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[h=1]United front hit by absent Fergie as Scot pulls out of SPOTY[/h] Last updated at 12:01 AM on 24th December 2011



The special Manchester moment planned by the BBC during the Sports Personality of the Year programme was derailed by missing United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Beeb had planned for Gary Lineker to mark the Corporation's move north with a combined 'Welcome to Manchester' chat with City boss Roberto Mancini and Fergie after a video package giving both teams equal prominence.


All smiles: Fergie attended his Friday morning press conference after pulling out of the BBC show

But Mancini had to be interviewed alone as Ferguson pulled out on Thursday afternoon due to illness.

The BBC accepted Fergie's late cancellation couldn't be helped, despite the disruption it caused.

[h=3]More from Charles Sale...[/h]




Both United chief executive David Gill and director Sir Bobby Charlton, who were in the audience, insisted Ferguson was too ill to attend after catching a bug.

However, City, for whom Mancini had altered his schedule to attend, were 'surprised' that Ferguson was well enough by the following morning to give a 9.30am press conference seemingly in good health.

Terry hires fraud specialist

John Terry has hired high-flying fraud specialist Dan Morrison to fight criminal charges of alleged racist abuse against Anton Ferdinand. And Morrison, who set up law firm Grosvenor, is expected to go on the attack in defence of the England captain.

Morrison will be asking why the FA have not handed their file on Luis Suarez to the police after finding him guilty of using racially abusive language towards Patrice Evra.

Morrison also has concerns about the disproportionate interest in the Terry case at the CPS highlighted by Alison Saunders, the chief crown prosecutor for London, becoming involved. Suarez was given his eight-game ban despite having the Premier League's legal adviser Peter McCormick in his corner.

Scot of bother
There is a belief within the BBC that Andy Murray, conspicuous by being the only one of the 10 finalists not in Manchester, will only turn up if he wins the SPOTY trophy.


No show: Despite being shortlisted, Murray was absent from the awards' show

But the Murray camp weren't impressed that no mention was made of the importance of his training camp in Miami before the Australian Open, when both Novak Djokovic and Rory McIlroy's girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki had absences explained by tennis practice commitments.

Dan's not the man

Football Focus presenter Dan Walker, regarded as one of the BBC's fast-rising stars, did not have his finest hour as studio warm-up man before the live SPOTY show, which used to be the preserve of the more suitable Andrew Castle.

The expression on England one-day captain Alastair Cook's face suggested he did not like being introduced for his rehearsal entrance as 'looking like a 12-year-old'
Waiting game: LA have offered Becks an improved deal

LA back in for Becks
LA Galaxy have come back with an improved offer for David Beckham to extend his playing career in America. That means every possible contract detail will now have to be right for Paris Saint-Germain to clinch his signature.
The continued discussions over the fine print in the French offer explain why Beckham, who has also considered approaches from Brazilian clubs, is not expected to make up his mind until his Galaxy deal expires on December 31.

Blackett accused of 'bullying emails'
RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett was said to be at the centre of more discord at Twickenham with chairman Paul Murphy apparently made aware of RFU staff upset at the way some have been treated by Blackett during the upheavals. These include allegations he sent 'bullying emails'.

However, an RFU spokesperson said all personnel issues were confidential but no official complaints had been made.

At least the RFU's Christmas staff party went with a swing after acting chief executive Stephen Brown played lead guitar in the band. And Bill Beaumont, whose standing will help repair the many fractured relationships, confirmed he's interested in becoming the next RFU chairman.

Savage invites Speed's dad
Robbie Savage showed there's more to him than a crafted celebrity image by inviting Gary Speed's father Roger to be his guest at SPOTY.
 
[h=1]Venky's will back me, not sack me! Kean expects January transfer funds after talks[/h] By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:53 PM on 24th December 2011


Blackburn boss Steve Kean is confident under-fire owners Venky's will provide the money for much-needed defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Many people expected conversations between executives of the Indian company and their manager this week to centre around Kean's position, but not so according to the man himself.
Instead, the Scot presented his list of transfer targets to help relieve an injury crisis that has robbed him of Ryan Nelsen, Scott Dann, Martin Olsson and Gael Givet, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also a doubt for the Boxing Day clash at Liverpool.


Living on a prayer? Blackburn manager Steve Kean is under huge pressure

Weakness in defence has been at the centre of Blackburn's struggles, with bottom-of-the-table Rovers failing to keep a clean sheet all season and shipping 38 goals in 17 games.

'We spoke about the transfer window and the need to get defenders in and just where we are,' said Kean. 'It was a very positive conversation. It wasn't a case where there was just positions discussed, it was names.



'I told them I think we can get these players and let's push on and get them in the early part of the window so we can have a good amount of bodies and good competition for places once the other lads get out of the treatment room.

'We talk about what I feel is the most important things. The conversations have mostly been about players' health and players coming in.'
Kean has had to endure ever more vociferous protests from fans calling for his head and has also acted as a lightning rod for anger at the role of Venky's, who have done little to take the heat off the Scot. He had no complaints, though, saying: 'I think they are aware (of the atmosphere). They watch the games, if not live then a few hours after. They read all the newspapers and all forms of the media.

'They're being supportive to me. Anytime I ask for a player I normally get them, so that's good support.'
Michel Salgado has been badly missed, with midfielders Jason Lowe and Morten Gamst Pedersen currently playing as emergency full-backs, and Kean insisted the Spaniard could come back into contention over the festive period.


Fans fury: Rovers supporters have protested against Kean's reign

Salgado was quoted in the local press this week saying he had been given time off when he wanted to play, with the story fuelling reports of financial problems at the club.

But Kean insisted the 36-year-old, who will not be offered a new contract when his current deal runs out in the summer, was given the break to pursue a possible opportunity in Spain.
'He's got every chance of playing,' said Kean. 'He's got a contract that's still in place. We were a bit disappointed with the way that was reported because we thought we were giving Michel the respect to go back (home).

'He's got one unique opportunity that might open up for him just after the transfer window's closed but he would have to qualify it now.

'When you tell an experienced player that their contract is not going to be renewed after this season, if there is an opportunity and they want to move on in the window, we gave him the respect to let him go back and sort that out.'

Looking bleak: Blackburn are bottom at Christmas after losing to Bolton

On paper, Rovers' chances of taking anything from their next two games look slim, with Monday's trip to Anfield followed by another away game at Manchester United.

