Mirror Football

Brian Laws: Wigan have underachieved this season

MirrorFootball — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:34:37 GMT

Burnley chief claims relegation rivals should be higher up the table with talented squad at their disposal

3PM Extra: The best things we've found on the internet today - Friday, March 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:54 GMT

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...

'This is where it starts to matter, where every game counts' - Martin Lipton previews a crucial weekend in the title race

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:56:54 GMT

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...

Listen to the new MirrorFootball podcast - March 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:19:24 GMT

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...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Friday's papers

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:33:00 GMT

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...

MirrorFootball's Best XI: Beardies

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:00:21 GMT

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...

Burnley's Elliot backs boys to confound critics

MirrorFootball — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:45:28 GMT

Star reckons Clarets can return to form that saw them beat manchester United

Portsmouth set to field weakened side against Hull in response to nine point penalty

Alex Crook — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:45:11 GMT

Avram Grant says winning the FA Cup is now the team's priority

Burnley offer players new contracts with relegation pay cut clauses

Alan Nixon — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:30:31 GMT

A handful of Brian Laws's squad are free agents in the summer

Owen Hargreaves makes United comeback - picture special

MirrorFootball — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:21:45 GMT

England star manages 45 minutes in reserve clash with Burnley

Laws unconcerned by sack reports

Pa Sports — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:51:01 GMT

Brian Laws insists he will lose no sleep over claims - shot down by Burnley - that he is facing the sack.Laws woke up on Wednesday to headlines in a newspaper predicting his imminent demise but Burnley's chairman Barry Kilby immediately dismissed the suggestion. As for Laws, he insists neither he nor the players will be affected and that he is experienced enough to cope.Laws said: "There's no foundation to it, whether it's a ploy to destabilise us I don't know but we have put the lid on it ve...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Thursday's papers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:51:28 GMT

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 ...

McCann return boosts Burnley

Mirrorfootball — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:00:07 GMT

Burnley’s relegation battle has been boosted by the return to fitness of Chris McCann.

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Wednesday, March 17

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:08:50 GMT

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...

Kilby denies Laws reports

Pa Sports — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:01:03 GMT

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has dismissed claims the club are looking at replacing manager Brian Laws just over two months after he was appointed. Laws was brought in to replace Owen Coyle, who moved to Bolton, on January 13, but the club have since dropped into the relegation zone and a report today suggested the Clarets were already looking to make a change. However, Kilby said: "We are not in the process of looking for a replacement for Brian and everyone involved with Burnley is putting ...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:38:26 GMT

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...

With a bit more risk, Clarets could have banished relegation blues

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:40 GMT

I don't quite know what to make of Burnley.On the one hand they have kept within their budget and have not gone crazy spending money on big transfer fees or hefty contracts.Brian Laws was going on last week about how they are not under any pressure to stay up because relegation won't destroy the club.In an era where so many clubs have gone into administration trying to chase the dream of Premier League football, that prudent attitude should be applauded.Yet I can't get away from this nagging ...

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Tuesday, March 17

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:56:36 GMT

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.

1) Not sure, but we THINK this might be a foul...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Tuesday's papers

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:59:01 GMT

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...

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Monday, March 15

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:49:53 GMT

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.

1) 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.

Ask John Cross your football questions in our live webchat on Monday lunchtime

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:00:52 GMT

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...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Monday's papers

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:45:18 GMT

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...

Burnley 1-2 Wolves: The Daily Mirror match report

Neil Johnston — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:30:51 GMT

Steven Thompson hits out at Turf Moor boy-boys

Mick McCarthy: Wolves have turned the corner

MirrorFootball — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:00:02 GMT

Molineux chief delighted with 2-1 win at Burnley

Burnley 1-2 Wolves: The Sunday Mirror match report

Simon Mullock — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:50:43 GMT

Jensen left with Claret face after howlers gift Wolves the win

Wolves claim three-point haul

Pa Sports — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:21:03 GMT

Wolves hung on to claim a 2-1 win and three potentially crucial points in their battle against Barclays Premier League relegation at Turf Moor. Matt Jarvis took advantage of a short Tyrone Mears back pass to put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute and a Clarke Carlisle own goal almost saw them home. But a 73rd-minute header from substitute Steven Thompson gave the home side hope with Wolves forced into desperate defending to preserve their points.Burnley had started well with early efforts ...

Burnley 1-2 Wolves

Mirror Football — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:03:08 GMT

Matt Jarvis and Clark Carlisle own goal deal Clarets huge relegation blow

Follow all today's football LIVE!

