[Prodigy]

Chelsea clinch draw as Arsenal are left trophyless

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:12 PM on 06th May 2009

Didier Drogba celebrates his 7th Champions League goal of the season
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Chelsea will be in their second consecutive Champions League final as Arsene Wenger's Arsenal were dumped out of the Champions League semi's 3-1 on aggregate after Didier Drogba's 45th minute strike.

Chelsea, who will face Juventus in the final, can look forward to overcoming last year's tough defeat against Manchester United, in which an infamous John Terry spot kick all but left Chelsea's Champions League hopes in tatters, as what could of been the winning penalty soon become the catalyst for Manchester United's. Chelsea, who took a 2-0 lead into the game after their dominant performance at Stamford Bridge, knew that one goal would all but end Arsenal's chances, as Arsenal would of needed four to overcome the three goal deficit and away goal rule.

The much talked about Didier Drogba, who despite scoring 28 goals this season, is still expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, popped up with a typical goal from himself, after using his strength to beat youngster Kieran Gibbs to a header from a corner, which saw Arsenal heads themselves drop. Arsenal, who had their chances before this goal, with Cesc Fabregas and former Chelsea defender William Gallas coming close.

Despite this, on the 72nd minute Arsenal were given somewhat a lifeline, as Ricardo Carvalho brought down sub Carlos Vela, and the Mexican decided he would be the man to take the penalty, with a cool chip straight down the middle of the goal. It wasn't enough though, and despite half-chances from the goalscorer Vela and another substitute Niklas Bendtner, Arsenal couldn't give themselves any hope of grabbing another three goals.

As the full-time whistle blew, boos rang out around the half-empty stadium as Arsenal fans faced their fourth consecutive season without winning a trophy, with their last being in the 2004-2005 season which saw them win the FA Cup. Despite a Champions League semi-final, which saw the Gunners beat Liverpool and PSV respectively, Arsenal have found it another season to forget, after first round exits in both the Carling Cup and FA Cup, and no serious challenge for the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger, who at the beginning of the season described how it was important that this season doesn't end trophyless, is now facing even more critics from the footballing world, as despite his team playing the attractive, beautiful attacking football, simply don't seem to have enough about them to be consistent enough to win a trophy, with a shaky defence which has conceded the most out of the top four, and only two players reaching double figures.

Wenger now faces a tough end to the season, with basically nothing to play for except revenge against Chelsea in their Premier League clash, and with many journalists and supporters now questioning whether Arsene Wenger will or should stay at the end of the season, and asking whether the Real Madrid rumours will suddenly become more realistic.

Chelsea however can look forward to their Champions League clash in Rome, and a Premier League title which increasingly looks like it will have their name on it, sitting five points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand. In contrast to Wenger, Guus Hiddink is receiving all the plaudits for his turnaround at Chelsea, with his team ever increasingly seeming to of broken the dominance of Manchester United, in which Chelsea could see themselves take both Manchester United's Champions League and Premier League crown.

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This post has been edited by Prodigy: 17 May 2009 - 01:27 AM

[saladguy]

Awesome start mate, good to see the Blues in the final (hopefully they will win it this time!)

[Prodigy]

Page last updated at 8:21 GMT, Saturday, 09 May 2009

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Perez: Madrid need someone like Wenger

Former Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has been quoted in Spanish newspaper Marca by saying "Real Madrid need a manager like Arsene Wenger", which has fuelled speculation that the under pressure Gunners boss will be offered the Madrid job.

Perez, who is currently the only candidate for the vacant Real Madrid presidency, could take over as soon as June 1st if he remains unopposed. After implementing Real's 'Galacticos' policy, which saw the club sign star players such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham, Perez has been linked with high quality players and managers alike, including Carlo Ancelotti, Franck Ribery, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

When asked by Spanish newspaper Marca about the future of current caretaker manager Juande Ramos, who has a contract until the end of the season, Perez felt it'd be hard for Ramos to continue.

"It'll be hard for Juande (Ramos) to remain at the club for next season and beyond. I have a great respect for Juande, who did a very good job for Sevilla, and despite not being given enough time, a good job at Tottenham. However, I have spoken to Juande, and I personally feel with a changed backroom and President, we need to implement a new policy, and start a fresh, therefore a new manager is needed to start the revolution. We simply haven't won the important games, signed the right players and shown enough overall this season, in what could be classed as one of our worst seasons in recent times, and the fans want a fresh start as well."

