Keane relieved the hype is over

[POL]

By Luke Edwards, The Journal



After the hype and international attention that came with his appointment, Darren Ward believes Roy Keane is far more comfortable at Sunderland now that he can concentrate on trying to get the club back into the Premiership.

Despite spending more than 10 years as captain of Manchester United, the most famous club in Europe, Keane does not appear to enjoy the glitz and glamour that comes with his profession.

But, having faced a barrage of media attention following his first managerial appointment on Wearside, the Black Cats have steadily begun to claw their way up the Championship table on the back of a five-game unbeaten run while Keane has quietly grown into the job.

"I don't think the league table really reflects the run that we've been on," said Ward, who became Sunderland first-choice goalkeeper when Keane decided to drop England Under-21 international Ben Alnwick. "We've been working hard and we've been getting our rewards.

attention his appointment brought, but I imagine it's true that he is quite happy to do things quietly.


"The way he goes about his business and conducts himself around the building, I don't think he favours all the razzmatazz and hype that we saw earlier this season. It could well be in our interests that all of that is starting to die down a little bit."


It has been less than a month since Sunderland were hovering just above the relegation zone and in danger of losing touch with the play-off places.


But, as Keane started to get rid of the players he did not think were up to the job on Wearside, Sunderland's results have steadily improved. The hard-fought 1-0 win over Norwich City at the weekend has put them just five points behind sixth-placed Burnley and Ward feels there is a gradually growing momentum behind them.


He said: "I think there's a collective belief that, each game we go out there, there's a great chance we're going to keep a clean sheet and a great chance we're going to score.


"With the ability and firepower we have in our team we're always going to create chances. Put those two things together and it's a recipe for winning football matches. The squad is strong and the run that we've been on can only have backed our confidence up.


"If we hadn't been on that run for the last five games, it might have been interesting to have seen where we would have been. We have to take the positives out of that. We move on and this weekend against Luton Town is a great opportunity to secure another three points.


"It's against a team that had a fantastic result against Preston last weekend so we'll be on our guard, but it gives us an opportunity to move closer to that last play-off berth. We're only five points adrift, so that's an achievable goal.


"It's very important that we keep things in the context that it is, because we're still five points off. We need to keep on working hard and striving for success together."


Ward's performances in goal have played important role in Sunderland's recent run, with a man-of-the-match display in the 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers the pick of the bunch. But, at 32, Ward is experienced enough not to get too carried away with his recent success.


He said: "It's gone great for me, there's no getting away from that. I've made a couple of good saves that seem to have been highlighted. I keep saying to the lads, `This is how I play - get used to it'. But I don't think they believe me!


"It's been going great, but we all know that if you get carried away in this game, there'll be a setback just around the corner. I'm prepared to accept the accolades now, but that means I'll also have to be prepared to accept the criticism when it inevitably comes along.


"It's how you react to something like that determines your character. Hopefully, I'll be able to deal with both parts of the job the same."

[Sound]

Reading between the lines, the march to the playoffs is now unstoppable for Sunderland Ramblers.

[BangorFeen]

Who knows. But is he rattled? Badly?

Watch this space...

[markinmanc]

The Journal is a m*g rag and not to be trusted.

[POL]

"It's how you react to something like that determines your character. Hopefully, I'll be able to deal with both parts of the job the same."

Now he knows how Mick felt in Saipain. The Prick.

[Sound]

"It's how you react to something like that determines your character. Hopefully, I'll be able to deal with both parts of the job the same."

Now he knows how Mick felt in Saipain. The Prick.

Ooh, feel the bitterness!

It'll be a hard time in your house when the Sunderland Shamrocks playoff bandwagon rolls into town.

[STEVIEG]

Another win from a losing position he really is turning things around
They are only a few points off the play-off positions now Keane is doing really well to be fair

[MonTheHoops]

"It's how you react to something like that determines your character. Hopefully, I'll be able to deal with both parts of the job the same."

Now he knows how Mick felt in Saipain. The Prick.

Was the keeper in Saipan or did you just read the headline and skim the rest?

Poor show POL you headline-reading charlatan.

[parrotbait]

Yeah isn't it the keeper who is saying that quote??! obsessed

[xvis]

Was the keeper in Saipan or did you just read the headline and skim the rest?

Poor show POL you headline-reading charlatan.


another bad error, ..well spotted.

[STEVIEG]

heh heh

[Sound]

The Shamrocks are ahead of Wolves now- the civil war is over!