But, although Liverpool are unbeaten at home this season, they have drawn five of their eight matches, including against Swansea and Norwich, and Kean sees no reason why Blackburn cannot follow suit.
He said: "It will be a really big ask for us to get something, but why not? Other teams have gone there this season not expecting to get anything and have come away with something, so there is a possibility to get a result.
'It's a very famous and intimidating ground. There's lots of good football been played there over the years and I've always been a fan of the way Liverpool have played.

'Since Kenny (Dalglish) has gone back in again, the fans have got behind them, which has been massive for the club,' Kean added pointedly.



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[h=1]Play fair! Johnson warns Mancini he'll only embrace City's rotation policy if it's equal[/h] By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 12:38 PM on 24th December 2011


Adam Johnson does not mind being part of Manchester City's squad rotation system as long as manager Roberto Mancini is fair about it.

Johnson completed his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League for two months when he made a goalscoring appearance in Wednesday's win over Stoke.

However, he realises it is highly likely be will be dropped back to the substitutes' bench for the Boxing Day trip to West Brom.

Johnson would not mind that if he felt the opportunity to return a bit quicker was on offer.


City slicker: Adam Johnson scored in his first full 90 minutes since October, against Stoke

'I've been awfully disappointed that I haven't played as many games,' he said. 'Everyone wants to play in all the games and I was thinking about speaking to the manager because I hadn't started since the Carling Cup.
'It plays on my mind a bit. I don't mind the rotation system as long as it's fair. Hopefully that's going to continue now. I've scored five goals in five starts. That's all I can keep doing.'
International class: Johnson has high hopes of inclusion in the Euro 2012 squad

Johnson's problem is simple enough.

Having made England's provisional squad for the World Cup in South Africa, the 24-year-old was one of the unlucky ones who did not make Fabio Capello's final party.

Now a regular member of the international set-up, there should be no issue about his place at Euro 2012.



However, having only made sporadic appearances for the Blues this season, and quite often as a substitute, doubts were starting to creep in.
'I was speaking to my dad about that,' Johnson said. 'It is in the back of my mind because I know Fabio Capello likes players to be playing every week. It's a major thing for me, to try to go there, having missed out on the World Cup.

'I want to play in these major tournaments.

'I don't think I've missed a squad under Capello, apart from when I was injured, so I would be gutted to miss out after playing quite a big part in the campaign.

'Obviously there's a lot of competition, so I want to try to play week in and week out and definitely have a place on that plane.'


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[h=1]How much!? Blues aim to fend off City interest in teen Redmond with £12m asking price[/h] By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 10:14 AM on 24th December 2011


Manchester City have been put off a move for up-and-coming Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond after the Blues slapped a £12million price tag on his head.

The Premier League leaders were last week considering a January move for the 17-year-old, but at about half the price now being asked for at St Andrews.

Redmond burst onto the scene in August 2010 when he became Birmingham's second youngest debutant at the age of 16 years and 173 days.


True Blue: Nathan Redmond is rated as highly as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The tricky wide man has featured seven times in the Championship this term, while also excelling in the Europa League, including an assist in a man of the match performance against Maribor earlier this month.

After that game, Redmond said: 'It's one of the better games I've played. I'm constantly trying to develop my career and training with the first team week in and week out is helping me do that, so every chance I get in front of the fans I'll take it.'

The teenager is rated as highly as 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who last summer joined Arsenal, and cash-strapped Birmingham believe they have every right to ask for the same transfer fee - £12m - secured by Southampton, according to the Daily Mirror.


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[h=1]Now we know how United feel! Mancini resigned to facing stubborn rivals[/h] By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 8:30 AM on 22nd December 2011


Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes his side are being singled out for the same special attention by Barclays Premier League rivals that Manchester United have been so used to down the years.
City secured top spot on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929 thanks to their 3-0 win over Stoke at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
However, the first 20 minutes were a real struggle as Stoke strung four big men across the back and sat their midfield virtually on top of them.

Got there in the end: Manchester City overcame a dogged Stoke side



The move from Tony Pulis was a compliment to City's new-found status.

And it is something Mancini thinks they will have to get used to.
'It is the same thing that happens against Manchester United,' said Mancini.
'All the teams that play against them play with fear.
'They don't attack because for a long time, United were a top team and it was very difficult.
'Probably now, also against us, some teams have a problem and play in a different way.'
Sergio Aguero was named man of the match for another outstanding contribution, his brace taking his goal tally for the season to 15.

Strike: Sergio Aguero continued his fine form with two goals against Stoke

Adam Johnson was also on target for City to cement a significant milestone, even if it is not one that brings any tangible reward.

'I am happy to be at the top at Christmas. I am happy for our supporters. They can have a good Christmas Day,' said Mancini, whose side travel to West Brom on Boxing Day.
'But as I have said many times, it is important to stay there for the rest of the season.
'For this, it is difficult. United continue to win every game, the other teams continue to win, Arsenal, Tottenham. But it is better to stay on the top than second.'

Dejected: Stoke's plan failed to work as they were beaten by City



Yet for all City's revelry, Stoke boss Tony Pulis believes it is the one that got away which will really gnaw away at Mancini.
'They must be distraught they are out of the Champions League," said Pulis.
'I thought they would have run that very close this year, never mind the Premier League.
'They are real contenders for every competition they are in.
'The depth of their squad and the quality they have got is what you would expect after spending £240million, or whatever it is.'


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[h=1]Wayne Bridge exclusive: Play golf? Mancini is my only handicap[/h] By Neil Ashton
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 24th December 2011


Wayne Bridge is not after sympathy - all he wants is an opportunity to put across his side of the story. This is the former England defender's considered response to Roberto Mancini's criticism after two years largely spent in exile.
Mancini claims the Manchester City defender is motivated by money, pulling in £95,000 a week and spending Saturday afternoons down at the driving range. Golf is his big thing, according to Mancini; swinging clubs is his priority instead of trying to find one to take on his super-sized salary.


Building Bridges: Manchester City's Wayne Bridge wants to reignite his career




'Roberto Mancini obviously doesn't know me very well because I don't play golf,' revealed Bridge in the first major interview of his professional career.
Given the freedom and platform to express himself, Bridge has laid bare his frustrations after so long in isolation, an isolation that has seen him spend a month at a time training with the kids at City.
It is all here - his relationship with Mancini and his thoughts on walking away from England after John Terry's alleged affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend and mother of his son.

