Aston Villa Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror MirrorFootball 2010-03-21T21:46:44Z 2010-03-21T23:00:33Z Striker has a hatful of man-of-the-match accolades at home

Striker has a hatful of man-of-the-match accolades at home

MirrorFootball 2010-03-21T23:00:33Z 2010-03-21T23:13:19Z 2010-03-21T22:40:44Z There is a party going on in the Premier League but Liverpool are not invited.Three of the big four are locked in the most gripping battle for the title in years.Arsenal went top on Saturday, Manchester United went top yesterday afternoon, Chelsea dropped two points last night.Liverpool aren’t involved. They’re not even fifth in a four-horse race any more.Their 2-1 defeat to United and Manchester City’s win at Fulham dropped Liverpool to sixth. Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Leag...

There is a party going on in the Premier League but Liverpool are not invited.Three of the big four are locked in the most gripping battle for the title in years.Arsenal went top on Saturday, Manchester United went top yesterday afternoon, Chelsea dropped two points last night.Liverpool aren’t involved. They’re not even fifth in a four-horse race any more.Their 2-1 defeat to United and Manchester City’s win at Fulham dropped Liverpool to sixth. Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Leag...

2010-03-21T22:40:44Z Pa Sports 2010-03-21T18:21:05Z 2010-03-21T08:31:05Z Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill hailed a "mesmeric" performance from winger Ashley Young as his side salvaged a point with a 2-2 home draw against Wolves. England coach Fabio Capello saw Young torment Wolves full-back Ronald Zubar and supply a string of telling crosses. But Villa needed an 83rd-minute goal from John Carew - his second of the game - to rescue the game after Wolves had moved ahead through Jody Craddock and a James Milner own goal. O'Neill said: "I thought Ashley was exceptio...

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill hailed a "mesmeric" performance from winger Ashley Young as his side salvaged a point with a 2-2 home draw against Wolves. England coach Fabio Capello saw Young torment Wolves full-back Ronald Zubar and supply a string of telling crosses. But Villa needed an 83rd-minute goal from John Carew - his second of the game - to rescue the game after Wolves had moved ahead through Jody Craddock and a James Milner own goal. O'Neill said: "I thought Ashley was exceptio...

Pa Sports 2010-03-21T08:31:05Z 2010-03-20T22:56:19Z 2010-03-21T07:01:44Z In Italy it’s called the ­Bidone d’Oro, the most ­unwanted award in ­football.The prize goes to the ­biggest flop of the season. The player who costs his club a fortune as a ­marquee signing and turns out to be an embarrassing turkey.Step forward Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo. The Brazillian was taunted by Juve fans at Fulham last Thursday and has failed to live up to the £25million fee paid to Fiotentina for him last summer.So who would rate as the Premier League’s biggest flop of the curr...

In Italy it’s called the ­Bidone d’Oro, the most ­unwanted award in ­football.The prize goes to the ­biggest flop of the season. The player who costs his club a fortune as a ­marquee signing and turns out to be an embarrassing turkey.Step forward Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo. The Brazillian was taunted by Juve fans at Fulham last Thursday and has failed to live up to the £25million fee paid to Fiotentina for him last summer.So who would rate as the Premier League’s biggest flop of the curr...

2010-03-21T07:01:44Z Colin Malam 2010-03-20T21:44:04Z 2010-03-20T21:42:22Z John Carew double salvages vital point for Martin O'Neill's men

John Carew double salvages vital point for Martin O'Neill's men

Colin Malam 2010-03-20T21:42:22Z Pa Sports 2010-03-20T20:01:02Z 2010-03-20T15:01:03Z John Carew salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw for Champions League-chasing Aston Villa after Mick McCarthy's Wolves side had threatened to pull of a shock win in the derby meeting at Villa Park. Wolves looked set for their first win over Villa for 30 years after Jody Craddock's equaliser and James Milner's own goal had put them in front. But Carew followed up his opener with his 13th goal of the campaign with only seven minutes remaining. Carew and Milner threatened for Villa early on before the ...

John Carew salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw for Champions League-chasing Aston Villa after Mick McCarthy's Wolves side had threatened to pull of a shock win in the derby meeting at Villa Park. Wolves looked set for their first win over Villa for 30 years after Jody Craddock's equaliser and James Milner's own goal had put them in front. But Carew followed up his opener with his 13th goal of the campaign with only seven minutes remaining. Carew and Milner threatened for Villa early on before the ...

