Sky Blues Talk - Football & Other Sports

Davenport To Join Wooton Blue Cross

Coventry La La La — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:57:38 GMT

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Davenport to join non league side
Former sky blue Callum Davenport is set to join Wooton Blue Cross who play in the United Counties League.
Davenport had been training with Leeds United during the summer but no deal was offered.
Click here for full story

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Murray baffled by below-par display

Coventry La La La — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:29:16 GMT

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Murray knocked out
Andy Murray was at something of a loss to explain his third-round defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka as his bid for a first grand slam title came to a surprisingly early end at Flushing Meadows.
Murray took the opening set in a tie-break but Wawrinka hit back to complete a 6-7 (3/7) 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 6-3 victory in three hours and 56 minutes. The match featured 13 breaks of serve and almost as many breaks in play for medical treatment to both players before Wawrinka sealed a fourth-round clash with American Sam Querrey.
Murray initially put any physical issues down to "just part and parcel" of playing a long match, but added: "Whether it was fatigue or not I don't know. I haven't been really tired in any long matches for a long, long time. In the third and fourth sets I was struggling physically and I got frustrated with that. I haven't been in that position for a very long time."
He continued: "I felt like my chance of doing well here was slipping away. I've worked very hard to give myself a chance of winning tournaments. When I was struggling physically, I got disappointed."

Murray did have stamina issues early in his career but took determined action to rectify the problem, hiring a fitness team and undertaking strenuous fitness programmes in Florida at least twice a year.
The 23-year-old Scot added: "I still feel like I'm super fit, I just didn't feel great. There were a lot of things that I was feeling on the court. But, yeah, I just haven't felt that way for a few years now.
"I'm going to have to go look at why that was the case and try and get better."
Murray graciously did give credit to his friend and occasional practice partner Wawrinka, however, adding: "He played better than me. There's not a whole lot more to it.
"He had a chance to win the first set and he didn't take it. I had a chance to win the second set and I didn't take it. I just struggled from then on."

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Rooney joins England team on flight

Coventry La La La — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:20:53 GMT

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Wayne Rooney has flown to Switzerland with the England squad as lurid allegations about his private life threatened once again to overshadow his performance on the pitch.
The Man UTD star was included in manager Fabio Capello's squad despite newspaper reports that he bedded a prostitute while wife Coleen was pregnant with their first child.
Rooney, 24, who appeared grim-faced as he jetted off with the rest of the team from Luton Airport on Monday morning, has so far made no comment about the allegations.
But team-mate James Milner said on Sunday that he expects the striker to continue performing for the national side.
And publicist Max Clifford said as long as Rooney keeps scoring goals, the fans will not care.
Rooney is considered a vital presence in the team which takes on Switzerland in a Euro qualifier on Tuesday night.
Mr Clifford said: "The only thing Wayne Rooney has to worry about is his wife, whether she, like all the others, is prepared to accept her husband's alleged infidelities.
"Nobody in football gives a monkey's as long as he's winning on the pitch."
Mr Clifford said Rooney's sponsors were also likely to stick with the player, adding: "Will it stop people drinking Tiger Beer? No. Will it stop people buying Coca Cola? No. Will it stop parents buying Nike for their children? No."

EA continue Wayne Rooney partnership
A spokesman for electronic game firm EA Sports one of Rooney's sponsors, said: "This is a personal matter, and we respect Wayne and his family's privacy. We have worked together for six years and Wayne continues to represent EA. We will be making no further comment at this time."

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Theo - Roo relished free role

Coventry La La La — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:03:05 GMT

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Walcott feels that confidence is now high within England camp
Theo Walcott believes that England team-mate Wayne Rooney relished playing in a free role against Bulgaria.
The Manchester United striker endured a hugely disappointing World Cup in South Africa as he struggled for form.
But versus Bulgaria on Friday night, Rooney turned provider for his nation, playing a key part in all of his team's four goals.
And Walcott feels that Rooney benefited from a more expressive role, explaining: "He's claiming three-and-a-half assists, I think.
"It just shows what different sides Wayne's got to his game - not just goals. He had a free role.
"I think that's one of his favourite positions, because he can do anything for the whole team."