Defining: Bridge refused to shake Terry's hand last season


He has nothing left to lose now, not after Mancini poked fun at him in a pre-determined attack ahead of City's Barclays Premier League fixture with Stoke City last Wednesday.
[h=1]'The only player I've seen isolated like this was Bogarde at Chelsea'[/h]​
'When I was at Chelsea I was playing for a team where Ashley Cole was the best in the world and I still got games. It won't happen at City. There has never been an explanation, but it's obvious they don't want me.
'Mancini doesn't really speak to me, he doesn't really speak to any of the players. The only time I've known a player isolated like this was Winston Bogarde at Chelsea. Usually you still train with the first team, even when they want you out.'

Better times: Bridge and Terry enjoyed a close relationship, and played for England for years


[h=3]TAKING A SWING [/h]

Mancini (right) in Wednesday's Sportsmail: 'Sometimes I don't understand why there are some players who have a good chance to play football, maybe not in the Premier League but in the Championship. Wayne Bridge is a good guy but for every other player it should be important to play.

'Wayne has had two or three chances (to go somewhere). In the summer he had the chance to play for Celtic, and this is an important team. I don't know what he does on Saturdays now. Golf?'


Bridge, 31, has played just once for City this season - a Carling Cup third-round tie against Birmingham - and has barely featured in first-team training. Most days he arrives early, working out in the gym at City's Carrington training complex to vent his frustrations before he joins the kids again. That is the daily routine: walking out on to the training pitches to join the youngsters, alone with his thoughts and willing himself to get through another soul-destroying session.
'I've never caused trouble, I'm not that kind of character,' he said. 'There will be days when I'm frustrated - not depressed, but down. Training helps take my mind off the fact that I don't play.
'I don't like confrontation, to be honest. It takes a while for me to lose it, but when I do…
'Some players are totally different to me - they would phone the manager and say things there and then. I just get on with things and hope they resolve themselves. Even when I'm playing I just like to get on with my own life. 'If I kicked up a fuss I might have got out easier.'

International class: Bridge was regularly included in England squads prior to the story


That is the plan, negotiating with City to secure his release in the January transfer window. He has been training hard and his five per cent body fat - the lowest at City - is unlikely to be troubled by the home-made chocolate cake his popstar girlfriend Frankie is serving.
Popstar girlfriend: Bridge with his partner Frankie Sandford

'I feel I am letting my mum and dad down and they basically live for following me around and watching me play football.
'I hate that my parents can't come and watch me or Frankie, who loves to watch football, can't come with her mum and dad.
'It is like I am letting them down as well because they are so proud to see me out there playing. They have been really supportive.
'They are people I can call when I am down. They cheer me up straight away and slap me back into place. Aaron Lincoln, my agent, has been amazing.
'Everyone has been so supportive and they can all tell when I have been down.'
There has been talk of Arsenal taking him on loan and there has been interest from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He desperately wants to get away, to rediscover the zest for the game that took him to the very top.
Bridge played in the 2003 FA Cup final for Southampton and went on to win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the League Cup with Chelsea. Inevitably he regards Jose Mourinho as the best manager he played under. His eyes light up with the memories of a glorious goal against Arsenal in the 2004 Champions League quarter-final at Highbury, and a beauty he scored against Portsmouth the previous season.
'There was a time when I could have gone to Portsmouth on loan, but I had to say no - my dad's Southampton and I grew up supporting them. Dad would never have spoken to me again.'


Loan ranger: The out-of-favour full-back spent the second half of last season at West Ham


This is the old Bridge, bounding with enthusiasm as he talks about the games that earned him 36 caps before he retired from international football in a storm of publicity last year.
He misses England, but maintains he was left with no alternative after refusing to shake Terry's hand when City travelled to Stamford Bridge in February 2010.
Wayne's world: The Man City defender is angling for a January move

'Everyone misses being an international when they don't play. It is the thing everyone wants to be - an England international. When you start playing professional football it is the next step.
'It has been difficult for me over the last couple of years football-wise - I have not played great and personal stuff that had gone on. I don't want to talk too much about it. I don't want to bring up the situation that happened because I didn't talk about it at the time and what's the point?
'If I had gone to the World Cup it would have been an absolute media frenzy. I probably could talk about it one day, but at this precise moment I don't think it is going to help me and I don't think it's going to help anyone else who was involved.
'I had never been in the press before. Then I was and everyone had an opinion about it. It was like I felt, "Just leave me to get on with it". Some were supportive and some weren't. That's just the way it is. But I got a lot of support and I am thankful for the support I did get. I can deal with it. Everyone was talking about it and I just didn't want to talk about it.
'At the time, (England manager) Fabio Capello called me two or three times but it wasn't right. 'My personal life has got better. I am happy at the moment and the football has got to get better in January.'
He is expecting to move and is prepared for the next phase of his career.
'My next move has to be right for me. I'd rather play three games a week than none, but I'm entitled to leave. City claimed I'm only at the club for the money, but when it comes to the deal to let me go, it becomes about the money for them.'
After this, it is time for City to do the right thing.



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[h=1]Van Persie "conned" Hutton into getting sent off, fumes McLeish[/h] Published 22:30 22/12/11 By James Nursey

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-Aston-Villa-boss-McLeish-article845727.html#


Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish reckons Alan Hutton was "conned" by Robin van Persie after he saw red for a rash quick-fire double booking.
Villa lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal on Wednesday in the Premier League.
Scottish international right-back Hutton, 27, is now suspended for the Boxing Day clash at Stoke after being sent off for two bookable offences.
He was booked for a foul on Van Persie and then sent off by referee Jonathan Moss in injury-time for a second yellow on Thomas Vermaelen.

And McLeish is fuming after believing Hutton fell victim to a cynical wind-up by Arsenal's in-form striker Van Persie.
McLeish, who will fine the defender, said: "Hutton's suspension has been a blow. He has apologised and he also texted me and was apologetic.
"Although it didn't cost us the game, it was a shame to see him get sent off after such a good performance.
"Van Persie waved at him in the tunnel - they conned him. Alan was conned and he should be experienced enough to just laugh in their face and just walk away.
"Maybe the Arsenal player lured him into it but I didn't think he would get conned like that."
Despite his frustration, McLeish is not upset with Van Persie's gamesmanship, but believes Villa defender Hutton should have shown more discipline.
McLeish added: "If you are winding someone up and they get sent off and you have reduced the opposition's resources and your team wins then you've done a good job.
"I think you've got to do what you can for your team. It is being streetwise.
"I speak about discipline every week in my team talk: don't waste energy on the referee, don't waste energy fighting opponents.
"Save it for the game and defending the ball."
But McLeish was pleased to reveal striker Darren Bent is back in training and should be fit to face Stoke after two games out.
And Villa also hope to have James Collins and Emile Heskey available for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
Robin van Persie on scoring goals, breaking records and why Arsenal are still in the title race
 
