£15 Million Just To Bid For The 2018 World Cup

That’s right, its going to cost the FA £15 million to put together a proposal for the World Cup 2018 to be hosted in England. That’s a lot of money that could be spent on much needed things like, grass roots football, better local football pitches, improved academies, or more importantly - a full investigation into why Steve McClaren ever landed the England job.

WORLD CUP BID TO COST MILLIONS

McClaren To Work For The BBC At Euro 2008

Talking of our friend Steve McClaren, he’s been appointed by the BBC to offer expert analysis at the Euro’s. What is it with this guy? First of all he earned a salary as England manager of £2.5 million a year (forget about bonuses, endorsements etc.), with a compensation package of £2.5 million when he was finally evicted by the FA. Now he’s taking a salary from our TV Licence fee’s. Won’t that make you feel good when the next TV Licence bill arrives on your doorstep?

McCLAREN AT EURO 2008, WE’RE NOT!

Umbro Hang Shirts Out To Dry

To celebrate St George’s Day, Umbro lined Carnaby Street with the England away shirts. Hundreds of the shirts were hung up like bunting up and down the street. Well after Steve McClaren failed to get us to the Euro’s, they had to use them for something….

UMBRO MARK ST GEORGE’S DAY

Gabriel Heinze’s Black Boots

It was a mystery which had football fans scratching their heads, just like when the FA appointed Steve McClaren, so why did Heinze black out his football boots? Well the Footy Boots head journo donned his flat cap and off he went to bring the football public back the answer….

Heinze: “I had a contract, it ended and so I painted the football boots black. Why am I going to give publicity to a company with which I no longer have a contract?”

Mystery over, Puma didn’t want to give him any more money.

HEINZE EXPLAINS BLACK FOOTBALL BOOTS

Man City Talk to Ronnie

This story just won’t go away. Just why do the Man City PR team keep rolling this one out? Ronaldinho is a marketing machine, still. He is wanted in Milan. He’s still in his prime years at 28 and whilst City’s ‘Thai Guy’ will be willing to throw a few ‘Baht’ at him, it’s not going to happen. There’s more chance of Man Utd sacking Fergie, only to replace him with Steve McClaren than there is Ronnie going to City.

MAN CITY HELD RONALDINHO TALKS

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Abbey Clancy (Peter Crouch’s WAG) and Crouchie had a bit of a lovers tiff earlier this week, resulting in Abbey giving Crouchy a slap. Crouchie and WAG were partying at the Valmont club in London, when WAG got in to a cat fight with a girl that had made a move on Crouch.

Fair play Crouchie, but shouldn’t you have been preparing for the Champions League tie?

ABBEY SHOWS CROUCHIE WHO’S BOSS

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Gerrard’s Gangsta Threats

It’s been revealed that Steven Gerrard was threatened by a Liverpool gangster who wanted to shoot him in the legs. Fortunately Gerrard arranged for the ‘Fixer’ to sort the gangster out. How Robbie Savage keeps his pins is anyone’s guess.

GERRARD: GANGSTER WANTED TO SHOOT LEGS

Four British Teams In Europe

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are in the Champions League semi finals and Rangers have progressed to the Uefa Cup semi finals. Only Arsenal were eliminated after a cracking game at Anfield. Jens Lehmann knows why Arsenal went out:

“I told (Wenger) he needed experienced players in his team for such important games. He did not share my view and I do not think he has been successful, the results speak against his choices.”

Let’s start the petition here, Lehmann for Manager, Arsene out!

LEHMANN SLAMS WENGER & ALMUNIA

Modern Football Boots No Good For Gray

The man who knows everything there is to know about football, Andy Gray, has told the nation that modern football boots don’t offer enough protection. Speaking during Man Utd’s win against Roma, Gray’s comments will no doubt knock millions off the stock prices of Adidas, Nike, Puma NOT. Richard Keys is thought to have totally agreed with Gray (as its probably in his contract that he’s got to) and then had his third shave of the day before feeding Gray grapes and dabbing his moist temple.

