QPR chairman Tony Fernandes insists he has “complete faith” in under-fire manager Mark Hughes.
The London club currently occupy 19th spot in the Premier League and are only above Southampton on goal difference.
Despite managing just one win from their opening ten games, Fernandes believes that it would be a mistake to sack Hughes and has given him his vote of confidence:
“I have complete faith in Mark Hughes and we have a great squad, we just need to hold out for that stability and I’m sure things are going to go right,
“It’s been one of those frustrating seasons for us but I’m keeping the faith and keeping calm. It’s not a time to panic.
“I am 100 per cent committed, and we won’t be detracted by fans or media. We’re confident in our approach, and changing a manager now would be suicidal in my point.
“Mark’s a good guy, he’s got good records before him. He needs a bit of luck, but also you’ve got to make your luck.
“But I say cream always rises to the top, you can’t keep a good man down. He has our backing.”
The Malaysian also believes that a sense of security is needed at Loftus Road:
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“I think fans who are true fans know that stability is needed.
“QPR doesn’t need another four-year plan of chopping and changing every few weeks, and Mark has done it before.”
Ever since the end of the season, fans across the country have been eagerly anticipating the start of the next and the club rumour-mill is in full swing.
We ‘re lucky to have the World Cup this summer to keep us occupied during the normally barren summer months but fans are still jumping on anything which points towards their club’s plans for the season ahead.
Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have been going into overdrive on social media about a potential leak of their home and away kits for the 2018/19 season in the Premier League.
The kits in the photographs are being modelled by Wolves pair Conor Coady and Helder Costa and shows the new shirt manufacturer Adidas that replaced Puma who made the club’s kits for the past five seasons.
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Some fans are dubious that the photos are genuine but others are very keen on the slick and simple new designs.
Chelsea have this afternoon confirmed the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal on an 18-month contract.
The French international makes the move just a day after making his final appearance for the Gunners against Swansea City.
Chelsea have been searching all January for an elite, proven striker to provide back-up and competition to Alvaro Morata and have finally landed what they were looking for.
Giroud scored 105 goals and provided 41 assists for Arsenal in his time at the club, becoming something of a cult hero at the Emirates due to his knack for the odd spectacular goal or two and netting after coming off the bench.
It’s fair to say that Arsenal supporters aren’t too happy about the switch, even on a day that they’ve signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund and extended the contract of Mesut Ozil.
Some are just sad to see him leave for a rival while others believe the club are making a huge mistake.
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If Brendan Rodgers was afraid of a meltdown or complacency of any kind by talking up Liverpool’s credential’s in this season’s title race – something he really can’t shy away from at this late stage – the same should be applied to high praise and even over praise of his players.
The Liverpool manager has already singled out Sterling in the past for praise, but went one step further from his declaration that he held the best winger in the country in his squad, to describing Sterling as the best young player in Europe.
On some level, you can understand Rodgers’ thinking. Why not add a few logs onto the fire that has clearly kick started Sterling’s career? The winger is having a very good half season – and half season is important in all this – and naturally needs to be encouraged to continue on this upward trajectory.
But haven’t we been here before? It’s yet another English youngster who is being hyped to the hill after very little work. That’s not to take away from how good and important Sterling has been to Liverpool’s title charge in this second half of the season.
If – and it’s probably when at this stage, rather than if – Liverpool win the league, it will be because Sterling offered an invaluable component of a successful team. His versatility and willingness to learn has also played a significant part in his and the team’s transformation.
The problem is it’s just all too familiar. It’s another Andros Townsend story. And that’s not to compare the two players. The hype surrounding them, justified or not, is similar due to the little backing they each have in their respective claims. For Townsend, it was that he should be in England’s starting XI this summer after doing very little in a Tottenham shirt. For Sterling, it’s that he’s better than those in his age group, who have achieved more, based on four or five months.
But to analyse Rodgers’ comment on Sterling would require a confirmation of what actually constitutes a ‘young’ player. Is it a 19-year-old like Sterling? If we’re going by the Young Player of the Year award nominees, it could be a 24-year-old Daniel Sturridge. If that’s the span we’re working with, then Sterling is far from a credible name at the top of that list.
Both Marco Reus and Toni Kroos are 24, with the latter having accomplished more than most players around Europe.
What if we take a more realistic angle and use 21 years of age as the boundary? Mario Goetze, Thibaut Courtois, Raphael Varane, Julian Draxler, and Paul Pogba would then be included on that list. Suddenly Sterling is starting to look a little out of place.
