Neymar staying put in Santos

Brazil striker Neymar has again dismissed reports he has reached a deal with Barcelona or Real Madrid, saying Monday he will stay with Santos at least until next year's Olympics in London.

Neymar said he feels honoured to be linked with the Spanish powerhouses but is happy for now to be playing in Brazil, near his family and friends.

“It has already been decided,” he said at a news conference. “I won't leave Santos in the next transfer window, I will stay until the Olympics. I have not reached a deal with any club.”

Neymar said he was looking forward to playing for Santos next year because the club will be celebrating its centenary.

By staying at Santos, Neymar will also be able to play with the team in FIFA's Club World Cup in December, a tournament that also includes Barcelona. Santos qualified by winning the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, when Neymar was a key player.

Santos hadn't won Latin America's biggest club competition since the era of Brazil great Pele in the 1960s.

“Hopefully in next year's (summer) transfer window, we will have these same two great clubs interested in acquiring me again, or maybe other clubs,” Neymar said. “Until then, I have a lot of time to think about it.”

The 19-year-old striker has been touted as a future Brazil star and is expected to lead the team in the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

There have been daily reports, particularly in Brazil and Spain, speculating about his future. One report by the reputable Estado de S. Paulo newspaper on Monday said Real Madrid has already reached a deal to sign Neymar when he leaves Santos next year, saying the player even underwent a medical examination over the weekend so the contract could be finalized.

“I'm tired of this,” Neymar said. “Every day I'm being sold to a different club. Today I'm saying once and for all that I'm not leaving Santos right now.”

Neymar rejected a multimillion-euro offer from Chelsea last year and extended his contract with Santos until after the World Cup in Brazil.

Santos said earlier this year that five European clubs--Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala--had made contact to try to sign the speedy striker and were willing to pay the ?45 million ($62 million) buyout clause in his contract.

Neymar became well known after helping Santos win the traditional Sao Paulo state championship and the Brazilian Cup last year. Interest grew after good performances for Brazil and he established himself for good after leading Santos to the Copa Libertadores title.

Neymar staying put in Santos

Brazil striker Neymar has again dismissed reports he has reached a deal with Barcelona or Real Madrid, saying Monday he will stay with Santos at least until next year's Olympics in London.

Neymar said he feels honoured to be linked with the Spanish powerhouses but is happy for now to be playing in Brazil, near his family and friends.

“It has already been decided,” he said at a news conference. “I won't leave Santos in the next transfer window, I will stay until the Olympics. I have not reached a deal with any club.”

Neymar said he was looking forward to playing for Santos next year because the club will be celebrating its centenary.

By staying at Santos, Neymar will also be able to play with the team in FIFA's Club World Cup in December, a tournament that also includes Barcelona. Santos qualified by winning the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, when Neymar was a key player.

Santos hadn't won Latin America's biggest club competition since the era of Brazil great Pele in the 1960s.

“Hopefully in next year's (summer) transfer window, we will have these same two great clubs interested in acquiring me again, or maybe other clubs,” Neymar said. “Until then, I have a lot of time to think about it.”

The 19-year-old striker has been touted as a future Brazil star and is expected to lead the team in the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

There have been daily reports, particularly in Brazil and Spain, speculating about his future. One report by the reputable Estado de S. Paulo newspaper on Monday said Real Madrid has already reached a deal to sign Neymar when he leaves Santos next year, saying the player even underwent a medical examination over the weekend so the contract could be finalized.

“I'm tired of this,” Neymar said. “Every day I'm being sold to a different club. Today I'm saying once and for all that I'm not leaving Santos right now.”

Neymar rejected a multimillion-euro offer from Chelsea last year and extended his contract with Santos until after the World Cup in Brazil.

Santos said earlier this year that five European clubs--Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala--had made contact to try to sign the speedy striker and were willing to pay the ?45 million ($62 million) buyout clause in his contract.

Neymar became well known after helping Santos win the traditional Sao Paulo state championship and the Brazilian Cup last year. Interest grew after good performances for Brazil and he established himself for good after leading Santos to the Copa Libertadores title.

Neymar staying put in Santos

Brazil striker Neymar has again dismissed reports he has reached a deal with Barcelona or Real Madrid, saying Monday he will stay with Santos at least until next year's Olympics in London.

Neymar said he feels honoured to be linked with the Spanish powerhouses but is happy for now to be playing in Brazil, near his family and friends.

“It has already been decided,” he said at a news conference. “I won't leave Santos in the next transfer window, I will stay until the Olympics. I have not reached a deal with any club.”

Neymar said he was looking forward to playing for Santos next year because the club will be celebrating its centenary.

