49:07

Stephen Elliott provided the assist for the goal.

48:33

Corner taken right-footed by Daniel Grainger to the near post,

60:30

Ryan McGowan sends in a cross, save made by Jamie MacDonald.

57:58

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Daniel Grainger by Ivan Sproule. Jamie MacDonald takes the direct free kick.

57:17

James McPake delivers the ball, clearance made by Ryan McGowan.

56:03

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Leigh Griffiths played to the near post, Andy Webster makes a clearance.

55:54

Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. Blocked by Andy Webster.

54:08

The ball is delivered by Rudi Skacel, Lewis Stevenson manages to make a clearance.

54:00

A cross is delivered by Leigh Griffiths, Ryan McGowan makes a clearance.

53:10 Substitution

Substitution Eoin Doyle is brought on as a substitute for Garry O’Connor.

52:15

Ian Black delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, clearance made by James McPake.

52:15 Booking

Booking Matt Doherty receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

52:06

Andrew Driver fouled by Matt Doherty, the ref awards a free kick.

51:05

Corner from the right by-line taken by Ian Black, Header by Marius Zaliukas from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.

49:07

Assist by Rudi Skacel.

49:07 Goal scored

Goal – Ryan McGowan – Hibernian 1 – 4 Hearts Ryan McGowan finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Hibernian 1-4 Hearts.

48:33

Daniel Grainger takes the outswinging corner,

48:26

Andrew Driver produces a cross, Matt Doherty gets a block in.

47:55

Garry O’Connor produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post.

47:02

The assist for the goal came from Suso Santana.

47:02 Goal scored

Goal – Daniel Grainger – Hibernian 1 – 3 Hearts Daniel Grainger scores a placed penalty. Hibernian 1-3 Hearts.

46:11 Dismissal

Dismissal Pa Saikou Kujabi dismissed for second bookable offence.

45:40

Penalty awarded for a foul by Pa Saikou Kujabi on Suso Santana.

45:01

The second half kicks off.

45:00 +1:10 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.

45:00 +0:57

Ivan Sproule sends in a cross, Daniel Grainger gets a block in.

45:00 +0:08

Foul by Stephen Elliott on James McPake, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Mark Brown.

44:03

Ian Black challenges Leigh Griffiths unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Tom Soares, save made by Jamie MacDonald.

43:41

Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Elliott on Paul Hanlon. James McPake takes the free kick.

42:31

Foul by Andy Webster on Garry O’Connor, free kick awarded. Tom Soares crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel, clearance by Ryan McGowan.

41:30 Substitution

Substitution Ivan Sproule on for Jorge Claros.

40:25

Tom Soares provided the assist for the goal.

40:25 Goal scored

Goal – James McPake – Hibernian 1 – 2 Hearts James McPake scores a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 1-2 Hearts.

40:18

Centre by Tom Soares,

39:45

Outswinging corner taken by Tom Soares from the right by-line played to the near post.

39:30

A cross is delivered by Lewis Stevenson, Effort from 12 yards by Leigh Griffiths. Blocked by Daniel Grainger.

38:47

The ball is crossed by Darren Barr.

38:37

A cross is delivered by Ryan McGowan.

38:01

Free kick awarded for a foul by Leigh Griffiths on Jamie MacDonald. Jamie MacDonald takes the direct free kick.

37:08

Darren Barr takes a shot. Save by Mark Brown.

34:52

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Darren Barr, clearance made by Tom Soares.

34:35

Effort from 12 yards by Suso Santana. Blocked by James McPake.

34:30

Andrew Driver crosses the ball, clearance by Paul Hanlon.

32:20

Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Daniel Grainger, Garry O’Connor makes a clearance.

32:15

The ball is swung over by Andrew Driver, James McPake manages to make a clearance.

30:32

Pa Saikou Kujabi delivers the ball, Effort on goal by Garry O’Connor from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.

29:26

The ball is swung over by Marius Zaliukas, clearance made by Matt Doherty.

28:37

Free kick awarded for a foul by Isaiah Osbourne on Ian Black. Daniel Grainger delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing, clearance by Matt Doherty.

26:26

The assist for the goal came from Ian Black.

26:26 Goal scored

Goal – Rudi Skacel – Hibernian 0 – 2 Hearts A goal is scored by Rudi Skacel from just inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Hibernian 0-2 Hearts.

25:20

Centre by Daniel Grainger, clearance made by Isaiah Osbourne.

24:55

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Elliott by James McPake. Free kick taken by Daniel Grainger.

24:29

The offside flag is raised against Rudi Skacel. Free kick taken by Mark Brown.

24:14

Darren Barr delivers the ball, clearance by James McPake.

23:31

Ian Black fouled by Jorge Claros, the ref awards a free kick. Daniel Grainger takes the free kick.

22:16

Isaiah Osbourne challenges Daniel Grainger unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jamie MacDonald restarts play with the free kick.

20:49

Foul by Rudi Skacel on Lewis Stevenson, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed by Leigh Griffiths.

20:11

The ball is crossed by Andrew Driver.

17:59

Shot by Andy Webster. Save by Mark Brown.

16:55

The free kick is delivered left-footed by Daniel Grainger from right wing, clearance by Matt Doherty.

16:55 Booking

Booking The referee shows Pa Saikou Kujabi a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

16:48

Free kick awarded for a foul by Pa Saikou Kujabi on Suso Santana.

16:03

Tom Soares takes the outswinging corner, clearance by Darren Barr.

15:13

Pa Saikou Kujabi fouled by Suso Santana, the ref awards a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Tom Soares, save by Jamie MacDonald.

14:19

Ryan McGowan provided the assist for the goal.

14:19 Goal scored

Goal – Darren Barr – Hibernian 0 – 1 Hearts Darren Barr scores a goal from deep inside the penalty area low into the middle of the goal. Hibernian 0-1 Hearts.

13:38

Ryan McGowan takes a shot. Blocked by Matt Doherty.

13:21

Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Daniel Grainger.

12:59

The ball is sent over by Andrew Driver, Matt Doherty gets a block in.

12:26

Garry O’Connor challenges Ian Black unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Ian Black.

11:15

Centre by Andrew Driver.

10:34

The referee blows for offside. Andy Webster takes the free kick.

8:52

The ball is swung over by Daniel Grainger, clearance made by Paul Hanlon. Leigh Griffiths fouled by Ian Black, the ref awards a free kick. Mark Brown restarts play with the free kick.

8:16

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Suso Santana by Lewis Stevenson. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Grainger.

6:51

The assistant referee signals for offside against Leigh Griffiths. Free kick taken by Jamie MacDonald.

5:25

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Suso Santana by Isaiah Osbourne. Jamie MacDonald takes the direct free kick.

4:16

Foul by Stephen Elliott on James McPake, free kick awarded. Mark Brown takes the direct free kick.

1:32

Unfair challenge on Marius Zaliukas by Isaiah Osbourne results in a free kick. Marius Zaliukas takes the direct free kick.