Pa Sports 2010-03-20T15:01:03Z MirrorFootball 2010-03-20T16:02:44Z 2010-03-20T14:53:58Z Relegation scrappers Wolves almost cause upset at Villa Park

Relegation scrappers Wolves almost cause upset at Villa Park

MirrorFootball 2010-03-20T14:53:58Z 2010-03-20T13:28:52Z 2010-03-20T13:23:40Z <p>Welcome to our new Pictures of the Week gallery, your pictorial guide to the past seven days in football.</p><p>And what a week it's been: Euro glory - and despair; managerial sackings - and appointments; and, of course, <em>that </em>injury to David Beckham.</p><p>Come back next - and every - Saturday for more amazing football pictures from the week that was,</p>

<p>Welcome to our new Pictures of the Week gallery, your pictorial guide to the past seven days in football.</p><p>And what a week it's been: Euro glory - and despair; managerial sackings - and appointments; and, of course, <em>that </em>injury to David Beckham.</p><p>Come back next - and every - Saturday for more amazing football pictures from the week that was,</p>

2010-03-20T13:23:40Z 2010-03-20T12:20:45Z 2010-03-20T12:02:49Z It's shaping up to be a great weekend for football, with the best of the action likely to happen at Old Trafford tomorrow, when Liverpool face Manchester United.There's still plenty of great games to get your teeth into today, however.In the Premier League, Arsenal can do their title ambitions a world of good by beating troubled West Ham, while the race for fourth place sees Spurs travel to Stoke, Villa host rivals Wolves and Everton take on Bolton. And at the bottom, Iain Dowie will manage H...

It's shaping up to be a great weekend for football, with the best of the action likely to happen at Old Trafford tomorrow, when Liverpool face Manchester United.There's still plenty of great games to get your teeth into today, however.In the Premier League, Arsenal can do their title ambitions a world of good by beating troubled West Ham, while the race for fourth place sees Spurs travel to Stoke, Villa host rivals Wolves and Everton take on Bolton. And at the bottom, Iain Dowie will manage H...

2010-03-20T12:02:49Z 2010-03-20T11:52:56Z 2010-03-20T11:52:54Z From today's Daily Mirror: Benitez: I would rather have Torres than Rooney Reina: I will sign a new deal - I am lucky to be at Liverpool  Paolo Di Canio 'dreams' of becoming West Ham boss Zola denies David Gold dressing room rift Tamas set to seal permanent West Brom deal Forest close to clinching permanent deal for midfielder Phillips urges Birmingham to spend wisely this summer From today's other papers:Portsmouth's Serbia international Dusko Tosic is expected to join Swansea on an emer...

From today's Daily Mirror: Benitez: I would rather have Torres than Rooney Reina: I will sign a new deal - I am lucky to be at Liverpool  Paolo Di Canio 'dreams' of becoming West Ham boss Zola denies David Gold dressing room rift Tamas set to seal permanent West Brom deal Forest close to clinching permanent deal for midfielder Phillips urges Birmingham to spend wisely this summer From today's other papers:Portsmouth's Serbia international Dusko Tosic is expected to join Swansea on an emer...

2010-03-20T11:52:54Z Pa Sports 2010-03-20T18:41:02Z 2010-03-20T09:11:03Z Aston Villa are to hold talks with midfielder James Milner in the summer regarding a new contract. Milner signed a four-year deal when he became Villa's £12million record signing after moving from Newcastle during the summer of 2008. But O'Neill is keen to reward Milner for his superb form this season and also secure his services on a long-term basis. Milner is a strong candidate to be part of the England World Cup squad after impressing Fabio Capello. O'Neill confirmed: "I said to James cou...

Aston Villa are to hold talks with midfielder James Milner in the summer regarding a new contract. Milner signed a four-year deal when he became Villa's £12million record signing after moving from Newcastle during the summer of 2008. But O'Neill is keen to reward Milner for his superb form this season and also secure his services on a long-term basis. Milner is a strong candidate to be part of the England World Cup squad after impressing Fabio Capello. O'Neill confirmed: "I said to James cou...

