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City's Toure happy with Emirates point




Updated Jan 5, 2011 9:05 PM ET
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure hailed his side's defensive solidity after a goalless draw against Barclays Premier League title rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners hit the woodwork through Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas in the first half and the visitors had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank after he produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny van Persie on the hour.
"It was very important tonight because it's always difficult to come here and get points," Toure told Sky Sports 2 after a man-of-the-match display helped shut out his former club.

Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham | Recap
Fulham 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Man United 2-1 Stoke City | Recap Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland | Recap
Newcastle 5-0 West Ham | Recap
Wolverhampton 1-0 Chelsea | Recap
Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool | Recap
Bolton 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Everton 2-1 Tottenham | Recap

"We wanted to get three points but it was a really difficult game. Arsenal are really in form at the moment.
"The draw is really good. The team played really well and Joe made some fantastic saves.
"Strikers win you games but defenders win you titles. It was difficult to have chances because Arsenal played very well, but it's good that we didn't lose the game."
Hart added: "That just shows how much grit and determination we've got. We led a charmed life but the goals are the same size in every game so they've got to put it into the net."
Both teams finished with 10 men after full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash on the far touchline.
City manager Roberto Mancini was also delighted with his team's defensive display.
"They had good chances in the first 15-20 minutes. After that they had good possession but didn't have more chances to score," he told Sky Sports 2.
"In the second half we played better but I think four games in 10 days is very hard and today we were missing important players.
"We wanted to win but Arsenal played better than us, maybe. We defended very well in the second half. If we came here with all players I think it could have been another game but four games, 10 points in 10 days is good.


"I think it was important not to lose this game."
On the double dismissal towards the end, the Italian added: "For me it's not a sending off. For me, two yellow cards was enough."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger agreed with his City counterpart that the two red cards could have been avoided.
He said: "They looked harsh to me, for both of them. I would have to look at it again.
"I thought it was a foul for Sagna, and then they just bumped into each other's head. You can give it, you can not give it... I thought it could be yellow cards but unfortunately it was two reds."
Wenger felt City had come to the Emirates looking for a point but took positives from his side's display.
"In the end the positive is that we kept a clean sheet. Of course, the frustration is that we didn't score. Overall, I feel the way we dominated the game is very positive and we have to rely on our game and keep going.
"I feel we had more chances than you usually have in this type of game.
"They looked to me like they were set up not to lose.
"For me, they were happy with 0-0.
"I don't criticise them for that because they defended well and they deserve credit for that."

Thursday January 06, 2011 Sports
TFF forms team to probe Kaijage

FORMER TFF's Information Officer, Florian Kaijage.




By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 5th January 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 59

TANZANIA Football Federation (TFF) announced a committee to probe former Information Officer, Florian Kaijage, over the national anthem blunder that occurred when Taifa Stars hosted Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier last year.

TFF President, Leodegar Tenga said on Wednesday that the committee is supposed to hand over its report by January 31.

The committee members are former Zanzibar Attorney General, Hamidu Mbwezeleni, ACP Ahmed Msangi, Gasper Mwembezi from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports and HABARILEO Assistant Sports Editor, Zena Chande Kaijage, who was suspended and later his contract expired was initially implicated for the mess up before President Jakaya Kikwete who was the guest of honour.

Tenga said Kaijage was taken to task since he was assigned to take care of all preparations and was supposed to ensure that no technical hitches occurred during the game.

Tenga said Kaijage's suspension was an initial measure taken by the TFF and that the federation formed the committee for further investigation that he said will put to task the culprits.

CDs of the national anthems of the two countries were nowhere to be seen, as President Kikwete alongside other dignitaries waited for the anthems at the National Stadium, prompting the football governing body to play them at the beginning of the second half.

Meanwhile, Tenga counselled the new secretariat to observe high level of integrity, hard work and exercise patience for the federation to propel football development.

Tenga made the remarks yesterday when he met the new members of the secretariat that include General Secretary Angetile Osiah, Marketing Director Jimmy Kabwe and Information Officer, Boniface Wambura who reported on Monday.

He said the good governance was a key at TFF, saying he expects the new members to stick to it. "Good governance calls for commitment, fairness, hard work and integrity to all federation staff. This will help us fast tracking football development in Tanzania," said Tenga.

Tenga said he banks high hopes on the new office bearers and counselled them to avoid arrogance in their operations and instead, exercise good sense of customer care.

In another development, the Chairperson of the TFF Appeals Committee, Alfred Tibaigana has instructed the federation to make amendment in its regulations in order to legally punish unruly players.

He said the regulation is so open that it gives chance to players to exercise bad behaviours and walk out free. He cited an example of Juma Kaseja, who was to be set free after it was found that there were no regulations that allow punishing a player who avoid shaking hands.

Thursday January 06, 2011 Sports
TFF forms team to probe Kaijage

FORMER TFF's Information Officer, Florian Kaijage.




By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 5th January 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 59

TANZANIA Football Federation (TFF) announced a committee to probe former Information Officer, Florian Kaijage, over the national anthem blunder that occurred when Taifa Stars hosted Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier last year.

TFF President, Leodegar Tenga said on Wednesday that the committee is supposed to hand over its report by January 31.

The committee members are former Zanzibar Attorney General, Hamidu Mbwezeleni, ACP Ahmed Msangi, Gasper Mwembezi from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports and HABARILEO Assistant Sports Editor, Zena Chande Kaijage, who was suspended and later his contract expired was initially implicated for the mess up before President Jakaya Kikwete who was the guest of honour.

Tenga said Kaijage was taken to task since he was assigned to take care of all preparations and was supposed to ensure that no technical hitches occurred during the game.

Tenga said Kaijage’s suspension was an initial measure taken by the TFF and that the federation formed the committee for further investigation that he said will put to task the culprits.

CDs of the national anthems of the two countries were nowhere to be seen, as President Kikwete alongside other dignitaries waited for the anthems at the National Stadium, prompting the football governing body to play them at the beginning of the second half.

Meanwhile, Tenga counselled the new secretariat to observe high level of integrity, hard work and exercise patience for the federation to propel football development.

Tenga made the remarks yesterday when he met the new members of the secretariat that include General Secretary Angetile Osiah, Marketing Director Jimmy Kabwe and Information Officer, Boniface Wambura who reported on Monday.

