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Ferguson: FA Cup won't die


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 10:17 AM ET
Sir Alex Ferguson does not see how the FA Cup could be dying as long as it throws up ties like Manchester United versus Crawley.
Nine thousand supporters will accompany the ambitious non-leaguers on their long fifth-round trip north to Old Trafford on Saturday, hoping to become the first side from outside the Football League to reach the quarter-finals.
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Little wonder the game has captured the imagination worldwide, creating much-needed publicity for a tournament that seems to have dwindled in popularity markedly from the time United pulled out in 2000 to compete in the World Club Championship in Brazil.
"They talk about the FA Cup dying, but it won't die as long as you've got giantkilling acts that Crawley have already produced," said Ferguson.
"And every manager will tell you, you don't want to be a casualty.
"We lost to Leeds last season and it wasn't easy to take. They were up for it and made it a cup tie.
"We will see the same tomorrow. Crawley will get stuck into us, there's no other way for them. That is the way they are."
Facing such opposition is nothing new to United.
In 2005 they were paired with Exeter. The following season they drew Burton at the third-round stage.
The Red Devils ended up requiring replays to get past both sides after disappointing goalless draws.
Comparisons continue given Exeter and Burton are now Football League clubs. And Ferguson expects Crawley to follow suit given the investment they are benefiting from
"We respect the fact that Crawley are the best non-league side for quite a while," said Ferguson.
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"They seem to have a lot of money invested in their players and are near the top of the league, so their games in hand will probably see them promoted to the league proper.
"There is always room for ambition and they could do well when they get into the Football League given the kind of money they have behind them and the ambition they have got.
"We expect a tough game. They're very committed and aggressive and it'll be a tough game.
"It will be brilliant for the Crawley fans but their team's performances against Derby, Swindon and Torquay tell you they deserve to be in this round."
 
Lampard eager to avert 'disaster'





Updated Feb 18, 2011 7:34 AM ET
Chelsea failing to qualify for next season's Champions League would be a "disaster", Frank Lampard has admitted.
Failure to win - or score in - either of their last two Premier League games has seen the Blues slump back to fifth in the table with 12 matches to go.
Sun., Feb. 20​
West Brom vs. Wolves
Tue., Feb. 22​
Blackpool vs. Tottenham
Wed., Feb. 23​
Arsenal vs. Stoke City
Sat., Feb. 26​
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​


Vice-captain Lampard told BBC Sport: "We must finish in the top four and can never take our eye off the ball. It would be a disaster if we didn't qualify."
Chelsea will have to wait to get their faltering league campaign back on track, with their next two games Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round replay against Everton and Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 first leg at FC Copenhagen. With the league all but surrendered - Manchester United are 12 points clear of Chelsea - the cups are now vital, according to Lampard.
The midfielder said: "There's huge importance because you can see the league's going to be difficult and that means it's more important to reach finals."
The 32-year-old also backed £50million man Fernando Torres to come good after the Spaniard flopped in his first two games for his new club.
"He's made a huge difference," Lampard said.
"No, he hasn't scored in two games but all the spotlight is on him.
"There's a huge responsibility, people are looking to him to do it instantly, but he will make a difference to us.
"He's a top-class player, he has boosted the lads already and for sure will come good, he's going to add to us in a big way.
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"David Luiz has come in as well and has been fantastic."
Lampard was surprised but delighted with last month's £75million spending spree on Torres and Luiz.
"I was slightly surprised but it was very exciting and I was pleased," he said.
"It's a huge boost to have such quality players that we needed at the time.
"We haven't spent much in recent years compared to some by our standards, but last season we won the double and this was a good time for us to go into the market.
"I'm just thankful we've got the funds to do this."
 
Dalglish: We'll be patient with Cole


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 4:57 AM ET
Kenny Dalglish insists Joe Cole will be given all the time he needs to find his best form after a disappointing start to his Liverpool career.
The former Chelsea midfielder made his first appearance under Dalglish, and his first in a red shirt since January 5, as a substitute in last night's goalless Europa League draw against Sparta Prague.
Sun., Feb. 20​
West Brom vs. Wolves
Tue., Feb. 22​
Blackpool vs. Tottenham
Wed., Feb. 23​
Arsenal vs. Stoke City
Sat., Feb. 26​
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
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It was only the 29-year-old's 19th game for the club he joined in the summer as a result of suspension and, more lately, hamstring and knee injuries.
The game in the Czech capital was not the easiest for him to make his comeback in but Dalglish said there was plenty of time for the England international to rediscover his best form.
"We have got to be patient with Joe. That his first run out since I came here," said Dalglish, who took over from Roy Hodgson on January 8.
"That is a great start for him, to get himself on the pitch and get an hour won't do him any harm.
"Joe is a valuable asset for us. Obviously he is not going to pick his form up immediately, if he does it will be a real bonus for us.
"But we are not going to put him under pressure and expect him to be the Joe Cole who came to Liverpool in the summer.
"We want to give him a bit of time and make sure he gets there. Form is temporary, class is permanent and that is where we stand with Joe.
"We'll give him a bit of time to get up to speed and then we'll judge him.
"Joe needs his injury rebuilding so we'll get that right first,
Cole came on for Fabio Aurelio after he injured a groin seven minutes for half-time.
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Dalglish said the problem was not serious and was hopeful the Brazilian would recover quickly.
The Reds boss was also optimistic he would have both captain Steven Gerrard and defender Daniel Agger back for next week's second leg of their last-32 clash against Sparta.
"We'll see when we go back. I don't think he'll (Gerrard) be too long before he's fit and I don't think Daniel Agger will be too much of a problem either," added the 59-year-old.
"We left Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel out as well because young Martin Kelly has been through an awful lot in the last seven games and has been playing with a few bumps and bruises.
"This gave him the opportunity to refresh himself, and Martin Skrtel got injured at Chelsea but carried on and we didn't want to take a chance."
 
Sun., Feb. 20​
West Brom vs. Wolves
Tue., Feb. 22​
Blackpool vs. Tottenham
Wed., Feb. 23​
Arsenal vs. Stoke City
Sat., Feb. 26​
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​
 
Reds happy with court verdict


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 5:03 AM ET
A High Court judge has effectively told ex-Liverpool owner Tom Hicks to "put up or shut up" in his bid to sue over the £300m sale of the club.
The Texan on Thursday lost his bid to overturn an injunction preventing him launching legal action in the United States without prior approval from an English court.
Sun., Feb. 20​
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Blackpool vs. Tottenham
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Arsenal vs. Stoke City
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Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
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And Mr Justice Floyd, who made the ruling, criticised the delaying tactics of Hicks and co-owner George Gillett, both during the sale process and in the subsequent months.
"The reality of the situation is that the former owners have already started two sets of proceedings and openly asserted their intention to start more," the judge said in his ruling.
"They will undoubtedly start more proceedings if allowed to do so. There is a real threat that those proceedings will be in the United States.
"I still find it difficult to imagine what possible real connection such a claim would have with any jurisdiction in the United States.
"The disputes concern an English asset, duties owed by English directors under English law to English companies and corporate governance arrangements governed by English law.
"I think the time has come when they need to state their case or accept that they do not have one."
Hicks and Gillett originally tried to block the sale to New England Sports Ventures (now Fenway Sports Group) by sacking the English-based directors and replacing them with their own men.
When then chairman Sir Martin Broughton, appointed specifically to oversee the sale, persevered, the American duo sought to stop it going through by applying to a court in Texas.
That led to an anti-suit injunction being secured in the United Kingdom which prevented legal action to halt NESV's purchase.
Mr Justice Floyd said he agreed to that at the time "on the basis of what appeared to me to be the unconscionable conduct of the former owners in seeking to undermine the English proceedings".
Hicks returned to court last week to seek the lifting of that injunction but failed, although the judge did allow him to make applications in the US in support of any proceedings in this country.
However, in another blow to Hicks, Mr Justice Floyd also dismissed an application to strike out or stay claims by Broughton, who is seeking damages against Hicks for his actions while owner.
NESV's application to be allowed to join the Broughton action was granted by the judge, effectively meaning Hicks can be counter-sued by Broughton and NESV.
Those two and Royal Bank of Scotland, who were repaid their £237million loan in the sale, remain confident Hicks' threat to sue will fail.
"We are delighted that Mr Justice Floyd has granted the applications requested by Sir Martin Broughton, RBS and NESV and that the anti-suit injunction prohibiting the former owners from commencing legal actions against these parties outside the EU has been upheld and clarified," a Liverpool statement read.
"Sir Martin, RBS and NESV continue to maintain that there is no basis to challenge the propriety or validity of any actions by them or any of those involved on their behalf in the sale of the club.
"They will continue to take all steps necessary to defend vigorously any litigation threatened or commenced by the club's former owners."
Hicks believes he was the victim of an "epic swindle", claiming he lost £140million as a result of the sale against his wishes.
 