Perez, speaking on his "perfect manager", quickly brought up Gunners boss Wenger.

"The perfect manager? For me, it is Arsene Wenger. If you look at the job he has done at Arsenal, it is fantastic. In comparison to Manchester United, Chelsea and even Liverpool, who have spent a lot of money on players in recent years, Arsene Wenger has relied on his youth to compete with the top teams in England, and year after year he can compete in the Champions League, FA Cup trophy and Premier League. Some may say why would Real need a manager like Arsene Wenger, who hasn't won a trophy in four years? Well I say Real Madrid need a manager like Arsene Wenger, who will respect the youth academy and build that extensively, but I feel he simply hasn't been given enough money, or been pushed hard enough to spend. If Real could find someone like Arsene Wenger, then I'd be very happy."

Pushed further on whether Arsene Wenger would be the target on June 1st, Perez remained tight lipped.

"If a top, top side like Real Madrid are going to compose a shortlist of potential managers, then Arsene Wenger will be right at the top of that list. However, at this moment in time I do not know who will the next Madrid manager, and until the time I become President, I cannot disclose my target officially."

Perez, who's claim that he would sign Luis Figo, and promised a team of 'Galacticos', helped him win his previous election which started a reign from 2000-2006, as the Champions League and two La Liga titles were won shortly after his arrival. This sort of change is something many Real Madrid fans desire as soon as possible, after a recent season which has seen Real Madrid fall short of the best sides in La Liga and the Champions League, in what Perez himself has declared that Real Madrid need to reach the level again of Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.

This post has been edited by Prodigy: 17 May 2009 - 10:45 AM

[Fola]

Amazing start!
Great amount of detail. Keep it up!

[Prodigy]

Guillem Balague... Posted 10th May 2009 .. view comments

Our Spanish expert Guillem Balague gives his views on Arsene Wenger's potential move to Real Madrid, after further speculation surrounding his future after two successive defeats in both the Premier League and Champions League to Chelsea.

It's going to be an interesting month or so regarding this story. We've all read about how Real Madrid want Arsene Wenger, and we all know that Arsene has come under so much criticism from both the press and his own supporters -- deserved or not you decide. I've spoken with Florentino Perez, and the name that keeps coming up when I ask about what manager he likes is Arsene Wenger, and I feel that he has given strong enough hints to indicate Arsene Wenger will be his first choice if and when he becomes the next Real Madrid President.

Will it happen? Arsene isn't interested in money, he's interested in the football. If Florentino respects Arsene Wenger as much as he says he does, then he needs to respect him one-hundred percent, and by this I mean let Arsenal be the main man to run the club, rather than Perez himself. If Perez doesn't do this, then Arsene isn't the right manager for Real Madrid, as he won't be a puppet with Perez pulling all the strings.

However for Real Madrid, if they could get Arsene Wenger, I feel this would be a very good move. If you look at the team which Arsene Wenger built in the "Untouchable" days, where they were unbeaten in the league, this is something which could become such a realistic possibility for Madrid, with the resources they have. Arsene will build the youth system, and will focus on bringing some of the best youth talent to Madrid, yet with Perez there and the mass finances Madrid hold, Arsene will, and should be pushed to also buy World Class players who will fit straight into the team, something which he hasn't chosen to do, or been given the chance to do in recent times.

It's hard to predict whether it will happen, as Arsene can be such an unpredictable man, but he has been quoted before saying he respects Real Madrid greatly. For Arsenal though, it will hard to replace Arsene Wenger, if he does choose to leave next month. Arsene Wenger has left such a mark on Arsenal now, and after spending 10 plus years at the club, I feel extremely sorry for the man who has to replace Arsene.

In my opinion, I feel that Arsene may succumb to Real Madrid's offer. The important factor in this is the impatience of the Arsenal supporters, who for the first time in the whole of Arsene's career have started to get on his back. I still feel Arsene could last another season at Arsenal, to prove the doubters wrong, but the problem is that this Real Madrid offer won't still be available next year, and if Arsenal doesn't leave at the end of this season, next season this kind of opportunity may not be available.

