Goal-line technology set to be formally adopted by Premier League clubs

The Football Association expects goal-line technology (GLT) to be adopted by Premier League clubs this week.

Last week Fifa awarded German firm GoalControl the contract to supply GLT to this summer's Confederations Cup.

Premier League clubs meet on Thursday with GLT set to be agreed for next season, while the FA wishes to install the technology at Wembley.

"I always thought it was an ideal piece of technology to allow into the game," said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

"The [Premier League] club meeting is on Thursday so I'm expecting it to go through at that meeting."

The FA and Premier League are running a joint-tender process for the supply, installation and maintenance of 21 systems - all 20 Premier League stadiums and Wembley - in an attempt to secure a better deal.

Hawk-Eye, a British-based system well known for providing tennis and cricket with ball-tracking technology, is competing with the three other Fifa-licensed firms - Cairos, GoalControl and GoalRef - to win the contract.

If adopted this week, Wembley, along with the 17 Premier League teams that survive relegation and the three teams promoted from the Football League, will have the necessary equipment installed and verified during the close season.

The FA wants to use GLT for the first time in the Community Shield, which is scheduled to be played in mid-August.

Horne told BBC Sport: "There are occasions [when GLT is needed] and we've seen them here at Wembley, we've seen them in World Cups, we've seen them 11 or 12 times in the Premier League this season alone.

"So technology that says 'yes, the ball has crossed the line' and lets the referee know makes an awful lot of sense to me.

"Particularly where it's a knock-out situation, incorrect decisions have less opportunity to even themselves out over a season."

GLT will also be used in next season's FA Cup, from the third round onwards in any stadium fitted with the system, and Horne sees the technology as a way for the world's oldest knockout competition to keep pace with a football landscape that has changed beyond recognition since the foundation of the Premier League in 1992.

"We're always looking for ways to improve and engage," Horne continued.

"The FA Cup for me is just one of those fantastic competitions which keeps growing year on year, from strength to strength.

"It gives so much back, particularly to the smaller clubs.

"We generate £65m a year from the competition and over a 10-year period £650m gets reinvested back into football. That's a real fillip for some of the smaller clubs. For example, Luton made £460,000 out of their Cup run, which is a fantastic sum of money for a non-league side."

Next weekend Wembley, which celebrates its 90th birthday on 28 April, will see Wigan take on Millwall and Chelsea meet Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Horne said: "[Teams] want to come here and win at Wembley Stadium. So I think the competition is in rude health."

Source: BBC

"Old Trafford will not be sold", says United chief Ed Woodward

MANCHESTER UNITED have stressed they will never sell the naming rights to Old Trafford.

The club moved quickly to ease the concerns of fans following the announcement that shirt sponsors AON have agreed a staggering £150million eight-year contract to put their name to club’s state-of-the-art Carrington training ground.

From July 1, Carrington will be known as the AON Training Complex, a central part of a wide-ranging deal that also includes sponsorship of United’s training kit, their annual summer tours and, for the first time, friendly matches.

But Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman who will replace David Gill as the club’s new chief executive this summer, said: “Old Trafford will not be sold.”

United insiders say a sale would be virtually pointless because, as Newcastle United found when they tried to change the name of St James’ Park to the Sports Direct Arena, it would merely irritate supporters, who would refuse to use the new name anyway.

“We are very aware and respectful of the fact some people will continue to call the training complex Carrington but in time, we hope they come to understand what the AON brand stands for,” said an AON source. “But we feel this agreement enables us to do something unique.”

The fact that United have added friendly matches into the new AON contract means that for summer tours from 2014 onwards they will be wearing two different companies on their kit.

They have already confirmed US car giant General Motors will have their Chevrolet name on United’s shirts from 2014 after agreeing to pay an eye-watering £357m over seven years.

Tottenham have similar arrangements involving different shirt sponsors depending on the competition.

Source: DailyExpress

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United will not be complacent

Sir Alex Ferguson says Premier League leaders Manchester United will not be complacent after their advantage was cut to 12 points following Monday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

United held an eight-point lead over City last term before losing the title on goal difference on the final day.

But they are still favourites to regain the crown with seven games left.

"If you look at our history over the years we always make it difficult for ourselves," said United boss Ferguson.

"The supporters are hanging on the edge of their seats every year. It is a 12-point lead, we go to Stoke at the weekend and we will have a go."

United held a commanding advantage over City 12 months ago, but defeat at Wigan and a home draw against Everton, before a 1-0 loss at Etihad Stadium, swung the title race in favour of their rivals.

Now, United knew they could stretch their lead over second-placed City to 18 points with a win at Old Trafford, moving them within touching distance of a 20th domestic title.

But they fell behind to James Milner's opener and, despite an own goal from City skipper Vincent Kompany, were beaten by substitute Sergio Aguero's superb winner.

Aguero's intervention sent United to their first top-flight defeat in 18 matches, while Roberto Mancini's men extended their advantage over third-placed Chelsea to seven points.

"It wasn't a bad performance by us, so I'm not disappointed in that respect," added Ferguson. "But I'm disappointed with the goals we gave away.

"For the first goal I thought their player [Carlos Tevez] was offside and interfering with play by standing in front of David de Gea.

"I think we were unlucky to lose the game. But it is easy to see why these were the best two teams in the country - the evidence was there tonight."

Source: BBC

AC Milan President Berlusconi denies interest in Balotelli

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has cooled speculation linking the Serie A giants with a move for Mario Balotelli in January.

The Manchester City striker has been back in his native Italy for the birth of his daughter ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester United.

The Rossoneri were said to be keen to bring the Italy international back to his homeland, according to media reports.

However, Berlusconi has moved quickly to deny the speculation, telling Sky Sport Italia: "My words have been misinterpreted. I do not dream about Balotelli at night.

"There are no negotiations going on because he will cost too much and we cannot afford him."

The 22-year-old has also been linked with a move back to his former club Inter Milan as well as champions Juventus, although City have always insisted he is not for sale.

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Source: SkySports

Wenger dismisses Cazorla's diving claim

Arsene Wenger defended Santi Cazorla after Arsenal's victory over West Bromwich Albion, but has yet to review the incident which infuriated Steve Clarke.

Mikel Arteta opened the scoring for the Gunners with a penalty in their 2-0 victory over the Baggies, after referee Mike Jones ruled that Steven Reid had brought down Cazorla.

Clarke hit out at the decision after the final whistle and insisted there was 'zero contact', but Wenger revealed that he had talked to Cazorla.

"I am sorry if it was not a penalty, but I have spoken to Santi and he said he was touched, lost his balance. Has he made a bit more of it? I don't know," Wenger said.

"When he [a player] is touched, he goes down, the referee can give or not give the penalty. Of course [I will speak to Santi if he has not been touched]. I will look at it, don't worry."

Despite its controversial nature, it was a much-needed first victory in four matches for the Gunners, who have moved back up the Premier League table as a result.

"Overall we played well. We were maybe a bit lucky on the first penalty, but we created chances and kept a clean sheet," Wenger said.

"We have shown a great spirit, which many people questioned after our last game, so we did our job very well.

"You could feel we were ready for a fight and that we absolutely had to win this game, which is what we did."

England midfielder Jack Wilshere produced a composed display and was the heartbeat of the Arsenalside.

Wenger said: "Jack is getting closer to the player we know he is and today I think he made a big step.

"You could see it already this week in training, that he has gained a little burst again, a little zip in the first three or four yards.

"In football, you have sometimes to be patient. He can only gain it by playing but of course in the first games you cannot be at that level."

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Source: SkySports

David Moyes laments Everton's 'bad draws'

David Moyes accepts that Everton should not have drawn as many games as they have but insists they are still well placed in the Premier League table.

The Toffees are currently sixth - three points adrift of a Champions League spot - having drawn eight of their 15 matches.

In three of these matches the Merseysiders conceded a 90th minute goal but the Everton manager says you have to take it on the chin.

Moyes pointed out: "It is still fairly early in the season. We are not into Christmas time and a lot will change over the next month or two.

"So you don't need to be right up there right away, even though I'd like to be.

"Yes, I do curse one or two of those results but I also think there are good draws and bad draws.

"The good parts of the Man City and Arsenal matches were that in both games, there were periods where we could have won and there were also periods where I was happy with how we defended and made sure we didn't concede.

"But I think there have been other draws before that where we could say we let points slip and should have done a little bit better."

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Source: SkySports

Robin van Persie not satisfied with his United performances

Robin van Persie says he is not satisfied with the start to his Manchester United career despite scoring 13 goals in 19 appearances.

The Dutchman's goals have helped United to the top of the Premier League as well as qualify as group winners for the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side has still come in for some criticism, not least from the manager himself who has railed on his defence on a number of occasions this term.

