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LEIGERTWOOD EXCITED BY LOAN MOVE

Mikele Leigertwood is settling in well at Reading and looking forward to his first appearance for the club this weekend.

Leigertwood has joined the Royals from Championship leaders QPR and

looking forward to getting some regular action for Brian McDermott's men.

"I've settled in really well," he told the club's official website. "The manager, the players and the staff have all been really welcoming and I'm just looking forward to getting out there, getting my boots on and preparing for Saturday's game.

"I wanted to come to a club who were looking to push on, and I saw Reading as a perfect opportunity to do that. I've come here to play.

"I've come here as a midfielder but there's the option that I can play at the back too. Obviously I'd prefer to stay in one position, but if I'm needed to play anywhere else it's no problem.

"And I know there'll be competition for places - there always will be in a good squad like this. So I know I've got to perform."



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BELLAMY OUTLINES PROMOTION AIM

Craig Bellamy says Cardiff should look to Fulham and Wigan for inspiration as they bid to become the first Welsh club in the Premier League.

The Bluebirds dropped to second in the Championship table with a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend but Bellamy still has his sights firmly set on promotion.

He told Wales online: "We slipped up a little bit against Forest. The Championship will allow that if you are not on the ball, which we weren't all week.

"We didn't train particularly well during the week and it spilled over onto the Saturday. Credit to Forest, they turned us over and they fully deserved it.

"It's a big league, it's a tough league. There's a lot of travelling.

"We don't have the resources of some of the Premiership teams, but our aim is to get to the level of the Fulham's.

"We are never going to get to Manchester City's level, but let's use the likes of Fulham and Wigan as our benchmark. We are trying to be the first Welsh club in the Premiership which would be fantastic for the country as a whole."




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SPERONI PONDERS PALACE FUTURE

Julian Speroni is yet to sign a new deal at Crystal Palace but says there is still a chance he could stay.

The Argentinian goalkeeper, three-time Eagles player of the year, will see his current deal expire at the end of the season and has so far stalled on penning fresh terms.

Palace are growing increasingly anxious and have already admitted they may need to cash in during the January transfer window in order to avoid losing Speroni on a free in the summer.

"The club have made the final offer, the negotiations are over and it is up to me to decide," Speroni told the Croydon Advertiser. "I have a huge decision to make. For me, for my career and for my family.

"I know some people think that I am definitely leaving, but there is still a chance that I could stay because of the love I have for the club.

"I think the last time I signed a deal, when Neil Warnock was at the club, it went even further down the line, the contract ran out in the summer and I eventually signed it in March. What I know for sure is this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make and I want to make sure that I get it right."



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DAVIES CONFIRMS BLACKSTOCK OP

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has revealed that Dexter Blackstock will require surgery on his injured knee.

The striker picked up the injury during the latter stages of the Reds' 2-0 victory at Cardiff on Saturday.

He has since been sent to see a specialist and undergone several scans, with Forest keen to establish the full extent of the damage.

They have yet to be given a full report from medical experts, but Davies admits the outlook appears bleak.

"It doesn't look good," he told the club's official website.

"We sent Dexter to see some specialists yesterday (Tuesday). We're still waiting on some scans and reports but what we do know is that a hell of a lot of damage has been done.

"It certainly will be a lengthy period that Dexter will be missing. It certainly looks like he will have to have more than one operation."

Davies is disappointed to see Blackstock ruled out of his plans for the foreseeable future, just as Forest have found top gear, but the Scot accepts that injuries are part and parcel of professional football.

He added: "It's going to be a long haul for Dexter coming back but he appreciates that.

"You have just got to do that - as a sportsman you know that these things can happen."




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WARNOCK KEEPING FEET ON GROUND

QPR manager Neil Warnock heaped praise on his side but insisted he was not getting carried away after they moved five points clear at the top of the npower Championship with a 2-1 win over Cardiff.

Craig Bellamy put Cardiff in front after 13 minutes, but goals from Kaspars Gorkss and Adel Taarabt turned the game around and gave QPR all three points.

Warnock said: "It was a great game. It was two teams playing end-to-end stuff, which is what football should be about. And the atmosphere was unbelievable.

"It was a great goal by Adel but I have to say that Kaspars Gorkss was superb at the back apart from the mistake for their goal, and the whole spine of my team were excellent.

"Shaun Derry was magnificent in midfield and the spine of Paddy Kenny in goal, Matt Connolly at the back, Derry and Rob Hulse were great. I thought it was Hulse's best game for us.

