English Premier League: EPL

Showing posts with label EPL. Show all posts

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Premier League Fixtures 2011/12

Source: The BBC

Please note: Fixtures are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.

Saturday, 13 August 2011
Blackburn v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Fulham v Aston Villa, 15:00
Liverpool v Sunderland, 15:00
Man City v Swansea, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 15:00
QPR v Bolton, 15:00
Stoke v Chelsea, 15:00
Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
West Brom v Man Utd, 15:00
Wigan v Norwich, 15:00

Saturday, 20 August 2011
Arsenal v Liverpool, 15:00
Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00
Bolton v Man City, 15:00
Chelsea v West Brom, 15:00
Everton v QPR, 15:00
Man Utd v Tottenham, 15:00
Norwich v Stoke, 15:00
Sunderland v Newcastle, 15:00
Swansea v Wigan, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Fulham, 15:00

Saturday, 27 August 2011
Aston Villa v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Blackburn v Everton, 15:00
Chelsea v Norwich, 15:00
Liverpool v Bolton, 15:00
Man Utd v Arsenal, 15:00
Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00
Swansea v Sunderland, 15:00
Tottenham v Man City, 15:00
West Brom v Stoke, 15:00
Wigan v QPR, 15:00

Saturday, 10 September 2011
Arsenal v Swansea, 15:00
Bolton v Man Utd, 15:00
Everton v Aston Villa, 15:00
Fulham v Blackburn, 15:00
Man City v Wigan, 15:00
Norwich v West Brom, 15:00
QPR v Newcastle, 15:00
Stoke v Liverpool, 15:00
Sunderland v Chelsea, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Tottenham, 15:00

Saturday, 17 September 2011
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 15:00
Blackburn v Arsenal, 15:00
Bolton v Norwich, 15:00
Everton v Wigan, 15:00
Fulham v Man City, 15:00
Man Utd v Chelsea, 15:00
Sunderland v Stoke, 15:00
Swansea v West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham v Liverpool, 15:00
Wolverhampton v QPR, 15:00

Saturday, 24 September 2011
Arsenal v Bolton, 15:00
Chelsea v Swansea, 15:00
Liverpool v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Man City v Everton, 15:00
Newcastle v Blackburn, 15:00
Norwich v Sunderland, 15:00
QPR v Aston Villa, 15:00
Stoke v Man Utd, 15:00
West Brom v Fulham, 15:00
Wigan v Tottenham, 15:00

Saturday, 1 October 2011
Aston Villa v Wigan, 15:00
Blackburn v Man City, 15:00
Bolton v Chelsea, 15:00
Everton v Liverpool, 15:00
Fulham v QPR, 15:00
Man Utd v Norwich, 15:00
Sunderland v West Brom, 15:00
Swansea v Stoke, 15:00
Tottenham v Arsenal, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Newcastle, 15:00

Saturday, 15 October 2011
Arsenal v Sunderland, 15:00
Chelsea v Everton, 15:00
Liverpool v Man Utd, 15:00
Man City v Aston Villa, 15:00
Newcastle v Tottenham, 15:00
Norwich v Swansea, 15:00
QPR v Blackburn, 15:00
Stoke v Fulham, 15:00
West Brom v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Wigan v Bolton, 15:00

Saturday, 22 October 2011
Arsenal v Stoke, 15:00
Aston Villa v West Brom, 15:00
Blackburn v Tottenham, 15:00
Bolton v Sunderland, 15:00
Fulham v Everton, 15:00
Liverpool v Norwich, 15:00
Man Utd v Man City, 15:00
Newcastle v Wigan, 15:00
QPR v Chelsea, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Swansea, 15:00

Saturday, 29 October 2011
Chelsea v Arsenal, 15:00
Everton v Man Utd, 15:00
Man City v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Norwich v Blackburn, 15:00
Stoke v Newcastle, 15:00
Sunderland v Aston Villa, 15:00
Swansea v Bolton, 15:00
Tottenham v QPR, 15:00
West Brom v Liverpool, 15:00
Wigan v Fulham, 15:00

