Who Ate All The Pies

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson scores against Watford

It was the turn of Paul Robinson to be the benefactor rather than the victim of a fluke goal as he scored against Watford on Saturday. His 80-yard free kick bounced over the head of England rival Ben Foster. He might not be on Rogerio Ceni's level just yet, but it was his second goal. You can watch his goal against Watford below, and see the goal he scored for Leeds against Swindon after the jump.

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson scores against Watford continued

[Rob Parker]

Classic Moments: Stretcher bearers make sure Pierre Issa's shoulder is sufficiently broken

Former Watford defender Pierre Issa must have known his luck was out after dislocating his shoulder in this fairly innocuous trip against Birmingham. But even he couldn't have predicted the stretcher bearers would then slam the same shoulder into the turf as he was being carried away. The moral of the story? Stretcher bearers should never borrow Rafa Benitez's shoes!

More stretcher bearer madness [Rob Parker]

THE VOTE Who do you want to get relegated?

Around this time of the season I like to adopt one or two second teams to support in their relegation dogfights. I never like to see the three that get promoted go straight back down - and Reading have made sure that is not the case this season - but then you have to lose an established Premiership side. So who do you want to get relegated? Click below to see the candidates and choose who you would like to see in the Championship next season.

Manchester City Relegation outsiders. Level on points with Sheffield United, but with two games in hand. Don't think they will mess it up that much between now and the end of the season.
Sheffield United Relegation dead-certs have shocked a few people by sneaking up to 16th. Neil Warnock has brought colour to the Premiership, and I would like to see the Blades stay up.
Wigan Last season's Reading have been unlucky with some injuries, but their constant moaning makes me reluctant to offer any sympathy.
Charlton Alan Pardew has improved their chances of avoiding the drop considerably (relatively speaking, of course).
West Ham Overachieved last season and are as good as relegated already. And that's without any pending points deduction.
Watford I would love Aidy Boothroyd's side to get out of this one. They had some rough luck at the start of the season and their approach to life in the Prem has been excellent. It is difficult to see them avoiding the drop though.

Pick your three.

[Rob Parker]

Obscene season ticket prices to be slashed?

News reaches us that Premiership chairmen are going to be forced into cutting 'obscene' ticket prices because fans have just about had enough of being the victims of daylight robbery every weekend, and as a result, football has reached a tipping point.

Two top-flight chairmen have expressed the same view, both of whom predict price cuts all round next season. 'It is a serious issue that has reached saturation point across the country,' said Phil Gartside, chairman of Bolton. 'We feel duty bound to make a stance by reducing the cost for our season ticket holders, and I'm sure other clubs will follow suit next season and listen to public opinion.' But surely the tickets are inflated at the chairs' behest?

This weekend saw ManYoo fans protesting about the amount being charged to let their fans watch their side at Fulham. They were asked for a whopping £45 to watch their team, and that doesn't include travel and grub... although they hadn't got far to travel from Essex eh? Ho Ho Ho... I'll get me coat. A senior executive from another of the Premiership's 'big four' clubs told Observer Sport that prices could not go any higher. 'Officially we are monitoring the situation,' he said. 'But privately we have realised that ticket prices have reached their maximum, at least in the immediate future.'

These warnings come slap bang in the middle of an attendance slump. Despite an increased capacity at Arsenal and Manchester United, the average attendance is down from last year, and whilst the big four continue to sell out their games, the overall Premiership average is down by more than 1,000 year on year and now stands at 32,775, not including this weekend. What is causing fans to stay away? Well, once, you could watch the footy and not dent the wallet too much, and know exactly when you'd be going out. Basically, high prices and amended kick-off times to enable saturated TV coverage aren't encouraging fans to get down the ground. 

Of course, a lot of money is generated by the TV rights, which obviously help clubs to bring in new players and the like. That said, the Premier League negotiated a new £600million, three-year deal for overseas TV rights to the Premiership. Add the £1.7 billion Sky and Setanta will pay to screen matches in Britain, and the £400m for internet and mobile phone rights, and it seems scandalous that ticket prices continually increase. Each club will be getting around £900m per season (starting in August).