Pa Sports 2010-03-20T09:11:03Z James Nursey 2010-03-19T20:33:35Z 2010-03-19T23:00:17Z Milner has been a revelation for Aston Villa since switching to the centre of midfield

Milner has been a revelation for Aston Villa since switching to the centre of midfield

James Nursey 2010-03-19T23:00:17Z by MirrorFootball 2010-03-19T18:38:50Z 2010-03-19T18:38:50Z The Manchester City boss also previews his side's weekend clash with Fulham

The Manchester City boss also previews his side's weekend clash with Fulham

by MirrorFootball 2010-03-19T18:38:50Z 2010-03-19T15:56:30Z 2010-03-19T15:25:54Z We don't know if the internet's funny guys are all watching the Cheltenham Gold Cup or what, but there's a distinct dearth of videos doing the rounds today.Still, these crackers should tide you over until it's time to spend your winnings/drown your sorrows come beer o'clock.1) Forget Kauto Star v Denman, the only debate we care about is who's better: Messi or Rooney? Our new star columnist Jermain Defoe had his say earlier on today, and now you can make your own mind up courtesy of this handy...

We don't know if the internet's funny guys are all watching the Cheltenham Gold Cup or what, but there's a distinct dearth of videos doing the rounds today.Still, these crackers should tide you over until it's time to spend your winnings/drown your sorrows come beer o'clock.1) Forget Kauto Star v Denman, the only debate we care about is who's better: Messi or Rooney? Our new star columnist Jermain Defoe had his say earlier on today, and now you can make your own mind up courtesy of this handy...

2010-03-19T15:25:54Z 2010-03-19T12:02:54Z 2010-03-19T11:56:54Z A week off for United and Arsenal. A week of woe for Chelsea.And with a potentially titanic and pivotal weekend to come, the shape of the title race could take a dramatic and decisive shift.Arsene Wenger and his players know this is their opportunity to really turn up the heat.Beat West Ham at The Emirates - something they should accomplish with the minimum of fuss - and the pressure will really be turned up on their rivals.The three-point haul that is within the Gunners' grasp would take Ars...

A week off for United and Arsenal. A week of woe for Chelsea.And with a potentially titanic and pivotal weekend to come, the shape of the title race could take a dramatic and decisive shift.Arsene Wenger and his players know this is their opportunity to really turn up the heat.Beat West Ham at The Emirates - something they should accomplish with the minimum of fuss - and the pressure will really be turned up on their rivals.The three-point haul that is within the Gunners' grasp would take Ars...

2010-03-19T11:56:54Z 2010-03-19T11:19:24Z 2010-03-19T11:19:24Z Welcome to the new MirrorFootball podcast - available to download from MirrorFootball.co.uk every Friday, and also via subscription on iTunes.This week: Daily Mirror assistant sports editor Alan McKinlay, 3PM columnist Steve Anglesey and Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis look ahead to a massive weekend of Premier League action.Can Liverpool upset Manchester United at Old Trafford? Will Chelsea recover from their Champions League exit to stay on course for the Premier League title? Can West H...

Welcome to the new MirrorFootball podcast - available to download from MirrorFootball.co.uk every Friday, and also via subscription on iTunes.This week: Daily Mirror assistant sports editor Alan McKinlay, 3PM columnist Steve Anglesey and Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis look ahead to a massive weekend of Premier League action.Can Liverpool upset Manchester United at Old Trafford? Will Chelsea recover from their Champions League exit to stay on course for the Premier League title? Can West H...

2010-03-19T11:19:24Z 2010-03-19T09:55:56Z 2010-03-19T09:33:00Z From today's Daily Mirror:Robinho set for early City return due to Santos salary row Riera banished from Liverpool due to bust-up with young reserve player - Exclusive Arsenal and Man City target Yaya Toure rules out move to Premier League Sunderland offer olive branch to Spurs in bid to land defensive star McLeish warns West Ham they won't get Brum stars by using a FIFA loophole Fergie Jnr hoping dad will sell him midfielder in the summer Blackpool set to raid Crystal Palace for veteran defe...

From today's Daily Mirror:Robinho set for early City return due to Santos salary row Riera banished from Liverpool due to bust-up with young reserve player - Exclusive Arsenal and Man City target Yaya Toure rules out move to Premier League Sunderland offer olive branch to Spurs in bid to land defensive star McLeish warns West Ham they won't get Brum stars by using a FIFA loophole Fergie Jnr hoping dad will sell him midfielder in the summer Blackpool set to raid Crystal Palace for veteran defe...

