Check it out, a video made by PTA with 100 days to go until the kickoff of the A-League! If you are looking forward to the season, share it with your friends, help to promote the Australian Football Brand!
David de Gea signs for Manchester United!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
de Gea plays for the under 21's national Spanish team, and looks to be taking the reins from Iker Casillas, when the veteran shot stopper calls it quits. David de Gea flew to United a few days back to undergo a medical and agree to personal terms with the club. The signing has once again triggered rumours that long time United back up keeper Tomasz Kuszczak will be allowed to leave United, after once again being shunned in favour of another keeper. Unless de Gea makes a meal of his opportunity at United, Anders Lindegaard the other United back up will find himself warming the bench for a much longer time than he originally expected.
The exact figure of the sum was not yet released by United, although the agreed fee with Athletico was in the range of 20 million pounds. This proves to be the most expensive signing for United this window. Looks as though the posts at United will be well guarded for a long time to come!
Alexis Sanchez on the verge of a Barcelona move
Barcelona are reportedly paying 40 million euros for the services of the Udinese player. The Italian club are willing to let go of the 22 year old, owner Giampaolo is allowing Sanchez to make his own decision, acknowledging the fact that he will become a superstar in the years to come.
The Chilean man performed very well in the World Cup, and backed up this showing with a dazzling performance in the Serie A, leading Udinese to a top four finish. His contract runs until 2014, but a sum to the value of 40million plus will surely change this.
Udinese have a number of targets lined up if Sanchez chooses to leave.
Under 17's World Cup - Spectacular Goal!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
At any level the goal you are about to see would make the headlines. But what makes this goal even more spectacular is the fact that it was scored by a 16 year old at the Under 17's World Cup. Goalkeeper..... yes goalkeeper Quillan Roberts scored a spectacular goal from beyond the halfway line to secure a draw with England.Canada as a result registered their first ever point at an Under 17 World Cup. Believe it or not, but Quillan isn't even their first choice keeper.
Check out the goal below!
Turan to Chelsea and Drogba the other way?
What is most astounding however, is the asking price Galatasaray are asking for Turan. They have suggested to Chelsea that 8 million euros plus Didier Drogba would be sufficient to meet the needs of the Turkish club. Considering that an outright bid for Turan would amount to a 20 million euro fee, this places a valuation on Drogba of about 12 million euro - not even close to his true valuation.
It is no secret that Drogba is looking to either oust an under-performing Torres from Chelsea, or move to a club who could appreciate his true worth. New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas may just offload the Ivorian in the hope that he can re surge Torres to his brilliant best.
Chelsea have been linked with Aguero in recent weeks as well as Falcao from Porto. With Drogba gone either player could be brought to the bridge. But truth be told, Chelsea desperately need to find Torres' true ability - like that at Liverpool. The addition of Arda Turan may just provide the crucial link between the forwards and midfield at Chelsea.
From a neutral perspective one would argue that Drogba doesn't deserve such treatment from a club which he has been so much a part of. Could it be that Guus Hiddink, the same man who reinvigorated Drogba's career will also be the one to end it, by recommended Turan to Chelsea?
The scuba celebration!
Monday, June 27, 2011
The MLS is known for porvided us with some football virals. Check out this celebration from a player who made a keeper look very ordinary. The goal and celebration come courtesy of a match played between Seattle and New York.
Check it out!
Check it out!
How The Mighty Can Fall: Argentinean Powerhouse River Plate Are Relegated
The most successful club of Argentinean football, Club Atlético River Plate, commonly known as River Plate have been relegated to the second division of Argentinean football Nacional B for the first time in their 110 year history.
This comes as little shock to those who have been following Los Millonario, as their poor form has been evident for quite some time. These poor results culminated in a relegation/promotion playoff between Belgrano de Córdoba, to which over a two legged affair saw Belgrano take a two-nil lead into the second leg. River Plate were unable to mount a comeback at their home stadium at El Monumental and succumbed to a 1 - 1 in the second as Belgrano secured promotion to the top flight.
As it came to pass, perhaps one of the most prestigious and well-known clubs of Argentinean (and South American) football saw themselves relegated to the second division, a league that they had not ever tread into in their vast and glorious history.
The emotion displayed from the players is evident as they must now confront their fans
After the 1-1 draw at El Monumental, fans of Los Millionario began rioting throughout the streets and were greeted by a heavy police enforcement.
Should one be feeling empathetic? Or perhaps apathetic?
There is only one way to find out, to see how Los Millionarios react from their relegation and how they must now dominate Nacional B to regain their status amongst the footballing heavyweights of South American football.
By Marcel Abboud
As it came to pass, perhaps one of the most prestigious and well-known clubs of Argentinean (and South American) football saw themselves relegated to the second division, a league that they had not ever tread into in their vast and glorious history.
The emotion displayed from the players is evident as they must now confront their fans
After the 1-1 draw at El Monumental, fans of Los Millionario began rioting throughout the streets and were greeted by a heavy police enforcement.
Should one be feeling empathetic? Or perhaps apathetic?
There is only one way to find out, to see how Los Millionarios react from their relegation and how they must now dominate Nacional B to regain their status amongst the footballing heavyweights of South American football.
By Marcel Abboud
Play the Advantage - Disability Awareness Day
In the past football has proven to be a way in which people can be brought together. In August, Play the Advantage will run its first ever Disability Awareness Day for children in the Sydney area. PTA hopes that this day will bring children with a range of disabilities together in one place to get out and get active.
We would ask that if you are interested in supporting the day (volunteer or equipment) to contact me at juveseria@ptafootball.com. Also if you know of any children or schools which would attend a day please also contact me.
As well as this Play the Advantage is aiming to get a barbecue up and running for the children who attend the day, although this can only be run on donations as we do not make a profit from running the site! If you are interested in donating please contact us at disabilityawareness@ptafootball.com
Place - St Patricks College Strathfield -
Date + Times - We understand that your clubs play weekend fixtures and that during the week children attend school. So we am willing to negotiate the dates.
What to bring - Boots or Sandshoes and a pair of shin pads. We will supply all the balls and equipment for the day. I will be supported in coaching by fellow students volunteering their time. You may bring food to eat as we will have regular rests, but currently we are looking at organising a few snacks and perhaps a sausage sizzle - the only issue at the moment is being able to fund a barbecue. Don't forget water, but we will have bubblers and water on site for anyone who runs out or needs more.
How Many Spots Available: If we apply the ratio of 1 coach per every 2 or 3 children attending we can cater for 30-45 at any one time. If it so happens that there are more than 30-45 who are willing to come, We am more than happy to run either two separate days, or more than one session on one day (different times)
We would appreciate if you could get back to us regarding your stance on the day. We appreciate the fact that many of the children live a fair way away from Strathfield, but I don't want to limit who can attend. For those of you interested feel free to ask questions, I will get back to you asap!
Date + Times - We understand that your clubs play weekend fixtures and that during the week children attend school. So we am willing to negotiate the dates.
What to bring - Boots or Sandshoes and a pair of shin pads. We will supply all the balls and equipment for the day. I will be supported in coaching by fellow students volunteering their time. You may bring food to eat as we will have regular rests, but currently we are looking at organising a few snacks and perhaps a sausage sizzle - the only issue at the moment is being able to fund a barbecue. Don't forget water, but we will have bubblers and water on site for anyone who runs out or needs more.
How Many Spots Available: If we apply the ratio of 1 coach per every 2 or 3 children attending we can cater for 30-45 at any one time. If it so happens that there are more than 30-45 who are willing to come, We am more than happy to run either two separate days, or more than one session on one day (different times)
We would appreciate if you could get back to us regarding your stance on the day. We appreciate the fact that many of the children live a fair way away from Strathfield, but I don't want to limit who can attend. For those of you interested feel free to ask questions, I will get back to you asap!
Contact - disabilityawareness@ptafootball.com
Manchester United call Nasri to Old Trafford
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Of the many clubs to show interest Manchester United have seemingly come out ontop in the hunt for Nasri. After signing Ashley Young, Nasri would prove to be the perfect addition alongside the Villa wingman. United are reportedly tabling a 20 million dollar bid for his services. A culmination of poor results from Arsenal, as well as a reluctance to sign a 5 year contract have lead to the establishment of rumours regarding his future.
Nasri began the season in electric form scoring nearly every match on Arsenals climb to the top. However an injury lead to a reduced amount of playing time for the number 8. Ultimately Arsenal finished fourth in the EPL and will have to fight for a place in European competitions.
United will formerly make a bid to Arsenal next week. But don't expect the price tag to stay the same, especially because Arsenal will be unwilling to let their starman go to an arch rival club. Nasri was on the verge of signing a contract extention with Arsenal, but may reconsider his options.
Latest Football Highlights - Updated Daily!
Below you can find all the highlights and news from football matches around the world. Enjoy!
Please let us know if we havent included your favourite team, we will strive to include them!
Please let us know if we havent included your favourite team, we will strive to include them!
Gian Piero Gasperini takes charge at Inter
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder as well as Maicon have been heavily reported as leaving Inter. But Interisti would hope that the signing of a new manager will result in such key players remaining in the capital, rather than jetting off abroad (Manchester United and Real Madrid the most likely destinations).
Gasperini will sign a two year contract with the Italian giants. It will prove to be the first of many signings for the club who are hungry to regain the title they forfeited to Milan in 2010/2011.
So my question is, 80% of nothing, is nothing right?
By Paul Frederickson
There is a term that is often used by lateral thinkers, to ‘think outside the box’. With the A-League competing against other codes and sometimes itself, the FFA, the A-League and the clubs have had to try and adapt to this very concept. In the past few weeks the talk of the A-League has centered on Harry Kewell and some of the possible clauses in his contract are definitely different to what we have seen in any Australian sport and possibly world football. Whilst Kewell would most certainly be a marquee player it is the terms of his contract that separate his marquee status from any that have come before him.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines marquee as:
Marquee adj: having or associated with the name recognition and attraction of one whose name appears on a marquee: big-name, star & marquee athletes & marquee events; (1)
A-League marquees allow clubs to have one marquee player, one Australian marquee player and one junior marquee valued at $150,000.
Currently, most clubs have no marquee players, the Brisbane Roar is a prime example whilst others such as Adelaide United have Sergio Van Djik as their marquee and Perth Glory has Shane Smeltz. Fine players in the A-League but hardly what would be considered marquees for the competition. True marquees, it could be argued, should generate interest in the competition
Harry Kewell at the age of 32 fits the marquee bill perfectly. Since the age of 16 Harry Kewell has been one of the biggest stars of not only Australian football but also Australian sport. He is a big name, big star, and star athlete. In my previous article we discussed the need for Australian footballers to return to the A-League and the possible benefits that would ensue. A fit and hungry Harry Kewell would undoubtedly create media interest, see extra supporters attend games and sell Kewell branded merchandise. This is precisely what Kewell and his manager are suggesting should be included in his contract.
It is suggested that if Melbourne Victory sign Harry that he will not be paid a traditional salary. Instead of being paid a marquee salary Kewell would be paid 80% of the new revenue that his signing generates for Melbourne Victory. Whilst the finer points of this contract have not been published the initial idea is quite revolutionary. There are so many questions that this type of contract presents: who determines what is considered new revenue? Why would Melbourne Victory agree to such a high percentage? Will the FFA sanction the contract? Will other clubs follow the trend? More importantly will Harry honor the contract if he does not make the money that he and his manager must think that they will make?
So my question is, 80% of nothing, is nothing right? That is the risk that Harry and his manager will be taking. If no new business is generated, which is unlikely, then he will not be paid by the Victory.
Melbourne must be confident that they have their man. Sam Lienert from Fox Sports Australia reported that; "It's the first time we've admitted to negotiating with a player. That in itself tells you the significance of a signing like Harry Kewell," Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.
Good promotion for the A-League and Melbourne Victory in this extended pre-season, and not a bad shop window for Harry Kewell if he is still intending to play away from Australia.
Whoever Harry Kewell signs with will be venturing into waters barely thought of in Australian sport. No matter what happens with Harry the box has been opened, and everyone is peaking out of it!
(1) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquee?show=1&t=1308521616
(2) Sam Lienert, “Melbourne Victory convinced they hold the aces as A-League battle for Harry Kewell's services hots up”, Fox Sports, June 21, 2011. http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/melbourne-victory-convinced-they-hold-the-aces-as-a-league-battle-for-harry-kewells-services-hots-up/story-e6frf4gl-1226079433398
There is a term that is often used by lateral thinkers, to ‘think outside the box’. With the A-League competing against other codes and sometimes itself, the FFA, the A-League and the clubs have had to try and adapt to this very concept. In the past few weeks the talk of the A-League has centered on Harry Kewell and some of the possible clauses in his contract are definitely different to what we have seen in any Australian sport and possibly world football. Whilst Kewell would most certainly be a marquee player it is the terms of his contract that separate his marquee status from any that have come before him.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines marquee as:
Marquee adj: having or associated with the name recognition and attraction of one whose name appears on a marquee: big-name, star & marquee athletes & marquee events; (1)
A-League marquees allow clubs to have one marquee player, one Australian marquee player and one junior marquee valued at $150,000.
Currently, most clubs have no marquee players, the Brisbane Roar is a prime example whilst others such as Adelaide United have Sergio Van Djik as their marquee and Perth Glory has Shane Smeltz. Fine players in the A-League but hardly what would be considered marquees for the competition. True marquees, it could be argued, should generate interest in the competition
It is suggested that if Melbourne Victory sign Harry that he will not be paid a traditional salary. Instead of being paid a marquee salary Kewell would be paid 80% of the new revenue that his signing generates for Melbourne Victory. Whilst the finer points of this contract have not been published the initial idea is quite revolutionary. There are so many questions that this type of contract presents: who determines what is considered new revenue? Why would Melbourne Victory agree to such a high percentage? Will the FFA sanction the contract? Will other clubs follow the trend? More importantly will Harry honor the contract if he does not make the money that he and his manager must think that they will make?
So my question is, 80% of nothing, is nothing right? That is the risk that Harry and his manager will be taking. If no new business is generated, which is unlikely, then he will not be paid by the Victory.
Melbourne must be confident that they have their man. Sam Lienert from Fox Sports Australia reported that; "It's the first time we've admitted to negotiating with a player. That in itself tells you the significance of a signing like Harry Kewell," Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.
Good promotion for the A-League and Melbourne Victory in this extended pre-season, and not a bad shop window for Harry Kewell if he is still intending to play away from Australia.
Whoever Harry Kewell signs with will be venturing into waters barely thought of in Australian sport. No matter what happens with Harry the box has been opened, and everyone is peaking out of it!
(1) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquee?show=1&t=1308521616
(2) Sam Lienert, “Melbourne Victory convinced they hold the aces as A-League battle for Harry Kewell's services hots up”, Fox Sports, June 21, 2011. http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/melbourne-victory-convinced-they-hold-the-aces-as-a-league-battle-for-harry-kewells-services-hots-up/story-e6frf4gl-1226079433398
Fabregas, a 30 million dollar joke!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Barcelona have apprarantly made a 30 million dollar approach for the number 4 attacking midfielder. Arsenal have rejected the bid, stating that they are not prepared to sell their captain under any circumstances. With the Londoners failing to win any trophies yet again, one would wonder when enough is enough for the Spanish man. It may prove to be the case that the 24 year old asks for a release to his former club.
If there's anything for certain now, its that Fabregas will still be at the Emirates next year!..... well at least untl Barca come calling again.
Ashley Young completes Manchester United Transfer
Villa boss Alex McLeish was amongst the many people to praise Young for being picked up by such a big club. The new United man plays similar to Nani and Valencia, and will most likely play between them in an attacking midfield role, although thats not to say we won't see him feature on the wing some time or another. This season, injury proved to be a major setback for United, especially for Valencia, who was sidelined for most of the season. The addition f Young will provide some much needed relief for United in this situation, if it arises.
Young proves to be the second signing in United's transfer campaign. The Devils signed young defender Phil Jones from Balckburn earlier on, supplementing and already rock solid defence. The future looks bright for United!
In's and Out's of the Transfer Season thus far! 20/6 - 23/6
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sergio Aguero still hasn't confirmed where he will play next year, partly because of a 45million dollar price tag. Elsewhere Fabregas has talked himself back into Barcelona's books and Alexes Sanchez - Is he in Spain or England. Meanwhile there are those brave souls who have ventured to other clubs. Here's who:
Information courtesy of Goal.com
| » Date | Player Name | Country |  To |  From | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/11 | Striker |  | Trabzonspor | Eintracht | Free Transfer |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Deportivo | Mallorca | Free Transfer |
| 6/22/11 | Striker |  | Napoli | Empoli | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Catania | Empoli | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | Roma | AC Milan | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder |  | Reggina | Cagliari | End of Loan |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Albinoleffe | Cagliari | End of Loan |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | Genoa | Cagliari | End of Loan |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Le Mans UC 72 | Istres | Free Transfer |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Stade Rennais FC | AS Nancy-Lorraine | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Parma | Juventus | Co-Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder |  | Sunderland | Birmingham | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Goalkeeper |  | Sunderland | Coventry | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Toulouse FC | Etoile Sportive du Sahel | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Toulouse FC | Etoile Sportive du Sahel | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Goalkeeper | | Chievo | Inter Milan | Co-Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Chievo | Inter Milan | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Goalkeeper | | Chievo | Modena | Co-Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Siena | Genoa | Co-Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender | | Cagliari | AC Milan | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | AC Milan | Genoa | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder |  | Trabzonspor | KSP Polonia Warszawa | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder |  | AC Milan | Genoa | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Nocerina | Varese | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Cesena | Verona | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Roda | Willem II | Free Transfer |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder |  | Sporting de Gijon | Rayo Vallecano | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Goalkeeper |  | Wolves | Swansea | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Midfielder | | Lecce | Roma | Co-Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | Juventus | Udinese | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender | | Juventus | Udinese | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | Juventus | Cagliari | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Striker | | Juventus | Napoli | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender |  | Espanyol | Alkmaar | Full Ownership |
| 6/22/11 | Defender | | Toulouse FC | Etoile Sportive du Sahel | Full Ownership |
| 6/21/11 | Striker | | Genoa | Cagliari | End of Loan |
| 6/21/11 | Goalkeeper |  | TKİ Tavşanlı Linyitspor | Gençlerbirliği SK | Free Transfer |
| 6/21/11 | Striker | | Kardemir Karabük | Denizlispor | Free Transfer |
| 6/21/11 | Midfielder |  | F.C. Cartagena | Malaga | Full Ownership |
| 6/21/11 | Defender | | Getafe | Deportivo | Free Transfer |
| 6/21/11 | Midfielder | | Levante | Hercules | Free Transfer |
| 6/21/11 | Midfielder |  | FC Nantes Atlantique | FC Nantes Atlantique | Full Ownership |
| 6/21/11 | Striker | | FC Nantes Atlantique | FC Nantes Atlantique | Full Ownership |
| 6/21/11 | Midfielder |  | FC Metz | Toulouse FC | Full Ownership |
| 6/21/11 | Midfielder | | FC Nantes Atlantique | US Boulogne | Full Ownership |
| 6/20/11 | Midfielder | | Catania | Ascoli | Full Ownership |
| 6/20/11 | Defender | | Marseille | FC Lorient | Full Ownership |
| 6/20/11 | Defender | | Dijon FCO | Charleroi | Full Ownership |
| 6/20/11 | Midfielder | | FC Lorient | AS Monaco FC | Full Ownership |
| 6/20/11 | Midfielder | | Stade Lavallois MFC | Valenciennes FC | Loan |
Information courtesy of Goal.com
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