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Latest Arsenal News …
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Van Persie commits to Arsenal until 2014 - Independent
→ 4 Jul | 1:11am GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Poll Result: Fans back Kolo and William.
→ 3 Jul | 11:52pm GMT
When Wenger prised open his wallet and spalshed GBP10 million upwards on Thomas Vermaelen, all th... Gunners4Life.com - Arsenal FC
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Manu can go if he wants - The Sun
→ 3 Jul | 11:18pm GMT
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Manu can go if he wantsThe SunThe Emirates chief said: "If Adebayor does not want to stay he will leave - although I think he will be still at Arsenal for this season." Wenger also ...and more » |
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Art attack - The Sun
→ 3 Jul | 10:12pm GMT
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Art attackThe Sun... with Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish for freed Arsenal midfielder Amaury Bischoff. After failing to make an impact at the Emirates, Bischoff, 22, ...and more » |
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Gold Cup Preview And Other Thoughts
→ 3 Jul | 9:13pm GMT
Good afternoon to you all, hope this July 3rd finds you in anticipation of getting super drunk and watching things blow up into bright, colored pieces tomorrow. Well I am in any
case. I'm also looking forward to watching the USA defend its Gold Cup crown. Not that I have too much doubt we will at least get into the final, but all the same. The real
reason me and I suspect everyone else will be watching, is to see the depth of our talent pool. The prize at the end of this tournament might not be the Gold Cup trophy itself, but an
equally precious resource: a raw, talented player to be uncovered.
The Gold Cup will serve as a developmental knockout round for those American players on the outside looking in so to speak. The US' roster was increased from 23 players to 30, so lets see
who Bob is going to be taking a look at.
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Luis Robles, Jon Busch, and Troy Perkins
Defenders: Chad Marshall, Michael Parkhurst, Jonathan Bornestein, Steve Cherundolo, Clarence Goodson, Jimmy Conrad, and Heath Pearce
Midfielders: Davy Arnaud, Sasch Kljestan, Kyle Beckerman, Colin Clark, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Sam Cronin, Brad Evans, Stuart Holden, Logan Pause, and Robbie Rogers
Forwards: Freddy Adu, Kenny Cooper, Connor Casey, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, and Santino Quaranta
Starting with the keepers, we are most likely to see the Brad Guzan and Luis Robles see some time minding the nets. Both Busch and Perkins are there to give them a platform to build on it
seems, but Busch's best bet is to make the trip across the pond this summer as he's the only one out of the quartet that doesn't ply his trade in Europe.
The to the defensive front, we welcome back Cherundolo from a hip injury. Up until 3 weeks ago, he was the automatic choice at right back for the USA. With the advent of Jonathan
Spector as a force at the right back, Cherundolo is going to need to play mistake free at the back this tournament to even give himself a chance to win back the right back position. In
the middle, Chad Marshall and Clarence Goodson should lock down the central defensive positions in my opinion. Jimmy Conrad is too old for the World Cup and my fear with Michael Parkhurst, whom
I like, is that he won't be able to match up physically with top strikers. With DeMerit and Onyewu looks like the automatic starters, these Goodson and Marshall should be batting for the
third in the CB pecking order now that Bocanegra looks to be moved permanently to the left. This might be the curtain call on Heath Pearce's time with the national team if he doesn't go
out and buy some form. With relatively easy games in the group, he can't afford any slip ups.
In midfield, everything is up for grabs as many newbies have been called into the squad and will be looking to impress. In the center, Ricardo and Michael Bradley have already laid a
great claim to the starting spots. But there is definately room for cover as Sacha has proved to be not good enough for big time games. I'm not sure why Bradley, Sr. didn't drop him
in favor of the versatile and technically gifted Jose Torres. For some reason, Bob has decided to lay the defeat at Costa Rica squarely and unfairly at the feet of this young man.
Its ridiculous and in my opinion, Torres was the best midfield player for the USA in the first half that game before being subbed. Whatever. Benny Feilhaber will most likely get a
nod in the middle of the pitch, but also look for Stuart Holden to impress. He's been enjoying one hell of a season at the Dynamo and had a very good showing at Beijing last summer.
I think he will benefit the most from this tournament in terms of international experience as I will go on record as predicting him to be on the 23 man squad for SA 2010. He's fast,
creative, good with the ball at his feet, and intelligent. He also scores goals. I'm hoping he leaves for England of Holland after this summer as I see him becoming a Clint
Dempsey-sque player. Two other players that I would watch is Colin Clark and Robbie Rogers. Clark is a good box to box midfielder, and an impressive tournament here could see
increased looks at the national team. Then again, with Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Feilhaber, and most likely Jermaine Jones ahead of him, its going to take one heck of a showing.
Robbie is another from the U20 World Cup team and the recent Olympic team. He, like Holden, is capable of opening up defences with his speed and isn't afraid to pull the trigger.
And believe me, the kid's got a cannon.
