Rovers bag Santa Cruz

Blackburn Rovers have signed Paraguay international striker Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich.The 25-year-old, who has joined for an undisclosed fee, has signed a four-year contract at Ewood Park.Rovers manager Mark Hughes is already well-off for strikers, with Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Matt Derbyshire and new recruit Maceo Rigters on his books.

Hughes admitted on Friday: “What we don’t have is a real threat in the air and that is something we are looking to address.Santa Cruz is a young player, an international with a good reputation who is playing at a top European club.The good thing from our point of view is that his fitness levels are fine as he has been playing in the Copa America.”

Blackburn chairman John Williams told official club website www.rovers.co.uk: "We set off with the intention of securing quality at the right price and I think we have achieved that."

In his eight years with Bayern, Santa Cruz has won the Champions League and five Bundesliga titles, as well as four German Cup triumphs and a World Club Cup winners' medal.In 155 games, he scored 31 times and will bring a wealth of European experience to Rovers too, having played 51 games in the Champions League and scoring seven goals.

Hammers signs Ljungberg

West Ham United have signed midfielder Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal.The Sweden international, 30, had been the Gunners’ longest-serving player after costing Arsene Wenger’s side £3million in 1998 from Halmstads - the fee for his cross-capital move could eventually rise to the same amount.The midfielder played 325 times for Arsenal, scoring 72 goals, but lost his grip on a starting spot last season.

Ljungberg said he left Arsenal because he felt like Henry’s move represented the end of an era.
“Two years ago when I signed my last contract we talked a lot about the future and about bringing great players to the club. Despite building the new stadium we wanted to stay top in England and do well in Europe.For me that didn’t really happen.I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer it felt like the end for me unfortunately.I felt like all the unbeaten players (from Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ of 2003/04) had left. I wanted to be loyal but I felt like it was the right time."

But Ljungberg also insisted there were positive reasons behind his decision and insisted he shared owner Eggert Magnusson’s vision.

He said.“I’m coming here because I want to build a great team,and why I want to join is because of Magnusson. He wants to bring them forward to be top of the country.He’s willing to go to the transfer market to buy top players and mix them with youth players. West Ham have a great academy.He wants to help take the club up and take them to the top in England. It’s a big challenge for me.”

Ljungberg claimed it had been a real wrench to leave Arsenal and that manager Arsene Wenger had tried to convince him to stay.

“I’ve been there for nine years, almost 10 years,” he said.“It’s a big thing for me and I feel it in my heart a little bit.“When I spoke to the boss, he wanted me to stay.But at the same time, I feel it had to be something very, very special for me to leave.I want to go forward and, with the people I have around me, I think it’s going to be really good.”

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believes Ljungberg was lured after seeing the other moves the club have made in the transfer market this summer.

Curbishley said“We spoke to Freddie over the last week and we tried to sell him the club and what we’re about.He’s seen players come in and push us forward.He brings a few things, Champions League experience, captain of Sweden, he’s versatile.There’s a hunger there. He wants to come and push West Ham on and be partly responsible for that.He’s joining another terrific club and that’s the way he’s got to see it.He understands the passion of the club and the passion of the fans and I’m sure he’ll be a big hit here.”

Villa seal Harewood

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Marlon Harewood from West Ham United.The striker has signed a three-year deal to join former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker at Villa Park.
Harewood, 27, has been linked with several clubs since the end of last season.Villa have not disclosed the fee they have paid the Hammers for Harewood.

Manager Martin O’Neill told the club’s website, www.avfc.co.uk: “I’m delighted that he’s accepted the invitation to come and join us.I know there were other teams wanting to take him, but he’s prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the first team.I’m delighted to have him. He’s a strong lad, very athletic and if he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset.He’s coming to join a squad. We’ve let some players go during the summer and we’re now rebuilding the squad again.Marlon’s prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that’s what we want at this football club. He’s a confident lad who’s willing to fight for his place.”

Harewood agreed with O’Neill’s assessment that he must strive to recapture the form of two seasons ago.He saidI’m delighted to join Villa and I think I’ve come at a really exciting time for the club.The manager is aiming high next season and it’s great to be part of his plans.I want to recapture the form I showed a couple of seasons ago, when West Ham got into the cup final and we did so well in the league.There’s a lot of quality here at Villa. I watched the lads train and I’d forgotten just how much quality there was already here.My mate Nigel Reo-Coker has already signed and I know all about his qualities, so I’m just really pleased to be on board.Villa finished last season strongly and I know the aim is to get into Europe this time around. Hopefully I can play my part in that.”

Bellamy joins the Hammers

Craig Bellamy is determined to fire West Ham United into the Champions League after completing a club-record move from Liverpool to Upton Park.The Wales captain agreed a five-year deal with the Hammers for a fee of £7.5million once it was made clear he had no future at Anfield following the arrival of Spain international Fernando Torres.

Bellamy, 28 , only spent one season at Liverpool and has led a nomadic existence in recent years, with short spells at Newcastle United, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers.But he is ready to lay roots in east London and is convinced the Hammers will be competing among the elite before too long.

Bellamy said: “I want to play in Europe, it’s important to me, and I felt that same drive and ambition here at West Ham.Obviously it would be naive of me to say we are going to qualify for the Champions League next season but that’s one thing we are really going to be pushing for here in the future.The club is looking to strengthen what is already a very good squad, and West Ham are renowned for their open and attacking football, so everything is perfect for me.I had a great experience at Liverpool and I believe West Ham will benefit this year because I know I am a better player for it.

”I’ve signed a five-year contract here and I will be here for the long term. I’ve moved around a bit in recent years. Now I want to settle.I’m 28 hopefully approaching the prime years of my career. I believe West Ham are going to see the best of me.”

Bellamy is West Ham’s fourth summer signing and takes manager Alan Curbishley’s spending since he arrived at Upton Park in December to nearly £40million.

Richardson signs with Sunderland

Kieran Richardson has completed his move from Manchester United to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.The 22-year-old midfielder signed a four-year deal with the Wearsiders after successfully coming through a medical on Monday morning.

The England international could now make his Black Cats debut in Wednesday’s friendly with Darlington.Sunderland manager Roy Keane played alongside Richardson during his new acquisition’s five years at Old Trafford.

He told the club’s website www.safc.com: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland.Having worked with him in the past I’m well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is.He’s ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him.”

Richardson spent 2004/05 on loan at West Bromwich Albion and was instrumental in the Baggies' last-gasp escape from top-flight relegation.Then manager Bryan Robson was keen to retain his services but he opted to stay at Old Trafford, where he failed to play more than a peripheral role over the next two seasons.That did not stop him earning a full England call-up in May 2005 and he scored a brace on his debut against the USA. He has amassed eight caps since.

Richardson added: “It’s an exciting move for me.I know all about Roy Keane and I’m looking forward to playing for his team.Sunderland is a big club and it’s a great move for me.”

Chelsea complete Hatrick by signing Ben Haim

Chelsea have made it a hat-trick of free transfers for coach Jose Mourinho after landing Bolton Wanderers defender Tal Ben Haim.Ben Haim follows Steve Sidwell and Claudio Pizarro in moving to Stamford Bridge for nothing as Chelsea continue to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old was out of contract at the Reebok Stadium and former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was hoping to persuade the defender to link-up with him again at Newcastle United.

But Ben Haim, who came close to signing for Chelsea in the January transfer window, opted to sign a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge instead.

Chelsea said in a statement: “We can confirm we have completed the signing of Tal Ben Haim.The Israel international, formerly at Bolton where he was out of contract, completed his medical and agreed personal terms today on a four-year deal.He becomes the third new addition to the first team squad following Claudio Pizarro’s signing earlier this month and the agreement that Steven Sidwell will join on July 1.”

Ben Haim spent three years at Bolton, where his versatility in defence and aerial ability gained him 110 appearances.He was a regular in the Trotters’ UEFA Cup campaign two seasons ago during which he was captain against Besiktas.Previously, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland and has made 22 appearances for the Israel national team.

Babel and Benayoun to Anfield

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Ajax forward Ryan Babel on a five-year contract.Babel and fellow new signing Yossi Benayoun were unveiled at a press conference at Anfield.The Reds have already agreed an £11.5million fee with Ajax for Babel's services, while Benayoun earlier sealed his deal to move to Merseyside from West Ham United.

With Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres costing Liverpool a club-record fee last week, Rafael Benitez’s plans to build a squad capable of challenging for the Barclays Premier League title appear to be virtually complete.Babel can play as a striker or wide midfielder on either flank and will wear the number 19 shirt for the Reds.Speaking to the club’s official website www.liverpoolfc.tv, the Dutchman claimed he found it easy to decide on the move.

He said"I was in Aruba at the end of last week when I was told to start thinking about Liverpool because a move could happen,I have met Rafael Benítez and my conversation with him was the moment I knew the deal would get done.He is like the ideal father-in-law. He has a lot of football know-how and he told me that I would be challenging with six other players for four positions. I have a good feeling about things."

Benayoun completed his protracted transfer by committing himself to the club until 2011.Liverpool and West Ham spent several weeks haggling over the value of the 27-year-old, who had held off signing a new contract at Upton Park once he learned of the Merseysiders' interest.Benayoun moved to England from Spanish side Racing Santander for £2.5million in 2005 and scored eight goals in 72 matches for the Hammers and was influential in their last day escape from relegation last season.

Everton Clinch JAGIELKA Deal

Everton have completed the signing of Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United.The utility player, who was released as a schoolboy by Everton 10 years ago, has signed a five-year contract after the clubs agreed a £4million fee and will join his new team-mates at their St Andrews training camp in Scotland.

Goodison Park boss David Moyes told official club website www.evertonfc.com: "We have been trying to get Phil in for most of the summer.We are delighted to have got him in the end. He will bring competition for places and versatility. He is a good addition to our squad and we hope to add one or two more before the start of the season."

Jagielka was on Everton’s books as a schoolboy, and, after being rejected, he has been with Sheffield United ever since. He made 287 appearances for the Bramall Lane club, scoring 22 goals.Jagielka made his England B debut as a right-back - he was a substitute for Everton skipper Phil Neville in the friendly against Albania in May - he can also operate in the centre of defence, as well as in midfield and has even featured as an emergency goalkeeper.

Geremi Moves to Newcastle

Newcastle United new boy Geremi has revealed Sam Allardyce's football knowledge helped persuade him his future lies on Tyneside.The 28-year-old Cameroon international has completed his free transfer from Chelsea, subject to a work permit, after passing a medical and agreeing a three-year deal.

He will become Allardyce’s fourth summer signing and, although he will not join up with the rest of the squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria after being given time to recover from summer internationals, he is looking forward to getting to work.

Geremi said: “I am delighted to join Newcastle and I am very, very pleased with this move.This, like Chelsea, is a big club and a great football club. They have passionate fans and I look forward to playing for them.I was impressed with Sam Allardyce too. I was impressed with what he has done in football and his knowledge of other teams and players.It’s a great move for me.”

Geremi’s capture adds further strength to Newcastle’s defensive resources after last week’s swoop for Czech international David Rozehnal.He can play either at right-back or in midfield, but with Allardyce looking to rebuild at the back, that is his more likely role.The former Real Madrid and Middlesbrough player, who completed a £7million move to Chelsea from the Bernabeu four summers ago, represents another bargain acquisition for Allardyce after the signings of Mark Viduka and Joey Barton.

CHELSEA COMPLETE MALOUDA DEAL

Chelsea have confirmed their long-anticipated capture of France winger Florent Malouda.
The 27-year-old successfully completed a medical on Monday and has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge after the Blues agreed an undisclosed fee with French champions Lyon.He will fly out to Los Angeles to join the rest of the squad for their three-game pre-season tour of the US.

Malouda was part of the France team that made it to the final of last year’s World Cup in Germany and has accumulated 30 caps in all, scoring three goals.

he told Chelsea TV: "I would like to tell all the fans that I hope they enjoy this season.I'll give all I have for this club, I live for this club and hope we win lots and games and lots of titles."

Both Chelsea and Lyon revealed on Sunday that a fee had been agreed, with the French club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas insisting: “It (the deal) is brilliant and it is good news for Flo.”
Malouda will team up with former team-mates Michael Essien and Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.

Pizarro Moves to London

Striker Claudio Pizarro insists he will have no problem adapting to the style of football in the Barclays Premier League after joining Chelsea from Bayern Munich.The 28-year-old has joined the Blues on a free transfer from the Bundesliga giants after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Bayern’s signing of Italy striker Luca Toni from Fiorentina this week left Pizarro further down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena.Despite being a regular substitute for Bayern - behind Roy Makaay, Lukas Podolski and now Toni - Pizarro’s availability prompted interest from a number of top clubs.

And the Peruvian had no qualms about joining Chelsea - or playing as a lone striker when called upon by Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho.The forward told Chelsea TV: “Yes also, to be a football player you have to be ready for all of that and I am. I’m one metre 86 centimetres, in Germany it’s a very tough league, and in England as well.I think it’s very important for me to win some titles and I have the chance here to win them.The most important thing is the Champions League which I was looking to win with Bayern, but we didn’t have the chance.I think now we have a good team, a good trainer and the chance to win it.I had some interesting offers, but the most important thing was that I talked to the coach, I talked to the people here, and they were very interested. We have many chances to win titles here and that’s what I want.”
Pizarro added: “I get used very fast to playing with different kinds of players. I did it at Bayern and I don’t think it will be a problem now.”

Voronin joins the Reds

Andriy Voronin has admitted to a two-year love affair with Liverpool supporters.That is why the 27-year-old striker cannot wait to get started at Anfield after 12 years in Germany.
Voronin’s arrival was officially announced by Liverpool following a pre-contract agreement when he was at Bayer Leverkusen.A Ukraine international, Voronin expects make his bow in a friendly against Coca-Cola League One side Crewe on July 14.

However, it was while he was playing against Liverpool for Leverkusen two years ago that he was left in awe of the Kop.I will never forget that night, even though my team didn’t perform as well as we could,” Voronin told his new club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

“Even for an opposition player, the supporters and the atmosphere in that stadium were unforgettable, and definitely the thing I remember most from that match.The Liverpool fans are world famous, and though this was not the only reason I decided to join this club, it was certainly one of the main reasons. I can’t wait to play at Anfield in a red shirt.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes Voronin will give him a variety of options up front.
Benitez said: “He is a player with pace and good movement.He plays between the lines, between defenders. He is a good worker also and he scores goals.He’s not the kind of player you can talk about strengths because he has many things he can give to us.”

Blackburn Rovers

Formed by a group of public school old boys in 1875, Blackburn's early history was littered with FA Cup triumphs. It wasn't until 1912 that the First Division title came to Ewood Park for the first time, and Rovers followed up this success with another championship win two years later. Former Blackburn and England favourite Bob Crompton was in charge for the famous FA Cup final victory over Huddersfield in 1928, and the club enjoyed top-flight football until 1936. Blackburn found themselves playing Third Division football in the 1970s before local-boy-made-good Jack Walker transformed the club's fortunes. Walker's financial backing and shrewd appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager in 1991 resulted in Rovers gaining promotion and becoming founder members of the Premier League in 1992.
Blackburn Rovers' Premier League experience is one of football's most compelling stories. Promoted to the inaugural competition in 1992 following 26 years outside the top flight, Rovers became the first team to take the crown from Manchester United in 1995. Jack Walker bought the club and aimed to end their mediocrity in the old Second Division and his dream came true after one of the Premier League's most exciting title races ever. Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton provided the firepower with their 'SAS' partnership to finally bring the championship back to Ewood Park. However, the Rovers story took another turn. They became the first Premier League champions to suffer relegation from the league in 1999. they again returned to top division for the 2001/02 season. Rovers then clinched a European place in 2002/03 by finishing a fine sixth. However, they were brought back down to earth during an injury-hit 2003/04 season as an early European exit combined with a 15th place finish meant a disappointing campaign. But under new coach Mark Hughes, the former Rover who replaced Graeme Souness in September 2004, the club are back on the up and returned to Europe after finishing sixth in the 2005/06 season.
CLUB HONOURS :-
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
1911-12, 1913-14, 1994-95

CHARITY/COMMUNITY SHIELD WINNERS 1912

F.A. CUP WINNERS
1884, 1885, 1886, 1890, 1891, 1928

LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 2002

CHOPRA JOINS BLACK CATS

Sunderland have completed the signing of talented striker Michael Chopra on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old put pen to paper following a medical on Wearside after the Black Cats agreed a fee which could eventually rise to £5million with Cardiff City.The former Newcastle United striker becomes manager Roy Keane's third summer signing after the capture of Greg Halford and Russell Anderson.

Chopra was the Coca-Cola Championship’s second highest scorer last term with 22 goals in 42 matches.Keane told the club’s official website www.safc.com: “I’m delighted that Michael has joined us.He’s a natural goalscorer who will bring competition with our other quality strikers to the side.I’m very confident he will score goals for this football club.”

Hammers gain Bellamy

West Ham United have confirmed that Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has agreed terms for his move to Upton Park but denied reports that the deal has been finalised.But the Hammers have issued a statement saying the £7.5million move cannot go through until the a 27-year-old sorts out a “private contractual issue” with the Anfield club.

They also confirmed Bellamy has passed a medical at Upton Park.The statement, on the club’s official website, www.whufc.com:, said: “Following comments attributed to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, West Ham United would like to make it clear that Craig Bellamy has not yet completed a move to Upton Park.

“The deal has been delayed due to a private contractual issue between Craig Bellamy and Liverpool, which must be resolved before any transfer can be completed.The player is due to meet with Liverpool on Monday morning, and we expect to complete the transfer soon after.”

Bellamy, who looks certain to leave Merseyside after just one season, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Benitez following the capture of Spain forward Fernando Torres and the free transfer of Andriy Voronin.

Bellamy would become West Ham's fourth summer signing and take manager Alan Curbishley's spending since he arrived at Upton Park in December to nearly £40million.The fee for Bellamy breaks West Ham's previous transfer record of £7.25million, which the Hammers paid Norwich for Dean Ashton in January 2006.

Torres to Liverpool

Liverpool have complete the signing of Athelitico Madrid striker and talismanic captain Fernando Torres.Reds boss Rafael Benitez has brought the Spain international to Anfield in an undisclosed club record deal and also giving Luis Gracia in exchange. Th club beat Manchester United and other clubs to land the Spanish International.

The 23-year-old striker, who side-stepped questions about previous interest from Chelsea, has signed a six-year contract but the size of the fee, coupled with Liverpool’s attacking problems last term, mean he will be under pressure to perform immediately.

He has also been handed the club’s famous number nine shirt worn by the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, but is adamant that will also spur him on.

Torres, who will play alongside the likes of Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso, said: “Hopefully I can settle as quickly as possible. It will be a help that there are so many Spanish speakers here and also the manager.I’ll be able to understand them from the word ’go’ and let’s hope the settling in period is as short as possible.I don’t see it as a pressure. It’s a good responsibility and at the same time, it’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to wear the shirt number.The fact that Liverpool have given me that number shows they’ve got a lot of confidence in me and they’ve got high hopes I will succeed."

Newcastle Land Viduka and Barton

Newcastle united have signed 3 year deals with Joey Barton and MarkViduka.
A statement released on City’s official website, www.mcfc.co.uk, and confirmed by the Magpies, said: “Manchester City can confirm that Joey Barton has been sold to Newcastle United for a fee of £5.8million.

“The 24-year-old asked for permission to speak with Newcastle last week after both the Magpies and West Ham submitted bids of £5.5million or more for the player.Newcastle followed their initial bid up with an improved £5.8million offer today (Thursday), which has been accepted by the Blues.”Barton admitted his mind was made up quickly once he arrived at Newcastle.

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce clinched the first signing of his reign when he landed striker Mark Viduka.The 31-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option of a third after passing a medical in London.

Allardyce travelled south to meet the out-of-contract Viduka as he flew in from a family holiday with the player keen to tie up his future before joining up with the Australia squad for their Asian Cup campaign. Viduka told the club’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk: “I am over the moon. I am really happy.The main thing that attracted me to the club was that it is moving in the right direction.I think a new era is about to start. Sam Allardyce has come in and if we can get success then it will be something special.”

Spurs Capture Bent

Spurs smashed their club record to land the England striker, the £16.5million fee being paid in installments over three years and only the last £1million performance-related.The other is the run to get the striker were West Ham and Aston Villa.Darren Bent is determined to help Tottenham Hotspur challenge for a Champions League place following his move from Charlton Athletic.

Along with the £10million deal for Wales left-back Gareth Bale from Southampton, boss Martin Jol and sporting director Damien Comolli have moved early in the summer again as they look to improve on their fifth-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Bent said: "They seem to be getting better and better every season and I would love to be part of that."

Jol's side finished eight points behind Arsenal in the final Champions League place but while their rivals have lost Thierry Henry to Barcelona, Spurs have bolstered a squad that scored more than 100 goals last season.

Spurs also finished fifth in the 2005/06 season and were pipped to fourth on the final day of the season after Arsenal staged a late surge.

Aston Villa

History:-
Original members of the Football League in 1888, Aston Villa are one of the Premier League's founding clubs. Formed in late 1874, Villa were the team to beat in the league's early years with a series of titles and FA Cup victories. A move to a purpose-built ground, Villa Park, from their Perry Barr home in 1897 came just a week after their league and FA Cup Double triumph that year. The Villans secured their sixth league title in 1910 and added further FA Cup glories in 1913 and 1920 as their trophy cabinet bulged. FA Cup success in 1957 and a League Cup triumph in 1961 increased their haul of silverware, but by 1970 Aston Villa were playing Third Division football. However, the club were about to enjoy a remarkable turn of fortunes, with two more League Cups and a return to the top flight followed by their greatest triumph - the European Cup in 1982.

Present :-
Aston Villa have brought together a strong squad which has helped the club flourish in the Premier League. Villa's defence is built around the experience of Sweden international Olof Mellberg and Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen while the emerging talent of Steven Davis brings a spark to the club's midfield. Ron Atkinson took Villa to the brink of Premier League title glory in 1993, but they were pipped to the post by Manchester United. Atkinson then overcame his former club in the League Cup final in 1994 and successor Brian Little emulated the feat in 1996, defeating Leeds United 3-0. John Gregory kept up the high standards, and the side never finished below halfway in the Premier League under his tenure. A run to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 1998 was an outstanding achievement, as Villa retained their hard-to-beat reputation. Former England boss Graham Taylor - who took Villa to second place in the old First Division in 1990 - returned in 2002 for a second brief stint in charge which ended in May 2003. Ex-Leeds manager David O'Leary stepped in and managed the club for three years, before leaving Villa Park in July 2006 in 'an amicable parting of ways', before Martin O'Neill was named as the Irishman's successor. There were changes in the boardroom too, with American billionaire Randy Lerner replacing Doug Ellis as the club's chairman in September 2006.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
1893-94, 1895-96, 1896-97,1898-99, 1899-00, 1909-10, 1980-81 CHARITY/COMMUNITY SHIELD WINNERS 1981
F.A. CUP WINNERS 1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920, 1957
LEAGUE CUP WINNERS
1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996

Sidwell moves to Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Steve Sidwell has agreed to join the club on a free transfer from July 1.The 24-year-old midfielder parted company with Reading at the end of his contract after rejecting a new deal with the club.
Former champions Chelsea have been consistently linked with a move for the highly-rated midfielder throughout the season and he has now passed a medical at Stamford Bridge.He is Jose Mourinho's first signing of the summer and will be a valuable addition to the squad.

The 24-year-old former England Under-21 international turned down a 25,000 pounds a week four year contract offer from Reading to join the recent FA Cup winners after his contract expires on July 1.Chelsea beat off offers from champions Manchester United and Newcastle.

Sidwell who scored four times in 35 Premiership matches last term - gained so much interest after a series of eyecatching performances for Reading on their debut in the Premiership where they defied expectations of being relegated to finish eighth, one place outside winning a UEFA Cup spot.

Man United lands Teenagers

The current EPL champions are going the big spending way. They have signed two Teenagers from Portugal. They are Portugeese Nani and Brazilian Andreson.Manchester United have sent a very strong message to those clubs wanting to wrest away their Premiership title. With the signings of youngsters Nani and Anderson from the Portuguese league and the imminent transfer of Owen Hargreaves, United will take their spending to almost $100 million.

Nani is an exciting winger from Sporting Lisbon, that will make it two Portuguese speedsters down the flanks at Old Trafford. Brazilian playmaker Anderson will make it a very crowded midfield at United but will also ease the workload of the aging Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Champions land Hargreves

Manchester United have finally completed the signing of England midfielder Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Red Devils after a lengthy pursuit by the Barclays Premier League champions.

Hargreaves speaking ti the club's website “It’s been a long time coming.It was probably the worst-kept secret in football, but it's great to be here.”

Canada-born Hargreaves joined Bayern from Calgary Foothills in 1997 and won four Bundesliga titles with Bayern as well as the 2001 Champions League and Intercontinental Cup (World Club Championship).

“I think it's great to finally reach a positive conclusion,” he said. “Especially after all the time and energy that's been put in from everyone involved!”

Hargreaves was a surprise star of England’s largely disappointing 2006 World Cup and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson tracked his progress closely from that point.

However, Bayern had insisted the player - who had been contracted until 2010 - was not for sale, before finally giving way and allowing the deal to go ahead.

