Wayne Rooney seen as Everton traitor - Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson says Rooney can handle Everton fans' hostility

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is still seen as a "traitor" by Everton fans.

United visit Goodison Park on Saturday after what Ferguson admits has been a tough week following their thrashing by Manchester City last Sunday.
And he is expecting another hard game, with former Evertonian Rooney, 26, sure to receive a hostile reception.
"You know what fans are like, he's a traitor as far as they are concerned," he said.
"That's never going to change."
Ferguson added: "He's had mixed success going to Everton. He's scored a couple of goals in previous games and gets booed as normal.
"He got booked in one game and I took him off because there was no way I was going to give the referee an opportunity to send him off.
"That's where the hype around the ground in terms of him getting booed every time he makes a challenge comes into it."

My attitude is to completely forget it - it never happened

Sir Alex Ferguson on the City defeat

 

Ferguson will be mindful of last season's encounter at Goodison where a United side missing Rooney let slip a 3-1 lead by conceding two stoppage-time goals to draw 3-3 with David Moyes' team.
The Premier League champions have not won at Goodison since 2007.
Ferguson wants his side to recover from the demoralising 6-1 defeat by Manchester City, which leaves their rivals five points above them at the Premier League summit.
And he aims to build on an encouraging League Cup win over Aldershot on Tuesday.
"It's been a tough week for everyone. It was a bad result [against City] but we have to get over it - the fans, players, employees, staff. Everyone was involved in the disappointment," the Scot said.
"We enjoyed Tuesday night but we need to show ourselves on Saturday."
On the City defeat, he said: "You can analyse it as much as you want but it's not going to do us any good. My attitude is to completely forget it - it never happened.
"What can happen is we can show Manchester United in its proper light. We didn't do that last week but we can do that on Saturday.
"We have done that pretty well over the years, [in 1996-97] we lost 5-0 to Newcastle and won the league by 10 or 11 points.
"We have the experiences of having recovered many, many times and that's what you have to do when you are a club like United."
His side may be without winger Ashley Young, who has a toe injury, and could include midfielder Tom Cleverley, who impressed in midweek against Aldershot.
Everton will be missing Royston Drenthe after the Dutchman was sent off in their Carling Cup defeat by Chelsea.
Former United player Phil Neville and midfielder Tim Cahill will miss out because of injury.

QPR's Anton Ferdinand welcomes peers' support

 

Terry (right) denies racially abusing Ferdinand (centre) 

 

QPR's Anton Ferdinand has thanked his fellow players for their support following Chelsea captain John Terry's alleged racial abuse of the defender.

The 26-year-old was allegedly subjected to a slur by Terry during QPR's 1-0 win over rivals Chelsea last Sunday.
Terry, 30, has denied any wrongdoing, but the Football Association is investigating the claims.
"I'd like to thank players like Jason Roberts [of Blackburn] for the support they have given me," said Ferdinand.
"Not just professionals at other clubs but my team-mates at QPR. They've been fantastic for me.
"Having team-mates around you, like I have is nice to feel, and nice to see."

Anyone who knows me will know that whatever's going on, football's always going to be my number one priority

Anton Ferdinand

 

As well as the FA investigation, the Metropolitan Police has announced it is assessing evidence from the incident after receiving a complaint.
Both clubs say they are keen see an end to the controversy.
QPR face Tottenham on Sunday and Ferdinand, who has refused to talk explicitly about the alleged incident during his side's 1-0 win at Loftus Road, says his focus is entirely on playing football.
"The last few days have been crazy," Ferdinand said in an interview with the Telegraph.
"But I'm looking forward to Sunday's game and am fully focused on football.
"Anyone who knows me will know that whatever's going on, football's always going to be my number one priority."
As part of their investigations, the FA will speak to both Ferdinand and Terry, while other QPR and Chelsea players could be called upon.
"Has it been the craziest week of my life?" Ferdinand added. "There's been other situations, but it's certainly up there. But these types of situations are what make you."

Newcastle 2 - 2 Tottenham

 
Defoe proved to be Tottenham's super-sub at St James' Park

Shola Ameobi came off the bench to score as Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the season by drawing with Tottenham.

Rafael van der Vaart opened the scoring from the spot after Steven Taylor was judged to have brought down Emmanuel Adebayor.
Demba Ba equalised for Newcastle from close range before substitute Jermain Defoe fired in low to put Spurs ahead.

Newcastle owners deserve credit - Pardew

But Ameobi won a point for Newcastle when he struck in from the angle.
It was an outstanding strike by the substitute who was played in with a cute flick from Magpies playmaker Yohan Cabaye.
The equaliser came four minutes from normal time although both the home side and the visitors could have take away all three points in a frenetic final five minutes.
Defoe twice had a chance to score, but his first shot was brilliantly blocked by Taylor before the follow-up was palmed away by Tim Krul.
And in stoppage time, Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini had a chance to become a hero but he fired wide after turning inside the six-yard area.

The finale was in stark contrast to a rather subdued first half during which Newcastle were content to contain the visitors.
The home side's disciplined approach was working a treat until five minutes before half-time, when they made an error.
Cabaye had the ball poked from his possession by Jake Livermore and Adebayor ran on to the loose ball before he was clipped by Taylor in the area.
Referee Lee Probert looked at his linesman for guidance before pointing to the spot.
The Magpies ditched their conservative tactics after the break and three minutes into the half they were level.
Argentine Gutierrez left Luka Modric sleeping on the left and got down to the by-line before dinking the ball into the area which was slid in by Ba for his fifth goal in three games.

Harry Redknapp regrets missed chances

However, Spurs, free from their chains, were now also able to play their game.
Adebayor was twice unlucky not to put his side back in front, first screwing a shot an inch wide before Krul cleared just as the Togo striker was about to shoot.
However, a minute later they finally scored the second when Defoe spun in a flash to drill a low strike past the Dutch goalkeeper.
Alan Pardew's men were now 22 minutes from losing their unbeaten record.
Both Cheik Tiote and Ryan Taylor went close when their long-range strikes were saved by Brad Friedel but the American stopper had no chance of saving Ameobi's rocket.
The home-grown striker picked up quick ball from Cabaye and rifled his effort low and hard into the bottom left corner of the Tottenham goal.
The Magpies remain in fourth while Spurs stay sixth in the Premier League table.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew:
"In the second half we created a lot of pressure. Both teams wanted to try and win and that provided great entertainment
"Our reaction to going behind was great. It shows the spirit and character of our group. We have players on the bench who can come on and change the game.
"I'm proud of the players and proud of the staff and pleased for the owners who have taken a lot of criticism. Things take time."
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp:
"When you are 2-1 up in the 86th minute you are looking for three points.
"This is a tough place to come but we felt comfortable at 2-1 and in a position to finish them off. We thought we could nick another goal.
"We started with Rafa but he looked a bit leggy and Jermaine came on full of beans and grabbed a goal. Both played their part and both scored a goal."

Liverpool 1 - 1 Man Utd

 
Javier Hernandez scored Manchester United's goal after coming off the bench. 
 

Substitute Javier Hernandez earned Manchester United a point after England striker Wayne Rooney was left out of the starting line-up at Anfield.

The Mexican levelled nine minutes from time after Steven Gerrard, making his first start since undergoing groin surgery in April, put Liverpool ahead with a 68th-minute free-kick.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he dropped Rooney after he was left "devastated" by the three-match ban that rules him out of England's Euro 2012 group games following his red card in Montenegro.
As well as Rooney, Ferguson also left Hernandez and Nani on the bench in a much-changed United team.

We deserved three points - Dalglish

It looked like proving an expensive decision as Gerrard slotted a free-kick through the United wall to make it 1-0.
That was the signal for Ferguson to make changes - and Hernandez rescued a point with a close-range header.
Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson almost snatched victory twice in stoppage time but United held on to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats at Anfield.
United were second-best for long periods as they struggled to adapt to an unfamiliar line-up and were ultimately fortunate to leave Merseyside with their unbeaten league run still intact.
And Ferguson was largely indebted to young keeper David de Gea, who has had his critics this season but made crucial saves to keep United in contention as they came under concerted pressure in the closing stages.

Ferguson, perhaps recalling how United had been comprehensively outfought in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool last season, opted for a side with a more pragmatic look with Phil Jones moved into a midfield role.
And in an undistinguished opening, Jones had the best chance when he met Patrice Evra's cross at the far post but headed weakly off-target with what proved to be United's most inviting opening of the first half.
Liverpool captain Gerrard then created confusion in the United six-yard area with a whipped cross - but the clearest opportunity fell to Luis Suarez in the 33rd minute. Charlie Adam's shot deflected invitingly into the Uruguayan's path but, after cleverly wrong-footing Jonny Evans, he was thwarted by De Gea's block.
It was Liverpool who once again carried the momentum after the break and the recalled Rio Ferdinand was booked for a foul on Suarez, whose confrontational approach and brilliant natural ability was proving hard to handle.
After Evra was also shown a yellow card following a prolonged bout of bickering which also involved Suarez, Ferguson decided on a double change by replacing Park Ji-sung and Ashley Young with Nani and Rooney.
As they stood waiting to come on, Liverpool took the lead as Gerrard showed what his side have been missing. United hotly contested the free-kick awarded when Adam tumbled under Ferdinand's challenge - and Gerrard steered a 20-yard free-kick past De Gea, thanks in no small part to Ryan Giggs jumping out of the wall.