"We won't be getting carried away. You don't win anything in November, but the points are great to have."

Cardiff manager Dave Jones was furious at the decision not to award his team a penalty in the 85th minute for a challenge in are by Matt Connolly on Jay Bothroyd.

He said: "How can the referee not see it? And if he doesn't see it, how can the linesman not see it?

"They're the big decisions that matter in tight games like this.

"Everybody in the stadium could see it was a penalty. The reaction of the QPR players tells you that. We feel hard done by.

"I went to see him (the referee) about it afterwards and he asked if I was questioning his integrity. I was questioning his decision.

"Referees have got to be better in games like this. Was the game too big for him? That's for the referee's assessor to decide."

Warnock had a different view, though.

"I thought the referee had a good game. What Dave's saying is deflecting from the result, and we deserved to win that match," he said.

Jones added: "It was an even game and both teams deserved to get something from it. We probably should have, as we had a lot of chances in the second half. The decisions were the difference between us getting a point and not.

"It's a kick in the teeth but we were behind QPR and caught up with them before, and we'll have to do it again."



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RANGERS SINK CARDIFF; BURNLEY WIN

QPR maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they came from behind to defeat fellow npower Championship promotion hopefuls Cardiff 2-1 at Loftus Road

Craig Bellamy gave Cardiff an early lead, but a Kaspars Gorkss header levelled things up shortly after.

The winner did not come until the second half, but when it did, predictably it was from Adel Taarabt, with the Moroccan slamming home from close range (68), to move QPR five points clear at the top of the table.

In the day's late game, Jack Cork scored a 90th-minute goal as Burnley came from behind to beat Derby 2-1.

Luke Moore's long-range strike had given Derby a first half lead, before ex-County man Tyrone Mears curled home a 20-yard free-kick to pull Burnley level.

The game looked set to end in a draw until Cork's glancing contribution pushed his side into the top six on goal difference.

Coventry moved back into the play-off places with a 2-0 win at struggling Scunthorpe, with Gary McSheffrey giving them the lead shortly after the half-hour when he followed in Marlon King's shot, before King's second-half drive hit a post and went in off the unfortunate Joe Murphy.

At the Madjeski Stadium, Reading played out a 0-0 draw with Leeds, whose goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was outstanding in the second half, while visiting captain Jonny Howson could have won it in added time.

At a snow-covered Riverside, Hull twice led Middlesbrough, only for Tony Mowbray's men to hit back on both occasions and draw 2-2.

In-form midfielder Robert Koren gave Hull the lead, with Leroy Lita levelling.

Anthony Gerrard then restored Hull's advantage before the interval, with Scott McDonald getting the home side back on terms 27 seconds into the second half.

Two first-half penalties from Brett Pitman helped Bristol City to a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Sheffield United.

The former Bournemouth man, who opened his account for the club last weekend, struck from the spot twice after indiscretions from Leon Britton and Stephen Jordan, with United's Richard Cresswell sent off on the stroke of half-time for a foul on Marvin Elliott.

Jamie McAllister finished things off for the Robins after the interval.

Pablo Counago's first-half goal gave Crystal Palace a valuable three points as they leapfrogged Middlesbrough into 18th with a 1-0 home win against Doncaster, while Preston and Millwall and Barnsley and Watford both played out goalless draws.




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Europe » Champions League

04.11.12

Zenit's Hulk ruled out of Anderlecht clash
The forward limped out of his side's victory over Rostov on Friday, and will now miss their upcoming Champions League tie as well as Brazil's friendly with Colombia

Butragueno: Real Madrid cannot fail against Borussia Dortmund
The former striker believes that Tuesday's Champions League clash will go a long way to deciding how far Los Blancos can progress in this season's competition
 