ANDY GRAY SLAMS MODERN FOOTBALL BOOTS

Adidas Owns Three Stripes

Adidas went to court and one a ruling to prevent other companies using similar designs on clothing. Word has it that buoyed by the Adidas success, Kappa are targeting the Kama Sutra for infringement.

ADIDAS WINS 3 STRIPES COURT BATTLE

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

David Beckham, fresh from gaining his 100th cap, has been talking about how he and Posh first got together: ‘For the first three months it was amazing because no one found out about us being together. We loved that because we could sneak around. Our first kiss was in the car park of a restaurant.’ Rebecca Loos said the same thing.

POSH & BECK’S

Game Switch Angers Chelsea

Chelsea are unhappy about playing two games in 72 hours. Their opponents Everton said “they fully support their broadcast partners”. Chelsea said ” It undermines the sporting integrity of the competition.” A bit like the Chelsea team swarming around Mike Riley after Ashley Cole scythed down Alan Hutton of Tottenham, now that’s sporting integrity.

Game Switch Chelsea

Jose For Inter?

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho looks to have given the biggest clue yet as to where he will manage next. On Inter speculation, his agent confirmed, “He (Mourinho) always showed interest in working in Italy, and he received the contact with pleasure.” The Footy Boots Portuguese translator understood it slightly differently, “Jose is interested in any job that will support his ego, and he likes it when you gently rub him behind the ears”.

Jose for Inter

Liverpool Owners War Continues

George Gillett confirmed his relationship with Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is unworkable. Well strike us down with a Cantona karate chop, and there we all were thinking they got on better than McClaren and Downing.

Liverpool Owners War Continues

Madrid Beat London to Host 2010 Champions League Final

The Bernabeu Stadium Madrid will stage the 2010 Champions League final after Wembley Stadium lost out because of tax reasons. Uefa President Michel Platini said, “The concerns we had over players being taxed were not confirmed by the British government.” Footy Boots message to Platini, “Please confirm that when we move the Footy Boots HQ to Calais, the French government will waive all tax?

Madrid Wins 2010 Champions League Final

Wenger Backs Gallas

Gallas wouldn’t leave the pitch after the Birmingham game, he came out and slated young teammate Theo Walcott in the media and Gallas put on a better show for the SkySports cameraman before playing Chelsea than Torvill and Dean did the Boléro at the 1984 winter Olympics. Naturally his manager Wenger fumed “He has my full support and my full backing.”

Wenger Backs Gallas

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Less than three months now until the big wedding. And Rooney’s WAG Coleen McLoughlin is warming up nicely, she spent 11 hours getting herself fitted up for her wedding dress. Meanwhile, Wayne was chuffed at his new ‘whistle and flute’ he picked up for a fiver at Matalan’s.

Coleen McLoughlin’s Marathon of a Dress Fitting

Spurs Triumph, Chelsea Shamed

So Tottenham have won the League Cup, it’s good to see a trophy claimed by a side outside of the “big four”. Chelsea were outfought and outplayed. The first 10 minutes of the final Chelsea hardly had a kick. With so many highly talented and experienced players in the side, there must have been something that caused the players to under perform so badly….. It’s Avram Grant of course, no not his team selection, or his tactics, its his drone like, mono tone speech delivery. Just look at his interview before the game, excited? link

Chelsea Exodus?

Avram Grant stood up to be counted by dropping some established stars for the Carling Cup Final. Ashley Cole, Andriy Shevchenko, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. Chelsea lost, emphatically, and now there are questions being asked in the dressing room. Will it be Grant or the Chelsea Boys that depart? link

Eduardo Back for Christmas

Poor little Eduardo Da Silva. Anybody who follows the game must feel for the Crozilian striker. We can’t even look at the pictures without peeking through the gap in our hands at Footy Boots HQ. Let’s hope he makes a full recovery. Eduardo Leg Break

Special K Still Special?

KK was lauded on his return to the Toon, but what can the Newcastle fans think now? Yet to win a game, 13 goals conceded in the last 4 league matches…. Special K seems more like a Sugar Puff at the moment. Newcastle Too Good to Go Down

39th Game Fiasco

This story seems to have more legs than the Chelsea WAGs. Scudamore is trying to rally around gaining support for Premier League teams to jet off around the world for one extra game a season. No matter which way he attempts to spin it, it’s a money making exercise and who will get the rough end of the stick? The fans of course. Read more on this subject in the OhKay! Column

Andy Cole See’s Red

It’s the sort of story that gives footballers a bad name. Andy Cole has allegedly beaten up his Mrs after attending the Christening of Dwight York’s latest son. If its true, Cole should be made an example of. Andy Cole Arrested

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Footballers are often ridiculed for the ‘handbags at ten paces’ confrontations on the pitch. You know, the ones where they go head to head and one moves their head a little bit and the other footballer goes down as if he was shot in the leg by a sniper. Well now you know why, it’s because of the influence of their WAGs. Proof? OK, serial WAG Danielle Lloyd and Beckham’s sister were at it, celebrating with the Tottenham boys on Sunday night, they managed to headline by having a catfight. You gal’s are so chic. Danielle Lloyd Gets in a Catfight with Beckham

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Robson to Leave Sheffield United

It looks ominous for ‘Captain Marvel’, Bryan Robson. Signs suggest that he has parted company with Sheffield United. Robson took control in May, after Sheffield Utd were relegated. Targeted with promotion back to the Prem, he has fallen short with just 9 wins out of 32 fixtures. link

Cesc In Talks With Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas is renegotiating his contract with Arsenal. The Spaniard is keen to stay at Arsenal and has only another 6 years on his contract, he’s looking to extend it. Si Senor Wenger, hasta 2050 es bien. link

Beck’s Losing Popularity

They seem to be catching up with David Beckham over in LA. Golden Balls has had a pasting from the Los Angeles Times. “So far Beckham has done nothing to advance the sport in L.A., his arrival here is the most overblown story of last year”. Sorry guys, you wanted him, and we don’t want him back. link

End of Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has a potentially career ending injury. We’re talking about the buck toothed porker now, not the pumped up winker. Ronaldo, who was due to face Arsenal this week for AC Milan in the Champions League, ruptured his tendon in his knee. Last time he did that he was out of the game for two years! link

Quickies

Real Madrid were confirmed as the richest football club in the world, Man Utd and Barca took 2nd and 3rd spot. link

Tottenham’s players have shed weight since Ramos took over, but they have been told to work more lard off. link

Yakubu did the traditional thing after the Africa Cup of Nations - he went AWOL from Everton. link

Samuel Eto’o would welcome Didier Drogba to Barca. “A team with Messi, Henry, Drogba and me is possible in the pitch without anybody having to leave the club. It would be a super-offensive team.” Add Ronaldinho and they are playing 5 up top. Bring it on…. link

Legendary old man Romario is still playing football in Brazil, but he failed a drug test last November. Luckily his Mum cam up with a great reason for proving positive “It is anti-baldness. Why doesn’t someone have mercy on him?” Nice one Mum. link

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Ashley’s WAG Cheryl Cole has been in Thailand, taking a break whilst the tabloids find all the women Ashley has been naughty with. Pictures show Cheryl has gone rather ‘Posh Beckham’ like - thin! At the same time it looks like one of her bandmates (in the pictures) has been overdoing it with the sun lotion mind. Milko! Cheryl Out of Hiding

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Bad Boys Cleared of Punishment

Lee Bowyer and Joey Barton, two of the naught boys of the Premier League have had their recent offences quashed by the FA. After seeing video evidence, the FA ruled that Barton and Bowyer would not face any charge. They both went out to celebrate by knocking seven bells out of a punch bag at the local gym, followed by 10 pints down the local boozer. Well that last but was an exaggeration, 8 pints. link

Asia and US Latest to Dismiss Premier League Overseas

Seems that this ‘39th Game’ is about as popular as Steve McClaren and his brolly. On the back of Fergie slating the Premier League for revealing the idea so early, ‘Arry saying it’s ridiculous and Michel Platini saying eet ees comical, two of the potential venues for the 39th fixture have turned their noses up. Asia and the US join the bandwagon…. link

Africa Cup of Nations a Success

99 goals, not one penalty shoot out and exciting football! Anyone that followed the ACN will know what a great tournament it was. Unfaniced Egypt took the trophy and Puma are pleased with their decision to load their sponsorship of the Africans. link

Quickies

Steve Sidwell has been cut from Chelsea’s squad for the remainder of the Champions League. He’s got to be on his way in the summer.

Ian Wright has asked fans to boycott matches in protest of the Premier League’s Overseas plans. No chance Wrighty.

Gerrard says Liverpool need to focus on getting 4th place. Way to go Liverpool.

Alan Hansen says Arsenal are in pole position, but beware of Man Utd. Thanks for stating the blinking obvious.

Man Utd are gearing up for another money making trip, this time South Africa. Are they that desperate for cash?

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

The Sun and WAGs blog have created their top ten list of WAGs.

The Sun opted for Cheryl Cole Ashley Cole’s err, wife? - image

WAG’s Blog opted for Noemie Lenoir Makelele’s Missus - image
Who’s your favourite?

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Fabio’s the Guv’nor

Fabio, in his first press conference as England manager made it clear to the players what he expects - discipline. Gone are the days when McClaren referred to the players in playground terms, Wazza - Rooney, JT - John Terry, Stevie G - Steven Gerrard. Fabio, oops sorrry, Mr Capello will refer to the players by their surname. Which may explain why he sent Agbonlahor home yesterday…. link

Berbatov Keeps His Options Open

He doesn’t just look like Mr Burns from the Simpsons, Dimitar Berbatov is also very clever, like the cartoon character. When questioned about a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window, Berbatov said he was happy the window is shut. Asked if he would move there in the future, the Bulgarian said “I wouldn’t rule it out.” Off in the summer then Dimi? link

Benjan’s Belated Move

Benjani has moved to Manchester City from Portsmouth, 5 days after the transfer window shut. The FA said he missed the deadline last week, but have allowed the move to take place. Why? Has ‘Arry been wheeling and dealing with the FA now? Now the rules have been broken, does this open a free for all now? After all, the reason Benjani didn’t move in time is because he missed two flights up to Manchester. Yes two! Miss one and you think, fool, but expected, but two? Portsmouth said it was because he fell asleep at the airport…. link

African Cup of Nations

Egypt and Cameroon progressed to the semi finals last night, joining Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Egypt the holders, overcame a trying Angola 2-1, goals from Abd Rabou and Zaki (pen) for Egypt with Manucho getting the reply for Angola.

Cameroon were taken to extra time before seeing off Tunisia. In a good contest between two evenly matched sides, Mbia got the winner in extra time, his second of the game.

Semi Finals - Thursday, 07 February 2008
Ghana v Cameroon, 17:00
Ivory Coast v Egypt, 20:30

The final takes place on Sunday evening.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Whilst Wazza Rooney (sorry Fabio), has been minding his P’s and Q’s in the England training camp, his WAG, Coleen McLoughlin in true WAG style has been living the high life on a beach in Barbados. Could be that she’s trying to show off the new toned figure she’s got. WAGsSend your comments to “a.stud@footy-boots.com“

England Launch New Kit

Umbro have launched the new England Away Kit. Umbro based near Manchester, soon to be owned by the American company Nike, have taken a hit over this shirt. JJB said it was poorly made, England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 meaning the shirt will not be worn in a major tournament and Fabio wouldn’t let Umbro endorsed John Terry turn up for the photo shoot because he is not in the team this week. Maybe Fabio knows what he is doing eh?

