Spurs, Fulham and Stoke all comfortably qualify for the Europa League Group stages, though Martin Jol’s joy was tempered by a leg injury to John Arne Riise. Harry Redknapp starts to bring in the loan stars, with Craig Bellamy and Joe Cole next up on his radar. Arsene Wenger looks to France for midfield replenishments, while David Gill declares Man United’s summer spending is now at an end. Here’s this morning’s Scribbles, folks:
Fulham progressed to the Europa League group stages last night with a 3-1 aggregate win over Dnipro. The triumph was overshadowed by what Martin Jol described as a serious leg injury to John Arne Riise. While we await more on the prognosis, Fantasy managers will no doubt be eyeing up Riise’s replacement Matthew Briggs as a possible cheap alternative- the left-back comes in at 4.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Spurs also eased into the group stages with a 5-0 aggregate win over Hearts. Five-up from the first leg, Harry Redknapp fielded a few youngsters for last night’s return clash, though Tom Huddlestone played the full ninety minutes and will come into contention for a starting slot for Sunday’s home clash with Man City. . Redknapp also announced that Luka Modric will play against Roberto Mancini’s side.
Redknapp has continued his summer recruitment drive. Acquisitions have been thin on the ground for Spurs but yesterday saw two new names make their way to White Hart Lane on season-long loans: Juventus attacking midfielder Yago Falque and, of course, Man City’s former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor. Redknapp is itching for more, though, and has even mentioned Joe Cole as a possibility.
Craig Bellamy also comes into the equation for Harry- Man City are desperate to get the player off their books and may even pay off the remainder of his contract in order to ensure his exit. The Welshman has also been linked with a return to former club Liverpool.
Arsene Wenger has turned to his native France in the hunt for new midfield recruits. The likes of Marvin Martin and Yann MVila are on the Gunners bosses radar ahead of next Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
Newcastle were the final Premier League team to play in the Carling Cup this week and Ryan Taylor once again showed his eye for a killer free-kick for the second game on the trot. Sammy Ameobi spared Alan Pardew’s blushes with his first Magpies goal late in injury time to ensure his side’s progression.
Tony Pulis fielded a strong line-up as Stoke beat FC Thun 4-1 at home to book a place in the Europa League group stages. Robert Huth and Matt Etherington missed out due to suspension, while Jermaine Pennant recovered from a weekend knock sustained at Norwich to take his place in the first X. Kenwyne Jones continued his strong start to the new campaign with a brace and Matthew Upson got his Potters career off to a good start with the opener.
Man United chief executive David Gill reckons the club are done buying for the season ahead. The champions have been linked with a move for Wesley Sneijder all summer but the Dutchman’s astronomical wage demands, coupled with the recent performances of the likes of Tom Cleverley and Anderson in central midfield areas, means United are now content with their current squad and Gill said yesterday:
I don’t think there will be another arrival. We’re very comfortable with that. We’ve looked at various players but we’re comfortable with the squad. We’ll progress now and I’m sure Sir Alex will get the best out of them over the next few months. We’re very happy with the squad. We’ve made some great additions and are well equipped for the months ahead.
