Premier League News Round Up; Hart and Given to battle for the Number 1 jersey, Andy Carroll to stay at Newcastle United, Hodgson fears friendship with Ferguson in jeopardy due to Liverpool job
Hart and Given to battle for the Number 1 jersey:
Joe Hart was the third choice keeper for England and could not play a single match in the World Cup. He is an exciting young talent and is extremely confident as a goal keeper. He was impressive in the last season at Birmingham, and was athletic and strong. He returns to Eastlands to challenge Shay Given for the first choice keeper.
Given had an impressive season at Manchester City, and was the known for his game saving saves. He denied Lampard’s penalty in the match against Chelsea, when Lampard had not missed a penalty for three years. He dislocated his shoulder in the dying moments of the season and returns to full training on Monday. He aims to be fit, and start playing for Manchester City at the start of the season. He admitted that he might miss one or two pre-friendly matches but is hopeful to start the season fully fit.
He praised Joe Hart for being a top keeper and an exciting young talent. Given was happy to be able to work with him again, but stated that Hart is for the future and has big ambitions. Hart is expected to leave Manchester City if he fails to earn the number 1 jersey from Given. Hart has been part of the Manchester City squad since 2006, and is now focusing on his career at the Eastlands. He praised James for his efforts but aims to earn the number 1 jersey in England as well.
Andy Carroll to stay at Newcastle United:
The Newcastle United striker bagged 19 goals for his side and helped his side back into the Premier League. The 21 year old is wanted by many premier league clubs, owing to his talent and amazing finishing ability. He however, signed a new four year contract with the Magpies, trebling of what he is earning at the moment. He scratched all the speculations, claiming that New Castle United is the only team for him, and this is where he belongs. He vowed to help his team re-establish itself following last year relegation, and will face Manchester United in the opening match of the season.
Hodgson fears friendship with Fergie in jeopardy due to Liverpool job:
Roy Hodgson was unveiled as the new Liverpool manager, following Rafa Benitez departure to Inter Milan. He is yet to give his close friend Alex Ferguson a call, and admits that their friendship may be affected owing to the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. Liverpool and United are arch rivals, as they are currently tied at 18 titles each. There has always been bad blood between the sides, and Hodgson is concerned about his “excellent relationship” with Ferguson. He hopes that Sir Alex Ferguson will not be too upset, and perhaps have a glass of wine with him. He criticized the method that compares one manager’s performance with another, and termed it to be just nonsense. He admitted that clubs and teams do fight with each other, and do share some bad blood between each other, but he argued that he hated when it happened between managers.
"If you happen to be manager of a club who is fighting for survival against a club which wins the title every year, the chances are that in the battles you've had he's won one and you've won five. That's the way it goes," the new Liverpool manager stated.
On the other hand, Hodgson looks to include home grown players into his inherited squad, and perhaps give them a chance. He admitted that players look up to the new manager to perhaps finally get a break into the first team, and considered it “foolish” to ignore it as a manager. Hodgson looks to rescue Liverpool out of its miseries, as they were forced out of the top four and aims to bring back the Champions League spot to the Merseyside.
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