Mirror Football

Redknapp detective faced News of the World leak accusations

MirrorFootball — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:51 GMT

Detective Inspector Dave Manley and sports journalist Rob Beasley denied City of London police was the "source" for the story

Why England must sack Capello and appoint Redknapp NOW

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:11:54 GMT

In an ideal world I'd move heaven and earth to keep him at White Hart Lane - and I'm not even a Tottenham fan. But the most logical chain of events must surely now be for Harry Redknapp to go to England and do for the country what Kenny Dalglish has done for Liverpool - bring back some unity. As someone who has covered his career at West Ham, Portsmouth and Spurs, I can say first hand just how much Redknapp's teams have improved after benefiting from his outstanding man-management skills. Eng...

Straight Outta Govan: Fergie makes gang sign, Photoshop madness ensues

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:06:43 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson is more hip op than hip-hop.

So when a picture emerged of him appearing to make a gang sign with Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui (no, us neither), the finest minds of the MirrorFootball.co.uk Photoshop department went into overdrive.

Here is the result of their labours, so all together now... "Stop! Fergie Time!"

Click on the full screen icon to see our mad mock-up skillz in all their glory.

PICTURE SPECIAL: Becks back in action for LA Galaxy

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:17:33 GMT

David Beckham managed to find time during his punishing promotional schedule to play a football match. Despite much speculation over whether he'd move to the Premier League or join Carlo Ancelotti's PSG revolution, Goldenballs eventually turned out for LA Galaxy in a friendly against Portland Timbers. As it was Becks' first game since November he only played for the first 45 minutes - although, given the Galaxy were hammered 4-1, he could be forgiven for wishing he hadn't bothered. Still, as...

A great result for Redknapp and the FA... but a disaster for Spurs?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:03:43 GMT

Harry Redknapp walked free from Southwark Crown Court today - and opened the way clear to become England manager. Redknapp's entire career and life, not just his reputation, was in the hands of the jury. But as the 64-year-old Redknapp's 13-day ordeal was ended as the Jury forewoman announced two "Not Guilty" verdicts to the charges of tax evasion, the relief was palpable. Redknapp was hugged by co-accused Milan Mandaric bas the Jury was discharged, swaying back and forth in the dock as he no...

Redknapp: It's been a five-year long nightmare

MirrorFootball — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:38:45 GMT

"it should never have come to court," says Spurs boss after being cleared of tax evasion charges this morning

Redknapp not guilty! Celebrate with 50 amazing images from our vaults

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:19:47 GMT

Harry Redknapp will be celebrating today after he was cleared of taking bungs in an offshore tax dodge.

And now you can too with these amazing pictures of the Spurs and former West Ham boss through the ages.

As ever, click the full screen button to see them in their full glory.

NOT GUILTY! Redknapp cleared of tax evasion charges

MirrorFootball — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:36:52 GMT

Jury returned their verdict this morning after two days of deliberations

If Suarez IS forced out, it will be down to lack of league success NOT fan or media abuse

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:06:57 GMT

Amid the controversy and near-hysteria of the Luis Suarez affair, there is an unspoken fear amongst Liverpool’s emotional fans. So far, the focus has been on an absolute faith in his innocence that has been so passionate, so strident, and so emphatic, because there is an absolute faith in the judgement of their manager on the matter. Yet underneath the anger and the bluster, there is a worry nagging away at the supporters who recognise the talent of the striker and his importance to the team....

Redknapp tax evasion trial: Day 13 LIVE - Harry found not guilty

MirrorFootball — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:37:28 GMT

The jury also cleared former Portsmouth owner Milan Mandaric

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers

Football Spy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:13:15 GMT

Chelsea eye England striker and Fiorentina defender, and Chelsea plot Torres swap for Atletico Madrid striker

Capello 'will not budge over Terry in FA talks'

Martin Lipton — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:32:55 GMT

Bernstein hopes to make peace with England boss at meeting today

Evra 'to be asked to shake Suarez's hand'

David Maddock — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:32:15 GMT

Officials believe Saturday's face-to-face is different to the Terry-Ferdinand encounter at QPR last month

Why Capello has 72 hours to save England's Euro 2012 hopes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:30:54 GMT

Fabio Capello may be able to find a form of words to paper over the cracks of his relationship with the FA. But it is the division between the England manager and his players that will be up for scrutiny over the course of 72 potentially pivotal hours later this month. A relationship that was supposed to be all about respect and control now seems poised on the brink of dissolving totally, the Italian’s backing for John Terry in the face of public opinion the potential tipping point. The truth...