Gerrard Impressed With Fabio

Stevie G, captain of England for Wednesday, said he was impressed with new manager Fabio Capello today. Not with his tactics, nor his knowledge of the opposition or his team selection. No Stevie G was impressed with Fabio’s English. link

United Fined for Yellows

Manchester United have been fined £25,000 for having seven players booked against Tottenham at the weekend. Surprised? So were we, we wondered how the FA managed to impose this without Ferguson ‘having a word’ and ’sorting it out’. It seems though, that it is automatic for any team receiving 6 or more bookings in one game. link

African Cup of Nations

We’re at the business end of the ACN now. Last night saw the first pair of quarter finals.

Ghana were victorious against Nigeria in an exciting match. Ghana came from a goal down to win the tie, Obafemi Martins scored the first for Nigeria, before Michael Essien headed Ghana level. Ghana then went down to 10 men, but kept on attacking and were rewarded when Nottingham Forest player Juior Agogo shot from close range to win the tie.

In the other quarter final, Ivory Coast cruised through hitting 5 past the young Guinea side. Kader Keita, who looked very sharp scored the opener, but the Ivory Coast had to wait until the last 20 minutes to finish Guinea off. Salomon Kalou got two, Didier Drogba one and Bakary Kone completed the drubbing.

Tonight Egypt face Angola, then Tunisia meet Cameroon in the final pair of Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Abbey Clancy , Crouch’s WAG has been trying out the latest WAG trend, going out in rollers! Abbey Clancy isn’t the only WAG who has been sporting this style though, Coleen McLoughlin, Alex Curran and Jennifer Ellison have all been papped leaving the hairdressers in their curlers. It’s the fashion cycle coming around again. Anyone else remember Robbo, Keegan and co in their curlers?

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Poor Fabio

So Fabio has selected his first sqaud and as always all the talk has been about David Beckham. If Beckham could still play football, the way he can play the media, England would win the World Cup. Arsene and Fergie joined the circus. link

Benjani Staying or Going?

‘Arry went out and bought Defoe based on Benjani leaving. The deal didn’t go through, but ‘Arry’s hoping to wheel and deal the Zimbabwean up to Man City anyway. link

January Transfers

All the deals have been done for this season, if you feel the need to check them all here it is. link

African Cup of Nations

All the qualifiers are out of the way now. In the hat for the quarter finals are;

Sunday, 03 February 2008

Ghana v Nigeria - 17:00
Ivory Coast v Guinea - 20:30

Monday, 04 February 2008

Egypt v Angola - 17:00
Tunisia v Cameroon - 20:30

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Fabio’s First Squad

The Italian has selected his first 30 players as part of a preliminary sqaud for next weeks friendly with Switzerland;

Carson (Aston Villa), James (Portsmouth), Kirkland (Wigan); Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Manchester United), A Cole (Chelsea), C Davies (Aston Villa), Ferdinand (Manchester United) G Johnson (Portsmouth), King (Tottenham), Lescott (Everton), Richards (Manchester City), Shorey (Reading), Upson (West Ham), Woodgate (Tottenham); Barry (Aston Villa), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Manchester United), J Cole (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Manchester United), Jenas (Tottenham), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Young (Aston Villa); Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Crouch (Liverpool), Heskey (Wigan), Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Manchester United).

Notable exclusions include;

Paul Robinson, not getting a game for Spurs doesn’t help.

David Beckham, see below.

Alan Smith, hasn’t been in form since leaving Leeds United all those years ago.

More analysis tomorrow….

