Today in the Premier League
Friday, 9 May 2008
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Arsenal
Arsène Wenger claims it would be a "cheap excuse" to blame William Gallas for the club's poor end to the campaign. "I don't share that view," he said. "He is very committed. He had an outburst at Birmingham, but that was not why we did not win [the title]. That would be too easy as an excuse."
Aston Villa
The defender Martin Laursen has spoken of his delight at his successful season at Villa Park. "The aim for me was to play as many games as possible and try to score goals," the Dane said. "And I've done that. I wanted to get a new contract and got that as well, so I couldn't be more pleased."
Birmingham City
The chairman David Gold has admitted the failed takeover of Carson Yeung had a destabilising effect on the Blues' season. "We made mistakes allowing the takeover to drag on three months," Gold said. "They were difficult times. The takeover bid collapsed – that in itself was traumatic."
Blackburn Rovers
Steven Reid remains hopeful of the club's chances of overhauling Aston Villa and gaining an Intertoto place. "We've got a great chance," the midfielder said ahead of Sunday's trip to Birmingham. "We are just a point behind Villa; if we win at Birmingham and Villa fail at West Ham, we'll get sixth."
Bolton Wanderers
The manager Gary Megson has admitted the club have been unable to make plans for next season while their top-flight status remains in the balance. "We've explained to the players out of contract we can't do anything until we're safe," he said. "The same with pre-season games and trips. Everything has been put on the back burner."
Chelsea
Goalkeeper Petr Cech is expecting "90 minutes of emotion" in Sunday's title-decider against Bolton. "We need to win and hope Manchester United slip," he said. "It will be exciting for everyone, people will have pocket radios listening to the other game. Sometimes you have to go through all the bad things to get something positive in the end."
Derby County
The defender Andy Todd looks to be on his way out of Pride Park after being told by the manager Paul Jewell that he is surplus to requirements. "There's no fallout, we're looking to change things around," Jewell said. "If he can find a suitable home and it's suitable for us, we will allow him to leave."
Everton
Joleon Lescott feels the club can improve on an impressive campaign. "We can keep on progressing," he said. "Hopefully we can break into the top four in the next few years. Look at the players we are linked with – they are big names. Players want to be a part of Everton and why wouldn't they?"
Fulham
The striker Brian McBride has called on his team-mates to remain focused ahead of Sunday's relegation-decider at Portsmouth. "Sunday's game is all we've got to concentrate on," the American international said. "We've got to make sure we have the same attitude as we've had in the last two games."
Liverpool
The midfielder Harry Kewell will leave Anfield in the summer after being released by the manager Rafael Benitez. "We have tried to come to an agreement but that has not been possible," Benitez said of the 29-year-old midfielder, who made 138 appearances in five years at the club.
Manchester City
The club have emerged as favourites to sign the Barcelona midfielder Giovani dos Santos. "The news is certain, but the subject is in the hands of the agent," the player's father, Zizinho, said. "Other English clubs have demanded information but the main chance is City."
Manchester United
The midfielder Owen Hargreaves remains confident United will retain their title on Sunday by beating Wigan. "As long as we're controlling our destiny I don't think we need worry too much," the England international said. "We'll give everything we have for 90 minutes."
Middlesbrough
The England youth defender Chris Smalling has agreed a two-year deal to join the club from the Ryman League side Maidstone United. "We tracked Chris through his international programme," Academy manager Dave Parnaby said. "We feel he has a lot of potential to fulfil."
Newcastle United
The striker Mark Viduka faces an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining a further injury to his Achilles tendon. "Viduka could be out for three to six months," manager Kevin Keegan said of the Australian. "We'll know more in two weeks. Mark's done great for us so that's a blow."
Portsmouth
Chief executive Peter Storrie has dismissed reports linking defender Sol Campbell with a move away from Fratton Park at the end of the season. "Those reports are totally inaccurate and without substance," Storrie said. "No-one at the club has at any time suggested this will be Sol's last season."
Reading
The defender Ibrahima Sonko has failed in an appeal against the fine and suspension imposed on him by the club for refusing to play in a reserve match. "He wanted to bring things to a conclusion," the Royals director of football Nick Hammond said. "Which is what we did."
Sunderland
Ian Harte, Stanislav Varga, Stephen Wright and Andy Cole will all be released in the summer, while manager Roy Keane has reaffirmed the club's commitment to Kenwyne Jones. "There are certain players who are definitely not going anywhere," Keane said of the striker. "No means no."
Tottenham Hotspur
The striker Dimitar Berbatov returns to the squad for Sunday's visit of Liverpool after missing last weekend's 1-0 win at Reading with a groin strain. "He's recovered and the injury isn't a problem," the manager Juande Ramos said. Paul Robinson and Aaron Lennon remain doubtful.
West Ham United
Midfielder Scott Parker feels he has "turned a corner" with his injury problems and is looking for a strong end to the campaign. "The season's coming to an end now, but I'm glad I'm getting through the games," the 27-year-old said. "I am pleased with how things have been going, I feel I'm getting stronger with every one."
Wigan Athletic
The chairman Dave Whelan has praised the impact manager Steve Bruce has had on the Latics since his arrival last November. "Steve is the same type as Paul [Jewell] as he brings confidence to the players and puts the fight into them," Whelan said. "You can feel the difference he has brought to the team when you walk in the dressing room."