What are the odds Silva strikes gold at the PFA awards? Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:48 GMT

Gareth Bale's triumph in April was the first time in five years the PFA Player Of The Year award had gone to a non-Manchester United star. The fact, then, that United have just one player in the top 15 in the betting for this season will come as a surprise – but only if you haven’t seen them lately. David Silva is the 2-1 favourite and a PFA trophy for the little Spaniard could yet be Manchester City’s only Silvaware this season, but there’s a feeling that the mercurial midfielder has gone of...

Why Dalglish's stance on Suarez is dangerous, disingenuous and irresponsible

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:02:07 GMT

Ask me a few questions about English football and I'll give you a few answers. Favourite stadium? Anfield, for a night game. Favourite current players? Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy would all be among them. Favourite characters from the history of the game? Bill Shankly and Matt Busby. Favourite pundits? Well, Alan Hansen, Graeme Souness and Mark Lawrenson are a few, alongside Gary Neville and Lee Dixon. Favourite football quote? Tommy Smith on Shankly: “If there was no fo...

AVB backs Capello over Terry row

MirrorFootball — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:14:01 GMT

"He has the right to his opinion and to share that defence with the player," says Chelsea boss

Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial: Jury sent home after failing to reach a verdict

MirrorFootball — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:41:03 GMT

Jurors will resume tomorrow at 10am

Chelsea still keen on summer moves for Krasic and Willian

MirrorSport — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:48:23 GMT

Juventus and Shakhtar forwards would provide Blues with more creativity

3PM Extra: Amazing Brazilian bicycle kick, Zlat's slap and Curtis Davies does Barry White

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:18:47 GMT

Presenting quality football videos from the interweb, daily at 3pm. Here's today's collection:

1) It 'may' only have been scored in the Brazilian minor leagues - and in front of a crowd barely reaching double figures from the look of it - but there's no denying the quality of this goal. In fact, we'd go so far as to say that Londrina striker Alexandre Oliveira's superb flick up and bicycle kick would grace any league. Take a bow, son...

Parker impressed by Spurs' newfound resilience

Martin Lipton — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:09:12 GMT

'These are the things that all the great sides have' sasy England midfielder

We need to talk about Kevin... What Chelsea fans can expect from new boy De Bruyne

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:10:49 GMT

Football Spy has signed up some of the web's top foreign football experts to provide you with first-hand information on the latest Premier League transfer targets. Here's guest writer Chris Mayer on new Chelsea signing Kevin de Bruyne *** The move was inevitable once Chelsea started making noises about Genk’s dynamic winger last summer but ,finally, the protracted saga ended on Deadline Day as Kevin De Bruyne signed a five-and-a-half-year deal for an estimated £6.7 million. But we need to ta...

Jury still out as they consider Redknapp verdict

MirrorFootball — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:09:01 GMT

Judge asks for a unanimous decision to be returned

Why the title now rests in David De Gea's hands

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:03 GMT

He began the season as a potential liability yet may end it as arguably Manchester United's greatest asset in their pursuit of a 20th title triumph. David De Gea's remarkable save in added time, to keep out Juan Mata's goal-bound free-kick and earn United a 3-3 draw at Chelsea on Sunday, vindicated Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in his young goalkeeper. It has been a turbulent first season in England for De Gea, the 21-year-old's debut campaign a mixture of breathtaking saves and high-profile erro...

Redknapp tax evasion trial: Day 12 LIVE - Jurors warned to ignore football matters

MirrorFootball — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:55:10 GMT

Judge will sum up evidence before jury start considering verdicts today

Serie A blog: As Inter's season lurches back to crisis, can the Tinkerman cure their inconsistency?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:33 GMT

MirrorFootball has teamed up with some of the blogosphere's best new writers to bring you even more great football reads every single day. Today it's our Serie A blogger, footballitaliano.co.uk's Mina Rzouki, with her take on the week's big issues in Italy. *** Dwelling in the land of unpredictability where consistency is their kryptonite, Inter are a side that dip in and out of crisis almost as often as Robinho misses open goals. After winning eight matches on the trot, Inter have not won an...

Will Pardew's 'Whoaah'-factor fire Wor Geordies into Europe?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:08:39 GMT

Asked what it felt like to look at the Premier League table and see Newcastle United in fifth place and pushing for Europe, Demba Ba produced a wonderful answer on Sunday night. Putting his finger perfectly on the mood on Tyneside he simply said: "Whoaah." It neatly encapsulated the thrill, wonder and cautious happiness that Alan Pardew's team have conjured with their - so far - enthralling season. The "Whoaah" moment also hinted at the surprise the world (outside the Newcastle dressing room)...

Picture special: There's some pets on the pitch, they think it's all over... It is miaow!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:27:49 GMT

The highlight of the no score bore at Anfield last night was undoubtedly the appearance of cat on the pitch midway through the first half. Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham - Daily Mirror match report The Liverpool and Tottenham players looked on bemused as the moggie caused a brief "paws" in play when it padded past Kenny Dalglish and onto the field of play - perhaps he thought it was the Milk Cup? Video: Watch the game of 'Cat and Scouse' at Anfield Football matches have long held a special attra...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Tuesday's papers

Football Spy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:24:17 GMT

Wenger warns Hazard may be out of reach, Super Mario heading back to Serie A and three-way battle for Jovetic

Redknapp and Mandaric were like the 'Odd Couple' court hears

David Collins — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:01:21 GMT

Redknapp’s barrister, John Kelsey-Fry QC, told Southwark crown court the case revolved around the portrayal of Redknapp as “greedy”

Why Capello's stance on Terry means the World Cup disaster is all set to be repeated at Euro 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:51:36 GMT

There was something depressingly familiar about Fabio Capello’s contribution to the controversy over the removal of John Terry as England captain. The tone of his intervention spoke of a manager out of touch not just with the mood of his squad but also with the dynamics of the English game. No one is pretending the decision to strip Terry of the armband was easy or that it sits easily with the principle a man is innocent until proven guilty. But the inflammatory nature of Capello’s comments ...

Tweet my Goal! The best gags from Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:51:06 GMT

It was hardly a classic at Anfield as Tottenham held Liverpool to a draw in Harry Redknapp's absence.

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham - Cat pitch invader highlight of bore draw at Anfield

Here's how the action unfolded on our @MirrorFootball feed:

EXCLUSIVE: Furious Capello ready to quit England NOW

John Cross — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:45:35 GMT

Italian boss seething that the decision to strip Terry of the captaincy was taken out of his hands

What are the odds neither Terry nor Capello will be at Euro 2012? Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:30:26 GMT

It has been claimed that 50 per cent of football fans in Britain have a favourable view of John Terry. Is it possible that 50 per cent of football fans don’t understand the word ‘favourable’? After the Anton Ferdinand race row Terry is running out of allies at the FA as quickly as he’s running out of people to shake hands with. Terry has lost the England armband twice in two years – it was underneath his TV remote control – and now there’s talk in the corridors of Paddy Power that he may mi...

Remember these? Six top Manchester United comebacks - video special

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:30:03 GMT

Manchester United looked down and out at half time on Sunday as Chelsea had a 3-0 lead. But they fought back in the second half to seal a point with two goals from Wayne Rooney and one from Javier Hernandez. Seasoned United fans won't have been surprised to see their side battle back, here are six other comebacks from Fergie's fighters. Manchester United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday - Premier League, April 10, 1993The fightback that launched Sir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League domination. United t...

A humiliation, a farce and a shambles - is there anyone who wants Capello to stay?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:50:57 GMT

Another embarrassing day for Fabio Capello. Another embarrassing fudge by the FA. But as voices close to the England boss suggested last night that Capello was questioning whether he wants to stay as Three Lions chief for Euro 2012, perhaps there were bigger issues to answer. Do we any longer care what Capello thinks? And is there anybody who actually still wants to see Capello as England boss when the squad fly to Krakow on June 6? With every passing day, every incident which demonstrates ho...

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham - Daily Mirror match report

Martin Lipton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:55:02 GMT

Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez squander the best chances in drab stalemate

Redknapp to miss Liverpool clash after flight is cancelled

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:51:44 GMT

Match will go ahead, despite thick fog at Anfield

Matt Lawrence's diary of a lower-league footballer: Transfer deadline day, frozen pitches and ping pong

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:20:01 GMT

Matt Lawrence has played for seven league clubs - including Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall, for whom he appeared in the 2004 FA Cup final - during his 16-year career. Now with League Two Gillingham, his diary will appear on MirrorFootball every Monday. *** Monday, 30th January I learnt a serious lesson in the art of football coaching today - although it had absolutely bugger all to day with football! Always wrap up warm and a hat, scarf, gloves, coat and thermal underwear are an absolute...

Gullit: Capello won't quit

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:40:59 GMT

Dutch legend says pal Fab isn't scheming for England exit

Fergie off hook over Stamford Bridge tirade

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:43:44 GMT

Man United boss will not face disciplinary action after slamming linesman

3PM Extra: Kammy's changing faces of fashion, Tunisia keeper with butter fingers and Busquets really IS hurt

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:09 GMT

Presenting quality football videos from the interweb, daily at 3pm. Here's today's collection:

1) Anyone watching the scores come in on Soccer Saturday may have noticed Chris Kamara's changing faces of fashion every time the camera visited Loftus Road.

It was, of course, all part of an elaborate ruse by Kammy to see if Jeff Stelling would spot the difference - you would have to be blind not to as this video montage from offthepost shows...

Redknapp tax evasion trial: Day 11 LIVE - Crown's evidence 'primarily despicable'

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:34:46 GMT

Defence closing statements highlights News Of The World involvement

Diary of an England manager, aged four (and a bit) years

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:42:49 GMT

It's been around four years since a certain granite-faced Italian arrived on these shores recognised as a born winner who was certain to revive the fortunes of our national team of plucky losers. It hasn't all gone according to plan and, after slamming the FA for their decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy, Don Fabio could yet miss a last chance of restoring his reputation with a rousing finish at Euro 2012. Richard Arrowsmith takes a look at how the England manager's diary might read...

Former England boss slams Capello's JT outburst

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:52:58 GMT

Graham Taylor says Fab's public spat with FA will further damage Euro 2012 bid

Bundesliga blog: Happy Birthday Werder Bremen - Ross Dunbar reflects on 113 years of history

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:51 GMT

Welcome to our German football blog, courtesy of Ross Dunbar of brand new German football site bundesligafootball.co.uk. *** The landmark date of February 4th is always a special one for the supporters of SV Werder Bremen, as they celebrate another year of the club in the Bundesliga. On that date in 1899, sixteen teenagers from Bremen had won a football as a prize and began playing under the name of Werder on the banks of the River Weser. The River Islanders have grown to become one of the bi...

Why George Osbourne could learn something from Moyes' cuts and spending in the transfer market

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:44 GMT

Move over George Osbourne. When it comes to someone who can cut spending and generate growth, there is no-one better than David Moyes. I know it was a couple of Jock Chancellor of the Exchequers who got the country into the unholy mess we're in, but Moyes has shown at Everton how to get out of it. His business over the transfer window would have had Arthur Daly purring in admiration as he wheeled and dealed like no other. Best of all, he generated the money he spent so shrewdly in the transfe...

Why the last of Abramovich's billion bucks has to stop with AVB

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:12 GMT

Andre Villas-Boas remains convinced he will be Chelsea manager next season. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy, too, are adamant that Roman Abramovich's visit to Cobham on Saturday, far from an information gathering exercise designed to discover the truth about life under Villas-Boas, was a public message to any internal dressing room doubters that the Portuguese is the owner's unequivocal choice. Yet while the majority of the boos that rang round Stamford Bridge at the final whistle on Sunday nig...

Got, Not Got: Were you once addicted to football cards and junior cigs for beginners?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:34:23 GMT

Just because you hadn’t yet stumbled into double figures by 1970, that was no excuse for not joining the rest of humanity and nurturing a healthy nicotine addiction, using all the props and substitute substances contributed by forward-thinking grown-ups. Junior school kids across the nation were duly provided with bubble pipes, and soon struggled to put a foot on the floor of a morning without lighting up and blowing a roomful of Fairy Liquid bubbles to clear their heads. The liquorice pipe...

Capello may be in breach of contract, says former FA chief

MirrorFootball — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:20:51 GMT

'You have to ask what his motive is' says David Davies