TheGame - Times Online - WBLG

Oliver Kay's debate replies: ‘The dreaded 39th game is about to rear its ugly head again’

This week's debate asked if, in the light of Manchester United and Portsmouth selling 60,000 tickets for a showpiece match in Nigeria, the Premier League's plan for a 39th game is about to become an issue once more.

Predictably it received a vigorous response from our readership and not some many in the negative as you might have expected.

The issue remains the same. At present the league is a fair competition because of the format of playing every team twice, home and away. Any team getting Derby three times last season would have had a distinct advantage over any team getting, say, Aston Villa. I'm not even opening the emotional can of worms that is the fan-club relationship here. I'm sure others will do that. So, fundamentally, bad idea then, bad idea now. Paul

OK: Asymmetry is the first issue that comes to mind and it causes obvious problems. Introducing an extra round of fixtures, even on neutral ground, instantly compromises the fairness of a league system. I cannot see a way around that, but that is not my biggest objection to this plan.

Wednesday's transfer gossip: Chelsea to make Lampard Britain's highest paid player

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including all the latest on Frank Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge where one big name forward looks to be on his way in, while another is moving on.

Plus, there is the latest on Liverpool's chase to land Robbie Keane and news of Manchester City's attempts to sign a striker before the season starts.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Frank breaks the bank – Daily Express
In a bid to end Inter Milan’s interest in the player, Chelsea have offered Frank a £39m, five-year deal, which will make him Britain's highest-paid footballer.

Robinho ready to replace Drobga – Daily Mirror
The Real Madrid forward could be poised to sign for Chelsea in a £40m deal with Didier Drogba ready to join Barcelona.

Striker light, Rafa – The Sun
Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, is convinced he will sign Robbie Keane in the next few days.

Curbs is on Cisse alert – Daily Express
West Ham United are weighing up an £8m for Djibril Cisse, the Marseille forward, and have been given ten days to complete the deal by the French club.

City love cut of his Djib – Daily Mirror
Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, is also set to make a shock bid to bring Cisse, the former Liverpool striker, back to the Premier League.

Debate: Have Chelsea peaked?

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched the first attack in the psychological battle that has defined the rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea in recent seasons by claiming that their rivals have fulfilled their potential. While the United manager admits that players such as Ricardo Carvalho, right, have the experience to challenge for the title, he believes they will struggle to improve at the same rate as his more youthful charges.

What do you think? Is Ferguson just trying to unnerve his rivals or is he right in suggesting Luis Felipe Scolari lacks the players to improve on Jose Mourinho's success? Perhaps you agree with Michael Essien, the Chelsea midfielder who reacted to Ferguson's criticism by insisting that the London club are the most likely to win the Premier League next season? Let us know in the comment box below.

Best of the web: silly season special

1. Football rumours
If your club’s summer transfer plans haven’t quite gone to plan, fear not. A dip into the myriad of wonderful tosh that is posted on the football rumours site will soon have you rolling around with laughter. Here’s an example of what you can expect.

“Now listen to this: I am Martin Ferguson's cousin (Man United scout) and he told me two days ago that United have a deal in place for Sergio Aguero for £39.8 million pounds, also he told me Ronaldo will eventually leave United for Madrid for £52m and Sergio Ramos and Daniel Parejo for the future. It will happen, trust me, you heard it here, remember.”

And there’s plenty more gems like this to be had…

2. Samuel Eto'o is going to Uzbekistan

Earlier this summer, the Barcelona forward turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur, explaining that they were a 'mid-table club' and he 'needed more’.

So Spurs fans must have been a little taken aback when PFC Kuruvchi anounced the player as their new signing on their extremely well-written website. It gets better for Kuruvchi fans click here to read what the club had to say.

3. "Legend" Darren Huckerby arrives in the US of A

The former Norwich forward signed San Jose Earthquake and this interview with televsion station KRON shows his reputation as a legend of football has really gone before him.

It takes a special kind of man to make Huckerby appear intelligent and informed but our friend from across the pond, and his "international sources" come up trumps. Click here for the video

4. United fans debate Ronaldo's future

Amid a summer of frenzied speculation, some United fans have managed to keep a bit of perspective, but only some.

"If he wants to leave, then there is no point keeping him. He had every chance of becoming one of the biggest legends ever to play for United. Now, he will only become another "galactico" in the Real Madrid road show, and follow the likes of Beckham and Ruud in the line of good United players who thought the grass was greener.

"United will continue to prosper, and I am sure Ronaldo will go on to cementing his position as one of the world's greatest players. But, he is forsaking the chance of becoming a club legend in one of the biggest and best football clubs in the world.~

5. Drunk referee

Never one to allow the small matter of having to referee a junior football tournament stop him from enjoying a summer drink, Sergei Shmolik, 43, appeared so inebriated he could hardly walk and was led off the pitch by match officials.

Click here for the video

Manchester United fans – where in the world are you?

With Sir Alex Ferguson’s side doing their latest bit of PR in Cape Town, we wondered: exactly where do Manchester United’s fans come from?

They boast that they have the biggest following on the planet but is this true? Certainly, shirt sales in Asia appear to back up the theory. And supporters turned up in their droves to have a kickabout with Rio Ferdinand during his recent charity trip to Nigeria.

Everybody’s heard the cruel taunts about United fans not coming from Manchester – now’s your turn to hit back.