By staying at Santos, Neymar will also be able to play with the team in FIFA's Club World Cup in December, a tournament that also includes Barcelona. Santos qualified by winning the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, when Neymar was a key player.

Santos hadn't won Latin America's biggest club competition since the era of Brazil great Pele in the 1960s.

“Hopefully in next year's (summer) transfer window, we will have these same two great clubs interested in acquiring me again, or maybe other clubs,” Neymar said. “Until then, I have a lot of time to think about it.”

The 19-year-old striker has been touted as a future Brazil star and is expected to lead the team in the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

There have been daily reports, particularly in Brazil and Spain, speculating about his future. One report by the reputable Estado de S. Paulo newspaper on Monday said Real Madrid has already reached a deal to sign Neymar when he leaves Santos next year, saying the player even underwent a medical examination over the weekend so the contract could be finalized.

“I'm tired of this,” Neymar said. “Every day I'm being sold to a different club. Today I'm saying once and for all that I'm not leaving Santos right now.”

Neymar rejected a multimillion-euro offer from Chelsea last year and extended his contract with Santos until after the World Cup in Brazil.

Santos said earlier this year that five European clubs--Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala--had made contact to try to sign the speedy striker and were willing to pay the ?45 million ($62 million) buyout clause in his contract.

Neymar became well known after helping Santos win the traditional Sao Paulo state championship and the Brazilian Cup last year. Interest grew after good performances for Brazil and he established himself for good after leading Santos to the Copa Libertadores title.

Generous Jose

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has donated a coaching trophy awarded for his treble-winning season with Inter Milan for auction in memory of mentor Bobby Robson.
Former England and Barcelona manager Robson died of lung cancer two years ago at age 76. He is credited with helping launch Mourinho's career in football.
“The entire family is completely astounded by this generous gift from Mr. Mourinho,” Robson's son Mark said. “We are thrilled and so thankful to him.”
Proceeds of the sale of the FIFA coach of the year award Mourinho won in 2010 will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Generous Jose

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has donated a coaching trophy awarded for his treble-winning season with Inter Milan for auction in memory of mentor Bobby Robson.
Former England and Barcelona manager Robson died of lung cancer two years ago at age 76. He is credited with helping launch Mourinho's career in football.
“The entire family is completely astounded by this generous gift from Mr. Mourinho,” Robson's son Mark said. “We are thrilled and so thankful to him.”
Proceeds of the sale of the FIFA coach of the year award Mourinho won in 2010 will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Generous Jose

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has donated a coaching trophy awarded for his treble-winning season with Inter Milan for auction in memory of mentor Bobby Robson.
Former England and Barcelona manager Robson died of lung cancer two years ago at age 76. He is credited with helping launch Mourinho's career in football.
“The entire family is completely astounded by this generous gift from Mr. Mourinho,” Robson's son Mark said. “We are thrilled and so thankful to him.”
Proceeds of the sale of the FIFA coach of the year award Mourinho won in 2010 will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Sachin makes ODI concerns official

The ODIs are perceived to be on the decline and it's none other than Sachin Tendulkar who has now come out publicly in support of revamping the current 50-over format having written a letter to ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Tendulkar, the world's highest run-getter in both Tests and ODIs and someone who is on the threshold of his 100th international century, wants ICC to make "a radical switch" from 50-50 to four 25-over innings.

Apart from reducing the number of overs per innings, Tendulkar has also proposed several more changes for the ODIs.

The Indian batting icon had spoken about this new concept in television interviews in the past but had never written a letter to ICC in this regard.

"I have been capturing my thoughts on what I think would be the way forward to ensure that all three formats in the game co-exist and ensure value creation," he wrote in the letter seen by 'The Times'.

He argued that four alternate innings of 25 overs for each side in an international would be the fairest way of balancing the advantages gained by the team that won the toss when pitch and weather conditions mean that a match can virtually be decided by the spin of a coin.

Tendulkar's letter also proposed changes in voluntary Powerplays.

In each 25-over block, Tendulkar wants only two Powerplays at the behest of the batting side but suggested that up to four bowlers should be allowed up to 12 overs each, rather than the present limit of 10.

One of the prominent matches featuring India seemed to have been lost after spin of coin was 1996 Wills World Cup semi-final when Lankans batted first on a square turner.

Tendulkar also cited two games in the most recent World Cup when evening dew helped England to achieve a tie in their classic qualifying game against India in Bangalore but then counted in favour of Ireland during their famous run chase against England at the same venue.

A split into two equal innings a side was often proposed for the final of the domestic county competition in the UK - originally the Gillette Cup - in the days when it was invariably an advantage to field first, the report said.

The hover cover, instant outfield drainage and sophisticated drying equipment have ensured that matches at Lord's almost always start on a dry pitch these days, but that is not the case everywhere.

In Australia last winter, the inter-state one-day tournament, the Ryobi Cup, was played over 45-overs-a-side, split into two alternate innings of 20 overs followed by two of 25.

The format was generally rated a success by Cricket Australia (CA). There were more close finishes, more runs, more wickets and larger TV audiences.

Significantly, the new regulations appeared to overcome the relatively dull and predictable middle-over phases of 50-over games.

Sachin makes ODI concerns official

The ODIs are perceived to be on the decline and it's none other than Sachin Tendulkar who has now come out publicly in support of revamping the current 50-over format having written a letter to ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Tendulkar, the world's highest run-getter in both Tests and ODIs and someone who is on the threshold of his 100th international century, wants ICC to make "a radical switch" from 50-50 to four 25-over innings.

Apart from reducing the number of overs per innings, Tendulkar has also proposed several more changes for the ODIs.

The Indian batting icon had spoken about this new concept in television interviews in the past but had never written a letter to ICC in this regard.

"I have been capturing my thoughts on what I think would be the way forward to ensure that all three formats in the game co-exist and ensure value creation," he wrote in the letter seen by 'The Times'.

He argued that four alternate innings of 25 overs for each side in an international would be the fairest way of balancing the advantages gained by the team that won the toss when pitch and weather conditions mean that a match can virtually be decided by the spin of a coin.

Tendulkar's letter also proposed changes in voluntary Powerplays.

In each 25-over block, Tendulkar wants only two Powerplays at the behest of the batting side but suggested that up to four bowlers should be allowed up to 12 overs each, rather than the present limit of 10.

One of the prominent matches featuring India seemed to have been lost after spin of coin was 1996 Wills World Cup semi-final when Lankans batted first on a square turner.

Tendulkar also cited two games in the most recent World Cup when evening dew helped England to achieve a tie in their classic qualifying game against India in Bangalore but then counted in favour of Ireland during their famous run chase against England at the same venue.

A split into two equal innings a side was often proposed for the final of the domestic county competition in the UK - originally the Gillette Cup - in the days when it was invariably an advantage to field first, the report said.

The hover cover, instant outfield drainage and sophisticated drying equipment have ensured that matches at Lord's almost always start on a dry pitch these days, but that is not the case everywhere.

In Australia last winter, the inter-state one-day tournament, the Ryobi Cup, was played over 45-overs-a-side, split into two alternate innings of 20 overs followed by two of 25.

The format was generally rated a success by Cricket Australia (CA). There were more close finishes, more runs, more wickets and larger TV audiences.

Significantly, the new regulations appeared to overcome the relatively dull and predictable middle-over phases of 50-over games.

Sachin makes ODI concerns official

The ODIs are perceived to be on the decline and it's none other than Sachin Tendulkar who has now come out publicly in support of revamping the current 50-over format having written a letter to ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Tendulkar, the world's highest run-getter in both Tests and ODIs and someone who is on the threshold of his 100th international century, wants ICC to make "a radical switch" from 50-50 to four 25-over innings.

Apart from reducing the number of overs per innings, Tendulkar has also proposed several more changes for the ODIs.

The Indian batting icon had spoken about this new concept in television interviews in the past but had never written a letter to ICC in this regard.

"I have been capturing my thoughts on what I think would be the way forward to ensure that all three formats in the game co-exist and ensure value creation," he wrote in the letter seen by 'The Times'.

He argued that four alternate innings of 25 overs for each side in an international would be the fairest way of balancing the advantages gained by the team that won the toss when pitch and weather conditions mean that a match can virtually be decided by the spin of a coin.

Tendulkar's letter also proposed changes in voluntary Powerplays.

In each 25-over block, Tendulkar wants only two Powerplays at the behest of the batting side but suggested that up to four bowlers should be allowed up to 12 overs each, rather than the present limit of 10.

One of the prominent matches featuring India seemed to have been lost after spin of coin was 1996 Wills World Cup semi-final when Lankans batted first on a square turner.

Tendulkar also cited two games in the most recent World Cup when evening dew helped England to achieve a tie in their classic qualifying game against India in Bangalore but then counted in favour of Ireland during their famous run chase against England at the same venue.

A split into two equal innings a side was often proposed for the final of the domestic county competition in the UK - originally the Gillette Cup - in the days when it was invariably an advantage to field first, the report said.

The hover cover, instant outfield drainage and sophisticated drying equipment have ensured that matches at Lord's almost always start on a dry pitch these days, but that is not the case everywhere.

In Australia last winter, the inter-state one-day tournament, the Ryobi Cup, was played over 45-overs-a-side, split into two alternate innings of 20 overs followed by two of 25.

The format was generally rated a success by Cricket Australia (CA). There were more close finishes, more runs, more wickets and larger TV audiences.

Significantly, the new regulations appeared to overcome the relatively dull and predictable middle-over phases of 50-over games.

Real duo sidelined

Its a hot news for Real Madrid supporter.Real Madrid's Portuguese internationals Pepe and Fabio Coentrao picked up leg muscle injuries in Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat at Levante, the club said.

In a medical bulletin posted on their website, Real did not say how long centre back Pepe and midfielder Coentrao would be sidelined, although local media reported they would both be out for around two weeks.

Jose Mourinho's side, fifth with six points from three matches, play at Racing Santander on Wednesday (1800).

Real need to improve their performances playing away against teams like Levante otherwise their bid to end Barcelona's three-year grip on the Spanish title will falter, according to left back Marcelo.

“Against these kinds of teams, like Levante, and at stadiums like theirs, we fail too often,” the Brazilian said in an interview published in Tuesday's As sports daily.

“The worse thing is that those points are those that make the difference at the end of the season,” he added.

Champions Barca may have Gerard Pique available for Wednesday's match at early pacesetters Valencia (2000) after the Spain centre back returned to full training on Monday following a calf injury.

Midfielder Andres Iniesta and forward Alexis Sanchez, who have muscle tears, trained apart from the rest of the squad and are not expected back for several weeks.

Pep Guardiola's side have scored 15 goals in their opening three games, including an 8-0 humbling of Osasuna on Saturday.

Victory at Valencia, who have won their opening three games, would put Barca top, at least until Thursday when surprise joint leaders Real Betis, promoted at the end of last season, host Real Zaragoza (2000).

Barca's Spain Under-21 midfielder Thiago Alcantara does not believe La Liga is a two-horse race between wealthy giants Barca and Real, who each earn close to 500 million euros ($683.3 million) a season.

“The 'League of Two' is a big lie,” he told a news conference on Monday. “It has never been like that and it never will be. Teams come with a lot of desire, they get the best out of themselves and they come to win.”

Valencia must not be scared of going after Barca on Wednesday and need to play to win, midfielder Sergio Canales, on loan from Real Madrid, said on Monday.

“Barcelona are perhaps the team who have made the least mistakes, but we have to search for them,” the Spain Under-21 international told a news conference. “We must not be afraid of suffering a heavy defeat. We have to play knowing we can win.”

Sevilla coach Marcelino has warned his players against underestimating Osasuna when they play there later on Tuesday (1800) as he believes the Pamplona-based side will be smarting after their thrashing at Barca.

“They are a team that use their weapons very well, with very engaged supporters, and they know how to eke out results at their stadium,” he told a news conference.

Sevilla are fourth, level with Barca on seven points.

Real duo sidelined

Its a hot news for Real Madrid supporter.Real Madrid's Portuguese internationals Pepe and Fabio Coentrao picked up leg muscle injuries in Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat at Levante, the club said.

In a medical bulletin posted on their website, Real did not say how long centre back Pepe and midfielder Coentrao would be sidelined, although local media reported they would both be out for around two weeks.

Jose Mourinho's side, fifth with six points from three matches, play at Racing Santander on Wednesday (1800).

Real need to improve their performances playing away against teams like Levante otherwise their bid to end Barcelona's three-year grip on the Spanish title will falter, according to left back Marcelo.

“Against these kinds of teams, like Levante, and at stadiums like theirs, we fail too often,” the Brazilian said in an interview published in Tuesday's As sports daily.

“The worse thing is that those points are those that make the difference at the end of the season,” he added.

Champions Barca may have Gerard Pique available for Wednesday's match at early pacesetters Valencia (2000) after the Spain centre back returned to full training on Monday following a calf injury.

Midfielder Andres Iniesta and forward Alexis Sanchez, who have muscle tears, trained apart from the rest of the squad and are not expected back for several weeks.

Pep Guardiola's side have scored 15 goals in their opening three games, including an 8-0 humbling of Osasuna on Saturday.

Victory at Valencia, who have won their opening three games, would put Barca top, at least until Thursday when surprise joint leaders Real Betis, promoted at the end of last season, host Real Zaragoza (2000).

Barca's Spain Under-21 midfielder Thiago Alcantara does not believe La Liga is a two-horse race between wealthy giants Barca and Real, who each earn close to 500 million euros ($683.3 million) a season.

“The 'League of Two' is a big lie,” he told a news conference on Monday. “It has never been like that and it never will be. Teams come with a lot of desire, they get the best out of themselves and they come to win.”

Valencia must not be scared of going after Barca on Wednesday and need to play to win, midfielder Sergio Canales, on loan from Real Madrid, said on Monday.

“Barcelona are perhaps the team who have made the least mistakes, but we have to search for them,” the Spain Under-21 international told a news conference. “We must not be afraid of suffering a heavy defeat. We have to play knowing we can win.”

Sevilla coach Marcelino has warned his players against underestimating Osasuna when they play there later on Tuesday (1800) as he believes the Pamplona-based side will be smarting after their thrashing at Barca.

“They are a team that use their weapons very well, with very engaged supporters, and they know how to eke out results at their stadium,” he told a news conference.

Sevilla are fourth, level with Barca on seven points.

Real duo sidelined

Its a hot news for Real Madrid supporter.Real Madrid's Portuguese internationals Pepe and Fabio Coentrao picked up leg muscle injuries in Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat at Levante, the club said.

In a medical bulletin posted on their website, Real did not say how long centre back Pepe and midfielder Coentrao would be sidelined, although local media reported they would both be out for around two weeks.

Jose Mourinho's side, fifth with six points from three matches, play at Racing Santander on Wednesday (1800).

Real need to improve their performances playing away against teams like Levante otherwise their bid to end Barcelona's three-year grip on the Spanish title will falter, according to left back Marcelo.

“Against these kinds of teams, like Levante, and at stadiums like theirs, we fail too often,” the Brazilian said in an interview published in Tuesday's As sports daily.

“The worse thing is that those points are those that make the difference at the end of the season,” he added.

Champions Barca may have Gerard Pique available for Wednesday's match at early pacesetters Valencia (2000) after the Spain centre back returned to full training on Monday following a calf injury.

Midfielder Andres Iniesta and forward Alexis Sanchez, who have muscle tears, trained apart from the rest of the squad and are not expected back for several weeks.

Pep Guardiola's side have scored 15 goals in their opening three games, including an 8-0 humbling of Osasuna on Saturday.

Victory at Valencia, who have won their opening three games, would put Barca top, at least until Thursday when surprise joint leaders Real Betis, promoted at the end of last season, host Real Zaragoza (2000).

Barca's Spain Under-21 midfielder Thiago Alcantara does not believe La Liga is a two-horse race between wealthy giants Barca and Real, who each earn close to 500 million euros ($683.3 million) a season.

“The 'League of Two' is a big lie,” he told a news conference on Monday. “It has never been like that and it never will be. Teams come with a lot of desire, they get the best out of themselves and they come to win.”

Valencia must not be scared of going after Barca on Wednesday and need to play to win, midfielder Sergio Canales, on loan from Real Madrid, said on Monday.

“Barcelona are perhaps the team who have made the least mistakes, but we have to search for them,” the Spain Under-21 international told a news conference. “We must not be afraid of suffering a heavy defeat. We have to play knowing we can win.”

Sevilla coach Marcelino has warned his players against underestimating Osasuna when they play there later on Tuesday (1800) as he believes the Pamplona-based side will be smarting after their thrashing at Barca.

“They are a team that use their weapons very well, with very engaged supporters, and they know how to eke out results at their stadium,” he told a news conference.

Sevilla are fourth, level with Barca on seven points.

Booters end with defeat

Bangladesh completed their miserable AFC U-16 Qualifiers campaign with fourth consecutive defeat when they went down 4-0 against Qatar at Duhok Stadium in Iraq yesterday.

Qatar dominated the game from the onset and took a 2-0 lead before the breather and added two more goals in the second half to seal their second victory in four matches.

The Bangladesh team had earlier lost to hosts Iraq 7-0, Palestine 2-0 and Iran 3-0.

Booters end with defeat

Bangladesh completed their miserable AFC U-16 Qualifiers campaign with fourth consecutive defeat when they went down 4-0 against Qatar at Duhok Stadium in Iraq yesterday.

Qatar dominated the game from the onset and took a 2-0 lead before the breather and added two more goals in the second half to seal their second victory in four matches.

The Bangladesh team had earlier lost to hosts Iraq 7-0, Palestine 2-0 and Iran 3-0.

Booters end with defeat

Bangladesh completed their miserable AFC U-16 Qualifiers campaign with fourth consecutive defeat when they went down 4-0 against Qatar at Duhok Stadium in Iraq yesterday.