And despite escaping Ferguson's wrath, Van Persie has promised there is still more to come following £24m summer switch from Arsenal.

"When you are wanted by everyone it gives you wings," Van Persie told MUTV. "I am happy here and everyone looks very happy to have me here.

"But I am not satisfied. If you look at the stats, 13 goals in 19 games, it is OK. But I want better and more. I want more goals, more assists. I want to go for everything that it is possible this year."

On United's form, he added: "I just come back to the winning part. We have been winning. We are first in the league, first in the Champions League.

"Everyone would have signed for that a couple of months ago. Up to now we can accept it. It is good.

"Now we have to improve. If you just take away a couple of the goals we gave away in away games, we would have made life easier for ourselves."

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Source: SkySports

Wenger confident Arsenal will turn the season around

Arsene Wenger is confident beleaguered Arsenal can bounce back from two successive defeats with a win over West Brom on Saturday.

The Gunners suffered a 2-1 Champions League loss to Olympiakos in midweek, three days after capitulating at home to Swansea - a defeat that left them languishing in 10th place.

Arsenal return to the Emirates this weekend and Wenger insists they are ready to find their form.

"The danger of our situation is the margin for error is very small, but it is also a good opportunity to show we can be consistent, and I believe we can be," he said.

"Let's not go overboard. We have 24 games to play, we are in all the competitions, so it is down to us to make the season right and to turn the season around well on our side.

"I am confident we will and I believe we have the quality to do it."

Wenger added: "There is one thing I don't question and that is the attitude and spirit of this team.

"But I can say that all day - what is important is that we win the game when we play, and that is what we want to do.

"We were a bit jaded [against Swansea], even if that is not accepted by many players, because we had two away games after the Champions League.

"I am confident we have refreshed and can show that tomorrow."

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Source: SkySports

Gary Neville fears for Roberto Mancini's job

Gary Neville wonders if Roberto Mancini will still have a job next summer if he fails to follow up last season's Premier League title triumph with Manchester City.

Mancini finds himself under pressure heading into Sunday's Manchester derby, more because of their failures in the Champions League than on the domestic front.

Victory over United at the Etihad Stadium would put them on top of the table on goal difference and they go into the game as the only unbeaten side in England's four divisions.

But combining their European troubles with the recent arrival of chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, Neville feels Mancini's position is anything but secure.

"Roberto Mancini deserves more time but it is not a ridiculous suggestion to think City would not consider making a change if he doesn't win the league," said Neville at a Football Writers' Association Forum in Manchester.

"Whilst he continues to be successful he should stay in his job but it does feel like one day (Jose) Mourinho or (Pep) Guardiola will end up there.

"They have a new chief executive and a new director of football who presumably have the ear of the owner.

"It might be three or five years but eventually they will want to stamp their mark on the club and Mourinho and Guardiola have to be pretty high on the list."

Neville also believes Sir Alex Ferguson will continue as United manager for some time and does not feel the possible departure of Mourinho from Real Madrid this summer will hasten his exit.

"Whilst he wants to carry on, Sir Alex will not stand aside for anybody. He will decide when he doesn't want to do it anymore," Neville added.

"He is not the type of person who would just step aside so he could watch someone else manage his football team. It has been Alex Ferguson's last season for 15 years now. Unless it is the best kept secret in the world, nobody knows other than him."

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Source: SkySports

Manchester United United line up £8m January bid for Stoke's Begovic

Manchester United are to bid £8million for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. 

The move will pose questions over the futures of £17.8million signing David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard, with the Denmark No 1 the most likely casualty. 

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson giving both players a chance to cement a place in the first team, neither have convinced. 

De Gea, who has just turned 22, was seen as a big gamble when he signed from Atletico Madrid last year and United would like him to continue developing. 

Yet they have now targeted 6ft 5in Begovic, who has adapted better to the British game. 

The 25-year-old Bosnian has kept seven clean sheets this season and conceded just 15 goals in 15 games.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has declared that none of his players will be sold in January and his good relationship with United will mean the deal is likely to be shelved until the summer. 

Liverpool have also shown interest in Begovic but United are in pole position. 

Begovic said: 'It's always nice when the biggest teams in the world are looking at you. It's a compliment, but it doesn't mean anything. 

'We keep our feet on the ground here and the manager wouldn't let that change. I have three-and-a-half years on my contract and I am concentrating on playing and staying in the team and trying to help the team be successful. 

'I am happy here so there are no issues with that.' 

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Source: DailyMail