ohhh_yeah

It is a shame that Owen could not of been lassoed into all of this. Brown Panther! Footballers Michael Chopra and James Coppinger have been found in breach of the Rules of Racing following the outcome of a British Horseracing Authority investigation into alleged corruption. Chopra was found in breach of committing corrupt and fraudulent practices and offering a bribe, while Coppinger was found guilty of corrupt and fraudulent practices. At the centre of the investigation were charges relating to former Flat jockey Andrew Heffernan, who has most recently been riding in Australia. Heffernan was found in breach of all charges brought against him by a BHA disciplinary panel, which published its results on Friday after a hearing that started on January 14 and lasted four days. Along with Ipswich striker Chopra and Doncaster midfielder Coppinger, former England Under-21 international Mark Wilson was another to face charges. Wilson, like Chopra, was found in breach of committing corrupt and fraudulent practices and offering a bribe. The allegations centred on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in races that took place between November 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. The charges related to Heffernan's riding of three horses - Wanchai Whisper, Gallantry and Silver Guest. Five other individuals - Paul Garner, Yogesh Joshee, Douglas Shelley, Kelly Inglis and Pravin Shingardia - were also found in breach. The BHA said that all charges brought against those involved in the case were successful. Heffernan was charged with communicating directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders information relating to the prospects in the race of that horse. He was also charged with giving information in return for some reward, that he offered to receive or received a bribe, and that he intentionally failed to ensure that a horse ridden by him was run on its merits. Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson were charged with offering bribes to Heffernan. Inglis was also charged with conspiring with Heffernan to offer to receive bribes from Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson. Garner was also charged with placing lay bets on horses at a time when he was entered as a stable employee. Penalties for those involved are expected to be announced later this afternoon by the BHA's disciplinary panel following further hearings. Speaking earlier this month, Chopra said he could not afford to pay the £50,000 legal fees to defend himself during the inquiry. The 29-year-old former Cardiff forward also said he would welcome any BHA-imposed sanctions as he attempts to cure a gambling addiction. He said: "It is well publicised that I have a gambling addiction problem and I see any such sanctions as being a useful mechanism in helping me to address these problems. "As of this year, I've voluntarily excluded myself from all betting institutions from where I live in Ipswich in order to help me fight this illness." Ipswich Town press manager Steve Pearce said in a statement issued to Press Association Sport: "This is a private matter between Michael and the British Horseracing Authority. "Michael issued a statement before the inquiry began stating his reasons why he would not be appearing in front of the BHA. "He has nothing further to add to that statement at this stage and wants to concentrate on an important game at Bristol City at the weekend."

signatures and autographs hardly ever match.

The FA has announced it is holding The Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day on August 10th as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations. Lady Elsie says: “I’m thrilled that the FA is involving my family and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in their 150th anniversary celebrations. “My husband was immensely proud to represent England, both as a player and as a manager. We had a wonderful quality of life in Suffolk and it was no small thing for Bob to give up being manager of Ipswich. But he just didn’t feel he could turn his country down when he was approached. “For him, it was a huge honour to be asked and he never took that role for granted. Every game and every result meant the world to him and I think it’s that passion and commitment which people remember so fondly now.” Lady Elsie adds: “Bob launched his cancer charity in 2008 and right from the start the FA has been on hand to support us. So many people throughout the organisation help us continue the important work the Foundation funds. It means a lot and we greatly appreciate it. “I’m especially proud that the National Football Day is being named in Bob’s honour. He’d have loved that. “I think it’s very fitting as it will be a day celebrating and encouraging grass roots football. And Bob never lost his own boyish enthusiasm for the game no matter what was happening off the field. “He’d also want to know the ins and outs of all the football planned for the day, wherever it was in the country. He always wanted to know the finer details when it came to football. “He was at the helm of the national side for eight years - and they were eight very challenging years. He missed the week in week out football matches of club football, the kind of adrenalin that comes with that, but it really was the pinnacle of his career. “He was so close to success in Mexico and Italy and he loved working with the England players. They were so supportive of him and he was never afraid to follow his own ideas, even when those tactics weren’t popular with others. “To have come from a small Durham mining village and to go on to represent his country was such a big thing. His parents were so proud. Bob gave them one of his England caps and they had glass case made so they could display it in their bungalow in Langley Park. “But then he was one of five brothers and they all succeeded in their own fields. He never outshone any of them. It was a very supportive family and it was that kind of community. He brought that work ethos with him wherever he went.” Alan Shearer says: "It’s great news. It just goes to show how highly the job Sir Bobby did for the national team and for football generally in this country is still appreciated. Rightly so. “We’re very proud of his memory up in the North East, the region that he came from, but his legacy stretches far beyond that and this is a lovely reminder. Not that it’s needed, but I get them wherever I go; Bobby continues to inspire such huge affection and respect. “He was so proud of his time with England. I know there were some difficult moments for him and some fierce criticism, but his enthusiasm and passion for the game in this country and beyond never wavered at all, which is amazing. “He left a great footballing legacy, at international level, as well as at his clubs, and now he has a charitable one, too. I know that he would have been thrilled by this honour.”

I think this states that Ben Arfa should be receiving the credit, instead of Cabaye, for talking his mates into signing with the team. http://www.rue89.com/rue89-sport/2013/01/21/pourquoi-les-anglais-de-newcastle-nachetent-plus-que-des-footballeurs

"To my San Lorencista family "I write these lines from a long way away where I am missing my country, my family and my close ones. And with sadness of knowing that after a series of meetings held here in Newcastle that my return to Argentina has been momentarily suspended. "Unfortunately, life does not always end up like you wanted it or needed it to, many times is it influenced by third parties and the rigidities of contracts that are stronger than the will of one’s own desires. "However, I am convinced that this moment of disappointment need not be an obstacle for me to declare my profound gratitude to each and every one of you for the affection and the support that you all have provided me during these past few months, in every way imaginable. "Furthermore, I wish to acknowledge the patience and the respect of the media and the serious manner in which they conducted everything during this time for me and my family. "I am sure that they have understood the personal situation that I have been going through and can comprehend that the silence maintained for both me and my representative, Marcelo Lombilla, during this time, has not been capricious but due to the need to keep private certain matters. "Lastly, I wish to thank the authorities at San Lorenzo del Almagro and especially show my gratitude to the president, Dr Matias Lammens and vice president, Mr Marcelo Tinelli, for all the affection, support and understanding they have afforded me and who from the first moment, without any reservations or conditions, were interested in my personal and family situation and who put themselves at my disposal. "Essentially, I want to thank the enormous effort made by them, from every point of view, to remove whatever difficulties I may have come in touch with. "In these times, in which the leadership of the Argentine football appears less challenged by various reasons, it is with deep pride - as part of the San Lorenzo family- I wish to acknowledge to Matias Lammens and Marcelo Tinelli on their personal qualities, for their professional qualities and for their excellent management, their the honest work, their seriousness and commitment in placing the human being over and above other interests, all of which is a heading from the chosen path for our club; and that in the distance, certainly, I am filled with satisfaction. "Sincerely thank you for both affection, "Fabricio Coloccini."

oh myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... hello nurse...

In the matches I have seen of him of late he looks like he is missing his pillow, blankie, and a wee spot of tea. Lazy player.

"This is a club that attracts me. In addition, the leaders have invested a lot in French players of quality. They will rise in the second half of the season. It is reassuring that there's all the French. I know them well and it will facilitate my integration." Sissoko hasn't been happy with the threats, "I was very disappointed. I did not expect that reaction. But he is the president and this is his club. I'm just employed. I will continue to work. I'm professional and if I play with CFA or even 14 year olds until the end of the season, I will. I have no choice. But I trust my agent to find me a solution even if it is a complicated period."

"If he's an ass, it's not my fault, but I think his manager has a lot to do with it. Newcastle really isn't a good choice. He'll get himself moved on next year, but it doesn't bother me." "We agreed that he could leave if he found a club he liked. We're not going to cry. His head was no longer at Montpellier, but it's not a problem. He's not irreplaceable. The important thing is that we get some money in." This guy is a nutter.

Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon Had an inkling this would happen with Coloccini. Nothing like Tevez situation, the guy has actual problems to deal with bigger than football Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon yes media have agreed not to report it as the details not relevant RT @PutItInTheMixer: @eaamalyon does anyone know what these problems are? john storey john storey ‏@johnstoreys @eaamalyon aye bucking other women. Ed Malyon Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @johnstoreys no. Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon I completely appreciate Newcastle's point of view but the guy's head is completely gone. Josh Tulip ‏@joshtulip5 @eaamalyon I do get collo's situation, but to a fan it still looks like our captain just abandoned us half way through a relegation fight. Ed Malyon Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @joshtulip5 I understand that. It's a tough situation. This *could* work for best if he goes home, gets head right and comes back in a month Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @joshtulip5 obviously that's pure speculation on my part, but a leave of absence is obviously needed, whether authorised or not. Elizabeth ‏@legsidelizzy @eaamalyon you can expect players to be injured or have personal problems. Their lack of contingency is their fault Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @legsidelizzy yeah, fair enough, but not often that a player completely outright feels he can't play the game any more. Malyon Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @legsidelizzy usually you'd arm-round-shoulder and try to guide them through. I feel this is a fairly extreme situation to deal with. Malyon Ed Malyon ‏@eaamalyon @legsidelizzy god knows how the club can deal with it now though.

just in case you or another poster has not seen it yet...

This window is so bizarre. In years past when asked for my favorite transfer, I have had to answer with an outgoing, shite player's name or have very few names to pick that was brought in. Who do I pick out of this crop of new players though? This group has a lot of quality! Excited for the future!

He showed up to training today for my local side, the Portland Timbers. Wonder if he is still shite six years later.

freeport and sao paulo for me...

and Giroud.

"Michael Owen has been identified as a candidate to play for Shabab next season and we are in negotiations with his management team." "The player's agent is in Dubai to close the deal." "We are in talks with the player and his agent, but no agreement has yet been reached between the parties." "Things should become clear soon."

http://platformlondon.org/2012/06/26/blowing-the-whistle-on-sunderland-fcs-oil-sponsorship-deal/

http://youtu.be/BhVoLMWH6hk

http://i.imgur.com/I4CPN.jpg

why can we only post one video at a time now? http://youtu.be/wBujoJpDxo0