Each of those players mentioned have been at the top of their age group for a prolonged spell. Paul Pogba, for example, moved to Juventus and became a feature in a side that won the Scudetto. He’s about to do it again, with Juventus on course to retain the league title. The French international has been described as the best young midfielder in the world, and whether you agree or not, he definitely has the backing to support that claim.
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Sterling, while being impressive this season, is still to build up that reputation. He may win the league title next month, but what about next season? It’s the same thought process that should have gone into the praise of Andros Townsend: how long can this form continue? Is he the real deal?
With Sterling, would it be out of hand to say a little more than five months of good form is needed to really judge how good a player he is?
Martin O’Neill is delaying his decisions on whether to pick four players for Saturday’s Aston Villa clash who are fighting injury.
Seb Larsson, Danny Rose and Craig Gardner all suffered knocks during the Black Cats’ draw with Stoke last weekend, whilst Carlos Cuellar is again having problems with a hamstring strain which ruled him out earlier this season for a fortnight.
O’Neill has indicated that Sunderland are monitoring the situation with Cuellar. However, he says that the injury situations are not serious, but that he cannot definitely say which players can take part.
He said to the Jarrow & Hebburn Gazette: “Carlos got through the Middlesbrough game fine. No problem. But then overnight he felt a tightening in his hamstring, and it’s something that we’ve been looking at since then. None of the injuries are serious – Seb and Craig had dead legs and Danny Rose has a cut to his ankle which is taking time to heal. That’s why we decided to rest them for the cup tie. But there’s every chance they’ll be fine – Crig trained yesterday, and generally they’ll be there or thereabouts. It’s just that we can’t say for definite as things stand right now who will be fit and who won’t be.”
The Sunderland boss has called the League Cup loss “a major disappointment”. He believes they have players who are talented, and that they have to score to solve the team’s problems.
“We’ve got some very talented players in the club, and for one reason or another it just hasn’t been happening for them. But what you need to do is just keep on going because the simple fact is that all the problems we have are nothing that a goal or two wouldn’t solve.”
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Martin O’Neill will surely be hoping for an improved performance tomorrow in the clash against his former club Aston Villa
It may seem almost preposterous for a club of Manchester United’s stature and lavish spending to take such a frugal approach to their summer budget, but according to The Independent Jose Mourinho is unlikely to sign a new left-back this summer because he’s prioritising a backup striker to Romelu Lukaku.
In fairness, Ashley Young made the role his own last season and there’s always the option of Luke Shaw. But the former turns 33 next month and the latter’s Old Trafford career has spiralled into relative anonymity amid a spate of spats with Mourinho.
Likewise, left-back has been a problem position for much of the Portuguese’s tenure; in addition to Young and Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind have all been fielded there with mixed results.
And the impact heavy spending on full-backs last summer had on Manchester City’s season shows how important defensive flankers are in the modern game. So with that in mind, Football FanCast have outlined five potential solutions – cut-price strikers who will add depth at centre-forward while leaving enough in the bank to sign a new top-class No.3.
Solution A – Bas Dost
Another four players have terminated their contracts with Sporting Lisbon following the infamous training ground assault from radical fans, including star striker Bas Dost. While the Dutchman may be just short of the top-class bracket, his scoring record has been strong at every club he’s played for – his career return at club level stands at 194 goals in 370 games, including 70 in 90 for the Portuguese outfit.
Also measuring in at a lofty 6 foot 5, he offers the physical presence Mourinho commands from his central strikers and should be able to bring the likes of Paul Pogba into the game in dangerous areas. Now available on a free transfer, he could prove to be an absolute steal for the Red Devils.
Solution B – Salomon Rondon
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Salomon Rondon’s scoring record in the Premier League may seem a little underwhelming, managing just 24 in 108 outings, but being the centre-forward for a Tony Pulis side is one of the hardest jobs in English football.
The Venezuelan certainly has the talent to be far more prolific than that – in fact, his club career strike rate before moving to the Hawthorns was better than one-in-three – and in terms of style, he’s exactly what Mourinho will likely be looking for too, powerful and physical enough to hold up the ball in key areas. The fact he’s already experienced in the Premier League is a major plus as well, especially when combined with a relegation release clause of just £16.5million.
Solution C – Mario Balotelli
Considering Mario Balotelli has already plied his trade with Manchester City and Liverpool, joining the Old Trafford ranks this summer would mark an incredibly controversial move. But controversy is Mario’s middle name and after a few years in the wilderness, the Italy international has really got his career back on track with Nice, notching up 43 goals over the last two campaigns to muscle his way back into the Azzurri picture.