[h=1]Man City will need 90 points to beat United to the title, says Mancini[/h] Published 22:00 22/12/11 By David McDonnell

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...itle-says-Roberto-Mancini-article845664.html#


Roberto Mancini has set his record-breaking Manchester City side a target of 90 points to win the Premier League title.
City, currently on 44 points, hold a two-point advantage over local rivals Manchester United going into Christmas.
Mancini's men have made the best-ever start to a Premier League season and are the quickest team to 50 goals in the top flight for 49 years.
Rooney: We're ready to pounce if City slip up

They have gone a year unbeaten at home for the first time in 34 years, with 27 wins and two draws in all competitions, as well as winning their last 14 Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium.
They will also be Christmas No 1 for the first time since 1929 but with United pushing City all the way, Mancini reckons his team will have to amass 90 points to keep Sir Alex Ferguson's side at bay to land their maiden Premier league crown.
"If we want to win the championship we should get 90 points because Manchester United keep winning," said Mancini.
"We're happy to be top at Christmas but, as I keep saying, it's important to stay top at the end of the season.
"We have dominated the championship up to this moment and we're playing well, but we should continue this way.
"Sometimes it isn't enough, because we played well at Chelsea and deserved to win the game, but still lost.
"But my feeling is good after two years here. We're working well and we've come a long way. We're top and playing really well."
If City continue racking up points at their current rate of 2.58 a game, they will hit 98 points this season, shattering Chelsea's Premier League record of 95, set in the 2004-05 campaign.
The last time the top flight was won with 90 points was two years ago, when United finished four clear of Liverpool.
Ferguson's men won the title with 80 points last season, the lowest total for a decade.
Crucially for City, given their formidable home record, they have United, Chelsea and Tottenham to come to the Etihad Stadium in the second half of the Premier League campaign.
"I hope teams come here in future with fear, because that helps us," said Mancini.
"For a long time teams have gone to Old Trafford with that kind of fear. Now teams play differently against us, too, which is a good sign."
City have already beaten United and Spurs away, and were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Chelsea after being denied a clear-cut penalty at Stamford Bridge when leading 1-0.
Against that backdrop, City have every reason to be optimistic about their title hopes in 2012.
Losing Yaya and Kolo Toure to the African Nations' Cup for a large chunk of January will be a big test, but Mancini is confident he has the squad to cope with their enforced absence.
"January is an important month," said the City boss. "We have a lot of games and we lose two important players like Yaya and Kolo, and I hope we are lucky and don't get any injuries."
City defender Joleon Lescott has admitted their title push could unravel if Manciini's players become "arrogant" abnd start to believe their own hype.
Lescott, speaking after City's 2-1 win over Stoke, which ensured they will be top at Christmas for the first time in 82 years, said: "We're scoring a lot of goals, winning games and have an air of confidence about us.
"But that's controlled - you don't want it to be too arrogant.
"The main thing is to keep going, keep progressing and keep on our feet on the ground.
"We never think we're unbeatable at home, but we know that on any given day we can punish teams, as we did with Stoke.
"The belief has been there all season. We had a great pre-season for training, togetherness and team bonding and it has shown in the early part of this season.
"The main goal is to win every game home and away and match United's results.
"We have the balance now. Last season we were hard to break down but not scoring as many goals.
"This year it's been the opposite. We've been scoring goals at will but still have the strength and belief to keep clean sheets.
"Last season we got a lot of negative publicity because the goals weren't flowing freely.
"This season we have the belief and confidence to score more goals, added to the organisation we had last year."
***
Premier League winning points totals - the last 10 years
2010-11 Man Utd 80 pts
2009-10 Chelsea 86 pts
2008-09 Man Utd 90 pts
2007-08 Man Utd 87 pts
2006-07 Man Utd 89 pts
2005-06 Chelsea 91 pts
2004-05 Chelsea 95 pts
2003-04 Arsenal 90 pts
2002-03 Man Utd 83 pts
2001-02 Arsenal 87 pts
 
[h=1]Big Sam will thrive on promotion pressure, says Chris Hughton[/h] Published 12:50 24/12/11 By James Nursey

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...essure-says-Chris-Hughton-article846141.html#


Chris Hughton reckons Sam Allardyce thrives on pressure after he publicly admitted he must take West Ham straight back up.

Hughton is preparing his Birmingham side for Boxing Day's home game with the high-flying Hammers in a clash of two relegated clubs.

Second-placed West Ham are already looking likely to bounce back to the top-flight immediately.

And Hughton is not surprised after Allardyce insisted when he arrived in June that only taking West Ham back up this term would be a success.

Brum boss Hughton said: "I know Sam quite well.

"There is no doubt he is a top class manager.

"He has been involved in the game and has a lot of experience.

"I think that experience shows.

"He is quite happy at this moment to take on the responsibility of being with a team that expects to go up.

"He is quite happy accepting that.

"Most of us managers try and keep things quite level and play things down.

"But Sam is quite accepting that anything short of getting promotion is not a good season for them."

Cash-strapped Birmingham face losing more players in January as Newcastle want Liam Ridgewell, Wigan like Jean Beausejour and Man City fancy teenage winger Nathan Redmond.

But Hughton has vowed not to quit and is eying a play-off spot.

He said: "We need to push on in this second half of the season.

"We need to start picking up points. We have been disappointing on the road of late."

*Hughton was speaking at Birmingham Children's Hospital as part of 'Blues Give A Gift' campaign.
 
[h=1]Wenger: Christmas fixtures will define Arsenal's season[/h] Published 13:08 24/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...season-says-Arsene-Wenger-article846143.html#


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged his team to gain a stranglehold in the top four during a run of winter games which he admits could define the club's season.
The Gunners seemed destined for a poor campaign when they won just one of their opening five matches, but the squad rallied behind under-fire boss Wenger to drag the team back up the table with a seven-match unbeaten run.
That sequence only came to an end last week with a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, where Wenger was furious to see Robin van Persie's second-half goal disallowed for offside.
The festive period proved fruitful for the Gunners last term as they beat Chelsea and drew with City, and this year, having climbed to fifth place, they face much easier opponents in the form of Wolves, QPR and Fulham.