Fabio Drops Becks

Fabio Capello has not selected David Beckham for his first squad to face Switzerland next Wednesday. Why Fabio hasn’t selected the 32 year old , who hasn’t played quality club football since, June and who played his last competitive game in the Euro qualifying defeat by Croatia on 21 November, we just cannot fathom out…. link

Liverpool: Fans Buy Out

Liverpool fans are so taken by their American ownership, that they are looking to follow MyFootballClub, the organisation that brought fans together to buy Ebbsfleet United. The organisation put together to bid for Liverpool would be asking fans to cough up £5,000 each to get investment of £5 million. Wouldn’t it be great if the fans could decide whether Crouch starts this weekend? link

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to Brian Barwick and the caterpillar he carries around on his upper lip. The Chief Executive of The FA has been in the throne for 3 years now, which explains why their website feature him on the frontpage! Brian who’s biggest achievement was deciding to employ Steve McClaren, commented on England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 “There are no excuses, we didn’t perform in key games.” He’s on the ball then our Brian…. link

Transfer Deadline Day

Jermain Defoe is off to Pompey

Fulham have signed Jari Litmanen

Derby have signed defender Alan Stubbs from Everton and Roy Carroll from Rangers on loan

Arsenal have loaned out youngsters Kieran Gibbs to Norwich and Mark Randall to Burnley

More are likely to happen this evening before the deadline…..

African Cup of Nations

Cameroon and Egypt join Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in the next round of the ACN. Cameroon beat Sudan 3-0 and Egypt drew 1-1 with Zambia to progress.

Tonight the final group game fixtures are; Senegal v South Africa, and Tunisia v Angola. Its possible that any team in this group can qualify, depending on tonight’s results.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Cheryl Cole and loving hubby Ashley are still on the tabloid front pages. The Sun, still squeezing the juice out of the story, today comment on how Cheryl hasn’t eaten since they headlined about Ashley’s fling with the hairdresser. Meanwhile Ashley was again dropped from the Chelsea team that beat Reading last night. So whilst Ashley is dropped at Chelsea, Cheryl may have to be dropped as a WAG. WAGs

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Psycho Returns to England

Former England left back Stuart ‘Psycho’ Pearce has been given a role with new England manager Fabio Capello. The Italian wanted an Englishman as part of his backroom staff, and said “As well as being involved in all of the planning ahead of games, he will sit next to me on the bench during the matches.” Got it, so he’s your protection Fabio? link

KK Stamps His Authority

KK has made it clear who’s boss at Newcastle “He reports to me,” said KK in an early demonstration of his dominance. The two little guys (KK is actually 2″ taller than didi Dennis), next face Middlesborough at home on Sunday. Early days, but already the pressure is mounting.

Rafa: Champions League is Harder

Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager has come out and claimed it is harder to win the Champions League than the Premier League. “How many teams have won the Champions League? That is a massive trophy and it is more difficult to win than any other trophy,” Benítez said. Sure Rafa, nothing to do with the fact that you have no chance of winning the title again this year? link

Quickfire Transfer News

Tottenham have finally signed Alan Hutton from Rangers for £9 million, he follows Jonathan Woodgate and Chris Gunter to the Lane.

Up the road, Arsenal have completed the signing of another youngster, Luke Freeman from Gillingham. The 15 year is the youngest player to feature in the FA Cup!

Staying at Arsenal, Abou Diaby has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2012.

Not moving is Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram, wanted by Manchester City, he was refused a work permit.

African Cup of Nations

Egypt face Zambia and Cameroon take on Sudan in the final round of matches in Group C. Two from this group will be looking to join Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Nigeria who have all qualified.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Cheryl Cole has left her and Ashley’s home to think things through. Meanwhile Ashley may be involved tonight when Chelsea are at home to Reading. Avram Grant still hasn’t decided whether to play him or not, as he think Ashley is better at playing away. Boom Boom. WAGs

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Return of the Mac

After four years out of football, Gary McAllister returns as manager of Leeds. The former Leeds player, follows the departure of Dennis Wise to Newcastle, and picks up the baton with Leeds in 5th place in League 1. Gary was no doubt chosen for results achieved in his only full season as manager, Coventry playing in the equivalent of the Championship ended up in 20th place. link

Wise Decision

Former Wimbledon hard nut Dennis Wise, has been appointed to sign players and develop the academy at Newcastle. Titled executive director (football) the appointment has shocked everyone but has pleased Joey Barton. Barton now aims to make Chairman of Newcastle by the time he turns 30. link

Show Me The Money

Patrice Evra wants £120,000 a week to stay on at Manchester United. His agents have said that he should be in line with the top earners at the club, and that has caused a major stand-off. Having left a copy of the Daily Mirror hanging around the Footy Boots reception, the cleaner is now refusing to empty the bins until we promise to pay her the same as the CEO. link

Quickfire Transfer News

Jonathan Woodgate settled for a move to Tottenham in the end. It’s said he was stalling for a move to the Gunners, until Wenger came out in the press and said he wasn’t interested. And of course, Woodgate is currently injured.

