-strong squad for the European Championships in Sweden next month.Smith, 34, is one of several players who have more than a century of caps in the group, and will be set for a sixth major tournament. However, the veteran forward has not played competitively for the best part of three months following a shin injury during the Gunners' semi-final first leg against Vfl Wolfsburg."Kelly's obviously a gamble, we know this, but for the last Euros we could name 21 players, this is 23, so that gives us that little bit of luxury and it's really good actually," said Powell, who will be without left-backs Rachel Unitt and Claire Rafferty because of knee injuries."With Kelly, we have recognised what she could offer. So is it a gamble taking her? Probably, but I am prepared to take that gamble."Captain Casey Stoney is another who has been out of action recently, the Lincoln Ladies defender suffering a hamstring injury. However, the 31-year-old is confident she will be able to take full part in the tournament, which kicks off against Spain in Linkoping on July 12.Powell said: "We will have to manage the players coming back from injury, have to manage those with wears and tears, but when you come into the tournament itself, the demands of training are less, but the demands of the game are higher. It is our responsibility to look after these factors."England's Lionesses have maintained good progress since their heartbreaking defeat in the final of Euro 2009 against Germany, going on to reach the last eight of the 2011 World Cup and with the Football Association's revamped Women's Super League now helping player development through to the elite level.Victory in the Cyprus Cup during March further boosted confidence following an impressive qualifying campaign.Powell, however, knows her squad will have to step things up again when they look to progress through a group which also includes Russia and tournament favourites France."The Cyprus Cup is always good in terms of preparation, giving everyone an opportunity to play. The fact we won it in the style and manner we did is a real confidence boost," she said. "They key now is we have to do it when it counts in the Euros."Source: PA Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:18:02 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6299516 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6297276 Roberto Martinez is placing as much importance on character as he is ability as he seeks to make his first signings as Everton manager.He accepts, having been in the job for less than a fortnight, that may take a while. But he believes being patient will pay off as it allows him to make the right decisions about who he needs to bring in."As you can imagine, that is something that you need to work early on and obviously the whole football club will work together towards that," said the Spaniard."There is some work going on already and over the next few weeks we need to make sure that we bring the right characters as well as the right players to the football club."It's not going to be the case of bringing anyone at any time - it's important we identify the type of help we need in the dressing room and in the team and make sure they are a type of footballer who will fit in with the train of thought at Everton. It's more a matter of finding the right players and that will take a little bit of time."Martinez, who will not meet his entire first-team squad until they join up for pre-season training next month, is hoping to get some scouting done at the Confederations Cup. The Toffees boss is working as a television pundit in Brazil and he hopes that will give him a chance to take a closer look at potential targets."I think the major events are a first for seeing players and ways of playing," he told evertontv."It's always a unique experience to see footballers under massive, massive pressure of representing their country and representing the expectations of a country and being able to play their football."There are always footballers that catch your eye under those circumstances."I always like to follow the big events and to do that with the name of Everton and opening new markets with Everton, it will be a real enjoyment and something I'm really looking forward to."Source: PA Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:47:02 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6297276 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6297275 Liverpool have moved a step closer to offloading Andy Carroll with the striker set for a medical at West Ham.The England international has been out of the country on holiday but Press Association Sport understands he will fly in for his physical assessment with the Hammers on Tuesday. Carroll missed the national team's end-of-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil with a heel problem, with fears it could sideline him for up to four months.It remains to be seen whether that has much effect on his medical but with a £15million-plus deal agreed several weeks ago Liverpool will be keen for the move to go through as soon as possible so they can continue with manager Brendan Rodgers' squad strengthening.Having already secured the free transfer of defender Kolo Toure from Manchester City and agreed a £7.7million deal for Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas the club have a number of targets they wish to tie down.Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori and Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto, both 20, are likely to be the first to be completed but negotiations are also continuing over a deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with the future of Jose Reina yet to be decided.Shakhtar Donetsk's £20million-rated forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored a Ukrainian Premier League record 25 goals last season, increasingly looks like being the club's preferred attacking option with Luis Suarez so publicly courting Real Madrid.At the back the situation is less clear as Schalke are seemingly not prepared to sell the Reds' primary centre-back target Kyriakos Papadopoulos for the Merseysiders' valuation of about £12million, despite the player having been sidelined by a knee injury since November.Having also cooled their interest in Swansea's Ashley Williams, with whom Rodgers has previously worked, after deeming the asking price not value for money other avenues are being explored.Ajax's Toby Alderweireld has been linked with a move to Anfield but he has already had preliminary talks with German side Bayer Leverkusen.Liverpool's recruitment has continued off the pitch, however, after they brought in Andy Hughes, formerly of Guoman and Thistle Hotels, as their chief financial officer to replace Philip Nash, who stood down in February.Source: PA Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:47:02 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6297275 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6296859 Football Association chiefs have denied they are set to ban the Tartan Army from playing bagpipes when England host Scotland in a Wembley friendly.The two nations have not met in 14 years and the August 14 international will be the first visit of Gordon Strachan's men to the rebuilt London stadium. But FA bosses insist newspaper reports suggesting that fans playing bagpipes will be turned away at the gate on health and safety grounds are false.Anyone hoping to play musical instruments within the 80,000-seater arena, however, will have to apply first.FA spokesman Stuart Mawhinney said: "Further to media reports, The Football Association would like to clarify its policy on bringing musical instruments into Wembley Stadium for England v Scotland on 14 August."At this time we have yet to receive an official approach from the Scottish Football Association regarding details for their official members who will attend the fixture, though this is not unusual given that ticket details have only just been released."Both organisations are in regular dialogue regarding all operational matters. The FA would listen to any specific requests from the proper channels, and look to make provisions where possible."We regularly welcome the England supporters' group who play instruments to Wembley Stadium and have worked with clubs and fan groups, on a case-by-case basis, to facilitate entry for personalised items not permitted within the stadium ground regulations."There is a process in place for every fixture and, with prior notice and agreement to the specific criteria, they are permitted entry and to play within the stadium in pre-agreed areas."It should be made clear that any supporters who do not seek prior permission through the official channels, in this case the Scottish FA, and attempt to enter the ground with any prohibited items they will either be confiscated or the ticket holder refused entry."Press Association Sport understands the SFA has not received any applications from Scotland supporters hoping to take bagpipes into Wembley. An SFA spokesperson said: "Full details on match arrangements, including ticket details, will be sent out this week."Source: PA Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:17:17 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6296859 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6296722 Joe Kinnear has insisted Alan Pardew was delighted to hear of his impending arrival as Newcastle's director of football.The 66-year-old former Magpies boss revealed on Sunday that he is to return to St James' Park to oversee the club's football operations in a move which many onlookers have interpreted as a worrying omen for current incumbent Pardew.Kinnear claims the 51-year-old's response to the news of owner Mike Ashley's latest controversial decision was more than positive. He told the Chronicle: "Before I had a meeting with Mike, (managing director) Derek (Llambias) said he's informed Alan, and Alan said 'Great news - I'm delighted with that. At last I've got somebody who's a football guy.'"Kinnear added: "Derek told me he's had a long talk with Alan and explained that I'm coming in as director of football. He (Llambias) is going to go on the finance side and anything to do with football is coming my side."Newcastle are still to formally confirm Kinnear's appointment and Pardew is yet to comment on the decision that came after he held end-of-season discussions with Ashley and Llambias to assess the campaign which had just ended and exactly what had gone wrong.The Magpies finished in 16th place in the Barclays Premier League 12 months after qualifying for Europe and the talks ended with agreement that things will have to get significantly better.However, just where Kinnear's arrival will leave the pair remains to be seen with the former Wimbledon manager claiming he will have the final say over transfers. The Irishman enjoyed a colourful, if brief, spell in charge on Tyneside during the 2008-09 season before a heart problem ended his stay.Newcastle were relegated at the end of a disastrous campaign, although he seemed unwilling to accept any responsibility for that as he prepared to return. But the club's fans were mystified as to why Ashley had turned to him once again.Mark Jensen, editor of fanzine website themag.co.uk, said: "The bizarre thing is, like a lot of people, I was amazed and astounded when I heard - and then after thinking about it, I have to admit I'm not really amazed and astounded, which kind of sums up Mike Ashley's time at the club."You learn - or you should do by now - that whenever they seem to be heading in the right direction, you have got a bit of faith in what's happening and you think, 'If we could just sign a couple of players...', then they pull something out of the hat to make you think and something that just leaves you speechless." Source: PA Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:47:01 http://stats.football.co.uk/storytext.asp?article=6296722