Ferguson frustrated with 'soft' free-kick

Ferguson then made another change as Liverpool moved within sight of victory, sending on Hernandez for Jones in the hope that the Mexican's goal-poaching instincts could be the catalyst for a comeback.
And so it proved when Hernandez arrived with perfect timing on to Danny Welbeck's flick from a corner to send a header flashing past Pepe Reina.
De Gea was United's hero again within seconds of Hernandez's equaliser, diving to his left to claw away Dirk Kuyt's shot as he got on the end of a superb cross from Stewart Downing.
Liverpool were still pressing for the winner in stoppage time with another substitute, Henderson, prominent. His angled finish was brilliantly turned away by De Gea and he also headed just over.
Defender Martin Skrtel should have done better than sky a chance into the Kop in the dying moments - and it was the Manchester United supporters who were happier with a point at the final whistle.

Morison to resume club rivalry against Wales team-mates

Morison scored his first international goal in Wales' 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Montenegro Wales striker Steve Morison says he is ready to resume club rivalries when Norwich face Swansea, four days after his country's game in Bulgaria. The 28-year-old striker could face Wales team-mates Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen when the Swans come to Carrow Road on Saturday. "It's a fantastic game for both teams, it shows how far both teams have come. "It's a game both teams want to win, it's an exciting time for both places, what a game," he said. Both sides were promoted to the top flight this season along with QPR, and all three now sit together on eight points after seven games. Morison says that retaining a consistency from the way the team played in the Championship has been important. "We know what we're good at and we've concentrated on that, you need to stick to your guns, stick to your work ethic and your morals and see how far it can take you. "So far it's bode well for both teams," said Morison. As for the prospect of potentially being marked by Wales colleague Williams, Morison said: "It's a hard task, he's a very good player, and I look forward to it, I just hope I'm in the team."

Fulham to redevelop Craven Cottage

 

Fulham initially looked to leave Craven Cottage in 2002 

 

Fulham have unveiled plans to redevelop their Craven Cottage stadium and increase the capacity to 30,000.

The ground, which has been the Whites' home since 1896, currently holds 25,700 after several refurbishment projects over the past decade.
Recent reports suggested Fulham were looking to move to a new stadium and were considering a groundshare with west London neighbours QPR or Chelsea.
However, the club have confirmed that no such talks have taken place.
"We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people's thoughts on our initial ideas," said Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh.

We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans' matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground

Alastair Mackintosh Fulham chief executive

 

"This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman's continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.
"The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.
"We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans' matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground."
Fulham thought they had played their last match at Craven Cottage at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, spending the following season at QPR's Loftus Road with the intention of starting out in a new stadium a year later.
Opposition to the proposal ended the process and spiralling costs eventually resulted in the Whites aborting plans for a new home.
Instead, the club invested money in refurbishment work to increase Craven Cottage's capacity to 25,700, while upgrading facilities.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Craven Cottage hosted the 2011 Women's Champions League final

Recent reports suggested Fulham had reignited their search for a new ground in west London and would be vying with neighbours QPR and Chelsea for suitable plots.
QPR chief executive officer Philip Beard said on Thursday that the club are looking to leave Loftus Road for a new stadium, preferably in the Shepherd's Bush area.
Meanwhile, Chelsea this week made an offer to Chelsea Pitch Owners - most of whose shareholders are fans - for the stadium's freehold in what has been seen as a precursor to a move to a new 60,000-seater ground.

Wolves fans' abuse of Karl Henry disgusting - Roger Johnson

 

Henry was born in Wolverhampton and joined his hometown club in August 2006 

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Roger Johnson has said the club's own fans were disgraceful in abusing Karl Henry.

The midfielder was substituted during last weekend's defeat to Newcastle and was taunted by a section of the Molineux crowd.
"I thought it was a disgrace, disgusting. It stinks," said Johnson who replaced Henry as captain.
"If the fans want to have a bitch at me about it then fine, but I thought they were bang out of order."

There are no reasons for this sort of abuse. It should never happen, especially to someone who has served Wolves so well

Wolves skipper, Roger Johnson

 

Henry was the subject of sarcastic cheering when he was replaced by Wolves manager Mick McCarthy after 58 minutes for Adlene Guedioura.
Johnson believes 28-year-old Henry does not deserve such treatment after his lengthy service with the club.
The midfielder captained the club for three years, before being replaced in the role by summer signing Johnson.
Henry has made almost 200 appearances for the club and captained Wolves to promotion and two seasons in the Premier League.
Johnson added: "There are no reasons for that and it should never happen - and, for someone who's served this club so well for so long and been captain, it was undeserved.
"It's not going to help anyone."