Hat-trick hero

Walcott also hailed hat-trick hero Jermain Defoe, who was England's arguable star performer, such was the quality of his finishing.
"Three fantastic goals and a great finisher," winger Walcott said of Defoe.
"Every time he touched the ball, something was going to happen.
"Every time he went through on goal, you just thought he'd create something and that's what we want from our centre-forwards, to score goals and get people involved.
"He managed to do everything. I'm very happy for him."

Tremendous

Walcott is sure that England are in confident mood ahead of their second Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday.
"It should boost us," he said.
"Tremendous confidence now: 4-0, especially at home, clean sheet.
"We go to Switzerland. Do the same things, and I'm sure we'll get the right result."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...357161,00.html

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Kick A Man While He's Down..

SkyBluesAndy — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:29:59 GMT

Enjoy

Roy Hodgson gone by Christmas

Nelson — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:10:57 GMT

I never got this signing and reckon Roy Hodgson will be gone by Christmas. Watch this space...

Marshall Back At The Villa

Coventry La La La — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:42:11 GMT

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City Old Boy News

Former Coventry City keeper Andy Marshall has rejoined Aston Villa.

The keeper who has also played for Millwall, Ipswich and Norwich, joined Villa last season on a season long deal but was released at the end of a season where he had appeared for Villa Reserves in the FA Premier Reserve League Final against Manchester United.

Speaking to Aston Villa's official club website, Marshall said about the new season long deal he has signed: "It's been in the pipeline for the last three weeks that it potentially could happen. "I was released in the summer with the possibility of coming back.
I am absolutely delighted it has been done and I am very thankful for Kevin MacDonald for bringing me back because I have got a good relationship with Kev

http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/ne...40/index.shtml

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Scientists explain Banana Freekicks

Coventry La La La — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:24:15 GMT

The greatest free-kick ever taken has been explained by physics.
Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos' 1997 banana shot has been labelled both a moment of genius and a fluke.
His goal, from 35 yards in an international against France, saw the ball fly straight until friction slowed it and rotation took over, causing a late curl.
Physicists worked it out from videos of the goal and other free-kicks by stars such as David Beckham.
The French experts also did tests using plastic balls and a slingshot.
Christophe Clanet, from �cole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, said: "People noticed Carlos' free-kick had been shot from a long distance.
"We show this is not a coincidence but a necessary condition for generating a spiral trajectory."
The scientists' findings are reported in today's New Journal of Physics
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World Class Penalty

SkyBluesAndy — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:55:22 GMT

Never seen a penalty taken like this before! On first view from the first angle it doesn't like so special but watch the replays ;)

While we're on the subject of penalties, why does this ref keep making this player retake penalties over and over again ... :confused::confused:

Capello ignores criticism

Coventry La La La — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:19:22 GMT

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England coach Fabio Capello has shrugged off the growing criticism he is receiving and insists he is not feeling any extra pressure.
Capello has come under fire from some quarters in the wake of England's disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa.
The Italian accepts the pressure is on him as he prepares for the opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday.
"It's part of a manager's job," Capello said.
"When you win, you're the best. When you lose, you're the worst."

New approach

Capello admitted he had changed his approach since South Africa and he is prepared for a tough encounter against Bulgaria.
"I learn something after a new experience," he said. "I changed something, but not a lot.
"We have to play without fear, I thought the players trained very well, with confidence, and I hope tomorrow we can see the same during the game.
"Bulgaria will not be an easy game to play, they are really good technically, they defend with nine players - one forward - and they play on the counter, really fast.
"Their quality is good but we have to win, we have to play well, and I hope also the fans will support us during the game."

Full story with Video interview - http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...354143,00.html

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McLeish in Blues bust-up

Coventry La La La — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:26:39 GMT

Alex McLeish's future at Birmingham has been thrown into doubt after talks over a new deal stalled.
The former Rangers and Scotland chief has been in talks with Blues officials over a new contract for some time, but as yet no deal has been agreed between all parties.
Birmingham were keen to reward McLeish with a new deal after guiding them to ninth spot last season on the back of winning promotion to the Premier League the season before.
The contract talks have been dragging on for a number of weeks now with Birmingham vice-chairman Peter Pannu claiming McLeish is asking for too much money.
McLeish is also thought to have fallen out with the Birmingham board following a jibe from Pannu that the Scot is 'no Jose Mourinho'.

