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While both part of successful Chelsea squads, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel have never quite managed to win over the entire Chelsea following. Both established members of the senior squad, they get plenty of games each season, and yet their performances still create a divide as fans oscillate in their opinion of them.

Kalou, now in his fifth season with the club, has consistently featured in a healthy amount of games. Although he is not a regular starter, he virtually always comes on should he start on the bench. He was getting games ahead of Joe Cole, and one of the reasons that the latter was getting less minutes on the pitch than he wanted. Kalou’s goal return is also useful, without being prolific. It is hard for a player that is not first choice to get regular goals, but Kalou has chipped in consistently (14, 12, 10, 12 in his last four seasons).

More importantly than the number of goals, is the importance of some of his strikes. Late equalisers at home to Spurs in FA Cup, and against Man United in the league spring to mind. As well as a goal, and two stonewall penalty claims, in last season’s quarter final with Inter.

Kalou has never been a first pick at Chelsea, and probably never will be, but he seems content with the role he plays. In the same way, Chelsea fans are content with his contribution: he’s not setting the league alight, but there is an awareness that he still has a great amount to give.

For Mikel, the situation is slightly different, and is about to get a little tougher. The Nigerian has been a certain starter since his graduation from Claude Makelele’s understudy. Chelsea fought hard to sign Mikel with the much publicised compensation paid to Manchester United, and they will ultimately feel that they did the right thing. In a team packed with stars, Mikel has little glamour to offer; he doesn’t have the passing range of his teammates, or the technical skill, but he is the best enforcer the club possess – better than Michael Essien. While Essien – who I believe to be the most complete midfielder in the league – is a far better footballer, he doesn’t have the rigid discipline that Mikel has, and in a midfield three, Mikel is better at simply sitting in, and protecting his backline.

Mikel’s place is now under threat. Before this season, the combination of Mikel, Essien and Lampard was a pretty straightforward pick for the midfield places. Now, with the arrival of Ramires, Chelsea have the option of a far more dynamic midfield. If Lampard and Essien were accompanied by Ramires, there would be a new dimension added. Whether Essien would move back, or Ramires would simply take Mikel’s role for himself (or even if they shared it through the course of a match), there would still be a more vibrant style of play on show.

Big games are always a good indication of how a manager thinks about his squad, and I still maintain that come the trip to Old Trafford, or on important European nights, Mikel will start. Ramires looks like he could be a very good player, and it is a signing that I’m excited about, but adapting to the Premiership will surely take time. He will however, believe that there is a chance he can make the position his own.

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For both players, winning over all the fans that watch them play will almost be impossible. They are not maligned, or barraged with abuse, because they are still good players – we are not talking about sulking egomaniacs who can’t kick a ball. Their contribution to the squad and their lower profiles reflect the perception that fans have of them. Chelsea fans will never love them wholeheartedly because they don’t do what the likes of Drogba, Cole, and Lampard do. But if players that are the calibre of Kalou an Mikel are squad players (Mikel may be one soon), then it must be a very healthy squad to boast about.

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Fulham boss Mark Hughes claimed Blackburn's goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw should not have stood, but accepted that a draw was probably the right result.

Sam Allardyce's team took the lead on the half-hour mark when a long ball forward by Paul Robinson found Chris Samba, who headed home, although Mark Schwarzer appeared to be blocked by El-Hadji Diouf.

However, the unbeaten Cottagers claimed their fourth draw of the campaign when Clint Dempsey headed the equaliser soon after the interval.

Afterwards Hughes was critical of inexperienced referee Anthony Taylor but accepted the point gained on their travels.

"I don't think the referee has had a game like this before, it's only his second game in the Premier League," he stated.

"I just feel there's a lot going on off the ball when you play the likes of Blackburn and you need an experienced referee to recognise that and understand what's going on.

"Maybe that's why he missed the challenge on Mark.

"I was disappointed with the award of the goal, there were two other incidents prior to that so for the referee to allow the play to continue was disappointing."

