Anderson Survives Horror Crash!!

The big news today is that Man Utd midfielder Anderson was dragged out of a burning car in Portugal earlier this morning.  Yes a burning car! Driving back from a nightclub in the earlier hours of this morning, Anderson lost control of his car and crashed into a wall. The car then set fire, however, Anderson was pulled to safety by a passer-by. 


The car a 2 seater sports vehicle was said to be carrying 3 people, all escaped without serious injuries. Portuguese Police have yet to release a statement saying whether Anderson will face criminal charges, but don't be surprised if Anderson spends longer in Portugal than originally planned...


Still questions over Anderson's sobriety at the time of incident, if discovered to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substances, the midfield maestro could face a prison sentence. There is also a debate as to the legality of having an extra passenger in the car, sadly however the Spoiler is not an expert on Portuguese travel law. While Anderson's agent has said the midfielder expects to return to Manchester soon after his is finished talking with the police, the Awkward Challenge is less confident.... 

Exciting Times..?

After, weeks of well boredom, it looks like things are finally hotting up in the football world. While the current transfer window began with promise (the transfer of David Villa to Barcelona being a particular highlight), it has since cooled down considerably.

So, as a result when I read David James had moved to Bristol City, a smile spread across my face. Now, I know championship transfer news isn't usually front page, but in this case I wish to make an exception. After all he was England's  no.1 for the World Cup. On top of this the move was hardly predictable.

 Despite his age (he turned 40 yesterday), James is still highly regarded. And it seemed after Portsmouth's demotion, James had his pick of a host of top tier clubs (some even talked of a move to Arsenal), so his move to Championship club Bristol was a bit of a shock. After all if your happy to play in the championship why not just stay at Portsmouth? His reasoning; family, living not far from Bristol the move is certainly convenient, but worth sacrificing the lights of the top tier and any real hope of maintaining his spot as England's no.1? I guess will have to wait and see... though I can't perhaps wonder if there's more to this than were being told? That or perhaps he's just deluded and will do a Sol Campbell lasting just one game before running back to the Premiership.. whatever happens watch this space.

Mark Hughes Back to Mid-Table Management

London Bound, Hughes due to take over at Fulham

As many of you may know Mark Hughes confirmed this week that he is returning to mid-table management, with Europa Cup runners-up Fulham. 

Hughes who has previously enjoyed stints as Wales, Blackburn and most recently Man City, is alledgedly all ready planning how best to spend the £15 million transfer kitty he has reportedly been promised by Fulham owner; Muhammed Al Fayed. 

While, during his time at Man City, opinion over Hughes was largely split, with many believing his side should have been performing better in the league with their newly bought squad. Here, at the Awkward Challenge we were always rather fond of Mark, reminding us of a helpless puppy dog floundering in the water just a little too far out of his depth, it's good to know he's finally found his way back to the shallow end. Just one thing Mark.... Don't expect Robinho to join you.



In other news, here's a video of Manchester United youngster Thomas Cleverly scoring a rather a special goal in a pre-season last night. Check it out here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHo4aHUQois&feature=player_embedded


And, to wrap it all up, another piece of city news. It has been revealed Robinho will return to play at Manchester City next season after all (probably against his will). He is expected to return once his loan contract at Santos runs out in a few days and will continue to pick up his £160,000 a week wages having done so.. it's a tough life for a footballer isn't it.. 

Whole World Goes Mad Over 'fish' Celebration.....

Icelandic football team Stjarnan FC have found fame outside their homeland due to an elaborate goal celebration they performed in a live match. The celebration captured on film, hit YouTube this week and has been a huge success. See what all the fuss is about here.

New 25 Man squad limit... the good, the bad and the ugly

On their way out?? Squad ruling could see a major shake up

Perhaps, the biggest change to this upcoming season compared with the last is the introduction of the FA's 25 Man Squad Rule, now for those of you who have been living under a rock for the last week I've provided a link. And for those who don't know what a link is either, I'm going to talk you through the new rules anyway.

