Irish striker pens new Reading deal
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailRepublic of Ireland striker Shane Long has reaffirmed his commitment to Championship outfit Reading by penning a new deal that will keep him at the Madjeski Stadium till 2012.
Long, 23, joined the Berkshire club from Cork City in 2005 and is now in his sixth season with the club. His last contract with the Royals was due to expire at the end of the current 10/11 season.
Long has scored two goals for Reading this season and has already made over a hundred and fifty competitive appearances for the club.
The striker said that he was happy that Royals boss Brian McDermott had shown faith in him and offered him an extension.
Irish keeper Gilmartin signs for Watford
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailWatford have signed Republic of Ireland keeper Rene Gilmartin from League One side Walsall. Gilmartin, 23, has signed a two year contract with the Hornets. He leaves the Saddlers after five years at the Banks’ Stadium.
The 6’5’’ Gilmartin had loan spells at Worcester City and Hednesford Town during his stint at Walsall. He has also been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U-19 and U-21 level.
Gilmartin will compete with Scott Roach for the No.1 shirt at Watford during the 10/11 season.
Watford finished 16th in the Championship last season, while Walsall had to be content with a 10th place finish in League One.
Matejovsky leaves Reading
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailRoyal’s midfielder Marek Matejovsky has signed for Czech champions Sparta Prague for an undisclosed amount. The 28-year old who joined Reading from Mlada Boleslav for £1.4million in 2008 struggled to hold down a place in the starting line-up over the last two years. After signing in 2008, Matejovsky enjoyed a purple patch where he went on to represent his national side at the European Championships.
But after Reading’s relegation from the top tier of English football, Matejovsky’s form declined. He made just 14 starts in an injury hit 2008-09 season and appeared only 15 times last season under Coppell. In his 51 appearances for Reading, he managed to score only two goals.
Reading’s football director Nick Hammond insisted that the deal was beneficial for both parties. “We have a large number of good midfield players and over the last two seasons Marek has been unable to hold down a regular first-team place. Marek, like many, wants to play regular football and with so much competition for that position in our squad we could not guarantee him that next year “, he said.
After finishing ninth in the Championship, Reading are looking to strengthen their squad and mount a serious challenge for promotion next season.
Sheffield United sign Johannes Ertl
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSheffield United have signed Austria international defender Johannes Ertl on a free transfer.
Johannes Ertl who was released by Crystal Palace signes a two-year contract which will keep him at the club untill 2012.
The 27 year old defender has had seven international caps for his country.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell said: “He’s a good lad who can do a very solid job at right-back, central midfield and even centre-half.
“He has played enough times in the Championship for me to know he can come in and do it for us here.”
Football League Loan Deals – 20 March
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailIn today’s piece, we have a quick look at the loan movements in the Coca Cola Championship. Sheffield United have signed goalkeeper Steve Simonsen on a month long loan deal from Premiership side Stoke City. The Blades had to look for reinforcements after Blackburn decided to call back Mark Bunn on Wednesday. The 30-year old stopper is expected to go straight into the squad for their next game against Doncaster Rovers.
Blackpool have edged QPR in the race to sign Everton full back Seamus Coleman on a one month loan deal. The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international made his debut for Everton against Benfica last year in a Europa League encounter and has impressed whenever he has played for the Toffees.
Nottingham Forest are eager to turn Radoslaw Majewski’s loan deal into a permanent move. Majewski has impressed at the City Ground since arriving from Polonia Warsaw last summer. Forest boss Billy Davies is keen on Majewski being a Forest player for the next season.
Meanwhile, Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has extended his loan spell with Plymouth by a month and will remain at Home Park till 24th April. Stockdale has made 12 appearances for the Pilgrims.
Plymouth close in on Bhasera
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailChampionship side Plymouth Argyle are close to completing a deal for Zimbabwean international Onismor Bhasera. The defender had been involved in a contract wrangle with his current club Kaiser Chiefs. The South African club believed that they own his registration while the player insisted that he was a free agent.
Bhasera had been trying to secure a move to England for a long time. He trained with Pompey at the end of last season. He also spent a lot of time with Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday on trial but Plymouth moved swiftly and secured the services of the 23-year-old left full back. Bhasera would need to obtain his visa and international clearance before he can make his debut for Plymouth, who find themselves second from bottom and struggling for survival in the League. If the deal goes through, Bhasera would become the second defender to sign for Plymouth this week after the loan signing of Bondz N’Gala from West Ham United.
Paul Hart had been a huge fan of Bhasera and had given him trials at Portsmouth and QPR. But after Hart’s departure from QPR, the Loftus Road club decided to sign Matt Hill paving the way for Bhasera to join Paul Mariner at Plymouth.
Football League News – 05 March 2010
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailLet’s take a quick look at the player movements in England’s lower leagues. Burnley defender Richard Eckersley has joined Plymouth on loan for a month’s duration. He is expected to go straight into the first team for Plymouth’s game against Preston on Friday. Meanwhile, Norwich are close to signing Preston striker Stephen Elliott till the end of the season. The Republic of Ireland international has had his opportunities limited at Deepdale after the arrival of Danny Welbeck on loan from Manchester United.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has stated that teenage prodigy Martyn Waghorn is not for sale. The 17 year old who is on loan at Leicester has earned rave reviews for his displays in the Championship but Bruce insists that there is no chance of the player leaving the Stadium of Light. Oldham have moved quickly to land Blackpool’s Daniel Nardiello in a move which will hopefully reduce their goal scoring worries. Newcastle winger Kazenga Lua Lua has expressed his desire to extend his loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion. His initial loan deal was to expire after Brighton’s next game against Colchester but Seagulls boss Gus Poyet is interested to extend his loan spell.
And finally, after being out for four months with a foot injury, Joey Barton has resumed training with Newcastle United. He is expected play for the reserves in the next week and according to Chris Hughton, Barton might play a major part in Newcastle’s last 13 games in the Championship.
Neil Warnock may take up QPR job.
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailNeil Warnock’s future as boss of Crystal Palace hangs in balance. The former Sheffield United gaffer has been linked with the manager’s job at QPR and rumours have started gathering momentum after Palace were knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa. Warnock admitted that he would be in charge of Palace for their next game against Doncaster on Sunday but was non-committal over his long term future. Instead he admitted that he would be interested in taking up the job at QPR.
Crystal Palace are third from bottom in the Coca Cola championship after having ten points docked at the start of the season. As a result of the transfer embargo imposed on them by the Football Association, they are unable to sign any new players.
QPR have had a very turbulent season as well. They lie just four points above Palace and are themselves not sure of survival. If Warnock takes charge of the Loftus Road based side, he would be the fifth manager of their topsy-turvy season.
Meanwhile Palace midfielder Darren Ambrose has expressed his wish that Warnock continue as Palace manager. Ambrose said that Warnock was ‘massively important’ to the future of the Selhurst Park club.
Championship Roundup- February 16
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailWest Bromwich Albion temporarily went top of the Championship after drawing 1-1 with Cardiff City away from home. The Bluebirds took the lead through Peter Whittingham but Roberto di Matteo’s side equalised on the stroke of half time through Gianni Zuiverloon.
Ten man Blackpool ended their five game winless run as they beat Gordon Strachan’s Middlesbrough 2-0 at home. Brett Ormerod and DJ Campbell were the scorers for the Seasiders.
There was late drama in the game between Bristol City and Leicester as both teams scored in second half injury time. David Clarkson netted for Bristol City while Lloyd Dyer equalised for the Foxes.
Derby moved above Preston North End in the league table by beating them 5-3 at Pride Park. Rob Hulse scored a brace for the Rams.
Nottingham Forest kept themselves in the hunt for the title by eking out a narrow 1-0 win over ten man Sheffield United. Robert Earnshaw scored what was to be the winner in the fourth minute of the game. It was also Earnshaw’s 150th career league goal.
Elsewhere, bottom of the table Peterborough beat Roy Keane’s Ipswich 3-1 at London Road, with Liam Dickinson scoring a goal on debut for Posh. Fellow strugglers Plymouth had Damien Johnson to thank for a late equaliser against Swansea.
Doncaster Rovers beat local rivals Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 while Paul Hayes’ last gasp goal secured a 2-1 win for Scunthorpe over Barnsley.
Coca Cola Championship results roundup
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailNewcastle cruised past the Bluebirds with a 5-1 score line on Friday to stretch their lead atop the Championship table. But the response from the chasing pack was positive as both West Brom and Nottingham Forest kept pace with the leaders with win on Saturday.
West Brom edged Plymouth in a very cagey affair. Simon Cox’s 66th minute goal proved to be the difference between the two sides. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, were propelled by a Dexter Blackstock brace as they downed Sheffield Wednesday 2-1.
In the early kickoff on Saturday, Swansea City defeated Preston 2-0 to go level on points with Cardiff City. Ashley Williams and David Cotterill came up with the goals for the Wales based side. Sheffield United dropped out of the playoff places with a 1-1 draw against Derby County. Lee Williamson fired home a late equaliser to neutralise Robbie Savage’s goal for the Rams. The sixth spot in the League was usurped from Sheffield United by Leicester City who won against Ian Holloway’s Blackpool.
Middlesbrough came from behind to bag a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Daryl Murphy scored in his first game for the new club but his effort was cancelled out by a David Wheater header. Crystal Palace continued their northward run with a last-gasp win against Scunthorpe. Neil Danns broke Scunthorpe hearts with a winner in injury time.
Reading secured their second consecutive win in the league with an invaluable 2-1 win away at Doncaster. Reading are third from bottom and one point away from climbing out of the relegation zone.
Transfer Deadline Day Movements
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailWith the transfer window behind us, we take a look at the last minute deals that have taken place in lower divisions of England. Manchester City have swooped for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. The fee is rumoured to be around £7 million and the England Under 21 international has signed a four and a half year contract at Eastlands. Boro themselves have secured the services of Celtic striker Scott McDonald and Aberdeen’s Lee Miller.
Ipswich have completed the double signing of David Healy and Daryl Murphy from Sunderland on loan till the end of the season while Preston have moved quickly to sign Paul Coutts from Peterborough United. Preston have also signed Keith Treacy from Blackburn for an undisclosed fee.
Michael Tonge has moved to Pride Park for the remainder of the season on loan as he was not getting enough playing time with Stoke while Jonathan Lund has joined League Two side Rotherham on loan for the rest of the season from Burnley. Leicester City striker Paul Dickov has had his contract terminated with the Championship side on mutual consent. And finally, Wigan Athletic have won the race for the signature of Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses. The 21-year old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the DW stadium.
Coca Cola Championship Results Roundup – Jan 16
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailAlan Irvine and Darren Ferguson had contrasting starts as new managers in the Coca Cola Championship. Irvine got off to a winning start as his Sheffield Wednesday side defeated Barnsley 2-1. Tommy Spurr and Jermaine Johnson came up with the goods for the Owls.
Darren Ferguson’s first game in charge though ended in a disappointing 4-2 loss for PNE against Bristol City. Haynes, Fontaine, Carey and Sno scored for Bristol and left Ferguson still looking for his first points as PNE boss.
Nottingham Forest moved up into the automatic qualification spots with a 2-1 win against Reading. Paul Anderson and Robert Earnshaw scored for Forest in a game that saw Nicky Shorey sent off against his former club. Crystal Palace’s in-demand forward Victor Moses was the hero as his first half strike proved to be the winner against Plymouth. Derby overcame Peterborough 3-0 at London Road. The Posh ended the game with nine men on the pitch. Gorka Pintado’s first goal for over ten months gave Swansea City a much needed win over playoff rivals and moved them to the fourth position in the League.
There were also a couple of draws in the League with QPR coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Blackpool. The game between Scunthorpe and Cardiff also ended in a timid 1-1 stalemate.
English Championship Transfer Roundup
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailChampionship leaders Newcastle United are stepping up their chase for transfer targets. Boss Chris Hughton remains confident of striking a deal for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford who scored the all important winner at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup. Newcastle also aim to extend Danny Simpson’s loan deal till the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer. The Magpies are also actively looking for defensive reinforcements after their bid for Sheffield United centre back Matthew Kilgallon was rejected. Hughton has also rejected any claims that the club is closing in on a deal with Southampton striker Rickie Lambert.
On the other end of the table, Reading have managed to sign Stoke defender Andy Griffin on loan till the end of the season. Griffin has struggled to establish himself at the Britannia Stadium and a move to the Championship may well help him get some valuable playing time. Heidar Helguson who played for Watford for over five years has rejoined the Hornets on loan from fellow Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers. QPR have also been buoyed by the news that tenacious midfielder Mikele Leigertwood has extended his deal with the club.
After losing Owen Coyle to Bolton, Burnley are actively hunting for a manager. Their main targets are reportedly Doncaster boss Sean O’Driscoll and Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws who started his playing career at Turf Moor. Leicester City have extended the loan deal for Manchester City defender Ryan McGivern till the end of the season. And finally, Southampton are pushing for a move for Coventry City’s defender Elliot Ward. Southampton are offering the lad a 18-month deal to make a move to League One.
Southampton sign Portuguese central defender Jose Fonte
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSouthampton have signed Portuguese central defender Jose Fonte from Championship side Crystal Palace. Fonte, put pen to paper on a three and a half year deal to keep him at St. Mary’s until 2013. The fee is undisclosed, but rumours have it to be somewhere near the £1.2m. Fonte has been a first team choice for Palace since joining them in 2007 from Benfica making 22 league appearances for Palace this season.
Jose Fonte said:
“I’m really happy to be at St Mary’s,”
“Don’t get me wrong , I was happy at Crystal Palace and I had a good spell there. I have only good things to say to the fans and everybody I have worked with at the club.
“But I’ve made a decision and I’m very happy with it. I’ve come here with a purpose which is to help this club move to the top divisions.
“I’m very happy with this contract, and with how Southampton have treated me, so it’s a happy day for me and I just want to help the club…..”
Football League News- January 8 – 2010
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailA lot of managerial movement is happening in the lower leagues. Alan Irvine is understood to be the favourite to take over the vacant job at Sheffield Wednesday only a week after he had been sacked as Preston manager. Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has rubbished any rumours linking him to the vacant managerial position at Burnley. Former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers has criticised club bosses for not giving enough time to managers after a host of managers in the lower leagues were sacked in not so satisfactory circumstances.
As expected, a lot of player movement is also being seen in the Championship. Queens Park Rangers have agreed to take Hull forwards Caleb Folan on loan till the end of the season. French club Nice have taken Didier Digard on loan till the end of the season with an option of buying him for €6million. Cardiff starlet Adam Matthews is getting a lot of attention from Premier League big boys Manchester United and Arsenal and might be the subject of a bid in January.
Coventry have completed the signing of Carl Baker from Stockport and Swansea City have signed Dave Cotterill from Sheffield United for £600,000 – a club record fee. We will bring you more rumours and
movements from the Championship after this weekend’s round of games.
Football League News- January 5 – 2010
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailThe lower league teams in England are buzzing after a string of upsets in the third round of the FA Cup. League One leaders Leeds United shocked rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford while Reading managed to hold Liverpool to a draw.
Jermaine Beckford, who scored Leeds’ goal at the “Theatre of Dreams” might not be at the club for long. Beckford is a long term target of Newcastle boss Chris Hughton and he admitted that the club are working very hard towards getting Beckford signed in the winter transfer window. Newcastle United have also been very quick to refute any rumours that Cameroon international Geremi might be be close to signing for Turkish club Ankaragucu. Derby County are hoping to entice James Vaughn to join them for a second loan spell. Vaughn has been in good form after returning to Everton and has scored in his last two games. Derby, though, might have to part ways with Rob Hulse and Kris Commons.
A host of lower league teams including Carlisle, Barnsley, Plymouth and Charlton are jostling for the signature of Chelsea’s young midfielder Tom Taiwo. The ball lies in the player’s court. Taiwo has
to decide if he wants to move away from the capital in favour of a lesser team. Roy Keane is very eager to get Tottenham’s Mexican star Giovani dos Santos on loan. Dos Santos scored four times in eight
games for Ipswich last season, and Keane is confident that he would be able to persuade the former Barcelona starlet for another spell in the Championship.
Championship News – December 31
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailIn the lower leagues of English football, where finances are not as abundant as in the Premier League, teams are jostling to extend loan deals and maintain their squad numbers. Derby County have extended the loan spell of Leicester striker DJ Campbell by a month. His loan spell had expired following the 0-0 draw against Newcastle, but manager Nigel Clough moved quickly to extend his loan. Tottenham midfielder Adel Tarrabt, who is unable to secure a permanent position at White Hart Lane, has reiterated his desire to stay with QPR till the end of the season. “I’m fortunate to be at QPR – I enjoy it here, everyone is good and I want to stay. I’ll keep giving it my best here and next season we’ll see what happens”, said the Morocco international. Czech international Marek Matejovsky has squashed any rumours of a transfer out of the club in January. He is determined to fight and improve Royals’ current league position.
Middlesbrough, who find themselves in midtable mediocrity and without a strike force, are trying hard to convince Marcus Bent to extend his loan deal. Dave Kitson’s loan deal has ended and he has returned to Stoke, leaving Boro with no recognised striker for their FA Cup tie against Manchester City. West Ham have also recalled Freddie Sears from his loan spell at Crystal Palace after a suspension to Guillermo Franco left Zola with no options in attack.
West Brom have rewarded Graham Dorrans with a bumper new contract to fend off interest from the Premier League teams. Both Villa and Man City are keen on Baggies’ young centre-half Paul Downing. The reserve team captain at West Brom has earned positive reviews and a move to the Premier League could prove too tempting for the youngster.
And finally, Preston may move for Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson to replace Alan Irvine as the manager at Deepdale.