FootballFilter

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week.

Where else to start but Middle Eastlands, where Mark Hughes and his billions are beginning to irk those around them, especially the ‘big four’ whose usual comfy position in the Champions League spots are now under real threat.

The latest player on Hughes’ golden shopping list is Chelsea captain John Terry, who has been very publicly sounded out by City in a £30 million move. However a story in THE TIMES carries quotes from none other than David Beckham, who has warned Terry off making a move up north, especially in a World Cup Year.

Speaking of David Beckham, the former England captain has faced a media storm in the U.S. this week upon his return to L.A. Galaxy following a loan spell at AC Milan. He was warned to expect a frosty reception and those warnings rang true as the jeers rang round the Giants Stadium every time he touched the ball. THE GUARDIAN asks whether it is time for Becks to return home in order to maintain his place in the England squad.

Like your retro football? Well, a blog on SOCCERLENS looks back at the 1994 World Cup and that legendary Bulgarian team, Stoickhkov etc al, who took on the World and very nearly won.

Fancy yourself as a talent scout? Know all those great young players on Football Manager? Well you will enjoy the blog on THE OFFSDIE ITALY that looks at 30 promising Italian players to keep an eye on.

Tired of the all round year nature of modern football? Well you may share the gripes of Josh Widdicombe at WHEN SATURDAY COMES who has become tired with the football hype machine.

And finally…

THE INDEPENDENT reports on the critical condition of former Wales striker John Hartson, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Though I lay no claim to know Hartson or that he even used to play for the team I support, it is always sad when you see someone so ill who just a few years ago was tearing around the football pitch as a professional athlete. We wish him all the best in his recovery.

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the football filter this week.

In a summer of huge transfer fees and astronomic wages it’s a free transfer that could be the biggest surprise of the year. Michael Owen, who only last week looked as though he had a choice of Stoke or Hull as his next club, looks set to join Manchester United as according to The GUARDIAN.
Panic but or inspired move? I guess we will just have to wait and see, though THE TIMES believes it is one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s strangest moves in the transfer market.

As David Beckham prepares for a return to action in the MLS, his L.A. Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan has launched a personal attack on the former England skipper in his new book. SOCCERNET reports that Donovan believes Beckham is a negative impact on the side, he lacks commitment and is tight with his money!

Speaking of money the latest blog on SOCCERLENS asks how much is too much when it comes to transfer fees following Ronaldo’s £80 million move to Real.

The strangest video of the weeks is over at 101GREATGOALS.COM where Man City reject Darius Vassell, who has scored 18 goals in four years, is treated like a footballing god as he arrives at Turkish club Ankaragucu. Kaka eat your heart out.

And finally..

As many players return to work this week for gruelling pre-season spare a thought for those players who are yet to find a club and face an uncertain future. Former Coventry midfielder and BBC blogger Gavin Strachan speaks about life without a club heading into the new season on the BBC WEBSITE.