[Prodigy]

Page last updated at 13:04 GMT, Friday, 15 May 2009

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Wenger refuses to rule out move to Madrid

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season ahead of his sides clash against Bolton tomorrow.

Wenger, who in the past few days has been strongly linked with taking over from current caretaker manager Juande Ramos at the end of the season, refused to rule out a move to Real Madrid, yet threatened to walk out of the press conference if continuous questions carried on about the matter.

When asked about whether he'd consider any approach from Real Madrid, he stated that the project potential President Florentino Perez is trying to create was "interesting".

"Real Madrid are very good club, and the project that Florentino Perez is trying to implement is interesting, and that's all I have to say."

He added: "I don't want to discuss this matter. It's speculation, and I'm not interested in speculation -- it is disrespectful for both Arsenal and Real Madrid to discuss this matter."

Further pressured when asked whether he could rule out a move to Madrid for the Arsenal supporters, Wenger ignored the question and threatened to walk out of the press conference is any more questions on the subject were asked.

In contrast to Wenger, Juande Ramos' Real Madrid find themselves in fine form in La Liga, after eight games without conceding a goal and five wins on the bounce, and the Real Madrid boss has said that he feels he has done a good job with the amount of time he has been given.

"If you look at the amount of time I've had, I feel I've done a good job. I have had since December to turn us around, and despite a few blips in the Champions League and La Liga, we are still second in La Liga and our recent form speaks for itself. I have to treat every game as a game I must win, as even though many don't expect me to remain, including myself, I know I have to do well."

Asked whether he felt Arsene Wenger is likely to replace him, Ramos added: "Arsene is a wonderful manager, and I have a close relationship with him. He's my friend, and for any club in the world he would be a very good manager, including Real Madrid. Still, it's not nice to speak about players or managers which are employed at other clubs, and for me the press should only ask these questions at the end of the season."

[Hibee]

Brilliant start, I really like the amount of detail you put in and the writing style. :thup:

[Prodigy]

Page last updated at 18:09 GMT, Sunday, 24 May 2009

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Adebayor double sees Arsenal finish fourth

Arsenal overcame a hard fought battle with Sunderland after two Adebayor goals and an early Eboue strike gave Arsenal a 3-2 win, leaving the Gunners finishing fourth place in the league, 10 points behind Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea.

However, the game was marred by press speculation, as the futures of Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor have been all been under speculation in the past few days, yet none greater than the speculation regarding Arsene Wenger's potential switch to the Bernabeu.

Arsenal took the lead on seven minutes, as Emmanuel Eboue, playing at right back was found at the end of Abou Diaby's wonderful weighted through ball, which left the Ivory Cost born man through on goal, and even though his first shot was well saved by Scottish keeper Craig Gordon, a lucky follow up saw Arsenal go in front.

Minutes later, Arsenal were celebrating their second, as Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed his twelfth league goal after Dean Whitehead's poor back pass went straight into the path of Adebayor, who with the coolest of finishes chipped the ball over Gordon to make it two-nil within only eleven minutes.

Sunderland responded quickly though, and the pace of Frenchman Djibril Cisse saw him behind the Gunners defence, and the loanee scored an impressive fifteenth goal of the season, which will leave Sunderland fighting for his signature come the end of the season.

The Black Cats were revitalised after this goal, and with both teams having nothing to play for in terms of league position -- were left with a freedom which resulted in an attacking, open game, with Kenwyne Jones and Eduardo both coming close, and Dean Whitehead nearly making up for his early mistake with a long range effort which troubled veteran keeper Almunia.

Arsenal hit back with a killer blow though before half-time, as Adebayor grabbed his second of the game after Cesc Fabregas' one two which saw another wonderfully finished goal from the Togo international. Again though, Sunderland hit back with their never say die attitude, and Kenwyne Jones who came close earlier on in the half got his goal, after a superb headed goal from a near perfect cross from Sunderland left back George McCartney, which gave Sunderland another opportunity to get right back into the game.