He continued:"I think it was a fair result in the end. I thought we allowed ourselves to get a little bit penned in during the first half and we didn't really play our game.

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"I was pleased with what we produced in the second half. We got the ball down and scored a great equaliser.

"With a bit more fortune in the second half, when we created some good chances in possession, we could have won it.

"It's another away point for us and three from three away games. We remain unbeaten and we're pleased."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

If memory serves us correctly, it wasn’t so long ago that a certain person, of the name Joey Barton and who also had the envious profession of being a professional football player, was a figure of derision and despised for his demeanour and actions predominantly off the field of play. These actions were numerable and malicious, with most other people who commit these acts being reprimanded in much stricter ways. The majority of people would agree that Barton was a lucky man to have such a safe environment that protected him from harsher punishment whilst he marauded about unleashing his fury at will. I’m also fairly certain that the majority of people would have rejoiced at Barton being cast off to jail for a lengthy period of time or prohibited from playing football ever again.

The incidents that gave Barton notoriety included the stubbing out of a cigar on the face of a reserve team mate whilst at Manchester City, assaulting Ousmane Dabo at the same club in training, charged with assault and affray for a fight in Liverpool after a night out and further accounts of disorderly behaviour. To combat this reckless behaviour he had to attend anger and behavioural management sessions in order to try and curb his explosive character when confronted with aggressive or problematic situations. These clinical sessions have obviously accounted for the progression of Barton’s character from reprobate to role model. Although it has been a long and arduous battle for Barton and those around him, he has now been repaying the faith that others had in him. For no one can doubt that he is a talented player and one who may well earn an England call up if he continues to impress, all that was needed to compliment his ability was the mentality that allowed controlled aggression and to eradicate his disposition to violence.

Now I know it is quite early on in the season to be hailing this transformed character and forget all of his previous history that shadowed his image, but after the commanding performances he has displayed, it is positive and welcoming to see. The main example is when Newcastle played Wolves, with Barton being subjected to a fine folly of overtly physical challenges, with players careering into him in order to evoke a reaction and sway the match in Wolves favour. Yet Barton maintained a philosophical approach and played his game, with the Wolves tactic failing to materialise a sending off. He has cemented his position in the centre of midfield, with Alan Smith making way for the new signing Chiek Tiote, marking Barton’s centrality to the team.

A man’s reputation often precedes him, as the saying goes and in this case it is no different. That is until that reputation becomes false in the face of new experiences or a change in character. This latter transformation is the case for Joey Barton; he has come through the turmoil, tribulations and answered his detractors to forge a new path that bodes well. He was obviously a troubled soul that often vented its frustrations and insecurities in the wrong manner, fortunately being a professional footballer can be very forgiving and the necessary recourses to help were found. Yet he still had to want this change and achieve it, which owing to recent performances he has proven.

Rather than throwing in the towel and neglecting the troublesome young man, there was enough to suggest that he would reform himself. Having done so, it serves as a lesson that the long-term is more desirable than the short-term which could have been taken in dismissing the lad altogether. Through rehabilitation, hard work, a desire to succeed and the belief of those around him, Joey Barton has emerged as the player that Newcastle paid nearly £6million for and the person that doesn’t arbitrarily commit offences within society.

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Written By Elliot O’Reilly

Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton will take his time over appointing a new assistant following the departure of Colin Calderwood.

Calderwood left St James' Park last week to take the managerial reins at Scottish Premier League side Hibernian.

Former Magpies coach and Chelsea number two Steve Clarke has been linked with a return to the north-east, but Hughton is in no rush to make a backroom appointment.

"It's something I have wanted to take some time over. I don't expect to take too long over it, but I haven't named one yet," he explained.

"I have a few in mind, but certainly no decisions have been made yet."

Speaking about Clarke, who has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, Hughton added:"Probably the reason it has been mentioned is because he is a very, very good coach who is available and he has a history at this club.

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"But he is one of a few very good coaches who I would have thought about, but I categorically haven't made any decisions yet.