2010-03-19T09:33:00Z 2010-03-18T18:03:56Z 2010-03-19T09:00:21Z After the soaraway successes of our Baldy XI and our Ginga XI, this week we want your help to compile the all-time Beardy XI.That's right, those fells with the best facial fuzz in the business are about to get their moment in the sun.To help you out, we've compiled the magnificent gallery of hirsute heroes above, but no doubt you will have plenty of thoughts of your own.You can nominate your players by leaving a comment below, posting on our Facebook page or joining in the debate on our Twitt...

After the soaraway successes of our Baldy XI and our Ginga XI, this week we want your help to compile the all-time Beardy XI.That's right, those fells with the best facial fuzz in the business are about to get their moment in the sun.To help you out, we've compiled the magnificent gallery of hirsute heroes above, but no doubt you will have plenty of thoughts of your own.You can nominate your players by leaving a comment below, posting on our Facebook page or joining in the debate on our Twitt...

2010-03-19T09:00:21Z David McDonnell 2010-03-18T21:11:57Z 2010-03-18T23:00:53Z French ace reckons Blues can kick on, starting at Fulham on Saturday

French ace reckons Blues can kick on, starting at Fulham on Saturday

David McDonnell 2010-03-18T23:00:53Z 2010-03-18T13:15:12Z 2010-03-18T13:15:12Z So, ladies and gentlemen, here it is... the best Ginga XI - EVER!In honour of Paul Scholes scoring his 100th Premier League goal for Man United recently, we wanted your nominations for a team packed with carrot-topped heroes.Thanks to all of you who sent us your suggestions via Twitter and Facebook.There will be another one later this week, so keep an eye out on our Twitter and Facebook pages for the details.But now, without further ado, here is the definitive all-time Ginga XI...Goalkeeper: ...

So, ladies and gentlemen, here it is... the best Ginga XI - EVER!In honour of Paul Scholes scoring his 100th Premier League goal for Man United recently, we wanted your nominations for a team packed with carrot-topped heroes.Thanks to all of you who sent us your suggestions via Twitter and Facebook.There will be another one later this week, so keep an eye out on our Twitter and Facebook pages for the details.But now, without further ado, here is the definitive all-time Ginga XI...Goalkeeper: ...

2010-03-18T13:15:12Z Pa Sports 2010-03-18T16:01:01Z 2010-03-18T11:31:01Z Stephen Warnock has hailed the impact of Aston Villa central defender James Collins this season, labelling him "as brave as a lion". Collins made the £5million move from West Ham in August and the Wales international has been a rock-solid figure in helping Villa to more clean sheets than any other side in the Premier League this season, 12, ahead of Saturday lunchtime's clash with Wolves. Left-back Warnock, a summer signing from Blackburn, said: "James has been great. When I came into the cl...

Stephen Warnock has hailed the impact of Aston Villa central defender James Collins this season, labelling him "as brave as a lion". Collins made the £5million move from West Ham in August and the Wales international has been a rock-solid figure in helping Villa to more clean sheets than any other side in the Premier League this season, 12, ahead of Saturday lunchtime's clash with Wolves. Left-back Warnock, a summer signing from Blackburn, said: "James has been great. When I came into the cl...

Pa Sports 2010-03-18T11:31:01Z 2010-03-18T10:24:56Z 2010-03-18T09:51:28Z From today's Daily Mirror:Chelsea planning dream team pairing of Drogba and Torres Abramovich will stick with Ancelotti and bankroll £140million summer spree Villa target £9m deal for Spurs ace - Exclusive Wolves star Hahnemann targets survival and a new deal Interest grows in QPR's Alejandro Faurlin Riera's broadside at Rafa's 'sinking ship' Gary Johnson faces Bristol City axe Other rumours and gossip:Pavlyuchenko pledges future to Spurs Mancini reassures Toure over Man City future Villa to ...

From today's Daily Mirror:Chelsea planning dream team pairing of Drogba and Torres Abramovich will stick with Ancelotti and bankroll £140million summer spree Villa target £9m deal for Spurs ace - Exclusive Wolves star Hahnemann targets survival and a new deal Interest grows in QPR's Alejandro Faurlin Riera's broadside at Rafa's 'sinking ship' Gary Johnson faces Bristol City axe Other rumours and gossip:Pavlyuchenko pledges future to Spurs Mancini reassures Toure over Man City future Villa to ...

2010-03-18T09:51:28Z 2010-03-17T12:26:41Z 2010-03-18T08:02:58Z Aston Villa have once again become a force in English football under Martin O'Neill, but they surely must have a strong finish to the season if benefactor Randy Lerner is to get value for money.Villa have finished 11th and sixth twice in the Premier League since O'Neill and US billionaire Lerner arrived at the club in August 2006.And they have proved they can now match any side in the division after taking points off Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal this season.The club posse...

Aston Villa have once again become a force in English football under Martin O'Neill, but they surely must have a strong finish to the season if benefactor Randy Lerner is to get value for money.Villa have finished 11th and sixth twice in the Premier League since O'Neill and US billionaire Lerner arrived at the club in August 2006.And they have proved they can now match any side in the division after taking points off Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal this season.The club posse...

2010-03-18T08:02:58Z James Nursey 2010-03-17T16:26:02Z 2010-03-17T23:00:20Z Villa striker backs his team-mate to star at World Cup

Villa striker backs his team-mate to star at World Cup

James Nursey 2010-03-17T23:00:20Z James Nursey  2010-03-18T14:46:01Z 2010-03-17T23:00:10Z Manager Martin O'Neill wants to steal Robbie Keane from former club Celtic

Manager Martin O'Neill wants to steal Robbie Keane from former club Celtic

James Nursey  2010-03-17T23:00:10Z 2010-03-17T16:58:15Z 2010-03-17T15:08:50Z It's almost Guinness o'clock! But if you've already exhausted our amazing St Patrick's Day Irish football legends archive special, then here's some ace footy vids to help while away the time until you can stuff your face with potato and cabbage and fall down drunk in the street in the name of religious martyrs.1) Following hot on the heels of Alan Shearer's legendarily brusque newspaper interview last week, we present further evidence that Wor Alan could well be the most curmudgeonly man in f...

It's almost Guinness o'clock! But if you've already exhausted our amazing St Patrick's Day Irish football legends archive special, then here's some ace footy vids to help while away the time until you can stuff your face with potato and cabbage and fall down drunk in the street in the name of religious martyrs.1) Following hot on the heels of Alan Shearer's legendarily brusque newspaper interview last week, we present further evidence that Wor Alan could well be the most curmudgeonly man in f...

2010-03-17T15:08:50Z 2010-03-17T10:20:50Z 2010-03-17T08:38:26Z From today's Daily Mirror:Real Madrid target Ashley Cole Davenport seeks clean break from West Ham Blades set for sweeping cuts if promotion bid fails - Exclusive Arsenal given Fab fitness boost - Exclusive Hull appoint Dowie as new manager - Exclusive Beckham feeling 'positive' after surgery - but doc says World Cup return unlikely  Portsmouth set for Premier League points penalty What's wrong with Steven Gerrard? And could he be about to leave Liverpool? From today's other papers:Arsenal t...

From today's Daily Mirror:Real Madrid target Ashley Cole Davenport seeks clean break from West Ham Blades set for sweeping cuts if promotion bid fails - Exclusive Arsenal given Fab fitness boost - Exclusive Hull appoint Dowie as new manager - Exclusive Beckham feeling 'positive' after surgery - but doc says World Cup return unlikely  Portsmouth set for Premier League points penalty What's wrong with Steven Gerrard? And could he be about to leave Liverpool? From today's other papers:Arsenal t...

2010-03-17T08:38:26Z Pa Sports 2010-03-18T13:41:05Z 2010-03-17T08:01:07Z Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill hailed midfielder James Milner as "sensational" after a devastating performance at Wigan. The England World Cup hopeful marked an outstanding second-half performance by firing a winner which lifted Villa firmly into top-four contention in the Barclays Premier League. Milner struck just after the hour at the DW Stadium to settle an absorbing contest after Wigan's Gary Caldwell had cancelled out an own goal from James McCarthy. "It was an extraordinary perfor...

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill hailed midfielder James Milner as "sensational" after a devastating performance at Wigan. The England World Cup hopeful marked an outstanding second-half performance by firing a winner which lifted Villa firmly into top-four contention in the Barclays Premier League. Milner struck just after the hour at the DW Stadium to settle an absorbing contest after Wigan's Gary Caldwell had cancelled out an own goal from James McCarthy. "It was an extraordinary perfor...

Pa Sports 2010-03-17T08:01:07Z Alan Nixon 2010-03-16T22:29:55Z 2010-03-16T22:29:10Z Martin O'Neill can finally celebrate a Premier League win in March

Martin O'Neill can finally celebrate a Premier League win in March

Alan Nixon 2010-03-16T22:29:10Z Pa Sports 2010-03-16T22:51:04Z 2010-03-16T22:01:02Z James Milner fired Aston Villa firmly into Champions League contention by settling a thriller 2-1 at Wigan.The England World Cup hopeful fired home in the 63rd minute after Wigan's Gary Caldwell had cancelled out an own goal from team-mate James McCarthy at the DW Stadium. Victory lifted Martin O'Neill's men within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand, in the Barclays Premier League. Yet Wigan, desperate for points at the opposite end of the table, could count themselv...

James Milner fired Aston Villa firmly into Champions League contention by settling a thriller 2-1 at Wigan.The England World Cup hopeful fired home in the 63rd minute after Wigan's Gary Caldwell had cancelled out an own goal from team-mate James McCarthy at the DW Stadium. Victory lifted Martin O'Neill's men within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand, in the Barclays Premier League. Yet Wigan, desperate for points at the opposite end of the table, could count themselv...

Pa Sports 2010-03-16T22:01:02Z MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T22:00:13Z 2010-03-16T21:48:23Z Gary Caldwell had earlier got Wigan back in the game by equalising James McCarthy's own goal

Gary Caldwell had earlier got Wigan back in the game by equalising James McCarthy's own goal

MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T21:48:23Z MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T20:45:05Z 2010-03-16T20:44:16Z A James McCarthy own goal had previously given Villa the lead

A James McCarthy own goal had previously given Villa the lead

MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T20:44:16Z MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T19:43:09Z 2010-03-16T18:54:45Z Text commentary, pictures and stats from all of tonight's games, plus match reports on the whistle

Text commentary, pictures and stats from all of tonight's games, plus match reports on the whistle

MirrorFootball 2010-03-16T18:54:45Z 2010-03-16T17:00:03Z 2010-03-16T16:56:36Z <p>Day one of Cheltenham is over, and already the Mirror Football shirt is lost. With nothing left to play for except the fun of seeing how many days Alan Brazil will miss of his TalkSport show due to extreme thirst, we're taking solace in these brilliant football videos from the interweb.</p><p><strong>1)</strong> Not sure, but we THINK this might be a foul...</p>

<p>Day one of Cheltenham is over, and already the Mirror Football shirt is lost. With nothing left to play for except the fun of seeing how many days Alan Brazil will miss of his TalkSport show due to extreme thirst, we're taking solace in these brilliant football videos from the interweb.</p><p><strong>1)</strong> Not sure, but we THINK this might be a foul...</p>

2010-03-16T16:56:36Z 2010-03-16T18:25:10Z 2010-03-16T15:15:35Z Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has put pen to paper for crocked David Beckham. Here's her poem Achilles, followed by our pick of the 10 best poems about football:Achilles (for David Beckham)Myth's river- where his mother dipped him, fished him, a slippery golden boyflowed on, his name on its lips. Without him, it was prophesised, they would not take Troy.Women hid him, concealed him in girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs... but when Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, ...

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has put pen to paper for crocked David Beckham. Here's her poem Achilles, followed by our pick of the 10 best poems about football:Achilles (for David Beckham)Myth's river- where his mother dipped him, fished him, a slippery golden boyflowed on, his name on its lips. Without him, it was prophesised, they would not take Troy.Women hid him, concealed him in girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs... but when Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, ...

2010-03-16T15:15:35Z 2010-03-16T08:59:03Z 2010-03-16T08:59:01Z From today's Daily Mirror: Spurs agree £6m deal for Brazilian wonderkid Grant refuses to commit to Pompey - Exclusive  Beckham: I'll be back  Campbell wins legal battle with Portsmouth  I should still be Chelsea boss says Mourinho  Hull want Hughes to replace sacked Brown From today's other papers:Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham. The defender is back in training after suffering leg wounds in a stabbing last year, but the Hammers are desperate to cut costs so have agreed...

From today's Daily Mirror: Spurs agree £6m deal for Brazilian wonderkid Grant refuses to commit to Pompey - Exclusive  Beckham: I'll be back  Campbell wins legal battle with Portsmouth  I should still be Chelsea boss says Mourinho  Hull want Hughes to replace sacked Brown From today's other papers:Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham. The defender is back in training after suffering leg wounds in a stabbing last year, but the Hammers are desperate to cut costs so have agreed...

2010-03-16T08:59:01Z Alan Nixon 2010-03-15T18:34:31Z 2010-03-15T23:00:03Z Manager Martinez says defender has been affected after becoming a father

Manager Martinez says defender has been affected after becoming a father

Alan Nixon 2010-03-15T23:00:03Z MirrorFootball 2010-03-15T16:55:41Z 2010-03-15T23:00:02Z Boss Martin O'Neill pushes the case for Milner, Downing and Young

Boss Martin O'Neill pushes the case for Milner, Downing and Young

MirrorFootball 2010-03-15T23:00:02Z 2010-03-15T17:55:39Z 2010-03-15T17:50:18Z As the World Cup door slammed shut on David Beckham, opportunity knocked for others.And while Fabio Capello admitted his sadness at losing one of the key components of his plans for South Africa, the England boss will expect those who have their chance to benefit from Beckham’s heartbreak to show they are ready to step through the open portal.For four players in particular, Beckham’s anguish represents their chances, either to confirm their status in Capello’s eyes, or make him blink and take...

As the World Cup door slammed shut on David Beckham, opportunity knocked for others.And while Fabio Capello admitted his sadness at losing one of the key components of his plans for South Africa, the England boss will expect those who have their chance to benefit from Beckham’s heartbreak to show they are ready to step through the open portal.For four players in particular, Beckham’s anguish represents their chances, either to confirm their status in Capello’s eyes, or make him blink and take...

2010-03-15T17:50:18Z 2010-03-15T15:17:28Z 2010-03-15T14:49:53Z <p>As the nation's tanning salons and karaoke bars shut as a mark of respect for Phil Brown, here's another selection of brilliant football videos.</p><p><strong>1) </strong>Not the greatest of weekends for David Beckham. He's out of the World Cup and, to add insult to injury, Brazilian Baiano's ripped off his greatest moment in Paulisto's win against Prudente.</p>

<p>As the nation's tanning salons and karaoke bars shut as a mark of respect for Phil Brown, here's another selection of brilliant football videos.</p><p><strong>1) </strong>Not the greatest of weekends for David Beckham. He's out of the World Cup and, to add insult to injury, Brazilian Baiano's ripped off his greatest moment in Paulisto's win against Prudente.</p>

2010-03-15T14:49:53Z 2010-03-15T11:00:52Z 2010-03-15T11:00:52Z Want to talk about the weekend's football? Want to get something off your chest? Want to ask something about your club? Want to know about life as a leading football journalist?Then join Daily Mirror football writer John Cross, our king of the back page exclusives, online on Monday from 12.30pm-1.30pm in our Monday Mouth-Off series - the new place for you to chat with Daily Mirror reporters about everything that happened on another wild weekend in the Premier and Coca-Cola Leagues.To ask a qu...

Want to talk about the weekend's football? Want to get something off your chest? Want to ask something about your club? Want to know about life as a leading football journalist?Then join Daily Mirror football writer John Cross, our king of the back page exclusives, online on Monday from 12.30pm-1.30pm in our Monday Mouth-Off series - the new place for you to chat with Daily Mirror reporters about everything that happened on another wild weekend in the Premier and Coca-Cola Leagues.To ask a qu...

2010-03-15T11:00:52Z 2010-03-15T08:45:18Z 2010-03-15T08:45:18Z From today's Daily Mirror: Liverpool set for cash boost - but still face losing Torres Birmingham owner vows to spend big this summer Beye escapes O'Neill wrath after admitting he wants to quit Villa Parker not giving up hope of England World Cup call-up Beckham's World Cup dream ended by torn Achilles tendon From today's other papers:Trying to sign Wayne Rooney and linking him up with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has beocme an "obsession" for Real Madrid, says pres...