Jones' goal would be the last though, as the late season tiredness gave in, and both teams lacked the impetus they showed in the first half, as neither team really threatened apart from a long rang effort from Cesc Fabregas, which clipped the top of the bar.

The end of the game saw Arsene Wenger and his players applaud the Arsenal faithful, some maybe knowing they will not be at the club at the beginning of next. Whilst Arsenal supporters will be in for a long next few months, Sunderland supporters can enjoy another decent season, which despite early season relegation fears -- The Black Cats earned themselves a respectful thirteenth placed finished.

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Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Clichy (Van Persie 60), Toure, Gallas, Eboue, Nasri, Fabregas, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Silvestre, Rosicky, Arshavin, Vela, Bendtner

Goals: Eboue 7, Adebayor 11, 43

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, McCartney, Ferdinand, Ben-Haim, Whitehead, Reid, Leadbitter, Tainio, Cisse, Jones
Subs Not Used: Fulop, McShane, Collins, Malbranque, Murphy, Davenport, Nosworthy

Booked: Gordon, Ben-Haim, Leadbitter

Goals: Cisse 18, Jones 44

Att: 60,415

Ref: Mike Riley (W Yorkshire).

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BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor (8.7 on 90 minutes).

Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.

[shan0811]

Quality story this, brilliant detail in the updates and KI

[Prodigy]

.................Article

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Florentino Perez wins Presidential Election


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"It's time for a new revolution at Real Madrid, and it's time to get this club back to where it belongs -- Champions of Spain, Champions of Europe, Champions of the World." Realmadrid.com

Former Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has today been elected the new President of Real Madrid, after being left unopposed in the Presidential Elections, and will be joined by former Real madrid players Jorge Valdano and Zinedine Zidane.

Florentino Perez, who's first tenure at the club began in 2000, started the famous 'Galacticos' era for Real Madrid, with players such as David Beckham, Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Zinedine Zidane signing for the club, with Real Madrid winning it's ninth European Championship and two La Liga titles.

"This is the time for a new era at Real Madrid. It's time for a new revolution a Real Madrid, and it's now the time to get this club back to where it belongs -- Champions of Spain, Champions of Europe, Champions of the World."

"As a Real Madrid fan, this season has been one of the hardest in recent memory, in which we were embarrassed in Europe, and embarrassed in Spain. This season didn't show the greatest team in the world, it showed a team lacking the quality of our rivals Barcelona, and lacking the quality of teams across Europe. In 2000 I took over a club which was in financial difficulties, and was suffering from mismanagement of previous boards, and we were able to win two La Liga Champions and the European Cup in my first years, and in 2009, we will do this again."

"The project we are trying to build will appeal to any manager in the world. We want a mixture of some of the best youth talent in the world, but also experienced players, World Class players. To do this though, we need a new manager. We need someone who can build the youth academy for the future, so Real Madrid has an academy which will turn out potential World Class players every year, but a manager which knows how to improve his team by buying 'Galacticos', and this manager will hopefully be appointed as soon as possible, so together we can start building the new Real Madrid."

"My departure in 2006, I can now admit, was a mistake. I thought it would be the best option for Real Madrid if the club went into a new direction with a new President, and I now admit that was wrong. However I am back now, so that can be forgotten, and I can now look forward to many years at Real Madrid.

This post has been edited by Prodigy: 18 May 2009 - 01:30 PM

[Prodigy]

Agent: Arsene will decide future in next few days

By NEIL ASHTON
Last updated at 08:13 AM on 2nd June 2009

Agent announces official contact from Real Madrid
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Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has been approached by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, according to Arsene Wenger's agent Juan Villiano, and could make a decision regarding the role as soon as in the next 72 hours.

"I can confirm that Real Madrid have made an official approach to talk to Arsene. New President Florentino Perez contacted Arsene yesterday, and I can confirm that talks are ongoing with the Real Madrid President. Nothing has been agreed, and Arsene is discussing Real Madrid with Florentino Perez out of a great respect for him."

When asked about when a decision will be made, Villiano said "In the next forty-eight to seventy-two hours."

For some Arsenal fans, it seems it's inevitable that the Gunners manager will leave, after another trophyless season and fourth placed finish, which has seen some quarters turn against Wenger and his team, which was seen after Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Emirates which saw Arsenal crash out of the Champions League semi-final, with the majority of the remaining fans shouting a chorus of boos.