Full story http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...353414,00.html

Hargreaves makes United squad

Coventry La La La — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:47:03 GMT

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been named in Manchester United's 24-man Premier League squad, despite ongoing injury woes.
Hargreaves, a former Bayern Munich player, has made just one substitute appearance in the last two years as he struggles against tendinitis.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had expressed doubts over whether the 29-year-old would feature in his line-up, but United confirmed his inclusion on Wednesday afternoon.

Shame about his Long-term injury problems could have been a very good player for England

Theo - Fabio has faith in me

Coventry La La La — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:47:42 GMT

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Theo Walcott believes that England manager Fabio Capello has faith in him following his World Cup snub.
The Arsenal forward was surprisingly overlooked for the summer's tournament in South Africa.
However, Cappelo recalled Walcott for August's friendly against Hungary, and he has been named in the squad for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
The 21-year-old Walcott is eager to impress during the international break, hinting that he perhaps benefited from the World cup blow.
Walcott said on Sky Sports News: "He [Capello] has got me back in the squad, and it shows he has faith in me.
"As a player you need to deal with the ups and downs. I think now I am a much better player (than two years ago).
"I had a very good pre-season, no injuries, and this season has gone well so far.
"I have just got to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard. That's all I can do.
"I didn't point fingers at anyone (after missing out on the 2010 World Cup), I just looked at myself. It was obviously disappointing me not going.
"I didn't want to blame anyone. I just blamed myself. And now I need to make sure it doesn't happen again.
"I have got to train well first and hopefully be in that team on Friday night.
"It is nice to be back in the squad. I want the football to do the talking now."
Walcott also rejected claims that the players sometimes struggle to understand Italian coach Capello's instructions.
He added: "They [Fabio Capello's communication skills] are very good. We always know the message that he wants to get across to us players.
"Now we just need to prove people wrong. The manager has faith in us."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...350461,00.html

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MacDonald Looks To Be Out Of Villa Reckoning

Coventry La La La — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:29:46 GMT

Quote:

From Coventry City MAD
Former Coventry City player Kevin MacDonald appears now out of the reckoning for the permanant position as manager of Aston Villa, after a statement last night issued by Villa's board indicated they were looking for an experienced man.

MacDonald, had been Villa's reserve team manager when he was given the role of caretaker manager at Villa Park following the departure of Martin O'Neill.

After Villa's 1-0 win over Everton yesterday, a statement about the manager's job was released. It read: "To date, we have immersed ourselves in the process of appointing a new manager and clearly identifying the key criteria this person must meet.
"Two of the traits we believe are of crucial importance are that candidates have experience of managing in the Premier League and a strategy for building on the existing strengths in our current squad.
"We have thoroughly researched potential candidates and have reached out to a variety of contacts we have within the game for advice and guidance, as well as keeping key staff at Villa Park informed and focused.
"We will now start the process of interviewing candidates we believe meet the key criteria required to manage Aston Villa with a view to making an appointment in the near future.
"Kevin MacDonald will continue as caretaker manager until that time.

And also some excuses why they have been inactive in this transfer window :laugh:

Finally, we wish to make clear that our relative inactivity in the transfer market this window in no way reflects a change in direction or dilution of ambition for the club, but rather our reluctance to make decisions on players without a permanent manager in place

http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/ne...10/index.shtml

Southampton sack Pardew

Coventry La La La — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:14:36 GMT

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A statement on Saints' official website said: "Following a review of the current status in and around the first team, the club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the first team management and coaching.
"Consequently, the first team manager, Alan Pardew; first team coach, Wally Downes; and goalkeeping coach, Stuart Murdoch, have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The club wishes them well for the future.

The statement from the club continued: "While we have commenced our careful evaluation of our candidates and longer term requirements, Dean Wilkins has taken on the caretaker role for the first team and he will be assisted by Martin Hunter, the under-21 coach.

The 49-year-old led Saints to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in March with a 4-1 win over Carlisle at Wembley and they started the season as firm favourites to achieve promotion to the npower Championship, although one win in their first three matches leaves them 14th in the table.

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