Saturday, 5 November 2011
Arsenal v West Brom, 15:00
Aston Villa v Norwich, 15:00
Blackburn v Chelsea, 15:00
Bolton v Stoke, 15:00
Fulham v Tottenham, 15:00
Liverpool v Swansea, 15:00
Man Utd v Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle v Everton, 15:00
QPR v Man City, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Wigan, 15:00

Saturday, 19 November 2011
Chelsea v Liverpool, 15:00
Everton v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Man City v Newcastle, 15:00
Norwich v Arsenal, 15:00
Stoke v QPR, 15:00
Sunderland v Fulham, 15:00
Swansea v Man Utd, 15:00
Tottenham v Aston Villa, 15:00
West Brom v Bolton, 15:00
Wigan v Blackburn, 15:00

Saturday, 26 November 2011
Arsenal v Fulham, 15:00
Bolton v Everton, 15:00
Chelsea v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Liverpool v Man City, 15:00
Man Utd v Newcastle, 15:00
Norwich v QPR, 15:00
Stoke v Blackburn, 15:00
Sunderland v Wigan, 15:00
Swansea v Aston Villa, 15:00
West Brom v Tottenham, 15:00

Saturday, 3 December 2011
Aston Villa v Man Utd, 15:00
Blackburn v Swansea, 15:00
Everton v Stoke, 15:00
Fulham v Liverpool, 15:00
Man City v Norwich, 15:00
Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00
QPR v West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham v Bolton, 15:00
Wigan v Arsenal, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Sunderland, 15:00

Saturday, 10 December 2011
Arsenal v Everton, 15:00
Bolton v Aston Villa, 15:00
Chelsea v Man City, 15:00
Liverpool v QPR, 15:00
Man Utd v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Norwich v Newcastle, 15:00
Stoke v Tottenham, 15:00
Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00
Swansea v Fulham, 15:00
West Brom v Wigan, 15:00

Saturday, 17 December 2011
Aston Villa v Liverpool, 15:00
Blackburn v West Brom, 15:00
Everton v Norwich, 15:00
Fulham v Bolton, 15:00
Man City v Arsenal, 15:00
Newcastle v Swansea, 15:00
QPR v Man Utd, 15:00
Tottenham v Sunderland, 15:00
Wigan v Chelsea, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Stoke, 15:00

Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Tottenham v Chelsea, 19:45
Wigan v Liverpool, 19:45
Wolverhampton v Norwich, 19:45
QPR v Sunderland, 20:00

Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Aston Villa v Arsenal, 19:45
Man City v Stoke, 19:45
Newcastle v West Brom, 19:45
Blackburn v Bolton, 20:00
Everton v Swansea, 20:00
Fulham v Man Utd, 20:00

Monday, 26 December 2011
Arsenal v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Bolton v Newcastle, 15:00
Chelsea v Fulham, 15:00
Liverpool v Blackburn, 15:00
Man Utd v Wigan, 15:00
Norwich v Tottenham, 15:00
Stoke v Aston Villa, 15:00
Sunderland v Everton, 15:00
Swansea v QPR, 15:00
West Brom v Man City, 15:00

Saturday, 31 December 2011
Arsenal v QPR, 15:00
Bolton v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Chelsea v Aston Villa, 15:00
Liverpool v Newcastle, 15:00
Man Utd v Blackburn, 15:00
Norwich v Fulham, 15:00
Stoke v Wigan, 15:00
Sunderland v Man City, 15:00
Swansea v Tottenham, 15:00
West Brom v Everton, 15:00

Monday, 2 January 2012
Aston Villa v Swansea, 15:00
Blackburn v Stoke, 15:00
Everton v Bolton, 15:00
Fulham v Arsenal, 15:00
Man City v Liverpool, 15:00
Newcastle v Man Utd, 15:00
QPR v Norwich, 15:00
Tottenham v West Brom, 15:00
Wigan v Sunderland, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Chelsea, 15:00