When asked about the Real Madrid position, Wenger before was quoted as saying the job was "interesting" and "Real Madrid are a very good club", and refused to rule out for the supporters that he wouldn't leave at the end of this season.

Perez, the main man behind this potential deal, was only appointed yesterday as Real Madrid President, and has quickly moved to appoint his first target, mentioning yesterday that "hopefully a manager will be appointed as soon as possible, so together we can build a new Madrid", which indicates that the President will be handing any potential manager a hands-on approach in terms of the Real Madrid managerial role, which will have to be guaranteed before Wenger even considers the post.

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[Telegram Sam]

Arsene Wenger and the 'Galacticos'?

Surely not.

[Prodigy]

..........................Article

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Arsene Wenger appointed new Real Madrid manager


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"I couldn't say no to this opportunity. I had to ask myself if I would get this chance again, and my answer was no -- this job is perfect for me." Realmadrid.com

Real Madrid C.F are delighted to announce the acquisition of Arsene Wenger on a five-year contract which will keep him at the club until 2014.

"In recent years, Real Madrid has signed some of the best individuals in World Football. Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Figo were all signed by Madrid, yet none maybe as huge as the signing of Arsene Wenger. The revolution starts now, and the project is well and truly in full force" said Perez, opening the press conference.

"Real Madrid will have to change it's policy. Some are asking will I be in control of transfers, will Zidane, or will Valdano? I can answer that, and the man responsible for transfers is our manager. Zinedine and Jorge have been brought in as advisors to myself, and they will help me in the day to day running of the club, marketing and improve the youth teams, and Arsene will be choosing the players he wants."

He added: "It's true, the turnover of managers here in recent times has been poor. I don't want us to be a club which keeps changing it's manager, as I believe long term stability will bring in more success than short term. If you look at Manchester United, who next to Real Madrid, are the biggest team in World Football, they have kept their manager for a long period of time, leaving their coach in Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of nearly everything. I want Arsene Wenger to be here for a very long time, to end his career here. He spent thirteen years at Arsenal, therefore I know he wouldn't of joined Real Madrid if he didn't believe he would be here for a long time."

Arsene Wenger, who spent thirteen years at Arsenal, guided his previous team Arsenal to three Premier League titles, four FA Cup Trophies, four FA Community Shields and also finished runners up to Barcelona in the Champions League, also spoke.

"This was one of the toughest decisions in my life. I knew that if I hadn't of taken this, then I would of spent the rest of my career wondering "what if?" Arsenal were a very good club to me, and I enjoyed my time immensely there. However, the last few seasons has been difficult. I don't mind about the press criticism, as that will always be there, but for my own fans to turn against me was hard, and in my view, unjust. People kept telling me to spend money, and I did. I bought players like Arshavin, and Nasri, but Arsenal simply didn't have the resources to buy players in bulk like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Still, I'm proud of what I have accomplished there, and in the future Arsenal will see the groundwork I have laid."

"I couldn't reject this opportunity. I had to ask myself if I would get this chance again, and my answer was no -- this job is perfect for me -- the project laid out in front of me was perfect. Florentino described how he wants to build a club around youth, yet wants to offer me the resources to buy 'Galacticos' if I need to improve my team. He described the new revolution, a fresh start, and a new era for the biggest club in football. For any manager, if offered that, it's a hard opportunity to turn down."

He added "I'm not motivated by money, I'm motivated by the football. If Florentino couldn't guarantee me control over transfers and the youth system he wants me to build, and couldn't guarantee me time, then I wouldn't of accepted this offer. I'm not a puppet, and I'm not prepared to be simply a coach which will pick the team. Back to time, I plead with the fans to give me time. In my view, the squad Real Madrid has is under-performing, with some World Class players, and a good amount of depth. However, the change will be as hard for me as it will be for the club itself to adjust to how and what I want, and it may take a season to get my policy in place. However, what I can guarantee is attacking, free-flowing football, which in time could and will be far superior to Barcelona."

Asked about transfers, Wenger simply said he isn't a man which which spend profusely, but if given the money will buy into buying 'Galacticos', yet insisted that Florentino Perez and himself have agreed that the future of Real Madrid lies in its youth.