Nevertheless, Wenger knows a slip-up could cost Arsenal dearly as they are just two points ahead of sixth-place Liverpool and he has urged his team to retain their focus for the rest of the festive campaign.
"We know we have an opportunity to gain a better position on the table. It's down to us to do our job," Wenger said.
"In the Premier League the Christmas period is vital to get your points.
"We have responded well to our defeat at Man City with a win at Aston Villa, so now it's down to us to do the job at home and get the points against Wolves on Tuesday.
"Every game has its own difficulty so what is important for us is to focus on our own game and perform well.
"In the Premier League if you don't focus then you don't win, so let's focus on our next game and try to win it.
"We have learned that you win only if you are at your best. That's the difficult, to combine the Christmas period with focus."
A London Underground strike has caused the Gunners to put the game against Mick McCarthy's team back by 24 hours.
That means the Arsenal players will have Christmas Day off, but Wenger has warned his squad that they will face a tough task when they return to action at the Emirates Stadium two days later.
McCarthy came under fire as Wolves started slowly and the midlands outfit sit just one point above the drop zone having taken one point from their last two games against Norwich and Stoke.
Despite his team's superiority, Wenger is expecting a tough game, however.
"Wolves are a side that plays good football," Wenger said.
"They always look dangerous going forward and they make it tough for everybody. They have the Mick McCarthy spirit and attitude, they never give up.
"They play a very positive game so we know what to expect. They fight to stay in the league and you know it is always an intense game against them. They are dangerous, of course, they make life difficult for everybody."
Wenger is facing a selection dilemma in defence for Tuesday's game after Kieran Gibbs joined the club's lengthy injury list last week.
The 22-year-old was expected to be back before the end of the year but had to undergo a second operation on a stomach problem that initially emerged back in October.
Wenger is already without Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos, which means one or both of Thomas Vermaelen or Laurent Koscielny could be asked to fill in at full-back again.
Francis Coquelin played at right-back against Aston Villa last week and Johan Djourou is another possible inclusion, with the Swiss making good progress from the groin strain he suffered against Manchester City.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...season-says-Arsene-Wenger-article846143.html# Print Send Share
 
[h=1]Racism rows! Transfer rumours! Bendtner's ego! Your 20 most-read stories this week[/h] Published 12:42 24/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-Mario-Balotelli-and-more-article846140.html#


T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Want to know why? Because they were all catching up on the most-read stories of the week on MirrorFootball.co.uk (yes, even the mouse - he was using his iPad). Transfer rumours and racism rows dominate this week but we also ask you to spare a thought at this time of the year for those less fortunate than yourself. Yes, we mean poor old Nicklas Bendtner and Steve Kean. Happy Christmas!
Here's the 20 most-read stories on MirrorFootball this week:
20) Fulham 0-5 Manchester United Daily Mirror match report by Martin Lipton: Fergie slams "aggressive" tactics
19) Exclusive: Hughes wanted for Rovers return

18) David McDonnell's Manchester United column: Why Roy Keane should be applauded for speaking out against Fergie
17) Steve Anglesey's 3pm Column: Manchester's bargain T-shirts plus Balotelli's latest restaurant brawl!
16) Liverpool track Real Madrid forward
15) Liverpool fume over FA's Suarez witch-hunt
14) Torres: Liverpool lied over my sale
13) Exclusive: QPR line up surprise Bent swoop
12) Exclusive: Chelsea all set to capture Cahill
11) Liverpool join chase for Toon star
10) Italian giants plotting Torres loan swoop
9) Exclusive: Bridge poised for Arsenal move
8) Chelsea set to bid for £20m-rated Rodwell
7) Revealed: How FA decided on eight match Suarez ban and why Liverpool could go to the CAS
6) Tevez mocks City at Champions League exit (with video)
5) Moyes: Blackburn fans' Kean chants disgusted me
4) Brazilian star top of AVB's wishlist
3) Exclusive: Manchester United target Tiote
2) Arsenal set to sell Arshavin in January

1) O'Neill: I brought Bendtner down to earth by saying he wasn't a proper player.. yet
Use your football knowledge to win hard cash by playing our Fantasy Football game You The Manager. There are 2,800 ways to win - and if you sign up NOW then your first team is on us .
 
[h=1]O'Neill will get Black Cats purring in no time, says Moyes[/h] Published 13:05 24/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-no-time-says-David-Moyes-article846142.html#


Everton manager David Moyes expects Martin O'Neill to make Sunderland a force to be reckoned with in quick time.
O'Neill returned to management after a 16-month absence to take charge of the Black Cats three weeks ago.
Moyes comes up against the Northern Irishman as Everton travel to the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day and he believes O'Neill will soon make an impact in the north east.
Moyes said: "I think everybody respects Martin as a manager.

"I don't think anyone has a bad word to say about him. They like his interviews, how he speaks.
"He is at a really big club, it is a big job.
"It is a big club that has tended to spend well in the market and has done a good job supporting managers financially.
"If they give that to Martin they will be a force in the next year or so."
O'Neill has a strong reputation in the game after impressive spells with Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa.
He had been out of the game since leaving Villa in August 2010 but, from initial impressions, Moyes believes that break probably did him good.
Moyes, who will have been at the Goodison Park helm for 10 years come next March, said: "I think once you have been out of it and you come back, you are full of it.
"No matter what job you are in, if somebody says you can have a break and you don't need to work, when you come back it is great, I am sure.
"It has suited Martin. I am not saying it would suit me or anyone else.
"Martin is certainly doing what he has done with most clubs he has been at."
O'Neill seems to have re-energised Sunderland and has won two of his three games since succeeding Steve Bruce.
They are still just three points above the relegation zone but have mid-table Everton, only another three points better off, in their sights.
Everton have a good record against them having not lost in their 13 previous meetings, winning 10 of them.
But Moyes sees them as a danger, particularly with free-kick specialists such as Sebastian Larsson in their side.
Moyes said: "I watched the game against Blackburn when Martin took over and they were a threat.
"They then scored on Wednesday from a couple of set-pieces. They have got wonderful delivery from Kieran Richardson and Seb Larsson.
"We need to try to make sure we are on the ball and not give too many away."
Moyes has been frustrated by a slow start to the season, something which has become a recurring theme in recent years.
In each of the past three seasons they have recovered to finish in the top eight and Moyes wants to strengthen in next month's transfer window to ensure a similar recovery.
He has already conducted some business in signing United States star Landon Donovan on loan but, more than two years after the club last paid a significant transfer fee, he accepts his options are limited.
Moyes said: "Agents are ringing up now and some of the names they are putting in are ridiculous - far too much money for players who are well past it or not at the level we expect.
"But that is what you get. You take the calls and listen to it and you decide.
"In the past we have tended to look at the loan market and that is probably what we are looking at in this window as well."
Moyes sees another striker as a top priority with his side having scored just 17 goals in 16 league games.
He said: "If we can get someone who can score goals, that is what we need.
"But we have been saying that for a while."
Everton are believed to be among the front-runners for highly-rated Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly, a Northern Ireland Under-21 international, but that might be more with an eye to the future.
Moyes said: "I would be surprised if he was for the here and now but who knows?"
 