Take part in our simple poll and let us know in the comment box below where in the world you are from.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Tuesday's transfer gossip: Chelsea's Kaka hopes in tatters?

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest on Chelsea's world-record bid for an AC Milan playmaker, news of Tottenham stepping up their chase for two major transfer targets and a round-up of the rest of today's transfer rumours.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Sunk - The Sun
Despite prolonged talks aboard Roman Abramovich's private yacht, AC Milan officials are still refusing to sell Kaka, the Brazilian playmaker.

Ramos is 'Avin a laugh - The Sun
Juande Ramos, the Tottenham manager, has been told to increase his £16m offer for Andrei Arshavin, the Zenit St Petersburg forward, with the Russian club holding out for £21.5m. 

Adebayor keeps future options open - The Guardian
Emmanuel Adebayor has once again refused to commit his future to Arsenal after he held talks with  Arsene Wenger on Monday.

Keegan ponders Reyes move - The Guardian
The Newcastle United manager could make a move for Jose Antonio Reyes, the former Arsenal winger, after he fell out of favour at Atletico Madrid.

Bentley hit by hold-up - Daily Mirror
The Blackburn winger has pulled out of the club's training camp in Germany as his frustration grows over the slow progress of his move to Tottenham.

West Ham not Gud move for Eidur - Daily Mail
Eidur Gudjohnsen says he is staying at Barcelona after turning down a £5m move to West Ham United.

Zig's bi for Villa - The Sun
Aston Villa are considering making a bid for Nicola Zigic, the 6ft 7in Valencia striker, who could cost £5m.

Football smugshots

Your footballing smugshots just keep flooding in, and to be honest we can't get enough.

The world's greatest footballers may be off sunning themselves on far flung foreign beaches but we want you to hunt them down and keep on sending us some of the best examples of arms-around-the-shoulders camaraderie that money just can't buy.

We admit that the idea was inspired by our Travel section and its forum for smug holiday pics, but we thought we could do better and, boy, you have proved us right.

In fact, your overwhelming response has forced us to open up a third gallery for you to fill all over again. But fear not, all your old favourites are safely tucked away in our archive if you want to revisit them. This time we really want you to outdo each other - a photographic Top Trumps if you will.

So if you and Michael Ballack have shared a heated exchange over that final sweaty Spanish sunbed, or if you and Steven Gerrard have spent a lazy summer night on the Algarve putting the world to rights, then we want to see the evidence.

For some inspiration we thought you'd like the picture above of Phil Brown, the Hull City manager, who wishes he hadn't had a haircut after being measured for a top hat at Epsom this year. Tim Ruffle and Soccer AM's Helen Chamberlain try to be sympathetic.

And check out our new smug shots from the sporting (non-football) world here.

More of the same please.

E-mail your pictures to: sport@timesonline.co.uk

Click "continue reading" to see your pictures, including when Laurence Weir met Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles. Shame it wasn't in the "Coop for Tottingham" ...

Monday's transfer gossip: Tottenham ready to spend

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest rumours coming out of White Hart Lane, news of a Brazilan forward who is desperate to move to Chelsea and a round-up of all today's transfer news.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Chelsea-Kakà, nuova offerta Il Milan: no a 150 milioni - La Gazzetta dello Sport
AC Milan president insists that Chelsea have not made a world record offer for the Brazilian.

£57m - The Sun
Juande Ramos, the Tottenham manager, will spend the money he raises from the sales of Robbie Keane, to Liverpool, and Dimitar Berbatov, to Manchester United, on Diego Milito and Roman Pavlyuchenko (pictured) and wingers David Bentley and Diego Capel. 

Calderon: we will sign Ron - Daily Mirror
The Real Madrid president remains confident of signing Cristiano Ronaldo, the Manchester United winger.

Rob plea - The Sun
Robinho has told Real Madrid he is desperate to join Chelsea.

Mourinho to wait for Lampard - The Daily Telegraph
Inter Milan are prepared to wait for Frank Lampard's contract to run out before signing him next season.

Lampard bids for freedom - Daily Express
The Chelsea midfielder is scheduled to hold more talks with club officials as he continues to refuse to sign a new contract at the club, while Barcelona are thought to be preparing a £22m bid for Didier Drogba after he was left out of the club's tour to China.

Redknapp would sell to bring in Wright-Phillips - The Daily Telegraph
The Portsmouth manager will let upto seven players leave to finance an £8m move for Shaun Wright-Phillips, the Chelsea winger.

Milner back on Villa agenda - The Daily Telegraph
Aston Villa could move for James Milner, the Newcastle United winger, after they abandoned their attempts to sign David Bentley.

Rafa's agog for Ngog - Daily Mail
Liverpool are poised to sign David Ngog, the 19-year-old Paris St Germain striker, for £1.5m

Fulham are sweet on AJ - The Sun
Roy Hodgson will bid £10.5m for Andrew Johnson, the Everton forward.

Moutinho is Moyes man - Daily Express
Everton will make an £18m bid for Joao Moutinho, the Portugal midfielder.

The Debate: ‘The dreaded 39th game is about to rear its ugly head again’

As Manchester United and Portsmouth prepare to play an exhibition match in Abuja on Sunday, in front of 60,000 fanatical Nigerians, you can almost hear the sound of hands being gleefully rubbed together at the headquarters of the Premier League. By all accounts, the match could have been sold out several times over – something that is certain to crop up when the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs get together for their annual meeting next month.