[Telegram Sam]

Amazing graphics mate.

[Prodigy]

Hill-Wood laments disgraceful Real Madrid

Gunners Chairman claims that Real Madrid tapped up Wenger at his lowest

Last updated: 10th June 2009

Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood has labelled Real Madrid as a club with 'no intergrity whatsoever' as Arsenal feel the bitter aftermath of Arsene Wenger's move to Real Madrid.

Wenger, who was officially unveiled as the Real Madrid manager yesterday, had stated that fan criticism was hard and unjust, and Hill-Wood revealed how Real had taken advantage of a man which was at his lowest.

"It's hard to take. In my view, Real Madrid took advantage of Wenger and Arsenal at their lowest since the start of Arsene's career here. I felt the press criticism, but more important the fan criticism was out of order, yet as Chairman I can understand it, as Arsenal fans have simply been spoilt over the last thirteen years. Arsene was trying to build a team of youth which in a year, or two years down the line, would be mature enough to start dominating Europe. At the moment, we lack experience, therefore without experience we have found it difficult to win important games, and therefore trophies. I understood the frustration, but everyone just needed more patience, and Arsene simply wasn't getting that" said Hill-Wood, speaking to the Telegraph.

He added "Madrid simply took advantage of us and Arsene. Perez, before he was even implemented as President, was dropping hints to the media after our exit in the Champions League. Perez will say everything was done above board, and Arsene had a clause in his contract, but I disagree. I don't see how tapping up a manager, whilst the season in still in progress, is above board. Madrid have no integrity whatsoever, and they took advantage of a manager which for the first time in thirteen years was feeling immense pressure from all quarters, and at Arsene's lowest, where fans were openly criticising him and his team, he was demoralised."

Asked if he was surprised Arsene left, he said "I feel this could be a bad move for Arsene. I respect him greatly, and I simply couldn't persuade him to stay. However for me, Perez can promise Arsene whatever, but in my view Arsene Wenger will find it hard to succeed at Real Madrid. Madrid don't give time to managers, hell, they've even sacked managers which have won La Liga titles. They want everything to be perfect, and he won't get a lot of time to make an impact on the club. Look at the the turnover there, and look at the control the Presidents have. Real Madrid may say these policies will be dropped, which I feel they must do at the moment for Arsene to even consider going there, but in my view, if times get hard, and signings fail for Arsene, the policies may quickly change."

Speaking on the successor to Arsene Wenger, Hill-Wood said that he hasn't got any potential manager lined up, however a shortlist will begin to be drawn up over the next few days, yet said that the opportunity at Arsenal was far greater than Madrid's.

When also asked on whether he'd consider selling any players to Real Madrid, with Francesc Fabregas being linked with a move to Madrid, Hill-Wood said that he won't sell his best players to anyone, especially the club captain.

Arsenal's next permanent manager:-

Martin O`Neill - 12/1
Liam Brady - 12/1
Jose Mourinho - 12/1
Boro Primorac - 16/1
Michael Laudrup - 16/1
Tony Adams - 16/1
Pat Rice - 25/1
Marco Van Basten - 25/1
Jurgen Klinsman - 30/1
Guus Hiddink - 30/1
Glen Hoddle - 1000/1

This post has been edited by Prodigy: 20 May 2009 - 10:25 PM

[shan0811]

Great story mate, really superb. I would love to see Jose here at Emirates but it wont happen. Martin O;Neill looks like the right man for the job. KIU

[Fola]

Tony Adams for boss

[Prodigy]

Page last updated at 08:47 GMT, Thursday, 11 June 2009

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Adams: Arsenal job is my dream

Former Portsmouth boss and Arsenal captain Tony Adams has declared his interest for the Arsenal job, by declaring it as he's "dream" opportunity.

The 42 year-old, who spent eighteen years at Arsenal as a player, has been out of a managerial job since the beginning of February, after spending only four months in charge of Pompey, picking up only 10 points from 16 games.

However, this unsuccessful spell has not stopped Adams from aiming high, and Adams feels that he could manage Arsenal.