[h=1]Dalglish hoping Jay will continue Spearing the opposition[/h] Published 13:11 24/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...on-return-from-suspension-article846144.html#


Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will welcome Jay Spearing back into his squad after suspension by telling the combative midfielder not to change his game.
The 23-year-old was sent off against Fulham earlier this month after he cleanly won the ball in a tackle with Moussa Dembele but caught the Cottagers forward with an exaggerated follow-through.
His sending-off provoked a furious response from his team-mates and landed the club with a Football Association misconduct charge for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
Spearing's return adds greater defensive stability to the squad in the season-long absence of Lucas Leiva, who has been sidelined after cruciate knee surgery.

And Dalglish is delighted to have the academy graduate's combative qualities at his disposal again and sees no reason for the player to tone down his approach.
"There was no maliciousness in his tackle. He was totally focused on winning the ball," said the Scot ahead of the Boxing Day visit of bottom-side Blackburn.
"He did win the ball but his momentum came through and made contact with Dembele.
"It was maybe over-enthusiasm but that is not something you'd complain about in football - at that age you'd expect him to be.
"I'm sure he'll be more knowledgeable for his experience but there is nothing he needs to change greatly.
"Everybody's character is different but character is what makes you successful - and the wee man has certainly been successful here.
"We don't intend - or need to - change the boy's character.
"He just needs to be a bit more mature and I'm sure the three games (suspension) has taught him that."
Dalglish said, with a packed festive programme ahead, Spearing's enforced rest may turn out to be a positive as he looks to rotate the squad.
"It was disappointing to lose him because he was doing really well," said the Reds boss.
"He's served his punishment and maybe that's an advantage with the games coming quite quickly.
"But he's got nothing to prove to us - we know what Jay can do, we know what he's about and he's done very well for us in the past.
"There is no reason to think he's not going to do well in the future."
Dalglish, his coaching team and the club's medical staff will keep a watchful eye on the players as they prepare for a run of nine matches in 36 days up until the end of January.
But the manager will not be looking beyond Monday's fixture as he looks for the side to get back to winning ways after a goalless draw at Wigan on Wednesday.
"Every game is a pivotal point and for us it's important we get as much as we can from every game, whether that comes within three days or 10 days of each other doesn't make any difference," he said.
"We have a busy schedule of games which demands a very strong squad and I think we've got that.
"We take every game as it comes and we look at the last one to see how the lads have recovered from it.
"It's more poignant now because the games are coming thick and fast.
"The quicker they recover the better chance they have of playing and not every player recovers at the same time as everyone else.
"The most defining factor is it's a great experiment to find out how strong your squad is.
"I think we have got a strong squad and I think we may be a bit fortunate than others with regards to team selection.
"If we can get a little bit of fortune on the pitch we will get good results."
 
[h=1]Christmas gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]
BREAKING GOSSIP
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he may spend the rest of his career at Barcelona - but his former side Arsenal is the only club he would leave the Nou Camp for. (Sky Sports News)
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, reportedly targeted by Manchester United, says he is happy at Schalke, where he has scored 15 goals in 16 matches in the Bundesliga this season.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsene Wenger is contemplating a loan move for Manchester City's out-of-favour 31-year-old defender Wayne Bridge, despite denying having made an approach for the left-back in his pre-match news conference on Friday.
Full story: Daily Mail
The Gunners are also ready to step up their interest in Brazil's 19-year-old midfielder Casemiro as his club Sao Paulo are reportedly ready to cash in with a £10m deal.
Full story: talkSPORT
Or, Arsenal will bid £23m for AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, the 22-year-old having fallen down the pecking order somewhat this season.

Full story: caughtoffside.com
Tottenham are interested in Bolton defender Gary Cahill, but Chelsea will beat them to the signing.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Spurs are believed to have held talks with midfielder Giovani dos Santos and his representatives with a view to selling the Mexican in January.
Full story: Daily Mail
Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain could be set for a summer switch to Juventus, according to reports in Italy, as the Italian giants plan on opening the bidding at £24m for the Real Madrid striker.
Full story: talkSPORT
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor will not open talks about staying at loan club Tottenham until the end of the season.
Full story: the Sun
Birmingham have put a £12m price tag on 17-year-old winger Nathan Redmond who is being targeted by Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is weighing up an offer for Hamburg SV's versatile left-sided player Marcell Jansen, 26, whose contract is due to end in 18 months.
Full story: FootyBunker
Manchester United have emerged as the latest suitors for Real Sociedad's 20-year-old centre-back Inigo Martinez, according to reports in Spain.
Full story: Insidefutbol.com
Blackburn will offer Fulham striker Andy Johnson, 30, a £2m pay deal to help them secure their Premier League status.
Full story: Daily Mirror
QPR are believed to be considering a move for Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP
Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has been named as Sky Sports' Player of the Year for 2011, despite a voting row in which Anfield supporters accused the broadcaster of sabotaging their own poll.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has spoken out in support of John Terry - after the defender was taunted at White Hart Lane - and believes the Chelsea captain's court case will not affect his performances.
Full story: Evening Standard
Winger Ryan Giggs is planning to discuss his Manchester United future with Sir Alex Ferguson and is keeping an open mind about playing on for another season.
Full story: Sky Sports
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill believes striker Nicklas Bendtner can finally show why he rates himself so highly at the Stadium of Light.
Full story: Daily Star
Wayne Bridge has hit back after his Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini suggested the defender is motivated by money and played golf on matchdays. Mancini has said he is keen for Bridge to find a new club, while the 31-year-old, who has made just one appearance for City this season, said he does not know why he is being isolated.
Full story: Daily Mail
AND FINALLY
Pensioner Colin Lee, 72, who plays in goal for an amateur team in Wolverhampton, has been revealed as Britain's oldest footballer.
Full story: Metro
 
[h=2]Transfer window[/h] [h=1]Sir Alex Ferguson 'perfectly happy' with Manchester United squad[/h] • Manchester United manager not planning January bids
• 'I will not be swayed by the endless tweets and blogs'