Qatar dominated the game from the onset and took a 2-0 lead before the breather and added two more goals in the second half to seal their second victory in four matches.

The Bangladesh team had earlier lost to hosts Iraq 7-0, Palestine 2-0 and Iran 3-0.

Wenger Proves ‘You Can’t Win Anything With Kids

It’s been a testing start to the season for Arsene Wenger hasn’t it? Scratch that it’s been a gruelling six years for the Arsenal boss with the failure to go the whole hog and actually win a trophy seeing the Frenchman crumble under the pressure and totally disregard his policy on buying players.

Last week’s deadline day splurge saw Wenger splash out on a number of players that didn’t conform to his usual targets. He bought Mikel Arteta for £10 million despite the Spaniard being 29-years-old, Werder Bremen’s 26-year-old defender Per Mertesaker and loaned Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea despite the Israeli being the wrong side of 30.
Considering his penchant for plucking youngsters from youth teams around the world and endeavouring to turn them into world-beaters - has he finally admitted defeat and proved that you won’t win anything with kids?

Unfortunately for Gunners fans Wenger demonstrated that putting every last ounce of faith into a team of young players isn’t the way forward. Whilst I admire the Frenchman’s philosophy and the fact he has nurtured some of the best young players in the world at this current time building a team full of them is the wrong way to go about winning major competitions. Arsenal has suffered ever since the invincibles’ side disbanded and Wenger decided that spending money wasn’t viable at a time when transfer fees and wages were starting to rise into astronomical boundaries.

But his concern with building a team of his own making along with being unflinchingly prudent has been to the detriment of Arsenal’s challenge. It’s no secret that he’d refuse to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and signing those who were coming towards that age range was a rarity. At first the football and the team looked brilliant with Cesc Fabregas leading the charge with a side full of fresh faced youngsters who were oozing enthusiasm and desperate to make an impression.

The future looked bright but the heights Wenger’s young side were prophesized to meet were never actually reached. The team lacked experience and a leader, someone with a little bit of knowhow who could direct these kids and keep their chins up when things went south. The dressing room didn’t have that seasoned edge and when things turned sour there was no one there to provide inspiration. Wenger was too stubborn to change his ways and too proud to admit that his philosophy was flawed. On the field things went downhill and he’s now been forced to throw in the towel. The experiment failed and with his tail firmly between his legs Wenger has now been backed into the corner. Luckily for Arsenal fans he’s come out fighting with his chequebook firmly in hand.

The 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in their last game surely must have been the kick up the backside that he needed to finally realise that his approach has failed. Somewhere in London Alan Hansen will be rubbing his hands gleefully and telling all around him ‘I told you so’.

Wenger Proves ‘You Can’t Win Anything With Kids

It’s been a testing start to the season for Arsene Wenger hasn’t it? Scratch that it’s been a gruelling six years for the Arsenal boss with the failure to go the whole hog and actually win a trophy seeing the Frenchman crumble under the pressure and totally disregard his policy on buying players.

Last week’s deadline day splurge saw Wenger splash out on a number of players that didn’t conform to his usual targets. He bought Mikel Arteta for £10 million despite the Spaniard being 29-years-old, Werder Bremen’s 26-year-old defender Per Mertesaker and loaned Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea despite the Israeli being the wrong side of 30.
Considering his penchant for plucking youngsters from youth teams around the world and endeavouring to turn them into world-beaters - has he finally admitted defeat and proved that you won’t win anything with kids?

Unfortunately for Gunners fans Wenger demonstrated that putting every last ounce of faith into a team of young players isn’t the way forward. Whilst I admire the Frenchman’s philosophy and the fact he has nurtured some of the best young players in the world at this current time building a team full of them is the wrong way to go about winning major competitions. Arsenal has suffered ever since the invincibles’ side disbanded and Wenger decided that spending money wasn’t viable at a time when transfer fees and wages were starting to rise into astronomical boundaries.

But his concern with building a team of his own making along with being unflinchingly prudent has been to the detriment of Arsenal’s challenge. It’s no secret that he’d refuse to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and signing those who were coming towards that age range was a rarity. At first the football and the team looked brilliant with Cesc Fabregas leading the charge with a side full of fresh faced youngsters who were oozing enthusiasm and desperate to make an impression.

The future looked bright but the heights Wenger’s young side were prophesized to meet were never actually reached. The team lacked experience and a leader, someone with a little bit of knowhow who could direct these kids and keep their chins up when things went south. The dressing room didn’t have that seasoned edge and when things turned sour there was no one there to provide inspiration. Wenger was too stubborn to change his ways and too proud to admit that his philosophy was flawed. On the field things went downhill and he’s now been forced to throw in the towel. The experiment failed and with his tail firmly between his legs Wenger has now been backed into the corner. Luckily for Arsenal fans he’s come out fighting with his chequebook firmly in hand.