Lads in Cork jerseys around Ri-Roy after the game looking for autographs.

Bring on the cup!

[STEVIEG]

Pol will have to log out as Edmund Balckwater and re-log so lets give him a few minutes........

[Sound]

Pol will have to log out as Edmund Balckwater and re-log so lets give him a few minutes........

He's as subtle as a kick in the goolies

[MonTheHoops]

Charlton relishing United title tilt
Sir Bobby Charlton believes one of the most famous chapters in Manchester United's illustrious history might be about to be written.


Charlton was speaking on the day Manchester United's official Opus was launched.

The unique 850-page, 37kg Opus chronicles United's past, right from their earliest days as Newton Heath until the present day.

Two years in construction, it is the first book of its kind ever to be created around a football club and publishers are confident the entire 10,000 print run, including 500 'icons' versions will prove popular, despite its £3,000 minimum asking price.

Yet, as Charlton acknowledged, the Opus could be missing a major story by next May if United can suppress the threat of Chelsea to claim their 16th league championship.

After a weekend of drama at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, Sir Alex Ferguson's men now stand eight points clear of the back-to-back title winners.

And, even though Chelsea still have a game in hand, for the first time since Jose Mourinho arrived in England, United are favourites to finish the campaign as top dogs.

"I wouldn't say winning the title this season would be the greatest achievement in Manchester United history but it would be the most pleasant," he said.

"When you come up against someone like Chelsea, who appear to have the finance to be able to buy anyone who is available, it is going to be difficult to finish above them.

"I wouldn't say we were an underdog but they just seem to collect players. We don't have the type of unlimited finance to be able to match that and we cannot put an excessive burden on our supporters in terms of ticket prices, so to win the league this season would rate very highly indeed.

"I really do believe there is a strong feeling for us to do it this season and part of that is because of the way we play and the exciting players we have in our team."

The mere fact United were chosen as the subject matter for such an elaborate project emphasises their global appeal, placing into perspective the somewhat optimistic claim of Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon that the London outfit will be the biggest club in the world by 2014.

With chapters on all the significant periods in United history, including three dedicated to the Sir Alex Ferguson era alone, every aspect of the Red Devils past is covered in the 40,000 words and 2,000 stunning pictures which comprise a literally weighty tome.

Charlton's club record 759 appearances mean he has played a part in more moments of glory than most, including the history European Cup triumph in 1968, just 10 years after the Munich Air Disaster wiped out eight of his team-mates.

"The story of Manchester United is magnificent," he said.

"I am not going to criticise Peter Kenyon. He can say what he likes. But being a big club is about more than just winning a league title or two.

"I will never forget in my early days at the club, Sir Matt Busby telling us we had a duty to play entertaining football because the people who came to watch us did so because they wanted a pleasurable escape from the factory floor.

"That feeling has endured to this day. Go back through the magnificent attacking players we have had and it is clear Manchester United is a club sprinkled with stardust."

For all the legendary names who have appeared for United in recent times, you have to trawl back to the glorious times Charlton enjoyed alongside Denis Law and George Best to think of a time when the Old Trafford club really boasted the best players in the world.

However, in Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Charlton feels they have two players who could, in time, become the finest on the planet.

"Those two lads do things I would never even dream of," he said.

"When Cristiano first came to us, he was a bit frustrating but he is learning, just as Wayne is. They will not be denied and you cannot help but marvel at the things they do.

"When people talk about watching United now, the first thing they say is how excited they are about Ronaldo and Rooney. That is how it has always been at our club.

"We have always wanted to be the best, have the best players and the best facilities, provide the best entertainment.

"The legacy is there and when you look at the club now, I am totally confident it is in safe hands."



Typical Ferguson. Can't keep his trap shut!

[AmadeusDC]

.

[STEVIEG]

Typical Ferguson. Can't keep his trap shut!


:):):):)


HENRY FUMING OVER WEST HAM RESULT
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has criticised Chelsea for putting referee Alan Wiley under pressure by repeatedly surrounding him in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

When Ashley Cole received a first-half booking, a number of Chelsea players grouped round Wiley and Blues boss Jose Mourinho marched down the touchline.

"They should respect the referee more," Gilberto told BBC Radio Five Live.

"All their fouls there were two, three, four players around the referee putting him under pressure.


In the second half, following an incident involving Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Wiley waved away a number of Blues players as the referee spoke to his linesmen.

Gilberto added: "It's not good because the referee tried to do his best. If he is under pressure it is much more difficult.

"They know the referee was doing his job very, very well.

"Especially when Ashley Cole got booked, they tried to put him under pressure to book our players. It's not the kind of game everybody wants to see."

Chelsea captain John Terry is currently facing a Football Association improper conduct charge following comments he made about referee Graham Poll.

Terry claimed Poll had given him conflicting reasons for his second yellow card in the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham on 5 November.

He has until 15 December to respond to the charge.

[MonTheHoops]

Egg in a scramble for Curbs as boss

Former Charlton chief Alan Curbishley is the red-hot favourite to replace the sacked Alan Pardew as West Ham boss at Upton Park.


New Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson decided to end Pardew's tenure in the East End on Monday afternoon - and wants to appoint his successor before the January transfer window opens.

Curbishley is currently out of work and was linked with the managerial jobs at West Brom and Leeds - but after he admitted he would only be interested in managing another top-flight club, they appointed Tony Mowbray and Dennis Wise respectively.

Curbishley's stock has risen since he left The Valley as the Addicks have plunged into a relegation battle following his exit, with his successor Iain Dowie sacked and Les Reed now in charge.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is the second favourite with most bookies, while other names in the hat are George Graham, Glenn Hoddle, Dowie, David O'Leary and Claudio Ranieri.

Romanov just keeps sacking managers. When will he learn?

[xvis]

Typical Ferguson. Can't keep his trap shut!

..is this the new fitzy? ...or Darren Ward if you will. ....wardy anyone?

[STEVIEG]

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi is backing the club's coaching staff and players to turn around the club's lowly position.

The Rossoneri have drawn their last two league outings and won just one of their last seven Serie A fixtures.

Berlusconi believes key defensive injuries are hampering their progress and that they are still reeling from their eight-point penalty for their part in the match-fixing scandal.

"We have nine players out injured and are missing key defenders. There is no Cafu and Serginho who have been fundamental in the past," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Our game is not very effective because we're not finishing right now. But we're not blaming the coach or the players, it's only a picture of our current situation.

"Everything has stemmed from the big injustice in the summer that negatively affected our season."

Meanwhile, Berlusconi would love to see Andrei Shevchenko back at the San Siro, but not does believe Chelsea will let him leave.

"If it was down to me I'd take him back immediately," he continued. "You can't forget Sheva wanted to leave.

"To tell the truth, I think it would be difficult because I don't think Chelsea would allow him to leave."



Staunton upbeat ahead of Irelands next qualifiers

[STEVIEG]

..is this the new fitzy? ...or Darren Ward if you will. ....wardy anyone?


Wardy it is:)
Who wants to officially unveil the new thread?
MTH I think you deserve the honour!

[MonTheHoops]

..is this the new fitzy? ...or Darren Ward if you will. ....wardy anyone?

The Wardy Award http://209.85.12.234/1642/181/emo/notworthy.gif

[AmadeusDC]

Alan Pardew has revealed he is proud of his achievements at Upton Park, after being sacked by West Ham United on Monday.

After just over three years in charge of the club, Pardew was dismissed with The Hammers embroiled in a relegation scrap.

During his time at the helm, Pardew led the club back into the Premiership and to the FA Cup final, where his side were just moments away from beating Liverpool.

But this season has turned sour for Pardew and the recent takeover at West Ham has brought with it increased expectations.

The end came for Pardew with a 4-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, but he remains proud of his Hammers tenure.

"I am proud of my achievements at West Ham United," said Pardew in a statement on the club's official website.

"When I took the helm they were in the Championship and struggling to find direction. In two consecutive seasons we qualified for the play-off final, ultimately achieving the Premiership status the club so richly deserve.

"I am also proud of our first season back in the top flight in which we finished ninth and came so close to winning the FA Cup.

"The supporters have stood by me and I will always cherish memories of their support and loyalty during the difficulties of this season.

"I am proud most of all of the players, many of whom have developed into top Premiership performers under the tutelage of myself and my backroom staff.

"The coaching and medical staff at Upton Park are second to none and I want to wish the new chairman Eggert Magnusson and the club every success for the future."







Ian Dowie is is very courteous despite losing his managerial position.

-AmaduesDC-

[STEVIEG]

David Trezeguet insists he does not want to talk about a new contract at Juventus, saying he is just concentrating on helping the club back to Serie A.

The French international has been linked with a move away from Turin since the former Italian champions were demoted in the summer for their role in the refereeing scandal which rocked the sport in Italy.

A host of big names departed, but the likes of Trezeguet and Gianluigi Buffon stayed put.

Juve, who despite starting the season on minus nine points, are top of Serie B and are firm favourites to go back up.

They are now looking to secure their top players on extended deals including Trezeguet - but he insists now is not the time.

"The contract extension? For the moment I do not have my mind on this problem," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"Now we are only interested in Serie A, then everyone will make their choices."

Real Madrid and Lyon have both been strongly linked in recent weeks and Trezeguet admits they both wanted him this summer.

"I have a big feeling with Capello. He wanted me at Juve and I think he would have wanted me at Real too," he said.

"Lyon? It's true also. But Juve said no because they had already decided to keep me.

"It wasn't a money matter, but the club's choice."

Trezeguet also says that although he is enjoying his stay in Serie B, he is being penalised for playing below the top-flight.

"From a human point of view Serie B is a new experience, but technically and visibly, it's another world," he said.

"Am I penalised from this with my national team? Obviously yes. At the World Cup Raymond Domenech chose a one striker option and that was Henry.

"Now we have a different side and I think the fact I play in Serie B it penalises me."

Trezeguet has welcomed the recent link Juve had with Miroslav Klose - suggesting that he is the sort of the player the Bianconeri need if they want to recapture the Serie A crown next term.

"We need real strengthening in all the three lines," he continued.

"We are a competitive side in Serie B but to win the Scudetto we need something else. Klose? These are the types of players we need. I like Klose a lot."




Shevchenko vows to fight for his place at Chelsea

[STEVIEG]

Bump

No sign of Wardy in this thread for awhile:)

[STEVIEG]

Bump

[Teknique]

David Trezeguet insists he does not want to talk about a new contract at Juventus, saying he is just concentrating on helping the club back to Serie A.




That has to be the best answer ever to the "I want to wait and see if get promoted first before I sign shit, cos I'm out the gap if we dont " question

[AmadeusDC]

TAYLOR STILL HUNGRY FOR TITLE
Tuesday 12th December 2006

Phil Taylor is as focused as ever on conquering the world of darts once again at the Circus Tavern - and he could even have the royal seal of approval in Purfleet this year.

'The Power' will be going for a 14th World Championship title this Christmas, and he is still as hungry as ever to be crowned the world's best in Purfleet.

Christmas is always an exciting time for a dart player, as it signals the start of the World Championship, and Taylor says the feeling of victory at the Circus Tavern is beyond comparison.

“Christmas is the World Championships and that's been my life for the last 18 years,” said Taylor.

“I say to the missus 'you go and do the shopping, go buy the prezzies' and then she leaves me alone, she knows what I'm like.

“Obviously coming up towards the World Championships you start getting a little bit edgy. It's like, switch the television on, switch it off, turn it over, put the radio on, do this, do that, it's just because you're getting ready.

“When you look around the room and everyone's standing up, sometimes they sing to you, you can't explain it, you've got to be there and soak it in.

“It's the times when you get beaten and you watch someone else do it, that's when you realise what an achievement it was.”

Taylor has been known to have a famous friend or two as a result of the fame his dominance of the sport has brought him - but that could reach new heights this year.

Taylor says that he discovered Zara Phillips and her brother Peter were both keen darts follower after recently meeting the daughter of Princess Anne - and has invited both royals to watch him play in Purfleet.

”We have asked them both to come along,” said Taylor. “They love darts and they were so knowledgeable about it. I even spoke to Peter this morning and, you never know, maybe the will come down.

“When I first started in this sport I could never imagine that one day I would be inviting the Queen's granddaughter to watch me play.

“Zara is a lovely girl to talk to. I expected her to be a little bit posh but she wasn't. She was so down to earth. “I did ask if her grandmother watches it but she wasn't quite sure and said she would find out.”


Eric Bristow still feels like he can win the big one this year.

-AmadeusDC-

[STEVIEG]

Milan can't believe that Liverpool came back to win

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6181787.stm

[Sound]

Another performance full of Irish grit and stick-to-it-iveness! Six out of seven now for Roy's Ramblers.

I am drafting a letter to the SFA, FA and FAI to propose a baseball style best of seven series of matches between old guard Celtic and the proper Irish team of the Celtic tiger- Sunderland. It will make a nice gift to the fans after putting Mick's rabble to the sword in the final of the playoffs and we'll gladly pay Sky on a Premplus style basis.

Get in on the ground floor lads, this thing is unstoppable.