The basic gist of the ruling is that from now on every Premier League team may only register 25 players to play in league games. Of those 25 players only 17 may be foreign, the remaining 8 must be home grown. In order to qualify as home grown, you must either be born in England or have been contracted at an English club for at least 3 years before the age of 21. 

However, players currently under 21 (from the club's academies) may play for the club without being included in the 25 man squad. 

So what does this mean for English clubs? Well, for starters many of the bigger clubs in the league currently have squads much larger than 25 players. This new ruling will mean they will have to cut these squads down to size or run the risk of paying players who are ineligible to play. A good example of such a side is Manchester City, who may under the ruling be forced not to include top class players such as Steven Ireland, De Jong and Bellamy simply because there isn't room to accommodate them in their 25 man squad. 

However, the homegrown rule means English players are protected and not at risk of being offloaded in order to accommodate their international team mates. While some worry the ruling will only encourage big clubs to buy foreign talent at a younger age, it is widely considered as a well thought out compromise that should work well for all parties. In particular, many believe it will save the English national side, as it is hoped that the new ruling will force clubs to further invest in their academy set ups.

More Transfer Babble...

England bound?

19 year old Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli has alledgedly signed for Machester City for £25 million. Although his agent has now denied the rumours.

Chelsea are keen to sign Brazillian midfielder Ramires with a reported £20 million offer on the table.

Manchester City are prepared to break the British transfer fee record with an audacious £70 million for Fernando Torres.

Djemba-Djemba could make a surprise return to the Premier League with West Brom interested in the fomer Manchester United player.

Ashley Cole's speculated move to Real Madrid, is looking increasingly likely. With the England and Chelsea left-back alledgedly Madrid coach Mourinho's number one summer target.

Tottenham will offload striker Robbie Keane to Aston Villa, in order to  fund a move for Manchester City player Craig Bellamy.

Finally, Manchester City will initiate a huge summer clear out in the next few days in order to trim there sqaud to match the FA's new 25 man squad regulations. Players expected to leave include; Bellamy, De Jong, Ireland and Santa Cruz.

Torres Had Enough?

On the way out?

Perhaps, the biggest transfer rumour of this summer has been the speculated departure of Fernando Torres from Liverpool to another European Club.
However, after Torres sustained a thigh injury in the World Cup Final many suggested any possible suitors would be deterred. Unwilling to buy a player who would be injured for the beginning of the season.
Yet it seems much to Liverpool fans dismay, new scouse manager Roy Hodgson has revealled it looks likely Torres will leave anyway. "Unfortunately, I cannot do much more," Hodgson said. "His beef is with the club and not me. "

"Fernando's situation has nothing to do with me, he made that perfectly clear over the phone during the World Cup and when I met him face-to-face. He knows what I would like to do with the club. He knows how much I value him. But his issues are with what has gone on in the past rather than the future. "

However, it seems as though while Torres is sure to leave Liverpool, he is content to continue plying his trade in the Premier League. Roman Abramovich , that's your que. For while the supposed £50million required to land him is a  major stumbling block for most clubs, for Chelsea FC it seems a mere informality the only question is whether Ancelotti thinks he really worth it. Personally, while the Awkward Challenge has never been a huge fan of Chelsea under Abramovich, seeing the club as largely responsible for sparking the inflated market currently causing so many clubs to struggle, I hope Torres does move to Chelsea. Why? Not because he might just ensure Chelsea have one of the best squads ever to grace English soil, not because it might finally bring the Champions League back to London, but simply because if he goes to Man City (the only club truly capable of paying £50m) I might just cry. 

2009-2010 Football Season Awards

In anticipation of the start of the 2010/2011 season which starts next month. The Awkward Challenge has come up with it's favourite moments from the last 12 months of football. Check it out and if you disagree please say what you think we missed in the comments box.

Best Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFczbFGmfh0

While I know technically this wasn't during any FIFA season. It was at the 2010 World Cup and more importantly an awesome goal.

Worst Miss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cS2Nw6x7AI 

When Robinho signed on loan for brazillian side Santos, their fans celebrated in the streets. However, I think few were expecting this sort of performance from the supposedly 'world class' player.

