| Didier Deschamps remembers his time at Chelsea The Marseille coach looks back at his spell as a Chelsea player as he prepares to take his side to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League. telegraph.co.uk |
Court clears way for Liverpool sale Liverpool owners lose legal bid to block the sale of the club, clearing the way for a takeover of the English football giants. foxsports.com.au |
Chelsea sign 11-year-old forward from Northampton Town's academy • German-born schoolboy spent two years at Northampton Town• Chelsea made down-payment of £10,000 for Michael GyasiChelsea have demonstrated their faith in the adage "If you're good enough, you're old enough" by signing an 11-year-old boy from the club who occupy the 90th rung on the professional game's 92-club ladder. For Michael Gyasi, a promising German-born striker who has spent a little over two years at Northampton Town's centre of excellence, it is the stuff of dreams.Gyasi first crossed Chelsea's radar a year ago, when he travelled south to play for Northampton Under-10s against their counterparts from the Chelsea academy. After a further appearance against them, Chelsea's recruitment staff asked whether Gyasi could come to train with them. He did so during the summer holidays and impressed to such a degree that the club set in motion moves to sign him.Chelsea must pay compensation to Northampton for their development of the schoolboy, and it is believed that a down-payment of not more than £10,000 has been negotiated. The football authorities prefer clubs to resolve such issues between themselves rather than resort to arbitration. Further payments would be due to Northampton if Gyasi becomes a scholar or turns professional.Northampton appeared delighted at the money coming to them, which they said would aid their youth development programme but, in broader terms, the deal seemed to illustrate just how competitive the market for players has become, even for ones who are so young."I think this is a trend that is going to happen," Trevor Gould, the head of Northampton's centre of excellence, said. "When you are young, you learn most about football and Michael will now play against better teams and better players. I remember the game against Chelsea last year. I think Chelsea won something like 6-2 but I am sure that Michael got the two goals. He moved over from Germany with his parents about four years ago and, as a player, he is very quick, skilful and strong, although he is not very big for his age. He is a great finisher. Chelsea have got somebody special. If he does well, we will be well rewarded. Chelsea have been magnificent and fair."Chelsea are likely to be without Frank Lampard for the Premier League visit to Aston Villa on Saturday . The midfielder underwent successful hernia surgery at the end of August but he suffered a setback on his return to training, when he pulled another muscle in the area.John Terry remains a doubt. The defender, who has a back problem, took part in light training today and the manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has a decision to make on his fitness. Jeffrey Bruma, a young centre-half, should be available.Chelsea are perplexed at the reports from Israel about Yossi Benayoun's achilles tear. A scan taken at the club the day before he joined up with Israel showed no damage.ChelseaNorthamptonAston VillaDavid Hytnerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Barcelona v Real Madrid: Sandro Rosell and Florentino Perez call for fair play ahead of El Clasico Barcelona and Real Madrid presidents make a joint appeal for fair play as the two arch rivals prepared to meet. telegraph.co.uk |
Canada, Germany to open Women's World Cup Canada will play Germany in the opening match of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup on June 26 in Berlin after being drawn into a group with the hosts and defending champions on Monday. cbc.ca |