From today's Daily Mirror: Liverpool set for cash boost - but still face losing Torres Birmingham owner vows to spend big this summer Beye escapes O'Neill wrath after admitting he wants to quit Villa Parker not giving up hope of England World Cup call-up Beckham's World Cup dream ended by torn Achilles tendon From today's other papers:Trying to sign Wayne Rooney and linking him up with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has beocme an "obsession" for Real Madrid, says pres...

2010-03-15T08:45:18Z Mike Walters 2010-03-14T17:14:47Z 2010-03-15T05:30:30Z Rory Delap outdoes Carlos Cuellar in the battle of the long throws

Rory Delap outdoes Carlos Cuellar in the battle of the long throws

Mike Walters 2010-03-15T05:30:30Z James Nursey 2010-03-14T16:36:48Z 2010-03-14T23:00:24Z Defender set to leave in summer with Sunderland and Fulham both interested

Defender set to leave in summer with Sunderland and Fulham both interested

James Nursey 2010-03-14T23:00:24Z James Nursey 2010-03-14T18:27:42Z 2010-03-14T23:00:00Z St Andrews star hoping leveller against Everton cheered up Villa youth star Gary

St Andrews star hoping leveller against Everton cheered up Villa youth star Gary

James Nursey 2010-03-14T23:00:00Z 2010-03-15T10:48:54Z 2010-03-14T22:52:38Z Nicklas Bendtner will be a Premier League superstar one day - and I look forward to him continuing to prove his critics wrong at Arsenal.The Danish striker scored an injury-time winner at Hull on Saturday to add to his hat-trick in the Gunners’ Champions League thrashing of Porto.And it is about time Arsenal fans ate some humble pie over their treatment of him.Bendtner’s heroics go to show that, of the 60,000 fans at the Emirates, only the 30,000 or so who would have got into Highbury appear ...

Nicklas Bendtner will be a Premier League superstar one day - and I look forward to him continuing to prove his critics wrong at Arsenal.The Danish striker scored an injury-time winner at Hull on Saturday to add to his hat-trick in the Gunners’ Champions League thrashing of Porto.And it is about time Arsenal fans ate some humble pie over their treatment of him.Bendtner’s heroics go to show that, of the 60,000 fans at the Emirates, only the 30,000 or so who would have got into Highbury appear ...

2010-03-14T22:52:38Z Pa Sports 2010-03-15T08:21:03Z 2010-03-14T08:51:02Z Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill admitted his side did not do enough to warrant victory following the goalless draw against Stoke at a windy Britannia Stadium.In a match of few opportunities, Stewart Downing's shot which inadvertently deflected off Villa team-mate John Carew but hit the side-netting with goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen wrong-footed and Stoke defender Robert Huth's late header over the top were probably the best for both sides."We would love to have won the game but it was never ...

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill admitted his side did not do enough to warrant victory following the goalless draw against Stoke at a windy Britannia Stadium.In a match of few opportunities, Stewart Downing's shot which inadvertently deflected off Villa team-mate John Carew but hit the side-netting with goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen wrong-footed and Stoke defender Robert Huth's late header over the top were probably the best for both sides."We would love to have won the game but it was never ...

Pa Sports 2010-03-14T08:51:02Z Ralph Ellis 2010-03-13T17:57:23Z 2010-03-14T05:00:59Z Forgotten full-back Freddie Bouma back fit after 18 months of injury hell

Forgotten full-back Freddie Bouma back fit after 18 months of injury hell

Ralph Ellis 2010-03-14T05:00:59Z Paul Smith Exclusive 2010-03-13T16:20:28Z 2010-03-13T22:45:39Z Aston Villa, Chelsea and Portsmouth rejected seats for the Wembley showpiece because they are too expensive

Aston Villa, Chelsea and Portsmouth rejected seats for the Wembley showpiece because they are too expensive

Paul Smith Exclusive 2010-03-13T22:45:39Z Ralph Ellis 2010-03-13T21:59:22Z 2010-03-13T21:40:10Z Villa drop priceless points in scrappy affair at windswept Britannia Stadium

Villa drop priceless points in scrappy affair at windswept Britannia Stadium

Ralph Ellis 2010-03-13T21:40:10Z