"I have given myself that little bit of time to make what I feel will be the best decision."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Spain are currently the greatest football team in the world. The 2010 World Cup winners boast Barcelona stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa in their team amongst others, while they also draw on talent in the Premier League. Liverpool’s Fernando Torres regularly makes the first eleven, but Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas often has to make do with a place on the bench. They also boast a pretty good foosball team, too!

Even though foosball is popular all over the world, most people don’t know it’s history. Invented in Spain, foosball means more to the Spaniards than you can possibly imagine, and the most passionate fans live in Madrid. So we met with the Spanish National Foosbal Team in one of their daily training sessions at a popular bar that is basically their second home. Here, we hung out with this elite team of wrist flickers whose goal is not only to keep the game alive in the country, but also to be the best in the world. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s own victories in soccer, and with the help of Spanish Champion Jorge Gomez and the rest of the Spanish team, we went to find out what fuels these guys to make it to the top.

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For an insight into the We Are Eleven series check out our interview with producer Santiago Stelley.

Manchester United were on the end of the surprise result of the season on Tuesday night, as West Ham found the goal scoring form that has deserted them all season to hand the league leader’s their first defeat since April. Having smashed Blackburn for seven the previous weekend, the 4-0 score line would appear to be a bizarre aberration. You can bet that Sir Alex Ferguson gave his defence, particularly Jonny Evans, the famed hairdryer treatment.

Blackpool continue to surprise, a draw with high-flying Bolton catapulting the Seasiders up to an impressive 11th. It will be very interesting to see how Ian Holloway organises his troops against United. He has long had the philosophy of allowing his players to attack throughout; however with the form of some of the Red Devils’ forwards, and the result of the approach in a previous game against then league leaders Chelsea, Holloway may be a touch more conservative.

Either way, United should win comfortably.

Prediction: 1-4

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***Click HERE for a FREE £20 Bet – United -2 goals at 5/2***

Having been first taken to Upton Park by my Dad for my fifth birthday to watch a 6-0 mauling of Sunderland, with Kevin Keen bagging a hat-trick if memory serves me correctly, I can count myself as a West Ham fan of nearly 20 years. When given the task of naming my West Ham dream team, I decided to try and keep it to players I have seen play in the famous Claret-and-Blue of the Hammers, with a couple of notable exceptions! So this dream team comes with the warning that, although many West Ham legends have been missed out, they have not been forgotten, and are only omitted due to the fact I never had the privilege of seeing them play! If you think I am just a whipper-snapper who doesn’t know he was born, then feel free to put your West Ham dream team in the comments box below! So without further delay, here is my West Ham dream team;

Click on image below to see the West Ham DREAM team

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted that he desperately needs to bring in striking reinforcements in January and has Jay Bothroyd, Robbie Keane and Ryan Babel on his wish list.

“The board understands the situation and there are a few names we’ve talked about that could enhance the team.” McLeish said.

“Loan or permanent? There are both options and we are not going to kill the club by paying excessive money, which can happen in the January window.”

“We need, quite simply, to score more goals. To finish ninth, with the amount of goals we scored last season, was unbelievable.”

It is thought that Birmingham’s number one target is Cardiff City and England striker Jay Bothroyd who has scored an impressive 15 goals already this season. Bothroyd has previously played in the Premiership for Coventry, Blackburn and Charlton, but his reputation and fiery temper meant that he failed to settle that any of these clubs. McLeish is thought to be ready to take a risk on the 28 year-old and is ready to offer around £5 million.

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Robbie Keane has been linked with many clubs in January after Spurs announced that they were prepared to listen to offers for the player. Birmingham will have to fight it out with West Ham, Everton and Wolves if they are to secure the Irishman’s services.

Kyle Walker came into the spotlight most recently with a good goal for Aston Villa against Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Now Fabio Capello has mentioned his name when talking about potential right backs for his England squad.

It is exciting for England that Capello is willing to put less experienced lads like Walker, Gibbs and Henderson in the spot-light and consider young in-form players when compiling his squads. Walker’s attacking capabilities are what he has been praised for, and he looks to be creative and skilful.

Since Micah Richards is injured, Capello needs to decide who he should have in his squad as a second right back. Martin Kelly is a steady right back but he has not set the world on fire. He is competent defensively but not a modern day full back with pace and flair. That is not to say that he would not do a decent job in international football, but I don’t think he is the answer for England, I want to see England with quick full backs and playing with skill and energy. Walker is raw, but he has potential. In him and Kieran Gibbs we are presented with a genuine possibility of that. England’s forthcoming game against Denmark on 9 February could be a great opportunity to offer Walker a taste of international football, even if just for 20 minutes.

Walker’s career, so it seems, is set to take off in the future. He has not managed to break into Tottenham’s first team yet  but, if this season goes well at Aston Villa he could do next year.

Meanwhile Alan Hutton has occupied the right back role in the majority of Tottenham’s games this year. It appears that Redknapp likes have a quick full back and so has chosen Hutton over Corluka. for me, Hutton is not great defensively, and for someone who is labelled as an attacking full back, his final ball often fails to flatter. Corluka is not as quick but he is not useless on the ball and had a good season last year. I think he has been unlucky not to play more this season.

But, with the fact that Harry likes a dynamic full back, coupled with the attacking abilities Walker has shown, I would not be surprised to see him playing more games next year in a white shirt. I have heard a Spurs fan call him a ‘new right-sided Gareth Bale’. While the extent of this may be debatable, Tottenham fans would be licking their lips in anticipation if it were true.

My only worry is that Walker may not be playing week in week out at Villa and early signs seem to suggest this might be the case. He has not even been in the squad for Villa’s last two games, which they have won (he has been struggling with a back injury). Houllier has gone with a back line of Clark, Collins, Dunne and Cuellar at right back. This is a solid but uninteresting defensive unit. With Agbonlahor, Young and Bent though, pace going forward does not seem to be his worry.

It is early days in Walker’s spell at Villa and his goal in the FA cup will have shown Houllier what kind of an option he can offer. Against Birmingham he had a swagger about him which is important for a youngster. A Spurs fan could still have preferred him to have gone back to QPR where he would play every game but Premier league exposure is the goal for him at the moment.

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He is still only 20 and he has done well at Sheffield United, and QPR. A good game in the FA cup, against a Championship side, does not prove that he is ready but it does prove that he has a lot of talent. I like the look of Walker and I would not be surprised if this time next year he is playing regularly in the Spurs first team. Only time will tell…

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Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has revealed that he will be given the full £36m received from Andy Carroll’s transfer to Liverpool. Consequently, Clean Sheets has decided to take a glance at some of the top players from around Europe that the Toon Army could get their hands on this summer.

Mamadou Sakhou – £15m

Sakho is widely tipped as an international star and perhaps the future captain of France after being praised at club level for his leadership qualities. He has even donned the armband at PSG, despite being just 20-years-old, becoming the youngest captain in the history of the Ligue 1 side.

Sercan Yildirim – £10m

The 20-year-old Bursapor striker is seen as the fastest rising star in the Super Lig. Yildirium featured at every under-age level for his nation, scoring goals for fun, and has already graduated to Guus Hiddink’s senior ranks.

Shinji Kagawa – £15m

Japan’s most exciting prospect, Kagawa is the complete package; an excellent finisher, incisive dribbler and possessing vision beyond his years. Expect most of the top teams in Europe to throw their hat into the ring when the transfer window opens again in the summer.

Salomon Kalou – £10m

Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou has see his first team chances at Stamford Bridge shortened with the arrival of £50m-man Fernando Torres on the last day of the transfer window.

Newcastle would relish the opportunity to bring in the 25-year-old who has plenty of Premier League experience.

Javier Pastore – £30m

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The 21-year-old Argentine is the most hotly tipped player in Serie A following astonishing performances in which he has scored eight goals in 22 league appearances with just over half of the season gone.

He has also attracted the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona who are both said to be tracking the player.

Article courtesy of Steve Morris at the excellent NEW blog Clean Sheets All Round

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