He said the good governance was a key at TFF, saying he expects the new members to stick to it. “Good governance calls for commitment, fairness, hard work and integrity to all federation staff. This will help us fast tracking football development in Tanzania,” said Tenga.

Tenga said he banks high hopes on the new office bearers and counselled them to avoid arrogance in their operations and instead, exercise good sense of customer care.

In another development, the Chairperson of the TFF Appeals Committee, Alfred Tibaigana has instructed the federation to make amendment in its regulations in order to legally punish unruly players.

He said the regulation is so open that it gives chance to players to exercise bad behaviours and walk out free. He cited an example of Juma Kaseja, who was to be set free after it was found that there were no regulations that allow punishing a player who avoid shaking hands.

Thursday January 06, 2011 Sports
Nile Basin put Cecafa under threat

The head of Egyptian Football Association (EFA), Samir Zaher.




By AMIR MHANDO in Cairo, 5th January 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 187

THE Council for East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) has to be on its guard or risk being buried under the proposed Nile Basin Football Federation avalanche.

With meagre finances and lack of prerequisite infrastructures in the region compared to the well advanced Egypt - who are the innovators of the ongoing maiden Nile Basin countries football tournament here, Cecafa will really need to up its stake to keep its annual national teams and clubs tournaments alive.

The head of Egyptian Football Association (EFA), Samir Zaher said here that he will be pleased to see the proposed federation turns to reality.

"The tournament is an initiative by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and Hassan Saqr, head of the National Council for Sports, to establish a football federation for Nile Basin Countries, but we found that it will be difficult so we decided to organize a tournament instead," said Zaher.

The tournament is set to be organized annually in Egypt unless another country expresses willingness to host it. According to Zaher, Egypt is ready to support other countries financially to host the tournament.

"The tournament will be held annually whether in Egypt or in any of the other Nile basin countries. We believe it will help raise the standard of football within the respective member countries," Zaher said.

"We have been intensively communicating with Nile Basin Countries, with the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and six countries out of nine accepted the invitation," Zaher added.

The EFA pays for the expenses of all participating teams including accommodation, transportations and per diem. Zaher announced on Tuesday that the winner will get 176,000 US dollars (over 250m/-).

The prize is whooping compared to 30,000 US dollars awarded to Cecafa Challenge Cup champions Mainland's ‘Kilimanjaro Stars.' Second placed will pocket 125,500 US dollars (about 170m/-), while the third placed will be entitled to 100,000 US dollars (over 150m/-).

The organizers have also set aside prizes for top scorer, best goalkeeper and the tournament's best player of this newly-introduced competition that will climax on January 17 It is understood that ministers of Irrigation and Foreign affairs and chairmen of football federations of the participating countries were invited to attend the tournament and meet with their Egyptian counterparts for discussions.

Egypt and Sudan are on one side of a conflict over a water sharing agreement with the remaining seven Nile Basin countries.

Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania signed a new treaty on the equitable sharing of the Nile waters despite strong opposition from Egypt and Sudan, who called on Nile Basin countries to abide by the 1929 and 1959 treaties that gave the two northern countries the lion's share of the river's water and veto power over related projects in upstream countries.

However, Zaher said the tournament was purely none politics fans will be allowed entry for free, to help raise excitement for the tournament's success.

"The primary objective of the tournament is to provide the national team with preparation matches needed for the African Cup qualifications, as well as strengthen bonds with these countries and maintaining good relations with their people," Zaher said.

In the opening match yesterday Kenya beat Sudan 1-0. Tanzania's Taifa Stars were set to face hosts Egypt in the second match lte yesterday.

Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City




Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:45 PM ET
Arsenal struck the post three times and then met a Manchester City brick wall as the Premier League title rivals drew 0-0 at Emirates Stadium.
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both struck the base of Joe Hart's right-hand post in the first half and, when Fabregas' effort rebounded back to Theo Walcott, he hit the other post.

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City then had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank on the hour when he produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Van Persie.
To make matters worse, the teams each finished with 10 men after full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash by the touchline.
Arsenal almost snatched an early lead when Samir Nasri played Jack Wilshere into the left side of the penalty area - but his cut-back was just too far ahead of Van Persie, with Walcott's cross from the goalline then hacked clear.
City - expected to shortly complete the £27million signing of striker Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg - broke quickly down the right and James Milner drilled a low shot across the area.
Van Persie again went within inches of putting Arsenal ahead when, after nine minutes, the Dutchman created space for a shot from the edge of the City box - and promptly drilled the ball against the base of Hart's right-hand post.
After such a frantic start, it was no surprise to see the tempo of the match drop.
Gareth Barry was cautioned after 21 minutes when he clattered into Sagna as the right-back looked to break clear.
At the other end, a deep free-kick found its way through to Carlos Tevez at the back post, but Alex Song was able to divert the loose ball behind.
After 27 minutes, Arsenal again hit the woodwork after a quick break through Nasri and Fabregas down the left, with the Arsenal skipper cutting back inside to wrongfoot Hart only for his shot to bounce off the base of the same post as Van Persie's did.
From the rebound, Walcott smashed an angled drive against the other upright, but the offside flag was already raised.


There was a warning for Arsenal when City broke quickly down the right and Tevez drilled the ball just over from 20 yards but the hosts were soon back on the attack and calling for a penalty when Walcott's cross hit Vincent Kompany's trailing arm, but the referee instead gave a only a corner.
The Gunners continued to press as half-time approached, yet were thwarted by some brave last-gasp defending.
Arsenal soon were back on the offensive following the restart and Walcott was almost released, but Wilshere's pass ran through to Hart.
Then on the hour City's England number one made a fantastic save to tip a goal-bound 25-yard drive from Van Persie over the crossbar.
City boss Roberto Mancini then made a change, replacing the ineffective Jo with England winger Adam Johnson and the visitors looked much more balanced.
As the match entered the final 22 minutes, Walcott was replaced by Arshavin.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger then sent on Nicklas Bendtner, for Wilshere, with 10 minutes left, looking to give his side more presence in attack.
It did not really work, though, and both teams finished the match with 10 men after Zabaleta and Sagna's clash.
Despite four minutes of stoppage time, the breakthrough would not come and City held on for a point which keeps them second, but sees leaders Manchester United the night's big winners.

Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland




Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:49 PM ET
Aston Villa dropped into the bottom three for the first time in seven years as Phil Bardsley earned Sunderland a 1-0 victory at Villa Park.
Gerard Houllier's side slipped into the relegation zone on goal difference as a result of Wolves' shock victory over champions Chelsea at Molineux.
Villa had striker Emile Heskey sent off for violent conduct before Bardsley's decider and then Black Cats substitute Boudewijn Zenden was given his marching orders for two bookable offences.

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A small section of Villa fans chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" towards Houllier after Bardsley had broken the deadlock.
But the calls for Houllier to go were more intensified at the final whistle.
The last time Villa were in such a lowly position was in November 2003 during David O'Leary's reign as manager.
But Sunderland's second away win of the campaign keeps them on course for a European spot.
The first chance fell to Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque after Carlos Cuellar failed to make contact with a deep cross from Bardsley.
But Malbranque failed to test Brad Friedel with his header which drifted a couple of yards wide.
Kieran Richardson became the first player to be yellow carded after five minutes when he brought down Villa striker Emile Heskey in full flight.
Villa started to exert some pressure and Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon did well to finger-tip away a Stewart Downing free-kick under pressure.
A fine pass from Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov allowed Nigel Reo-Coker a run at goal but he was halted by Malbranque's challenge.
Reo-Coker then played in Ashley Young but his first touch was not the best and Craig Gordon was able to collect.
Bardsley produced a fine tackle inside his own box to deny Heskey after he had made a powerful run.
Ciaran Clark became the first Villa player to be yellow carded after 29 minutes for a reckless challenge on Jordan Henderson.
Clark's mistimed pass then almost proved costly as it was seized upon by David Meyler but Darren Bent was unable to make the most of his pass.
Sunderland were forced into a change after 38 minutes when Meyler pulled up suddenly, slumped to the ground and had to be stretchered off and he was replaced by Zenden.
Heskey, who played under Bruce at Birmingham and Wigan, was guilty of a glaring miss five minutes before half-time.
Downing did well to get to the by-line and shake of Zenden's challenge before sending a low ball across the box.


Heskey seemed certain to score but, from three yards out, he shot against the crossbar.
Sunderland skipper Titus Bramble was booked for holding back Heskey and the Villa striker then headed wide from Young's cross when well placed.
James Collins was booked in injury-time for a challenge on Danny Welbeck.
There was a quiet start to the second period but Malbranque could have broken the deadlock after 50 minutes.
Collins' clearing header lacked conviction and was nodded back down by Bent to Malbranque who volleyed over from eight yards out.
Collins came to the rescue in atoning for his own error three minutes later. He was shaken off the ball by Bent who went around Friedel but Collins recovered to block his shot on the line.
Sunderland were now in the ascendancy and Cuellar diverted a goalbound shot from Malbranque around the post.
But Sunderland were the more threatening and Friedel got his body behind Welbeck's stinging low drive.
Zenden was yellow carded for bringing down the powerful Heskey but Villa were reduced to 10 men after 68 minutes when Heskey was sent off.
Henderson appeared upset Heskey did not put the ball out of play so Asamoah Gyan could have treatment.
He responded by shoving Henderson in the face and was given his marching orders by referee Peter Walton.
With 10 minutes left Bardsley broke the deadlock with a low 25-yard drive after Zenden's free-kick had been blocked.
Welbeck was stretchered off after 83 minutes and replaced by Cristian Riveros.
Zenden was also sent off for a second bookable offence when he fouled Stiliyan Petrov two minutes later.

[video]http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/BbzxBGiSqCI/default.jpg[/video]

Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham United




Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:48 PM ET
Leon Best's hat-trick helped Newcastle dump woeful West Ham deep into relegation trouble with an easy 5-0 rout at St James' Park on Wednesday.
Best, making his first Premier League start for the club in the absence of the injured Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi, finally opened his account on his 15th appearance with a fine hat-trick to repay a large slice of his £1.2million transfer fee.
They were the 24-year-old's first goals in a week short of a year and came on the day it was revealed Newcastle had rejected an approach from Tottenham for Carroll.

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Best's first-half brace and skipper Kevin Nolan's 45th-minute strike put the Magpies in the driving seat, and his third on the hour completed a first double of the campaign and ended the Hammers' recent revival before Peter Lovenkrands helped himself to a fifth.
It was the third time this season Newcastle had scored five or more at St James' Park, and substitute Nile Ranger passed up a glorious opportunity to match the six they managed against Aston Villa back in August.
There was an air of anxiety when it was revealed that Ameobi had joined Carroll in the treatment room.
However, manager Alan Pardew had insisted that both Best and Ranger would get chances this season and his faith in the former Coventry man proved spectacularly well-founded.
Best made his first appearance of the season as a substitute at the DW Stadium at the weekend after a miserable run of injuries had hampered his progress on Tyneside.
But he needed just 18 minutes to justify his selection when he ran on to Lovenkrands' ball over the top to thump a left-foot volley across Robert Green and into the bottom corner.
West Ham had arrived in the north east buoyed by a run of four league games without defeat, but in the relegation zone as a result of victories for Fulham and Birmingham on Tuesday.
Former Magpie Scott Parker had earlier tested Steve Harper with a swerving shot and he attempted to stamp his authority on the midfield battle as the visitors looked for a way back into the game.


However, Cheik Tiote and Joey Barton recognised the danger and started to close Parker down, and with Jonas Gutierrez and Jose Enrique teaming up to terrorise the Hammers down their right, the home side were threatening at regular intervals.
They increased their lead six minutes before the break when a quick-thinking Barton and Lovenkrands carved the sleeping visitors open from a free-kick.
Barton picked out the Dane's run into space and when he slid the ball across goal, Best was again on hand to fire home left-footed.
West Ham's woes deepened markedly on the stroke of half-time when Gutierrez once again found space down the left and sent in a low cross which James Tomkins could only stab out to Nolan two yards inside the penalty area.
Nolan was a model of composure as, with Green desperately trying to recover his ground, he sidefooted the ball firmly into the bottom corner.
Hammers boss Avram Grant sent on Valon Behrami and Victor Obinna for Radoslav Kovac and Frederic Piquionne at the break in a desperate attempt to breathe new life into his team as Mike Williamson replaced Steven Taylor for the Magpies.
But despite Parker's continuing industry they were unable to create anything of note, and Newcastle killed off any hope of a fightback with 30 minutes left when Nolan turned Enrique's pass into the unmarked Best's path and he completed his hat-trick with aplomb.
Lovenkrands added a fifth three minutes later and there was still time for Ranger to fire horribly wide with the goal at his mercy 10 minutes later with the Hammers in tatters.