Remember the dreaded “39th game”, or, to use its working title, the “Premier League international round”? Well, it is about to rear its ugly head again. The league has until the end of the year to formulate its proposals, with a view to including them in the invitation to tender for the next set of live broadcast rights. Failure to do so would effectively put the project on hold for two or three years, so, like it or not, this is something the Premier League will be pushing hard over the coming months.

Weekend 1n numbers

4   
England players who started for Everton in the 4-2 defeat by non-league Cambridge United

2 
Leading tournaments in which there are doubts over the host nations – 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012

23
Number of senior players (aged 22 or over) signed by Fulham in the past 13 months

Tony Cascarino's Fiver

1 Double standards
Scene that typifies football: Daniel Levy on TV having a go at Manchester United for pursuing Dimitar Berbatov. Next? Harry Redknapp saying he fancies Shaun Wright-Phillips. But that is OK because Chelsea may not want him any more. 

2 Name and shame
Golf shots often have funny nicknames, such as “Dennis Wise” – a nasty five-footer. How about a “Gazza” for football – someone who keeps hitting the bar? Any more suggestions? 

Planet Jupitus: There’s one f-word no player likes to hear

I was very taken with a phrase that I read last week in Tony Cascarino’s piece on the rigours of pre-season training: “carrying extra timber”. Never has the gaining of weight been given such a robust dignity.

I mentioned this to some friends the other day, which got us into a chat about fat footballers. One of the great joys of Upton Park is seeing men, who look only one chicken tikka masala away from a serious cardiac event singing: “Big fat, big fat Frank, big fat Frankie Lampard.” Lampard is what at worst could be called “stocky” – but fat? Jan Molby is another talented professional who was somehow perceived as fat. That’s the weird thing; after I had heard the crowds week after week, he did start to look overweight. It was like a form of mass hypnosis. That is how affirmation works for those with self-esteem issues. They sit in front of a mirror and tell themselves that they’re nice, happy and not ugly, and eventually they believe it.

Friday's transfer gossip: United step up Berbatov chase

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest on Manchester United's summer transfer plans, news of developments in the Frank Lampard transfer saga and round-up of all today's rumours. 

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Berba's mine - The Sun
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced he will sign Dimitar Berbatov, the Tottenham striker, before the start of the season.

Barca's £24m bid for Berba - Daily Mirror
Barcelona are poised to rival United's bid for the Bulgarian, after missing out on Emmanuel Abebayor.

Liverpool to sell Voronin to finance Barry bid - Daily Mirror
Rafael Benitez will sell Andrei Voronin to a German club for around £3m to help finance the signing of Gareth Barry.

Blues snub Eto'o swap with Drog - The Sun
Chelsea have rejected Barcelona's offer of a swap deal involving Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba.

Inter to bid £3m Mour for Lamps - The Sun
Inter Milan will today make a fresh bid for Frank Lampard which will be in the region of £11m.

Frank's torn - Daily Mirror
Inter Milan have warned Frank Lampard they will look elsewhere if his move to the Italian club is not completed soon.

Scott Ya - The Sun
Scott Carson, the England goalkeeper, will join West Brom from Liverpool after rejecting a move to Stoke City.

Potters get new £5m Kit - Daily Mirror
Dave Kitson, the Reading forward, is set to complete a £5m move to Stoke.

Kranjcar staying put - The Sun
Nico Kranjcar will stay at Portsmouth after snubbing a £12m move to Monaco.

Keegan seeks youth after losing Aimar race - The Independent
Newcastle are looking at other targets after losing out to Benfica in the race to sign the Argentine midfielder from Real Zaragoza.

Bruce fails in £9m offer for Johnson - The Guardian
But Wigan plan to make Everton an improved offer for Andrew Johnson after having a £9m bid rejected.

Thursday's transfer gossip: Chelsea agree to sell Lampard for £20m

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest on Frank Lampard's proposed move to Inter Milan, rumours that Liverpool are changing their summer transfer plans and all the news as Everton, Blackburn and Newcastle step up their efforts to bring in new faces.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Lamps can go for £20m - Daily Star
Frank Lampard will be allowed to leave Chelsea if Inter Milan make a £20m bid for the England midfielder.

Jose won't give up on Lampard - Daily Mirror
Jose Mourinho says he is prepared to wait until the final day of the transfer window to secure Lampard's signature.

Makelele first out at Chelsea - The Sun
Claude Makelele will be the first high profile name to leave Chelsea this summer when he completes a move to Paris St Germain.

Rafa getting closer to clinching Keane deal - Daily Mail
Liverpool are close to signing Robbie Keane and will submit an improved bid for the Tottenham striker after making him their top priority.

Arsenal could go for Barry as Gilberto and Hleb depart - The Independent
After selling Gilberto to Panathinaikos, Arsene Wenger has turn his attention to signing Gareth Barry, although like Rafael Benitez, Wenger is unwilling to pay £18m.

Chim in demand - The Sun
Newcastle and Everton are battling for Pascal Chimbonda, the Tottenham defender, who will cost about £4m.

Wigan all out for AJ - Daily Mirror
Steve Bruce has made a £9m bid for Andy Johnson, the Everton forward, but faces competition from Fulham.

Capel could still be winging into Spurs - The Daily Telegraph
Diego Capel, the Seville winger, says he would consider leaving the Spanish club to join Tottenham who have been linked with a £12.5m bid.

Oliver Kay replies: are you ready to stick with your manager all season?

This week's debate asked who you think will win the Premier League sack race. Stoke fans don't think Tony Pulis will get the push however bad their season may turn out, but Alan Curbishley and Kevin Keegan are walking a tightrope according to other readers.

I don't think any of the newly-promoted managers will be sacked. In the main chairmen are not idiots and will see what happened to Derby last year when they sacked the manager that got them promoted and never won another game. I think the most likely for the chop are from the established brigade or high-profile like the guy at Chelsea. J Oddens.

OK: I agree about the lessons learned from the Derby experience, even though Billy Davies was a rare example where "mutual consent" meant precisely that. Scolari for the sack? Can't see it. After a turbulent 18 months (in which they reached a Champions League final and semi-final, finished second twice in the league and won the FA Cup), Roman Abramovich recognises the need for stability.

Wednesday's transfer gossip: Aimar set for Newcastle move?

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest on Kevin Keegan's transfer plans, news of a Tottenham forward who could become on the world's costliest players, and all the latest on the rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Aimar Toon star! - Daily Mirror
Kevin Keegan has beaten Portsmouth, Sunderland and Benfica to sign Pablo Aimar for £7m. Newcastle are also hoping to sign Liverpool's 19-year-old Argentine left-back Emiliano Insua on loan.

£60m Robbie - The Sun
Liverpool are ready to make Robbie Keane one of the world's costliest players, by spending £20m on the Tottenham forward, taking his career transfer value to close to £60m.

Do you know the way to fan Jose? - Daily Mirror
Frank Lampard will today ask Chelsea to allow him to join Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan after rejecting a £140,000-a-week four-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Barry in 'let me go' plea - Daily Mirror
Gareth Barry will plead with Martin O'Neill to stop jeopardising his dream move to Liverpool when he returns to training today.

Rafa's in freefall - Daily Mirror
The collapse of Xabi Alonso's proposed move to Juventus means Rafa Benitez has abandoned plans to buy David Villa and David Silva from Valencia - and he may now also have to give up hope of signing Robbie Keane.

Gilberto move paves way for Arsenal to put in Barry offer - The Independent
It gets worse for Benitez, with Arsenal expected to be in a position to make an offer for Barry after they sell their former captain Gilberto Silva to Panathinaikos this week. 

I'll be a United players this summer, claims Berbatov - Daily Mail
Dimitar Berbatov says he will not allow Tottenham's hard line wreck his summer move to Manchester United.

Berbatov fumes as Spurs drag out his move to United - The Guardian
But Berbatov faces an anxious wait over his future after Tottenham indicated that they do not intend to negotiate with Manchester United or anyone else.

Tuesday's transfer gossip: Drogba to stay at Chelsea?

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including news of a Chelsea forward who could be staying put, rumours of Mark Hughes's latest transfer plans plus all the latest on a new bidder in the Gareth Barry transfer saga.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

A Drog is for Life - The Sun
Luiz Felipe Scolari will offer Didier Drogba a bumper new deal to keep him at Chelsea for life.

Robinho: Big Phil is dream boss – Daily Mirror
Robinho could join Chelsea in a deal worth £48m after the Real Madrid forward claimed it would be a dream to work with Scolari.

Chelsea tempt Robinho with £48m offer – The Guardian
Real Madrid are considering a bid from Chelsea for the Brazil forward.

Ronnie raid – The Sun
Chelsea have reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to hijack moves by Manchester City and AC Milan for Ronaldinho.

£30m Berba – The Sun
Tottenham have told Manchester United that Dimitar Berbatov can only leave the club for £30m but United are refusing to up their £24m bid.

City eye up Lucas ‘n Bell – The Sun
Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, wants to sign West Ham duo Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy

It’s ‘Arry’s England B – Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, is closing in on the £5m signing of Wayne Bridge, the Chelsea and England left-back.

Wenger does want Barry – The Sun
Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, has confirmed that Arsenal have made enquiries about Gareth Barry.

Pennant is right man for Rovers – Daily Mirror
Paul Ince is planning for life without David Bentley, who is today being linked with Aston Villa, and is set to make a £5m bid for Jermaine Pennant, the Liverpool winger. 

Spurs seal £17m deal for Bentley – Daily Mail
Tottenham last night agreed a deal to sign the Blackburn Rovers winger, as Juande Ramos begins to spend the £50m he expects to recoup from the sales of Berbatov and Keane.

Keane is ready to put faith in Saha – Daily Mail
The Sunderland manager wants to sign former Manchester United team-mate on a pay as you play deal.

Moyes eyes Turkey star – Daily Mail
Everton are hoping to sign Topal, the 22-year-old Galatasaray midfielder, for £2.5m. 

Santa Cruz open to offers – The Guardian
The Blackburn forward has told his new manager that he wants to leave for a bigger club, which has alerted Arsenal and Tottenham.

Monday's transfer gossip: Spurs to complete £17m Bentley deal?

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the very latest on David Bentley's proposed move away from Ewood Park, rumours of who is following Mathieu Flamini out of the exit door at the Emirates Stadium and all the latest transfer rumours coming out of White Hart Lane.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Bentley's chain gang - Daily Mirror
In clinching the signing of David Bentley, the Blackburn midfielder, for £17m Tottenham will spark a transfer merry-go-round, with Aston Villa ready to sign Brad Friedel, and Scott Carson joining Stoke City or Middlesbrough.

Hleb a £15m Barca belter - The Sun
Alexander Hleb will be unveiled by Barcelona today, after he completed his move from Arsenal.

Samp in surprise Shev raid - Daily Mirror
Sampdoria are weighing up a shock move for the Chelsea forward.

£25m or we drop Dimi bid - Daily Mirror
Manchester United have put a limit on their pursuit of Dimitar Berbatov, the Tottenham forward. 

Spurs line up Roque to replace Berbatov - Daily Mail
United's move for Berbatov has forced Tottenham to line-up replacements, and they have earmarked Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz as the man they want.

Pompey priced out as Toon go for Aimar - Daily Mail
Newcastle believe they can strike a deal with Real Zaragoza for Pablo Aimar, the £7m-rated Argentina midfielder, after Portsmouth balked at his fee. 

Harry leads Kaboul chase - Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp will make a £6m bid for Younes Kaboul, the Tottenham defender.

Weekend in numbers

5  Players at Portsmouth who have played at least one match for England in the past eight months

84   League goals scored by Robbie Fowler in the past 11 seasons, compared with 83 in the previous four

3   Times Portsmouth and Manchester United meet in a month: friendly, Community Shield, league

2   English sides in action this month: Aston Villa in the Intertoto Cup and Manchester City in the Uefa Cup

1   Game in first 13 live televised Barclays Premier League matches not featuring a “big four” side

Oliver Kay's debate: Are you ready to stick with your manager all season?

From a leading bookmaker comes a press release with the odds for the new season’s “Sack Race”. Who will be the first Barclays Premier League manager to lose his job?

The shortest odds accompany the names of Alan Curbishley, Gary Megson, Paul Ince, Roy Hodgson, Kevin Keegan and the newly promoted trio of Phil Brown, Tony Mowbray and Tony Pulis.

You would not really quibble with the odds, but the presence of Brown, Mowbray and Pulis is a sad reminder of how tough life is in the Premier League. All three have worked wonders in winning promotion with Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City respectively, but come November their employment prospects may have been rosier if they were still in the Coca-Cola Championship, rather than struggling in the Premier League. One hopes that their chairmen are strong enough to see the bigger picture.

Other than Ince, newly appointed at Blackburn Rovers, the names that jump at you are those of Hodgson and Keegan; Hodgson because the harsh inference is that he got lucky in the final weeks of last season at Fulham and Keegan because odds of 10-1 look tempting, particularly when you consider that Newcastle United’s first two away games are against Manchester United and Arsenal. Curbishley at West Ham United appears a worthy joint-favourite in this race, with few signs that the London club are on course for an improvement on the mediocrity of last season.

The question to supporters of all clubs is this: given that you – and no doubt we in the media – will take only one wretched run of results to start questioning your manager’s suitability, are you happy with him right now? And would you be prepared to stick with him all season, come what may?

Should managers of promoted clubs be given more leniency and who will be first for the chop?

Have your say by e-mailing your views to the comment box below.

Tony Cascarino's Fiver

1 Like a ball and chain?
Thought I would check out the word “slavery” in the dictionary. One of the definitions is: “Working in harsh conditions with low pay.” So, Mr Ronaldo, is that what life is really like at Old Trafford? 

2 Positive performance
With doping again clouding the Tour de France and the build-up to the Olympic Games, it appears to have gone unnoticed that no player tested positive during Euro 2008. Football deserves a rare pat on the back. 

3 It’s a funny old game
At the end of last season, could you have imagined Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo leaving their clubs this summer? It could happen and would be an amazing quadruple whammy. 

4 Scolari settles nicely
The unveiling of Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge passed off smoothly, apart from his strange pronunciation of “Chelsea”. He was assured and witty – it was as if he had been in charge there for years. 

5 O’Neill plays it right
Fair play to Martin O’Neill, the Aston Villa manager, for sending want-away Gareth Barry into exile. The team is always more important than any player. Barry will get his move to Liverpool, but can stew for a while. 

Planet Jupitus: Ronaldo is a slave to Blatter’s idiocy

I’m sorry to revisit a well-trodden path, but I read a quote last week that made me physically jump in my seat, then swear loudly in a Home Counties coffee bar. A nearby mum clutching a stunned toddler gave me a baleful glare. “I’m sorry,” I muttered, “I just got a bit of a shock.”

The quotable nature of footballers has kept the sports pages full and funny for years. By and large the majority of these young men aren’t blessed with a Stephen Fry-like intellect or vocabulary. How brilliant would it be to happen across a postmatch interview with a player eloquently booming, “Well, Elton, old stick, like all the finest endeavours of humanity this was perforce, a group one.

That being said, the utter tenacity of the Wolves defence made us feel not unlike Sisyphus relentlessly pushing our boulder upwards, but as the Bard has it . . .” Sadly, we have to make do with a couple of minutes of Stuart Hall on a Saturday afternoon.

Which are your favourite football websites?

We want you to name your favourite football resources for news, statistics, gossip and fun on the internet. How do you get your daily fix? Here are some top sites to get the ball rolling:

Soccerbase - football's nearest equivalent to Cricinfo for exhaustive details of matches, players, and squads. Just the sort of place to find out how many clubs Steve Claridge has played for when the question comes up in a pub quiz.

Who Ate All The Pies (right) - A nearly always less-than-serious look at the latest happenings in the game, with extensive use of YouTube clips and bold colour photography. Euro 2008 is currently getting the treatment with sh*t lookalikes, Miss Euro 2008 and a clip of some bad coach driving (no, not Raymond Domenech in his 2CV but close).

YouTube - If you like to do your own video research, this site offers more than just an open mic for strangers soiling classic hits in their bedrooms. If you've missed a great goal, touchline tantrum or dodgy decision you can usually catch it here before it's hauled off by the copyright owners.

Football365 - the daddy of football sites boasts the consistently good Mediawatch (not even The Times escapes it's close scrutiny) and a well-fuelled forum that digresses from its topics with amusing regularity.

FootballShirtculture (left) - Old age and team allegience are no barrier to having an interest in the latest kits. Most of us have enough jerseys tucked away in the back of our wardrobes to cover the ceiling of a Tenerife sports bar. Liverpool's new away kit is the latest arrival - a retro grey number from the early 1990s.

Newsnow - It bills itself as the UK's No 1 news portal and is extremely useful if you want to gather the latest stories on your club or favourite player on one page. Sources include local newspapers, blogs and national dailys.

Fanbase - If you are looking for an independent view of your club this site is an excellent resource for fanzine sites and forums, plus merchandise and news websites.

Pyramid Passion (right) - If you think you love football, think again. Here is a site that goes beyond obsession with a wealth of photography and information about non-league football, but with a healthy dose of humour thrown in. Featuring galleries of dug-outs, floodlights, ground entrances and lawnmowers, no element of the amateur game is left out. It's a treasure trove for football nerds.

Mike Floate's Football Grounds Frenzy - The editor of this site ups the anorak factor with sections devoted to ghost grounds and pitched roof sunsets - the sort of topics that wouldn't be out of place being overheard during a group session in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

101 Great Goals (left) - a popular choice amongst those who posted their favourites sites below, this is the one-stop shop for goal highlights from around the globe. The copycats links dropdown list is a very nice touch - imitation being the sincerest form of flattery and all that.

kickette.com - another football gossip site which boasts that it is 'For those who love the players as much as they love the game'. Considering how many pretty boys (and WAGS) are on it, the author must be the biggest fan out there. It features plenty of pics and some fantastically wicked comments.

The Spoiler - another highly-touted site, it has it's tongue firmly in it's cheek as it embraces a Popbitch-style look at the beautiful game.

ESPNsoccernet (right) - a top quality football news site offering proof that Americans do take the world's best sport seriously. Featuring podcasts, video, a live match centre and articles written by Robbie Mustoe. That's right, Middlesbrough's joint player of the year alongside Hamilton Ricard in 1999.

Friday's transfer gossip: Chelsea chase Robinho and Villa

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including news of the latest big names to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, all the gossip coming out of Anfield, and could Arsenal be resigning themselves to losing a prized forward?

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Chelsea target Robinho despite £30m price tag - The Independent
The Stamford Bridge club are considering making bids for the Real Madrid forward and David Villa, the Valencia striker.

It all starts to Ad up now - Daily Express
Yoann Gourcuff, the AC Milan midfielder, could be used in part-exchange for Emmanuel Adebayor, the Arsenal forward.

Fal guy for Wenger - The Sun
Radamel Falcao says he is desperate to join Arsenal.

Rafa: Villa too pricey...I'll just go after Robbie - Daily Mirror
Rafael Benitez says he will concentrate on signing Robbie Keane, the Tottenham forward, after admitting that David Villa is out of his budget.

Fowler is Ince's choice - Daily Mirror
The Blackburn manager is ready to offer Robbie Fowler, his ex-Liverpool team-mate, a contract if he can prove his fitness.

Hughes and O'Neill to battle for Friedel - Daily Mail
Manchester City and Aston Villa will battle it out to try to sign the Blackburn goalkeeper. 

Garcia the hot Spur for Ramos - Daily Mirror
The Tottenham manager is poised to complete a £9.5m deal for Luis Garcia, the Espanyol forward.

Toffees chief sweet on Vlad - Daily Mirror
Everton are keen on Sporting Lisbon's goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic as back up for Tim Howard.

Megs must pay up for Harper - Daily Mirror
Reading want £4.5m for James Harper, who is interesting Bolton and Middlesbrough.

Macca: Let it be - Daily Mirror
George McCartney says he wants to stay at West Ham and not rejoin Sunderland.

Rangers shell out for £1.5m to get Shittu - The Sun
Rangers are closing in on the Watford defender after having an increased bid accepted by Watford.

Football smugshots

Your footballing smugshots just keep flooding in, and to be honest we can't get enough.

The world's greatest footballers may be off sunning themselves on far flung foreign beaches but we want you to hunt them down and keep on sending us some of the best examples of arms-around-the-shoulders camaraderie that money just can't buy.

We admit that the idea was inspired by our Travel section and its forum for smug holiday pics, but we thought we could do better and, boy, you have proved us right.

In fact, your overwhelming response has forced us to open up a new gallery for you to fill all over again. But fear not, all your old favourites are safely tucked away in our archive if you want to revisit them. This time we really want you to outdo each other - a photographic Top Trumps if you will.

