ARSENAL:
Aaron Ramsey has appeared in Arsenal colours for the first time since breaking his leg in February. The Wales midfielder came through 45 minutes of a reserve-team match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Gunners' training ground. The 19-year-old looked
confident on his return before departing as planned at half-time, though he is not expected to challenge for a first-team spot in the immediate future. The young Welsh midfielder suffered a double leg break when Stoke’s captain made a rigorous tackle on him.
ASTON VILLA:
Gerard Houllier says he has recently seen an improvement in midfielder Stephen Ireland. Ireland has made just five Barclays Premier League starts for Villa this season and this has led to speculation the 24-year-old could be sold when the transfer window
reopens in January. But Houllier said, “He has been very good. He has been training hard and I saw him (on Friday) and he has been playing well.”
BLACKBURN ROVERS:
Defender Ryan Nelsen will only end his international career if it starts to affect his form. Blackburn manager has urged his experienced centre half to think seriously about the thoroughness of trying to pool his duties for Blackburn and New Zealand.
However, while Ryan is aware that he could face a big decision at some point in the future, he is happy to continue fighting on both fronts for the time being.
BLACKPOOL:
The on-loan striker from Derby County, Luke Varney, wants to stay permanently with Blackpool but for that he would need to take a pay cut. Moreover, Varney has also hinted he would be willing to do so to join Blackpool on a full-time basis. Luke, who has
scored four goals for the club, said, “Hopefully something can be sorted out in January or if not then at the end of the season. You can't not slot in here because the gaffer gives you so much space to express yourself.”
CHELSEA:
The legendary coach of Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has joined the League Managers Association's Hall of Fame. The former Chelsea boss was speaking as a guest of honour at the League Manager Association's annual Hall of Fame dinner. Mourinho said, “I am
very proud of this because I am not British and I spent just over three years in the Barclays Premier League - which is not a significant time to create a big history. But the time I spent here was the best time of my career so far - and that's despite winning
the Champions League in Portugal and Italy. This is special for me as I get to see people I like very much and respect.”
The Special one has joined Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Bob Paisley and Arsene Wenger in the Hall of Fame.
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