0:00

The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044372

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to listen to an offer from Aston Villa if they make contact with him again, but is happy to “stand by” the remaining two years of his contract with Molde.

Solskjaer, his wife Silje and agent Jim Solbakken were flown by private jet from their home town of Kristiansund to Birmingham for a four-hour meeting with Villa representatives on Friday. They returned to Norway to learn that Molde’s billionaire backer Kjell Inge Rokke had pulled the plug on his company’s 20-year support as a result of the meeting.

Solskjaer defended his handling of the affair, and said: “It’s up to Aston Villa whether there’s anything more. I’ve only spoken with them and expect them to speak to more people. They’re looking for a new manager. If they make contact, I’ll make a decision then.” He jokingly added: “But I won’t wait for a private jet.”

He indicated he would be happy to remain with Molde, and said in comments reported by the Norwegian media: “I have not had any offers. I’m not looking for another job. In football, and in life in general, things turn up that you have to make decisions about. I have a contract for two more years and I’ll stand by that.”

Solskjaer suggested after his meeting with Villa that the talks had been nothing more than an “initial, informal chat”, but the trip appeared to upset Rokke, who is the chairman and a major shareholder in industrial investment firm Aker.

A statement to newspaper Romsdals Budstikke on behalf of Rokke’s business questioned Solskjaer’s decision to speak to Villa after the coach missed a training session with Molde in order to fly to England.

“I would have spoken with them (Villa) regardless, despite seeing the consequences of it,” he said. “I have to protect myself, my ambitions and my family. I’ve said for a long time I have ambitions of being a Premier League manager but I hadn’t expected to receive enquiries so soon. I’ve only been home for 18 months.

“But I’m not looking for another job. My children are happy here, my wife is happy, I’m happy and I’ve had some success.”

He added: “The communication could have been better and clearer, we see that with hindsight. But now we are where we are, it’s obvious we have to work together. The players are used to speculation about me. What is new is we have lost the backing from Aker ASA, which I understand has been discussed at length.

“Whether it’s coincidence or not, it’s happened now, we’ll get answers. I received a text from Rokke today and we’ll discuss it with each other soon.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/solskjaer-plans-to-stay-with-molde-72623/

70:40 Substitution

Substitution (Blackpool) makes a substitution, with Ludovic Sylvestre coming on for Kevin Phillips.

69:38

Corner taken left-footed by Thomas Ince from the right by-line, Ian Evatt takes a shot. Effort on goal by Alex Baptiste from deep inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.

69:19

Stephen Dobbie takes a shot. Mark Noble gets a block in.

66:52

Effort from deep inside the area by Stephen Dobbie misses to the left of the target.

65:44

Long distance shot from Matt Phillips misses to the left of the net.

62:36

Carlton Cole takes a shot. Save by Matthew Gilks.

61:05

Ricardo Vaz Te is caught offside. Matthew Gilks takes the indirect free kick.

59:04

Centre by Matthew Taylor, Shot by Jack Collison from deep inside the six-yard box clear the bar.

55:29

Free kick taken by Matthew Gilks.

55:29 Substitution

Substitution (West Ham) makes a substitution, with Julien Faubert coming on for Guy Demel.

55:29

The assistant referee flags for offside against Ricardo Vaz Te.

54:57

Foul by Martinez Angel on Mark Noble, free kick awarded. Robert Green restarts play with the free kick.

54:23

Kevin Nolan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Crainey. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Crainey.

52:45 Substitution

Substitution George McCartney joins the action as a substitute, replacing Gary O’Neil.

52:00

Unfair challenge on Mark Noble by Barry Ferguson results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Robert Green.

51:09

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matt Phillips from the left by-line, comfortable save by Robert Green.

50:47

Neal Eardley crosses the ball, Winston Reid makes a clearance.

49:46

Corner taken by Matt Phillips from the left by-line, clearance by Winston Reid.

49:24

Alex Baptiste takes a shot. Clearance by Matthew Taylor.

48:18

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Barry Ferguson by Kevin Nolan. Matthew Gilks takes the free kick.

47:08

Assist by Matt Phillips.

47:08 Goal scored

Goal – Thomas Ince – Blackpool 1 – 1 West Ham Goal scored by Thomas Ince from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Blackpool 1-1 West Ham.

45:59

Stephen Crainey fouled by Jack Collison, the ref awards a free kick. Matthew Gilks takes the indirect free kick.

45:21

Free kick awarded for a foul by Alex Baptiste on Kevin Nolan. Free kick crossed left-footed by Matthew Taylor, Ian Evatt manages to make a clearance.

45:01

The referee gets the second half started.

45:00 +1:07 Half time

Half Time The whistle is blown to end the first half.

44:07

Carlton Cole concedes a free kick for a foul on Ian Evatt. Matthew Gilks takes the direct free kick.

42:14

Shot from just outside the area by Martinez Angel goes over the bar.

41:33

James Tomkins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Phillips. Neal Eardley takes the free kick.

40:48

The assistant referee flags for offside against Kevin Phillips. Robert Green takes the free kick.

37:16

Ricardo Vaz Te has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the target.

34:08

Matthew Taylor provided the assist for the goal.

34:08 Goal scored

Goal – Carlton Cole – Blackpool 0 – 1 West Ham Carlton Cole gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the six-yard box to the top left corner of the goal. Blackpool 0-1 West Ham.

32:56

Effort on goal by Stephen Crainey from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.

31:21

Corner from left by-line taken by Mark Noble.

30:57

Mark Noble takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance by Alex Baptiste.

30:24

Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Taylor, Alex Baptiste manages to make a clearance.

30:03

Inswinging corner taken by Mark Noble from the left by-line, save made by Matthew Gilks.

27:29

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Nolan on Kevin Phillips. Barry Ferguson takes the direct free kick.

26:08

Effort from the edge of the box by Jack Collison goes wide of the left-hand post.

25:27

Kevin Phillips is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Robert Green.

21:25

Carlton Cole has a headed effort from close range and clears the crossbar.

20:25

Barry Ferguson concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary O’Neil. James Tomkins restarts play with the free kick.

19:22

Effort from inside the area by Ricardo Vaz Te misses to the left of the goal.

14:47

Matt Phillips produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post.

13:24

Matt Phillips takes a shot. Save by Robert Green.

12:38

Carlton Cole is ruled offside. Alex Baptiste restarts play with the free kick.

9:51

Ricardo Vaz Te produces a cross.

5:11

The assistant referee flags for offside against Ricardo Vaz Te. Free kick taken by Alex Baptiste.

2:45

Stephen Dobbie takes a shot. Save by Robert Green.

1:00

Ricardo Vaz Te is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Ian Evatt.

0:00

The game gets underway.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044378

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Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/skacel-revels-in-cup-triumph-49653/

112:45

Shot from just outside the penalty area by Arjen Robben misses to the left of the target.

111:49

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Arjen Robben, Fernando Torres manages to make a clearance.

111:19

A cross is delivered by Philip Lahm, David Luiz makes a clearance.