The 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in their last game surely must have been the kick up the backside that he needed to finally realise that his approach has failed. Somewhere in London Alan Hansen will be rubbing his hands gleefully and telling all around him ‘I told you so’.

Wenger Proves ‘You Can’t Win Anything With Kids

It’s been a testing start to the season for Arsene Wenger hasn’t it? Scratch that it’s been a gruelling six years for the Arsenal boss with the failure to go the whole hog and actually win a trophy seeing the Frenchman crumble under the pressure and totally disregard his policy on buying players.

Last week’s deadline day splurge saw Wenger splash out on a number of players that didn’t conform to his usual targets. He bought Mikel Arteta for £10 million despite the Spaniard being 29-years-old, Werder Bremen’s 26-year-old defender Per Mertesaker and loaned Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea despite the Israeli being the wrong side of 30.
Considering his penchant for plucking youngsters from youth teams around the world and endeavouring to turn them into world-beaters - has he finally admitted defeat and proved that you won’t win anything with kids?

Unfortunately for Gunners fans Wenger demonstrated that putting every last ounce of faith into a team of young players isn’t the way forward. Whilst I admire the Frenchman’s philosophy and the fact he has nurtured some of the best young players in the world at this current time building a team full of them is the wrong way to go about winning major competitions. Arsenal has suffered ever since the invincibles’ side disbanded and Wenger decided that spending money wasn’t viable at a time when transfer fees and wages were starting to rise into astronomical boundaries.

But his concern with building a team of his own making along with being unflinchingly prudent has been to the detriment of Arsenal’s challenge. It’s no secret that he’d refuse to hand out long-term contracts to players over 30 and signing those who were coming towards that age range was a rarity. At first the football and the team looked brilliant with Cesc Fabregas leading the charge with a side full of fresh faced youngsters who were oozing enthusiasm and desperate to make an impression.

The future looked bright but the heights Wenger’s young side were prophesized to meet were never actually reached. The team lacked experience and a leader, someone with a little bit of knowhow who could direct these kids and keep their chins up when things went south. The dressing room didn’t have that seasoned edge and when things turned sour there was no one there to provide inspiration. Wenger was too stubborn to change his ways and too proud to admit that his philosophy was flawed. On the field things went downhill and he’s now been forced to throw in the towel. The experiment failed and with his tail firmly between his legs Wenger has now been backed into the corner. Luckily for Arsenal fans he’s come out fighting with his chequebook firmly in hand.

The 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in their last game surely must have been the kick up the backside that he needed to finally realise that his approach has failed. Somewhere in London Alan Hansen will be rubbing his hands gleefully and telling all around him ‘I told you so’.

Amata Spring Country Club: Bangkok

September 15-18 Macau Open presented by Cityneon  Macau Golf & Country Club Macau $750,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D September 22-25 Asia Pacific Panasonic Open + Biwako Country Club, Shiga Japan ¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,700,000)# Brendan JONES (AUS) - D October 6-9 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship  Linkou International Golf and Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $300,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D October 13-16 Indian Open  Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi India $1,250,000 Rikard KARLBERG (SWE) - D October 20-23 CJ Invitational hosted by KJ Choi  Haesley Nine Bridge Golf Club Korea (South) $750,000 New Event - D October 27-30 CIMB Asia Pacific Classic ** The Mines Resort and Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia $6,100,000 Ben CRANE (USA) - D November 3-6 Mercuries Taiwan Masters  Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $600,000 Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) - D November 3-6 WGC-HSBC Champions  Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai China $7,000,000 Francesco MOLINARI (ITA) - D November 10-13 Barclays Singapore Open * Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Singapore $6,000,000 Adam SCOTT (AUS) - D November 17-20 Iskandar Johor Open  Horizon Hills GCC, Johor Bahru Malaysia $2,000,000 Padraig HARRINGTON (Ireland) - D November 24-27 Omega Mission Hills World Cup  Mission Hills Resort, Hainan China $7,500,000 Italy - D December 1-4 UBS Hong Kong Open * Hong Kong Golf Club Hong Kong $2,750,000 Ian POULTER (Eng) - D December 8-11 King's Cup  Course TBA, Thailand Thailand $300,000 Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) - D December 15-18 Thailand Golf Championship  Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok Thailand $1,000,000 New Event - D