Saturday, 14 January 2012
Aston Villa v Everton, 15:00
Blackburn v Fulham, 15:00
Chelsea v Sunderland, 15:00
Liverpool v Stoke, 15:00
Man Utd v Bolton, 15:00
Newcastle v QPR, 15:00
Swansea v Arsenal, 15:00
Tottenham v Wolverhampton, 15:00
West Brom v Norwich, 15:00
Wigan v Man City, 15:00

Saturday, 21 January 2012
Arsenal v Man Utd, 15:00
Bolton v Liverpool, 15:00
Everton v Blackburn, 15:00
Fulham v Newcastle, 15:00
Man City v Tottenham, 15:00
Norwich v Chelsea, 15:00
QPR v Wigan, 15:00
Stoke v West Brom, 15:00
Sunderland v Swansea, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Aston Villa, 15:00

Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Sunderland v Norwich, 19:45
Swansea v Chelsea, 19:45
Tottenham v Wigan, 19:45
Wolverhampton v Liverpool, 19:45
Bolton v Arsenal, 20:00
Man Utd v Stoke, 20:00

Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Aston Villa v QPR, 19:45
Blackburn v Newcastle, 20:00
Everton v Man City, 20:00
Fulham v West Brom, 20:00

Saturday, 4 February 2012
Arsenal v Blackburn, 15:00
Chelsea v Man Utd, 15:00
Liverpool v Tottenham, 15:00
Man City v Fulham, 15:00
Newcastle v Aston Villa, 15:00
Norwich v Bolton, 15:00
QPR v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Stoke v Sunderland, 15:00
West Brom v Swansea, 15:00
Wigan v Everton, 15:00

Saturday, 11 February 2012
Aston Villa v Man City, 15:00
Blackburn v QPR, 15:00
Bolton v Wigan, 15:00
Everton v Chelsea, 15:00
Fulham v Stoke, 15:00
Man Utd v Liverpool, 15:00
Sunderland v Arsenal, 15:00
Swansea v Norwich, 15:00
Tottenham v Newcastle, 15:00
Wolverhampton v West Brom, 15:00

Saturday, 25 February 2012
Arsenal v Tottenham, 15:00
Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00
Liverpool v Everton, 15:00
Man City v Blackburn, 15:00
Newcastle v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Norwich v Man Utd, 15:00
QPR v Fulham, 15:00
Stoke v Swansea, 15:00
West Brom v Sunderland, 15:00
Wigan v Aston Villa, 15:00

Saturday, 3 March 2012
Blackburn v Aston Villa, 15:00
Fulham v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Liverpool v Arsenal, 15:00
Man City v Bolton, 15:00
Newcastle v Sunderland, 15:00
QPR v Everton, 15:00
Stoke v Norwich, 15:00
Tottenham v Man Utd, 15:00
West Brom v Chelsea, 15:00
Wigan v Swansea, 15:00

Saturday, 10 March 2012
Arsenal v Newcastle, 15:00
Aston Villa v Fulham, 15:00
Bolton v QPR, 15:00
Chelsea v Stoke, 15:00
Everton v Tottenham, 15:00
Man Utd v West Brom, 15:00
Norwich v Wigan, 15:00
Sunderland v Liverpool, 15:00
Swansea v Man City, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Blackburn, 15:00

Saturday, 17 March 2012
Aston Villa v Bolton, 15:00
Blackburn v Sunderland, 15:00
Everton v Arsenal, 15:00
Fulham v Swansea, 15:00
Man City v Chelsea, 15:00
Newcastle v Norwich, 15:00
QPR v Liverpool, 15:00
Tottenham v Stoke, 15:00
Wigan v West Brom, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Man Utd, 15:00

Saturday, 24 March 2012
Arsenal v Aston Villa, 15:00
Bolton v Blackburn, 15:00
Chelsea v Tottenham, 15:00
Liverpool v Wigan, 15:00
Man Utd v Fulham, 15:00
Norwich v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Stoke v Man City, 15:00
Sunderland v QPR, 15:00
Swansea v Everton, 15:00
West Brom v Newcastle, 15:00