Wolverhampton 1-0 Chelsea




Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:50 PM ET
Chelsea's miserable Premier League campaign sunk to a new low at Molineux as Wolves claimed a 1-0 win to climb out of the bottom three.
Jose Bosingwa's own goal after only five minutes decided the contest as Carlo Ancelotti's men saw their faint title almost certainly extinguished for good.
Salomon Kalou missed a golden second-half chance, shooting wide when clean through, and Didier Drogba shot against the outside of the post, but Wolves stood firm and could have scored a second goal had Stephen Hunt's free-kick had dipped under rather than hit the bar.

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The defeat means Chelsea have had just two wins from their last 11 league games, and they stand nine points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.
Branislav Ivanovic returned from suspension to start at centre-back for the visitors, who also brought in Kalou for Nicolas Anelka and Bosingwa for Paulo Ferreira.
Wolves also made three changes from their defeat at West Ham, with Kevin Doyle returning from a thigh injury and Steven Fletcher coming into the team to partner him up front. Dave Edwards also started.
Chelsea came into the game on their worst run of form during the reign of owner Roman Abramovich, having taken just 10 points from their previous 10 league games, and they got off to an awful start.
Ronald Zubar's fierce shot from 35 yards tested Petr Cech, who parried it away for a corner.
And the resulting delivery from Hunt was attacked by George Elokobi at the near post before Bosingwa turned it unwittingly into his own net under pressure from Fletcher from almost on the goalline.
The Wolves fans taunted Ancelotti with chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning'.
Wolves were looking up for the fight, with Zubar in particular putting himself about, hassling and then winning the ball off Ashley Cole in the Chelsea half before laying it off to Doyle, whose weak left-footed shot was straight at Cech.
At the other end Wayne Hennessey had to be alert to stick out a leg to stop Kalou's close-range effort from Florent Malouda's cross.
John Terry then got away with a talking-to from referee Mark Halsey after pushing Hunt softly in the back of the neck as he looked to get the ball back for a Chelsea free-kick.


Chelsea were out very early for the second half and they started with intent, Michael Essien blazing over from outside the area and Cole seeing his low angled shot from the left of the box comfortably held by Hennessey.
At the other end Cech had to punch away Matt Jarvis' corner from underneath his crossbar.
Kalou should have levelled in the 53rd minute when Frank Lampard's clever backheel played him in, but the Ivorian could only drag his left-footed shot wide of the far post as Hennessey came off his line to narrow the angle.
Drogba then headed straight at Hennessey from a Kalou cross.
But Wolves were standing firm at the back and looking dangerous on the break and Fletcher should have sent Doyle through on goal but his pass was poor.
Drogba was posing more of a threat and he turned Christophe Berra in the area only to see his snap-shot hit the outside of the near post.
Kalou, who was having a poor game, was replaced by Anelka after 66 minutes.
Wolves went within a whisker of doubling their lead as Hunt's left-footed free-kick hit the top of the bar, but they were almost undone at the other end as Malouda got free in the left channel but shot wastefully wide.
Hunt should have done better when he found himself in acres of space down the left, but Essien got back to make a crucial tackle.
Hennessey came racing out of his area to win a sliding challenge with Anelka, before Drogba summed up Chelsea's night by firing a promising injury-time free-kick from just outside the area tamely into the wall.

Nani states unbeaten intentions




Updated Jan 5, 2011 12:28 PM ET
Manchester United match-winner Nani is crossing his fingers that the Red Devils can become the new 'Invincibles.'
United made it 20 games unbeate after recording a 2-1 win over Stoke that moved them into a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham | Recap
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Man United 2-1 Stoke City | Recap Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Recap
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Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool | Recap
Bolton 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Everton 2-1 Tottenham | Recap

Javier Hernandez's cheeky back-flick was followed by a superb curling strike from Nani to ensure Sir Alex Ferguson's men remain on course to equal Arsenal's amazing feat of 2004, when they went through an entire 38-match campaign without losing.
It is not something Ferguson has spent much time thinking about. But it is starting to be discussed outside the confines of United's Carrington training complex.
And Nani is not keen on relinquishing the record just yet.
"I hope we can go the whole season unbeaten," he said.
"We are in a great position. We have been doing so well. We have to keep working hard and doing the same things. Providing we stay together I feel we will finish the season with something very special."
United's players would far rather collect the title than avoid losing, although naturally, the second part of that equation helps the first.
Once again, Ferguson's men found a way of winning without performing to their capabilities, with Hernandez scoring his ninth goal of the season, and second in four days, to emphasise just what a valuable contribution he has made so far.
"Javier has had a great start to his Manchester United career," said Nani.
"He always scores at the right moment, when we need it. He has been a key player this season."

United now have the luxury of five days off before a blockbuster FA Cup tie with old rivals Liverpool, after which they will face arguably their sternest test so far at Tottenham.
It is handy therefore that Nani has returned following a hip problem that has restricted his ability to train and forced the Portugal star to miss three matches over the festive period.
"It has been frustrating to miss the matches," he said.
"I have had to watch them in my house, when sometimes things have not got right and I feel I could help.
"But I feel OK now. I still need to train more but I am proud of my goal and hope to score more as the season goes on."

Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Liverpool




Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:47 PM ET
Blackburn inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Liverpool at Ewood Park on Wednesday night to leave boss Roy Hodgson facing fresh doubts over his future.
Hodgson has survived many low points in his short spell on Merseyside but defeat at Blackburn would seem to be one disaster too far and could hasten his exit from the club.
Even before Saturday's injury-time winner against Bolton the suggestion was club owners New England Sports Ventures were actively looking for a replacement.

Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham | Recap
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Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool | Recap
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Everton 2-1 Tottenham | Recap

On this performance they will probably have to speed up that search as two goals from Benjani Mwaruwari, who had not started since November 6 and scored once in 12 previous appearances, and one from Martin Olsson condemned the Reds to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season, despite Steven Gerrard's late consolation.
The now almost-obligatory chants for club legend Kenny Dalglish surfaced in the second half and at one point it seemed all four sides of Ewood Park were singing "You're getting sacked in the morning" to Hodgson.
Liverpool had lost just one of their previous 24 league meetings against Blackburn but even that was not enough encouragement for the travelling fans.
They voted with their feet, as they had done against Bolton on Saturday when Anfield was about 8,000 below capacity, and for the first time failed to fill the Darwen End at Ewood Park.
Pity the poor souls who made the short journey east as they had to endure a result more demoralising than the 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves last week.
Despite coming up against one of the most lightweight midfields in the Premier League - Olsson, David Dunn, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Junior Hoilett - Liverpool failed to impose themselves on the game.
Fernando Torres, who was on the end of some tough tackling but nothing over the top, flashed an early header wide but spent most of the game complaining to referee Andre Marriner.
Rovers looked far more threatening and after Dunn had volleyed over from the edge of the penalty area and Mame Biram Diouf had bundled an eight-yard shot straight at Jose Reina they found their shooting boots.
Defender Ryan Nelsen was given plenty of time in the centre circle to play the ball out to Diouf on the left and when he knocked it on Olsson raced past the static Glen Johnson to fire past Reina in the 32nd minute.
Five minutes later it was Sotirios Kyrgiakos' turn to be slow to react as Benjani controlled Pedersen's cross on his chest and turned to lash a ferocious volley past Reina.


By contrast the most work Rovers' inexperienced goalkeeper Mark Bunn, deputising for the injured Paul Robinson, had to do was fingertip Joe Cole's angled shot wide of the far post.
The Liverpool manager's misery was complete when in the 57th minute Hoilett went around Martin Skrtel and Johnson as if they were not there and from the byline crossed for Benjani to sidefoot home his second of the night.
In almost an exact replay of Benjani's second goal Diouf ran into the left of the area and crossed into the six-yard box but Hoilett could not get his outstretched foot on the ball.
Gerrard, on his 550th Liverpool appearance, fired in an 80th-minute consolation when Torres' shot was blocked but that barely raised a cheer from the travelling support.
When the captain ballooned over a penalty five minutes later, after being fouled by Salgado, any hopes of an Istanbul-style fightback were dashed.
But even an occurrence such as that would have done nothing to mask the malaise the club are currently in.
Hodgson, as both Fulham and Liverpool manager, has now won just two away league games since the start of the 2009/10 season.
That has contributed significantly to his problems but a failure to win over fans and impose a suitably offensive style of play have also been a factor.
This result and the embarrassing sound of Rovers fans singing "Can we play you every week" and "Are you Burnley in disguise" will not have gone unnoticed in the Boston headquarters of NESV.
The next move is surely theirs and it is one Hodgson will be dreading.

Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Wigan Athletic






Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:44 PM ET
Ronnie Stam scored an 80th-minute equaliser to earn Wigan a precious point in a 1-1 draw with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday night.
When on-loan Benfica forward Rodrigo Moreno produced a delightful finish to put Owen Coyle's men ahead in the 54th minute, the stage was set for the Trotters to emerge victorious.
Wigan had already lost on-loan playmaker Tom Cleverley to injury in the 12th minute and saw goalkeeper Chris Kirkland carried off on a stretcher shortly after the hour mark.

Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham | Recap
Fulham 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Man United 2-1 Stoke City | Recap Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland | Recap
Newcastle 5-0 West Ham | Recap
Wolverhampton 1-0 Chelsea | Recap
Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool | Recap
Bolton 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Everton 2-1 Tottenham | Recap

Yet Roberto Martinez's side refused to lie down and earned a share of the spoils in the 80th minute when Stam stabbed home at the far post to claim his first Wigan goal and earn a booking for his celebrations in front of the visiting supporters.
Bolton mounted a late rally but Johan Elmander was denied by a superb save from substitute Wigan stopper Mike Pollitt before Fabrice Muamba blazed over from six yards.
Kirkland, back from a loan spell at Leicester, was given the gloves with Ali Al-Habsi being ineligible to face the Trotters under the terms of his loan.
Wigan's relegation plight was underlined when an early own-goal from Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa put Wolves 1-0 up at Molineux, increasing the pressure on Martinez's men before they had even kicked off at the Reebok Stadium.
Yet the Latics did not seem fazed in the slightest.
Kirkland - making his first start for Wigan since facing Bolton in the corresponding fixture at the DW Stadium on October 23 - claimed an early cross from Matt Taylor with calm assurance.
Moments later Elmander's delightful flick set Taylor into space inside the left channel but his low cross was well blocked by Antolin Alcaraz.
Wigan were then dealt a major blow when Cleverley, on loan from Manchester United, pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and was replaced by Mohamed Diame.
It was a severe blow to Martinez at such an early stage in the game but Bolton struggled to create genuine goalscoring opportunities as rain continued to fall.
Wigan's greatest threat came from Hugo Rodallega, who ploughed a lone furrow up front but showed enough quality on the ball to suggest he could pilfer a goal.
The Colombian frontman forced a fine save from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 32nd minute when his fierce 25-yard free-kick was parried clear by the long-serving Finn.


Bolton held the upper hand without ever producing the skill required to unlock the Latics' dogged defence.
The Trotters went close twice within the space of as many minutes in similar circumstances shortly after the restart.
In the 47th minute Taylor's free-kick from the right was greeted by a powerful header from Gary Cahill but his effort flew just wide.
Then a corner from Taylor, again from the right flank, was completely missed by Kirkland and Cahill headed over from the edge of the six-yard box.
The Trotters began to dominate and broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when a delightful passing sequence led to Mark Davies spotting Rodrigo making a diagonal run inside the Wigan penalty area.
Rodrigo took a touch to steady himself and then clipped a superb left-foot shot past Kirkland from the edge of the six-yard box for his first goal in Bolton colours.
Bolton pressed for a second and after Elmander caught Kirkland with a late challenge, the goalkeeper required lengthy treatment before being carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Pollitt.
Yet Wigan refused to lie down and were level in the 80th minute with a goal that was testament to their proud passing game.
Rodallega found right-back Steve Gohouri advancing at pace down the flank and his low first-time cross was sidefooted home at the far post by the onrushing Stam.
Stam was booked for rushing towards the celebrating Latics fans but Bolton came back strongly in search of a winner.
They peppered Pollitt's penalty area with a series of teasing crosses but the veteran stopper made a superb stoppage-time save to repel Elmander's 12-yard drive before Muamba blazed wastefully from close range.

Everton 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur






Updated Jan 5, 2011 8:46 PM ET
Everton put Tottenham's title aspirations and ambitious plans to sign David Beckham in the shade with a 2-1 win at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Seamus Coleman grabbed a 75th-minute winner at Goodison Park after the outstanding Rafael van der Vaart had cancelled out Louis Saha's superb early opener.
Both sides had numerous opportunities to win an absorbing contest but it was Everton, rediscovering the spark that has been missing for much of the season, who held on for a victory greeted with much jubilation.

Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham | Recap
Fulham 3-0 West Brom | Recap
Man United 2-1 Stoke City | Recap Arsenal 0-0 Man City | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland | Recap
Newcastle 5-0 West Ham | Recap
Wolverhampton 1-0 Chelsea | Recap
Blackburn 3-1 Liverpool | Recap
Bolton 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Everton 2-1 Tottenham | Recap

The only consolation for Spurs was that they retained fourth place in the table thanks to yet another defeat for ailing champions Chelsea.
Fans' favourite Robbie Keane was thrown on 10 minutes from time on the day it was confirmed talks had begun over a possible £7million to Birmingham.
But the Republic of Ireland striker could not make a final telling contribution and his Spurs career could now be over.
Spurs were caught cold after just three minutes as Saha finally ended his 11-month league goal drought with a fine strike from 25 yards.
William Gallas backed off his fellow Frenchman outside the area and the striker took full advantage to unleash a ferocious low shot which beat Heurelho Gomes from distance.
The visitors were stung into action and went close as Peter Crouch headed on for Van der Vaart and the Dutchman attempted a left-foot lob from 30 yards which curled narrowly wide.
Everton felt they should have had a penalty after an apparent push by Alan Hutton on Steven Pienaar, but referee Lee Probert saw nothing untoward.
Hutton then compounded Everton's frustration by swinging in the cross from the right which led to Spurs' equaliser after 11 minutes.
Crouch pounced on a Heitinga slip to head the high ball back across goal and Van der Vaart was the first to react, meeting it with a powerful header Tim Howard could not keep out.
Jermaine Beckford had an opportunity for Everton when he turned Gallas inside the box after a neat pass from Saha, but shot well over.
Another shooting chance opened up for Coleman after a slick Everton move but Jermaine Jenas slid in to make a vital block.
Spurs responded as Luka Modric got a sight of goal but Sylvain Distin got in the way.


Crouch thought he had put Spurs ahead on the stroke of half-time when he sidefooted home from a Gareth Bale pass, but the flag was raised for offside.
Van der Vaart then fired narrowly over from a free-kick as Spurs ended the first half in the ascendancy.
Everton boss David Moyes appeared to speak to Probert as the official left the pitch at half-time, possibly about his side's failed penalty appeal, before heading down the tunnel.
But his players remained fully fired up and had the chance to start the second half much as they did the first as Saha released Coleman down the right.
The Irishman raced into the box but ignored Beckford in the middle and shot straight at Gomes.
Spurs suffered a blow as Bale, who had been brought down by Neville while on the charge moments earlier, appeared to limp off after being fouled again just before the hour.
Van der Vaart almost caught Everton out again when he beat Distin on the edge of the box but Howard palmed away his dipping shot.
Everton went straight back onto the attack and Saha met a Coleman cross with a powerful first-time volley but Hutton scrambled back to deflect the goalbound effort wide.
Saha was gifted another chance when a Gallas interception rolled into his path, but Gomes was equal to his shot.
Howard was then called into action twice in quick succession at the other end, first producing a brilliant point-blank save to deny Van der Vaart from six yards after a weaving run by Modric.
Crouch then found space to shoot from distance but Howard tipped the ball over.
Everton threw themselves forward again as Beckford sent Saha clear, and this time it proved decisive.
Saha cut inside and although Gomes parried his long-range piledriver, Coleman followed up to put home the rebound with a diving header.
Ayegbeni Yakubu should have added a third late on when clean through, but dwelt too long on the ball.

Thursday January 06, 2011 Sports
Kassim gives conditions to join Vietnam club

From ISSA YUSSUF in Zanzibar, 5th January 2011 @ 11:29, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 198

YOUNG Africans midfielder Abdi Kassim who has signed a two-year contract with a Vietnamese club, Dong Long Tam Ham, is expected to join his new team only after they settle the outstanding debt for his transfer.

Kassim signed the deal early this week, after he successfully passed trials with the team. He went for trials in Dubai late November, last year.

"I am eager to leave, but the outstanding debt has to be settled before I fly out to join my new team," Kassim said in Zanzibar on Tuesday night when Yanga played Chuoni FC in Mapinduzi Cup. Ironically, Kassim said he does not know how much was remaining. "I do not know how much is remaining."

But Yanga General Secretary Lawrence Mwalusako was quoted as saying this week that the Vietnam club has paid them 40,000 US dollars (about 59.2m/-) for Kassim, 40.8m/- short of the initial price tag. Kassim said that he was very happy to be among few Tanzanians who are going to play professional football overseas.

"I thank God and those who helped me to be where I am now," he said. Kassim will join former Simba striker Danny Mrwanda at Dong Long Tam Ham. The striker signed for the team two seasons ago.

"I thank Mrwanda because he played a great role in my move to join the Vietnam team. I am now 26 years old, I will play as long as I remain healthy and skilled," said Kassim, who is well known for his long range shooting ability. He explained how he got into contact with the team.

"I got into contact with the Vietnam team, after they watched the live televised match between Tanzania and Algeria last year. Officials from the team admired my performance and communicated with Mrwanda who later phoned me and the process started from there."

"I will miss my wife and my three children and my beloved parents. However, I hope I will be visiting Tanzania regularly," said the Taifa Stars sturdy midfielder.

Kassim dismissed as baseless that Yanga officials have been blocking and discouraging players who wish to join foreign teams. "I believe it is not true, it is self determination, hard work and luck. Yanga leaders have always been encouraging players to improve and go international, which is a pride for the team and nation," he said.