So if you and Michael Ballack have shared a heated exchange over that final sweaty Spanish sunbed, or if you and Steven Gerrard have spent a lazy summer night on the Algarve putting the world to rights, then we want to see the evidence.

For some inspiration we thought you'd like the picture above of Steve Coppell on holiday in Thailand, it looks as though Frank Kuch and friend perform a citizen's arrest on the Reading boss.
More of the same please.

E-mail your pictures to: sport@timesonline.co.uk

Click "continue reading" to see your pictures, including when Laurence Weir met Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles. Shame it wasn't in the "Coop for Tottingham" ...

The wit and wisdom of Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter has put his foot in his mouth again by claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo is being treated like a slave at Manchester United.

It's not the first time the Fifa president, who was once described as “a man who has 50 ideas a day, 51 of them bad”, has got the back up of the entire footballing world. His outspoken views cover a vast range of subjects from women's football to the size of the goalposts. So is he the voice of reason or a madman with too much power? Judge for yourself…

1. Why have two halves when you can have four quarters? Blatter’s plan to make the beautiful game more popular in the United States sinks like Derby County.

2. Blatter claims that women players should wear tighter shorts to make the game more sexy.

3. The president is not finished with women’s football yet as he dives in with both feet to announce that “homosexuality is more popular” in the female game.

4. The game is becoming boring. We need more goals. Solution? Make the goals bigger – 25cm higher and 50cm wider should do the trick.

5. “I think there is too much football on TV”. Blatter bites the hand that feeds.

6. Blatter threatens to ban Spain from major tournaments six months before Luis Aragones’s team triumph at Euro 2008. Why? The Spanish government wants sporting associations to become more democratic.

7. Why have one Graham Poll when you can have two? Sepp wants two referees for us to abuse and ridicule.

8. Blatter alienates the whole of Italy by accusing Marcello Lippi’s team of cheating during the World Cup finals in Germany in 2006.

9. One billion cricket-mad Indians scratch their heads after Blatter urges them to put down their bats and take up the beautiful game. “If your brother asks for a fish, don't give him the same; instead, teach him how to catch it,” Sepp announces on an official visit to India. You what?

10. Try searching for “Blatter” and “mad” on google. You’ll get more than 100,000 results.

Thursday's transfer gossip: Liverpool step up bid for David Silva

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including Liverpool's pursuit of Euro 2008 star David Silva, more twists and turns in the ongoing Frank Lampard situation and a move west for Bobby Zamora

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Silva is all gold for Kop - The Sun
Rafa Benitez is ready to splash out to bring the Spain playmaker to Anfield.

AJ ready to quit Everton - Daily Mirror
The striker must ask to leave if he is to secure a £10m move to Wigan.

Inter in Lamps plea to Roman - The Sun
Massimo Moratti will intervene personally in an attempt to sign the England midfielder.

No go for Lamps - Daily Mirror
Chelsea have told their England star he will not be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.

Lampard set to threaten Chelsea with walk-out - The Independent
The 30-year-old is considering walking out on Chelsea after receiving legal advice that it would be impossible to hold him to his final year of his contract.

Villa frustrate Liverpool over Barry deal - Daily Telegraph
Gareth Barry set for another weekend in limbo as Liverpool and Villa haggle over his deal

Blatter: Let 'slave' Ronaldo go... - Daily Mirror
The Fifa chief says Manchester United should let their Portuguese star go to Real Madrid.

Villa bid for Bentley after Sidwell signs - Daily Mail
The midlands club table £10m offer for Blackburn's unsettled David Bentley.

Full speed ahead as Zamora signs - Daily Express
The striker is set to quit West Ham and sign for Fulham for £6.5m

Barca land £15m Hleb - The Sun
The Belarus midfielder has agreed a four year deal with the Catalan giants, and could be followed out the Emirates exit door by Gilberto.

Debate: Should Chelsea sell Lampard?

After two years of contractual negotiations with Chelsea, Frank Lampard has rejected a four-year deal worth £130,000 a week that would make him the highest-paid footballer in Britain.

Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, has implied that the England international will leave for Inter Milan unless Chelsea offer him a five-year agreement.

Is that a fair demand from a 30-year-old? Is he really that good? Should the club not call his bluff and cash in before his contract runs out next summer?

Have your say in the comment box below.

Martin Samuel responds: why should Newcastle write off about £7m?

This week, Martin Samuel posed the question: should Newcastle sack Joey Barton? He replies to readers' replies.

The Football Association should ban Joey Barton him from professional football, while putting a suitable compensation package in place for Newcastle United. This would send a clear message that money does not give you the right to get away with crime. Barton is a thug and does not deserve the rewards professional football offers. JohnnyB.

MS: This is an issue over which people feel too strongly and when that happens common sense goes out the window. Money did not allow Barton to get away with crime. He is in prison now, and was given a suspended sentence for a second offence. You may think that punishment lenient but, the fact is, he did not get away with anything: he was found guilty and was sentenced. Also, why should the FA end up out of pocket, compensating Newcastle in the millions? What did they do wrong?