Finally the forwards. With Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore forming a rocksolid partnership gushing with speed, power, and ability it looks like an uphill task for the current crop of
forwards. To start off, the fact that Connor Casey is on the roster alone should get Bradley fired. If you keep making the same mistake over and over again, you by definition
insane. Why Casey? Seriously why? Anyway, the man everyone will be watching is without a doubt the man who has the most talent on the squad: Freddy Adu. The fact that he
didn't get any time on the field in the Confederations Cup boggled the mind, he looks set to spearhead the offense this time around. The man to partner him up top will most likely be
Brian Ching. Even though I hate him, Freddy needs a big man to support him and Bradley seems to favor Ching over Cooper. I don't think Charlie Davies will see too much in the this
tournament actually and would rather have seen Eddie Johnson on the squad. Now before you starting yelling at me, yes I know he has been given his fair amount of chances. The
problem with those chances were that he wasn't playing well for his club at the time either. Now at Cardiff City, he has sparkled almost leading the team to promotion into the Premier
League. I think now is the time to bring him back into camp and see what he's got for one last time. Switching gears, I would love to see Kenny Cooper and Charlie Davies paired togethe,
even for a short time. Kenny is another player in the ilk of Jozy Altidore. While being big and physical, both are not target men. They work well in 4-4-2 set ups and a speedy
man like Charlie should work perfectly, at least in my world.
Before I leave, some news on Jermaine Jones and Eddie Castillo. On Jermaine Jones, President Gulati had this to say:
"I think that paperwork for that has probably now been submitted to FIFA. And the earliest he would be eligible to move would be the 2nd of August"
Excellent news. We need a combative midfielder to add to our squad depth. Plus as Bob Bradley pointed out, he brings a wealth of experience playing at the highest level in Germany and in
the Champions League at points in his career. Also at 27, he'll bring leadership and maturity (hopefully). Jones is known in Germany to be a controversial figure, but his ability is
beyond question.
Then there is the matter of Eddie Castillo. While I've said in the past that he would have been exactly what the US needed at the left back, the New Mexico native chose Mexico over the
States. However with the new FIFA rule change he could find himself donning the Stars and Stripes. The 22 year old is an up-and-coming worldclass left back, with a good nose at
getting forward. It is still early in this story however, as Eddie has only now expressed interest in the United States after being neglected by Mexico much to the chagrin of their
fans. Strange how beating Egypt and Spain on the way to a FIFA cup final can sway alliances. At least in Jones' case, he notified FIFA before the Confederations Cup. Both
these players might be mercenaries, but their talent speaks for itself and their stories will continue well into the summer I assume. More on this and other news later.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Rossoneri Blog video of the day: Pirlo cross bar Challenge
→ 3 Jul | 8:57pm GMT
Andrea Pirlo tries to hit the cross-bar as many times as he can in 10 attempts. Let's see if you can battle him or do better than he did! Enjoy...
By Meytar Zeevi, Rossoneri Blog
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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BIG FAT LAPORTA, SHUT YOUR MOUTH, MELO + MD BUY
→ 3 Jul | 7:38pm GMT
We start off this morning from a cloudy, shitty waterford with the news that Barcelona president Joan “cunt face” Laporta said that he has respect for arsenal and then taps up Fabregas.
He’s been talking about Cesc, saying:
Cesc Fabregas has the Barcelona DNA in his body and we know that he wants to play for this club. At the
moment he is the leader at Arsenal and a very important player for them. But Cesc is wanted by me, by the coach Pep Guardiola and by the sport director Txiki Begiristain.
We are concentrating all of our efforts on it, but at the same time we have a lot of respect for Arsenal.
He looks like a sleezy shitbag to me, Im going to blow in a minute if I dont get off this subject so I will leave it there with fatty mc cuntyface.
On to some transfer news about the brazil hardman Felipe Melo, we know there was little chance of him joining Arsenal because he signed a 1 year extension with Fiorentina but what was
also interesting was that they made sure they announced there was a buy out clause along with the extension.
To be honest I would have liked to see him with an Arsenal shirt on but you cant really blame Fiorentina for trying to get the most out of their player, his agent said this morning
he is staying at
Fiorentina until after the World Cup. Hopefully he will have a shit world cup and be valued at €750,000 and then, and just then may Arsenal buy him but it looks
doubtful.
Good news that Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have signed new long term contracts with the club, It would’nt suprise me at all to see the 2 of them out on loan next season, as much
as I am happy I still think Wenger needs to buy a man in midfield, and I mean a big, bulky, awkward, clattering, take no prisioners son of a bitch and I will be happy.
No doubt there will be more transfer news on Arsenal and I will post it as soon as it breaks.
And by the way whats the deal with Micky Owen to Man Yoo, I cant get my head around that one, i better not say too much because the bastard will probably score 30 goals and be top
scorer.
Im going to add a pole because I want to know your opinion.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Official: Loria joins Torino and Montella retires
→ 3 Jul | 5:15pm GMT
Here it is this day must have made the mercato for Roma, the loaning out of Loria to Torino was a must an unfit player, way below Roma's calibre, maybe Serie B would serve him good, this is a
relief now. Another old player to haveleft Roma is Christian Panucci his contract has officially ended with Roma and is now seeking a place at either Genoa or Parma. Roma didn't end their quest
for a younger team there, Montella was convinced to retire from football and accept a job of coaching the Roma youth squad, hopefully he'll do future stars just like him, loyal and successful.
Diamoutene is the last of the players who left Roma and his loan from Lecce ended.
The Roma full squad for next season has been announced there might be some changes but most player who have been linked out said they are wanted but will stay at Roma.
GK: Doni, Artur, Sergio
DF: Cicinho, Motta, Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Andreolli, Riise, Tonetto, Rosi, Antunes
MF: De Rossi, Aquilani, Brighi, Perrotta, Guberti, Taddei, Pizarro, Faty, Greco, Pit
FW: Totti, Vucinic, Baptista, Menez, Okaka, Cerci, Esposito
A total squad of 30 players that might be reduced to a minimum of 24 in order to have the largest number of player to compete at a major level in all competition.