Saturday, 31 March 2012
Aston Villa v Chelsea, 15:00
Blackburn v Man Utd, 15:00
Everton v West Brom, 15:00
Fulham v Norwich, 15:00
Man City v Sunderland, 15:00
Newcastle v Liverpool, 15:00
QPR v Arsenal, 15:00
Tottenham v Swansea, 15:00
Wigan v Stoke, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Bolton, 15:00

Saturday, 7 April 2012
Arsenal v Man City, 15:00
Bolton v Fulham, 15:00
Chelsea v Wigan, 15:00
Liverpool v Aston Villa, 15:00
Man Utd v QPR, 15:00
Norwich v Everton, 15:00
Stoke v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Sunderland v Tottenham, 15:00
Swansea v Newcastle, 15:00
West Brom v Blackburn, 15:00

Monday, 9 April 2012
Aston Villa v Stoke, 15:00
Blackburn v Liverpool, 15:00
Everton v Sunderland, 15:00
Fulham v Chelsea, 15:00
Man City v West Brom, 15:00
Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00
QPR v Swansea, 15:00
Tottenham v Norwich, 15:00
Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Arsenal, 15:00

Saturday, 14 April 2012
Arsenal v Wigan, 15:00
Bolton v Tottenham, 15:00
Chelsea v Newcastle, 15:00
Liverpool v Fulham, 15:00
Man Utd v Aston Villa, 15:00
Norwich v Man City, 15:00
Stoke v Everton, 15:00
Sunderland v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Swansea v Blackburn, 15:00
West Brom v QPR, 15:00

Saturday, 21 April 2012
Arsenal v Chelsea, 15:00
Aston Villa v Sunderland, 15:00
Blackburn v Norwich, 15:00
Bolton v Swansea, 15:00
Fulham v Wigan, 15:00
Liverpool v West Brom, 15:00
Man Utd v Everton, 15:00
Newcastle v Stoke, 15:00
QPR v Tottenham, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Man City, 15:00

Saturday, 28 April 2012
Chelsea v QPR, 15:00
Everton v Fulham, 15:00
Man City v Man Utd, 15:00
Norwich v Liverpool, 15:00
Stoke v Arsenal, 15:00
Sunderland v Bolton, 15:00
Swansea v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Tottenham v Blackburn, 15:00
West Brom v Aston Villa, 15:00
Wigan v Newcastle, 15:00

Saturday, 5 May 2012
Arsenal v Norwich, 15:00
Aston Villa v Tottenham, 15:00
Blackburn v Wigan, 15:00
Bolton v West Brom, 15:00
Fulham v Sunderland, 15:00
Liverpool v Chelsea, 15:00
Man Utd v Swansea, 15:00
Newcastle v Man City, 15:00
QPR v Stoke, 15:00
Wolverhampton v Everton, 15:00

Sunday, 13 May 2012
Chelsea v Blackburn, 15:00
Everton v Newcastle, 15:00
Man City v QPR, 15:00
Norwich v Aston Villa, 15:00
Stoke v Bolton, 15:00
Sunderland v Man Utd, 15:00
Swansea v Liverpool, 15:00
Tottenham v Fulham, 15:00
West Brom v Arsenal, 15:00
Wigan v Wolverhampton, 15:00

Reproduced under licence from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence number NEWMEDIA/BBCCEEWEB/109274a.

Barclays Premier League table
Monday, 13 June 2011 09:30 UK
P GD PTS
1 Arsenal 0 0 0
2 Aston Villa 0 0 0
3 Blackburn 0 0 0
4 Bolton 0 0 0
5 Chelsea 0 0 0
6 Everton 0 0 0
7 Fulham 0 0 0
8 Liverpool 0 0 0
9 Man City 0 0 0
10 Man Utd 0 0 0
11 Newcastle 0 0 0
12 Norwich 0 0 0
13 QPR 0 0 0
14 Stoke 0 0 0
15 Sunderland 0 0 0
16 Swansea 0 0 0
17 Tottenham 0 0 0
18 West Brom 0 0 0
19 Wigan 0 0 0
20 Wolves 0 0 0

Full Premier League table

Tycoon Fernandes still up for West Ham deal

Tony Fernandes has told West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold the ball is in their court regarding his bid to buy the club.

At the start of the month the Malaysian entrepreneur announced he had made an offer to purchase the Hammers - on the day Sam Allardyce was confirmed as the club's new manager.

That sparked a war of words between Fernandes and Gold/Sullivan, who initially claimed he had not made an offer then later suggested it was "a joke".

Sullivan then further attacked Fernandes, who had used his Twitter account to announce his bid, by suggesting the takeover move was simply "PR".

Hammers chairman Sullivan later added: "Tony Fernandes wanted to buy 51% of the club for two bob.

"He thinks somehow that we are desperate to have him involved or desperate for the small amount of money he offered for 51% of the club."

However Fernandes, the owner of airline AirAsia and Formula One's Team Lotus, believes Sullivan and Gold were impetuous with their response as they failed to assess his bid in full.

"We put an offer in, it was a good offer, they didn't like it, and the ball is in their court," said Fernandes.

"But for the benefit of West Ham - and I don't want to keep talking about this - let the new manager go in and do his bit and have some stability there.

"But if Sullivan and Gold ever want to talk to us we are there.

"We think it was something worth looking at, and if they look at it in its entirety, and begin to see what we are doing at Lotus in the next weeks when we are announcing new sponsors and things, then I think we could have brought a lot of expertise to West Ham.

"But they didn't look at the offer in its complete entirety and think about it, about the value we could bring to the club."

Asked if he would be prepared to simply invest, Fernandes added: "I am open to anything.

"But if you are going to take part you have to have the ability to make a difference. It's now up to them to come back to me.

"It's a case of 'I'm willing to help, it's now up to you'."

Fernandes has also defended why he made the announcement of his offer on Twitter, adding: "They thought it was wrong.

"But we were transparent. There was nothing in the end to say don't put it on Twitter.

"I was constantly being asked by fans about whether I was putting in an offer."

Source: Mirrorfootball

Premier League would like to see us relegated, says Blackpool manager Ian Holloway

SOURCE: Telegraph
Photo: AFP
By Mark Ogden
Last Updated: 10:37PM BST 18/05/2011

Take a bow: Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is in a fighting mood as he takes his entertaining side to Manchester United with a chance to enjoy a Premier League party

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has made the astonishing claim that the Premier League would be “relieved” to see his club relegated.

He also said he was insulted by suggestions the only way his side could beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday was if the champions fielded a weakened team.

Holloway, who bemoaned the “mad” and “surreal” world of top-flight football during an explosive press conference on Wednesday, remains angered by the Premier League’s decision to fine Blackpool £25,000 after he fielded an under-strength team at Aston Villa last November.

But with Blackpool facing United with their Premier League future hanging by a thread, Holloway claims the game’s authorities will shed no tears should the Lancashire club be relegated.

“They will be relieved if we lose and get relegated.” Holloway said. “Then I am not badgering all these people who don’t do their jobs very well. They will be relieved because I won’t then be sat here saying what I am saying.

“Already, our division is saying we can’t beat Manchester United. It does us a massive disrespect. They think we can only beat United if they are weak. What a load of baloney. Unfortunately, that is what we are dealing with.

“I am glad I don’t go to work thinking that, otherwise I would never have got promoted last year. That attitude offends me. I take it as a personal insult that, if we beat United, they might get fined because we are supposed to be crap. I don’t understand. Aren’t we capable of winning?”

As he prepares to face the biggest, most daunting challenge of his managerial career, it was fitting that Holloway arrived to discuss Blackpool’s fate having seemingly dressed himself as Rocky Balboa.

Wearing a body-warmer, jogging bottoms and hooded top, he appeared ready for a fight on Blackpool’s behalf. But he goes into Sunday’s clash with United, where Blackpool could be relegated with a victory or survive with a defeat, in the role as the undisputed people’s champion.

“Someone in the gym came up to me last night and he said, ‘Fantastic, thanks for entertaining us’.” Holloway said. “It takes something to speak to someone on the treadmill beside you when you’re running and can hardly breathe to say, ‘Well done!’ At first I didn’t get it, but that’s great.

“We live in the world of money and we are the club with the least in the history of it, yet we have played some fantastic football and have the chance to stay up.

“The disappointment if we go down would be massive. It’s too hard and too emotional to put into words.”

Having taken six points off Liverpool, secured five away victories and given United the fright of their life when leading 2-0 before falling to a 3-2 defeat against the champions at Bloomfield Road in January, Blackpool have won many admirers.

Yet there have been too many seven-goal thrillers in tangerine this season. Too many points lost by a failure to grind out results and, in Holloway’s words, “shut up shop”.

“My contingency plan is exactly the same as it has been for the last two years,” Holloway said. “We’re going to try to outscore this lot in front of us and when we’ve got one goal, let’s go and get another one because we are no good at shutting up shop.

“Our shop never closes. It could be those late-night openings which cost us our position because we’ve conceded a few late goals, haven’t we?

“Blackburn away, 2-0 up, how important was that one? How important are the two points which got away at Tottenham? But for us to go Old Trafford on Sunday is fitting. I think we deserve it and I think we deserve a crack at trying to do the impossible.

“I wouldn’t pick any other game or team than United. I want this one because I believe it’s set up for us to have a tremendous day.

“Imagine what it might mean if we are celebrating at Manchester United. I imagine them having a party and us having a party with them. It would be in keeping with our journey so far to do it there because, realistically, our journey is a bit special.”

Holloway believes the build-up to Blackpool’s date with destiny has been marred by negativity, however.

A meeting of the club’s first-team squad was called on Tuesday to inform the players who would be retained and which unlucky ones would be released this summer. Seven players are to be released, including two, who Holloway would not name publicly, who could be involved at Old Trafford.

And despite taking Blackpool to the brink of survival against all the odds, Holloway admits he has been angered by his chairman, Karl Oyston, being asked whether his manager’s position would be safe should the club be relegated.

“That question gets to me.” Holloway said. “It’s brilliant, isn’t it? I’m watching TV with questions being asked about my future, and some bloke patted me on the back and said: ‘Well done, you’ve still got a job’.

"The question was asked because West Ham sacked their manager. But we’re not West Ham. We have got 39 points with a budget of £10 million, so I find it quite hilarious to be honest.

“The chairman has backed me right from the time of my interview two years ago, and that’s how it should be. I never undermine my chairman, and he never undermines me.

“This whole industry is unreal, but I don’t know any other, so I’m having a go at it. This week, of all weeks, I’ve had to tell seven of my players that we will be releasing them.

“All the contract options, which we do so cleverly, have had to be taken up as if we were still in the Championship, and because the rules state players have to be told by the third Thursday in May, we had to tell them this week.

“We contacted the league and tried to get it pushed back a week, but were told there’s no leeway on that, which is just great. It’s been hideous.

“So amongst all this wonderful euphoria from playing so well and giving ourselves a chance by beating Bolton last Saturday, we have had to tell certain players they no longer have a contract or that we’ve taken up options that will see their wages cut. So now we’ll see whether I’m any good as a motivator this weekend!”

But despite United’s 13-month unbeaten record at Old Trafford, Holloway is not giving up hope. “We know we can beat them because of what happened here [in January], but as Fairground Attraction sung: ‘It’s got to be perfect!’ We could win and go down, or lose and stay up, so it promises to be a crazy day. Quite surreal.”

United Celebrate Title Win

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his Manchester United team as worthy champions - but admitted this campaign does not compare with the 1999 treble-winning season.

A 73rd-minute Wayne Rooney penalty proved enough to earn United a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers and give the Red Devils a record 19th championship. It also meant United will end the season with only five away wins, matching the total of Liverpool in 1977.

Yet Ferguson still feels his side deserve the accolades that should come their way, despite repeated doubts being cast over the quality of this particular season.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

"It is not fair to say it's a bad Manchester United team or a bad league," he said.
"It is a tighter league, a harder league to win. Any campaign has got blips for anyone. You have got to look at the league in general."

However, even though his team could yet win the Champions League and were one game away from reaching the FA Cup final, Ferguson knows the overall campaign has been below the standards set in 1999.

"Let's not get carried away," he said.

"The treble season was something special. I don't think anyone will ever do it again. We made a go at it, as a manager of the club, you have to try that.
"But I didn't think it would happen. I thought we would get knocked out somewhere along the line. Fortunately it was the one you would want to win least of all because the Premier League and the Champions League are paramount."
Rooney admitted to being "terrified" before he took the penalty that won Manchester United their 19th league title on Saturday afternoon.

Needing just a point to clinch the prize at Blackburn Rovers, United trailed to Brett Emerton's first-half goal before Rooney levelled from the spot.

"I was terrified, the ref took a long time to give it," Rooney said.
"I had to compose myself, I'd been practising all week."

Making reference to his transfer request and contract dispute earlier in the season, Rooney added: "After the year I've had, with the ups and downs, this is for the fans and the team."
United's 19th title is one more than Liverpool, and former Everton striker Rooney said: "For me personally, being an Everton fan, to win a 19th title is special."

WIN TROPHIES

Ryan Giggs, winning his 12th title, said: "It's a tough league to win and it's still as special as ever.
"We have the desire and it's a pleasure to play in this team. We want to win trophies."

Asked if he was concerned with the criticism that United's current team does not compare to others in their history, Giggs added: "We're champions and in the Champions League. We're rubbish aren't we?
"Twenty years ago we were nowhere near Liverpool. It's great credit to the club, the manager and the players and it's a good feeling to be ahead of our greatest rivals.

OUR REWARDS

Twenty-two goal striker Dimitar Berbatov, out of the side in recent weeks, said: "A second title for me is great. I scored many goals this season and helped the team win it. I'm still the leading goalscorer."

United great Gary Neville, now working in the media following his retirement earlier in the season, said: "These are the moments you live for. They will have the best night of their lives."

England defender Rio Ferdinand added: "We missed out last year by a point and it was here we pretty much lost the league (with a 0-0 draw) so it was nice to come back here and get it done.
"We gave away a soft goal but we persevered and got our rewards. To get it done this week makes it easier for the manager, I'm sure.

"It's a better league this year, teams have been beating each other from the bottom to the top which makes it more exciting for the fans."
Ferdinand has endured a tough time with injuries over recent seasons and added: "I'm delighted, it's been a hard couple of years being out but if you work hard you get your rewards."

ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY

United will hold a victory parade in the city on 30th May to celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League title.

The event will take place at lunchtime and the open-top bus parade will give fans the chance to join in the celebrations of a record-breaking 19th league title and also a potential Champions League success.

United's chief executive David Gill has revealed the club has been inundated with pleas from fans for a parade and he feels that it is a perfect way to honour this season's achievements.
"Breaking the record of league title wins is a big day in the club's illustrious history," he said.
"We have received many letters and e-mails from fans encouraging us to hold a public celebration of that achievement and we believe this is a fitting way to mark it."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester United winning their 19th top flight title is a remarkable and historic achievement.

"We're sure fans will come out in their droves to celebrate and acclaim their heroes and that 30th May will be a memorable day for the whole city."

Source: Premierleague.com

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Top 25 Best Wingers Of EPL Era

Here is the definitive list of the best wingers in Premier League history to have graced the turf of Anfield, Old Trafford and Hillsborough.

25. Joe Cole (West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool)

24. John Salako (Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, Charlton)

23. John Barnes (Liverpool, Newcastle United, Charlton)

22. Gordon Strachan (Leeds United, Coventry City)

21. Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough, Aston Villa)

20. Herry Kewell (Leeds United, Liverpool)

19. Robinho (Manchester City)

18. Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

17. Ashley Young (Watford, Aston Villa)

16. Nani (Manchester United)

15. Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal, West Ham)

14. David Silva (Manchester City)

13. Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

12. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

11. Damien Duff (Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Fulham)

10. Arjen Robben (Chelsea)

9. Andrei Kanchelskis (Manchester United, Everton)

8. David Beckham (Manchester United)

7. Chris Waddle (Sheffield Wednesday)

6. David Ginola (Newcastle United, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton)

5. Steve Mcmanaman (Liverpool, Manchester City)

4. Robert Pires (Arsenal)

3. Marc Overmars (Arsenal)

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

1. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)

We have now comes across an better leaked image of the new Man Utd home shirt, which will be released over the summer. Manchester United have now all but confirmed winning the English Premier League title and are also in the Champions League Final against Barcelona on 28th May. This new shirt will be manufactured by Nike.

The 2011-12 Man Utd home soccer jersey is mostly red, which is what would be expected. It has a relatively plain design and the collar features both white and black detail on it. The white Nike logo is on the right chest and the Man Utd club badge sits on the left chest. The AON sponsor is in white across the middle of the shirt.

Tell us what you think of this new football shirt in the comments box below.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Manchester United must wait until final game of the season for Premier League title party

Something to shout about: Wayne Rooney is unlikely to face any action over suggestions he made a gesture to Chelsea fans during Manchester United's win
Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Rory Smith
Last Updated: 10:21PM BST 09/05/2011

Manchester United will not be presented with the Premier League trophy this weekend even if they earn the point they need to win a record 19th title against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Following their 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday, United will overtake Liverpool’s record of 18 league championships — a record set by the Anfield team in 1990 – as long as they avoid defeat against Steve Kean’s side.

But United captain Nemanja Vidic will have to wait until the visit of Blackpool to Old Trafford on May 22 to lift the trophy after the League confirmed its intention to stand by its policy of holding the official presentation at the champions’ final home game of the campaign.

Sources at the Premier League have confirmed that the trophy will not be on standby at Ewood Park to cap United’s celebrations should they win the league less than half-an-hour before Manchester City take to the field in the FA Cup final.

Ferguson will have to name winger Antonio Valencia, so impressive against Chelsea as United all but secured the championship, in at least one of his side’s remaining two games for the Ecuadorean to be certain of being awarded a league winner’s medal.

Valencia has made just nine appearances this season after missing six months following the horrific ankle injury he suffered in the Champions League group stage game with Rangers in October, meaning he is one short of the 10 required to be assured of a medal.

Michael Owen, despite starting only one game and admitting on his Twitter feed that he “does not deserve one as much as half the team”, has played enough to be awarded a medal, by virtue of his nine substitute appearances.

Wes Brown and Gabriel Obertan, both of whom have started more games than the former England international, will not record the requisite number of appearances but United do have the option to apply for both to be awarded medals, as well as Gary Neville, whose retirement came after just three Premier League appearances.

It is believed that the club are unlikely to ask for any of those three players to be given medals unless either Brown or Obertan, both on seven, feature against both Blackburn and Blackpool, though they may appeal — as is traditional — on behalf of Tomasz Kuzszcak, the substitute goalkeeper, who has played just four times but has been a virtual ever-present on United’s bench.

Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, is unlikely to face any disciplinary action despite suggestions he directed a V-sign at Chelsea’s fans during Sunday’s game.

Greater Manchester Police have received no complaints over his behaviour and the Football Association confirmed yesterday it did not expect the striker to be punished.

He may, though, be afforded a rest by Ferguson as the Scot seeks to prepare his side for the Champions League final with Barcelona on May 28, a game for which the United manager believes his team should not be billed as overwhelming underdogs.

“Everyone has acknowledged how great a team Barcelona are,” Ferguson told Sirius XM in the United States yesterday. “But Manchester United are in this final, too. Everyone has said this is not a good United team, that we are not this or not that. But we have scored more goals than anyone else.

"Our home form has been magnificent. We are undefeated in Europe. We are in the Champions League final and will win the league by getting one more point.

“We have to find a solution to the Xavi-Iniesta-Messi problem. Everyone is searching for that because they are outstanding footballers, but we have our share too, players who can cause any team a lot of bother.”

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone