Chelsea's problems won't go away until football's most influential dressing room is disbanded

The Blues will never return to the top of English football as long as their owner fails to challenge the unhealthy level of influence senior players wield in the dressing room.

The default response of Roman Abramovich to an indifferent series of results is always to reach for the red button and eject another manager.

Like a Bond villain, his fingers get itchy and he can’t help himself from removing the most obvious obstacle to improved circumstances for Chelsea, his fiefdom for the last nine years.

While Andre Villas-Boas has not received the same tidal wave of sympathy that followed the dismissal of his double-winning predecessor Carlo Ancelotti on the final day of last season, there is no shame for the Portuguese in becoming, after Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Ancelotti, the sixth casualty of Roman’s empire.

The Portuguese has made mistakes and his dictatorial approach has not gone down well with players used to being more influential than is healthy for any group of players at a marquee club.

But his time will come again. He is too young, ambitious and analytical not to be a managerial success at another club. For now, we will miss his exotic football terminology, mangling of adjectives and touchline gymnastics, if not his strangely sterile team.

Frankly, the side he put together was not up to much. To be languishing three points behind fourth place after more than two-thirds of the season and teetering on the brink of elimination from the Champions League borders on a dereliction of duty.

For Abramovich, the hoy grail has always been the Champions League. And not just participation, either. That is the minimum objective. Abramovich wants a Barcelona-style dynasty - season after season of rubbing shoulders with the high rollers in the last four of Europe's elite competition.

Getting knocked out in the first round while holding down a Europa League place was always likely to lead to Villas-Boas' life support machine being switched off, despite the noises from the top of the club that it was different this time and that the owner was in for the long haul.

Yet that does not take into account the unique circumstances at Chelsea, where Villas-Boas was charged with simultaneously introducing a more expansive playing style and keeping Chelsea in the hunt for honours while the spine of the team that has won three league titles in the Abramovich era aged before his eyes.

The problem of the Stamford Bridge managerial merry-go-round is that the players are so used to surviving the senior coaching staff that they regard the manager’s authority as forever compromised.

How can they give the man in the dugout absolute respect when they know he is always a patchy run of results away from the boot?

At Chelsea, more than any other big club, the senior players hold sway. They saw off Scolari and Grant, certainly, and have now done the same to the man hired at the cost of £28m last summer.

The dilemma of easing out the old guard is not eased by axing Villas-Boas. It is actually more difficult.

John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are loved by the fans. They are regarded as legends, permanent fixtures whoever picks the team.

Yet the manager, the public face of the club, is a diluted, albeit extravagantly rewarded, figure who is a sticking plaster for the team’s ills, not the permanent medicine he should be.

Perhaps Abramovich would be better off allowing the old guard to pick the team and choose their own personal retirement dates.

Or even better, dispense with the idea of a manager altogether and select the team himself from his luxury yacht.

While the owner continues to change manager more often than most of us buy a new pair of socks, Chelsea will always be operating with one hand tied behind their backs.

It's not been an easy day, says Mata after Villas-Boas' Chelsea dismissal

The midfielder has call for his side to improve following the Portuguese's exit at Stamford Bridge and insists 'better days will come'

Juan Mata has admitted it has 'not been easy' following the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday and has urged his Chelsea team-mates to improve the situation at Stamford Bridge.

The 34-year-old was sacked after a string of poor results that culminated in Chelsea's 1-0 loss at West Brom on Saturday.

Chelsea, who sit fifth in the Premier League, have appointed Roberto Di Matteo as interim manager until the end of the season.

Mata, who was brought to Stamford Bridge by Villas-Boas in the summer, thanked the former Chelsea boss for his time at the club.

"It hasn't been an easy day for those who, like me, are part of Chelsea," read a post on Mata's official Facebook page.

"I would like to thank the manager and wish him luck.

"We have to keep working hard and better days will come. Thanks for your support!"

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Fall guy Wenger

In last week's blog I blasted Luis Suarez and Liverpool fans, and also questioned whether Wolves were right to sack Mick McCarthy.

This week I'm critical of Arsenal's board after another bad weekend for the Gunners, while I give my backing to Andre Villas-Boas and look again at the Wolves managerial situation.

Be careful what you wish for, Arsenal fans

Seven seasons without a trophy is not good enough for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger knows it, the board of directors know it and the fans definitely know it.

So who is to blame? Well, the answer is everybody. The manager is to blame, the players are to blame and the board is to blame. Nobody comes out of seven years of failure with any credit.

The real question is who is the problem? Which person or persons need to be replaced for the club to achieve success again? If Arsenal replace Wenger as manager in the summer, would they stand any more chance of winning anything?

This is the most successful manager in the club's history we're talking about, remember. I don't doubt he has made mistakes, but I do doubt Arsenal would have achieved more without him in the past seven years or that they would achieve more without him in the future.

George Graham has spoken out in criticism of the Frenchman, saying he "can't understand why Arsene has not gone out and bought some real quality players".

If only it was that simple! If ever there was any doubt that Wenger's hands were being tied by the board at Arsenal, it was removed in the summer when the club somehow contrived not to sign Juan Mata, despite the Spaniard having already agreed to the move.

How many times have we heard that a 'quality player' has been keen to move to Arsenal but ultimately failed to do so? Wenger is a great spotter of talent and players want to play for him but, ultimately, if the money is not there, how is he supposed to sign the 'quality players' he needs?

I blogged in April 2011 that the Arsenal board needed to be more transparent if they wanted criticism of Wenger to stop, but they have remained as silent as ever throughout the latest crisis.

Since I wrote that blog the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and failure to land Mata, have further tightened the rope around the manager's hands yet the board have continued to allow fans to believe that the team is under-achieving, and that it is the fault of Wenger.

Well be careful what you wish for Arsenal fans because, when he eventually steps down, you might just realise that the greatest manager in your history was not under-achieving, but over-achieving.

Villas-Boas needs Blues backing

Another manager under pressure from supporters is Chelsea's Andre Villas-Boas, and he is another manager that I believe deserves more support.

The Blues' failings this season have been arguably even greater than Arsenal's but, like Wenger, I don't believe Villas-Boas is solely to blame.

It wouldn't be accurate to claim he inherited a poor Chelsea side given the club finished second in the Premier League last season, but it is fair to say he inherited a team that is on the wane and does not meet Roman Abramovich's expectations.

Villas-Boas has been tasked with building a younger, more exciting team, and that was never going to be an overnight job. There are few positives to take from the 34-year-old's reign so far but, given the size of the task, it's too early to say he has been a failure.

He needs until the end of next season at the least to prove himself and I have to say I'm a little surprised by the Chelsea fans calling for his head. After all, if Abramovich's chopping and changing of managers has taught us anything, it's that it doesn't work.

The whole reason Chelsea are in the state they are is that no manager has been given long enough to build his own team, to bring through young players and to stamp his own mark on the club. Only time will tell whether Villas-Boas is the right man to do that, but sacking him would achieve nothing.

The squad would still be ageing, many of the players would still feel a sense of loyalty to Jose Mourinho and there's no guarantee Fernando Torres would suddenly find his shooting boots.

Like Wenger, Villas-Boas has to take a share of the blame but, like Arsenal, Chelsea's problems run deeper than the manager and getting rid of him now would be naivety at its best. I actually think Abramovich will stick with Villas-Boas, but I only hope the club's supporters give him the time he needs too otherwise I fear I'll be writing something similar about the next Blues manager 12 months from now.

Curbishley won't get a better chance

I said last week that Wolves' decision to sack Mick McCarthy would only be a good one if they found the right candidate to replace the Yorkshireman.

Unfortunately, they have failed to do so. I think Alan Curbishley would have been an excellent appointment but unfortunately for Wolves he is said to have turned down the job, leaving Steve Bruce as the front-runner.

Now anyone that has read my pieces regularly over the past few seasons will know that I think Bruce is an awful manager with a huge chip on his shoulder, so suffice to say I think Wolves will have weakened rather than strengthened their hand if the former Sunderland boss succeeds McCarthy at Molineux.

It is Curbishley that has really irritated me, though. It may turn out to be paper talk, of course, but he is said to have rejected a contract until the end of the season because he wanted something longer-term.

Now I could understand that of a manager already in work but Curbishley has been out of the game since 2008 and made it clear last week that he wants to return to the Premier League.

Will he ever get a better opportunity than with Wolves? A club with great history, big supporter base and good chance of survival, and he turns them down. I think you'll be waiting a long time for your next phone call, Alan.

No Pulis problem

Mark Holmes defends Tony Pulis' decision not to take a full squad to Spain but has harsh words for Mark Hughes and Alex McLeish among others.

Last week, I defended Arsene Wenger and Andre Villas-Boas, but this week I'm rather less complimentary about Mark Hughes and Alex McLeish. I start, however, by assessing Tony Pulis' decision to take a weakened Stoke squad to Valencia.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you, Stokies

Regular readers will know I'm not afraid to criticise Tony Pulis. Earlier this month, I moaned that his lack of adventure was starting to grate so you could be forgiven for thinking I'm angry about the squad he took to Valencia.

However, while I was not exactly jumping for joy when I heard the likes of Peter Crouch, Matthew Etherington and Ryan Shawcross had been left at home, I can't possibly hold it against Pulis.

After all, there is a time and a place to moan about your team and it's not on the stairs out of the Mestalla, as I gently reminded one irate Stokie on Thursday evening.

Our critics warned we'd never get to the group stage, never mind get out of it, so there's no way I will criticise Pulis after a defeat to the third-best team in Spain.

What's more, those who have criticised his selection in Valencia have skimmed over the fact that our first-choice team was comprehensively outplayed at the Britannia, whereas our so-called reserve team was unfortunate to lose on Thursday night. They have also skimmed over the fact that the likes of Cameron Jerome, Ricardo Fuller and Wilson Palacios, all of whom started at the Mestalla, are players that many fans have been urging Pulis to give more action to.

Also, it's disingenuous to suggest, as some media sources have done, that this was the first time we had played a weakened team in Europe. In fact, prior to the Valencia game, the least amount of changes Pulis had made for a Europa League game was eight.

He has taken the competition seriously but he's also quite rightly prioritised the Premier League right the way through the season and I can fully understand his decision to do so again ahead of Sunday's crucial game against Swansea.

We'll never know whether Stoke's first-choice XI would have won in Valencia but I'll look back with great pride at our performance at the Mestalla and in Europe as a whole. The whole Europa League campaign has been one big 'pinch yourself' moment (I made it to three of the away games) so excuse me if I'm not too critical of the man who got us there.

Bale 'dive' the latest in a long line

When I was first asked to write my own weekly blog, one of the things I most wanted to highlight was this perception that players are entitled to go down when they feel contact.

I mentioned it in my very first Monday Moan way back in October and have also highlighted instances where players are actually punished for trying to stay on their feet.

Gareth Bale is the latest player to take advantage of the rules and it is the rules themselves rather than the players that I take umbrage with.

Brendan Rodgers claims one of his Swansea players was informed by Howard Webb that he didn't get a penalty at Stoke on Sunday because he "didn't go down."

The same referee visited Blackpool's training ground when they were in the Premier League to tell their players to go to ground more.

To make matters worse, I regularly hear pundits saying such and such a player was 'entitled' to go down following contact. It's ludicrous. Players should attempt to stay on their feet at all times and referees should punish those that go down when they could stay up. If a player attempts to stay up in the box but is clearly knocked off his stride by a touch and does not claim an advantage, then a penalty should be given.

It couldn't be more simple in my eyes, but the likes of Bale will continue to take advantage of the rules until someone with a bit of sense sorts them out.

Horrible Hughes / Boring, Boring McLeish

With Steve Bruce still out of work (count your lucky blessings, Wolves fans), it's only fair that I direct my ire at the two other Premier League managers I can't stand!

The first one is Mark Hughes, who was involved in yet another touchline altercation on Saturday, this time with Martin Jol. Now both managers played down the incident, but it's fair to say there is a bit of a theme starting to develop with the now-QPR boss. Class isn't a word I'd use to describe him, let's put it like that.

I'd also love to hear Danny Murphy's thoughts on the amount of red cards Rangers are picking up under his old gaffer. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of seeing Hughes sending out his players 'too pumped up'. He was in charge of the dirtiest Blackburn side Lancashire has ever seen and is at it again in west London. What a guy!

Talking of managers that irritate me, can anyone blame the Aston Villa fans for the chants they directed at Alex McLeish on Saturday? I've mentioned before that I think he's extremely lucky not to get more negative press and it continues to astound me that more neutrals cannot understand why the Villa faithful is so annoyed by having him in charge.

It has little to do with his Birmingham connection but everything to do with the dour, avoid-defeat-at-all-costs approach he takes to every game. He has described the Villa job as one of the toughest jobs in the Premier League, but there's plenty of managers that would kill for some of the young players McLeish has at his disposal and it must be soul-destroying for the club's supporters to see them playing such dire football.

Daft fans

Theo Walcott is not a great footballer. We all know that. But did the Arsenal fans really believe it was a good idea to boo him during the first half of the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday?

Emmanuel Eboue will vouch that they've got form for it, and I just can't understand what must go through a fan's head to want to jeer one of his own players.

That must be the definition of counter-productivity and it's just a good job Arsene Wenger didn't give into the fans' wishes, otherwise we might not be talking about a terrific Arsenal win today.

Tevez says sorry for conduct

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has apologised "sincerely and unreservedly" for his conduct in recent months.

The Argentinian has also withdrawn his appeal against City's fine of six weeks' wages for gross misconduct, which was due to be heard by the Premier League in the coming days.

Tevez sparked a dispute with the club when he refused to warm up during the Champions League loss at Bayern Munich in September and then spent more than three months in Argentina without permission.

The 28-year-old reported back to the club last week after failing to secure a move during the January transfer window and says he now wants to fight for a place in the team.

Manager Roberto Mancini had long maintained he would only consider Tevez for selection again after an apology.

In a statement released by City, Tevez said: "I wish to apologise sincerely and unreservedly to everybody I have let down and to whom my actions over the last few months have caused offence.

"My wish is to concentrate on playing football for Manchester City Football Club."

Tevez was given his own fitness programme when he reported back to the club's Carrington training headquarters last week.

He had said he could be match fit in two weeks but it remains to be seen how quickly he can get himself back into first-team contention.

The former Manchester United and West Ham player is ineligible to play in Wednesday's Europa League tie against Porto having not been registered for the competition.

The Barclays Premier League leaders then have back-to-back home games against Blackburn and Bolton on February 25 and March 3.

Tevez has not played for City since that infamous night at Munich's Allianz Arena on September 27.

Mancini initially said the player was "finished" at the club as a result of his conduct on the bench.

Tevez was suspended and later fined for misconduct before he flew back to South America to begin his unauthorised leave on November 7.

While away, Tevez was found guilty of gross misconduct and City took a firm line over his potential sale.

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain all expressed interest in signing Tevez but City refused to sell below their valuation, believed to be around £25million, or consider loaning him out.

Tevez, who had twice previously submitted transfer requests, also saw a potential move to Corinthians collapse last summer and was estimated to have lost £9.3million in wages or bonuses over various matters.

He failed in his initial appeal against the fine of six weeks' wages for gross misconduct - thought to be around £1.2million - to the club board but lodged another with the Premier League.

His withdrawal of that appeal may now ease his return to action with the title-chasers.

Tevez sparked further controversy shortly before his return to the UK last week when he accused Mancini of treating him "like a dog" in Munich but that matter now also seems to be closed.

City's statement read: "Carlos Tevez has today apologised to all concerned for his recent conduct.

"Carlos returned to the football club last Tuesday, following a three-month absence from duties, without permission.

"Carlos has also withdrawn his appeal against the club's finding of gross misconduct which was due to be heard by a Premier League panel in the coming days.

"He has since begun a training programme designed to return him to optimum fitness."

Tevez's potential availability gives Mancini the option of City's top scorer for the past two seasons and the inspirational captain behind last year's FA Cup success.

Earlier, Mancini refused to say whether he had actually met with Tevez since his return.

But midfielder Samir Nasri welcomed the possibility of Tevez coming back into the fray.

Speaking at a press conference to preview Wednesday's Europa League clash against Porto, Nasri said: "I think he is an important player for us and for every team in Europe, because he has quality.

"I don't know what happened. If he has to apologise, then he has to do it and then he will be in the squad, because we need players of his quality to win the league and the Europa League."

Napoli pile pressure on AVB

Andre Villas-Boas needed a vote of confidence more than ever on Tuesday night after watching Chelsea crash to a 3-1 defeat against Napoli.

Manager Villas-Boas has repeatedly insisted his job would not depend on the outcome of the Champions League last-16 tie with Napoli but, despite an improved attacking performance, his players heaped more pressure on him with another defensive horror show.

Having thrown away winning positions countless times both at home and abroad since Villas-Boas took charge, Chelsea did so again to make it five matches without a win.

Their defending for all three Napoli goals was shocking.

A 3-1 win was no more than Champions League surprise package Napoli deserved - despite gifting Juan Mata the opening goal - with their attacking trio wreaking havoc against a defence once again badly missing the leadership of injured captain John Terry.

Villas-Boas may also come under fire for not starting with Frank Lampard or Michael Essien in what is regarded one of the most hostile atmospheres in Europe.

Indeed, the cacophonous Napoli fans, swirling wind and driving rain gave the whole occasion an almost apocalyptic feel.

The visitors were immediately under pressure, Petr Cech needing to be alert to race off his line, while captain-for-the-night Didier Drogba briefly stayed down after a clash of heads.

Both were a prelude for worse to follow in the 10th minute when Cech produced real heroics after Cavani looked certain to convert Ezequiel Lavezzi's pass, the goalkeeper just getting his foot to the ball.

Injury really did then strike when Jose Bosingwa limped off with what looked like a hamstring pull, forcing a half-fit Ashley Cole on far earlier than expected.

More brilliance from Cech denied Christian Maggio from a tight angle but Napoli were looking far from secure at the back themselves and, from nothing, they gifted Chelsea the lead.

Drogba found Daniel Sturridge, whose cross was inexplicably flicked back towards his own goal by Paolo Cannavaro, falling perfectly for Mata to fire left-footed beyond Morgan De Sanctis.

A stunned San Paolo struggled to process what had happened, with the visiting fans finally able to make themselves heard.

They might have been celebrating again when Sturridge wasted a glorious opportunity to play in Mata for goal number two, instead greedily trying to beat his man, while the resultant corner saw David Luiz power a header narrowly over.

Chelsea were in the ascendancy but they allowed Napoli to level seven minutes before half-time, Lavezzi given an age with which to curl a beautiful 25-yard shot beyond Cech.

Ramires should have restored the visitors' lead when the home defence parted in front of him but he blazed over the bar.

Raul Meireles was booked for handball, suspending himself for the second leg, and there was a suspicion of the same as Napoli scored again two minutes into first stoppage-time.

Gokhan Inler's cross reached the far post and Cavani leant his shoulder into the ball to turn it home, the home fans letting off a firework in jubilation.

Villas-Boas refused to shut up shop after the interval and Marek Hamsik was forced to clear off his own line, while Florent Malouda drilled a volley too close to De Sanctis.

But Napoli should have punished another error when Meireles gave Cavani the chance to feed Lavezzi, who dragged wide.

Gary Cahill was booked for clattering into the livewire forward and Mata volleyed another shot straight at De Sanctis before a desperate Salvatore Aronica clearance denied Drogba a possible equaliser.

Napoli were not sitting back either and the latest Luiz howler saw them double their lead in the 65th minute, the defender kicking a long ball straight against Cavani, who squared past the stranded Cech for Lavezzi to steer into an unguarded net.

Villas-Boas responded by throwing on Lampard and Essien for Malouda and Meireles, with Lavezzi soon withdrawn for Blerim Dzemaili.

Branislav Ivanovic was unable to make the most of a goalline scramble and Napoli almost killed the match - and perhaps the tie - when Cole cleared Maggio's open-goal effort off the line.

Goran Pandev came on for Hamsik and he too might have made it 4-1 but Drogba also went close to giving Chelsea a tie-changing second away goal when he hooked wide.

Tevez: If Mancini's sincere I will return

Manchester City's rebel striker Carlos Tevez left Argentina for England on Monday taking manager Roberto Mancini's olive branch with one hand and hurling an accusation he was treated "like a dog" with the other.

The 28-year-old is heading back to the Premier League club that he has not played for since September after defying Italian Mancini's instruction to warm up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich. Speaking for the first time since returning to his homeland without City's permission in November, Tevez gave his version of what happened in Germany.

He said Mancini had been arguing with striker Edin Dzeko who had just been substituted when the manager approached Tevez.

"He saw me on the bench and as he was angry, he sent me again like a dog to warm up. Because he said it to me in a bad tone I refused," Tevez said in an interview with Fox Sports broadcast on Monday.

Mancini said at the time Tevez was "finished" at the league leaders but has since hinted the striker could still play a part in their pursuit of a first league title since 1968.

Tevez said on Monday he would gladly play for the club again if Mancini was serious about having him back, and was aware he would have to pull out all the stops to win over fans who have burned shirts with his name on in anger at his behaviour.

"If I was wrong, I say sorry. I sincerely believe I did not make a mistake," the former City captain added.

"If it's true [Mancini would welcome me back], of course I like that, if it's [meant] for the media, no."

He has pledged to give his all to the club he won the FA Cup with last term but will have raised some eyebrows with criticism of his manager's decision to go public with the saga.

"There the coach made a mistake," Tevez said. "The situation in Bayern could have been kept hidden, managed differently. [Mancini] could have left me out and later said 'Carlos is not well'.

"There are fights but you don't have to air them. We argued many times in the dressing room and on those occasions he didn't say he didn't want me [to play again].

"I had a good relationship with him and I believe he's a winner, he doesn't like to lose, and I'm also like that."

TOP PLAYER

Tevez has been the subject of disciplinary action by the club, over both his refusal to warm up and his subsequent unauthorised departure to his homeland, but relations have thawed and Mancini has suggested he could play again.

"Everyone knows Carlos is a top player," the manager said on Sunday. "If he was here and playing it would be better because Carlos can change games."

With City's early season free-scoring ways slowing down of late, the return of a fit and hungry Tevez - whose talent, goals and work rate once made him a fan favourite - could come at just the right time.

An adviser to Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian, Paul McCarthy, told Reuters the striker was returning to England and could be playing for City in the next two to three weeks.

"He is due back in England on Tuesday and hopefully will start training this week," McCarthy said.

"He has not just been playing golf in Argentina, he has done a lot of fitness work too but is probably still two or three weeks away from being match-fit.

"He needs to be back and he needs to be pulling on the Manchester City shirt again and doing what he does best, which is scoring goals and helping the team. He could be vital for City over the last nine or 10 games of the season."

If he were to pull on a sky blue shirt once again, Tevez said he would have to be "brilliant" to get fans back on side.

"It's my decision to go back and set myself this challenge: I want to win over the fans again," he said.

"They turned against me after what happened and, for me, they were badly informed. They were told I didn't want to play, so their anger is logical.

"It hurt me because I gave this club a lot to finish up going out by the back door.

What I love most is to play football and I'm returning for a personal reason," added Tevez, who had sought a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

Apart from a couple of occasions when Manchester United have topped the table because they have played before City during the weekend, Mancini's men have led the standings since mid-October and are now two points clear of the champions.

What a difference a year makes: The curious case of Lucas Barrios

Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios had an up-and-down 2011 at Signal Iduna Park, with the ecstasy of winning the German top flight blighted by a dramatic fall from grace. From talisman, goal machine and Bundesliga winner to outcast in just six months, the Paraguay international was reportedly close to making a deadline day departure from the German champions; but what does 2012 have in store for Barrios?

Signed from Colo Colo in July 2009, Barrios quickly became an integral part of a young and exciting Dortmund team, continuing the goalscoring form which had seen him become a star his homeland. Barrios was the North Rhine-Westphalian club’s top scorer for his first two campaigns, and last season was the making of the South American marksman, as his 19 goals fired Jurgen Klopp’s men to their first Bundesliga title in nearly a decade.

BVB must have been rubbing their hands together after reviewing their capture of La Pantera (the Panther) for just over €4 million; rumours linking Chelsea with a £30 million move for the Paraguayan were rife in the summer of 2011.

But the promise of leading the line for the ambitious German club in this season’s Champions League saw Barrios remain. He was on top of the world, but what goes up must come down.

Barrios was part of the Paraguay side that reached the final of the Copa America in the summer, but a thigh injury meant he had to start the last game from the bench, and returned to Germany unfit after the tournament. A poor pre-season compromised by injury meant the striker missed the start of the 2011/12 campaign, and his replacement Robert Lewandowski grasped the opportunity to play with both hands. The Polish striker has bagged 18 goals in all competitions already this term and has cemented himself a place in Die Schwarzgelben's first XI.

Barrios has only started one game in 2011/12, and is yet to score in his 11 appearances for Dortmund. Frustration is clearly setting in for the South American, Fulham were reportedly close to sealing a £7 million deal for him on deadline day, while Liverpool have also been reported to be monitoring his situation.

Despite this, Barrios’ dramatic fall from grace should be taken with a pinch of salt; the hitman’s goal record proves testament to his class and quality. With a reported asking fee of less than £10 million, it is surprising that other bigger clubs did not make more of an effort to sign the striker, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal in need of attacking reinforcements.

The next year is an important one for Barrios, as at 27-years-old he is can ill-afford to spend the bulk of his time getting splinters and losing sharpness on Dortmund’s bench. The German champions should not forget Barrios’ heroics in last term’s title charge; given an opportunity he could well play a big part in retaining their mantle as the nation’s top team this season.

With 18 months left on his contract, Jurgen Klopp may well be tempted to sell Barrios this summer if his fringe status continues; if this is the case clubs in England, Italy and Spain should take note.

The old adage that form is temporary and class is permanent applies here, and Barrios’ suitors need only to take heed of the forward’s tally of 84 goals in the four seasons before this one as an indication of his enduring quality.

One thing is for sure; he is too good not to be playing regular first-team football in a leading European league. Whether that is with Dortmund or not remains to be seen.

Juve cry foul over penalty decision

Juventus were indignant on Sunday following their disappointing 0-0 draw at home to minnows Siena, insisting they should have been awarded a penalty after Simone Vergassola handled the ball.

The incident occurred when a cross from Giorgio Chiellini hit Vergassola and the ball struck the Siena defender somewhere around the shoulder and upper arm area but even television replays failed to give a conclusive indication.

Nonetheless, Juve coach Antonio Conte was furious.

"It's counter-productive analysing individual incidents but the images are eloquent," said Conte.

"I find it strange that in 21 matches we've only had one penalty for us and three against but then the refereeing was good," he added with more than a little irony.

Juve general manager Giuseppe Marotta was far more outspoken in his condemnation of referee Sebastiano Peruzzo.

"Peruzzo didn't see the incident, it's an important decision and I hope in future we get top level referees," he said.

"It was a sacrosanct penalty, legitimate, transparent, everyone realised that.

"Peruzzo's refereeing was insufficient, traditionally the top teams are given international level referees but instead we were given a young one."

That was an unfortunate comment given Juventus's match-fixing history in which they were relegated to Serie B six years ago in the Calciopoli scandal in which they were ringing the Refereeing Commission to ask for specific referees to officate their games.

Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon did at least admit his team could not blame the result on that one decision.

Although dominating possession and territory, Juve created only one decent chance in the whole game and the best opportunity fell to Siena's Alessandro Gazzi late on.

"Let's make something clear, if we didn't win the game it wasn't because of the referee," he said.

"However, it's also clear that in certain situations, when maybe you don't manage to express yourself in the best way, an incident can change the flow of the game.

"We created that incident and the referee, in a good position, didn't see it.

"Sometimes winning or losing comes down to a moment of attention, it can condition a season and that would be a shame."

Manchester United’s best chance of beating Chelsea

With the Manchester clubs tied on points at the top of the table and only Tottenham with an outside chance at the title, this year’s Premier League is almost guaranteed to be Manchester-bound.

But it’s not an easy road – Manchester United still have City, Tottenham and Chelsea (this weekend) away, plus Liverpool home. This weekend may be United’s best chance of beating Chelsea (in the league) since Roman Abramovich first arrived at Stamford Bridge. You have to remember that they won here in the Champions League last season (en route to progressing to the final) and drew in the league. Could this be the first win in so many years?

Chelsea v Manchester United

No doubting the big clash this weekend as Chelsea play host to arch rivals Manchester United in a Super Sunday double header (4pm KO, Live on Sky Sports 1).

It’s true to say Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a pay hunting ground in the league for United in recent years, with their last win in the PL against them coming 10 years ago.

However they have actually won five of the last six matches in all competitions against the Blues, and that makes them look overpriced at 2.9 with Betfred and worthy of a punt.

Having played Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in quick succession, and with Liverpool coming up again, United are now at a crucial stage of their season having hauled themselves level on points with Roberto Mancini’s men at the top of the Premiership.

It’s vital that they keep up the pressure on their neighbours who are now beginning to wobble at one point looked invincible, and Sir Alex is sure to have them primed for this now that the league is their sole focus.

The home side come into this in shaky form having lost three out of their last seven home games, and they will once again be without their key striker as Didier Drogba is still away on duty in the Africa Cup of Nations.

John Terry, who has been making the headlines off the pitch this week, has also been ruled out due to an knee injury.

As far as the United teams news is concerned, Tom Cleverley is available for the first time since October, while Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Nani are also fit.

Sadly Anders Lindegaard faces six weeks out with an ankle injury, so David de Gea is set to return in goal.

Rooney has scored four goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Chelsea and also netted on his last two visits to Stamford Bridge, one in the league and one in the Champions League.

He is a top priced 7 with Boylesports to net the opener, but from a punting perspective I like the look of him in the anytime scorer market at a generous looking 2.6 with the same firm.

Newcastle United v Aston Villa

The first game on Sunday sees Newcastle take on Aston Villa at St James’ (1.30pm KO, Live on Sky Sports), and I like the look of the draw at 3.4.

This game may have ended 6-0 in favour of the Magpies last season, but they have not looed as sharp in front of goal in recent cup games, and the Villans have been in terrific form on the road.

Alex McLeish’s men have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League away games (W4 D6 L2) and none of the last five (W3 D2).

Among those victories was a win at Stamford Bridge, and they were arguably unlucky to go down 3-2 to Arsenal at the Emirates.

A repeat of either of those performances will, in my opinion, be good enough to give them a share of the spoils.

They also have an in-form striker in the shape of Darren Bent who has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances.

I can’t see there being many goals in this one, and for those that like to play the correct score market 1-1 appeals at 7 with Betfred.

Arsenal v Blackburn

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal need to get back to winning ways in the league and they are a top priced 1.3 with Betfred to just that in their game against Blackburn at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners have not won any of their last four games in the Premiership and currently sit in seventh place as a result.

That is the lowest they have been in the table at this stage of the season since Wenger took over in 1996, and three points are vital if they are to close the game on fourth placed Chelsea to try and automatically qualify for the Champions League.

They are currently five points behind the Blues, and given that their next four league games after this are against a rejuvenated Sunderland on Wearside, Tottenham at home, Liverpool at Anfield and Newcastle back at the Emirates, they simply can’t afford not to win this.

So far as the stats are concerned everything looks rosy for Arsenal.

The Gunners had won the last seven successive home league games against the Lancashire outfit – scoring 25 goals – prior to their goalless draw last season.

They have also not lost in seven home games against sides from the bottom half of the league, winning five and drawing two.

Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in 12 games in all competitions against Blackburn, while Mikel Arteta has scored five goals in the Premier League against them.

The former is a 3.5 chance with Betfred and Paddy Power to net first, while Arteta is a tasty a 10 shot with bet365 and Betfred.

Split stakes on both looks the way to play.

McLeish calls for FA action

Van Persie accused of elbowing Cuellar

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish wants the Football Association to investigate an incident involving Arsenal's Robin van Persie in Sunday's FA Cup tie.

Villa led Arsenal 2-0 at half-time and looked set for the fifth round only for the Gunners to hit back after the break.

Two Van Persie penalties sandwiched a lucky Theo Walcott goal in the space of just seven second-half minutes.

But McLeish thinks Van Persie was lucky not to get a red card for a 64th minute incident, when he appeared to elbow Carlos Cuellar.

"If it was an elbow in the face, yes I would like them to look at it," said the Villa boss when asked if he wanted the FA to take action.

Terrible

"I don't like to point the finger at players, but it's something you don't like to see.

"I saw it in real time and I haven't seen it again on television, but it looked like he hit him in the face with his elbow. Cuellar is not someone to go down if he hasn't been hurt."

Regarding the game itself, McLeish added: "We had a terrible eight minutes. The goal they got gave them a huge lift and they scored the second goal far too quickly after that.

"We still had chances to at least get a draw, but we've just got to take it on the chin and move on to the next league game.

"I expected a reaction from Arsenal, but I didn't think they looked as if they could score. Then the first goal gave them a lift and I thought the second penalty was a bit harsh.

"Maybe we didn't defend as compactly (after the break). Their midfield started to get a bit of possession and that gave them the ascendancy."

Barca reject RVP talk

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied the club have held talks with Arsenal over striker Robin van Persie.

The Holland international's contract expires in 2013, leading to intense speculation over his long-term future at Emirates Stadium.

Reports suggested the Spanish giants had spoken with the Gunners with a view to landing Van Persiein the summer.

However, Barca say no contact has been made with the club or his agent and that they are focused on winning the Liga and Copa del Rey.

Rumours

"Nothing exists with RVP," explained Bartomeu after Saturday's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

"It's rumours that appear in the papers. We've not contacted Arsenal, nor his agent.

"Our focus is now on the Liga and Copa del Rey.

"It's necessary to be focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the transfer market."

Wenger stands by substitution

Arsene Wenger reacted furiously to the Arsenal fans who criticised him for taking off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at The Emirates on Sunday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, making his first Premier League start, was by far Arsenal's best player in the first half and also set up Robin van Persie for the Gunners' equaliser in the second period after Antonio Valencia had put Manchester United ahead.

Wenger's decision to substitute the 18-year-old for Andrey Arshavin in the 74th minute was met with a loud chorus of boos from the home fans.

Even Arsenal skipper Van Persie looked at odds with his manager on the decision, appearing to mouth "no" when the board noting Oxlade-Chamberlain's exit was raised by the fourth official.

The move backfired, with Arsenal losing their attacking impetus down the left flank with Arshavin's arrival. The Russian then let Valencia slip by him at the other end, allowing the Ecuadorian to cross for Danny Welbeck to tap home United's winner.

However, Wenger stood by the decision to remove Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"I can understand that the fans are upset about the substitution, especially when it doesn't work, but he (Oxlade-Chamberlain) had started to fatigue," Wenger said.

"He was sick in the week. Arshavin is captain of the Russia national team.

"You have an 18-year-old kid making his first Premier League start and a player who's captain of his country and they are querying the substitution? Let's be serious.

"I've been a manager for 30 years and have made 50,000 subs. I do not have to justify every decision I make. I stand up for it."

Wenger's men now sit five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, and with a difficult fixture list ahead seem to be in real danger of missing out on a top-four position - a scenario which the 62-year-old described as a "disaster" on Friday.

"It leaves us in a very difficult position. It's a game we couldn't afford to lose," Wenger said.

United never looked like losing thanks to some questionable defending from Arsenal's depleted back four.

Nani, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs all performed well in midfield and when the veteran Welshman crossed for Valencia to nod home in first-half injury-time, United looked set to run riot.

Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was kept busy in the second half and United should have won by a bigger margin.

With fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham on the horizon, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to keep within three points of league leaders Manchester City, who beat fellow title rivals Tottenham 3-2 earlier.

"We said before the game that winning after City had won their game was the important thing," Ferguson said. "We did it in the right way, we played football and were adventurous and had belief in ourselves. I'm delighted with that at this time of the season.

"They are all important games, we have four massive away games and that is one out of the road."

Johan Djourou was given such a torrid time out of position at right-back by Nani that he had to be substituted for 18-year-old Nico Yennaris at half-time.

The Gunners have struggled to fill the spaces left vacant by their injured full-backs in recent weeks and Ferguson admitted he was conscious that area could be exposed.

"That's been their problem for a few weeks, that is a disappointment for them without natural full-backs like Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs," Ferguson added.

"They are playing centre-backs there so it is difficult for them. But they had only conceded six goals at home until today so they have not done a lot wrong in the defensive part. We had to play well and for most of the game we did.

"It was an amazing amount of chances we had, it's always difficult coming to here and Arsenal are a top side.

"We're a bit disappointed that we only scored twice. The first half in particular was a golden period for us, we should have rammed home the advantage.

"Then in the first 15 minutes of the second half they had three great chances and missed them all, so we rode our luck there. But we hit on the counter attack and through the game we had great chances."

United's win came at a cost, however. Phil Jones was carried off on a stretcher after 15 minutes after turning his ankle, Nani hobbled off in the second half and left the stadium in a protective boot while Wayne Rooney was also hobbling at the final whistle.

Mario Balotelli should have been sent off, says Harry Redknapp

Mario Balotelli should have been sent off for "blatantly" kicking Scott Parker in the head during the 3-2 defeat by Manchester City, according to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

Balotelli later gave City a dramatic victory with an injury-time penalty.

The incident went unpunished by referee Howard Webb and came after the 21-year-old Italian had been booked.

"Having looked at it, I do [think he should have been sent off]," Redknapp said.

The Football Association has not commented on the incident.

Balotelli, who was introduced as a second-half substitute, got involved in a tangle with Parker during the second half.

His initial contact appeared accidental but a second seemed to involve a deliberate movement of the foot towards Parker.

"The first one could have been an accident, but on the second one he's backheeled him straight in the head," Redknapp said.

"It is not the first time he has done that and I am sure it won't be the last.

"I am the last person to talk about getting people sent off and what they should and shouldn't do.

"But it is blatant. He reacts to challenges like that at times. Scott has got a cut on his head."

Redknapp's anger was increased when Balotelli scored the late penalty that maintained City's lead at the top of the Premier League and damaged Spurs's own title hopes after he was fouled by Ledley King.

Following defeat at Etihad Stadium - just their second in the Premier League since August - Tottenham are eight points adrift of leaders City.

City opened up a two-goal lead courtesy of Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott but Spurs responded through Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale before Balotelli's decisive late intervention in the closing seconds.

Redknapp felt Balotelli should not have been on the pitch to take the kick and added: "It is up to their manager [Roberto Mancini] to deal with it.

"I have got my own opinions but I don't like people kicking other people in the head on football pitches. I don't think it's wrong to say that.

"Why you should backheel someone in the head when they are lying on the floor is beyond me. It's not a nice thing to do."

Manchester City coach David Platt, standing in for Mancini at the post-match press conference, said he had not seen a replay of the incident.

Platt said: "I never saw anything live and there was nothing from the players live either. Until we have seen it we cannot really comment.

"What we are aware of from the last month is that different TV angles can show different things."

Sunday's incident was the latest in a long line of controversies since Balotelli joined City in a £24million deal from Inter Milan in the summer of 2010.

The Italy striker arrived with a reputation, having fallen out with then Inter manager Jose Mourinho and angered fans by being photographed in an AC Milan shirt.

He managed 10 goals in his first season in England but was sent off twice.

As well as being dismissed in his third Premier League appearance after scoring twice in a 2-0 win at West Brom, he was given an early red card as City were knocked out of the Europa League by Dynamo Kiev in March 2011.

In his first year in England, he claimed that Lionel Messi was the only player in the world better than him, clashed with team-mate Jerome Boateng in training and also threw a dart at a youth-team player.

Balotelli attempted to score with a backheel when clean through on goal in a friendly with LA Galaxy last July, and argued with Mancini after being immediately substituted.

Mancini claimed the forward has calmed down after an impressive start to the current season.

Between September and December he scored 11 goals in 14 appearances, including two in a 6-1 win at Manchester United, which came just hours after he escaped unhurt when a firework was set off inside his home.

He was also sent off after coming off the bench in the after coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool in November, and Balotelli's statistics this season reflect his performances.

The striker averages fewer minutes per goal than any other player in the Premier League, but only two players have been shown cards more often than Balotelli - relative to how much time they have spent on the pitch.

Torres on road to recovery, says Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas is convinced Fernando Torres is nearing a return to his best despite the Chelsea striker's continuing problems in front of goal.

Torres once again drew a blank in the 1-0 victory over Sunderland and last scored in the Premier League on September 24 against Swansea.

The forward did set up Frank Lampard's winning goal with a spectacular volley that struck the bar, however.

And Villas-Boas believes the Spain international will now flourish from being guaranteed a run of starts in the absence of Didier Drogba who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast.

"The performance was good. He is getting his good run of games. He is finding inspiration, finding motivation, finding form. He has the team and the fans behind him. There was a good demonstration of solidarity behind Fernando from the fans," Villas-Boas said.

"It's good to see he is picking up confidence, assisting people. He hasn't been scoring but he is getting nearer every time and I think it is for the benefit of the team."

Villas-Boas insisted it didn't matter that Torres has been without a goal for so long and denied the player needs to return to the scoresheet to boost his confidence.

"I don't think so," he added. "As long as he helps the team to win games, we are happy."

The manager, meanwhile, believes Lampard will continue to rewrite the Chelsea record books.

The midfielder's matchwinner was his 124th league goal for the club, moving the England man to joint fourth on the club's all-time list of league scorers alongside Jimmy Greaves.

"I think Frank will continue to threaten all remaining records for the future. He has broken recent records for appearances and goals will continue to do so," he said.

"Frank is always a player who has this amazing timing of arriving in the box. It is no surprise he is one of the best scoring midfielders in the world because of his magnificent timing whether to collect an assist off the bar or from a team-mate."

Michael Essien returned for his first appearance of the season as a second half substitute following knee surgery, prompting the manager to hail the midfielder's comeback as a timely boost.

"To see a player make the switch from reserve team to full Premier League intensity in such a short period of time is amazing," Villas-Boas said.

"You have to give credit to the medical department who have reduced Michael's absence by a month or a month and a half.

"The team is grateful to have him back. He has always been an inspiration because of the person he is and the player he represents.

"And to see him back on the pitch so quick and with such quality is outstanding and is all down to the medical department and the player's willingness to come back."

The win moved Chelsea to within six points of third-placed Tottenham and they will be bolstered next time out by the arrival of Gary Cahill following the defender's £7 million move from Bolton Wanderers.

Cahill's arrival is likely to be quickly followed by the departure of Alex to QPR although Villas-Boas insisted the terms of that transfer had not yet been finalised.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill was left frustrated by his side's failure to make more of a number of second half chances but denied the performance would encourage him to move into the January transfer market.

"I know scoring a goal is pretty difficult, but it's not that difficult," O'Neill said.

"And I'm not too sure you'd have to worry whether you've got someone who scores 20 goals a season regularly -- a blundering full back would have stuck a couple of those in, from about four leagues below.

"We have scored a few goals and we have been able to share them around. But today I don't think you're immediate reaction would be to go out and get someone who would get 20 goals."

Redknapp intent on Champions League

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insisted a top four finish is still the priority for the North London club although he refused to rule his side out of the Barclays Premier League title picture following their 1-1 draw at home to Wolves.

Despite dominating possession for much of the game Spurs had to come from behind with Luka Modric cancelling out Steven Fletcher's opener to earn a point against a battling Wolves side who defended for large periods, something that did not come as a shock to the Tottenham boss.

He said: ""We all get disappointed when we don't win. But they [Wolves] are not just going to roll over. A point's a point. We're still on a great run."

He added: "One wouldn't quite drop for us and they defended for their lives, worked hard and pressed us, closed us down and made it difficult."

And Redknapp still feels the Premier League crown is a long-shot for his side.

"I've never said to anybody that we are going to win the league," he said. "I know where we are at and if we can get a Champions League position again this season it will be great for us.

"I only answered their question of if it is possible and of course it is possible. Man City and Man United will be red hot favourites to win the league but if we had a fantastic run in the second half like we have had in the first half of the season it could happen."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was full of praise for striker Fletcher, who scored his ninth league goal of the season and he also felt his side were worth the draw.

He said: "He (Fletcher) is one of those rare commodities. A talented footballer who does everything else as well. He runs back for you, blocks shots and puts himself about.

"I'm delighted with the result because I though we deserved something from the game."

Fergie happy with Scholes return

Veteran schemer's decision delights United boss Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson believes there are absolutely no negatives about Paul Scholes' decision to reverse his call to retire at the end of last season.

At 37 Scholes decided over the summer that his body could no longer cope with the demands of top class football and closed the curtain on the most decorated of careers.

At the back end of last week rumours began to surface that Scholes had decided he had made a mistake and wanted to make a return to United's first team squad.

And that is precisely what happened on Sunday afternoon as the player made a 30-minute cameo at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester United reached the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 3-2 defeat of neighbours Manchester City.

Although he was partly responsible for Sergio Aguero's goal for City, which really made United sweat after Aleksandar Kolarov had reduced the deficit straight after the restart, Scholes helped to bring a measure of composure to United's game near the end.

Terrific addition

Ferguson believes Scholes' presence in the dressing room between now and the campaign's close could prove invaluable.

"The last few weeks, Paul has been training very hard with the reserves and doing a lot of work in the gym," said Ferguson.

"He came to see me and said 'I regret retiring'.

"There are no negatives for me. The players have been delighted. I am delighted. The fans are delighted.

"The last few weeks he has been stepping up his training and been taking part in our training sessions during the week.

"It is a terrific addition to our squad at a very important part of our season."

QPR sack manager Warnock

Neil Warnock has been sacked as manager of Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers, Sky Sports reported Sunday.

The west London side are currently just a point above the relegation zone and have lost six and drawn two of their last eight league matches.

Warnock, 63, took them back into the top flight last season but as recently as Friday the club's Malaysian owner, Tony Fernandes, warned: "It's important to note no-one's job is safe. Results are key."

On Saturday, QPR needed a last-minute goal to secure a 1-1 draw at Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup third round.

Football Association report says Luis Suarez evidence 'unreliable'

Luis Suarez gave "unreliable" evidence to the body that was investigating claims he racially abused Patrice Evra, according to a report published by the Football Association.

Liverpool's Suarez was given an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine after he clashed with Manchester United's Evra.

The report says Suarez has "damaged the image of English football around the world".

Two similar offences in future could lead to "a permanent suspension".

The incident happened during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October.

The report states that, after being tackled by the Uruguayan, Evra asked Suarez why he had kicked him, to which the forward replied in Spanish: "Because you are black."

When Evra challenged him to repeat the answer and said he would "punch him", Suarez said: "I don't speak to blacks."

Suarez is said to have used the term "negro" seven times in around two minutes.

In giving the reasons for the length of the ban, the report said: "Given the number of times that Mr Suarez used the word 'negro', his conduct is significantly more serious than a one-off use of a racially offensive term and amounts to an aggravating factor."

The FA and Liverpool were given the findings on Friday by the Independent Regulatory Commission. Both parties have the right to an appeal and must reply by 13 January.

The 115-page document details the conversation between the two players.

The report concludes: "Mr Evra was a credible witness. He gave his evidence in a calm, composed and clear way.

"It was, for the most part, consistent, although both he and Mr Suarez were understandably unable to remember every detail of the exchanges between them.

"Mr Suarez's evidence was unreliable in relation to matters of critical importance. It was, in part, inconsistent with the evidence, especially the video footage.

"For example, Mr Suarez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word 'negro' to address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly. We rejected that evidence.

"To describe his own behaviour in that way was unsustainable and simply incredible given that the players were engaged in an acrimonious argument.

"That this was put forward by Mr Suarez was surprising and seriously undermined the reliability of his evidence on other matters.

"There were also inconsistencies between his accounts given at different times as to what happened."

Suarez was found guilty on the "balance of probability" - a lower standard than the criminal standard of "beyond all reasonable doubt".

According to the report, Evra admitted that he begun the exchange with Suarez by referring to the Uruguayan's sister in Spanish.

The report added: "After the referee Andre Marriner separated them, Mr Suarez said that he turned to Mr Evra and said, 'Por que, negro?'

"He [Suarez] said that he used the word 'negro' at this point in the way that he did when he was growing up in Uruguay, that is as a friendly form of address to people seen as black or brown-skinned or even just black-haired.

"He [Suarez] said that he used it in the same way that he did when he spoke to Glen Johnson, the Liverpool player.

"He [Suarez] said in no way was the use of the word 'negro' intended to be offensive or to be racially offensive. It was intended as an attempt at conciliation."

The entire conversation took place in Spanish and linguistic experts Professor Peter Wade and Dr James Scorer helped the panel with the meaning of the phrases.

The commission added: "In our judgment, Mr Suarez's use of the term [negro] was not intended as an attempt at conciliation or to establish rapport; neither was it meant in a conciliatory and friendly way."

In the report, Suarez claimed: "I would refer to Glen Johnson as 'negro' in the same way that I might refer to Dirk Kuyt as 'Blondie' - because he has blond hair, or Andy Carroll as 'Grandote' - 'Big Man' - because he is very tall.

"Where I come from it is normal to refer to people in this way by reference to what they look like. There is no aggression in referring to somebody in this way and there is certainly no racial connotation."

After the match Evra and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson both spoke to the referee about the incident, while Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish remarked to referee Marriner in reference to Evra, "Hasn't he done this before?"

Despite the punishment, the commission conceded: "This case is not about whether Mr Suarez is in fact a racist. Indeed, the commission will no doubt conclude that there are some indications that he is not."

Suarez's defence was that he had been called "South American" in a derogatory way by Evra. But the commission added: "We found that Mr Evra did not use the words 'South American' when speaking to Mr Suarez."

Evra, Ryan Giggs, Kuyt, Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli and Dalglish all gave evidence at the hearing.

After the initial ban was announced on 21 December, Liverpool's players wore T-shirts to support the Uruguayan while warming up for their match against Wigan. A day earlier the Anfield club released a statement saying they were "very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him".

Gary Ablett, former Liverpool & Everton defender, dies at 46

Gary Ablett, the only player to win the FA Cup with Liverpool and Everton, has died at the age of 46 following a battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Ablett made more than 100 appearances for both Merseyside clubs and Birmingham. He also managed Stockport.

"Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike Gary will be sadly missed," the League Managers' Association said.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Gary's wife Jacqueline and children."

Ablett made his Liverpool debut in December 1986 and helped the Reds win the league championship in 1988 and 1990 and the FA Cup in 1989.

He was sold to arch-rivals Everton for £750,000 in January 1992 and went on to lift the FA Cup with the Blues in 1995.

After a loan spell at Sheffield United, he joined Birmingham in 1996 and went on to made 104 appearances for the Blues.

After short spells at Wycombe and Blackpool, Ablett finished his playing career at Long Island Rough Riders in the American A-League in 2001.

In 2002, he moved into coaching, working with Everton's youth academy until 2006 when he took over as Liverpool reserve team coach.

He became Stockport manager in July 2009 and steered the club through a difficult season in which they were in administration and were relegated to League Two.

He left the club in June 2010 when the 2015 Group took ownership of the club.

Ablett had been fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, for 16 months.

Fergie backs Giggs to play on

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Michael Carrick to become the main man at Manchester United - and confirmed Ryan Giggs will be asked to extend his stay at Old Trafford into an incredible 23rd season.

Giggs extended his record of scoring in every Premier League campaign with his goal in Wednesday's 5-0 win at Fulham.

"I think Ryan can play another year," Ferguson said. "There is no evidence at this moment in time that his energy, stamina or speed are decreasing. In fact, it's exactly the same as it was the last two or three years. It's amazing."

Now 38, Giggs has been on a rolling one-year contract since he hit the 30 mark. Though long-time team-mates Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have both retired in the past 12 months, Giggs seems to go on and on.

Ferguson added: "I know it's mid-season now and it all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future, too.

"He knows he can't go on forever, we know he can't go on forever, but he can play for another year."

Although Giggs will continue to be an integral figure at United, it is to Carrick Ferguson is looking to fill the void left by Scholes' exit.

"Michael's been one of our best players over the past few weeks," Ferguson said. "He's been instrumental in what's happening to the team at the moment. He's grabbed the nettle. In some ways, he's maybe seen the departure of Paul Scholes as his opportunity to be the main man in midfield."

And not before time, according to Carrick's manager.

"It's time Michael became the pivotal player of our team," Ferguson said. "We've always known he's got that in him."

Wenger wrestles with RVP dilemma

Arsene Wenger is facing one of the toughest calls of his managerial career over whether to rest Robin van Persie for the game against Wolves - a move which could wreck the Arsenal striker's bid to break Alan Shearer's record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year.

Van Persie moved within two goals of Shearer's six-year-old Premier League record last week when he slotted home a penalty against Aston Villa to take his tally for 2011 to 34 goals.

Arsenal face Wolves at home before making the short trip to Loftus Road to face QPR on New Year's Eve - two games in which Van Persie would be expected to add to his tally.

Wenger, however, has become acutely aware of Arsenal's reliance upon the Dutchman's talents and is also conscious of the fact that the injury troubles that have dogged the striker over the last couple of years could return if the is forced to play too many games.

Losing Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh for up to a month in January for the African Nations Cup will place an even heavier burden on Van Persie and Wenger admitted he faces an agonising call over whether to bench his star striker on Tuesday despite him being on the verge of breaking Shearer's record.

"Can he start three games in seven days? We will see. It will be a big demand for him. I don't know yet, we will assess the situation after every game," Wenger said.

"You get his vibes, the medical vibes and you know the history with him. Then you make a decision. I rested him it in the Champions League because I thought we had enough security there and we could take a gamble."

Wenger admits Van Persie is desperate to break Shearer's record, but is confident that the prospect of writing his name in to the record books will not distract the former Feyenoord striker if he is selected against Wolves and QPR.

The Frenchman said: "I believe the great players know what is important. And what is important is that he is the leader of the team. He knows as well that what is important is to win the games. What is important on the pitch is to make the right decision for every situation you face. He does that very well.

"You do not have to make an obsession of it, just play naturally. It is strange because you score goals when you don't think about it."

Mancini cools De Rossi talk

City boss doubts midfielder can be prised away from Roma

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has played down renewed speculation he could try to sign Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi in the January transfer window.

De Rossi has been a long-term target for City and Mancini has previously admitted he would be keen to sign the Italy international if he left Roma. The 28-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and talks regarding an extension at Stadio Olimpico have reached an impasse.

However, despite the prospect of losing Yaya Toure to the African Cup of Nations next month, Mancini doubts whether De Rossi can be prised away from the Italian capital.

Unlikely

"I don't think so," he said. "De Rossi was born in Rome and it's unlikely that he'll leave the city.

"There are players that could be good for us. But every time we want to buy a player their clubs ask for lots of money."

Meanwhile, Mancini admits his priority during January will be to offload players before he looks at ways of strengthening his options.

Mancini wants to sell Carlos Tevez, who is a loan target for AC Milan, while he is also prepared to let Wayne Bridge and Nedum Onuoha leave the Etihad Stadium permanently.

"We need to sell two or three players and then we'll see," added Mancini.

"Until now we have been lucky because we haven't had any big injuries.

"I hope it can be like that in January but if not, we may have time to buy someone. It's not easy though. I asked the owner for [Lionel] Messi but it's not possible!"

Ferguson - Giggs can play on

United boss sees no diminishing in midfielder's qualities

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is capable of playing on for another season.

The 38-year-old maintained his record of scoring in every Premier League campaign by netting in last week's 5-0 victory at Fulham.

After the game, the Welshman revealed he is enjoying his football more than ever now that he is playing in a central midfield role and confirmed he was set to discuss his future with Ferguson. The United boss does not believe Giggs' abilities are diminishing and sees no reason why the club's record appearance holder cannot compete at the top level for another year.

Amazing

"I think Ryan can play another year," said Ferguson.

"There is no evidence at this moment in time that his energy, stamina or speed are decreasing. In fact, it's exactly the same as it was the last two or three years. It's amazing.

"I know it's mid-season now and it all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future, too.

"He knows he can't go on forever, we know he can't go on forever.

"But, on the evidence of what we're seeing at the moment, I think he can play for another year."

FA warning for Redknapp

Spurs boss avoids censure over Foy comments

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been warned as to his future conduct by the FA after hitting out at referee Chris Foy in the wake of their defeat at Stoke.

The Spurs boss said he felt like Foy "was quite enjoying not giving us anything" during the 2-1 defeat in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Football Association looked at the comments but decided against taking disciplinary action and instead has written to the White Hart Lane manager.

An FA spokesman said: "We have written to Harry Redknapp following his post-match comments on Sunday warning him as to his future conduct."

Bacon sandwich

Redknapp claimed refereeing decisions cost his side after Spurs had a goal disallowed, two penalty appeals for handball turned down and had Younes Kaboul dismissed.

He said after the game: "To be honest, from the start of the game I felt like he wasn't going to give us much today. I just felt like he was quite enjoying not giving us anything.

"He's not made mistakes because he meant to, he is an honest guy, but today I just felt he had a bad day, and so did the linesman who missed [Emmanuel] Adebayor being two yards onside.

"He'll look at it tonight, on TV, when his wife is making him a bacon sandwich and think, 'Oh what have I done there?'"

Milan in no hurry over Tevez

Galliani says deadline on deal is January 31st

AC Milan are in no rush to complete the signing of Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, according to vice-president Adriano Galliani.

The Rossoneri claim they reached an agreement with the out-of-favour Argentina international earlier this month, but have yet to agree terms with City.

Galliani said last week that Milan had made an offer to City to acquire Tevez on loan in January, with an option to make that move permanent in the summer.

City are reluctant to let Tevez go on loan, but Galliani is still hoping a deal can go ahead, especially as his side are without the services of the unwell Antonio Cassano.

"Tevez is our first choice," he told www.milannews.it. "We know we have the player's agreement, but we hope he will not agree with other clubs.

"There is a deadline of 18:59 on January 31 to complete his transfer.

"Everyone knows what Milan's position is and he will arrive only due to (Antonio) Cassano's problem."

Strengthen

Milan are looking to strengthen their attack with Italy international Cassano sidelined indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure last month.

Reports in Italy claim Milan are ready to offer Alexandre Pato or Robinho to City as part of a swap deal that would see Tevez join the Italian champions.

However, Galliani ruled out that possibility.

"I reiterate that Pato and Robinho will not leave the club," he said.

Tevez is set to leave the Blues in the new year after his latest fallout with the club.

The 27-year-old, who is also a reported target for Juventus and former club Corinthians, returned to his homeland last month without City's permission and is yet to report back to training.

Maradona

Meanwhile, former Argentina coach Diego Maradona is eager to see his compatriot back in action soon, and would be happy to see him turning out for the San Siro side.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "I hope to watch Tevez on the field soon and I hope he can do it in an AC Milan shirt.

"I wish Tevez the best possible, because he deserves it.

"He is an extraordinary player and what happened at Manchester City is only an unfortunate episode in his career."

Tino Costa, Jonas, Mathieu & Soldado - the Valencia stars who could knock Chelsea out of the Champions League

Andre Villas-Boas' men host the Spanish outfit with their future in the competition still hanging in the balance, and Unai Emery's side have the quality to put them to the sword

The fact that David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata have all left Valencia over the last two years only serves to highlight the club's ability to roll with the punches, and when the Mestalla outfit travel to Chelsea with the sides level on points in Champions League Group E, they'll feel confident of delivering a knockout blow.

It is a case of winner takes all at Stamford Bridge with both teams trailing group leaders Bayer Leverkusen by a point and despite Chelsea taking tentative steps back towards stability with two consecutive Premier League wins, Unai Emery's men will no doubt look to pounce on any nerves swirling around west London.

Andre Villas-Boas is already well aware of the threat that the visitors pose despite their recent illustrious departees, with the 1-1 draw between the teams in Spain a tight affair, despite a number of chances from the English side and a quite magnificent goalkeeping display from Diego Alves.

Tino Costa moved to Mestalla from Montpellier in the summer of 2010 and marked his arrival in Champions League football with a quite stunning strike against Bursaspor on his debut in Europe's premier club competition, lashing the ball into the net with a fierce left-footed drive from fully 30 yards out to open the scoring in a comfortable 4-0 win in Turkey.

Technically gifted, with an eye for goal and the ability to spray the ball all over the park from a central role, the Argentine midfielder has come on in his second season at Valencia, helping Emery's side make light of the absence of his injured compatriot Ever Banega while benefiting in a more fluid passing game through the middle.

Now playing to his potential and making the most of his opportunities, Tino is still improving at the age of just 24 and is a man in form, too, coming into the Chelsea match with two key goals, including one penaltym in his last two matches.

The forward thought he had scored the fastest goal in Champions League history earlier in the competition when he netted after just 10.5 seconds against Bayer Levekusen. But the 27-year-old was later informed by Uefa that his was in fact second on the list behind former Dutch striker Roy Makaay, who netted in just 10.12 seconds for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in 2007. "No matter," said Jonas. "I'll scored in nine seconds against Chelsea."

That seems unlikely but the Brazilian has impressed since joining from Gremio for a cut-price €1.25 million (£1.07m) last January and looks increasingly comfortable in the Valencia lineup. Not flashy, but always efficient, the former Santos striker has been a welcome addition at Mestalla with his clever range of passing and ability to score at important times.

He brings the best out of Roberto Soldado and the duo have formed a fearsome frontline for the Spanish club this term. International recognition with Brazil has followed and the goals are flying in, too. With three already in this season's competition, he is clearly a man for Chelsea to watch - and not just for the first 10 seconds.

Due to the exciting emergence of Jordi Alba at left-back, Emery has pushed Jeremy Mathieu into an advanced role in midfield this season - and it has worked superbly. The flying Frenchman tore Barcelona apart at times as the Catalans struggled in a one-sided first half at Mestalla earlier on in the campaign, pushing Dani Alves back deep and taking advantage of the huge spaces behind the Brazilian in a game which eventually finished 2-2.

What Mathieu lacks in technical ability, he more than makes up for with his pace down the flank and his objective is clear: set up Soldado. Now a full international with Les Bleus, the Frenchman in full flight is very hard to stop and his strength and stamina along with his pace and physical presence could cause concern for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Of all the Valencia players, the man to fear above any other is Roberto Soldado. The former Real Madrid striker has been quite the alchemist for his team this term - everything he touches turns to gold.

Down 3-1 at home to Racing Santander in the opening fixture of the season, Soldado struck twice at the death to hammer a hat-trick and secure an unlikely 4-3 success for his side. And he was the hero again at the weekend, stepping off the bench with just under a quarter of an hour left to head the winner - having been on the pitch for only four minutes - in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol.

There was a brace against Madrid, too, as Valencia were desperately unlucky not to take a point at home to Jose Mourinho's men last month, while five goals from five in the Champions League - and 14 in total this season - tell their own story. And although he is still pushing for a place in the Spain squad, Soldado has other things on his mind right now. "We have to hit the heights on Tuesday," he said. "We are dreaming of a win in London." And if Chelsea's defenders are not fully focused on the night, those dreams could turn into nightmares for the Blues.

Agent of Corinthians' Paulinho to meet with Roma & AC Milan - report

The talented midfielder has stated he would like to stay in Brazil, but as his representative prepares to open talks in Italy a good enough offer could see him move to Europe

Corinthians star Paulinho could be set for a move to Italy in January, as a report suggests that the player's agent is on his way to meet with Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan.

Thiago Scuro will leave Sao Paulo on Tuesday afternoon en route to Italy, where he supposedly has meetings arranged with officials from the two clubs, according to Lance.

Paulinho had previously stated his wish to stay at the new Brasileirao champions, but the Timao could be obliged to sell if the offer is good enough. It is believed that a proposal worth around €10 million would be enough to bring the 23-year-old, who previously had a spell in Europe with Lithuanian side FC Vilnius, to Italy.

The situation for Corinthians is complicated by the fact that they hold just 10 per cent of the player's economic rights, the rest split between two investment groups, so they would have little say in his future if a good enough offer came in.

Paulinho joined the Sao Paulo club from Bragantino in 2010 and was one of the stars of this year's Serie A campaign. His performances were recognised by both Globoesporte and Placar, who named the midfielder in their Team of the Year awards in the centre of the pitch.

Gary Speed found dead: Wales manager was a fine footballer, good manager and a wonderful man

A light has gone out in football and the sport suddenly seems a far darker place. A fine footballer, good manager and wonderful man, Gary Speed has gone, leaving behind a grieving family, a sport in mourning and countless friends shivering with a feeling of utter desolation.

Speed gave so much to the game and he had so much more to give. It’s such a waste, such a tragedy. When news broke of his death on Sunday, a wave of despair swept through the sport he served so well. Speed was so well-liked. He played the game the right way: with commitment, with honesty and with a sense of adventure.

Those seeking Speed’s legacy need only look around. It’s there in the photographs on the walls of Elland Road, pictures that capture for eternity the image of him and his Leeds United celebrating the 1992 title. For Leeds United fans, and all who love attractive football, memories will never fade of that well-balanced midfield quartet of Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, David Batty and Speed. Only 22 at the time, Speed played with a maturity beyond his callow years. His intelligence shone through.

His legacy can be seen in the sight of Aaron Ramsey and a vibrant young Wales side winning four of their last five games, a tribute to the organisation and spirit instilled in them by their manager. Far more personally, Speed’s legacy remains in the sporting potential of two young sons, whose depth of loss cannot even begin to be imagined.

Speed achieved so much in his 42 years. One of the many tragic strands to this numbing story is that he had so much more to offer. After the Football Association of Wales released that sorrowful statement, I received a call from one of his horse racing associates.

I mentioned that Speed “loved racing”, to which his friend replied: “Gary loved everything." And he did. He loved his family, his profession and his many, many friends.

He spent part of Saturday morning organising events for this week, a round of golf with a friend here, a meal with an old team-mate there.

Professionally, life was good. Under his guidance, Wales were on the rise, even peaking at 45 in the Fifa world rankings after a low point of 117. Speed was enjoying deserved plaudits.

As a man, Speed had many qualities. Even after long reflection, it is hard to think of many more popular individuals in his chosen industry. He was just a nice guy in a sport that can turn people cynical.

Incredibly generous with his time, Speed would engage any fan wanting an autograph or photograph. He would always look people in the eye, always treat them well. There was none of that superstar dashing to the supercar arrogance. A mixture of politeness and banter spilt from his lips. Any time in his company was uplifting.

Whenever football is being decried by assorted critics, defenders of the faith could always point to Speed, a footballer who never left the fray without his shirt soaked in sweat, who trained as he played, who deservedly was appointed MBE for services to football in 2010. Using that dexterous left foot, Speed manipulated the ball, whether still or moving, over short range and long. He earned respect for his industry, his willingness to play a range of roles and for his remarkable consistency. His dedication to his craft was seen in his holding the record for most Premier League appearances until overtaken by David James. He never let a club down. Speed was first into training, first to help with community projects and first to the ball.

He took responsibility, a trait ensuring frequent association with the captain’s armband. From Leeds to Everton, Newcastle to Bolton and Sheffield United, his clubs all shook with pain and disbelief as the dreadful news emerged.

The great esteem in which Speed was held was seen in the reaction of his former team-mates. John Hartson could not face broadcasting at the Liberty Stadium and returned home, the big man inconsolable. Tears slid down the face of Shay Given as he prepared to keep goal for Aston Villa against Swansea. Up at Anfield, one of his closest friends, Craig Bellamy, could not bear the idea of focusing on a mere sport at a time like this. “He taught me so much," tweeted Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi, “not just on the field but off the pitch as well." Nobody could believe “Speedo”, their friend, their mentor, was gone.

He’d seemed indestructible. Just as his name was always on the team-sheet, week in, week out, season in, season out, so Speed seemed part of the football landscape for years to come. Photogenic, eloquent and full of thought, Speed could have gone into the television studio but management always appealed to him.

During his days at Bolton, his passion for a future in management was inescapable when I encountered him at the training ground. He talked of the great managers he had worked under, legends of the game like Sir Bobby Robson, and how they had inspired him. During their time at Newcastle, Speed lived close to Robson and the midfielder often acted as chauffeur to the manager, and would spend the journey to the training ground listening to the oracle, absorbing knowledge.

Interviewing Robson one day, I noticed a smiling Speed in the background, waiting patiently. I mentioned it to Speed a month or so later, apologising for delaying his passenger, pointing out in mitigation that once Robson was in full flow, particularly when reminiscing about Italia 90, nothing could stop him. Speed laughed, rolling his eyes at the image of the beloved Bobby chatting away.

Speed was very much the team man, the ultimate in selflessness, even running the London Marathon for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. He also admitted being happy to bide his time, knowing how many tips on the managerial art would come his way on the drive home.

