Our Two Penneth

STICKING THE BOOT IN - Diego Forlan has revealed why he left Manchester United five years ago. And no, it's not because he was rubbish. Apparently, it's all down to him wearing the wrong kind of boots. Forlan explains: "Ferguson wanted me to play with high studs, the interchangeable ones that suit wet pitches, but I feel more comfortable in low ones. I agreed to change, but I didn't and, against Chelsea, I slipped in front of goal and wasted a chance. Afterwards, I rushed to the dressing room to change boots, but Ferguson caught me. He grabbed the boots and threw them. That was my last game for United." Still, Fergie and Forlan do hook up from time to time...whenever Fergie wants help with scouting. "When we were in London [with Villarreal before a Champions League game against Arsenal] Ferguson showed up at our hotel," Forlan added. "I still have a good relationship with Sir Alex and his brother Martin. We have conversations and sometimes he asks me about South American players I might know of." Ah, true friendship.

Our Two Penneth1

WII ARE NOT AMUSED - Football Association bosses have asked that England's World Cup base in South Africa be equipped with computer games so the squad doesn't get bored. Perhaps keen to avoid the training camp shenanigans that have blighted England's previous campaigns, Fabio Capello is looking to keep his players occupied between games and wants them to have access to Wiis and Playstations at their luxury hotel complex, which is still under construction. Gareth Simaan, boss of the company which is building the new complex, says: "We are working on a daily basis with the FA to meet their requirements. We have had quite stringent requirements from England and we are fulfilling every one. The players will not want for anything while they are here - every need will be taken care of. We have space for Playstations and Wiis and other lifestyle activities for the players. It will be a home from home for them." Capello has also asked for 7ft long beds so Peter Crouch can get a decent night's sleep. Bless.

Beckhamwatch: Scruff Of The Becks

Tuesday 15 Sep 2009

BECKS TAKES THE GAME BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK
David Beckham is back in the headlines for the wrong reasons in America after LA Galaxy's good run of form imploded with a disastrous 6-3 thrashing at the hands of FC Dallas at the weekend. Having fallen 2-0 behind early on in the first half, Galaxy drew level before the break and while they were only 3-2 behind with ten minutes to go, a late collapse in front of their own supporters was followed by a melee after a row between Landon Donovan and David Ferreira.
Beckham tried to break up the altercation as more players piled in, but by grabbing Daniel Hernandez around the throat, he will probably have got himself in more trouble, having already been sent off once since returning to America in the last month. LA head coach Bruce Arena said: "It was nice to see that we had a little bit of fight in us at the end of the game. It would have been nice if we saw some of that in the 90 minutes before that incident."
All in all, it was a miserable return to domestic action for Beckham after his time away with England, but it seems he is already looking ahead to what happens after the end of the MLS season, with World Cup selection high up on his list of priorities. Blackburn Rovers defender Michel Salgado has called upon his former Madrid team-mate to join him on loan at Ewood Park, having spoken to him about life in the North-West of England.
"I spoke to him last week when he was with the national team," said Salgado. "He asked me if I had signed here at Blackburn Rovers for two years. I said I had signed and I live in Manchester in Alderley Edge. He said to me, 'Oh, I have lived there, it is a fantastic place.' He said 'Congratulations for going to Blackburn Rovers because it is a historic club. You have a great man as coach, Sam.'"
When asked whether Beckham could join him there, Salgado said: "I have to speak with him and the club, but maybe we will have to pay him, all the players! I will try!" It still sounds unlikely, of course, with Goldenballs more likely to head back to AC Milan, where they want him back despite the departure of Carlo Ancelotti in the summer. Club director Umberto Gandini has confirmed that the San Siro club are hopeful of arranging another loan deal in the next few weeks

Salgado hints at Becks reunion

Tuesday 15 Sep 2009
The 33-year-old Spaniard, who has joined Rovers on a two-year deal, played alongside Beckham for four years at the Bernabeu.
Beckham is set to leave LA Galaxy on loan in January and is believed to prefer a return to the Premier League in the hope that he can earn a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Contrite Wolves duo say sorry

McCarthy opted to drop Elokobi to the substitute's bench for the 3-1 defeat at Ewood Park, while Zubar was excluded from the squad altogether.
Elokobi is aware that he made a big mistake, telling the Express & Star: "I'm very disappointed with everything that happened at the weekend.
"I've said sorry to the gaffer and the rest of the boys and would also like to apologise to the fans as well, because I've let everyone down at the club.
"It's my responsibility as a player to be at the team meeting and I wasn't there so I received my just punishment.
"I've taken the gaffer's decision and all I can do is hold my hands up.
"I'm always in early at the training ground and it's not in my character to be late, but it was one of those things

Adebayor faces two FA charges

The Football Association has charged Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor with violent conduct and improper conduct following the Togo international's erratic behaviour during Saturday's 4-2 win against Arsenal.
Adebayor caught former team-mate Robin van Persie in the face with his boot and, after scoring City's third goal, raced 90 metres to celebrate his goal in front of the Gunners fans.

Objects were thrown towards Adebayor by some away fans who were infuriated by the forward's actions.
Last season, Arsenal supporters had accused the 25-year-old of not trying hard enough in some games following his attempts in the summer of 2008 to seal a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.
A statement on the FA's official website read: "Under the fast-track disciplinary process, Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Robin van Persie, which resulted in the Arsenal player receiving facial injuries.
"Referee Mark Clattenburg has advised the FA that he did not see this incident, but has confirmed that had he done so, he would have sent Adebayor off for violent conduct. The player has until 6pm on Wednesday evening to respond to the charge.
"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring.
"The Greater Manchester Police have written to the FA with their views on this incident. A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor's goal celebration."
In the aftermath of Saturday's controversial game, Adebayor had said: "I don't know what I have done wrong to get banned.
"I heard that a steward was injured and I regret that. I have apologised to Robin van Persie. It was silly to run up in front of the Arsenal fans. But these people had been insulting me all game