Roberto Martinez says that the Europa League is an exciting challenge for his Everton side and one that will help his players to progress.
After narrowly missing out on a spot in the Champions League, the Toffees are gearing up for the continent’s second biggest club competition, with German side Wolfsburg set to take to the turf at Goodison Park tomorrow night.
While a number of managers – including Jose Mourinho in the run up to his side’s recent game – have slated the Europa League for it’s demanding Thursday night fixtures and long trips, Martinez is at the other end of the spectrum in regards to the tournament.
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The Spaniard says that it’s honour to be involved in games against big sides and that the extra fixtures and new challenges will help his squad to build on the development they made last season:
“We are very excited, we have been working hard for 12 months to achieve this opportunity.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“The Europa League is a great competition. It’s where we need to be, testing ourselves. The only way to fulfil our potential is by playing games, like the one we are going to have tomorrow.
“The draw has been really kind in bringing two phenomenal football teams of the quality of Lille and Wolfsburg to Goodison.
“It’s a phenomenal challenge for us.
“But that’s what we want at Everton. That’s the expectation we want to bring to ourselves. We embrace playing in Europe and it’s what we need to fulfil our potential as a squad.
“I know the potential here is huge and in order to fulfil that, we have to play games like this one we are going to be facing tomorrow.”
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Everton are in Group H alongside Wolfsburg, Lille and Russian side FC Krasnodar.
Garry Monk took over as Swansea City manager last season after the departure of Michael Laudrup.
He was seen as a temporary solution to stabilise the club whilst a more permanent solution was sought. Since then, however, he has gone on to make quite a name for himself in a short space of time and looks like he fits well into life as a Premiership manager, with statistics suggesting he is doing a better job already than his Dane predecessor.
Last Saturday’s gritty draw at Sunderland took Swansea to ten points — a quarter of the way to the initial target of 40 — after only six league games. At the same stage last season, Laudrup’s side had only seven points on the board. And the season before that when Brendan Rodgers was in charge of their first season in the top flight they had five points at the same stage of the season.
Much is made in football about how vital managerial experience is before taking on a Premier League team with favour being shown to those who have been in management for a long period of time than a young, newly retired ex-player taking charge of a former club.
On the whole, this opinion tends to be correct given that in recent seasons, those who have not long hung up their football boots and gone straight into managing a Premiership team do not tend to be very successful.
Alan Shearer had a spell in the Newcastle hot-seat as emergency cover but could not stop them from being relegated. Gianfranco Zola had a very bad spell in charge of Premiership outfit West Ham with a severe lack of managerial experience and was was very soon out of his depth, failing to hold on to his job. Paulo Di Canio was another young manager who came into Premiership football too quickly and was soon out of his depth with Sunderland.
So what sets Garry Monk aside from the rest? Much has to be said of the romance associated with a former player taking charge of his beloved club, with mixed results. Billy Bonds, a much loved legend and hero at West Ham, was turned on by the fans after a poor managerial spell, which shows even the most loved of players might not have the same luck as a manager.
One has to admire Monk for his passion and grit. He displays a determination to succeed that is infectious throughout his whole club and is reflected by his players. Swansea remain aware of their real club status among the bigger boys in the Premiership with no illusions of grandeur, yet they play with a lot of confidence and gusto, often showing a winning mentality and a lack of fear that is rare to see from the so-called “smaller” sides.
Monk has the black and white colours of Swansea running in his veins after a ten year playing career for the Swans. He was established as a long serving player who had seen the club rise like a phoenix from the ashes, on the brink of extension to the giddy heights of the top flight of English football.
He saw it all and was involved heavily in most of the ups and downs at the Welsh side. This is what sets him apart from the rest. This new managerial position is more than just a day job to Monk, it is his passion, his life and his soul. Having seen the struggle to get the Swans up to where they are now, with a solid base of great football, stable finances and a decent squad to build on, he is determined to prove the doubters wrong and take his club up to the next level.
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Some people will always pencil Swansea in to the relegation favourites pigeon hole despite the fact they have steered clear of any type of serious relegation dog-fight since their arrival three seasons ago.
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As Peter Crouch nears the 100 goals mark in the Premier League we ask – has he been underrated during his career?
Everyone knows Peter Crouch, and when you stand at 6 foot 7 inches you’re not going to slip under anyone’s radar. But many see him as just a great big lump whose height is the be all and end all of his ability. However, the 33-year-old is still playing at the top level and he is getting very close to joining the Premier League ‘100 club’.
There is currently only 24 players in the ‘100 club’ which is topped by Alan Shearer who is the only player in the unmade ‘200 club’ with 260 Premier League goals. Peter is currently 0n 90 Premier League goals in 367 appearances after scoring twice already this season. If ‘Crouchy’ was to reach 100 goals he would be equal with Matthew Le Tissier and Didier Drogba.
By no means is he the most prolific, having scored no more than 12 in a single league season (Southampton 2004-05). To put it into perspective, Le Tissier and Drogba reached the 100 goal target in 258 and 226 appearances respectively.
Peter Crouch has certainly been more prolific for England and, after receiving a total of 42 caps, he has scored a total of 22 goals for the Three Lions – A ratio better than a goal every two games. Of course many will argue that because England are seeded high, they play most of their matches against much lesser teams and so it’s easy to score. But that simply isn’t the case, goals aren’t guaranteed at any level and Crouch deserves the respect that his England record suggests. For example, Emile Heskey managed only seven goals in his 62 appearances and Ian Wright, only nine in 33. International goals aren’t a given.
The most important thing to note about Crouch is that his technical ability is far greater than he is given credit for, for example his goal against Man City was one of the best Premier League goals ever in terms of technique. Not to mention his remarkable amount of acrobatic goals.
He’s not just a great big lump, in fact his aerial ability is by no means the best in the division. Many have noted that his heading ability doesn’t quite match up to the amount of headed goals he is expected to score.
Crouch hasn’t been the most prolific striker in Premier League history, as mentioned above. However, to have been selected in various Premier League teams over many years is no mean feat. After joining England’s top division in the 2001-02 season with a move to Aston Villa, he has dropped out of the top division just once, when he joined Norwich on loan in the 2003-04 season.
Many managers have favoured Peter Crouch and he has delivered for most of them, chipping in with goals here and there, and generally being a nuisance. He has played enough that he is almost entering the ‘100 club’ and that is a great achievement regardless of the amount of appearances that it has taken.
The 33-year-old has not been particularly underrated in terms of his influence on the Premier League, but I feel he has been underrated internationally. His goals to game ratio is right up there with any of his England predecessors. He has been given a fair crack with his country with 42 appearances over a five-year period, but he rarely let his country down and he was certainly a nuisance to deal with for opposition defences.
Some still say that he has a case at 33 years old to be recalled, however, I think that ship has sailed and England should be (and are) looking to the future rather than running to the past.
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Underrated for England – yes. But as for the Premier League – he’s underrated in terms of his technical ability but his goals have been good but not great. Although I really hope he makes it into the ‘100 club’.
If feels like only yesterday the summer transfer window slammed shut, yet we’re now under three weeks away from the official opening of it’s winter counterpart.West Ham boss Sam Allardyce used a rather modest summer budget of Âjust £30million to completely transform his club’s fortunes, propelling them into the Premier League’s top four this season compared to a 13th place finish last term.It remains to be seen if the Upton Park manager plans on putting the January window to similar use, but the Hammers’ new-found European contenders status will open new avenues to them in the transfer market, whilst there’s plenty of deadwood that needs to be axed throughout the West Ham ranks too.With that in mind, here’s a list of the Three most likely departures from West Ham this winter, combined with their Three most likely replacements.
OUT – RAVEL MORRISON
Football – Stevenage v West Ham United – Pre Season Friendly – Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way – 14/15 – 12/7/14West Ham United’s Ravel MorrisonMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
According to reports this week, West Ham have officially given up on their mission to unlock the full potential of prodigious midfielder Ravel Morrison:
The 21 year-old’s talent is undoubted, having sporadically demonstrated it at both Championship and Premier League level. Take this incredible solo goal against Tottenham last season for example:
…or a run of six goals in 15 appearances on loan at QPR last season, propelling Harry Redknapp’s side to play-off promotion glory.
Unfortunately however, the off-field issues that ended the England U21’s Manchester United career are catching up with him once again.
In January, he’ll go on trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, and that, combined with his loan spell at Cardiff City being cut short after just seven Championship appearances, appears to have nullified the Hammers’ faith in the midfielder turning his struggling career around.
Viable suitors will largely depend upon the outcome of the court case, but Redknapp might be prepared to give Morrison another chance at Loftus Road after his performances last year.
IN – JAVI FUEGO
Reports over the weekend, originally sourced from Spanish publication Marca, claimed the Hammers have put Valencia midfielder Javi Fuego firmly in their transfer crosshairs:
And, rather interestingly, they’ve since been backed up by Sky Sports Spanish Football super-correspondent Guillem Balague, who tends to be on the money when it comes to La Liga transfers:
There’s certainly more eye-catching performers at the Mestalla but the 30 year-old defensive midfielder does the simple things well and has established a key role in the Valencia first team since leaving Rayo Vallecano two seasons ago, as detailed below:
Having featured in every minute of Los Che’s La Liga campaign thus far, as Balague speculates, manager Nuno Santo won’t be best pleased if Fuego is offloaded in January.
But the former Spain U23 is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract and Valencia are believed to be eying a deal for Argentine World Cup star Enzo Perez, which would undoubtedly increase West Ham’s chances of signing Fuego.
Here’s a clip of the former Levante and Recreativo star in action:
OUT-WINSTON REID
Certainly not a departure by West Ham’s own design, but if the East London club are approached with a decent offer for contract rebel Winston Reid in January, they’ll have little option but to sell.
The combative centre-back has made enormous progress since first turning up at Upton Park in 2010 following a string of impressive World Cup performances for New Zealand.
He was a vital factor in West Ham’s 2011/12 promotion campaign from the Championship and a year later won the Hammer of the Year award. The 26 year-old has since gone on to convince many that he’s one of the Premier League’s better centre-backs outside of the top six.
So with Reid’s contract entering its final six months and David Sullivan revealing the defender’s desire for European football, he’s been linked with several top English clubs ahead of the January window:
Sam Allardyce has claimed the All Whites skipper will be going nowhere unless one of his suitors coughs up an eye-watering £20million, but that’s likely a final effort to drive up Reid’s potential price-tag as much as possible.
IN – NICOLAS N’KOULOU
It’s believed Sam Allardyce’s priority replacement for Winston Reid is Marseille star Nicolas N’Koulou:
The Cameroon international boasts strength and power in abundance and has become a near-permanence in the L’OM starting line-up since joining them from Monaco in 2011, going on to register 119 Ligue 1 appearances.
The 24 year-old’s potential has attracted some major names before, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, and his resurgence in form this season, as detailed below, appears to have particularly caught the Irons’ attention:
With just 18 months left on the 5 foot 11 centre-half’s contract, January represents the right time to buy from West Ham’s perspective but convincing him to quit Marseille could prove more problematic – the Stade Velodrome outfit are currently topping Ligue 1:
OUT – MATTHEW JARVIS
Injuries have certainly been a factor but Matt Jarvis has seen just 113 minutes’ worth of action in the Premier League this season, suggesting his West Ham career could soon be coming to an end.
In truth, the one-time England international has never replicated the form of his eight-goal 2011/12 campaign at Wolves, as shown in the video below, or come close to justifying his £11million transfer fee.
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Here’s the winger’s stats from the last few campaigns:
The 28 year-old recently informed reporters of his determination to return to the West Ham starting line-up, but other reports claim he could be offloaded to West Brom for around £5million when the transfer window opens:
IN – YEVHEN KONOPLYANKA
The Hammers’ ill-fated £9.5million bid for Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka fell on deaf ears during the summer, but the East London club find better luck in the New Year when that the Ukrainian international’s contract enters it’s final six months.
The 25 year-old, who boasts 32 goals and plenty of assists in 149 league outings for Dnipro, first burst onto the scene with this absolute stunner against England at Wembley back in 2012:
He’s since gone on to win two Ukrainian Premier League Footballer of the Year awards, leading many to rate Konoplyanka as one of the most Europe’s talented outside of its five leading top flights.
For West Ham to land the playmaking winger would be a major coup, with some even speculating a transfer fee as miserly as £5million, but revived interest from long-term admirers Tottenham could be an issue:
Luka Modric is a player who deserves his world class status. He might not be the most aggressive midfielder, he may not be able to run the length of the pitch in the blink of an eye, and he couldn’t really label himself an out-and-out goal-scorer, but when the mercurial Croatian gets the ball at his feet, it all starts to make sense.
The former Tottenham star, who successfully converted his Premier League form in the top-flight of the Spanish game, has continued to be a fan-favourite at the Bernabeu for his calm composure on the ball and distinctly dominant nature in the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield.
Whilst his current thigh problem has kept the tricky Croatian out of action for the past few weeks, Luka Modric has reportedly been attracting some serious interest from the Premier League with the January transfer window now upon us. Although the La Liga star is far from being ousted at Real Madrid, will the lure of the English game prove too much for Modric to turn down at this stage in his career?
The 29-year-old, who joined Real Madrid back in 2012, has so far had a resoundingly successful time in Spain. Many initially doubted his much coveted move to the Bernabeu, claiming that the Croatian didn’t quite have what it takes to step up to Europe’s highest level. They simply couldn’t have been more wrong however.
Luka Modric has become a better player during his time in La Liga. If he were to potentially make the switch back to the Premier League, we would all likely see a more defined and well-rounded version of the silky midfielder, who could continue to surprise even the most experienced in the English game. His eagle-like vision, powerful shot and impressive ball-control all go a long way in making the classy Croatian one of the most valued names in world football at the moment.
However, the impressive form of both Isco and the newly acquired Toni Kroos in Carlo Ancelotti’s current midfield, may halt Modric’s La Liga progress, and could potentially spark an end to his time with the Champions League holders should his game time start to suffer.
In line with the reoccurrence of the January transfer window, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea are thought to be interested in landing Luka Modric should the opportunity present itself any time soon. The midfielder worked with the current Blues’ boss during Mourinho’s time in Madrid, and would certainly give the likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard another pair of magical feet to play with.
Although Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic have already developed a pretty solid midfield partnership down at Stamford Bridge this season, the addition of Luka Modric could only help Chelsea’s cause, even if it means some of Mourinho’s fringe players, such as John Obi Mikel, are finally moved on.
Manchester United, with their obscenely expensive summer spending habits, are another Premier League side thought to be interested in landing the Croatian. As Louis van Gaal also has a collection of strong midfielders to choose from, including Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata, Old Trafford would be an equally surprising destination for Luka Modric should such a deal take place. The Croatian would nevertheless fit in well at United, and likely demand a first team spot through his performances.
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Whilst the Croatian hot-shot is rumoured to be valued at an overwhelming estimate of £48 million, neither the Blues or the Red Devils have been put off by steep transfer sums in the past.
Whatever the future hold for Madrid’s no. 19, expect the former Spurs man to continue his fine form on the pitch for several years to come. Whether it be in the Premier League with either Chelsea or Manchester United, or under the constant success of Real Madrid, Luka Modric will continue to be one of Europe’s most sought after and highly valued players regardless of his eventual destination.
John Terry has reminded Harry Kane he is yet to achieve anything in the game ahead of Sunday’s Capital One Cup final at Wembley, reports the Daily Star.
Kane has been one of the stars of the Premier League season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions to help Mauricio Pochettino’s men make the Wembley showpiece, as well as moving to within three points of the top four.
The England under-21 striker was particularly impressive during Tottenham’s 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Years, Day, scoring two goals and creating two others on a day to forget for Terry and Chelsea.
Kane will renew his battle with Chelsea tomorrow as the London rivals go head-to-head for the first silverware of the season, and Terry has aimed a cheeky dig at Tottenham’s star man in the build up.
Terry said: “He has got to be able to do that year after year – and for England I hope he does.
“It is great to see young players coming through and getting their opportunities and staying in the squad so if he keeps scoring there’s no reason why he can’t stay in.
“He is a very good player. His movement is fantastic and he is in great goal-scoring form. But there’s still a long way to go.”
Terry has also played down talk Chelsea will be looking for revenge following their 5-3 defeat last month, pointing to the fact the Blues beat Tottenham 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in early December.
He said: “Everyone is rattling on about that. But for me it was fairly comfortable for us at the Bridge when we won 3-0.
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“Listen, you do get beat throughout the season, it’s not our only defeat this season. Obviously at the time we were disappointed but you move on and bounce back the following week.
“So I don’t see it as a revenge thing, ‘Oh we have to beat them because they beat us 5-3! We also remember we beat them 3-0. That’s football. “
In Angel Di Maria’s maiden season with Manchester United the Argentine has had very mixed fortunes. He started the season full of confidence, but now cuts a very lost figure. As the season comes to an end and clubs naturally look to the summer window, there is already speculation as to whether Di Maria will still be at United for next season.
Signed for a then British record of £59.7million, Di Maria joined United in August of last year. After four successful years at Real Madrid, which included winning La Decima, their highly coveted 10th Champions League trophy, Di Maria left the Spanish giants in order to find more playing time.
With the legendary number seven on his shirt Di Maria appeared to be fitting into his role quite nicely, even picking up United’s Player of the Month award for September and further confirming his positive impact during his first few months at the club.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury suffered in late November put the player on the side-lines where he made only one substitute appearance from the following seven fixtures.
Since returning from that injury. Di Maria isn’t quite the same player who had previously been a highlight of United’s midfield. A lack of form on field and a burglary at his Manchester home made for a bad start to 2015. Then the typically composed Di Maria received a red card for an altercation with referee Michael Oliver and was slapped with a one match ban.
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The timing couldn’t have been worse as United were about to enter a difficult run of games that included Tottenham and Liverpool. Manager Louis van Gaal, who has been very supportive of the winger, took the opportunity to change the formation and opted for a 4-1-4-1 with Wayne Rooney up front and the regularly side-lined Juan Mata given the playmaker role. United performed exceptionally well with high accolades going to the Spaniard.
Even once Di Maria was available to play, Van Gaal chose to start with Mata for their trip to Anfield and Mata further reasserted his place as United’s playmaker by scoring two goals in their 2-1 win over top four rivals Liverpool.
Now during the international break United sit comfortably in fourth, but Di Maria’s future remains uncertain. The Argentina international came to United with the intention of playing regularly, but if Van Gaal continues to favour Mata or in form Ashley Young then the Argentine may quickly feel the need to throw in the towel.
Sources say that if Di Maria does decide that his United experiment was a failure then the club are ready to offer Paris Saint Germain’s Edinson Cavani a route in to to English football.
This sounds like crazy talk. Di Maria signed a huge five-and-a-half year deal just seven months ago and he has at times shown exactly why the club forked out so much for him. Cavani is having his own problems at PSG and a deal may suit him, but with only eight Ligue 1 goals this season, one more than Di Maria, what would they really be getting? United are better off persuading Di Maria to hold tight for at least one more season.
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Van Gaal’s side had been crying out for more creativity in their midfield and now that they have these two top players in Di Maria and Mata, they need to keep them and find a way to get them both playing together. It is only because Di Maria’s form has dipped and United are so close to qualifying for Europe why Van Gaal doesn’t want to mess with a winning formula.
But Cavani, nor anyone else that United are supposedly lining up, are no replacement for the vision and quality of Angel Di Maria and United would be foolish to think otherwise.
It’s already looking like a busy summer is in store at Old Trafford after it was announced that PSV star Memphis Depay will be on his way to the club having agreed a move this week.
The news comes just a fortnight after claims that Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is also set for a move to Manchester United as the Red Devils continue their preparation for next season and their impending return to the Champions League.
But alongside these new arrivals, there are sure to be some high profile departures from United this summer and a few of the big names could well be on their way out of the club if reports are to be believed.
Three defeats on the bounce has highlighted the fact there is still plenty of work to be done before Louis van Gaal’s side can realistically challenge for the league title, and the sale of some of his superstars could well be part of the plan.
With this in mind, here a five United stars who may be set to leave the club this summer.
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Angel Di Maria
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for United this year has been the performances of their record signing Angel Di Maria, who has failed to justify his £59.7m price tag.
It’s hard to think this is the same player who picked up the Man of the Match award in last year’s Champions League final, but the Argentine has really struggled to adapt to the English game, and has found himself limited to substitute appearances in recent months.
The arrival of Depay has only increased speculation that his United future could be under threat, and with PSG keen on signing the midfielder; his time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end.
Javier Hernandez
Even with the recent goal drought that has seen the Red Devils go three games in succession without scoring, the future of Javier Hernandez looks like it will be away from Old Trafford.
The Mexican has endured a frustrating campaign on loan at Real Madrid, but has finally been given a run in the side thanks to injury to Karim Benzema, a period where he has struck some vital goals including the winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
This might not be enough to save his United career, however, and having been linked to a number of clubs it seems like he will be playing his football elsewhere come next season.
Radamel Falcao
Another striker who looks set to leave Old Trafford is on-loan Monaco man Radamel Falcao. The Colombian has endured a difficult season to say the least since arriving in England and has only managed four goals in a lacklustre campaign.
He looks a shadow of his former self after struggling for form and fitness, and having failed to gain a consistent run in the side it’s hard to see United making his move a permanent one in the summer.
Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie was an integral part of the United team not so long ago, but having performed so well without him when he was injured, they may have come to the conclusion that they can do without the Dutch star.
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Van Persie endured a torrid afternoon on his return from injury last weekend, missing a penalty that proved costly in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom.
He is another who has struggled at times this season, and with Wayne Rooney undermining his credentials as the best forward in United’s ranks, selling the former Arsenal man has now become a realistic possibility.
David de Gea
One man the club will certainly not want to lose is their goalkeeper David de Gea who has once again been terrific this season.
The Spanish shot stopper has saved his team on numerous occasions this term, and is a big reason why his side are still on course to qualify for the Champions League.
But amid huge interest from Real Madrid, the club could be set to lose him in the near future and will hope to wrap up negotiations on a new contract sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t lose another star to the Spanish giants.
Any football fan will claim they’re the best fan of their club in the world.
But how do you measure that sort if thing?
Arsenal’s official car and van rental partner Europcar have decided to go in search of the Gunners’ Fan of the Season and after getting over 1,000 fantastic entries, they’ve managed to whittle it down to just four die hard Gooners.
Now it’s the public’s turn to vote for you they think is Arsenal’s Fan of the Season. The winner will win tickets to Arsenal’s first home game of next season, chauffeur service to and from the match and a signed 2014/2015 home shirt.
Have a look at the entries below and then visit Europcar’s Fan of the Season site to place your vote.
Graham Parkes
Being a father was never going to stand in the way of Graham’s chance to witness Arsenal end a nine year trophy drought.
Graham missed the birth of his daughter to be at Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Hull last season. And his missus was absolutely fine about it.
Fair play.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR GRAHAM
Ernie Crouch
You always hear of fans that travel to see their club home and away, over land and sea, without fail.
But Ernie has done just that for over 80 years. And it’s not just the first team matches Ernie watches live. He also goes to the ladies, U19s and reserve matches.
He turns 90 in July. Absolute hero.
CLICK HERE TO VORE FOR ERNIE
John Williamson
You can never watch too much football, right? Well, if you’re John, you simply can’t watch enough if it.
Mr. Williamson has attended a staggering 106 Arsenal (home and away) matches this season. That includes friendlies, Premier League, cups, reserve and youth team matches. He’s on course to break his own record of watching live 117 matches in one season this term.
Now that’s dedication.
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CLICK HERE TO VORE FOR JOHN
Bev Edwards
Bev is disabled and can’t get to every game, but when she does get to the Emirates she ensure she makes the most of it. The last time Bev went to watch the Gunners (against Chelsea), she took 992 photos.
She even had the ultimate privilege of having Gunnersaurus at her wedding, where he danced the night away with her guests. Superb.
Bojan Krkic made his return to the Stoke City first team last Saturday as he featured in their 2-0 friendly defeat against Brentford.
The 24-year-old former Barcelona playmaker has not featured for the Potters after he suffered a serious knee injury in January against Rochdale in the FA Cup.
The road to recovery and first team football at that point seemed a long, long away for the attacking midfielder. However, after successfully coming through rehabilitation he is back well ahead of schedule, which is a huge positive for Stoke ahead of the new season.
The diminutive Spaniard showed why he played for Barcelona on occasions last term, and upon his pre-season return he netted a classy, dipping volley. The youngster oozed quality and settled well to life in the Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a vital member of Mark Hughes’ team quicker than most would of expected.
Bojan proved a former Barca player could well do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke. However, the injury curtailed his first season in England, and what an impressive debut season it could’ve been for the midfielder. But now he will be like a new signing for Hughes ahead of the upcoming season.
When he played last season he made a real difference for Stoke. His guile, class and graceful style allowed him to drop into pockets of space in front of the opposition defences, where he could affect the game by creating chances with his vision and passing ability, or score goals through his good accurate shooting and his ability to dribble at opposing defenders and ghost past players.
That is what he will give Hughes’ men, which is a vital attribute to have in the Premier League and a player who can do such things is a vital commodity for any team lucky enought to find them. And in Bojan, Stoke certainly have their man.
He has the ability and quality to be one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League, and now that he is fit after months of injury he will have the chance to show that. He has the quality and ability of a luxury player, however Bojan is no luxury.
I would expect to see the attacker to build on his good first half of last season and get even better over the course of the season, scoring goals and getting assists for Stoke as they look to improve under Hughes.
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He will quickly become the vital cog and member of Hughes’ side as the season progresses.