Theiry Henry to Barclona

Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry has signed for Barcelona.The 29-year-old profilic strikerwill signed a four-year contract with Barca for an estimated transfer fee of 16 million pounds

Barcelona were denied their third straight Primera Liga title on the final day of the season last Sunday, losing out to arch-rivals Real Madrid on head-to-head results.A great deal of soul-searching has gone on since then after a season short on silverware, and the club has moved quickly to strengthen the squad and appease the fans.

Henry was the focal point at Arsenal but Barca have an array of attacking options and he must find a place in a forward line that already includes Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, Brazilian Ronaldinho and Argentina winger Lionel Messi.The Frenchman turned Barca down and signed a four-year contract with Arsenal after the London side lost to Frank Rijkaard's team in the Champions League final last May.

His change of mind will be a blow to Arsenal, with Henry having been their top scorer in four of the five Premier League seasons from 2001-6, even though he spent much of the last campaign sidelined by injury.

London's most successful Premier League club was formed by workers at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich and was initially known as Dial Square before adopting the name Royal Arsenal in 1886. Renamed Woolwich Arsenal in 1891, they moved to Highbury in 1913 and dropped the prefix.
Arsenal are recognised as one of the giants of English football and a consistent challenger for top honors. Arsenal, under the leadership of enigmatic Frenchman Arsene Wenger, shook off their 'boring' image and began to serve up some of the most attractive football in the league. Thanks in the early days to the immense influence of Tony Adams and the astute signings of players such as Thierry Henry-(now Barcalona), Patrick Vieira - now departed for Juventus - and Freddie Ljungberg, Arsenal climbed back to the top of the pile. Their rise culminated in a second Premier League and FA Cup double in 2002, to add to their 1998 achievement. Three runners-up finishes in the intervening years displays how the north London giants have lived up to their high standards over the last decade. The famous old Arsenal defence has a new look these days, but the replacements, and the recruits to midfield and attack have done enough to assure fans that they can live up to the achievements of their predecessors. The Gunners added a third Premier League crown of Wenger's reign as their astonishing and unprecedented unbeaten run throughout the entire 2003/04 league season saw them lift the title. The 2006/07 season saw the Gunners move away from Highbury - their home for the previous 93 years - to the plush new Emirates Stadium.
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
1930-31, 1932-33, 1933-34, 1934-35, 1937-38, 1947-48, 1952-53, 1970-71, 1988-89, 1990-91, 1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04
CHARITY/COMMUNITY SHIELD WINNERS
1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1948, 1953, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004
F.A. CUP WINNERS
1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005
LEAGUE CUP WINNERS
1987, 1993

Homepage: -http://www.arsenal.com/

The Rules-Competition explained

THE LEAGUE COMPETITION

1. Each Club shall play 2 League Matches against each other Club each Season, being the Home Club in respect of one such League Match and the Visiting Club in respect of the other.

2. The winner of a League Match shall score three points. Each Club participating in a League Match which is drawn shall score one point.

3. The position of Clubs in the table shall be determined by the number of points scored in that Season, the Club having scored the highest number of points being at the top of the table and the Club having scored the lowest number of points being at the bottom.

4. If any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points their position in the table shall be determined on goal difference, that is to say, the difference between the total number of goals scored by and against a Club in League Matches in that Season, and the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club with the larger or largest goal difference.

5. If any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same goal difference the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scored the most goals in League Matches in that Season.

6. If any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points, have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals in League Matches in that Season they shall be deemed to occupy the same position in the table.

THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

1. The Club which is at the top of the table at the end of the Season shall be the League Champions.

2. The League Champions shall receive a trophy which it shall return to the Secretary in good order and condition not later than 3 weeks before the final League Matches of the next Season.

3. The League Champions shall further receive 21 commemorative medals to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit provided, in the case of a Player, that he has that Season played in a minimum of 10 of its League Matches. Additional medals may be presented with the consent of the Board.

RELEGATION

1.The bottom 3 Clubs in the table at the end of the Season shall be relegated to the Football League.

2. If any Club ceases during the Season to be a member of the League, the record of the League Matches in which it has participated that Season shall be expunged from the table and the number of Clubs to be relegated at the end of that Season shall be reduced so as to maintain at 20 (or, if less, as near thereto as may be) the number of Clubs in membership of the League at the beginning of the next Season.