Mourinho worked with Balotelli at Inter and may therefore have a better chance than most in mentoring a talent he once described as ‘unmanageable’. Most appealingly though, the enigmatic 27-year-old is currently available on a free transfer.
Solution D – Danny Welbeck
Mourinho told reporters last year that he’d never have allowed Danny Welbeck to leave for Arsenal and it’s not hard to see why; versatile, physical, industrious and incredibly functional, he’s pretty much the perfect Mourinho player.
The England international hasn’t exactly flourished since joining the Gunners, a spell that has been surprisingly thwarted with injury problems, but with his contract due to expire next summer and Unai Emery taking the reigns from Arsene Wenger, now is the time to try and bring him back to his boyhood club in a cut-price deal – Transfermarkt value him at just £13.5million.
The question though, bearing Mourinho’s opinions on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in mind, is whether United really need another forward who is part-winger and part-striker.
Solution E – Andy Carroll
Chelsea were considering a swoop for Andy Carroll in January before eventually landing Olivier Giroud and although he’s an incredibly agricultural kind of player, there’s no doubt the England international is one of the most effective strikers in the Premier League when fit enough to be involved. Few can counteract his power in the air or his strength on the ground, and in some ways he’d be an ideal replacement for Marouane Fellaini whose height was often utilised as Mourinho’s Plan B when United struggled to get themselves over the line.
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His West Ham contract only has a year left and because of Carroll’s injury problems, a half-decent bid will likely convince them to part with the oft-crocked centre-forward this summer.
So, Manchester United fans, which cut-price striker would you sign to ensure Mourinho can afford a top-class left-back this summer? Let us know by voting below…
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As reported by The Daily Record, Celtic are interested in signing Emiliano Martinez before the January transfer window shuts but face an uphill battle to secure his signature.
What’s the story?
Adding a goalkeeper to the Celtic first-team squad is a massive priority for Brendan Rodgers after Craig Gordon suffered an injury against Hibs on Saturday that will keep him out for three months.
One option the Hoops are pursuing is Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Daily Record report that Celtic want to bring him to Glasgow but that La Liga side Getafe, who currently have the player on loan, could block the move.
The paper say that they’ll only let Martinez leave if they can keep hold of shot-stopper Vicente Guaita until the summer, who has signed a pre-contract with Crystal Palace but could make his move this January.
Can the Hoops get this complicated deal over the line on deadline day?
Would he be a good addition?
Emiliano Martinez does have limited first team experience but that isn’t uncommon for goalkeepers in their mid-twenties, especially at elite clubs like Arsenal.
He isn’t completely devoid of action though, making 56 first team appearances for six clubs, 13 of which have been at Arsenal.
Two of those appearances at the Gunners were in the UEFA Champions League where he helped keep a clean sheet against Borussia Dortmund and win against Anderlecht. Clearly then he wouldn’t be overwhelmed by European football in the second half of this season at Celtic.
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At 6ft 4in tall, he has the stature to make an impression at Celtic and his football education has certainly been sound enough for Scottish Premiership action.
As last-minute deals go, this could prove to be an excellent one.
January is not very exiting for Ipswich fans with Mick McCarthy having limited funds to make any major additions, but can he continue to upset the odds and push into the top six?
The January transfer window will no doubt have harmed the Tractor Boys play-off chances as most of the teams around them have strengthened whilst the Suffolk side have just been looking to retain their current talent.
If Ipswich were to make the play-offs it can be assumed that they would have to nip into 5th or 6th place as the top four teams currently have a strong lead.
To make matters worse, Nottingham Forest who currently sit in 5th place have just signed highly rated left-back Danny Fox from Southampton and Olympiacos striker Rafik Djebbour. You may not have heard of Djebbour before but the Algerian has Champions League experience and has scored 39 goals in 56 league appearances for his former employers.
Many will expect Forest to push on and I can see the top five teams pulling away from the other contenders in a bid to win automatic promotion. That will only leave Ipswich with one play-off place to grab and there will be fierce competition for that place too.
Brighton, Wigan, Reading, Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Leeds are all looking like strong sides that could easily finish in 6th place and without any major additions Ipswich could drop off.
Of course this is no criticism of McCarthy or even Marcus Evans as the club are looking to meet financial fair play guidelines and are doing what is best for the club’s long-term future by not overspending.