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Europe » Champions League


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

2:20 PM
Celtic can trouble Barcelona, warns Zubizarreta
The former Spain international believes the Blaugrana could be in for a difficult match midweek, and has stressed that playing homegrown youngsters is part of the club's culture
1:35 PM
Ozil: Real Madrid are back on track
The Germany international has stated that los Blancos have left their early struggles behind, and is confident Madrid can beat Borussia Dortmund
12:50 PM
Van den Brom: Anderlecht cannot afford to drop points against Zenit
The Dutchman has made it clear that his side desperately need the full three points if they are to progress from Group C into the knock-out stages of the Champions League
12:35 PM
Borussia Dortmund have a good chance against Real Madrid, says Hitzfeld
The 63-year-old is optimistic about Jurgen Klopp's chances ahead of Tuesday's away game against the Primera Division champions in the Spanish capital
12:15 PM
AC Milan - Malaga Betting Preview: Back the home side to record a much needed win
Phil Kitromilides believes the recent signs of improvement in the hosts will see them record a victory this evening against the Spanish side, who slipped to defeat at the weekend
12:00 PM
Messi wins awards, but Xavi is Barcelona's soul, says Larsson
The former Celtic star has hailed the importance of the influential midfielder, and feels the Catalans are vulnerable in defence at the moment due to injuries
11:45 AM
Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund Betting Preview: Why at least one half will end in a draw this evening
Having picked a winner in los Blancos' game at the weekend, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is backing the two teams to match one another in either period
11:20 AM
Pellegrini: Malaga want victory against AC Milan
The Boquerones have set their sights on the full three points when they take on the Serie A powerhouse at the Giuseppe Meazza as they target qualification to the last 16
11:10 AM
Nobody can stop Ribery, warns Dante
The France international has been in fine form for Bayern Munich of late, and his club team-mate believes that Lille will have a tough job containing him on Wednesday
11:05 AM
Wenger insists Arsenal 'crisis' will pass
The Frenchman expresses his dissatisfaction with the Gunners' current position and his squad's lack of confidence but claims that their situation is "not dramatic"
10:50 AM
Gotze: I would vote Messi for the Ballon d'Or
The Germany forward feels the Barcelona hitman deserves to win the individual award, and is eagerly anticipating the Champions League game versus Real Madrid
10:40 AM
Is Jackson Martinez the next Falcao?
The Colombian sharpshooter is already attracting interest from the Continent's biggest clubs after an impressive start in Portugal, and comparisons are being made to the Liga star
10:24 AM
Free in-play bet of up £50 when you bet on the next round of Champions League matches
With 16 games being played involving Europe's biggest clubs, there is a great free bet offer for anyone placing a pre-match bet on any of next week's Champions League action
10:15 AM
'Shades of Hierro & Blanc' - Real Madrid teenager Raphael Varane is set for superstardom
The 19-year-old's recent performances have led to suggestions that Los Merengues have a player capable of becoming a mainstay in the centre of their defence for years to come
10:15 AM
Manchester City - Ajax Betting Preview: Expect long overdue win for Mancini's men
The Citizens' only Champions League point so far in Group D came courtesy of a last-minute penalty. But Adam Bate is expecting three points against the Dutch side
10:00 AM
AC Milan & Juventus battling to avoid new low for Serie A in Champions League
The two giants of Italian football are struggling to qualify for the last 16, leaving the peninsula to contemplate the worst season in Europe for a decade
10:00 AM
Bayern Munich - Lille Preview: Bavarians have sensational home record