Also known as ‘Babi' or sometime Ballack of Unguja, Kassim was the first player to score a goal at the new National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, in a friendly match against Uganda in September 2007, to mark the official opening of the venue.

The stadium was built by the Chinese government in collaboration with the Tanzania governmen

Sports
Lady golfer scorns at national team

By PAUL JOHN, 5th January 2011 @ 11:29, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 54

LONG hitting lady golfer Angel Eaton will never return to the ladies national golf team unless the current Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) leadership changes, the ‘Daily News' reports.

And the angelic handicap four golfer who finds her life motivation from swinging the swing revealed to this paper that she will never forget how the current leadership treated her when she was down, underlining that what she felt now was scorn and indifferent towards the team.

The 19 year old was dropped unceremoniously last year, a few days before the ladies golf national team travelled to Argentina for the World Amateur Championship held at the Buenos Aires, for what was termed as indiscipline and irreconcilable attitude.

She was also not in the team that finished second in the 2010 edition of African Championships staged in Abuja, Nigeria, with her place taken by strong hitter Shaz Myombe.

On Wednesday, she was speaking via phone affirming and reaffirming: "I did not deserve such ‘barbaric' treatment after I had committed myself to the team. They (the current TLGU leadership) ruined my personal dignity and did not even care to inform me about my wrongdoing in the aftermath.

I feel bad that I was charged and expelled in absentia with no ceremony to discuss my side of the story that I actually was not aware of."

Angel hit the golf links at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club at 14 years, thanks to her Grand Mother Joyce Sirvarva, who introduced her to the sport and has ever since grown to become one of the reliable lady golfers in the country.

Her participation in the 2009 edition of East and Central African Championship with the national team was the culmination of a growing cheerful swinger as the local ladies golfers were celebrating a maiden victory at regional level.

She said: "I am really happy with the contribution I made during the team's regional success when I made my first outing. Clad in the official national team jersey, the feeling was far reaching as it was time to embrace my country.

In fact no one could feel any better. However, now I feel scorn and indifferent towards the national team. I can only make a comeback when the current leadership changes."

Contacted for comment, TLGU President Mbonile Burton said she was personally not surprised by Angels heart, since her situation was not different from others where players were dropped only to make a strong comeback in both field and personal aspects.

The president noted that Angel was a very talented player at her age and only needed to develop the correct attitude that will enable her fit in every environment. Mbonile reiterated: "First, TLGU is an institution that needs to grow with the correct attitude.

Players must observe the correct code of conduct at all levels. We cannot entertain any misbehaviour or bad blood in the team. If Angel wants to comeback, the door is open, but first she must be ready to live up to the correct billing."

Exclusive: FA in talks over Beckham-Harry dream team for England

Published 23:30 05/01/11 By Clemmie Moodie and Martin Lipton

Harry Redknapp and David Beckham are being lined up as England's new managerial 'Dream Team'.
FA chiefs have held informal discussions with the pair about taking over from Fabio Capello when he steps down after the national side's Euro 2012 campaign.
Spurs boss Redknapp, 63, will be manager and Becks, 35, his assistant manager, with the long-term strategy that the soccer superstar will ultimately succeed Redknapp in the job.
The impossible job is so big it needs to be shared and a pairing of Becks and Harry makes great sense

Why Beckham-Harry Dream Team would revive sleepwalking England
Becks: I'd love to serve my country but not as boss
Beckham will be tough on stars as England's No.2
Ten reasons why Beckham-Harry Dream Team would be an England winner
Spurs' Levy in LA to seal Beckham deal
Vauxhall are new England football team sponsors
One individual close to negotiations said last night: "This is not pie in the sky. This is absolutely real."
The plan will be a hit with fans who have been crying out for the England team and management to show more guts and passion.
Becks is keen to join Tottenham in March on short-term loan from LA Galaxy after getting the green light from his bosses in the USA. It is seen as a discreet dry run to test that the chemistry is right between the two.
Redknapp admitted: "He would be great to have around the place. As a player, as a person and as a professional he is top class. He'd be a great role model for the young players."
Beckham's five-year contract with the US side is up in 2012, a year before Redknapp's Spurs contract runs out, although Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is already braced for an approach from the FA next year.
England's catastrophic World Cup showing in South Africa last summer sparked a rethink on how the side is run.
The belief is that there needs to be a decade long plan rather than tournament-to-tournament.
"Harry has a proven track record as a manager who gets the very best out of players - even the mediocre ones," said the insider. "David's record as a player and the respect with which fans and players regard him is self-evident.
"It is viewed as a long term union that will ultimately see David step into Harry's shoes. It's very exciting."
Both men are from east London although Redknapp has only met Beckham - a friend of his son Jamie - on a handful of occasions.
Beckham missed the World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during last season's loan spell at AC Milan, although he was a member of Capello's backroom staff in South Africa.
His wife, Victoria is expected to arrive from LA to London today after enrolling the couple's three children at an exclusive independent school in Hertfordshire.
The England manager's job has been a poisoned chalice for years, with high profile foreigners like Capello and Sven-Goran Erikson ultimately flattering to deceive and Kevin Keegan and Steve McClaren overseeing disastrous reigns.
Redknapp has made no secret that he would be proud to steer the national side and firmly believes that his record of 14 years as a player and 27 years as a manager is invaluable.
"The game is crying out for stability, and the experienced guys know the job, and for so many now age is not a problem," he said recently.
"If you're English you cannot not want to manage your country."
Capello has insisted he plans to step down from his £6million a year role after the Euro 2012 Finals in Poland and Ukraine, stating: "We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old. I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner."
Redknapp has taken Spurs from bottom of the league when he took over in October 2008 to a Champions League spot and they won their group before Christmas, ahead of cup holders Inter Milan.
Beckham, meanwhile, was given a Lifetime Achievement award at last month's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. He has won 115 England caps, making him the country's most capped outfield player.
The former Manchester United star has not given up hope of adding to his caps but admitted to longer-term England ambitions.
Beckham said: "I would love to play for England again. I don't know if it will happen but I will do everything possible, although I need to be playing well and get over the injury I have had.
"I've always said I wouldn't like to be a manager and that still stands. But in America the idea of specialist coaching roles, say working with the midfielders, are really important. If the manager at the time felt I could do that, then maybe."