Fergie: Owen injury not serious


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 10:18 AM ET
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down fears Michael Owen will be sidelined for an extended period with a groin injury.
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FA Cup Scores | Stats | Fixtures

Reports had suggested the 31-year-old striker could miss the remainder of the season with an injury sustained in training but Ferguson insists the damage is not serious and while Owen will miss tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Crawley at Old Trafford, he could be available for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Marseille.
"Michael suffered a small injury during the week which will force him out tomorrow," said Ferguson.
"It is disappointing because I was going to play him but there is no point taking a risk and he could be available for the Marseille game on Wednesday."
Ferguson was happy to expand on Antonio Valencia though, who broke his ankle in September and is edging towards a first-team return.
"Antonio has done a full week with the reserves doing non-contact work," said Ferguson.
"Everything is right about him. We would hope he would get into contact work with the reserves and join us by the end of next week."
 
Giggs signs one-year extension


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 11:13 AM ET
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him with the Red Devils until the end of next season.
The Welshman had already indicated his wish to continue his career into a remarkable 21st season at Old Trafford and United have today confirmed the deal has been signed.
"All I've ever wanted to do is play for United and I've been lucky enough to do that for 20 years," said Giggs.
"It is great to know I'm still contributing to the team's success and I feel I've got a lot to offer on and off the pitch.
"This is an exciting time to be involved with so many good young players coming through."
 
Kenny won't rush Reds youngsters


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 10:42 AM ET
Kenny Dalglish says Liverpool are realistic about the prospects of their youngsters and none will go into the first team until they are ready.
However, the 59-year-old stressed he has complete faith in the talents of those who are brought in from the academy, highlighted by his decision to take five with him on the Europa League trip to face Sparta Prague.
Sun., Feb. 20​
West Brom vs. Wolves
Tue., Feb. 22​
Blackpool vs. Tottenham
Wed., Feb. 23​
Arsenal vs. Stoke City
Sat., Feb. 26​
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​


All the hype prior to the goalless draw in the last-32 first-leg tie had surrounded whether 16-year-old prodigy Raheem Sterling would become the club's youngest player.
Sterling scored five goals in Monday's 9-0 FA Youth Cup win over Southend and was a surprise inclusion in the travelling party, Dalglish having taken advantage of the half-term break to take the teenager along for the experience.
However, of all the academy prospects on the trip - Conor Coady, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Tom Ince and Sterling - only Coady, 18 next week, made it on to the substitutes' bench but never got the chance to come off it.
Despite all the publicity surrounding the involvement of the youngsters, Dalglish insisted it was not a public relations stunt and the absence of Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen meant there was always a chance they might have to be used.
And even though they were not, the Reds boss said they were all the better for the experience.
"The young lads have sent postcards home and everything - they were looking for a rock shop but couldn't find one," joked Dalglish about their Prague trip.
"They weren't here for a jolly, they were here because we were short of players.
"Conor Coady was on the bench which meant we needed at least one of them.
"He's a midfield player and we were short there and he was on the bench because he has done well for the academy.
"They are all deserving to be here. They are a bit young maybe to be pushed in but then if they were asked I'm sure they wouldn't have let us down through lack of effort.
"The most important thing is we have to be realistic. There was no way we were bringing them over hoping to get headlines.
"We brought them because we needed them and if we didn't have to use them that was in their interest as well as ours, but if we did have to use them we could have."
Dalglish's European managerial debut for Liverpool did not go to plan after a dismal goalless draw against Sparta.
He accepts, though, that times have changed since he conquered the continent as a player, winning the European Cup three times with Liverpool.
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"When we were playing, if you lost over two legs you were out, you never got any second chances, and that is the stage the competition is at now," he added.
"Certainly teams are better organised than they were years ago but I think you can describe us as an organised team as well.
"We've another game to come next Thursday so we'll soon find out whether we can get through that.
"But the onus is on us to be more creative than we were in Prague.
"We will do our best to go as far as we possibly can in the competition."
The former Scotland international was able to take some positives from the game, with the likes of young defender Danny Wilson given a rare 90-minute outing and Joe Cole making his comeback from a knee injury.
Dalglish was also pleased with full-back Glen Johnson, who was switched from left-back to his favoured position on the right, with Martin Kelly being given a well-earned rest.
"There is no difference to Glen, he just plays," Dalglish said.
"Before I came here people were saying he couldn't defend but I've seen one person go past him since I was here - and that was me in training!
"He has done fantastically both going forward and defensively."
 