Wednesday's transfer gossip: United and Arsenal to battle for Huntelaar

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including news of Manchester United and Arsenal stepping up their chase to sign a Dutch forward, all the latest on the rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge and of course, your daily dose of Cristiano Ronaldo gossip.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.~

Hunt on for Guns and United - Daily Mirror
Manchester United and Arsenal have stepped up their chase for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after the Dutch forward ruled out signing a new contract with Ajax.

Frank incensed - Daily Mirror
Frank Lampard is furious with Luiz Felipe Scolari, after the new Chelsea manager said the England midfielder would be staying at Stamford Bridge.

War - The Sun
Lampard looks to be on his way out of the club after Roman Abramovich refused to sanction the player's new five-year deal.

Real boss to Nadal: We've got Ronaldo - The Sun
Ramon Calderon, the Real Madrid president, has told the new Wimbledon champion that Cristiano Ronaldo has already signed for the Spanish champions.

AC: Ade now up for sale - The Sun
AC Milan claim Arsenal have written to them to discuss selling Emmanuel Adebayor.

Kop are told: give up Finnan if you want to land Barry - Daily Mirror
Martin O'Neill has demanded Liverpool pay £17 million plus Steve Finnan for Gareth Barry.

Villa put radar on £11m Mig - Daily Mirror
With Barry set to leave the club, O'Neill will use the money to buy Miguel, the Portugal defender, from Valencia. 

Tuesday's transfer gossip: Blackburn want £17m for David Bentley

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest news on David Bentley's attempt to leave Blackburn, more on Frank Lampard's Chelsea future and Andy Cole's warning for Cristiano Ronaldo.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

It's £17m for new Bentley - Daily Mirror
Blackburn will sell their wantaway midfielder to the highest bidder but only after putting £17m price tag in his head.

Spurs offer Bent and Robinson in fresh search for Bentley deal - The Guardian
Tottenham propose player exchange in new attempt to secure the England midfielder.

Tell 'Em You're Off Frank - The Sun
Inter Milan want Frank Lampard to initiate move to the San Siro.

From Hero to Siro - Daily Mirror
Phil Scolari's snub for Frank Lampard could speed the England midfielder's departure to Italy.

Sunderland and Wigan fighting a £10m battle to sign Everton striker Johnson - Daily Mail
Sunderland and Wigan are closing in on unhappy striker after indicating they are prepared to match Everton's asking price.

Hleb' Gunn blast - The Sun
The Belarus midfielder has criticised Arsene Wenger and teammate Cecs Fabregas as his attempt to quit the Emirates Stadium steps up.

Joey's Sidwell shock - The Sun
Joey Barton's Newcastle future is in doubt after the club lined up a £5m move for the Chelsea midfielder.

Barry exit signals Villa swoop for Chelsea midfielder Sidwell - Daily Mail
Steve Sidwell will be signed by Aston Villa as skipper Gareth Barry's direct replacement in the next 48 hours.

Cole: You'd be mad to leave Ron -  Daily Mirror
Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole warns Cristiano Ronaldo he could be making the biggest mistake of his career by moving to Real Madrid.

Andrei's on his way - Daily Express
The Russian forward's switch to the Premier League hinges on futures of Frank Lampard and Alexander Hleb.

Newcastle stress Ashley's desire to stay in charge - The Independent
Derel Llambias, the new chairman of Newcastle says the club is not for sale.

Facebook furore as Palace youngster reveals his plan to millions - The Guardian
Crystal Palace midfielder Ashley-Paul Robinson inadvertently lets slip news of trial with Fulham on his Facebook page.

Monday's transfer gossip: Inter open bidding for Frank Lampard

Here's our round-up of all today's transfer rumours, including the latest news on Frank Lampard's future, the continuing saga of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho's snub for Manchester City.

We'll keep you up to date with all the big transfer stories throughout the summer.

Inter fax £6.5m Lamps bid - The Sun
Jose Mourinho launches official bid to bring Frank Lampard to the San Siro.

McClair lined up a new United No 2 - Daily Mirror
Former United forward could replace Carlos Queiroz who is set to become new Portugal boss.

United resigned to losing Queiroz - The Guardian
United reluctantly discuss compensation package with Portuguese FA.

Chelsea deny £50m Kaka bid - Daily Telegraph
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims London club have made astronomical offer for their Brazilian star

Ron snubs 200k City offer - The Sun
Ronaldinho rejects staggering £200,000 weekly wage at Manchester City.

Tony's Fiver

1 Take on the challenge
Football should learn from Wimbledon’s use of technology. Managers should have “challenges” when they can call for replays to review decisions. It would help to eradicate mistakes and reduce cheating. 

2 Kewell’s split loyalties
Harry Kewell turned down the chance to stay at Liverpool, even though he is apparently a fan. Does that make him an armchair supporter? He was an armchair player, spending more time off the pitch than on it. 

3 Keeping the faith
France staying with Raymond Domenech as coach seems an amazing decision, but attitudes are different from those in England. Authorities are more sensitive to criticism – which makes them want to ignore it. 

Weekend 1n Numbers

3
Managers who kept job despite relegation from Barclays Premier League – Coppell, McLeish, Jewell

3
Number of top-flight debutants in the space of four seasons – Wigan Athletic, Reading, Hull City

5
Successive summer moves for Andrew Cole, after he agreed to join Nottingham Forest

3
Former national managers among Manchester City’s past four – Keegan, Eriksson, Hughes

4
South Korea v North Korea qualifying matches for next Wo