Mohamed Sissoko has finally left Liverpool for Juventus for £8.2million in one of the most drawn out transfers of the winter.

Andy Cole has left Sunderland on loan to join high flying…. Burnley.

African Cup of Nations

Guniea and Ghana progressed from Group A last night. Hosts Ghana made it three wins in three with a 2-0 win over Morocco whilst Guinea drew 1-1 with Namibia.

Due to the late publication of this edition, Group B previews are too late. instead we can tell you that The Ivory Coast and Nigeria have qualified from Group B. The Ivory Coast won 3-0 against Mali and Nigeria beat Benin 2-0.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

The Ashley Cole crucifixion story in The Sun, continued.

Ashley and Cheryl Cole seemed to be thinking about having children. Cheryl Cole stated that she wanted to become a mother, even after finding out that Ashley had played away with ‘the hairdresser’. link

Meanwhile, Ashley was sure that everything was in order downstairs. He allegedly told another conquest of his, “I don’t need to wear a condom because Chelsea give us check-ups.” I hope the tax man charges him for that perk! link WAGs

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Wise Move

Dennis Wise has resigned from Leeds and is set to take up a role at Newcastle. The deal has been completed and Leeds are expected to receive a substantial compensation package, some people are suggesting its almost as high as Ashley Cole’s crisis management fee’s. link

Sweet FA Cup

An interesting weekend of cup action culminating in the fifth round draw, which throws Manchester United and Arsenal together.

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Coventry City v West Brom
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough

So the two at the top of the Premier League go head to head in what will be a mouth watering tie on the 16th or 17th February.

Who will end up with bragging rights and a pumped up chest going into the final third of the season? Don’t say Aimee Walton… mail your answer

Fabio to Leave Beckham Waiting

Fabio Capello is ready to leave a mark, clearer than the one Ashley Cole’s wedding ring made on Aimee Walton’s back side. He’s reportedly dropping David Beckham out of his squad for England‘s game against Switzerland on the 6th February, which will keep Beckham hanging on 99 caps. link

Where Woody Go?

Jonathan ‘Sick Note’ Woodgate turned down a move to Newcastle and it was suggested in the tabloid press this morning, that Arsenal were looking to nip in and pinch the ‘Boro centre back from underneath Spurs‘ nose. However, Wenger has come out with a statement straight out of Ashley Coles book on media management, which denies the move, “I do not know where that story came from, there is no truth in it at all.” Perhaps the Sun will run an inside exclusive on it. link

Quickfire Transfer News

Portsmouth have completed the loan signing of Milan Baros from Lyon until the end of the season. link

Aston Villa will be receiving around £4.5 million from Bolton, for 22 year old defender Gary Cahill. link

Wayne Routledge could be on his way into Aston Villa. link

Juande Ramos is set to land Alan Hutton from Rangers in a £2 million deal. link

African Cup of Nations

Weekend Results;

Senegal 1-3 Angola; Tunisia 3-1 South Africa; Cameroon 5-1 Zambia; Egypt 3-0 Sudan

This evening, the hosts Ghana play Morocco and Guinea take on Namibia in the final games of Group A. Ghana have six points, while Morocco and Guinea are on three, Namibia are yet to win a game. So its all to play for this evening.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