Expected squad depth: a typical spalletti 4-2-3-1 formation
Doni
Cicinho, Mexes, Juan, Riise
De Rossi, Brighi
Guberti, Aquilani, Vucinic
Totti
subs squad:
Artur
Motta, Cassetti, Andreolli, Tonetto
Pizarro, Perrotta,
Taddei, Baptista, Menez
Okaka
reserves and youth squad:
Sergio
Crescenzi, Malomo, Brosco, Antunes
Faty Greco
D'Alessandro Esposito Rosi
Cerci
as well as Frasca, Bertolacci and Stoian might feature from the youth teams
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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What has gone wrong for the Freedom?
→ 3 Jul | 4:25pm GMT
First, I will do a little fancy recap of the Chicago game, before heading off to making some points that many of you have dutifully already brought up in comments, as well as ideas from
previous blogs. Then, I shall travel to the pregame report for the visit of the Los Angeles Sol on Sunday. But before that, I would like to wish everyone an early Happy 4th of July!
So, as you all know, we lost in Chicago 2-1. That makes the Redstars the first team to ever win from a deficit. We still have not been able to beat Chicago. Now don't get me wrong, they are a
talented squad, but based on form and such, we really should have gone in there picking up a win. It was the same lineup as the loss to Boston. So, within the first minute, I thought to myself,
"Oh lord, this cannot be a good day," as Cat Whitehill cleared a shot off the line. McLeod saved well at the feet of Cristiane and Tarpley. The Redstars seemed to be piling it on initially, but
the Freedom worked themselves back in. Lisa De Vanna was a threat with her runs, and she created the first goal, running with the ball and crossing right to the feet of Abby Wambach. Abby
actually scored, so some good was taken from this game. The Freedom lead 1-0 going into the halftime break.
The second half started and the Freedom were all at sea. About 2 minutes into the half, Cristiane scored, somehow. I'm not quite sure what she did, but it looked mighty
impressive. Backheel? Then things fell apart even further. Erin McLeod, like she did in the first half, was forced to make save after save. However, she could not keep out Lindsay
Tarpley in the 61st minute. At the very end of the game, Lisa De Vanna came close to getting the equalizer but could not manage to get a touch on the ball to guide it into the empty net. So
that was that. Chicago finally breaks their winless and scoreless streak. They are back into 5th place on 14 points, while the Freedom hang on to fourth with 16 points from 13 games.
The stats give Erin McLeod 8 saves, and they were all crucial. Could she have been at fault for the first goal? Not really, she saved it, and the defense didn't deal with the rebound. But let's
move on from McLeod. I don't really have any complaints about her. In fact, she has been earning jer keep, and is one of the few. The defense...I'm not sure. Why change what worked? Krieger is
a good acquisition, but if you look at the stats, it isn't working. Sonia should not be playing left back. Singer needs to be back at left back and Sonia bumped up to midfield. It just makes
sense. If you look at the lineup during our long stretch that brought us to second place, Sonia was either in the midfield or upfront. Once again, why change? Don't fix it if it ain't broke, I
believe the saying goes.
The midfield with Lindsey and Sawa is looking okay, but they cannot compete with some of the stacked, 4 or 5 man midfields in the rest of the league. Once again, the presence of Bompastor would
help out a lot. I actually think Sawa has been improving slowly, and Lindsey is crucial. Moros had a spell of excellence but has faded mightly recently. De Vanna, for all her quickness on and
off the ball is not really an out and out striker, and her finishing seems to need work. One good thing was that Abby Wambach scored a real poachers effort and will hopefully be reignited. It
seems that we are missing Allie Long as well, who will be available in 2 weeks time.
What can we do to address these problems? Losing streaks are bad, obviously. So what do we do? Can we go back to how we were playing before? I'm not sure, but maybe, just maybe, switching
back to the winning lineups would help.
In other news, Joanna Lohmann has been waived. This is interesting. They are creating space for Sarah Huffman who is on an accelerated path of recovery from her ACL injury. They are hoping she
will be fit and healthy in time to cover for the absence of Sonia Bompastor when she attends the Euros at the end of August. That means that all the European internationals will miss the
postseason. Tragic news for most teams, including the Freedom and their upcoming opponents the LA Sol.
The LA Sol are in town this weekend, marking their first visit to DC, after the Freedom lost their two previous trips to Los Angeles. The Sol are far and away the best team in the league, with
Marta and Abily leading the scoring charts with 8 goals a piece. Aya Miyama and Shannon Boxx are key players in the middle of the pitch who manage to control everything. Can the Freedom compete
with them? I'm not so certain if we play like we have the past few games. Sonia NEEDS to be in midfield for this one. The defense and goalkeeper of the Sol have also been mighty impressive, but
not unbeatable. Set pieces will be key and could help unhinge the leagues stingiest defense. Abby Wambach will manage to draw in defenders, and hopefully, Lisa De Vanna will be able to exploit
the space with her speed. The real battle will be the midfield though. Also, will Whitehill and Sauerbrunn be able to cope with the speed of Marta? I don't think a high line is the option here,
but it is always dangerous to play deep, so we will see.
In sad news for me personally, Aly Wagner isn't travelling with the team due to injury (shocking, okay, not really). But the Sol have so many other weapons capable of stepping in. Zerboni may
get the nod.
So, I will see you all out there for the Independance Day Weekend (does that even make sense?) matchup between or Freedom, who seem to be falling flat, and the Sol, who are still riding high.
As always, I like to hear your thoughts here, on Fancorner on twitter (@tweedygiggs) and I appreciate the feedback!
GO FREEDOM!
-Robyn
Edit: Here are the highlights (lowlights?) of the Chicago/Freedom match. See for yourself to compensate for the lack of a detailed recap.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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New Gunners deal for Gibbs - 4TheGame
→ 3 Jul | 3:30pm GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Potters in comfort zone?
→ 3 Jul | 3:27pm GMT
I must admit I'm surprised at the lack of transfer activity6y at Stoke City, the Britannia has resembled the Fenton branch of Woolies in the summer months. Could it be that Pulis and the
Potters feel they are safe in the land of milk and honey. The second syndrome is a present danger for all those in North Staffs. Ipswich Town finished fifth in there first season
back in the top flight only to suffer relegation twelve months later.
Stoke have been linked with Michael Owen and Dean Ashton, both have proven goalscoring records but less then ideal fitness ones, more Holby City than Stoke City. The Fuller-Beattie
partnership bore fruit at the tail end of last season and it's hard to picture Owen or Ashton willing to warm the subs bench. The seasons opening fixtures offer the prospect of a good
start. Newly promoted Burnley visit The Brit on the opening day while Stoke play Birmingham City a week later. Pulis will feel his side will have too much nouse fr two of last
seasons promoted clubs. But as the Potters and Hull showed last term how dangerous promoted clubs can be. In between City visit Anfield a ground where they gained a point last
season.
So the signs are promising but are Stoke City taking things for granted? I fear for Burnley and Hull but three teams have to take the drop. Birmingham City and Wolves seem
determinded to give it a go while Sunderland have promised a £50 million war chest to Steve Bruce. Of the rest the Lancastrian duo of Bolton and Wigan appear the most vulnerable.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Gibbs signs new long-term contract
→ 3 Jul | 2:40pm GMT
England Under-21 international commits future to Arsenal Arsenal FC News Feed
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Gazidis, Wilshere and More
→ 3 Jul | 2:06pm GMT
Arsenal Chief executive Ivan Gazidids has had his say on the concept of salary cap's in english football he told the guardian:
"I think it is worth our while to investigate whether there are elements of the salary cap system, which they have in US NFL and baseball (sic), which would benefit football,"
"Clubs have a duty to provide more stability in our business models and some form of wage restraint is one element worth looking at.
"There are many ways in which it could work."
Also young english starlet Jack Wilshere has signed the usual 'long-term' contract with the club which is good news because that boy is 'special'.
Not a lot going on in the way of Transfers this morning but apparently we're in the chase for another defender: Naldo of Werder Bremen the club said; 'We expect to move him for somewhere in the
region of €10 million, and English side Arsenal is as of now the most likely destination' So that can only be good news because it seems as if Wenger is tryibng to make a real big push for
silverware this time around.
That's it for today apart from some rubbish about Adebayor which i'm not going to report because it mentions him 'staying' at Arsenal and i do not want to accept that hopefully someone will
come in with a nice offer and Adebayor can go and we replace him quickly. Also if Eduardo and Rosicky can get a good pre-season behind them we will be pretty unstopable next season (i think i
may be slightly aroused at the thought haha)
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Everton face Serie A competition for £4million former Gunner? - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 2:03pm GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Joanne Laporta is an utter cunt
→ 3 Jul | 2:02pm GMT
Good afternoon people. First of all apologies for the lateness of my blog today as im severely bogged down in work today.
Now where do i start!
Anyone who read my last post would no that i wanted to put all the Cesc to Arselona rumors to bed and get on with the rest of the pre-season. I thought we had with El Capitano,s comments last
week about his commitment.
Apparently nobody read this announcement in The Catalan City.
This story is really getting a little boring at this stage and is mirroring the relentless persuit of Henry and Viera by the paella scoffing MOFOS.
Big up to the Arseblogger for his pic of Laporta on his post today (Classic Arseblogger)
I am not gonna give that sleazy little cunt any more of my time today!
Onto more happier news where Rambo has signed a new long term contract at the Emirates and i say well done to you son for that.I really like Rambo and i feel he could be the man to make that
step up in the next couple of years when Cesc actually does leave for his homeland.
Aswell we have secured the services of young Jack Wilshire again on a long term contract. Jack has been with us since he was a mere newt and has grown up in the Arsenal way.I feel as with Rambo
that we have two future world players of the year i kid you not!.
There has been some comings and goings in the squad with Craig Eastmond,Luke Ayling,Cedric Evina and James Shea all signing pro terms with the club Best of luck boys!
News just in from the official site that Kieran Gibbs has signed yes you guessed it a long term contract.I see what Le Boss is doing here he is securing the services of our brigthest home grown
stars for they will save us an absolute fortune in years to come especially young Wilshire.
Now to the 25
Le Boss came out yesterday and hinted that the togawanker could be still here next season.The boss is a cunning fox as i believe that he is trying to strengthen our bargaining position in
the hope that our reluctance to sell might get us a better price. Hopefully he can boost the coffers with the sale of the big man. Can i pack your bags for you Manu!.
Quick note on Ivan Gazidas's comments on the salary cap and although i totally agree with the foundation of his comments and his logic i dont think this will be a runner my god it would
put the shits up a lot of agents.Nice Argument Mr Gazidis but in the end of the day money talks and in the words of Madge (Madonna)We are living in a material world and ronaldo 'Benzema and
Ribery are in fact material girls.
As you know i do a lot of trawling through the rumor pages in the hope of finding some uplifting newsand to be perfectly honest the good news is a bit thin on the ground the last few days
however i did come across a couple of whoppers'let me know what you think of these rumors.The Flamster coming home as part of the deal for the Togawanker and the stellar signing the boss
promised us is none other than Victoria Beckham's Wife hahahaha.