Amata Spring Country Club: Bangkok

September 15-18 Macau Open presented by Cityneon  Macau Golf & Country Club Macau $750,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D September 22-25 Asia Pacific Panasonic Open + Biwako Country Club, Shiga Japan ¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,700,000)# Brendan JONES (AUS) - D October 6-9 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship  Linkou International Golf and Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $300,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D October 13-16 Indian Open  Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi India $1,250,000 Rikard KARLBERG (SWE) - D October 20-23 CJ Invitational hosted by KJ Choi  Haesley Nine Bridge Golf Club Korea (South) $750,000 New Event - D October 27-30 CIMB Asia Pacific Classic ** The Mines Resort and Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia $6,100,000 Ben CRANE (USA) - D November 3-6 Mercuries Taiwan Masters  Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $600,000 Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) - D November 3-6 WGC-HSBC Champions  Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai China $7,000,000 Francesco MOLINARI (ITA) - D November 10-13 Barclays Singapore Open * Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Singapore $6,000,000 Adam SCOTT (AUS) - D November 17-20 Iskandar Johor Open  Horizon Hills GCC, Johor Bahru Malaysia $2,000,000 Padraig HARRINGTON (Ireland) - D November 24-27 Omega Mission Hills World Cup  Mission Hills Resort, Hainan China $7,500,000 Italy - D December 1-4 UBS Hong Kong Open * Hong Kong Golf Club Hong Kong $2,750,000 Ian POULTER (Eng) - D December 8-11 King's Cup  Course TBA, Thailand Thailand $300,000 Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) - D December 15-18 Thailand Golf Championship  Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok Thailand $1,000,000 New Event - D

Amata Spring Country Club: Bangkok

September 15-18 Macau Open presented by Cityneon  Macau Golf & Country Club Macau $750,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D September 22-25 Asia Pacific Panasonic Open + Biwako Country Club, Shiga Japan ¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,700,000)# Brendan JONES (AUS) - D October 6-9 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship  Linkou International Golf and Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $300,000 Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) - D October 13-16 Indian Open  Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi India $1,250,000 Rikard KARLBERG (SWE) - D October 20-23 CJ Invitational hosted by KJ Choi  Haesley Nine Bridge Golf Club Korea (South) $750,000 New Event - D October 27-30 CIMB Asia Pacific Classic ** The Mines Resort and Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia $6,100,000 Ben CRANE (USA) - D November 3-6 Mercuries Taiwan Masters  Taiwan Golf & Country Club, Taipei Chinese Taipei $600,000 Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) - D November 3-6 WGC-HSBC Champions  Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai China $7,000,000 Francesco MOLINARI (ITA) - D November 10-13 Barclays Singapore Open * Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore Singapore $6,000,000 Adam SCOTT (AUS) - D November 17-20 Iskandar Johor Open  Horizon Hills GCC, Johor Bahru Malaysia $2,000,000 Padraig HARRINGTON (Ireland) - D November 24-27 Omega Mission Hills World Cup  Mission Hills Resort, Hainan China $7,500,000 Italy - D December 1-4 UBS Hong Kong Open * Hong Kong Golf Club Hong Kong $2,750,000 Ian POULTER (Eng) - D December 8-11 King's Cup  Course TBA, Thailand Thailand $300,000 Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) - D December 15-18 Thailand Golf Championship  Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok Thailand $1,000,000 New Event - D

Induct Knipe into Hall of Fame:Long Beach State

U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team Head Coach Alan Knipe will be inducted into the Long Beach State athletic department’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 9 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.

Although Knipe (Huntington Beach, Calif.) was the Long Beach State men’s volleyball head coach for nine years before he took a leave of absence to coach the U.S. Men’s Team, he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame as player.

“It’s a huge honor to go in as a player,” said Knipe, 42. “It’s been a while since I was considered a player. Probably the best thing about it is that my kids only know me as a coach.”

Knipe played at LBSU from 1990-92, winning the NCAA Championship in 1991 and being named All-America in 1992. He helped the team get to the NCAA finals in 1990. Knipe started his career at outside hitter, but was moved to middle blocker for his second season.

“I thought from the very first time I spent time with the group of guys that it was a special group; very driven and welcoming,” Knipe said. “Some of those players are my best and closest friends to this day.”

Knipe will be joined in the Class of 2011 by current Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Jered Weaver, softball player Meredith Cervenka, track and field athlete Le’Gretta Smith (Hinds), women’s basketball player Margaret Mohr, administrator Doug Robinson, men’s tennis player and coach Peter Smith, football player Mark Templeton, women’s volleyball player Cheryl Weaver and the 1989 Women’s Volleyball National Championship Team.

“I know my kids are super excited to meet Jered Weaver at the ceremony,” Knipe said