TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Levein dumps friendlies to restore pride • New Scotland manager has a big rebuilding job• Friendly matches will be kept to a minimumOn the basis that managerial positions only fall vacant because a team is in trouble, remedial work is invariably the first duty of the new appointee. Few teams are as troubled as Scotland at present, but it is encouraging that Craig Levein, nominated as successor to the discredited George Burley last week, has already identified the most pressing problem and formulated an appropriate course of action.In fact, Levein has to confront a situation uncomfortably similar to the one faced by Walter Smith when he followed Berti Vogts in December 2004. Then, as now, the national team under desperately unconvincing management had lost so much credibility that many players considered a call to the colours with the same trepidation they would a summons to court.Like Smith five years ago, Levein now considers his first priority to be the need to recreate a climate in which players once again want to turn up for international duty. Observers could sense that the desire had been all but extinguished among a number of players by the time Burley was dismissed last month, with the abysmal record of three victories from 14 games.While the reluctant Rangers striker Kris Boyd deserves no sympathy - he withdrew his services for no other reason than going into the huff over not being picked - it had become obvious early in Burley's tenure that he lacked the persuasiveness and authority that draws a positive response from players.Even Gordon Smith, the Scottish FA's chief executive who championed Burley at the time of his appointment, admitted the other day that the former Ipswich, Hearts and Southampton manager had been something of a worry from the opening match of what proved to be an abortive World Cup qualifying campaign."I think a lot of damage was done to George's reputation in that opening defeat by Macedonia in Skopje," said Smith. "And it wasn't really undone by our victory in Iceland immediately after. And when that was followed by the scoreless draw against Norway in our first home match, it was clear then that a lot of people weren't very happy."The drinking session involving another two Rangers players, the midfielder and captain Barry Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor, at the team's hotel on their return from a 3-0 whipping by Holland in Amsterdam in March also undermined Burley's credibility.There was clearly nothing novel about Scottish players indulging to excess, but it was difficult to understand how a manager on top of his job could fail to know that two of his players, having been up all night, were still at the bar and making attention-grabbing noises as families were arriving for Sunday lunch.Levein immediately confirmed that a general pardon had been issued and that all eligible players would be considered for future selection. He also intimated that friendly matches would be kept to an absolute minimum as he sought to establish co-operation with club managers."I'm only interested in one thing," said Levein. "That is, when the big games come around, I'll have the best players available. I don't understand what friendlies do for you. It's different having one or two to prepare you for a tournament, but not at other times."Whether we win a friendly or lose one isn't important. My focus has to be on getting the best players to turn up when we play important games. I think Walter recognised the need for that when he started in this job and I think the need to make the national team worth playing for again applies now as well."I'll be telling club managers I won't be taking players away for unnecessary friendly matches where there's a risk of injury. I've been in their position and I didn't like it when it happened to me. For example, we've been offered a trip to Australia and New Zealand just before the World Cup, but we won't be going, because it would be counter-productive."ScotlandCraig LeveinGlenn Gibbonsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Liverpool defender Glen Johnson ruled out for a month with knee injury Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has been ruled out for at least a month with a knee injury. telegraph.co.uk |
The Glazers' London operation How Manchester United's US owners have helped increase turnover by using global marketingManchester United's turnover has increased from £210m to £279m in the three financial years since 2006-07. While much of that can be put down to increased ticket prices and bumper new Uefa and Premier League TV deals, it is true that commercial turnover has substantially increased – from £56m to £70m.Representatives of the Glazers point out the role played by the club's satellite London office in boosting sponsorship revenues. A sales team, part of a 45-strong commercial operation at an office in Pall Mall, is responsible for identifying sponsorship categories and targeting global companies. They are the engine of the Glazers' plan to maximise United's global commercial potential. While the income brought in directly from Manchester United's much-trumpeted global fan base of 139 million "core fans" is relatively modest (£6.45m in 2008‑09), attempts aggressively to target overseas sponsors appear to be bearing fruit.A new shirt deal with the US risk management company Aon will bring in £80m over four seasons, although £35.9m has already been banked upfront. The offer document reveals that total sponsorship from other sectors has almost doubled since the Glazers bought the club, from £11.8m to £19.5m.It believes that Manchester United's global brand, digital opportunities and the changing media marketplace, will combine to realise "significant potential to expand this platform" by establishing a model similar to that successfully implemented by Uefa, Fifa and the IOC, where a range of sponsorship deals are sold on a local and global basis across eight to 10 categories.Manchester UnitedPremier LeagueOwen Gibsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Reds grind out draw with Mariners Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners have slugged out a 1-1 draw in their A-League clash at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night. foxsports.com.au |
Blackburn complete loan deal for Stuttgart's Yildiray Basturk • Turkey midfielder joins Blackburn until end of season• Experienced 31-year-old has 49 international capsBlackburn Rovers have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Turkish international midfielder Yildiray Basturk on loan from Stuttgart until the end of the season.The 31-year-old, who made his name at Bayer Leverkusen, playing in the 2002 Champions League final, moved to Hertha Berlin in 2004 before joining Stuttgart.He featured in his country's 2002 World Cup side, and has 49 international caps.Transfer windowBlackburn RoversPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |