Bruce Buck wants Andre Villas-Boas longevity

Andre Villas-Boas could build a dynasty at Chelsea

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck wants current manager Andre Villas-Boas to build a dynasty at the club and says that he could be in charge for 10 or 15 years.

Chelsea have gone through five managers since sacking Jose Mourinho in September 2007, as their failure to win the Champions League has caused owner Roman Abramovich to pull the trigger early. But Buck is envious of the two top managers in England, who have become almost unsackable at their clubs.

Buck told BBC Sport: “We do envy Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in terms of longevity, but it shouldn’t be longevity for longevity’s sake.

“It has to be the right guy in the job for 10 or 15 years and, in light of Andre’s age, he may well be that guy. Everyone thinks his age might have been a negative but it’s a positive.”

Wenger has spent 15 years at Arsenal, while Ferguson’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated in November, and many will be sceptical that Villas-Boas, 33, can get anywhere near those figures while under the command of Abramovich.

However, Buck is also hopeful that Chelsea will be able to save money in the long-run, not just from compensation payments to managers, but also from using their academy instead of paying large sums for players from other clubs.

“The problem has been transfer fees paid to other clubs for new players and that’s probably our biggest expense,” said Buck. “The way we’ve tried to attack that, not as successfully as we’d have liked to be honest, is by putting a lot of money into the academy.

“The maths is pretty simple. If you can bring a player or two through the academy, every couple of years, then you’re saving £10 million, £20 million, £30 million of transfer fees.”

Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gets hat-trick as England Under-21s beat Iceland U-21 3-0

<!– Put this anywhere in the of your page where you want the widget to show up. –>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hat-trick

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a hat-trick as England’s perfect start to their latest European Under-21 Championship campaign continued with an easy 3-0 win in Iceland.

Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain ran riot in Reykjavik, scoring a quickfire first-half double before completing his treble shortly after the break.

The win maintained England’s 100% start to their latest qualifying campaign, further banishing memories of the summer’s dismal finals in Denmark ahead of Monday’s trip to Norway.

The only negatives were hamstring injuries to Nathan Delfouneso and Martyn Waghorn, who both limped off and appear doubtful for the next game.

The match was expected to be the first real test for Stuart Pearce’s new-look side, who routed Group Eight whipping boys Azerbaijan 6-0 in their opening qualifier last month.

Iceland had beaten England in their last meeting and had also reached this summer’s finals, but it soon became clear their current crop of youngsters was not up to that standard.

The visitors quickly assumed control and could easily have gone ahead three times in the opening ten minutes.

The returning Martin Kelly was denied by a fine save from Arnar Darri Petursson from Henri Lansbury’s corner. Lansbury then released Marvin Sordell down the right but the Watford striker made a hash of his finish on what was his full debut. Kelly then narrowly failed to get his foot on another Lansbury corner but it was not long before England were in front as Oxlade-Chamberlain added to his burgeoning reputation.

The Arsenal winger pounced on a loose ball, raced goalward and coolly slotted home across the goalkeeper, who then gifted the 18-year-old his second three minutes later. Petursson spilt Delfouneso’s cross straight at the feet of Oxlade-Chamberlain, who passed the ball into the empty net.

The impressive Aron Johannsson did his best to get Iceland back into the game, while England were forced to replace Delfouneso with Waghorn in the 24th minute, but they comfortably saw out the half and killed the contest within five minutes of the restart after more brilliance from the precocious Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The teenager easily beat two men before unleashing a cross-cum-shot from the tightest of angles which Petursson helped into the net.

Waghorn appeared to pull his hamstring on the hour mark and was carried off to be replaced by Josh McEachran.

England goalkeeper Jack Butland was finally called into meaningful action but it was a simple pouch of Johann Laxdal’s header.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was withdrawn for the final eight minutes, with Everton midfielder Ross Barkley coming on.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov vows to prove himself at Everton

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has shone only in bursts

Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov says he has no plans to quit the club and wants to stay and fight for his place in the team.

Bilyaletdinov, 26, has only started two Premier League games this season and, despite arriving for around £9 million in 2009, has made little impression on Merseyside.

However, he told the Liverpool Echo: “I want to stay here and prove something. I’ve got my agent, and maybe he’s got something [in the summer] but I’d say not now please.

“I think every manager has to choose certain players for certain games based on his vision for how the team should play.

“I can only work and wait for the pre-match meeting. If you play or don’t play you still need to be focused even if it’s just for 10 minutes on the pitch because you can still change a game in that time.”

Rio Ferdinand remains in England frame

Rio Ferdinand is on the comeback trail after suffering a hamstring injury in August

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Fabio Capello has reassured former England captain Rio Ferdinand that he remains in the international reckoning.

Ferdinand, who turns 33 next month, has been excluded from the England squad for the crucial qualifier in Montenegro on Friday and doubts have been raised in the media as to whether he will return.

ESPNsoccernet sources in the England camp, though, insist that he was under consideration for the trip to Podgorica and it is simply a case of Ferdinand proving his form and, more significantly, fitness at Manchester United.

“At the moment it is difficult to judge Rio’s fitness because he has only been back for one game and naturally didn’t look sharp,” the source said. “We also have some good players in that position and we felt there was no reason to drop those players out of the squad.”

Although Ferdinand looks certain to remain in Capello’s thinking should England qualify for Euro 2012, he has been warned that the situation regarding his international future would be “very different” if he opted to go to America or the Middle East.

Any such move appears unlikely, though, as sources close to Ferdinand made clear to ESPNsoccernet earlier this week that the defender wants to see out the remaining two years of his contract at Old Trafford.

Steven Gerrard steps up recovery for Manchester United showdown

Steven Gerrard came off the bench to make an impact in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory at Everton

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Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke believes the time is now right for captain Steven Gerrard to step up his bid for regular football.

Gerrard was left out of Fabio Capello’s squad for Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro as he has played just 56 minutes of football in three substitute appearances this season. His recovery from a groin operation in March took slightly longer than expected and Liverpool were not prepared to risk the 31-year-old until he was completely ready.

With more than a week until the club’s next match, at home to Manchester United, Clarke hopes to see the influential midfielder start pushing himself further.

”For Steven it’s just a progression. He’s coming back from a long-term injury and we’ll try to treat him as cautiously and carefully as we can,” the Reds coach told Liverpool TV. ”Obviously there will be a time when he is going to have to push on – and I think this is the time now.

”We’ve only got a very small group of players left behind because we’ve got a lot away on international duty but we managed to get a lot of good work into them yesterday. With Steven it has been well documented that we’re looking after him.

”He’s going to have to push himself in the coming weeks – and the more minutes we get into him, the better.”

Liverpool’s medical and coaching staff believe they have covered every minor detail in managing Gerrard’s comeback, tailoring his rehabilitation with specifically designed programmes.

”After you’ve been out for a long time, you struggle with the pace of the game and the size of the pitches,” Clarke added. ”So we worked with him in small areas and then gradually started to make the areas bigger. Every step is important.

”He’s handled the steps we’ve given him so far very well and we’ll just look to push him on.”

Aaron Ramsey happier with Wales than Arsenal

Robin van Persie, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta stand dejected

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Wales captain Aaron Ramsey says he feels more comfortable playing for his country at the moment than Arsenal, describing the situation at his club as “not acceptable”.

Ramsey has explained that the opportunity to lead his country in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Friday is a welcome distraction to the testing time being encountered at the Emirates in the Premier League.

“It’s been a difficult time for my club,” Ramsey said. “It’s been quite frustrating so far with the performances we’ve shown in the last few games. But hopefully that can turn around pretty quickly.”

Asked if it is therefore easier to play for Wales at the moment, Ramsey said: “Absolutely. Arsenal, at the moment, are under a lot of pressure and we haven’t produced the results that we know we are capable of doing; everybody is surprised by that.

“For Wales, we are still learning and progressing and that is going along nicely. But obviously Arsenal are one of the top clubs in Europe and to be where we are at the moment is not acceptable.”

Meanwhile, the midfielder has challenged Wales to showcase their new-found self-belief when they take to the pitch at the Liberty Stadium.

After a miserable start to the Group G campaign, which saw them slump to four consecutive defeats, Gary Speed’s side showed improvement with victory over Montenegro and a good display in a 1-0 defeat to England last month, meaning they can still finish as high as third in the final standings.

“Belief is the main difference [following last month’s games]. There is a belief we can actually compete against this sort of opposition.

“Montenegro had done really well to be in their position in the group and against England we should have had a result. We have always had the ability but it is about being more consistent and hopefully we can start to pick up a few more points.

“Switzerland are a good team with a chance of qualifying so they will come out and give everything, but we will concentrate on ourselves and hopefully build on what we have done in the last few performances, keep the progression going and pick up a few wins.

“Our target now is to finish as high as possible and hopefully we can build in every game before the World Cup qualifiers next year,” said Ramsey.

Fabricio Coloccini open to Newcastle contract talks

Fabricio Coloccini has worked hard to become a key performer for Newcastle

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has intimated he is open to signing a new contract at St James’ Park.

Coloccini, 29, had a tough start to life at Newcastle after joining from Deportivo La Coruna for £10 million in 2008, but has gradually demonstrated impressive form at the heart of the Magpies’ defence.

The centre-back saw Jonas Gutierrez sign a new four-year deal on Tyneside last month, and he has admitted he could follow his Argentine compatriot in extending his current contract, which expires in 2013.

Coloccini told the Journal: “I’m very happy here, so we will see what happens. It was important for Jonas to get his new deal too. Then he scored against Wolves, so it was a good week for him.”

Newcastle have enjoyed a fine start to the 2011-12 Premier League season, with Alan Pardew’s unbeaten side fourth in the table after winning four of their opening seven matches.

Coloccini said: “We are happy because we are working well and things are coming right for us. The team spirit is different to last season. When you start well, everything is good, everyone is happy. It’s different.

“We will find out more when we have some bad times. But now the spirit is fantastic. We have some good people in the changing room and I think that’s the key for us to keep winning and playing well.”

Fabio Capello quashes talk of pre-Euro 2012 departure from England

Fabio Capello is looking forward to testing his coaching credentials with England at Euro 2012

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Fabio Capello has reiterated that he will see out his current contract with England as he prepares his side for their crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

England face Montenegro on Friday night at Podgorica Stadium seeking the point that will secure their place at next summer’s tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

There have been suggestions the Football Association could replace Capello, whose contract expires after Euro 2012, with a new head coach ahead of the finals, while the Italian has also been linked to a lucrative switch to Anzhi Makhachkala.

However, Capello reaffirmed his commitment to the Three Lions ahead of Friday’s crunch clash, insisting he will lead them into the Finals. When asked whether he would remain in his job for Euro 2012, Capello said: “Absolutely. I’ve got a contract. It is my desire to be the manager at the Euros.”

Should England qualify for Euro 2012, Capello is eagerly anticipating the test that awaits, having seen his side struggle at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa last summer.

“Life is about challenges. I decided everything as a challenge,” Capello said. “All the games are a challenge. When I changed teams, it’s always about taking on a new challenge. In life, you have to find something that’s exciting and challenging.”

England on the brink of Euro 2012 qualification

Scott Parker could be England’s key man on Friday

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England head into their final Euro 2012 qualifier in Group G aware that a point earned against Montenegro at Podgorica Stadium will ensure their place at next summer’s finals.

Fabio Capello’s side are currently top of Group G, six points ahead of Friday’s opponents. Montenegro have a game in hand over England, which will be played next Tuesday away to third-placed Switzerland.

The Three Lions made it five wins from seven qualifying matches with an unconvincing 1-0 home victory over Wales in September as Ashley Young grabbed the decisive goal at Wembley; Montenegro’s last outing was also against the Welsh, but they slipped to a 2-1 loss.

That defeat spelled the end for head coach Zlatko Kranjcar as a return of one point from their last two qualifiers paved the way for Branko Brnovic to be promoted from his position as assistant ahead of their remaining crunch matches. Montenegro’s destiny is in their hands, as scalps of England and Switzerland would assure progression to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, who played at right back against Wales, misses out with a groin injury, meaning Micah Richards, Kyle Walker and Phil Jagielka will battle it out for a place in a defence also comprising Gary Cahill, John Terry and Ashley Cole.