Worst Tackle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq0wI-ytsOU

Standard Liege midfielder Alex Witsel was banned for eleven games by the Belgian FA for this horrendous tackle on Marcin Wasilewski during his side's tumultuous 1-1 draw with rivals Anderlecht.

Best Match: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP7Zpl4OFqc

After, Manchester City's outrageous spending (and their acquisition of ex-Man U hero Carlos Tevez) during the summer of 2009, the Manchester derby always looked like it could be more interesting than usual. Few would have anticipated this though. 

Best Signing: Jermain Defoe (to Tottenham from Portsmouth)

Possibly one of the more controversial decisions on this post especially after he cost Tottenham £15.75m almost £10 million more than they sold him for just a few seasons before. However, his performances spoke for themselves and without him I think it's fair to say Tottenham may not have achieved their eventual Champions League qualifying 4th place finish.

Worst Signing: Alberto Aquilani (to Liverpool from Roma)

Although, the likes of Roque Santa-Cruz, Stewart Downing and Mido all may have done their best to win this prize. There can only be one winner, Alberto Aquilani the supposed match winner who may as well of stayed in Roma, because he certainly did nothing to help the situation at Anfield.

Droba Out, Cole Moves To Number 10, Vidic To Stay and Tottenham Fans Upset

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is likely to miss the start of the season after undergoing a groin operation. The operation described by the club as 'minimally invasive' will see the star striker out of full training for at least 3 weeks. Could this spark the London club to launch an audacious bid to sign another star striker? Perhaps even... Fernando Torres (sorry Liverpool fans)

In other news, new Liverpool acquisition Joe Cole will pick up the clubs infamous number 10 shirt previously worn by the likes of John Barnes and Michael Owen... no pressure ey Joe

It looks as though Nemanja Vidic will stay at Manchester United, after chief executive David Gill revealed he has signed a new 'long term' bid. 

And finally, Tottenham fans were left without a smile on their face after Thierry Henry scored on his debut for the New York Red Bulls against Spurs. While they Hotspur may have gone on to win the match 2-1 it seems as though even an ocean away Henry still rules North London. 

Martin O'Neil Agrees to 'let' Milner go

It's been a bizarre tug of war taking place the last few days as Manchester City relentlessly continue in their quest to land Aston Villa and England Midfielder James Milner, much to manager Martin O'Neil's dismay.

However, after a stream of on/off rumours it appears after a transfer request from Milner himself, O'Neil has a last resigned himself to losing the player.

Now, while many people may think this so called 'tapping up' process is outrageous I'm more forgiving. I mean don't get me wrong I can see why O'Neil is upset Milner is clearly a good player and after Man City landed Barry from Aston Villa last season in a similar way, O'Neil may have a case for being a little pissed. But, lets not forget there is still a transfer fee to be agreed and at a rumoured £30 million pounds on the table that's not a bad deal. After all, thats less than Ronaldo cost Alex Ferguson and lets face it Milner's ability is always going to be limited, he is English.

So my advice to Martin would be this; take the money and run, besides at their current rate in 2 years Man City will be done with Milner and he'll probably come running back at half the price, that is if you haven't already filled his position with the next Ronaldo. ;)

Transfer Babble

So, the world cup is over, pre-season has started and managers across the world wet their apetites as chairmans check their wallets; it can only be transfer season. Here are a few rumours floating about I though might interest you in brief:

Loic Remy, West Ham? / Liverpool?
Drogba, no where?
Ramires, Man City
Wayne Bridge, Liverpool
Mario Balotellia, Man City
Frank Ribery, Prison

And if that doesn't intrest you, perhaps the latest feeble excuse for England's World Cup failings might..
Apparently the supposedly evident rift between JT and Stevie G at this summer's World Cup had nothing to do with a lady friend and everything to do with Wayne Rooney dumping Gerrard as his number 1 BBF in favourite in favour of John Terry. Ahh poor Steven, at least you still have the England captinacy though, not that youd want it these days....