Sir Alex Ferguson says he has no plans to buy in January and is happy with his Manchester United squad 'in terms of depth, quality and age range'. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated he is not looking to make a move in the January transfer window unless a top player becomes available or his squad is further hit by injuries.
Ashley Young this week joined an extensive injury list that includes Nemanja Vidic, Anderson, Michael Owen and Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher.
However, Ferguson believes he has the strength in depth to cope and is not planning any January raids. Writing in his programme notes for the Boxing Day game with Wigan, Ferguson said: "All things being equal I am perfectly happy with the strength of our squad in terms of depth, quality and age range.
"I will not be swayed by the endless tweets and blogs urging the club to get busy in the transfer market next month. As far as I am concerned I am marching perfectly in step, true to my beliefs and principles. While recruiting some of the world's leading players can lift you into contention for honours, it doesn't necessarily take you all the way, as I hope we will be able to demonstrate before the end of the season as other factors come into play.
"You can never say never in football, of course, because fortunes can fluctuate wildly – that's the football world. If a really top-class player became available, then we would go for him, or if we picked up any further serious injuries, it might be important to add to our squad."
 

[h=2]Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur, 7:30pm Tuesday 27 December[/h] [h=1]Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor says call-ups could cost Manchester City[/h] • City will lose Touré brothers to Africa Cup of Nations
• No Tottenham players involved in the tournament




Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates his goal against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane on Thursday. Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Emmanuel Adebayor believes Tottenham Hotspur retain realistic aspirations of claiming a first league title in more than half a century and hopes his side can take advantage of the departure of players from rival clubs for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Spurs will not be depleted by the tournament, which takes place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea from 21 January to 12 February, with none of their players involved following the failures of Cameroon, South Africa and Togo to qualify. While Chelsea contemplate the departures of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou to play for Ivory Coast immediately after the FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth on 8 January, the Premier League leaders Manchester City, from whom Adebayor is on a season-long loan, will lose Yaya and Kolo Touré at the same time.
The Spurs loanee has identified that as a potential source of disruption at the Etihad Stadium and further cause for optimism at White Hart Lane. Asked whether Tottenham, who are nine points from the summit with a game in hand on the leaders, can still claim the title, Adebayor said: "Why not? Manchester City are first at the moment but they still have to play all the big clubs because we've only had the first half of the season. That is what is going to be over very soon, and then we attack January. Are City going to keep playing their football the way they are now right up until the end of the season? We will have to wait and see.
"But, while we have everyone here, they have two players going to the African Cup of Nations. Kolo Touré is not playing a lot but he is a great player for them. Yaya Touré has been amazing for them this year, so I don't know. In football you can suffer two or three injuries in a week – that has happened to us with Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon. We all know they have a great team with a great team spirit and, at the moment, they are playing good football. But, if they get a couple of injuries, I think it would be very difficult for them."
There is positive news for Spurs on the injury front, with Rafael van der Vaart set to face Norwich on Tuesday night after the hamstring injury he suffered against Chelsea last week proved less serious than first feared. "He looks OK," the manager, Harry Redknapp, told Sky Sports News on Sunday. "He looks like he could be fit … He went for a scan and it didn't show a tear." Van der Vaart trained on Sunday and is due to do so on Monday. "I think I'm going to be fine," he said.
Spurs have suffered a solitary defeat – at Stoke – since losing their opening two games of the season against the Manchester clubs and are not due to confront any of the other title contenders until they visit City on 22 January. After Norwich come games against Swansea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, matches they will consider as opportunities to retain momentum in pursuit of a first league championship since 1961.
"I'm not saying they are going to be easy games but, if you want to be in the top four, those are the types of games that you have to win, home or away," Adebayor said. "We have to do no matter what it takes to win those games if we are going to achieve that much. Otherwise, forget about it. But for me Tottenham are improving game by game. We have better players this year. We are improving and we have to keep our confidence high."
 

[h=2]Chelsea v Fulham, 1pm Monday 26 December[/h] [h=1]Chelsea have turned a corner, says confident André Villas-Boas[/h] • Villas-Boas cites draw with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur
• Manager sees 'radical change' in way Chelsea are playing




André Villas-Boas, left, during his side's 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane against Harry Redknapp's Tottenham. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

André Villas-Boas believes his methods are having an effect on Chelsea and has pointed to "a radical change" in the way the team have started to play, most notably in last week's draw at third-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
The Chelsea manager goes into Boxing Day's home derby against Fulham with his team 11 points behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League but encouraged by recent form: Chelsea are unbeaten in five league games since Liverpool won at Stamford Bridge last month. Villas-Boas took particular satisfaction from the display at White Hart Lane in what has become a daunting fixture and has now targeted successive home wins – with Aston Villa to visit on Saturday – to end the month still in the title race.
"For me it's all good signs," said the Chelsea manager when reflecting on the comeback that secured a point at Tottenham. "Irrespective of what the result was, I think there has been a radical change in the way Chelsea play and I think it was fantastic to see that we could do that and have the ability to play this football. I was extremely happy with the performance individually and collectively, and the adaptation to difficult circumstances. For me, one point at White Hart Lane, against title contenders – because Harry [Redknapp] has made that public – was extremely good for us.
"We showed extreme levels of resilience and discipline without dropping our level of performance. And when we had the chance we played good football. We responded from our point of crisis with three wins in three matches and we have continued to build on that. Now we have found our route and, at Spurs, we played it to an extent that was massive. It was an honour and a privilege to see this team play football.
"Now it depends what we do in the other Christmas fixtures. If we get the six points from the home games against Fulham and Villa, I think it will have been an extremely good December. If you look at the table, it's a record-breaking Manchester City that is making the difference. In the Premier League we are not far from championship-winning numbers in terms of past seasons."
Chelsea will enter the transfer market next month, though Villas-Boas has ruled out a repeat of last year's extravagance at the same stage of the campaign when £73.6m was lavished on the signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz. Instead, the Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill will arrive for around £7m as he enters the final six months of his contract at the Reebok stadium – talks have opened between the clubs with a view to concluding a deal on 1 January – with the England centre-half effectively a direct replacement for the Brazilian Alex, who is on the transfer list.
Villas-Boas has defensive concerns given Branislav Ivanovic's absence with a hamstring strain and a knee problem that has ruled David Luiz out of the past two games. Yet he has ruled out recalling Alex to his starting lineup for the fixture having opted to make the 29-year-old train away from the first team in recent weeks. "We accepted a transfer request in anticipation of the market [opening] and we are not stupid people," the Chelsea manager said. "We do not accept a transfer request and put people training apart and then dial 999 and ask for help.
"We will stick to our principles and our values for the decision we felt was good for the club. That was the decision we felt sensible, and we will stick to it. Alex is extremely professional and has personal ambitions, which is why we accepted his request [to leave]). But we want everybody on the same tune regarding training, commitment, concentration and immediate club objectives.
"I don't think we will be very aggressive in the market: a central defender, for sure, is something we are trying to find. Injuries will play a part [in our strategy] and our squad will shorten by the departures of two players, Didier [Drogba] and [Salomon] Kalou to the African Cup of Nations, but we have to wait and see if we will need somebody else or not."
 
[h=1]Exclusive: Mancini set to sign new City deal[/h] Published 20:30 25/12/11 By David McDonnell

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...id-Premier-League-manager-article846177.html#


Roberto Mancini will launch Manchester City's 2012 title push by signing a new deal.​
Mancini's representatives have opened talks with City officials over extending the Italian's current contract.
And the 47-year-old will become the Premier League's highest-paid boss when he puts pen to paper on the new £5million-a-year *agreement.
Mancini, who signed a three-and-a-half year deal with City when he succeeded Mark Hughes two years ago, will agree to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2015.

Mancini's managerial stock has risen with City top of the Premier League, with Juventus and AC Milan having tried to lure him back to his homeland.
With City holding a two-point lead over Manchester United and playing some of the best football in Europe, despite their Champions League group stage exit, Mancini has found himself in demand.
City are aware of the growing interest in their boss from other big European clubs and will move to tie him down to a new long-term deal as early as possible in the new year.
Mancini, who led City to their first trophy for 35 years with last season's FA Cup triumph, as well as Champions Legaue football for the first time this term, has no plans to go elsewhere.
He has told City officials he intends to lead City to success at home and in Europe and is ready to commit himself to the club by penning a new deal.
City captain Vincent Kompany says he has a "gut feeling" this will be their season.
He told Sky Sports News: "This year in particular has certainly been proof of the fact we're going about it the right way and that's the main thing for us.
"I almost feel like I want to wait before I talk so much, but I really have a gut feeling that tells me that this is the season for us.
"It's not based on the fact that I'm being pretentious because of the players we have in the team or the money that has been spent. It's not about this.
"I feel we have a very good team spirit. This is something probably is the thing people don't expect as much in our team.
"The fact I see it every single day motivates me even more because I believe we've got it more than what people see and what people think."
Kompany credits Mancini for the improvements made at City, saying the Italian's "obsession" with getting better has driven the players on.
"He's a very passionate man - there's no mistake about that," the Belgium defender added. "What you see on the touchline is the man you get. He knows his football.
"He's obsessed - in the same way a lot of players are in our team - with victory and getting better and making sure that even when we win we're not looking back on the positive things but also on the things that went wrong so we can improve."

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[h=1]Exclusive: Mancini set to sign new City deal[/h] Published 20:30 25/12/11 By David McDonnell

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...id-Premier-League-manager-article846177.html#


Roberto Mancini will launch Manchester City’s 2012 title push by signing a new deal.​
Mancini’s representatives have opened talks with City officials over extending the Italian’s current contract.
And the 47-year-old will become the Premier League’s highest-paid boss when he puts pen to paper on the new £5million-a-year *agreement.
Mancini, who signed a three-and-a-half year deal with City when he succeeded Mark Hughes two years ago, will agree to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2015.

Mancini’s managerial stock has risen with City top of the Premier League, with Juventus and AC Milan having tried to lure him back to his homeland.
With City holding a two-point lead over Manchester United and playing some of the best football in Europe, despite their Champions League group stage exit, Mancini has found himself in demand.
City are aware of the growing interest in their boss from other big European clubs and will move to tie him down to a new long-term deal as early as possible in the new year.
Mancini, who led City to their first trophy for 35 years with last season’s FA Cup triumph, as well as Champions Legaue football for the first time this term, has no plans to go elsewhere.
He has told City officials he intends to lead City to success at home and in Europe and is ready to commit himself to the club by penning a new deal.
City captain Vincent Kompany says he has a “gut feeling” this will be their season.
He told Sky Sports News: “This year in particular has certainly been proof of the fact we’re going about it the right way and that’s the main thing for us.
“I almost feel like I want to wait before I talk so much, but I really have a gut feeling that tells me that this is the season for us.
“It’s not based on the fact that I’m being pretentious because of the players we have in the team or the money that has been spent. It’s not about this.
“I feel we have a very good team spirit. This is something probably is the thing people don’t expect as much in our team.
“The fact I see it every single day motivates me even more because I believe we’ve got it more than what people see and what people think.”
Kompany credits Mancini for the improvements made at City, saying the Italian’s “obsession” with getting better has driven the players on.
“He’s a very passionate man - there’s no mistake about that,” the Belgium defender added. “What you see on the touchline is the man you get. He knows his football.
“He’s obsessed - in the same way a lot of players are in our team - with victory and getting better and making sure that even when we win we’re not looking back on the positive things but also on the things that went wrong so we can improve.”

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[h=1]McLeish admits: I could sell Bent[/h] Published 22:30 25/12/11 By James Nursey

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...nuary-with-QPR-interested-article846170.html#


Alex McLeish has admitted for the first time Aston Villa's England striker Darren Bent could leave next month - providing they get an irresistible bid.
Villa are willing to listen to offers for many of their stars to raise funds for boss McLeish, who must sell to buy.
He has already considered "sacrificing" captain Stiliyan Petrov.
Bent's commitment has been questioned after he was seen shopping in the televised defeat to Liverpool while injured.

QPR are interested in Bent, 27, who cost £18million from Sunderland a year ago.
McLeish said: "I wouldn't think anybody can afford Darren. I wouldn't think so.
"It is very much a kind of juggling of the balls at the moment.
"We have got to trade carefully so that means I can't just go into the market without there being a kind of balance.
"But losing a striker of Darren's ability would be difficult to replace.
"His goals last season were a vital part of Villa's season in terms of keeping them up."
McLeish is wary after his shot-shy Birmingham side were relegated last season after scoring just 37 goals in 38 games.
He added: "People say that strikers make the difference in this league.
"That was something that badly affected Birmingham City last year when we lost Nikola Zigic after the League Cup final and Obafemi Martins breaking his leg was a massive blow to that club."

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