Apart from drops in season ticket prices, a group are also want away matches addressed. The Football Supporters' Federation want a fixed price for all travelling supporters. 'Away fans in England are unique. You would not get 5,000 Milan supporters travelling to Juventus. If prices were to stay in line with the Taylor Report's recommendation, then £15 would be a fair price for those who travel to watch their team.' The report, published in January 1990 in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, stated that 'it should be possible for seating to be £6'. With inflation, that would mean fans paying just £9.60 now, rather than the average of about £30.

So what's the answer? Well, looking at Germany's Bundesliga, the average attendance was approximately 40,000, which is superior to our league matches. In fact, it's about a quarter more fans in through the turnstiles, shouting for their team. German fans can buy tickets for as little as £10 or £15 for all games, and in some cases, terracing is being used, which gives a fan a feeling of real unity, as opposed to the sterile stadia over here. What is interesting is that the Bundesliga is renowned for its competitiveness, with many teams standing a chance of winning it. Should we look at the German model to fix our game? [Mof Gimmers]

Watford fans to stick with lucky carrots for away matches?

It has been a while since we dropped in on Watford blog site BHappy's Five-a-day away days. Basically for each away match the boys at BHappy choose a fruit or vegetable to smuggle into the opposition's ground.

Having worked their way through most of their local greengrocer's stock, the lads finally selected the lowly carrot for last week's relegation six-pointer against West Ham. And having emerged with the spoils at Upton Park, it remains to be seen whether they will stick with carrots for the FA Cup fifth round match at Plymouth on 10 March or rotate their stock once again! [Rob Parker]

FA Cup Quarter Final Draw

So the Quarter Final draw has been made for the FA Cup and the big guns have been kept apart once more.

Middlesbrough or West Brom v Manchester United or Reading

Arsenal or Blackburn v Manchester City

Chelsea v Tottenham

Plymouth v Watford

The matches will take place on 10 and 11 March. Who do you fancy for a spot in the semis? How about Plymouth getting there? 

Aidy Boothroyd rocks

At first, I wasn't convinced by Aidy Boothroyd. Maybe it was the silly yellow tie/black shirt combo, which made him look like a wacky snooker player. Either that or his relentless, 'can-do' positivity. We're not used to such attitudes from managers – we expect whinging, whinging and then more whinging.

However, I'm now warming to his chipper, World War-spirit (plus, he's ditched the yellow tie) and hope that Watford can pull off the greatest escape in Premiership history. After Watford's vital win at West Ham, the Boothmeister came up with one of the best quotes of the season: 'Coming into this [post-match] interview I was a bit unsure whether to play it down and be sensible. But then I thought no, sod it.'

Brilliant. Why can't more managers ditch the safe cliches and say what they're really thinking? It worked for Brian Clough and it works for Jose Mourinho.

Boothroyd also revealed his unusual training methods this week: 'We've had the snow this week so we've done very little training. We've built an igloo, and had a snowball fight so we might have to put the balls away in future and take the players to a snowdome instead.'

Aidy also admitted to building a 'large, Danny Shittu-sized snowman'. Quality.

 

THE VOTE What did you think when you heard that Robbie Savage had broken his leg?

Robbie Savage is one of the least popular footballers in England. He has girly hair, an Armani tattoo (form is temporary, class is permanent) and a knack of winding up opposition fans and players alike. Last night, during Blackburn's Premiership clash against Watford (the Hornets won 2-1), Savage broke his leg, an injury which may keep him out for the rest of the season. When you heard this news, did you allow a brief smile to pass across your lips, or did you immediately think 'Poor Robbie…'?

I'm no Savage fan – although I don't agree with many fans that he is a dirty player – but I do feel sorry for him, although perhaps not quite as much as I do for Rovers team-mate Andre Ooijer, who broke his leg last weekend, during his side's win against Man City.