"Arsenal is my club, so of course I'm interested. I've always said that it'd be my dream job, and it still is. People may say that I haven't got the experience, and may even look at my time at Pompey and say that it was unsuccessful, but I feel I could manage this team definitely, and if I was offered, I'd take it without a moments thought, even if it was a rolling contract, just for next season."

Speaking on the departure of Arsene Wenger, Tony Adams described how surprised he was.

"I was astonished to be honest. I've been saying, since Perez first declared his interest, that there would be no chance that Arsene wouldn't see out the remainder of his contract. Arsene is an honourable man, so it is disappointing, and surprising that he'd walk out for Real Madrid, however maybe what's more disappointing is that some supporters turned against Wenger, which I feel is very unfair."

"I don't know why he went to Madrid. Like I said, I thought Arsene would see out the remainder of his contract, and if anywhere stay at Arsenal, manage in France, or maybe manage the France national team itself. I did not see him being interested in Real Madrid, simply because I felt Real stood for everything Arsene didn't like -- spending lots of money on buying big players, high staff turnover, and having a President which basically runs everything, football and non-football."

Asked who he'd like to come in, if it wasn't himself, Tony Adams said it'd be hard choice to make.

"Whoever follows Arsene will be hard. In my view though, I'd like to see someone brought in that has a connection with the club, or a young foreign manager which has potential. In terms of names, someone like Dennis Bergkamp or Martin Keown would be my choice, as they both know Arsenal inside out, but with Dennis I can't see that happening, as everybody knows he has a fear of flying -- so maybe he'd be better suited to Spurs (laughs)"

Adams, who made made 504 appearances for the gunners, scoring 32 goals, has moved up the betting to become the next Arsenal manager, becoming joint favourite with Michael Laudrup, Marco Van Basten and Liam Brady, however the betting patterns remain mixed, with simply no stand out favourite to become the next Gunners boss.

[Number 1]

Great graphics and very good progress so far.

KIU

[Prodigy]

Mourinho: I'm sick of job links

Mourinho wants Serie A and Champions League title

Last updated: 14th June 2009

Jose Mourinho has said he is sick of being linked with job vacancies at other clubs, as Mourinho was questioned as a Charity Event about the vacant Arsenal job.

Mourinho, who spent a disappointing first season at Inter Milan, finishing fourth in the league, and suffered an early exit from the Champions League, is under intense pressure from Milan fans and board.

Mourinho, who joined Milan after leaving Chelsea, has said that he won't leave Inter for any club until he has achieved his aims.

"It's flattering being linked with top jobs in football, but I must say, I am starting to get quite sick of it as well now. I won't leave Inter Milan until I win both the Serie A title, and Champions League here -- I have to prove myself to the fans. This season has been very disappointing, and I am as disappointed as any supporter of the club, I feel your pain. However can I just reiterate that I will not leave Milan until I have won the Serie A title and Champions League, or sacked, and once I have won those Championships, you can link me with any job you want."

Speaking on Arsene Wenger's departure, Mourinho admitted that he was surprised to hear that Wenger had joined Real Madrid, but was even more surprised when he heard he wasn't the favourite.

"Well, I think I was only second or third favourite behind Wenger, so in a way I was quite pleased when I heard Wenger had joined Madrid."

Mourinho also was asked about his former club Chelsea, and was disappointed to see his former club lose to current rivals Juventus in the Champions League final.

"Chelsea have had a good season, and I'm happy for them. Scolari obviously didn't work, but Hiddink, to guide Chelsea to the Premier League and Champions League final is an amazing task. Obviously I wanted Chelsea to win, after consistently coming so close to the Champions League, but again it wasn't there time. Still, if Chelsea are going to continue pushing for the Champions League win, in my view they need to keep Guus [Hiddink] at the club. In terms of Juve winning the Champions League, it means nothing to me. The only thing it means it will be more sweeter for the fans next year when we take their Champions League crown."

In terms of the favourite for the Arsenal job, Tony Adams has now become the clear bookies choice, as he is now available at 4/9. Michael Laudrup, Marco Van Basten and Roberto Mancini all follow Adams, but there has been no official word from the Arsenal board when a replacement to Arsene Wenger will be announced.

Arsenal's next permanent manager:- Tony Adams 4/9