110:09

The ball is crossed by Ivica Olic, save by Petr Cech.

108:57

Bastian Schweinsteiger delivers the ball, blocked by Fernando Torres.

107:28

Centre by Philip Lahm, Ivica Olic produces a left-footed shot from close range which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

107:14

Jerome Boateng takes a shot. Blocked by Jose Bosingwa.

106:37

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Toni Kroos from the left by-line, clearance by Didier Drogba.

105:01

The match restarts for the second half of extra time.

105:00 +0:56

Frank Lampard gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Diego Contento. Bastian Schweinsteiger delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left by-line, clearance by Didier Drogba.

104:50

The assistant referee signals for offside against Didier Drogba. Direct free kick taken by Manuel Neuer.

103:33

The ball is swung over by Frank Lampard, clearance by Jerome Boateng.

103:18

The ball is swung over by Fernando Torres, clearance made by Philip Lahm.

102:14

Jerome Boateng challenges Fernando Torres unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Mikel.

101:57

The referee gives a free kick against Arjen Robben for handball. Juan Mata restarts play with the free kick.

98:46

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jose Bosingwa by Ivica Olic. Jose Bosingwa restarts play with the free kick.

96:50

The ball is sent over by Philip Lahm, Jose Bosingwa gets a block in. Daniel Van Buyten takes a shot. Blocked by David Luiz. Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Arjen Robben, clearance by Frank Lampard.

96:04

Arjen Robben takes the direct free kick.

96:04 Substitution

Substitution Ivica Olic is brought on as a substitute for Franck Ribery.

96:04

David Luiz challenges Mario Gomez unfairly and gives away a free kick.

95:13

Effort on goal by Arjen Robben from just inside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the target.

94:51 Penalty

Placed penalty taken by Arjen Robben saved by Petr Cech. Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea.

93:16 Booking

Booking Didier Drogba receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

92:54

Didier Drogba gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Franck Ribery.

92:34

Toni Kroos takes a shot. Frank Lampard gets a block in.

91:08

Juan Mata takes a shot. Blocked by Jerome Boateng.

90:49

Frank Lampard takes a shot. Philip Lahm gets a block in.

90:25

Foul by Fernando Torres on Franck Ribery, free kick awarded. Diego Contento restarts play with the free kick.

90:00 +4:27

Normal time is of over and the game goes into extra time.

90:00 +2:59

Juan Mata fouled by Franck Ribery, the ref awards a free kick. Strike on goal comes in from Didier Drogba from the free kick.

90:00 +1:53

Mikel produces a cross, save by Manuel Neuer.

90:00 +0:31

Corner taken by Toni Kroos, clearance by Jose Bosingwa.

90:00 +0:15

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Blocked by David Luiz.

89:57

The ball is sent over by Toni Kroos, clearance made by David Luiz.

87:55

Assist by Juan Mata.

87:55 Goal scored

Goal – Didier Drogba – Bay Munich 1 – 1 Chelsea Didier Drogba finds the net with a headed goal from close range. Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea.

87:25

Inswinging corner taken by Juan Mata from the right by-line played to the near post,

87:09

Franck Ribery concedes a free kick for a foul on Jose Bosingwa. Free kick taken by Jose Bosingwa.

85:18

Arjen Robben takes the direct free kick.

85:18 Substitution

Substitution Thomas Muller goes off and Daniel Van Buyten comes on.

85:18 Booking

Booking Booking for David Luiz for unsporting behaviour.

85:06

David Luiz concedes a free kick for a foul on Arjen Robben.

84:08

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Save made by Petr Cech.

83:31

Manuel Neuer takes the direct free kick.

83:31 Substitution

Substitution Fernando Torres comes on in place of Salomon Kalou.

83:31

Didier Drogba gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jerome Boateng.

82:24

The assist for the goal came from Toni Kroos.

82:24 Goal scored

Goal – Thomas Muller – Bay Munich 1 – 0 Chelsea Thomas Muller finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Bayern Munich 1-0 Chelsea.

82:17

The ball is sent over by Toni Kroos,

81:39

The ball is swung over by Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.

81:06

Free kick taken by Philip Lahm.

81:06 Booking

Booking Ashley Cole is booked.

81:03

Thomas Muller fouled by Ashley Cole, the ref awards a free kick.

78:24

Unfair challenge on Toni Kroos by Salomon Kalou results in a free kick. Toni Kroos takes the direct free kick.

77:39

Effort from inside the area by Thomas Muller misses to the left of the goal.

76:46

Unfair challenge on Florent Malouda by Thomas Muller results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Petr Cech.

76:18

Drilled left-footed shot by Toni Kroos. Mikel gets a block in.

75:56

Arjen Robben takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Didier Drogba.

75:38

Corner taken by Arjen Robben from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Frank Lampard.

75:23

Franck Ribery crosses the ball, Petr Cech makes a save.

73:37

Gary Cahill fouled by Mario Gomez, the ref awards a free kick. Mikel takes the free kick.

73:17

Didier Drogba takes a shot. Save made by Manuel Neuer.

72:41 Substitution

Substitution Florent Malouda on for Ryan Bertrand.

72:22

The ball is sent over by Didier Drogba, clearance made by Diego Contento.

71:40

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.

71:24

A cross is delivered by Jose Bosingwa, clearance by Anatoliy Tymoschuk. Jose Bosingwa crosses the ball, Manuel Neuer makes a save.

69:45

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Diego Contento by Salomon Kalou. Toni Kroos delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, clearance by Frank Lampard.

69:34

Toni Kroos takes a shot. Blocked by Ashley Cole.

68:08

Arjen Robben takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance by Frank Lampard. Corner taken left-footed by Arjen Robben from the right by-line to the near post, David Luiz makes a clearance.

67:10

Shot from 20 yards by Arjen Robben. Blocked by Ryan Bertrand.

65:35

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Arjen Robben from the right by-line, save by Petr Cech.

65:21

A cross is delivered by Philip Lahm, Ashley Cole gets a block in.

63:50

Foul by Didier Drogba on Bastian Schweinsteiger, free kick awarded. Anatoliy Tymoschuk takes the direct free kick.

63:16

Shot from just outside the box by Franck Ribery misses to the left of the target.

62:12

The ball is delivered by Bastian Schweinsteiger, Petr Cech makes a comfortable save.

60:59

Toni Kroos produces a cross, clearance by Didier Drogba. Corner taken by Arjen Robben.

60:39

The ball is swung over by Thomas Muller, Ashley Cole gets a block in. Arjen Robben takes a short corner.

60:04

Juan Mata delivers the ball, Jerome Boateng manages to make a clearance.

58:53

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Ashley Cole gets a block in.

58:20

Diego Contento fouled by Salomon Kalou, the ref awards a free kick. Diego Contento takes the free kick.

57:33

Diego Contento fouled by Gary Cahill, the ref awards a free kick. Manuel Neuer restarts play with the free kick.

57:04

Toni Kroos gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Juan Mata. Free kick taken by Mikel.

55:53

Effort from outside the penalty box by Toni Kroos goes wide left of the goal.

55:15

Free kick awarded for a foul by David Luiz on Thomas Muller. Direct free kick taken by Arjen Robben.

53:06

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Ashley Cole gets a block in. The assistant referee signals for offside against Franck Ribery. Direct free kick taken by Petr Cech.

52:45

Didier Drogba takes a shot. Blocked by Jerome Boateng.

49:59

Long distance shot from Didier Drogba misses to the left of the goal.

48:49

The ball is delivered by Philip Lahm.

48:40

The ball is crossed by Arjen Robben, Ashley Cole gets a block in.

48:29

Centre by Arjen Robben, Mikel manages to make a clearance.

48:18

Arjen Robben decides to take the corner short.

48:04

Toni Kroos takes a shot. David Luiz gets a block in.

47:52

The ball is delivered by Arjen Robben, Ashley Cole gets a block in.

45:52

The ball is crossed by Franck Ribery, David Luiz manages to make a clearance.

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:00 +1:08 Half time

Half Time The players leave the pitch at half time.

44:10

Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan Bertrand on Philip Lahm. Manuel Neuer takes the free kick.

41:50

Mario Gomez produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.

40:01

Anatoliy Tymoschuk takes a shot. Mario Gomez gets a block in.

39:46

Mikel challenges Toni Kroos unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

39:08

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Arjen Robben.

39:05

Franck Ribery delivers the ball.

38:47

Overhead kick right-footed shot by Mario Gomez. Gary Cahill gets a block in.

36:51

Salomon Kalou takes a shot. Save by Manuel Neuer.

35:13

Diego Contento delivers the ball, Thomas Muller has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.

34:23

Effort from the edge of the box by Franck Ribery goes wide of the left-hand post.

32:25

Jerome Boateng challenges Gary Cahill unfairly and gives away a free kick. Strike on goal comes in from Juan Mata from the free kick.

31:58

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.

30:20

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jose Bosingwa on Franck Ribery. Free kick taken by Diego Contento.

27:28

Free kick awarded for a foul by David Luiz on Thomas Muller. Strike comes in from Arjen Robben from the free kick.

25:19

Foul by Jerome Boateng on Didier Drogba, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Juan Mata.

24:18

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Franck Ribery from the left by-line, save made by Petr Cech.

23:24

Toni Kroos delivers the ball.

22:53

A cross is delivered by Arjen Robben, Jose Bosingwa manages to make a clearance.

22:26

Corner taken by Arjen Robben from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Didier Drogba.

22:18

Centre by Arjen Robben, Ashley Cole gets a block in.

21:30

The official flags Salomon Kalou offside. Free kick taken by Philip Lahm.

21:06

Inswinging corner taken by Toni Kroos, Didier Drogba manages to make a clearance.

20:51

Arjen Robben takes a shot. Save made by Petr Cech.

18:22

Short corner worked by Franck Ribery.

17:39

Corner taken by Toni Kroos, Arjen Robben takes a shot. Blocked by Gary Cahill. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Toni Kroos, save made by Petr Cech.

16:57

Foul by Salomon Kalou on Diego Contento, free kick awarded. Anatoliy Tymoschuk takes the free kick.

12:44

The ball is delivered by Franck Ribery, Header on goal by Mario Gomez from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

12:07

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Thomas Muller by David Luiz. Free kick taken by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

10:21

Salomon Kalou gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Franck Ribery. Bastian Schweinsteiger takes the direct free kick.

9:31

Franck Ribery challenges Didier Drogba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Gary Cahill takes the free kick.

7:50

Arjen Robben takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.

7:37

Centre by Juan Mata, Philip Lahm manages to make a clearance.

7:07

Thomas Muller crosses the ball, blocked by David Luiz.

6:38

Didier Drogba produces a cross.

4:35

A cross is delivered by Diego Contento. Effort from outside the penalty area by Toni Kroos goes wide left of the goal.

4:16

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Franck Ribery, clearance by Didier Drogba.

4:00

Bastian Schweinsteiger takes a shot. Gary Cahill gets a block in.

3:36

Salomon Kalou gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Toni Kroos. Direct free kick taken by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

1:50

Direct free kick taken by Petr Cech.

1:50 Booking

Booking Bastian Schweinsteiger receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.

1:45

Handball decision goes against Bastian Schweinsteiger.

0:27

Foul by Ashley Cole on Toni Kroos, free kick awarded. Arjen Robben crosses the ball in from the free kick, Jose Bosingwa manages to make a clearance.

0:00

The match begins.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044385

It may have taken three weeks longer than he expected but Sam Allardyce delivered what he promised when he took over at West Ham – a return to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.

The Hammers missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season but they made up for it in style with a 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the play-off final at Wembley.

A year after they were relegated, goals from Carlton Cole and Ricardo Vaz Te, either side of Thomas Ince’s equaliser, secured top-flight football and the estimated £90million booty that comes with it.

Vindication, then, for owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who opted for pragmatism over sentiment when they turned to Allardyce last summer to sift through the wreckage of Avram Grant’s disastrous reign.

Vindication too, for Allardyce, back in among the elite at the expense of relegated Blackburn, whose controversial owners Venky’s sacked him in 2010 for no apparent reason.

At the expense of Bolton, the club he turned into Premier League mainstays. And, of course, at the expense of today’s vanquished opponents Blackpool, who axed Allardyce after he narrowly failed to guide them to promotion in 1996.

West Ham may have taken the scenic route back to the promised land, but it has not always been so pretty this season.

Allardyce struggled to win hearts and minds at Upton Park, enduring a fractious relationship with the fans who were sceptical of his perceived direct style of play from the moment he was appointed.

At a club where winning ugly is frowned upon, drawing ugly was frankly unacceptable and home stalemates against lowly Crystal Palace, Doncaster and Watford were greeted with boos from the stands despite the Hammers’ position near the top of table.

Allardyce quickly tired of being quizzed about the so-called ‘West Ham way’, and after one match told supporters who chanted ‘we play on the floor’ that they were “deluded”.

Despite this depressing backdrop, the Hammers were still plodding along in second spot behind Southampton and looking set fair for a return to the top flight.

However, Reading’s stunning end to the season changed all that as they came up on the rails to snatch the title, pushing Saints into second and West Ham into play-off purgatory.

Yet the Royals may have inadvertently done Allardyce a favour as what seemed the most joyless of promotion campaigns suddenly became interesting.

Far from wallowing in the disappointment of narrowly missing out automatically, ‘Big Sam’ came into his own.

Having limbered up with a 6-0 thrashing of Brighton – without a long ball in sight, incidentally – West Ham calmly dispatched Cardiff 5-0 over two legs of a one-sided semi-final.

Such is the perverse nature of the play-off system, third place brought with it the reward of a first Wembley appearance since 1981 and 40,000-odd fans, including the sceptics and the booers, lapped it up.

The jeers turned to cheers as Kevin Nolan, the £4million summer signing from Newcastle, became the first Hammers captain to lift a trophy at the national stadium in 32 years.

Job done for Allardyce, whose next task will be to emulate the Bolton years – top-half finishes, mixing it with the big boys and regularly ruffling the feathers of the likes of Arsene Wenger.

He will fancy his chances, too. Self-doubt has never been an Allardyce failing. And if he can win over these West Ham fans, then you would not bet against him rising to any challenge.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/big-sam-delivers-on-his-promise-19582/

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer, BBC Sport in Munich

Didier Drogba deflected speculation he could be set for his Chelsea farewell and insisted his sole focus is on finally winning the Champions League.

The 34-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and Chelsea have so far refused to grant him the two-year deal he has requested.

“The most important thing is to win the game, no matter what happens,” he said.

“I am just happy because we are in a Champions League final again and it is fantastic for the club.”

Drogba – sent off when Chelsea lost on penalties in the 2008 final against Manchester United in Moscow – could be facing the prospect of playing his final game for

Chelsea against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena on Saturday

after a glittering eight-year career.

He insisted he was still ready to talk to Chelsea about extending his stay, but said: “Everybody is talking about the last game but I don’t really think about this because the Champions League final is so important.

“We have been waiting four years to be in it again and it is a situation to be able to put this club at the top of European football. This is what is important – not my contract and not my future.

“The most important thing is the team. I want to give everything to the team and the fans like we all do, then we will see what happens.”

And Drogba believes that chance for Chelsea to win the trophy for the first time will be the final answer to those who criticised the side after a poor start to the season.

He said: “It has been a difficult season at times and we have been through a lot of criticism but that’s football. When big teams don’t perform like you expect them to perform then they will be criticised.

“It is normal but we have managed to show everyone that we are still a very good team.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18077260

Norwich City have rejected a transfer request from striker Grant Holt.

The 31-year-old was on target 17 times this season in all competitions and was the Premier League’s second-highest English marksman with 15 goals.

Norwich have refused to confirm that the former Nottingham Forest forward has asked to leave the club.

But BBC Radio Norfolk has learned of his surprise request, which comes after three years at Carrow Road in which he has helped them into the top flight.

He is expected to take part in team-mate Adam Drury’s testimonial against Celtic on Tuesday.

Former Canaries winger Darren Huckerby told BBC Radio Norfolk: “It’s a strange one. Nobody is going to look good coming out of this.

“I hope it gets sorted out and I hope he stays. I hope his reputation at Norwich is not tarnished by this.

Analysis

Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk commentator

What is particularly worrying for Norwich fans is it comes so soon after speculation over the manager Paul Lambert. Most people would say those two were at the centre of Norwich’s success. Now we are left wondering if either of those gentlemen will be there at the start of next season

“He’s had one good season in the Premier League. We’ve all had good seasons in the Premier League. He’s been brilliant for Norwich but it’s one season.”

Holt joined the club when they were in League One, helping them win back-to-back promotions, and has finished as Norwich’s top scorer every season, netting 70 goals in 130 appearances.

His form this term had led to speculation he could feature in

Roy Hodgson’s England squad for this summer’s European Championships.

The powerful striker was not included, although team-mate John Ruddy was selected as one of Hodgson’s three goalkeepers for the tournament.

Did you know?

Holt worked as a tyre fitter in his home county of Cumbria before becoming a professional footballer

Holt, who has

two years to run on his Norwich contract,

was brought to the club by Bryan Gunn, the predecessor to current manager Paul Lambert.

He

arrived from Shrewsbury for a reported £400,000 fee

after spells with Halifax, Barrow, Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale and Forest.

The future of Lambert has also been subject to speculation

after the Scot guided the Canaries to mid-table security in their first Premier League campaign for seven seasons.

He had been strongly connected to the vacant Aston Villa post, but the Midlands club are

in talks with former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18121862

Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers has turned down the chance to speak with Liverpool about their vacant managerial position.

Kenny Dalglish was

sacked as Reds manager

on Wednesday, leaving the club looking for a fourth boss in two years.

A Swansea statement said: “The club is pleased to confirm that Brendan has declined the opportunity to speak about the vacant position.”

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has been given permission by his club to enter into talks with the Anfield club.

Is Martinez the man for Liverpool?

“Liverpool rang us and asked for permission to speak to Roberto, which I’ve given,” Latics owner Dave Whelan told BBC Sport.

The Anfield hierarchy are approaching a number of candidates but former Watford and Reading boss Rodgers, 39, is now out of the picture.

In February, the Northern Irishman, who made his name as a coach with the youth team and reserves at Chelsea, was among those touted as possible replacements for Harry Redknapp at Tottenham if the Spurs boss were handed the England job.

At the time, he said: “If speculation comes with me doing the job well then I am flattered and honoured. However, this is the place I want to be, hopefully I can be here for the duration of my contract.”

Whelan said he hoped Martinez would choose to stay at the DW Stadium, but that he understood the Spaniard’s popularity.

“I’d love to keep him but if he wants to move to Liverpool I will have to say good luck,” he explained.

“When Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish I thought they would be looking around and they say they want a young, ambitious manager. You can’t get one better than Roberto, so I expected them to call.

“I think he’s wonderful, the best manager I have ever worked with.

“I was working with Roberto when I got the message. I told him there and then and asked if he wanted to speak to Liverpool and he said ‘yes’.

“I’ve always said a big club will come for him and I will release him immediately.”

Whelan also called for any decision to be made quickly.

Owners Tom Werner and John W Henry are based in the United States, while the Reds are also looking for a director of football, a chief executive and a director of communications.

Steve Clarke, Dalglish’s assistant, handed in his resignation out of loyalty to the 61-year-old Scot, but it has been rejected.

“It’s all up to Liverpool and Roberto now,” added Whelan. “If they do a deal I hope it’s done quickly because we will have to replace Roberto and it’s going to be very difficult.”

Werner and Henry are keen for the club’s new manager to be in place for at least four to five years, but there is no front-runner at this stage.

The new boss is likely to get a transfer budget of more than £30m.

Intermediaries acting for the club have spoken with Andre Villas-Boas.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18110974

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer, BBC Sport in Munich

Frank Lampard is relishing the task of leading Chelsea in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in their own backyard, saying: “Bring it on!”

Chelsea must beat Bayern in the German side’s Allianz Arena to lift the trophy for the first time.

Lampard is undaunted by the prospect, but admits that the venue gives Jupp Heynckes’ side an advantage.

He said: “As long as we believe in ourselves and have a great quiet focus and determination, then bring it on!”

The 33-year-old midfielder added: “The fact it is being played at the Allianz Arena gives them an advantage but it is great here in Munich.

“The atmosphere is amazing and we have sampled a bit of it already, travelling in from the airport.