MirrorFootball — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:39:54 GMT

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

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:26:14 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Liverpool keeping a close eye on Alex McLeish's contract talks with Birmingham as Rafa Benitez continues to struggle at AnfieldEverton ready to offer TEN players new long-term dealsManchester City chasing Benfica strike star Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini tells Shaun Wright-Phillips to stop moaning over his new contract and focus on the fight for fourth spot From today's other papers:Real Madrid are said to have had informal talks with Manchester United over a ...

Burnley veteran Alexander desperate for another season in the Premier League

David Anderson — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:00:41 GMT

Clarets captain wants to be the oldest swinger in town again next season

McCarthy vows to keep cool as Wolves scrap for survival

MirrorFootball — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:00:44 GMT

Wolves chief has pledged to remain Mr Cool during the nerve-shredding scrap for survival

It would be wrong to remember Keith Alexander in terms of his race, but with so few other black managers it's hard not to

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:24:27 GMT

Many tributes have been paid in the past few days to the memory of Keith Alexander, the 53 year old manager of Macclesfield Town who died unexpectedly and suddenly last week.Perhaps the most fitting tribute to a man whose managerial career took in six league clubs came from the players at his last one. In what must have been difficult circumstances to say the least, the players of Macclesfield Town took to the field away at Hereford and won their match 2-0.The death of Keith Alexander is a tr...

I couldn't give a stuff what Alan Green thinks, it's my ticket and I'll leave early if I want to

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:15:28 GMT

The award for patronising berk of the week this Friday goes to Alan Green, the outspoken commentator at 5Live. Commentating on the game between Arsenal and Burnley at the weekend, Green looked around the stadium early doors and was appalled at the number of people who had yet to take their seats.“I’m sorry folks,” he said, “I don’t get your commitment to football.”Personally, I couldn’t give a good God damn if Alan Green ‘got’ my commitment to football or not. But if the Ulsterman does care t...

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Friday, March 12

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:42:19 GMT

It's double feature Friday at 3PM Extra today, where we bring you two brilliant videos for the price of one. Well, six for the price of three if you're being pedantic.

1) When he's not brawling in the park with Nicky Barmby, Hull's Jimmy Bullard is out filming spoof shampoo adverts...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Friday's papers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:48:17 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Wenger tells Madrid: 'Leave me alone' Stoke plan summer swoop for ex-Arsenal and Liverpool star Derby want Liverpool star on loan Blackpool set to beat QPR in race for Everton loan star Watford plot raid for Port Vale defensive star 'Wilshere's ready for Arsenal' says Coyle Madrid's Champions League exit means Rafa can expect a call from Spain Jermain Defoe signs for the Mirror! From today's other papers:Manchester United target Igor Akinfeev will be offered a new co...

Listen to the new MirrorFootball podcast, featuring special guest Robbie Savage - March 11, 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:17:58 GMT

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 special guest Robbie Savage talks all things football, including Robbie's debut as an emergency goalkeeper. Plus: Man United and Arsenal in the Champions League and just how good is Wayne Rooney?Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions and ideas for fu...

Net masters and disasters: Niall Quinn, Bobby Moore, John Terry and the top 10 emergency goalkeepers

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:30:14 GMT

By Joe MardonRobbie Savage joined the union of goalkeepers on Wednesday night when the Derby captain donned the gloves just before half-time after starting keeper Stephen Bywater went off injured, and his replacement Saul Deeney was red carded.Despite Sav's best efforts, the Rams succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, although the blond-haired skipper will surely claim credit for keeping the score that low.In honour of Sav's heroics, MirrorFootball remembers 10 other occasions when outfield players have ...

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Thursday, March 11

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:06:49 GMT

Are you Mark Owen out of Take That? Stuck for something to do now you've been rumbled as a chipmunk-faced love rat with 'around' 10 lovers (but you can't remember the exact number)?Then seek refuge in our 3PM Extra blog, which wraps up the best football videos on the web each weekday. Better than sex and cheaper than a divorce. Here's today's selection.1) Good news for Robinho: His Santos team beat Naviraiense 10-0 in a Brazilian Cup match last night. Bad news for Robinho: Only 11,336 turned ...