Exclusive: FA in talks over Beckham-Harry dream team for England

Published 23:30 05/01/11 By Clemmie Moodie and Martin Lipton

Harry Redknapp and David Beckham are being lined up as England’s new managerial 'Dream Team'.
FA chiefs have held informal discussions with the pair about taking over from Fabio Capello when he steps down after the national side’s Euro 2012 campaign.
Spurs boss Redknapp, 63, will be manager and Becks, 35, his assistant manager, with the long-term strategy that the soccer superstar will ultimately succeed Redknapp in the job.
The impossible job is so big it needs to be shared and a pairing of Becks and Harry makes great sense

Why Beckham-Harry Dream Team would revive sleepwalking England
Becks: I'd love to serve my country but not as boss
Beckham will be tough on stars as England's No.2
Ten reasons why Beckham-Harry Dream Team would be an England winner
Spurs' Levy in LA to seal Beckham deal
Vauxhall are new England football team sponsors
One individual close to negotiations said last night: “This is not pie in the sky. This is absolutely real.”
The plan will be a hit with fans who have been crying out for the England team and management to show more guts and passion.
Becks is keen to join Tottenham in March on short-term loan from LA Galaxy after getting the green light from his bosses in the USA. It is seen as a discreet dry run to test that the chemistry is right between the two.
Redknapp admitted: “He would be great to have around the place. As a player, as a person and as a professional he is top class. He’d be a great role model for the young players.”
Beckham’s five-year contract with the US side is up in 2012, a year before Redknapp’s Spurs contract runs out, although Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is already braced for an approach from the FA next year.
England’s catastrophic World Cup showing in South Africa last summer sparked a rethink on how the side is run.
The belief is that there needs to be a decade long plan rather than tournament-to-tournament.
“Harry has a proven track record as a manager who gets the very best out of players - even the mediocre ones,” said the insider. “David’s record as a player and the respect with which fans and players regard him is self-evident.
“It is viewed as a long term union that will ultimately see David step into Harry’s shoes. It’s very exciting.”
Both men are from east London although Redknapp has only met Beckham - a friend of his son Jamie - on a handful of occasions.
Beckham missed the World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during last season’s loan spell at AC Milan, although he was a member of Capello’s backroom staff in South Africa.
His wife, Victoria is expected to arrive from LA to London today after enrolling the couple’s three children at an exclusive independent school in Hertfordshire.
The England manager’s job has been a poisoned chalice for years, with high profile foreigners like Capello and Sven-Goran Erikson ultimately flattering to deceive and Kevin Keegan and Steve McClaren overseeing disastrous reigns.
Redknapp has made no secret that he would be proud to steer the national side and firmly believes that his record of 14 years as a player and 27 years as a manager is invaluable.
“The game is crying out for stability, and the experienced guys know the job, and for so many now age is not a problem,” he said recently.
“If you’re English you cannot not want to manage your country.”
Capello has insisted he plans to step down from his £6million a year role after the Euro 2012 Finals in Poland and Ukraine, stating: “We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old. I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner.”
Redknapp has taken Spurs from bottom of the league when he took over in October 2008 to a Champions League spot and they won their group before Christmas, ahead of cup holders Inter Milan.
Beckham, meanwhile, was given a Lifetime Achievement award at last month’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. He has won 115 England caps, making him the country’s most capped outfield player.
The former Manchester United star has not given up hope of adding to his caps but admitted to longer-term England ambitions.
Beckham said: “I would love to play for England again. I don’t know if it will happen but I will do everything possible, although I need to be playing well and get over the injury I have had.
“I’ve always said I wouldn’t like to be a manager and that still stands. But in America the idea of specialist coaching roles, say working with the midfielders, are really important. If the manager at the time felt I could do that, then maybe.”

BASATA yaja na Siku ya Msanii Tanzania


na Mwandishi wetu

BARAZA la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) baadaye mwaka huu linatarajiwa kuandaa tamasha kubwa la wasanii ambalo litakuwa likifanyika kila mwaka likijulikana kama ‘Siku ya Msanii wa Tanzania'.
Akizungumza kwenye Jukwaa la Sanaa linalofanyika ukumbi wa baraza hilo kila Jumatatu, Katibu Mtendaji wake, Ghonche Materego alisema kwamba, tamasha hilo ambalo litakuwa likipambwa na burudani kemkem kutoka kwa wasanii wa sanaa mbalimbali hapa nchini, litakuwa ni maalumu kwa ajili ya kuenzi sanaa na kusisitiza kaulimbiu ya ‘Sanaa ni Kazi' kwa vitendo.
"Katika kuhakikisha sanaa inakuwa kweli kazi na ajira kama ilivyo kaulimbiu yetu mwaka huu, watendaji wa BASATA wako katika maandalizi ya kuandaa tamasha la siku ya wasanii, ambalo tutawapa taarifa zake hivi karibuni. Katika tamasha hilo wasanii wetu watapata fursa za kuonyesha kazi zao na kushiriki kikamilifu," alisema Materego.
Aliongeza kwamba tamasha hilo litakuwa ni mwanzo wa kuenzi wasanii wetu na kukuza sekta ya sanaa nchini, hasa ikizingatiwa itakuwa ni fursa kwa wasanii kujitangaza na kupanua mwanya wa masoko ya kazi zao.
Huku akiomba ushirikiano wa dhati kutoka kwa wadau mbalimbali, hasa wale wa sanaa, Materego aliongeza; "Tunataka wasanii wetu sasa waone faida ya kazi zao, wazalishe sanaa zenye ubora na zinazoweza kukubalika na kuvuta watu wengi. Hii ndiyo siri pekee ya kuwafanya wapate fursa ya kushiriki maonyesho na matamasha mbalimbali ya sanaa ndani na nje ya nchi, lakini pia kufanya kazi zao ziuzike".
Awali akiwasilisha mada katika Jukwaa la Sanaa, iliyohusu ‘Mchango wa Matamasha ya Sanaa Katika Kukuza Ajira nchini Tanzania, aliyekuwa Mratibu Msaidizi wa onyesho maarufu hapa nchini la Sauti za Busara, Kwame Mchauru alisema kwamba, wasanii hawana budi kutengeneza sanaa zenye ubora na zenye asili ya Tanzania ili kuweza kupata fursa ya kushiriki maonyesho na matamasha mbalimbali ya ndani na nje ya nchini.