Free travel to football matches

Fans who have experienced the thrill of an away match will know how addictive it is. The trip down, the pre-match pints in a strange pub, being in a strange ground. It's like a holiday with a football match stuck in the middle of it! However, loads give it a wide berth because they can't get a lift down to the games. Well, you needn't fear that any more.

A website called WeWillfollow aims to stop all that worry and hassle by allowing you to offer and request lifts to games home and away, and it’s completely free. Added to that, the site also has a ticket exchange for fans with a spare. It's all rather nice isn't it? To add to the community feeling, WeWillFollow also have a unique 'Exile List' for each club, so if you've drifted away from your club (geographically speaking) you can register as a member on the site and talk to other exiled supporters of your club. With a list of 1000+ supporters clubs too, you need never feel lonely and exiled again! Have a look and sign up with the site now!

THE VOTE Is Ashley Young worth £10m?

UPDATE! Apparently Young has snubbed West Ham's offer! Ooh, get him!

The Guardian reports that West Ham Utd have agreed to buy Ashley Young from Watford for £10m. Now, if ever there was an example of English players' worth being inflated to ridiculous levels, this is it.

Young is a £3m player, in my opinion. He's young (21) and has done well at Watford, but West Ham have paid way over the odds for him. I suppose he's a decent buy if he helps the Irons stay in the Premiership, but it makes little sense to pay £10m for an unproven winger; in fact, it reeks of desperation. Small wonder that Arsene Wenger never buys English.

Is there anyone out there who thinks this is a good deal?

Wembley heartbreak

For the first time in years, fans could once again sing "Wemb-er-ley... Wemb-er-ley" as, with any luck, this season will see the FA Cup final go back to its spiritual home. Of course, Wembley doesn't just hold great memories, but some heartbreaking ones too... that's what the national stadium is all about.

One to watch: Moses Ashikodi, Watford

Watford have completed the signing of Rangers striker Moses Ashikodi. The 19-year-old former Millwall and West Ham youth team player had not found favour at Ibrox since moving there in January 2006, but impressed during a trial at Vicarage Road. The Nigerian-born youngster has represented England at every level from under 15s to under 19s.

One to watch: Moses Ashikodi, Watford

Ashikodi's fledgling career has not been without controversy though, even aside from his 19-year-old journeyman status. He left Millwall by mutual consent in 2004 after allegedly threatening team-mate Mark McCammon with a knife. With Aidy Boothroyd desperate for goals expect the player he has described as "talented, hungry and with baggage" to feature fairly soon as the Hornets battle to beat the drop.

I'm not quite sure who the person pictured next to this story on BBC Sport is (at the time of writing at least), but I'm fairly certain it is not Moses Ashikodi!

[Rob Parker]

Saints go after Pressley

Heart of Midlothian is without doubt, the most bonkers club in Europe at the minute. With the insane ramblings of chairman Vladimir Romanov (click here and here for examples), they've managed to retain the mental one, and lose one of their best players, club captain Stephen Pressley.

So just how good is Pressley? Is he worth a punt from a Premiership manager? Well, the most interest is coming from Scotland and The Championship. Southampton gaffer, and former Hearts boss, George Burley has added his name to the list of those interested in Pressley. Pressley, now 33 (or should that say an experienced defender?), is wanted by a clutch of clubs following his very public departure from Tynecastle. Burley told BBC Sport: "I'm aware of Steven Pressley's situation and I'm monitoring it. But I would have to wait and see if we could do anything in the January transfer window."

Despite leaving Hearts at the weekend, Pressley isn't eligible to sign for another club until the January transfer window. Pressley's last game for Hearts was in November in the goalless draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The Scotland international joined Hearts in 1998 but recently fell out of favour after voicing concern about the way the club was being run by mentalist majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

Rangers are believed to head the queue for the services of Pressley, who has been capped 27 times by Scotland and began his career at Ibrox. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has also expressed interest and has not ruled out an approach, while Dundee United, Dunfermline, Leeds and Cardiff have also been linked with the centre-half.

In the Premiership, promoted sides Sheffield United, Reading and Watford are among the clubs said to be keen, but it looks as if Pressley would be interested in joining up with his former boss at Hearts. Burley has a record of attracting players who previously played under him (not in that way you mucky sods) and it seems that Pressley could want out of Scotland to avoid a reminder of his time in Edinburgh. Can't really blame him can you? As an outside bet, it would be worth sticking a couple of quid on his appearance in a Bolton Wanderers shirt. [Mof Gimmers]

The ball will be landing on runway two (or Man City versus Watford)

Last night I witnessed an astonishing game of football. Manchester City took on Watford... and I don't think it would be unfair of me to say that the match was by no means a classic. In fact, I don't think it would be unfair to say that it was the worst match I've ever seen. The weather was terrible (I think metre and a half of rain fell on the Manchester City Council Stadium) and the players were too. Dour, dismal and dire. I'm sure that the Opta stats would give telling facts about the match, but there is one fact which I doubt they covered which I'd really like to know more about. Has there ever been a game of football where the ball spent as little time on pitch as last night's game?

After watching the game (with a stunned City fan I'll add) I'd convinced myself that the game had the ball on the deck for about 20 seconds. Obviously, this is a complete lie, but it was easy to believe at the time. You see, some sides are unfairly brandished with the long ball (mentioning no names *coughBolton*) whereas some sides seemingly get away with it... and I'm talking about the two sides featured here. Both Watford and City were unable to field a creative player, which resulted in both sides bypassing the midfield by hoofing the ball heavenward in the hope that the wind might blow the ball in. If you could have a 3D graphic of where the possession was, I think it would have read;

                        The Clouds
                             86%
Watford                                    City
    2%                     10%               2%

It really was a stinker of a match. Both sides favoured the 8-1-1 formation, with the hapless Corradi taking up a position on the right wing, with an umbrella and a packed lunch, and a copy of War and Peace. Bless him. You also know you're in trouble when Stuart Pearce makes an impact substitution. Hamman on for Reyna. Hilariously, some quarters dubbed the match as 'entertaining' (hold your hand up BBC). This bizarre statement could only have come from the stat that the match had a ridiculous amount of corners. Eight each at the last count (before I nodded off). Obviously, I'm hamming it up a bit, because the game did have a couple of incidents. Danny Shittu (snigger) hit the bar with a thundering header, City had a goal ruled out for some push and shove... both came from someone hoofing it. Also, Gavin Mahon, Watford's captain, should have seen red in the first half with a Macho Man Randy Savage forearm smash that left Joey Barton looking like a cadaver for a spell. Stuart Pearce was quite happy with the game though, saying  "It was a tough evening. They were organised and aggressive and it was like football in the 1970s and 80s. I wish I could have got involved."

Micah Richards however looked brilliant. I sincerely hope that any move to a 'bigger' club would be delayed a while because whilst he gets regular first team action, he gets better and better... something that Chelsea could not guarantee (just ask ex-Citizen - Shaun Wright Phillips who incidentally has played a grand total of ZERO full games for the Oilers). In a game where few shone, the man of the match award would probably go to him. Nicky Weaver was also bright to make an incredible save from a looping header which was all the more impressive for the fact that he had very little to do before hand. Danny Shittu also looked impressive for the visitors, who did more than enough to be guaranteed a place in Watford's next starting XI. All that said, the match was still rubbish and I was glad when it was over. [Mof Gimmers]

Why it's safe for Freddy Adu to move to Manchester United

Freddy Adu has been warned not to move to Manchester United by his coaching staff at DC United. The Guardian reports that both manager Peter Nowak and technical director Dave Kasper have been pointing the 17-year-old in the direction of Ajax instead.

Kasper said: "Does Freddy want to have to go to Watford on a rainy Wednesday where he'll have 6ft 4in goons on his back all night? The Dutch league is a very technical league and he will be better suited for that at his age."

Well pack your bags, Fred, because Pies can reveal that Watford don't have any 6ft 4in players on their books, let alone goons. In fact, the tallest opponents likely to be riding Adu in the manner Kasper suggests are 6ft 3in Clark Carlisle and Danny Shittu. And it always rains in Manchester so I'm sure a bit of drizzle on an away trip to Watford wouldn't dampen his spirits!

[Rob Parker]

Watford v Sheffield United

Watford and Sheffield United face each other in the Premiership tonight, but they have already met this year. Back in February it was a promotion tussle, this evening it is the stereotypical relegation battle six-pointer. Either side can put themselves on the verge of escaping the relegation zone with a win. Watford were comfortable winners earlier this year as they recorded a 4-1 victory. Highlights below:

[Rob Parker]

Lord Stevens to name innocent clubs?

Lord Stevens is being urged to name innocent clubs today that are not involved in his bungs investigation. Several club chairmen will put their case at a meeting today, arguing that their clubs have been tainted by accusations after Lord Stevens announced that there were a total of eight clubs and 39 deals under investigation.

An FA Premier League shareholders' meeting will take place in London today and there may be a vote forced on the issue. It is thought that the motion to disclose will be passed just because several chairmen will not dare put up their hands to vote against in fear of implying guilt. So, if Lord Stevens does name the clubs, who do you think they'll be? Obviously Bolton will be fancied after the Panorama debacle, but who else is dodgy? [Mof Gimmers]

[via 365]

Does the League Cup finally mean something?

For years, the League Cup has seen various sponsors. It was once the Milk Cup. It was once the Rumbleows Cup. Largely however, it's referred to as the 'Micky Mouse Cup'. Usually, Premiership sides put out weakened teams to ensure an injury free squad for 'more important' matches like league games, or in some cases, European fixtures. Well, last night, the nation's love affair with our third favourite domestic cup took a turn for the better with some great matches, great tales and great goals.

Biggest news of the night was the shock victory at Roots Hall. Southend's victory over a pretty decently turned out Manchester United showed how brilliant English cup football can be. Freddy Eastwood's blistering freekick scorched the back of the ManYoo net, and showed that Alex Ferguson, in his twenty years and one day of football, still has a few things to learn. Aside from the biggest upset in years, the other matches showed English football at it's best.

Charlton and Chesterfield provided a barnstorming game of football which resulted in penalties after a 3-3 thriller. Even though Mr Dowie was clearly pleased with the result, his Charlton side still have more than enough to worry about. Conceding three goals and scraping through on penalties to a lower league side does not bode well. Newcastle, looking farcical in the league (and in defence) also played their part in a super game of football, throwing everything they had into their quest for victory. The Mickey Mouse Cup? It might just save Glenn Roeder his job should they continue to progress. Also, ask the Newcastle fans if they want to win it after having a bare trophy cabinet for nigh on fifty years.

Another great tale of English football is the all conquering Wycombe side who find themselves in the Quarter Finals of the competition. A League Two side (or a Division Four side for us oldies) in the last eight of a cup? Ask them if it means anything if they get drawn against Chelsea.

All in all, a potentially dull Tuesday night of football was livened up by passionate performances, a real desire to win by all participants, and lots of goals. So, the Mickey Mouse Cup? I don't think so. Long live the League Cup!

[Mof Gimmers]

Southend land dream tie in Carling Cup

Southend manager Steve Tilson got his dream-come-true by landing a tie with Manchester United in the fourth round of the Carling Cup. Speaking after his side's win over Leeds on Tuesday evening, Tilson had said "Man Utd away would be a good reward for us in the next round." Sir Alex Ferguson's side were then promptly pulled from the hat next to Southend, but Saaarfend will be at home rather than away to the Premiership bigboys' reserve team.

"They have nothing to lose and I'm sure it will be a difficult game for us," United boss Ferguson said on Sky last night after his second string beat Crewe 2-1 in extra-time. The last 16 features three all-Premiership ties, with Chelsea's victory over Blackburn seeing them drawn at home against Aston Villa, Watford hosting Newcastle and Everton at home to th eincreasingly impressive Arsenal. Chesterfield's reward for knocking out Manchester City and West Ham is a home tie against Premiership's Charlton. "We are in good form in this competition and at home with a full house we don't fear anybody," said Chesterfield boss Roy McFarland. For the full draw, read over.

Fourth Round Draw:

Birmingham v Liverpool

Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chesterfield v Charlton

Everton v Arsenal

Notts County v Wycombe

Southend v Manchester United

Tottenham v Port Vale

Watford v Newcastle

[Mof Gimmers]

Watford take lemons to Arsenal (and they weren't all on the pitch!)

Watford fans had extra cause to leave the Emirates Stadium with a bitter taste in their mouths after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. Readers of the BHappy blog smuggled lemons into the ground for no other reason than to have a laugh and have their picture taken with said citrus.

As Pies reader Lew has harshly pointed out, Watford appeared to have four lemons playing in defence! Next stop on BHappy's madcap Five-a-day away days scheme is Charlton, where chilli peppers will be the order of the day.

[Rob Parker]

Blog of the week: Yellow Fever, a Watford FC blog

Yellow Fever, a blog dedicated to Premiership newcomers Watford, is well-written and knows its stuff. It's updated regularly (you usually get about a post a day) and we thoroughly recommend it to those Hornets fans who've not yet discovered it. A request to the author(s) – have a word with Aidy Boothroyd about his black suit/gold tie combo. It makes him look like a snooker referee.

Sample post: 'It's B-Day on Saturday – bottom day. No, Elton isn't planning on attending (well, he hasn't rung me about it), but we play Charlton for the right, nay honour, to be bottom of the Prem.'

Watford fans to bombard the Emirates Stadium with lemons

I love it when 'smaller' teams get promoted to the Premier League and their fans' ambitions stretch no further than fourth from bottom and a good time to be had by all. Teams such as Bradford City and Barnsley spring to mind, but Watford are determined to make a good go of it this season.

We have been reporting on Watford's Five-a-day away days, which has so far involved bringing bananas to Bolton and smuggling broccoli into Wigan's JJB Stadium. The boys at BHappy have now issued a call to arms - or lemons at least - for tomorrow's match at Arsenal. Get those lemons ready, Hornets fans!

[Rob Parker]

One to watch: Ashley Young, Watford

Until last night, when he scored two goals against Fulham, including a last-gasp cracker, Watford's Ashley Young was the Premiership's best-kept secret. Hornets fans know how good he is, of course. So what do we know about him? Well, he's 21 years old, he started life as a winger but has undergone a Thierry Henry-esque transformation to striker (although he still gets played in midfield and on the wing, it seems).

Young scored 15 goals for Watford in last season's promotion campaign and based on last night's evidence, he looks like quite a talent. He's fast and skilful, and seems to have a good football brain – in other words, he's not one of these young players with fast feet but slow brains (Collins John, stand up).

The Bung Saga continues with extention to Stevens' enquiry

The Premier League have allowed Lord Stevens a further two months to investigate any irregularities (aka BUNGS!) in recent transfers in the English game. The former Metropolitan Police commissioner and his team have looked into 362 transfers, covering the period from January 1, 2004 to January 31, 2006. Stevens has revealed that 39 transfers involving eight clubs warranted further scrutiny, and Premier League chief exec' Richard Scudamore has granted an extension to this murky inquiry.

Scudamore said on Sky Sports News earlier that "This is something Premier League clubs wanted to do, and has been done with full support of the clubs who wanted a thorough, professional and credible process to deal effectively with any irregular transfer payments. We have as a group unanimously agreed to extend the period of inquiry by two months in order to investigate transfers that are in need of further investigation."

Lord Stevens revealed 39 of the 362 transfers require further investigation over the next two months. Those 39 transfers involve eight clubs.

"I have briefed all of the chairmen and chief executives of Premier League clubs and this interim report remains a work in progress," Lord Stevens told a press conference televised by Sky Sports News. "Quest, under my leadership, has managed to examine 362 transfers and reduced that down from that to 39. They are within the English game and require further investigation before I am prepared to sign them off. These involve eight league teams. The work conducted led me to make a number of observations regarding administration and monitoring of the transfer market. These were made to the chairman and chief executive of the Premier League. Once the enquiry is complete we will report these as recommendations for consideration by the league. I would like to express gratitude to the clubs and regulatory bodies and others involved in the game for their unanimous support."

Lord Stevens revealed that the inquiry team received "good co-operation" from agents after seeking assistance and he also confirmed that "some agents independently requested meetings with the inquiry team."

Lord Stevens also stated that valuable information had been submitted by individuals who were prepared to go on the record, and by those who preferred to release evidence but were unwilling to disclose their identities. With regards to assessing finances, he added: "There will continue to be forensic investigation of entities both offshore and onshore. There also will be further meetings with appropriate clubs." This won't include Sheffield United, Reading or Watford  who weren't in the top flight during the time frame of the investigation. Nor will it include Leeds (who were) as they did not trade any players during the period under investigation.

"This is not an easy inquiry but we will do everything in our powers to make sure it is a successful one," said Lord Stevens. "We will focus, we will be thorough, and we will get to the bottom of what the problems are." Richard Scudamore added further "If there is any criminal activity we will pass that to the police." Scudamore admitted he was "disappointed" to learn that 11% of transfers - 39 deals - justified further investigation. "I'm unhappy that it's not nought," he said at the press conference. "I sat before you seven months ago and said we're doing this because we don't know. I didn't expect it to be nought, but I'm disappointed it's not nought. The clubs are absolutely fed up with the negative speculation and there is no resistance from clubs to co-operation."

Scudamore vowed that his body would give their full respect to the Stevens' report findings. "If there is anything [found to have] gone on, Lord Stevens will hand over the relevant information and we will deal with it." Lord Stevens underlined the importance of the enquiry saying  the results "will be absolutely essential for the future of this game. We are in possession of unprecedented information that has come in. This is unprecedented and that's why we've got confidence in what we're doing and why you'll have to wait another two months."

[Mof Gimmers]

Watford fans take their broccoli on their Five-a-day away day

The crazy cats at Watford blog site BHappy have been smuggling their groceries into Premier League grounds again. Hornets fans making the trip to Wigan last week went armed with broccoli. The stunt was the second in blogger Matt Rowson's (pictured, right) Five-a-day Away-days series, having already taken a solitary banana to Bolton's Reebok Stadium.

There was apparently a better turn out of broccoli than bananas, but Matt is still hoping for a better turnout when he announces which item of fruit or veg is to invade the Emirates Stadium a week on Saturday.

[Rob Parker]

Watford fans go bananas for Premier League away trips

Watford blog site BHappy urged Hornets fans to smuggle bananas into the Reebok Stadium for last Saturday's game against Bolton. Blogger Matt Rowson said the idea was: "In line with the national drive towards healthier eating habits and with a view to adding excitement and joy to potentially tedious away day trips."

Unfortunately, Matt was the only Watford fan to turn up with a banana (he is pictured with his above). However, he has issued a rallying cry to his fellow supporters and is hopefully of a better turn out for the next away game against Wigan. Expect to see the Watford fans armed with their groceries at a Premier League ground near you soon!

[Rob Parker]

Summer transfer madness!

A quick round-up of some of the latest transfer news:

Aston Villa SV Hamburg want to sign Milan Baros (pictured). No accounting for taste.
Blackburn Signed Jason Roberts from Wigan on four-year deal.
Bolton Hidetoshi Nakata retires from football at 29.
Celtic Still waiting to hear if Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will sign for them.
Liverpool Fernando Morientes signs three-year contract for Valencia
Man Utd Giuseppe Rossi signs contract extension, will stay at Old Trafford until 2010.
Sheffield Utd Utility player Mikele Leigertwood joins from Crystal Palace.
Watford Signed Charlton veteran Chris Powell on a free.