Chelsea’s road to Munich

13 Sep

: Bayer Leverkusen (h) W 2-0

28 Sep

: Valencia (a) D 1-1

19 Oct

: Genk (h) W 5-0

1 Nov

: Genk (a) D 1-1

23 Nov

: Bayer Leverkusen (a) L 1-2

6 Dec

: Valencia (h) W 3-0

21 Feb

: Napoli (last 16, 1st leg) (a) L 1-3

14 Mar

: Napoli (last 16, 2nd leg) W 4-1 (5-4 on agg)

27 Mar

: Benfica (quarter-final, 1st leg) (a) W 1-0

4 Apr

: Benfica (quarter-final, 2nd leg) (h) W 2-1 (3-1 on agg)

18 Apr

: Barcelona (semi-final, 1st leg) (h) W 1-0

24 Apr

: Barcelona (semi-final, 2nd leg) (a) D 2-2 (3-2 on agg)

“You can play around with how much it means [to get] changed in your home dressing room, or playing on your home pitch in front of your own fans, but there is a tremendous determination in our group.”

Chelsea’s interim manager Roberto di Matteo is equally convinced his side can end the season by claiming the trophy that has eluded them for so long, most agonisingly when they lost on penalties to

Manchester United in Moscow in the 2008 final.

Di Matteo said: “We have all the qualities you need to win this competition. These qualities have taken us to this event here, so I am very positive and very confident.”

Despite Chelsea’s progress to the final, Di Matteo has yet to secure his long-term future as Chelsea boss, but Lampard believes he has done “a perfect job” so far.

A full-time successor to Andre Villas-Boas has not been confirmed, even though Di Matteo has guided the Blues to an FA Cup final win and Saturday’s Champions League climax.

Lampard, who will captain the side against Bayern with John Terry suspended, said: “Di Matteo has been very clever managing the situation.

“Rather than make drastic changes he spoke to everyone individually.”

Chelsea ‘desperate’ to win Champions League final

The Italian remained coy on potential developments beyond the meeting at the Allianz Arena, with former England coach Fabio Capello the latest name to be linked with Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo said: “I am just focusing on this game. You don’t know what the future will bring. We are all just focused on being successful.”

Lampard continued: “We got a few wins but then the result against Napoli in the Champions League changed everything, when we came back from 3-1 down in the first leg to go through. From them then on, quietly, he’s done a perfect job.”

Lampard insisted there would be no deputation to owner Roman Abramovich from Chelsea’s squad in support of Di Matteo should they beat Bayern.

“People seem to think that at Chelsea we ring up the owner every now and again to decide who comes in or who gets sacked,” said Lampard. “It’s not how it works at this club and I don’t think that’s how it should work at any club.

Desailly backs Di Matteo at Chelsea

“Decisions like that are out of our hands and if you start thinking about things like that you are taking your eyes off that ball, but I will be very pleased for the manager and the club if we win.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea player Marcel Desailly says di Matteo is the “best man” to lead the club, regardless of the Champions League final result.

“I think he’s the best man to coach Chelsea,” said Desailly, who spent six years at Chelsea from 1998 to 2004.

But Chelsea have been in no rush to make a firm decision on the 41-year-old’s future, with

chief executive Ron Gourlay saying there would

be no talks until after the Bayern Munich game.

Pundits on Champions League

Yet Desailly is in no doubt that Abramovich should give former team-mate Di Matteo the job on a permanent basis.

“He is part of the team that built the foundation of the club and he gives 100%,” added Desailly, who helped Chelsea win the FA Cup in 2000 and the Uefa Super Cup in 1998.

“He’s been one of the players – there is something special about him. There is a big challenge to change in the squad. We need to give him the chance.

“Roman will have to consider Roberto. I was the captain under Roman, I know he loves the game. If he loves the game he will stick with him.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18115541

Sacked Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has offered a response to his departure on the day owner Randy Lerner starts the search for his replacement.

Lerner has flown in to England to set the ball rolling on appointing his third manager in less than two years.

But McLeish, sacked on Monday having lost the Villa fans’ support, is simply apologetic at having failed.

“My only regret in leaving is not being able to achieve more for the supporters and their high expectations,” he said.

“I have nothing but the highest respect for the club,” he added, in a prepared statement released through the League Managers’ Association.

“When I accepted the role as manager of Aston Villa, I was acutely aware of the responsibility I had to find the best way to serve the great traditions of one of the finest clubs in professional football.

“I was truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to manage the club, which plays such an important part in the fabric of the local community and to its worldwide fan base.

“I relished the challenge and, together with my loyal and very capable staff, dedicated all of my efforts into moulding a successful team.”

Following his move from second city rivals Birmingham City, McLeish’s appointment suffered a frosty start with the Villa fans, further exacerbated by the perception that his team lacked quality and that his tactics were negative.

The loss of wide men Ashley Young and Stewart Downing last summer was a factor in Villa’s failings, as was the long-term injury suffered by England striker Darren Bent in January.

For all that, McLeish genuinely thought he would win the fans round and still be in charge to serve the final two years of his contract.

But the last two Villa bosses whose sides finished as low as 16th, Graham Taylor (in 2003) and David O’Leary (in 2006), were both gone by the start of the following season.

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert has already been linked with the vacancy, only for the Canaries to issue a stern ‘hands off’ warning, while Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, who spurned Villa’s advances a year ago, further enhanced his reputation by keeping the Latics in the top flight.

And former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a contender, his odds having plummeted with bookmakers across the country, coming in to around 6-4 from 25-1.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18106578

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admitted it was a “sad day” to see Kenny Dalglish leave Anfield, but accepts everyone must now be “fully committed” to the challenges ahead.

Long-serving defender Carragher, 34, revealed he had chatted with Dalglish, who was sacked following on Wednesday following a disappointing Barclays Premier League campaign, and would now look to next season and supporting the new manager.

Speaking at the ITV Sport Euro 2012 launch in central London, Carragher said: “I spoke to him just before he was getting on his flight and asked: ‘is it Kenny now or gaffer?’. He said ‘it is Kenny now’. I am sorry to see him go, but that is football.”

He added: “It is a sad day for him, but we respect the owners decision and we have to look forward now.

“I will be fully committed to whoever the manager is.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/carragher-sad-to-see-dalglish-go-94269/

Michael Owen says he does not plan to retire, despite Manchester United confirming the striker would not be offered a new contract at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old said he would “contemplate his next move” during a short holiday, but was not ready to give up his top-flight playing career.

“The Championship is not an option,” he said. “I’d like to think I haven’t lost the ability to score goals at the highest level.

Michael Owen’s career stats

Liverpool

(1996-2004):
297 games, 158 goals

Real Madrid

(2004-05):
40 games, 14 goals

Newcastle

(2005-09):
79 games, 30 goals

Man Utd

(2009-12):
52 games, 17 goals

England

(1998-2008):
89 caps, 40 goals

“I may look further afield.”

And, speaking to Sky Sports News, the former England striker added: “I still feel good and, even though I’ve had a few injuries, I don’t wake up with sore joints.”

The ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker was told of United’s decision not to renew his contract following his appearance in a testimonial for former Reds goalkeeper Harry Gregg in Belfast on Tuesday.

“I have loved every minute I have spent at such a fantastic club,”

said Owen on Twitter. 

His time at Old Trafford was blighted by injuries and he managed just four league and cup appearances this season with his final one coming in

United’s 2-0 win over Otelul Galati

during the Champions League group stages in November, when he sustained a thigh injury.

Owen’s most memorable goal for Manchester United came at Old Trafford back in September 2009.

Continue reading the main story

“A world-class goalscorer who, but for injury, would have broken many records”

Gary Lineker

The striker came off the bench to score a dramatic injury-time winner against Manchester City and win the derby 4-3,

with the match since being voted the best in Premier League history. 

He scored another vital goal in the League Cup final against Aston Villa back in 2010,

however his celebrations were again cut short by injury and he was replaced shortly after.

Owen’s last appearance for England was

against France in 2008,

but his goal record at international level is outstanding.

The striker scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for his country and

BBC Sport’s Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, tweeted: 

“A world-class goalscorer who, but for injury, would have broken many records.”

Owen started his career as a teenager at Liverpool, scoring 158 goals in 297 appearances, before making an £8m move to Spain to play for

Real Madrid in 2004.

Having spent just one season in La Liga, the striker moved back to the Premier League

where he joined Newcastle United for a reported fee of £16m,

scoring 30 goals in 79 appearances.

Always an admirer of the prolific striker, Sir Alex Ferguson took a risk in

signing him for Manchester United

on a free transfer in 2009.

The Scot said: “It is a pleasure to have had Michael at Manchester United.

“Michael is a consummate professional and was an influential figure in our dressing room. Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season.

“Michael’s record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18101799

A surge in Manchester United’s commercial revenues helped cushion the blow of a drop in matchday and media income due to the club’s failure to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup last season.

United’s quarterly results show that revenues dropped in the three months ending March 31 by £4.4million from 2011, £70.8m compared to £75.2m, but that drop would have been greater had there not been increased sponsorship income of £3.5m.

The commercial deals have helped keep United on track for a significant revenue increase over the course of the whole season – over the nine-month period total revenues were £245.8m compared to £231.6m for the same period a year previously.

Wages have also risen by 9.9% compared to 2011.

“This increase largely relates to growth in player remuneration, driven by new player acquisitions and further contractual negotiations together with increased costs and headcount arising from the continued growth in our sponsorship and commercial operations,” says United’s quarterly financial report.

The report confirms that the exit from the Champions League in the group stage and from the FA Cup in the fourth round had affected media and matchday revenues for the three-month period.

It states: “Media income has been impacted by our exit from the UCL, thus no Round of 16 match played and our subsequent participation in the UEL [Europa League], for which, despite one extra game, the income per game is lower than for the UCL. In addition, we earned lower revenues for the FA Cup in 2011/12 due to our fourth-round exit, compared with reaching the semi-final in 2010/11.”

Over the three-month period, media revenue dropped £3.8m to £16.9m, matchday revenue by £4.1m to £26.6m and commercial revenue rose by £3.5m to £27.3m.

The increase in commercial revenue is due to part to higher income from United’s profit share sponsorship agreement with Nike, their new training kit deal with DHL, and other sponsorship deals.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/sponsorship-eases-united-revenue-drop-51542/

Rangers fans could call on the club to withdraw players from Scotland squads and boycott the Scottish Cup.

The possibility from the Rangers Supporters Assembly comes after the club lost their appeal against Scottish Football Association sanctions.

“Potentially, there will be a call not to enter the Scottish Cup,” said president Andy Kerr, whose group could also boycott away grounds next season.

“The other one is non co-operation with national squads.”

The fans’ group had already raised the possibility of boycotting away matches but were hopeful that Rangers would be successful in their appeal against the 12-month transfer ban, which will prevent Rangers from signing players over the age of 17, and £160,000 fine.

Continue reading the main story

“There will definitely be a call not to support away matches”

Andy Kerr
RSA president

But the case was dismissed by the SFA’s appeals tribunal

and Charles Green, who is leading the consortium hoping to buy the administration-hit club, is having meetings with the national body and the Scottish Premier League.

Thousands of supporters protested outside Hampden last month when the punishment was initially handed down, with fans’ representatives also meeting at Ibrox to discuss what action they may take depending on the outcome of the appeal.

“We had a meeting on the day of the march and there were a whole range of things put forward,” said Kerr.

“We said we wouldn’t have any knee-jerk reactions and be hopeful the appeals process would help.

“Now we know it hasn’t been a help, we will revisit that discussion as a matter or urgency and consider what might be the best actions to take in the interests of the club.

“We need to be careful that we don’t end up hurting ourselves at the same time.

Kerr says it is unreasonable to hold Rangers to account for Whyte’s actions

“There will definitely be a call not to support away matches because that is directly impacting on the other clubs and they are member clubs of the SFA.

“In terms of the SFA specifically, there has already been some activity in terms of protesting and making representations to their sponsors.”

Kerr said the idea of targeting the Scottish Cup and the national squads was because they are “directly under the auspices of the SFA”.

Rangers were found guilty of five charges relating to their finances and the appointment of Craig Whyte as chairman – in particular the non-payment of more than £13m in taxes since his takeover last May.

“We were hopeful because when we looked at the reasons for the decision, the rationale behind it and the circumstances in which it occurred, we had a clear view that Craig Whyte was the villain of the piece here,” said Kerr of the appeal.

“It looks as though the way they have reasoned the case is that effectively the actions of the owner apply equally to the actions of the club. We think that was totally unreasonable.

“This 12-month transfer ban just appears to have appeared out of nowhere, with no precedent and no other comparison with other cases to determine whether that was appropriate.”

Green was meeting fans representatives at Ibrox following his talks with the football authorities at Hampden.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18108973

John Barnes has backed Andre Villas-Boas to be the next Liverpool manager.

Villas-Boas is among the favourites to replace Kenny Dalglish after the Scot was sacked on Wednesday following a disappointing 16-month period in charge.

Chelsea sacked Villas-Boas in March amid reports he had lost the dressing room following a poor run of form which saw the Londoners drop out of the top four.

The 34-year-old is among the favourites for the position at Anfield and Barnes thinks he would do a good job if appointed.

“Andre Villas-Boas is a good manager,” Barnes said at a Coca-Cola event to promote the Special Olympics in London.

“His footballing philosophy and his style of play fit. He proved he could win things at Porto.

“He was at the right club at the wrong time with Chelsea. There were a lot of problems for him there because of the older players. He is a proven manager and he would be coming in to a humbler squad than the one at Chelsea if he came to Liverpool.

“He will get backing from the players. They will be eager to learn and listen to his plans. I think if it is going to be him he could do a good job at Liverpool.”

There has been a clamour among some Liverpool fans for the return of Rafael Benitez, who was sacked following a successful six-year spell in 2010.

Barnes, who played 407 games for the Reds, also thinks the Spaniard would be a good appointment.

He said: “He would be a good option. He is still a very good manager, he’s still highly regarded at Liverpool and a lot of the fans still love him.”

Dalglish won six titles as a player and then went on to cement his place in the club’s history by clinching three championships during his first spell as manager.

He answered an SOS from the club in January 2011 after the sacking of Roy Hodgson but despite a promising start, the Glaswegian’s tenure ended with a disappointing eighth place finish this season.

Despite the team’s poor performance in the league, Barnes believes Dalglish should have been given more time.

“I was shocked when the rumours started,” Barnes added.

“I feel sorry for Kenny because there was an improvement in the team.

“In the last month the big-money signings like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson have performed well.

“If Kenny had stayed there would have been even more improvement, definitely.

“He had a long-term project. If you give managers time they will be successful as Manchester United have shown with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“He has laid the foundations and whoever comes in, I’m convinced they will be challenging for a top-four finish next season.”

Despite his sacking, Barnes still thinks Dalglish’s status at the club will remain intact.

“He will be remembered by Liverpool as one of the club’s greatest managers and the greatest player. His status has not been harmed whatsoever,” Barnes said.

“He has said he is still available to help the club in any way he can so Kenny is still the king.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/barnes-backs-villas-boas-for-reds-job-10171/

Striker Robin van Persie has joined up with the Netherlands squad ahead of Euro 2012 having yet to make a final decision on his future with Arsenal.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his current contract, held talks with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday.

But no decision was made and Van Persie will now focus on his national team’s preparations for the Euros.

The 28-year-old scored 41 goals in 53 games for club and country this season.

Of that tally, 37 came in 48 appearances for Arsenal and he was the Premier League’s leading marksman with 30 goals in 38 matches.

A number of leading sides have registered interest in signing the Gunners captain, who was named both the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers’ player of the year.

Van Persie to discuss future next week

Speaking after

Sunday’s 3-2 victory at West Brom,

which secured Arsenal’s place in next season’s Champions League, Van Persie refused to commit.

When asked if his future would be resolved quickly, he said: “You never know but Arsenal is a massive club. Whatever happens, I’ll always love this club.

“I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens, that will never change. We will sit down next week.”

Van Persie was unwilling to open negotiations until the campaign had ended, with Champions League football a key consideration.

Another factor is Arsenal’s transfer market activity, and Van Persie has been encouraged by the

signing of Lukas Podolski from FC Cologne

for £10.9m.

“Will Champions League football help to keep Van Persie?” said Wenger. “It makes it easier to attract good players and keep them.”

Arsenal are expected to offer the Dutchman a new four-year deal that would break their current wage structure, while Van Persie and his family are happy in London.

With

the Netherlands assembling

for their training camp in Switzerland on Thursday, there was little time to reach an agreement.

Van Persie was always open to the idea of playing in the tournament before coming to a decision, but Arsenal wanted the situation dealt with before he met up with the Dutch squad.

The Gunners do not want a repeat of last summer, when

Cesc Fabregas

and

Samir Nasri

were sold after the season had started.

Van Persie was

signed from Feyenoord

for £2.75m in 2004 and team-mate Laurent Koscielny is confident he will stay.

“He will be here next season,” said the defender, who scored Arsenal’s winner at The Hawthorns.

“He was a fantastic captain, he was so important for us. He will be here scoring goals for us next season.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18067568

Swansea have cancelled the contract of goalkeeper Jose Moreira by mutual consent.

The 30-year-old joined on a two-year deal last summer from Benfica, but made just one first-team appearance as Michel Vorm and Gerhard Tremmel proved to be Brendan Rodgers’ preferred goalkeeping options.

“This is the best decision for both the club and myself,” said Moreira.

“I need to play football and hopefully, after a holiday with my family, I will sort my future with a new club.

“It was very difficult to play in the first team because Michel has done so well this season, and he deserves to be the number one.

“I saw every day in training how good he is, and hopefully I helped provide good competition for him.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/moreira-heading-for-swansea-exit-65359/

Wigan have given Liverpool permission to speak with boss Roberto Martinez about the managerial post at Anfield, Latics owner Dave Whelan has confirmed.

Kenny Dalglish was

sacked as Reds boss

on Wednesday, leaving the club to search for a fourth boss in two years.

“Liverpool rang us and asked for permission to speak to Roberto, which I’ve given,” Whelan told BBC Sport.

Is Martinez the man for Liverpool?

The Anfield hierarchy are approaching a number of candidates, with Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers also on the shortlist.

Whelan said he hoped Martinez would choose to stay at the DW Stadium but understands the Spaniard’s popularity.

“I’d love to keep him but if he wants to move to Liverpool I will have to say good luck,” he explained.

“When Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish I thought they would be looking around and they say they want a young, ambitious manager. You can’t get one better than Roberto, so I expected them to call.

“I think he’s wonderful, the best manager I have ever worked with.

“I was working with Roberto when I got the message. I told him there and then and asked if he wanted to speak to Liverpool and he said ‘yes’.

“I’ve always said a big club will come for him and I will release him immediately.”

Whelan called for any decision to be made swiftly and suggested Liverpool are no longer the club they once were.

Owners Tom Werner and John W Henry are based in the United States, while the Reds are also looking for a director of football, a chief executive and a director of communications.

Steve Clarke, Dalglish’s assistant, handed in his resignation out of loyalty to the 61-year-old Scot, but it has been rejected.

“It’s all up to Liverpool and Roberto now,” added Whelan. “If they do a deal I hope it’s done quickly because we will have to replace Roberto and it’s going to be very difficult.

“The Liverpool hierarchy is non-existent at present. We played there about three months ago and there was not one soul in the boardroom.

“There doesn’t seem to be any heart in the club. I was a little disturbed because to me Liverpool is one of the great football clubs.

“There’s no heart beating in the club. You’ve got to put the heart in Liverpool.”

Werner and Henry are keen for the club’s new manager to be in place for at least four to five years, but there is no front-runner at this stage.

The new boss is likely to get a transfer budget of more than £30m.

Intermediaries acting for the club have spoken with Andre Villas-Boas, but he is unlikely to get the job.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18110974

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has given Liverpool permission to speak to manager Roberto Martinez, following an approach from the Carling Cup winners.

The Anfield side are seeking a manager following Wednesday’s departure of Kenny Dalglish.

And Whelan told Sky Sports News: “If Liverpool are serious then I may lose him.”

Whelan has always said he felt the Spaniard was destined to manage one of Europe’s top clubs and he would not stand in his way should one come calling.

The Wigan chairman revealed the Reds made an approach on Thursday afternoon and he gave Martinez permission to speak with them.

“When they phoned me I was actually with Roberto having a meeting on what we are doing next season,” he said.

“I did promise Roberto and I have always said when a big club comes he would have permission to talk to them and they don’t come any bigger than Liverpool.

“I gave him permission and he will be talking to them soon – I don’t know when, but quite soon.

“When Liverpool sacked Kenny I have to say I thought Liverpool would be knocking on the door and sure enough they are.

“I would love to keep him but I have told Roberto he has my permission to speak with Liverpool.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/whelan-reveals-reds-martinez-approach-35202/