I like the idea of Becks coming to Arsenal (hear me out hear me out) exposing ourselves to the lucrative foreign markets is never a bad thing even if the armani model never kicks a
ball the shirt sales alone in asia would be a massive help in servicing the clubs debts and proving to Fat & Orange that the self sustaining business model that the club has adopted is the
right way to go.
Anyways have a great weekend and may all your discretions be in private and heres hoping that Laporta gets ass-raped by a bull and is then forced to gag down a pint of pikey spunk.
Laters
DBLC
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Barcelona battle AC Milan for £25million Arsenal star? - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 1:08pm GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Wenger boys must face the music - ESPN STAR Sports
→ 3 Jul | 1:04pm GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Going Owen Gone
→ 3 Jul | 12:40pm GMT
By Michael Sinnerton
Having blogged about Michael Owen less than two weeks ago I don't want to come across as repeating myself, but I'm glad
to see that one of my favourite players and someone who was once England's next great hope land on their feet.
As a Liverpool fan I know I probably should feel a bit betrayed and I may struggle next season wanting Michael to succeed whilst wanting United to crash and burn horribly. Do other Liverpool
fans feel betrayed? I feel that having sold Michael Owen and turned down good opportunities to get him back (admittedly once at too high a price) we don't have any right to be offended.
From United's point of view they've signed a player who is proven in the Premiership and can be one of the best strikers in the league. At only 29 and on a free transfer, why anyone thinks this
is a bad move is beyond me. Obviously it's a great move for Owen who finally has some profile and is saved the, let's face it, embarrassment of having to choose between Stoke or Hull (although
Aston Villa were a more likely destination). But for United who get a proven goal scorer for no money, the risk is virtually zero. Owen will be so grateful to be at such a high profile club
that he's likely to accept whatever terms are offered. If he does turn out to be a failure, United will be able to sell him for £1-2m with ease and will make their money back from any wages.
Furthermore, I don't think he will be a failure, at Newcastle with no service his stats of 30 goals in 69 games are well known but a goal-scoring ratio that was the highest in terms of
goals/minutes played in La Liga should not be overlooked. Owen scored 18 goals from 41 games for Madrid (just 15 of which were starts), this despite a poor start probably due to problems
acclimatising. When surrounded by good players, Owen is the beneficiary of more chances and as a result scores more goals.
Since Van Nistelrooy left United have not had a pure finisher in the squad due to Louis Saha's injury problems, Owen fits the bill perfectly. With Berbatov and Rooney likely to be Sir Alex's
first choice for big games, and another (high profile) striker likely to join, United may be back to that wonderful position they enjoyed in 1999 where they can call on four genuinely
top-drawer forwards.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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TV Online: Manuel's 2008/09 highlights
→ 3 Jul | 12:28pm GMT
See Spaniard at his very best in exclusive Almunia Week finale Arsenal FC News Feed
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Wenger's Barca vision - Yahoo! Eurosport
→ 3 Jul | 12:23pm GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Arsenal turn to £10million Serie A midfielder? - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 12:11pm GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Club to play Valencia in pre-season friendly
→ 3 Jul | 11:54am GMT
Gunners will play at the Mestalla on Saturday, August 8 Arsenal FC News Feed
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Aston Villa in £23m Spurs Swap Deal: Plus other Rumours Linking Club to Everton, Man City and West Ham Apparently!
→ 3 Jul | 11:48am GMT
It seems the rumour mongering has now begun in earnest and Martin O'Neill's search for new blood is evident all
over the web and newspaper back pages.
Foremost amongst these speculative moves are those that appear to entertwine Aston Villa with fellow top six chasers Tottenham. The following information
was located on sites both dubious and less so.
Spurs defender, if you can call him that, Michael Dawson is apparently
a player of great interest to MON, but for the life of me I can't think why as he has always looked like a donkey to me. Then of course there is the constant speculation linking Robbie Keane to a move to Villa Park and the Birmingham Mail claims such interest is very real and could in fact involve a certain John Carew moving to White Hart Lane in just such an exchange.
Two other players continually, somewhat randomly, connected to moves to the club are Michel Bastos and more
recently Markus Berg, not exactly household names and therefore in many ways perhaps infinitely more likely to be realistic targets.
The school of thought with these, for want of a more correct word, journalists, is that the following process
can be adopted when making the most out of each and every rumour morsel. First you have the genuine story, where a player or another is ‘actually' one who interests one team, let's say for
arguments sake, that club is Everton. These ‘journalists' then try to get more mileage from such a story by making the next logical, if wholly incorrect, step of suggesting that the self same
player now greatly interests all the teams in a similar standing to that one team, Everton.
That player will then become the subject of a myriad of made up fiction tales linking him to Tottenham, Aston
Villa, Fulham and West Ham then to get the final remaining pieces of meat out of the
initial rumour you then suggest that Man City are interested, because after all they want to sign every player on the face of the earth, don't they?
Everyone loves rumour season, some will lie and say they can't stand it and most will begrudgingly admit that
it enlivens that period of the year when no football of any note is taking place. It's a necessary part of the process but one that can be at times equal parts exciting and irritating.
The old adage of "I'll believe it when he is parading around the pitch with a scarf" is accurate but can take
the fun out of the whole process, and let's face it it's just a bit of fun and should be treated as such just as long as those creating these fictions (and make no mistake 99.9% of these are
made up out of thin air) realise that they are nothing more than fantasists who serve a purpose rather than being ‘actual' professional journalists, then we should all get on just fine!
Oh yes, and the club were supposedly after Titus Bramble, hopefully
someone's idea of a sick joke!
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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The most expensive transfers Premiership style - Part Two
→ 3 Jul | 11:32am GMT
Hi and hello football fans, as promised I'm back today with part two of "The most expensive transfers Premiership style". To check out part one click HERE.
So with further delay, let's get stuck in.
2000/01 Rio Ferdinand to Leeds - £18m - Grade = C 
Whilst on the surface it looks a good move, it only gets a C in my book.
Rio had two excellent seasons at Elland Road which saw Leeds reach the Champions League Semi Final's, but the problems where starting to mount behind the scenes at United and eventually they
went in to receivership and transfers like Rio's didn't help the matter.
Of course I'm not blaming the Rio transfer for why Leeds went bust - £7m on Seth Johnson is much worse! But it was the signature piece of an era of excess that ultimately started them on
the path to bankruptcy and the lower leagues.
2001/02 Juan S Veron to United - £28.1m - Grade = F+
This one get an F+ and not an F like Rebrov's only because United managed to get half back of what they paid for him two years later from Chelsea, also they managed to win a
League title whilst he way playing which was quite an achievement......
Questions over his performance led to an expletive laden tirade against the media by manager Alex Ferguson in support of Veron -
"...On you go. I'm not fucking talking to you. He's a fucking great player. You are all fucking idiots."
Hopefully United buying Michael Owen will turn out something like that......
2002/03 Rio Ferdinand to United - £29.1m - Grade = A
This transfer made Rio the most expensive defender in the world, as well as becoming Britain's most expensive player for the second time in two years. I'd say it was worth it. Four
Premiership titles as well as a Champions league and a couple of League and Fa cups!!!
Not bad for the Merk from Peckham.
This will go up to an A+ should he win a couple of more league titles of another Champions league as we need just a little bit more to gloss over the fact he was suspended for 8
months due to a missed drugs test.
Side note - at last weeks infamous Friday party a guy who looked like Rio was largely responsible for my rather large bar tab and lets just say he might have got an 9 month ban too......
2003/04 Damien Duff to Chelsea - £17m - Grade = D 
The man who permanently looks like he has just woke up cost Chelsea more money than Crespo, Makelele and Joe Cole who all joined the Blues that same summer.............
Duff kind of reminds me a bit of David Bentley, very good at Blackburn...... Pretty crap everywhere else.
He did win a bit of Silverware whilst at Stamford Bridge but I don't think it was really down to him.
You can now find him in a HMV Bargain Bucket somewhere in Newcastle.
2004/05 Wayne Rooney to United - £27m - Grade = B+
I will make this an A or A+ the moment Rooney is United most important striker and scores over 20 goals in a league season.
Rooney has been very god for United and I'm sure if I revisit this in a couple of years time it will be a higher grade but for now for me it's a B+.
Now with C-Ron gone it's Rooney chance to be the main man, will he be up to the task?
I guess time will tell.
2005/06 Micheal Essien to Chelsea - £24.4m - Grade = A
For my money, Essien whilst at Chelsea has become the best defensive midfielder in the world and I still fell that £24.4m is a bargain!
Injury hurt him last season but other than that he has been super consistent and a driving force for Chelsea who allows Fat Frank to score the goals he does.
It would b an A+ but only one league title and two FA Cups hold it back, but don't worry Michael, you have plenty of time to change that.
2006/07 Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea - £30m - Grade = F
Funny how both Sheva and Rebrov both made this list....... Well Sheva does have an excuse, he was already at the back end of his career.
£30m = 9 league goals in two season........... That's a little over £3m per goal.
It really is a shame that one of the most feared strikers over the last decade was reduced to a laughing stock since moving to West London.
I try to remember him back in the good old days but believe me...... It's hard to do.
2007/08 Darren Bent to Tottenham - £16.5m - Grade = E+
The man who famously cost more than a certain Mr Henry has played about as much like Henry since joining Spurs as I would.
To be fair to Bent ( never buy a striker called Bent) he has not been as bad as he is made out to be but never the less he's still been bad........... Michael Jackson BAD.
I guess since he is still at Spurs we can't close the book on him just yet, but don't expect any 20/30 goal seasons anytime soon.
2008/09 Robinho to Manchester City - £32.5m - Grade = B
His goal scoring record in the league for City has been pretty good - 14 in 30 - which is almost 1 in 2.
His goal scoring record in Europe has not been as good - 1 in 10 - which is basically....... 1 in 10........
I expect more from him in season two but for now I think he has done alright.
Will be pretty exciting to see him with Tevez and Eto'o next season...... If they come that is......
Take care
Football Guy
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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20 GREAT LFC QUOTES
→ 3 Jul | 11:23am GMT
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We've compiled 20 of our favourite LFC quotes from down the years - and we want you to choose the best in our latest online poll.
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From Bill Shankly's thoughts on Chairman Mao to Ian Rush's admission that Italy was 'like a foreign country', we never tire of hearing these pearls of wisdom.
But which is your favourite? Vote now and we'll reveal the results in the next few
days.
1. "If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd pull the curtains." (Bill Shankly)
2. "In my time at Liverpool we always said we had the best two teams in Merseyside: Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves." (Bill Shankly)
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Rafa at half-time in Istanbul
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You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you
will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes.
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3. "Please be quick, I need to get to the hospital to make sure Robben is okay!" (Rafa after Arjen Robben's theatrics led to Pepe Reina being sent off)
4. "If you're in the penalty area and don't know what to do with the ball, put it in the net and we'll discuss the options later." (Bob Paisley)
5. "Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second." (Bob Paisley)
6. "Liverpool are magic, Everton are tragic." (Emlyn Hughes)
7. "It was like playing in a foreign country." (Ian Rush on his time with Juventus in Italy)
8. "Anybody who plays for me should be a bad loser." (Graeme Souness)
9. "You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and
you will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes." (What Rafa Benitez reportedly told his players at half-time in Istanbul)
10. "Of course I didn't take my wife to see Rochdale as an anniversary present, it was her birthday. Would I have got married in the football season? Anyway, it was Rochdale
Reserves." (Bill Shankly)
11. "Nobody likes being criticised, particularly by players who will be in Disneyland this summer on their holidays rather than the World Cup in Japan." (Phil Thompson responding to
criticism from Frank de Boer of Barcelona, who said Liverpool were boring)
12. "As a manager you are important sometimes and you make mistakes, but the most important people are your staff and your players. Never call me the special one." (Rafa
Benitez)
13. "I will never forget Steve Nicol's arrival in October 1981. Until then, the three Scots already at Anfield, Al, Graeme and me, had been pretty well able to look after ourselves.
We had built up an understanding that the Scots were the master race. We would quote historical facts to the English players to prove it. Some of the most important inventions and
discoveries in the world came from from Scots, like television, the telephone, penicillin, the steam engine and tarmac. Their names are part of history - John Logie Baird, Alexander Graham
Bell, Alexander Fleming, James Watt. Not to mention those other wonders of the world, golf and whisky... Everything we had built up, he destroyed in 10 minutes." (Kenny Dalglish on his
fellow Scotsman)
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Shankly's most famous words
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Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.
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14. "He couldn't play anyway. I only wanted him for the reserve team." (Bill Shankly upon hearing Celtic's Lou Macari had snubbed Liverpool in favour of a
move to Manchester United)
15. "Our job is to make the fans happy. When we win, 45,000 people go home happy. When we lose, it not only affects them, it affects their cats." (Gerard Houllier)
16. "Take that bandage off. And what do you mean about YOUR knee? It's Liverpool's knee!" (Bill Shankly to Tommy Smith)
17. "Chairman Mao has never seen a greater show of red strength." (Bill Shankly)
18. "Who's bigger than Liverpool?" (Jamie Carragher when asked by Sky Sports if he'd thought of moving to a bigger club)
19. "When I was at Valencia my wife said that we would win the league. She was right and to mark the occasion she asked me for a new watch. I bought her the watch, but then she said
that we would win the UEFA Cup and that when we did she wanted another watch. Now she says that we will win the Champions League and that she will want an even more expensive watch. My wife
has a lot of confidence and a lot of watches." (Rafa Benitez)
20. "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." (Bill
Shankly)
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OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Former Gunner to snub £7million Spurs, Aston Villa interest - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 10:56am GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Wenger eyes Chamakh if Adebayor opts to leave - ESPN
→ 3 Jul | 10:40am GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Real Madrid catch Arsenal napping with £30million bid - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 10:25am GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Laporta or Laputa?
→ 3 Jul | 10:22am GMT
Whats up with this cunt talking about our players all the time. I say its about time we have these wankers fined for
talking about players this way. If u want them make a bid dont try to brake the moral around him.
Well first blog and i just wanted to get my 2cents out. i propable wont be making lengthy blogs at first just rant about whats on my mind and other stuff of no importance...
ps. I want Lorik Cana to Arsenal.
pps. TGIF!
Have a nice weekend.
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Wigan mine seam of Honduran talent - Independent
→ 3 Jul | 10:07am GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Could Gallas be tempted by Aston Villa? - FansFC.com
→ 3 Jul | 10:05am GMT
arsenal source:FansFC_com - Google News
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Tender
→ 3 Jul | 9:45am GMT
Due to a day spent in Nottingham at a Staff Conference- big ups to Simon Woolley for one of the most inspirational speeches I've ever heard- I missed the new contracts for Ramsey and Wilshere
news. Which is good news, but given Jack only signed professional terms in January, with Ramsey joining last summer, was it strictly neccessary? Both contracts are long term and, I suppose,
will be financially more rewarding for the two players.
Arsène is delighted at the prospect of seeing these two develop and I guess he isn't the only one. It's easy to forget, as you watch Wilshere bamboozling opponents, that he is only 17. It's
easy to forget, when you watch Aaron Ramsey producing a slide rule reverse pass, that he is only 18. Both, though perhaps more Wilshere than Ramsey, have a maturity to their game that
belies their tender years. Ramsey, of course, is also "delighted" to have signed a new deal,
saying that he knew Arsenal were the club for him last year. Curiously, Wilshere, as I noted here a couple of months ago, holds Theo Walcott up as some kind of mentor. Young Ramsey does
the same here. Which speaks, to my mind anyway, to a good camaraderie amongst the youths in the squad. I'm interested in this, because with Nasri, Arshavin and Rosicky already at the club,
with Walcott yet to move to his destined position up top, he is another obstacle barring Wilshere's way to the first team. But this doesn't prevent him from giving advice.
It speaks to Wenger's stated desire to create a culture of style and spirit at the club. We are, of course also talking entirely about British players here and maybe it won't happen under
Wenger, but what we might see in years to come is a British spine running throughout the team. Sound fanciful? Consider Keiran Gibbs coming through in spectacular fashion, consider the likes of
Emmanuel Frimpong and Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Sanchez Watt. I am reminded of something my uncle said a while ago, which was that Wenger's legacy would be to leave behind a core of English players,
trained and developed the Wenger way and therefore better than any others. The boss' refusal to spend silly money on players, just because of the maroonness of their passports, has evidently
given the media a false impression of his opinion of English players. He does like them, just not the ones tainted by the "Baby Bentleys" culture.
*Steps down from soapbox*
Cesc Fabregas. Or more to the point Joan Laporta. Apparently Cesc wants to return to Barcelona. Laporta says that himself, Guardiola, and Txiki Beguiristan all want him back. Well, all I want to say to Mr Laporta is that if that is the case, then Cesc has- on reflection- rather
helpfully, told you exactly what you need to do. It's very simple, all you need to do is go to Arsenal Football Club with €52m and ask for permission to speak to Cesc. And that's it, you don't
need to talk to Cadena Cope about your respect for Arsenal, because your respect for Arsenal; a) is, in this case, irrelevant and b) it doesn't exist anyway. If it did, you wouldn't be
trying to engineer a transfer through the media, now would you?
Adebayor might go, he might not. The boss doesn't sound particularly fussed either way. Are you? Was Benzema really a target? Even at €35m? I suppose the fact the boss didn't bid means that he
never knew exactly how much he would cost, but he couldn't have expected he would get him for a pint of lager and a packet crisps.
Anyway, that's about my lot for today. It's now off to the gym to get some exercise and then... no, not porklife, we're going to have us some parklife. Alllllllll the people....
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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Wilshere has 'huge potential' says Wenger - Independent
→ 3 Jul | 9:30am GMT
arsenal wenger OR gallas OR henry OR ... - Google News
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Milan To Face Off Manchester United. Atletico Madrid To Challenge Chelsea
→ 3 Jul | 9:26am GMT
The Rossoneri are super interesting in Luis Fabiano services, but now also Manchester United want him. From the other side, the Spanish club Atletico Madrid are in Andrea Pirlo thing,
while Chelsea ready to make a bid for him.
Fabiano. Two major clubs want him
il Diavolo were ready to pee around Fabiano territory this week after the reports suggested that Dzeko and Adebayor are not an option anymore. However, if Milan are Zebras, Manchester United
are Tigers (Barcelona are Lions).
After sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid last week, and Tevez is on his way out of Old Trafford, goes to the city rivals Manchester City, The Red Devils are ready to bid for Brazil
center-striker Luis Fabiano, also after targeted Michael Owen yesterday.
Owen was all set to move to the United on a free transfer pending a medical, but Sir Alex is still keen to head more fire in front, by adding a striker such as 28-years-old Sevilla star Luis
Fabiano.
The Mirror claim that Manchester United ready to submit a bid in amount of €18.7million as initial deal in order to swoop the Brazilian. This sum exceeds Milan bid, which is 16.2m Euros for the
28-years-old. The release cost of the player is around the €30million.
Reports suggest that general AC Milan manager Adriano Galliani and general director Ariedo Braida have flown towards Sevilla to try to reach an agreement with the club for Luis Fabiano.
Although the Mirror say €16.2m, Sky predict only €13m.
In 105 games for Sevilla, Fabiano has found the back of the net 47 times. He won the Golden Boot in the recent Confederations Cup with five goals, including two in the final. So who will reach
him, the Zebra or the Tiger, or maybe the giant white bear name Real Madrid will reach him…
Pirlo. Cheslea and Atletico Madrid after him
Fabiano is a player Milan would like to have. But does Andrea Pirlo is a player Milan would like to keep? This question has yet to have a certain answer but according to the readiness of
sell, it might be NO.
While Chelsea are heading toward the Italian international, Atletico Madrid are joining to the race for him. The Blue racecar manages by Carlo Ancelotti and Roman Abramovic who are keen to
bring Pirlo to Stanford Bridge this summer.
Since last summer Atletico are looking for a good midfielder who can take charge over the shirt No. 10, which is belong, at the most to the playmaker of the team. (Milan – No. 10 = Seedorf,
but Kaka was the playmaker).
According to Radio Marca, the white-red-blue car are apparently found their man, as they have identified the 30-year-old, the man who can create some new moves and add creativity
into the middle of the park.
The Real Madrid’s city rivals do not have the correct funds to race Chelsea, however, they are interesting in sell few players, to promise their bid for him, and maintain bank account ahead
of next season.
Milan have already rejected Chelsea bid for Pirlo, which was in amount of 18m Euros, however, reports tell that Andrea Pirlo told his close friends that he would like to make Spain move if
he leaves AC Milan. The player is worth something around the 20m Euros.
Since 2001, in 233 appearances, the playmaker has scored 31 goals. This year was very weak for him, but the clubs do not back off. Who will win this race, Chelsea’s Formula 1 blue car, or
Atletico Madrid’s NASCAR white-red-blue car, and perhaps, even the Red & Black car would keep him … Who knows?
By Meytar Zeevi, Rossoneri Blog
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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The Week In Pictures
→ 3 Jul | 8:51am GMT
Levy reveals Tottenham's latest iniative to attract new players
Newcastle United reveal their new away strip
David prepares for life after Spurs
David & Gareth prepare for a life after Spurs
(Courtesy of Mysterious Stranger Publishing)
Roddy McDowell's cousin is spotted in Birmingham
John refuses to board the bus to Eastlands
And ol' Rat Face quoshes those 'lonely and friendless' rumours
OleOle - Football News and Opinion
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