Injured Woody staying positive


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Updated Feb 18, 2011 5:37 AM ET
Jonathan Woodgate insists his latest injury setback will not prevent him making a successful comeback with Tottenham.
The centre-back returned from a 16-month absence due to a worrying groin problem on Tuesday when he came off the bench to help Spurs to a 1-0 victory at AC Milan in the Champions League last-16.
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Blackpool vs. Tottenham
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Arsenal vs. Stoke City
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Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
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Newcastle vs. Bolton
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Wolves vs. Blackpool
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Woodgate strained his left adductor muscle during that 31-minute outing and will now spend a further two weeks on the sidelines.
But the former England international is determined to beat his latest problem and win back a regular spot in the Tottenham first-team.
"Injuries are part and parcel of the game but you never give up," said Woodgate.
"A lot of people said I'd never get back but I kept fighting and the comments that I'd never get back spurred me on.
"You just have to keep going - you prove people wrong who said you wouldn't get back and you prove right those people who said you will.
"There were a lot of tough days but at the end of the day there is only you that can get on with it and can stay mentally tough and strong and wait for your chance.
"I don't give up, I never give up. There were a lot of people with different opinions that said I would never play, but I took all of that with a pinch of salt. I am determined to get fully fit, I won't let anyone say that I can't get fit."
He added: "If you want to play football again, you have to be mentally tough. There are things you have to try. I'm sure I can play a regular a part for Spurs again. Of course I can."
 
SWP accepts Eastlands departure


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Updated Feb 17, 2011 10:34 AM ET
Shaun Wright-Phillips has accepted that he is likely to leave Manchester City at the end of the season - but will try his hardest until then.
The winger was expected to be sold to either Bolton or Fulham in January, but boss Roberto Mancini blocked any exit in the wake of Adam Johnson's ankle injury.

Sun., Feb. 20​
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Blackpool vs. Tottenham
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Arsenal vs. Stoke City
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Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
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Wright-Phillips, who made a rare start in Tuesday's Europa League stalemate against Aris Salonika, will now be required as cover for Johnson until the end of the season.
But the 29-year-old does not see much of a future beyond May, as he said in the Daily Mirror: "To be quite honest, I'm here for three months and my heart is set on playing well for that period until the end of the season.
"Until the season is over, there's nothing much I can really say on the matter. I'm playing for City and that's the main thing.
"I don't do too much talking, I let my feet do that for me and that's what I plan on doing. I never think short-term or long-term.
"I don't feel I can do a job for the club, I know I can do a job for the club. And there's a big difference between feeling and knowing. I know what I'm capable of, so it's just a question of whether the club want me or not.
"I'm never encouraged by another player's misfortune. Adam is a good friend, so I'm disheartened he's injured - for club and country - I'm just concentrating on playing well myself and working hard in training, as I've done before. That's the main thing.
"There should be opportunities to play, because we're involved in two cup competitions and going well in the league."
 
Lampard: Europe our top priority


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Updated Feb 17, 2011 7:33 AM ET
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits UEFA Champions League glory is more important to the Blues than domestic success this season.
The Blues are the reigning Premier League champions, but are in grave danger of allowing that crown to slip from their grasp.

Tue., Feb. 15​
AC Milan 0-1 Tottenham | Recap
Valencia 1-1 Schalke | Recap
Wed., Feb. 16​
Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona | Recap
AS Roma 2-3 Shakhtar | Recap
Tue., Feb. 22​
Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23​
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures

A goalless draw with local rivals Fulham on Monday has left them fifth in the standings, 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester United.
While league glory appears unlikely, Carlo Ancelotti's side have made impressive progress in Europe this term.
They sailed through the group stage and will fancy their chances against Danish outfit FC Copenhagen in the last 16.
With a path to continental success opening up in front of them, midfield talisman Lampard claims conquering Europe has become a bigger priority for the Blues than maintaining their standing at the top of the English game.
Asked if he would be prepared to sacrifice the Premier League title for a Champions League winners' medal, he said: "It's a horrible question, but I would say I would.
"I hate putting one above the other but having won three Premier League titles, the Champions League is the one to win."
Lampard also believes that prolonged progress through the Champions League will help Chelsea to get a faltering domestic campaign back on track.
He added: "It depends on the squad but I think if you're going well in the Champions League it can help your league form.
"If you're winning in Europe that form can be carried into the league."
 
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