Those craving an insight into the characteristics that made Speed a manager of increasing substance need look no further than Ramsey.

Strong questions were asked of Speed when he appointed Ramsey as captain of Wales. Too inexperienced, said the critics. Too inhibited, they added. Too scarred psychologically after that Ryan Shawcross tackle.

Speed confided later that he found the extensive criticism of his decision difficult. Yet he was vindicated. Ramsey has grown into the role, grasping the responsibility with increasing alacrity, assisted by Speed’s able man-management.

Having noted how Ramsey froze alongside the warrior-like John Terry in the tunnel at the Millennium Stadium before last season’s Wales-England match, Speed worked on Ramsey, telling him that he was good enough for this level. Because the words came from Speed, such a likeable individual with so much experience, Ramsey listened, learned and grew. Speed leaves so much good behind — and so much anguish that a special person has gone.

Gary Speed found dead: football unites in grief and to pay tribute to Wales manager

The football world was united in grief on Sunday night following the suicide of Wales manager Gary Speed.

The 42 year-old’s death caused disbelief across all levels of the game, with the two venues that hosted Sunday’s Premier League’s fixtures reflecting the sense of shock.

There were emotional scenes at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium as a planned moment of silence turned into a minute of applause in Speed’s honour. Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, a close friend of Speed, was reduced to tears. Earlier, there had been discussions about postponing the fixture, but it went ahead on police advice.

At Anfield, there was a minute’s silence, impeccably observed by supporters of Liverpool and Manchester City. Speed’s former Wales team-mate Craig Bellamy pulled out of the fixture upon hearing of the tragedy.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed while working at Newcastle, explained how Bellamy was too distressed to play.

“It is devastating and it might be a cliché but these things make football secondary,” said Dalglish. “Gary was a fantastic footballer and more importantly a decent fella. There will be a lot of people saddened. The most important people are his wife and two boys and my heart goes out to them. They will get all the support they need.”

Bellamy was particularly affected by the news. “It was a decision I decided to take on Craig’s behalf,” Dalglish added. “I felt Craig – who was really close to Gary – would not be in the frame of mind to play.

“He was like a mentor for Craig. I took the decision that there are more important things than a football match so he took the day off.”

Speed, who had appeared on the BBC’s Football Focus programme and watched Manchester United’s game with Newcastle at Old Trafford just hours before taking his own life, was discovered at his house in Cheshire at just after 7am.

Police quickly issued a statement saying there were no suspicious circumstances. His wife, Louise, and two children, Edward, 14, and Thomas, 13, were believed to be staying at the house last night.

Incomprehension at the circumstances of Speed’s death was balanced by an overwhelming sense of sorrow that one of the most talented players and managers of his generation had gone.

Prime Minister David Cameron led the tributes, which underlined the regard in which Speed was held. A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager.”

The Football Association of Wales confirmed just after noon on Sunday the news that Speed had been found hanged. Chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “All the football family of Wales are devastated by the news. My thoughts are with his wife and family at this difficult time.”

Speed’s former Wales team-mate Ryan Giggs summed up the mood of disbelief.

“I am totally devastated,” he said. “Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend. It goes without saying my thoughts are with his family.”

Former England captain Alan Shearer played alongside Speed at St James’ Park. He said: “Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man. He lit up every room he walked into. I will miss him dreadfully.”

Speed enjoyed a successful playing career at Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United, with all his former clubs express sympathy.

“Gary was an inspirational and much-loved player at Newcastle,” read a club statement. “He was an excellent servant to the club, the ultimate professional, and an exceptional role model for younger players.”

Howard Wilkinson, who managed Speed at the start of his career at Leeds United, called Speed’s death “tragic” and said he was a “star in the truest sense”. He added: “I knew his dad, his wife and his boys very well. He was a joy to manage.”

Speed had his first taste of coaching at Bolton, whose chairman Phil Gartside said he was “stunned”. Everton’s chief executive Robert Elstone expressed similar sorrow.

Many within the football world used Twitter to pay their tributes.

“Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed,” wrote Michael Owen, who lives close to Speed’s home in Huntington, Cheshire. “We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I’m numb.”

Speed’s former international team-mate Robbie Savage revealed on Twitter that he had spoken to Speed on the telephone on Saturday and he had sounded “upbeat”.

“My captain, my hero, my mate is gone and I can’t understand why,” he said on Sunday night. “The ironic thing is that he was the guy you would always go to if you ever had a problem.”

While Speed’s death was felt far and wide, the impact particularly felt in Wales. He had managed the national team since Dec 2010, leading the side from 110th to 45th in the Fifa rankings.

Before becoming manager, he played with Wales as part of a 14-year international career, winning 85 caps with the team.

Pearson eyes 'fresh start'

Midfielder looking to leave Derby for good

Stephen Pearson believes that there is a strong possibility that he could remain at Bristol City on a permanent deal.

The 29-year-old joined City from Derby County on a two-month loan deal on Friday and made his debut for his new club with a goal and an assist in the 3-1 victory over Burnley at Ashton Gate at the weekend.

Pearson's current contract with the Rams runs out at the end of the current season and he believes that he is not wanted by the Pride Park club.

"I think Derby were expecting me to move on at the end of last season and, for whatever reason, it didn't happen," he told The Daily Star.

"I've been there four years and now I am looking for a fresh start.

"If I play well and the club want me to stay, then there is every chance it will happen."

Maynard brace sinks Millwall

Nicky Maynard underlined his importance to Bristol City's revival with the goals which defeated Millwall 2-1 at The New Den.

Striker Maynard, who was a target for West Ham and Leicester in the summer, is out of contract at the end of the season and will be sold in January unless he agrees a new one.

But new City boss Derek McInnes is desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old, and he showed just why with a well-taken double.

Maynard opened the scoring in the 15th minute and struck the winner in the second half after Jay Simpson had briefly hauled Millwall level.

It means City have now picked up 10 points from five matches since McInnes took over, compared to a measly six from their previous 11 outings.

They are also just two points from safety and today's opponents, who are looking over their shoulders again.

McInnes, a former Millwall midfielder, has got the Robins playing some slick football and their opener came at the end of a patient passing move.

When Neil Kilkenny finally slid the ball behind the Millwall defence, Maynard lashed a powerful first-time shot which flew past David Forde and inside the near post.

They could have doubled their lead on the half-hour when Albert Adomah gave Forde the slip and pulled the ball back for Stephen Pearson, but his shot was blocked.

Forde was by now feeling the thigh injury which forced him to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad last week and was replaced by Steve Mildenhall before half-time.

Mildenhall will not have thanked Darren Ward for pitching him straight into the action, the defender's woeful backpass forcing him to dive at Adomah's feet.

The Lions had their chances in the first half as well, the pick of which was Brian Howard's free-kick which was headed off the line by City captain Liam Fontaine, with goalkeeper David James motionless.

Millwall were almost caught napping at the start of the second half when Maynard curled a shot over, before Pearson was inches from sliding in Adomah's ball across goal.

But instead they drew level just before the hour mark, although Darius Henderson handled the ball before his cross was touched on by Liam Trotter for Simpson to lash past James.

However, just five minutes later the lively Adomah had the Lions' defence running scared again.

This time Maynard was on hand to tuck in the winner and prove to City they should do all they can to keep him in January.

Cesc Fàbregas: England lack quality to upset rest of world

Cesc Fàbregas, the former Arsenal captain, has offered a damning assessment of the England side fielded by Fabio Capello, dismissing the team that beat Spain as “lacking in talent to make things happen”.

“We saw two very different styles of teams,” he said. “One defensive and one trying to play football and trying to score goals.

"In the end the one trying to score goals didn’t and the one not trying did. So it was a very weird game.”

Fàbregas was not alone in his harsh criticism with both the Manchester City midfielder David Silva and Xabi Alonso, formerly of Liverpool, almost as equally withering, if not as intemperate.

Silva claimed that the only way England would score was “from a rebound” while Alonso, who also said that Capello’s team was improving, stated: “they defended so deep” and added that if the two nations met in the finals of Euro 2012 he would expect Capello to deploy similar tactics.

Silva who admittedly struggled to impose himself, explained: “It was very difficult.

"They were sat back, all of the team, defending with their lives to be honest we were surprised at quite how defensive England were, but we have to accept that playing that way enabled them to beat us.”

In fairness to Capello he was lacking England’s four biggest creative talents, three through injury, one through choice in Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young while Spain were at full-strength.

Capello has often joked that modern team formations are effectively 9-1 but England came close to using that at Wembley as they attempted to stifle their superior opponents and close down the contest against the world and European champions.

The friendly also highlighted the belief that with Spain’s precise style of play, and the intensity it requires, unless the team is calibrated correctly, it will struggle to score the goals to reward its dominance of possession against disciplined, well-organised opponents who drop deep and narrow the pitch.

Fàbregas understood that but also vented his frustration.

“It’s difficult to say who played well for England. They were defending basically the whole game,” the 24 year-old said.

“Normally England don’t play like that when Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere are available but unfortunately they were without a few players and maybe it was an obligation to play like that.

“Overall, England are a very solid team and if they have Jack back it will make a massive difference to this team. He is the one with the talent to make things happen and on Saturday we didn’t see this really.”

Fàbregas, who came on as a second-half substitute at Wembley Stadium, and missed a clear chance to equalise late on, added: “We are getting used to this kind of game but that’s not an excuse.

"We knew the only way they could score was from a set-piece and we conceded a bad free-kick and they scored.

“You cannot say it doesn’t matter. Spain are the world and European champions and we always want to win but we definitely prefer to lose this match than in an important game.

"We lost friendly games to Argentina, Portugal and Italy and we still won the World Cup.”

Fàbregas moved to Barcelona in the summer, of course, in a deal potentially worth £35 million, to end an eight-year association with Arsenal and bring to a close one of the most protracted of transfer sagas.

Arsenal may face another one next year with the future of Fàbregas’s replacement as captain, Robin van Persie, to be resolved.

Would