US Soccer Player In Demand · May 7, 08:41 PM

According to Sky Sports, American soccer starlet Michael Bradley favors a move to Germany rather than try his hand at the BPL. Everton boss David Moyes is said to be a big admirer of Bradley, currently a midfielder with Herenveen.

Bradley’s agent confirmed that a move to Germany would be the most likely destination for his client. This seems odd to me considering the lack of impact that Landon Donovan had in the Bundesliga. However, it may be better for his long-term development as a soccer player rather than keeping the bench warm in Merseyside.

— GeordieInExile

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Keegan Searches for Worldclass Playmaker · Apr 7, 08:10 PM

Newcastle’s recent resurgence (unbeaten in four, winning three on the bounce) has led to some on Tyneside calling for owner Mike Ashley to splash the cash in the summer. A self made billionaire, Ashley is sure to want some big names playing at St. James’ next season to take the club to the next level.

While Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked with Ronaldinho, Newcastle have begun to investigate bringing Barcelona counterpart Deco to Newcastle. The 30 year old playmaker is seen as the ideal fit on Tyneside as Keegan seeks to shape the Newcastle squad into his own. Should Newcastle fail with a move for Deco, Sporting Lisbon star Moutinho would be next on Keegan’s shopping list.

— GeordieInExile

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English FA to Investigate Bribery Claims · Apr 4, 07:40 PM

News coming out of England today is that the English Football Association will investigate allegations that a former Premier League soccer player took a £50,000 bribe to throw a game.

The player got himself sent off and persuaded three team-mates to get booked in a game “in Britain” in the last two years, says The Independent.

In exchange, a bookmaker allegedly agreed to write off a £50,000 debt the player had racked up.

Now I know everyone has problems, but Barclays Premier League soccer players are probably the highest paid in the world. They never have to worry about where their next pay check will come from. They never have to worry about feeding their children or paying the mortgage. Are they that bored with their lives that they have to go out and gamble?

It is every young boys dream in England to play soccer. When you consider the odds against a youngster turning professional, you would think the ones that do would appreciate it a lot more.

— GeordieInExile

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Newcastle United Linked with La Liga Coach · Mar 15, 04:18 PM

Many had expected Newcastle United’s fortunes to have changed for the better after Kevin Keegan’s appointment in mid January. Things however have not gone to plan as Keegan remains winless in his second managerial stint at St. James’.

Rumours coming out of various sports media today are suggesting that the Magpies have made discreet inquiries with Racing Santander coach Marcelino (not to be confused with the defender of the same name who wouldn’t play because of a sore pinky finger).

Coach Marcelino’s stock is rising rapidly in Spain. He has transformed Racing into top four contenders in La Liga and before that, he masterminded promotion to La Liga for Recreativo de Huelva.

Should Keegan’s stock go south, we may well end up with another Spanish coach in the Barclays Premier League.

— GeordieInExile

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Arsenal's Eduardo Suffers Horror Break · Feb 23, 07:24 AM

News coming out of England this morning is that Arsenal player Eduardo has suffered a horrific leg break during the open minutes of his side’s game with Birmingham.

Birmingham defender Martin Taylor was given a straight red card by referee Mike Dean and distressed Arsenal players ushered on physios and medical staff immediately.

According to some reports I’ve read, the tackle wasn’t malicious, just very badly timed.

The injury was apparently so bad that replays of the incident were not shown.

— GeordieInExile

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