Jupp Heynckes' side broke a bad string of away results in France a fortnight ago, and will be hoping to strengthen their grip in the knockout stage on Wednesday
10:00 AM
Benfica - Spartak Moscow Preview: Eagles know European campaign hinges on home comforts
The Portuguese giants have to secure victory at Estadio Da Luz or face the prospect of an early exit from this year's competition at the hands of their Russian counterparts
10:00 AM
CFR Cluj - Galatasaray Preview: Vistiors aim to get their Champions League campaign up and running
The Turks go in search of their first European away win in almost a decade, and the hosts have have lost six of their last 10 Champions League group games
10:00 AM
Juventus - Nordsjaelland Preview: Danes prepare for Bianconeri backlash
Having capitulated at the hands of one of their fiercest rivals at the weekend, the Old Lady will be hoping to win in style against the Superliga champions
10:00 AM
Manchester United, Barcelona and the Champions League teams who can clinch qualification to the last 16 on matchday four
The sides with 100 per cent records will be looking to seal their passage into the next round at this early stage, while there are several clubs fighting to stay alive
10:00 AM
Valencia - BATE Borisov Preview: Los Che target vital home victory
The Primera Division side recorded a comfortable win in Minsk two weeks ago, and will be desperate to add three more points to their tally on Wednesday
9:00 AM
Celtic - Barcelona Preview: Lennon's men aim to bounce back from Camp Nou heartbreak
The Bhoys were within minutes of securing a heroic Champions League point in Spain before being denied by full-back Jordi Alba's last-gasp winner for the hosts on Matchday 3
9:00 AM
Why Manchester City can't get it right in Europe
The Premier League champions are on the verge of missing out on a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, with Roberto Mancini struggling to find a winning formula
8:55 AM
Juventus are feeling Conte's absence, says Marotta
The Bianconeri director has insisted that the reigning Serie A champions will come back to full form once their coach's ban is over and he is restored to them
8:44 AM
Braga - Manchester United Preview: Red Devils hoping to seal qualification for knockout stages
Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be looking to make it five consecutive matches unbeaten in Portugal but the hosts have won their last four home games against English teams
8:31 AM
Chelsea - Shakhtar Preview: Blues aim to continue 17-month unbeaten European home run
The west London side were easily beaten by the Ukrainians on the third matchday and Mircea Lucescu's dark horses have failed to win just one game so far this season
8:26 AM
Huntelaar incisiveness urgently required to stop Arsenal’s slide into mediocrity
An inability to put the ball in the net is proving costly for the Gunners, with the parallels between the club's recently departed striker and the Schalke front man inescapable
2:20 AM
Dinamo Kiev boss Blokhin claims Porto win would be ideal birthday present
The veteran trainer turned 60 years old on Monday, a day before his side host the Portuguese club with the intention of turning around their dismal group stage showing this season
1:50 AM
Jardim hopes home support will give Olympiakos important victory over Montpellier
The Ligue 1 club's trainer, Rene Girard, also believes that three points are essential to have any hope of finishing above Arsenal and Schalke in Group B
12:30 AM
Spalletti expects Zenit & Anderlecht to attack in Champions League clash
The Russian club’s head coach and the Belgian side’s trainer - John van der Brom - both agree that the visitors’ star Axel Witsel could be a key player on Tuesday night
12:15 AM
Ancelotti wants to add style to Paris Saint-Germain’s substance
The Parc des Princes head coach has hailed Tuesday night’s opponents Dinamo Zagreb as deserving of a place in the Champions League despite their point-less start to group stage

 
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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Champions League

3:04 PM
Ozil: Borussia Dortmund can win the Champions League
The Germany midfielder believes the Bundesliga winners can be serious challengers in Europe, while revealing he would be willing to take more responsibility from free kicks
2:10 PM
Xavi: We must move on from Celtic defeat
The 32-year-old called on his side to forget their defeat in Scotland and focus solely on their next Champions League game in Russia
2:05 PM
Juventus are world-class, says Beckmann
The Denmark international was impressed with the Scudetto holders, who dismantled Nordsjaelland 4-0 in Turin on Wednesday in the Champions League
1:45 PM
Pellegrini targets top spot in Group C after securing Champions League progession
The Chilean coach is delighted that his Malaga side sealed their place in the knock-out stages of the competition, but has urged them to finish what they have started
1:00 PM
Cartoon of the Day: Barcelona & Messi fail to tame Celtic Lions
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
1:00 PM
Celtic must now kick on & five things we learned from the Champions League this week
One of the most remarkable weeks in Champions League history has left a continent breathless as Barcelona succumb to the kings of Scotland
12:44 PM
Lucescu: We should have beaten Chelsea
The Shakhtar Donetsk head coach disagreed with Roberto Di Matteo's assessment that the Blues were good value for their 3-2 victory in the Group E clash at Stamford Bridge
12:10 PM
Torres: Chelsea cannot repeat Shakhtar performance
The west London outfit needed a 90th-minute winner to beat the Ukrainian side on Wednesday evening and the Spaniard insists they must improve upon that showing
11:55 AM
Willian: Chelsea loss a big blow for Shakhtar
The creative midfielder was frustrated with the Donetsk outfit's loss at Stamford Bridge, but remains hopeful they can reach the next round
11:40 AM
Luiz: Chelsea will have gone backwards if they fail to retain Champions League
The 25-year-old centre-back has his sights set on becoming the first ever club to retain the title after the Blues secured an important win against Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge
11:30 AM
Marchisio: Two more finals await Juventus
The Italy international has underlined the importance of his side's remaining group games after the Chelsea - Shakhtar match did not go their way
11:20 AM
Yaya Toure: It's the referee's fault that Manchester City didn't beat Ajax
The 29-year-old midfielder believes poor officiating during Tuesday's Champions League draw with the Dutch outfit cost the Premier League side a crucial victory
11:00 AM
Javi Martinez: I will only get better at Bayern
The Spanish midfielder is satisfied with his recent improvement at his new club, and revealed his delight with die Roten's 6-1 Champions League win over Lille on Wednesday night
10:55 AM
Fabregas: There's no such thing as injustice or justice in football
The former Arsenal man feels that Barcelona lacked a killer-instinct in the 2-1 loss against Celtic, but is pleased with his side's displays so far this term
10:00 AM
Champions League Team of the Round: Lahm, Schweinsteiger & Pizarro lead Bayern charge
Goal.com selects the best performers of the fourth matchday in Europe's elite club tournament, with the Bavarians, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain recording impressive wins
10:00 AM
Juventus end European hoodoo, but late Moses goal leaves them with a mountain to climb
The Bianconeri despatched Nordsjaelland with some ease, but Shakhtar Donetsk's cruel late defeat leaves Antonio Conte's men needing two huge results to progress
10:00 AM
The Chelsea semi-final all over again - Celtic defeat proves that Barcelona still haven't found a Plan B
The Catalans' loss in Glasgow was reminiscent of last season's last-four loss against the Blues in the continental competition. And it appears lessons have still to be learned
9:45 AM
Lennon: Barcelona win one of the greatest nights in Celtic history
The Northern Irishman has admitted he will struggle to top Wednesday night's Champions League win over the Spanish giants for the remainder of his managerial career
9:35 AM
Moses takes Chelsea a step closer to the promised land but Champions League luck will not last forever
The Blues put themselves in a healthy position in Group E following the former Wigan star's winner but the holders will need to improve if they wish to advance through the rounds
9:34 AM
Moses is Chelsea’s new headmaster after scoring his third headed goal
The Nigerian international helped his team win a tough Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk
9:25 AM
Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United aiming to match Liverpool's European record
Following his side's progression to the Champions League knockout stages, the 70-year-old has stated his desire to close the gap on the Reds' five successes in the competition
9:10 AM
Vilanova: Nothing to blame Barcelona players for
The Blaugrana coach feels that his side deserved victory at Parkhead on Wednesday night, and refused to point his finger at any of his players after their continental defeat
8:55 AM
Pellegrino: Valencia took important step with BATE win
The Los Che coach acknowledged his side's upcoming clash with Bayern Munich remains crucial to their qualification hopes, but was pleased to have beaten the Belarusians
8:40 AM
Buffon: Juventus' destiny remains in our own hands
The experienced goalkeeper has made it clear that nothing has been lost yet for the Bianconeri, and they can still make it to the knock-out stages
2:08 AM
Heynckes: Everything went like clockwork
The Bayern Munich coach saluted the motivation of his players after their victory and also highlighted the quality of their attacking play
1:26 AM
Giggs hails Manchester United mentality after last season's Champions League disappointments
The veteran is delighted with the way that his side have bounced back from disappointment in the competition last year to qualify from Group H with a 100 per cent record this term
1:10 AM
Juventus could have scored more than four, claims Alessio
The assistant coach was pleased with the number of chances the Bianconeri created and stated his side must now beat Chelsea in their next European encounter if they are to qualify
12:44 AM
Moses delighted with last-gasp winner for Chelsea against Shakhtar
The 21-year-old came off the bench to head home Juan Mata's late corner against the tough opposition and continue his recent scoring spree, as the Blues move joint-top of Group E
12:25 AM
Messi: The ball would not go in
The Argentine said his side played better in the defeat to Celtic than they did in their victory over the Glasgow side a fortnight ago, but that luck was not on their side
12:14 AM
Scoring against Barcelona was best moment of my life, says Celtic youngster Watt
The 18-year-old was making his Champions League debut against the Spanish giants, and netted what proved to be the winner in the 83rd minute with a fine strike past Victor Valdes

 
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Watford keep hold of Chalobah

Last Updated: January 3 2013, 11:25 GMT

Nathaniel Chalobah has extended his loan stay with Watford until the end of the season.



The Chelsea midfielder, 18, arrived at Vicarage Road in August and has been an integral part of the club's promotion push, making a total of 18 appearances.

And Chalobah, an England Under-21 international, will now complete the season with the Hornets after they agreed an extension with the European champions.

Manager Gianfranco Zola told the club's official website: "It's great news for us. He has become an important player for us since he came to the club.

"His performances have been getting better and better so we are delighted that Chelsea have decided to leave him here.

"It's good for Nathaniel and it's also good for Chelsea because he is getting a lot of benefit from this experience," added the former Chelsea attacker.

"It is a huge boost because if we want to keep improving and chasing the teams in front of us we need to have good players and Nathaniel is one of them."
 
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