3. If any Club ceases to be a member of the League other than by reason of relegation after the end of the Season but before the Board has fixed the dates of League Matches for the next Season, the Board may invite the relegated club which attained the highest position in the table at the end of the previous Season to rejoin the League.

PLAY-OFFS
If at the end of the Season either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because 2 or more Clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the Clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding League Matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the Board.

EPL -Past Winners

Since the initiation of the Premier League it has been held every year and till now 4 clubs have won this prestigious championship. here is a list of the clubs who have won it from 1992 to present


Season Winner
2006–07 Manchester United
2005–06 Chelsea
2004–05 Chelsea
2003–04 Arsenal
2002–03 Manchester United
2001–02 Arsenal
2000–01 Manchester United
1999–00 Manchester United
1998-99 Manchester United
1997–98 Arsenal
1996–97 Manchester United
1995–96 Manchester United
1994–95 Blackburn Rovers
1993–94 Manchester United
1992–93 Manchester United

History of the EPL

The Premier League was formed on 20 February 1992 and took over as the top professional league from season 1992/93. This meant a break-up of the 104-year-old Football League that had operated until then with four divisions.

A number of events during the mid and late eighties had sent clear signals that fundamental changes were needed to the structure of professional football.

On 11 May 1985 56 fans lost their lives when fire broke out at Bradford City's ground. Later that season, on 29 May, the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus saw the Heysel disaster. Violence broke out between rival supporters, which led to the deaths of 39 fans and resulted in a five-year blanket ban on English clubs in European football. Disaster also struck in April 1989 when 96 football fans were killed and over 150 seriously injured at Sheffield Wednesday's ground, Hillsborough, as they became crushed on an overcrowded terrace at the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

The English game was at possibly its lowest ebb. Stadiums were crumbling, supporters were faced with poor facilities, hooliganism was rife and English football was exiled from European competition. The old First Division became a selling League as many top players were lured by the financial attractions of the Continent.

Following Hillsborough, Lord Justice Taylor recommended a huge programme of investment in order to make football grounds safe and comfortable environments for supporters and to help eliminate crowd disorder problems of the past. One of the key elements of the Report was the introduction of an all-seater policy at designated football grounds.

Football’s image had been severely tarnished and the English game was suffering from an acute lack of investment. By 1992 Clubs were facing huge costs, as the scale of meeting the recommendations of the Taylor report became apparent. In addition many top Clubs voiced growing concerns over their inability to compete for the top players in the transfer market and bridge the gap with European clubs who had advanced considerably during the English Clubs' enforced exile from European competition.

A radical restructuring of the game was required if English football was to prosper.A proposal for the establishment of the League was tabled that would bring more money into the game overall. The Founder Members Agreement, signed on 17th July 1991 by the game’s top-flight clubs established the basic principles for setting up the Premier League.

The newly formed top division would have commercial independence from the Football Association and the Football League, giving the Premier League license to negotiate its own broadcast and sponsorship agreements.

In 1992 the First Division Clubs resigned from the Football league en masse and on the 27th May 1992 the Premier League was formed as a limited company, which worked out of an office at the then Football Association’s headquarters, Lancaster Gate.From the outset of the Premier League there was a commitment to reduce the league from twenty-two clubs to twenty, reflecting the collective will to the development of excellence in the game at club and international level. This change was made at the end of the 1994/95 season.

The first matches kicked off on Saturday 15th August 1992 and when Brian Deane scored the first ever Premier League goal few could have imagined that the competition would come so far in such a short period time. One of the major factors in this rapid development was the Premier League’s relationship with television.

The English Premier League

The Premier League (officially known as the Barclays Premier League for sponsorship reasons, previously known as The Premiership), is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top echelon of the English football league system (above The Football League). It is the world's most watched sporting league, and the most lucrative football league.[1] The Premier League is currently second behind Spain's La Liga in the UEFA rankings of European leagues, which are based on the performances of member clubs in European competitions over a five-year period.

The FA Premier League (as it was then known) was formed in 1992 from the clubs in the top division of The Football League, and is currently contested by twenty clubs. In a total of fifteen seasons, the title has been won by only four teams: Manchester United (nine times), Arsenal (three times), Chelsea (twice), and Blackburn Rovers (once). The current Premier League champions are Manchester United, who won the title with two games remaining of the 2006–07 season.