Scott Parker was not included in Capello’s starting XI against the Welsh as the Tottenham midfielder was a booking away from a suspension that would have ruled him out of the trip to Montenegro. He is expected to return to the team on Friday, with James Milner or Frank Lampard the most likely to make way, despite the Chelsea man’s hat-trick at the weekend.

Capello must decide whether to provide Wayne Rooney with a striking partner, as Danny Welbeck pushes for a place in the side after shining alongside his Manchester United team-mate at club level this season. Should Rooney be played in a lone role then it is expected Young will play off the forward, while Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing should occupy the wide positions.

England and Montenegro locked horns in October last year and played out a goalless stalemate, though the former may fancy their chances this time around as the Three Lions’ away form has been stronger than that on their home turf, with Capello citing a lack of confidence at Wembley.

Montenegro player to watch: Stevan Jovetic. After seeing his 2010-11 campaign struck off by a serious knee injury, the Fiorentina forward has returned to action this season with renewed vigour. In five appearances for Fiorentina in Serie A this term, Jovetic, 21, has scored twice and assisted as many to help his club into the top half of the table. Jovetic is highly rated by Fiorentina, who are presently looking to tie him down on a new deal amid reported interest from some of Europe’s top sides. Jovetic, who boasts acceleration and flair, will be seeking to further add to his reputation with an eye-catching display against England.

England player to watch: Scott Parker. The Spurs midfielder has proved a fine addition for his club since signing from West Ham for £5 million in the summer. Indeed, the 2011 FWA Footballer of the Year impressed against Arsenal at the weekend with a typically combative display. Capello clearly values Parker, after erring on the side of caution by taking him out of his starting line-up against Wales as he was on the verge of a suspension, and the ball-winning midfielder will be eager to repay that faith with a disciplined display against the Montenegrins, his energy and breaking up of the play likely to be vital.

Key Battle: Mirko Vucinic v Gary Cahill. Vucinic’s club Juventus, whom he joined from Roma in the summer, are currently top of the Serie A table, with the striker featuring in three of their opening five matches, managing an assist and goal in those outings. The striker, 28, is also his country’s top goalscorer in qualifying, notching twice so far. Bolton’s Cahill needs to be on his toes throughout as Vucinic oozes smart movement off the ball. It can be argued that Cahill heads into the match in poor form, his club having conceded 21 times – the worst record in the Premier League. While Cahill is not solely responsible for the Trotters’ poor start to the season, he has failed to look as convincing as in previous seasons.

Trivia: Montenegro were admitted into FIFA in 2007, the year after they declared independence from Serbia.

Stats: Montenegro have scored no more than one goal in their last seven matches while England have conceded just once on their travels during qualifying.

Odds: Montenegro (5.50), England (3.50) and the draw (1.66) are available with bet365, while Wayne Rooney to score two or more goals (6.50) is a tempting bet.

Prediction: It being England, expect a nervy 90 minutes. That said, with a draw enough for Capello’s side to book their tickets for Euro 2012, coupled with their knack for playing better on foreign soil, the Three Lions should have enough to hold off their opponents for at least a draw, with Montenegro limp in front of goal this qualifying campaign.

Manchester City unfazed by Carlos Tevez translator talk

Carlos Tevez is expected to leave Manchester City in January

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Manchester City have been unaffected by Kia Joorabchian’s claims that Carlos Tevez was mistranslated during his post-match interview at Bayern Munich.

Tevez, 27, has been suspended by City for two weeks after allegedly refusing to come on as a substitute for the club in their 2-0 Champions League loss at the Allianz Arena last month.

After the match, Tevez said: “I did not feel right to play, so I did not.” But this week the Argentine’s adviser, Joorabchian, suggested the translation of the questions put to Tevez was not accurate.

Tevez, who has suggested the mix-up was over his warm-up and not him refusing to play, is currently waiting to discover his long-term fate, with a lengthening of his ban mooted followed by a possible sale in January.

A City insider told ESPNsoccernet: “All the public comments and the media inferences don’t really amount to much, and can be irrelevant, as an internal enquiry is ongoing.

“What is happening in the media is not going to deflect the club from coming to the right conclusions.”