TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Carlos falls victim to midfield curse Melbourne Victory's midfield curse has struck again with Carlos Hernandez likely to miss Sunday's game against North Queensland Fury in Townsville. foxsports.com.au |
Arsenal bear cost of the big freeze as Bolton fans are refunded • Bolton supporters unhappy at timing of postponement• League One fixtures face virtual wipeoutArsenal have agreed to stump up the travel cost of Bolton Wanderers' fans who made the trip south for the postponed Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium last night. The supporters were unhappy that, after repeated assurances that the game would survive the severe weather, it was called off less than five hours before kick-off.As with the Carling Cup semi-finals at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City earlier this week, the problem was nothing to do with the state of the pitch. In each instance, local police were concerned about the safety of supporters getting to and from the stadiums and also about problems which might have been encountered in surrounding areas, many of which were badly affected by snow.Arsenal believe they acted responsibly but as a gesture to Bolton have agreed to pay the travel costs of supporters who were inconvenienced.Confirmation that Manchester United have rearranged their home game against Hull City, a game that had to be postponed as part of the revision of fixtures required to ensure the Carling Cup semi-finals are played as quickly as possible, at least means the competition is only three matches behind schedule, two of which were originally caused by European qualifiers in August.However, Premier League officials will hope the cold snap does not cause too much disruption over the coming days in order to prevent them having to schedule more matches during Champions League weeks.While it is not an explicit order to prevent such clashes occurring – they have twice this season already – and the Premier League did decline to sign a memorandum of understanding sent out by Uefa pledging domestic competitions were not played at the same time, they prefer to avoid them if possible.There are a number of midweek dates available, but some are reserved for FA Cup replays and last season, when United reached the Carling Cup final, FA Cup semi-final and advanced to the Champions League final in addition to contesting the World Club Cup, would have created a real headache if similar weather problems had been encountered.This time, three of the Carling Cup semi-finalists are not in Europe, while the other team are now out of the FA Cup following Leeds's stunning victory at Old Trafford last Sunday.The big freeze is taking another bite out of the weekend's action, with four Championships matches off, while only six of 24 scheduled fixtures in Leagues One and Two have survived inspections so far. The Championship basement battle between Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough is one of the biggest casualties, along with Watford v Sheffield United, Reading v Newcastle and Preston v Doncaster.Birmingham City have said they are confident Saturday's game against Manchester United will go ahead.ArsenalBolton WanderersPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
West Ham suitors meet bank today • Club's five main lenders to sound out investors• New owners could be in place next weekThe ownership saga at West Ham United is expected to become clearer after today, when representatives of the consortium of five banks that have loaned money to the Premier League club meet prospective buyers to establish their credentials.David Sullivan and David Gold, the former Birmingham City owners, and associates of the Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes are due to hold talks with Rothschild, the investment bank that was appointed in October to sound out potential investors, together with representatives from Glitnir, Standard Bank, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland and Straumur, West Ham's five main lenders.Although the Canary Wharf-based Intermarket Group and an unnamed North American have also been strongly linked with a takeover approach, there is no indication that either will be present today, when the interested parties will make presentations and outline their plans to support their submitted bids.It is understood that Fernandes, who is a lifelong West Ham supporter, will be absent because he is not due in England until tomorrow, although his representatives will hold talks on his behalf this morning. Sullivan and Gold are both expected to meet the banks and are known to favour an agreement that would see them buy a 50%stake in the club, effectively becoming strategic partners but, crucially, having ultimate control when it comes to decision-making.The involvement of the banks in the takeover process is crucial. Through the club's banking covenants they have the power of veto of any change of ownership, highlighting the significance of today's events. Should either or both of the parties be approved, the next stage of the process is likely to involve further talks with Straumur, in their capacity as the largest shareholder in CB Holdings, the company set up by the creditors of West Ham's former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.CB holdings have said there is no pressure to sell, although West Ham supporters might argue otherwise. The club is languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League, only above the relegation zone because of a superior goal difference, and face the prospect of losing rather than signing star players under the current regime. Scott Parker and Matthew Upson are both expected to attract bids from rival Premier League clubs this month.Should either Fernandes or Sullivan and Gold be successful, it is possible they could be in place as early as next week, with the speed at which things can happen regarded as crucial because of the January transfer window. For that to happen, however, Straumur would almost certainly need to reduce their asking price, with the Icelandic investment bank believed to value the club at around £100m.West Ham UnitedBusinessPremier LeagueStuart Jamesguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Arsenal rallies to beat Bolton, move atop EPL Arsenal recovered from two goals down Wednesday to beat Bolton 4-2 and go top of the Premier League. cbc.ca |
Relief for Portsmouth as transfer embargo is lifted for loan and free transfers Portsmouth hope to complete a loan deal with Tottenham for Jamie O'Hara within 48 hours. telegraph.co.uk |