There are also some positive aspects to take from January because Ipswich have managed to keep hold of their best players. Additionally, having a smaller closely knit squad will help maintain a great atmosphere in the dressing room and McCarthy will continue to get the most out of the average group of players he has at his disposal.
I believe that the recent addition of right-back Frazer Richardson is a real positive move too. The former Leeds man has taken the captains armband before and the leadership qualities that he possesses will be vital in the later part of the season. Furthermore, Richardson was part of the Southampton team that won back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League, but he has also suffered defeat in four other play-off campaigns.
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These statistics show that Ipswich’s new addition is very much used to being a key part of successful teams and it seems likely that he could do a great job in final part of the season. Obviously Luke Chambers has been playing well but there may well come a time when his form drops, he needs a rest or picks up an injury and it is reassuring to know that you have a solid player like Richardson ready to replace him.
McCarthy will also be fully aware of the challenge that faces him and as long as they keep themselves within touching distance then with a bit of luck they may pull off a surprise. The Ipswich boss tends to pick up a lot of points in the later part of the season when other managers start to feel the pressure kicking in so I certainly would never count the Tractor Boys out.
There is a real fresh sense around the Britannia Stadium this season that has been absent for 12 months. On the outside to the average fan it seems the same, same style of football, same expectations, same Stoke.
But the reality is far different. There was a general feeling of stagnation towards the back end of the 2011-12 season and with a lack of transfer activity for most of the summer, combined with the clubs toughest start to a Premier League season, left many Potters fans cast a worrying eye over their shoulders for the first time in three years.
The Premier League did what it always does; it worked out the problem – Stoke City. Teams found a way to stifle the attacking, physical threat and deal with the set-plays while snuffing out the wingers which had served us so well. In the Premier League you need to evolve and improve your standards, standing still isn’t an option like Stoke did last year.
But deadline day delivered as it always seems to do for Tony Pulis and in came Charlie Adam, perhaps the most important signing the club has made in a long time as Adam is the figure head of the Stoke City evolution.
His inclusion has seen Stoke alternate to a 4-3-3- formation. They no longer get outnumbered in midfield and have added a creative spark (a midfielder that can pass a ball!!!), the main ingredient missing from and otherwise well-balanced side. Adam’s ability to retain and distribute the ball is key to the new Stoke. They have kept their rough approach, while adding a touch of class.
Adding to that has been signs of rejuvenation for Matthew Etherington and the fresh impetus of Michael Kightly down the wings. Stoke look a goal threat again in open play and Peter Crouch is no longer isolated on his own upfront. Adam controls the Stoke game, there are players finding space for him to pass into instead of waiting for it to be lumped in the general direction of Crouch. Geoff Cameron looks a fine full-back who is comfortable going forwards and backwards, N’Zonzi is flourishing in a three man midfield, Ryan Shawcross has been called up for England and have I mentioned we have signed Michael Owen?
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Sitting 13th in the league may seem like par for the course as far as we are concerned, but in the opening eight games we have played both Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Now with a kinder run of fixtures up until Christmas there is an air of excitement and quiet optimism that we can surprise a few teams and critics alike. But for now, as always, Stoke are going gently under the radar just how they like it.
As reported by The Yorkshire Post, Newcastle United are interested in signing Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore this summer.
What’s the story?
After securing a top ten finish in their first season back in the English Premier League, Rafa Benitez and Newcastle will be looking to strengthen the first team squad at St James’ Park further this summer.
That won’t be easy given their comparative lack of resources with other clubs, but Benitez has shown he can work magic with unpolished talent so far in his time as Magpies boss.
One player on their radar is Adama Traore of Middlesbrough, according to The Yorkshire Post.
The paper say he could be available for a £15m fee in the upcoming transfer window after they failed to gain promotion back into the Premier League, and Newcastle are the latest side to show interest.
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Would he be a good signing?
Traore had a fantastic 2017/18 season in the Championship, scoring five goals and assisting 12 more in all competitions, helping Boro reach the play-offs where they ultimately fell short against Aston Villa.
Still just 22 years of age, there’s no doubting the player has significant talent and ability, but if he’s to be a hit at St James’ Park, he will need to find an end product in the Premier League.
In 2016/17, he managed just one assist in 27 top-flight appearances for Middlesbrough, not the kind of contribution that would be useful at the Magpies.
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The former Barcelona man could be a bargain at the reported £15m fee though and if he’s available, this is the kind of signing that Newcastle should be making.