MirrorFootball's Best XI: Gingas

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:05:19 GMT

Paul Scholes became the latest man to join the Premier League's 100 Club when he netted the winner against Wolves last weekend.Wolves 0-1 Man United: The Daily Mirror match report The diminutive Man United midfield ace reached his century of Premier League goals at Molineux and to mark the occasion we're going to honour one of football's leading carrot tops by compiling the all-time Ginger XI.And that's where we need your help.Jim Leighton would have to be in with a shout of getting the nod b...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Thursday's papers

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:27 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror: West Ham plan triple transfer raid on Birmingham - Exclusive Tottenham target Sandro is ready to walk the walk and talk the talk Tottenham plan Belgium loan move for new Zambian ace Roma close in on Arsenal transfer target Birmingham and Wolves in battle for Palace star Arsenal starlet is Celtic target Birmingham set to land £11million Aiden McGeady this summer City and United to battle it out for Joe Cole Manchester City lead chase for £6million-rated Cardi...

Laws has faith in his strikers

Pa Sports — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:11:05 GMT

Burnley manager Brian Laws is convinced the club can stay up because of the attacking options at his disposal. David Nugent's sixth goal since arriving on loan from Portsmouth secured a 1-1 draw against Stoke at Turf Moor. The striker got on the end of a superb cross from partner Martin Paterson in the 52nd minute to head home. Burnley dominated the second half but had to settle for a point after Tuncay opened the scoring for Stoke. But Laws said: "Nugent's in good form as is Paterson. That g...

Burnley 1-1 Stoke: Daily Mirror match report

David Anderson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:02:09 GMT

Clarets boss Brian Laws takes one where it hurts as he fails to stop the Delapidator

Nugent rescues Clarets

Pa Sports — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:01:01 GMT

David Nugent regained his scoring touch for the second match in a row but Burnley had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke. Tuncay opened the scoring for Stoke in the 23rd minute but Burnley rallied in the second half and Nugent's power header levelled the matter. Stoke almost made the breakthrough as early as the third minute when Abdoulaye Faye clipped a shot wide of the post following a corner from Liam Lawrence. The visitors then found themselves on the back foot when Jack Cork ...

Burnley 1-1 Stoke: Nugent rescues a vital point for Clarets

MirrorFootball — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:47:27 GMT

Striker cancels out Tuncay's opener but Burnley stay in bottom three

HT Burnley 0-1 Stoke: Tuncay strike piles on the misery for Clarets

MirrorFootball — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:41:41 GMT

Turkish star's fifth Stoke goal separates the sides at Turf Moor

Follow Man United v AC Milan LIVE!

MirrorFootball — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:17:14 GMT

Text commentary, pictures and stats from tonight's big Champions League clash

3PM Extra: The funniest things we've found on the internet today - Wednesday, March 10

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:55:25 GMT

The former President of the World Society of Friends of Suspenders, a pressure group formed to express disapproval with women wearing tights rather than stockings and sussies, is 74 years young today.Yes, it's happy birthday, Sepp Blatter - one-eyed opponent of video technology, baiter of the Irish and all-round Swiss clown. With a vote on the FIFA presidency due next May, let's hope this is the penultimate occasion on which he gets to blow out the candles while sipping unicorn tears and eati...

Ryan Giggs, Diego Maradona, Ricky Villa and the top 10 best dribbled goals

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:53:44 GMT

Nicklas Bendtner may have taken the match ball home last night - even though he gave away the fact that it was his first treble by being slightly confused as to why he was being given it - but Samir Nasri was the one who really caught the eye with his fabulous solo effort in the second half.It was a superb dribbling run and finish from the young Frenchman that drew comparisons with Ricky Villa's FA Cup Final goal or even Archie's Gemmill's famous strike at the 1978 World Cup.In honour of Nasr...

Revealed: Find out what was said in the secretly taped England team meetings

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:31:23 GMT

MirrorFootball can reveal why the FA are so keen to suppress publication of the secretly-taped England team meetings.We have heard part of the clandestine recordings made at the England HQ at the posh Grove hotel in Hertfordshire and the conversations between Fabio Capello and his players go right to the heart of the team's problems.(A door opens and footsteps are heard)Fabio Capello: "Good afternoon everyone and before we start, can I check that everyone's wife or partner - past or present -...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:12:01 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror: Man City target Sporting Lisbon defensive ace Villa keeping tabs on Spanish midfield star Wolves facing a losing battle to keep Doyle Forest chiefs on collision course over Barnet star Anelka set for new Chelsea deal Bendtner: 'We can win the Champions League' Beckham: 'I'm still scared of Fergie' Babel reveals Anfield confidence crisis Wigan owner Whelan dangles Caribbean carrot as survival reward - Exclusive From today's other papers:Tottenham midfielder W...