Ashley Cole is not having a good time of it at the moment. After getting the captains armband ripped off him, during a match, he was then dropped at Chelsea. Then, Ashley was on the front pages of The Sun last week, when hairdresser Aimee Walton sold out about his one night stand with her. Now The Sun reveals that Ashley’s representatives met with Aimee Walton last week to discuss aborting her baby. Only for her to reveal she wasn’t pregnant. Cheryl Cole had said that she knew about the night her husband spent with Aimee Walton, during which he vomited, but believed he had not had sex with her. We don’t think flowers will smooth this one over Ashley… WAGs

Send your comments to “a.stud@footy-boots.com”

Shearer Will Not be No. 2

KK has confirmed that Alan Shearer will not be his assistant at Newcastle. He may land another role, but that is to be decided. Suggestions are, that Shearer didn’t want to give up his BBC pundits job. Take note Geordies, Shearer would rather cosy up on the couch with Hansen and Lineker than come and learn how to run your club. link

Woodgate to Spurs

Jonathan ‘Sick Note’ Woodgate looks to be on the move, again. Spurs are said to have had an offer of around £7 million accepted. With Ledley King back from injury and Michael Dawson pairing up well, its an odd one, particularly as they have both Younes Kaboul and Ricardo Rocha in reserve. But then Spurs go through phases of collecting players in the same position. link

Chimbonda the Modern Day Footballer

Pascal Chimbonda, the Spurs and France full back wants out of Tottenham, in exchange for a windfall move to Newcastle. The Sun reports, with a great picture, that Chimbonda said “I am definitely leaving Spurs. It’s all about the money. I don’t care about the final, I don’t care about the cup.” Chimbonda’s career has a distinct trend of upping and leaving when he wants to, but that’s the way the game is nowadays. Spurs let the chump go, pass the problem on. Newcastle beware! link

Quickfire Transfer News

Rafa Benitez joined the queue of top managers wanting to take a risk on Theo Walcott. Wenger, Sven and now Rafa must all see something in the 18 year old, shame he can’t show the fans on the pitch. Arsenal rejected the bid from Liverpool.

Middlesbrough look to be very close to signing Afonso Alves from Heerenveen. An agreement on a transfer fee is all that is holding this up, said Southgate. All? Not much then Gareth, just a few million quid!

‘Arry is after Milan Baros on loan from Lyons, ‘Arry has seen that Baros has played in the Premier League and not quite made the grade. So he looks a perfect signing for ‘Arry.

Liverpool have the cash now to sign Javier Mascherano permanently, after the club’s American owners secured the loan to refinance their takeover. Tom Hicks and George Gillett will be flavour of the month with the Kop now….

African Cup of Nations

Anyone who has followed the fist few games in this tournament will know that African football is very entertaining. It’s packed with goals, its fast football, and the platers play with commitment and passion. And of course match fixing……

The big news in Ghana centres around a match fixing allegation made by the German manager of Benin. The German told the BBC that he was asked if he would help fix the result of his side’s match against Mali, and said he would be willing to give Caf details of the man who made the approach. link

Last night Guinea upset Morocco, 3-2. That leaves Morocco with an uphill task to qualify, although a win against Ghana in their last match would guarantee progression. Ghana are on the back of two opening wins, last night they took the points against Namibia 1-0.

Tonight Ivory Coast take on Benin, but the tastier fixture is Nigeria v Mali. The Nigerians were tipped by many to feature well in this competition, but would go out tonight with a game to go, if they lose and the Ivory Coast win. But then Berti Vogts is the manager.

WAGs (wives and girlfriends)

OK, we’re coming clean. Some of the WAG stories this week have been lame…… But not this cracker!

Ashley Cole once Arsenal and England’s finest, has been on a slippery slope since his mega bucks move to Chelsea, no more so than today. The Sun have headlined with a story about Ashley cheating on his wife Cheryl Cole, with a hairdresser. The hairdresser said “He’s wild - really rude in bed. He knew exactly what he was doing and was pretty good, despite not being very big.” Chelsea responded by barring a Sun reporter from attending a press conference today after the tabloid ran the story. Chin up Ashley. link

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