Former West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison has hinted on his official Instagram account that he would be keen to re-join the club in the future, and Irons fans would back a move for the player, who earned £15,000-a-week during his previous spell, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Mexican side Atlas from Italian giants Lazio as his colourful career continues, and he has scored two goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the former this season, according to Transfermarkt.
Morrison was a controversial figure during his time at Upton Park and was repeatedly fined for misconduct, while his contract with them was terminated in 2015, after he had scored five goals in 24 outings in total for them.
West Ham supporters, who have taken to social media to give their thoughts on a rumoured move for Marouane Fellaini, have been quick to have their say on a potential return for Morrison via social media, and while one said “bring him home”, another said “I’d have him back tomorrow”.
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Twitter and footballers don’t always mix. Having 30,000 people hurl abuse at you for a designated ninety minutes each weekend is one thing; receiving updates from millions on a twenty-four-hour basis, describing why they hate you in intricate, precise and sometimes poetic detail, is another.
But one footballer, albeit now retired, who’s embraced his social media following is Crystal Palace and Arsenal hero Ian Wright. Upon reaching a whopping 1,000,000 followers on Twitter last month, the former striker felt compelled to give something back to his fans, and thus, #OneMoreGame was born.
To celebrate his milestone, the Gunners icon is returning to the pitch for one last outing – with some of his Twitter followers playing alongside him. And as if the occasion wasn’t already special for those fortunate enough to be selected, the match will be held at Wembley on Tuesday 21st of April, arranged by Ball Street and Vauxhall England.
As keen to tell us more about it as we were to pick the brains of a man who scored 113 Premier League goals and made Chicken Tonight a national sensation, Football Fancast met up with Wright at Ball Street’s media day for #OneMoreGame.
So why don’t you start telling us a bit about #OneMoreGame and where the idea came from?
Well, I was closing in on a million followers – and I never envisaged getting a million followers, especially when I started on Twitter.
As soon as you go on there, everybody’s just so abusive and it was really nasty. So I came off Twitter three times, but eventually I said ‘ you know what’ and just stayed on. When you start speaking to people you realise they’re writing nasty things but they’re not actually meaning it; they’re just saying it for the reaction. What I got in reply was a lot of; “Oh I didn’t think you’d answer, but I think you’re this and that and I think you’re a legend, sorry mate!”
So I stayed on and started getting towards a million followers, so I said Matt and the Ball Street guys that we should do something special – a million’s a pretty big number. The fans don’t get enough as it is. Everybody gets something out of the game at the moment – the players get money out of it, as do the managers and the media – except for the fans. They don’t get rewarded for their loyalty and their faith in their team, so I wanted to give the fans something. The opportunity to play at Wembley with me in my last game.
You can’t talk to Ian Wright about playing at Wembley and not mention the 1990 FA Cup final. You can’t even say the word Wembley without wanting to bring it up. It was the elephant in the room, the rugby ball in the onion bag, so we nudged the Eagles icon in the right direction. What are your memories of playing at Wembley?
I was very, very fortunate to win medals, win the Premier League and win the FA Cup a couple of times, but when you boil it down, my greatest memory would be the time I went with Crystal Palace. Simply because we were the underdogs. It was a great occasion for the club, and you can’t say whether or not Crystal Palace are going to go back there again at some stage, so it was almost like a once in a life time thing.
And to get there. I broke my leg twice that season, and we beat Liverpool 4-3 in the semi-finals after losing to them 9-0 earlier in the season. I missed that one and thought I was going to miss the final as well because of the leg, but I ended up getting on, scoring twice and being seven minutes away from winning it. It was my greatest moment in football – especially the first goal. It brought me to the public consciousness and that’s when things really started to happen for me.
Compared to a final in which he etched his name in footballing folk law by scoring twice from the bench, only going on to lose in the replay to Manchester United, the 1998 FA Cup final was a complete contrast. In his last act as an Arsenal player, Wright was an unused substitute as the Gunners beat Newcastle 2-0. Do you feel like there’s unfinished business for you at Wembley?
Not really, not in that particular instance. It was really strange because Arsene Wenger, you see he’s very football minded, he’s very disciplined in his thoughts. So in the evening, when we were at the dinner, he came and apologised for not bringing me on, simply because he was so wrapped up in it all.
It didn’t bother me. I think a lot of Arsenal fans were saying ‘Oh I’d love Ian Wright to come on’. I warmed up a couple of times and started to realise I wasn’t going to come on. But it was fine, because I’d had a lot of injuries that season and I’d just come back, so Arsene Wenger himself apologising was more than enough for me. And the times we did win it were magnificent. I always wanted an FA Cup final winning medial because that was the game I used to watch as a child. Growing up it was the game I always wanted to play in.
The #OneMoreGame campaign gave us the perfect opportunity to test Wright at Football Fancast’s world-famous (totally not a rip off of one-to-eleven) segment Fantasy Five-Aside – previously challenged by such footballing dignitaries as Chris Waddle, Jeff Stelling and Ray Parlour.
OK Ian, Chris Waddle, Jeff Stelling and Ray Parlour all had absolutely fantastic teams so no pressure. The first player is the greatest player you’ve ever played alongside.
Dennis Bergkamp.
And the second is the greatest you’ve played against.
Zinedine Zidane.
Your footballing role model growing up for No.3?
I think I’d have to give it to Kevin Keegan, he was the one I thought about a lot when I was a kid.
Somebody playing now you wish you could’ve played with?
In world football? I’ll take Messi. I’d love to play with Messi.
Wouldn’t we all. And finally, any goalkeeper.
See, David Seaman’s amazing. I have to go with David Seaman.
Wright famously turned professional later than most footballers, aged 22, after a Crystal Palace scout noticed him scoring for fun at Greenwich Borough. It’s an unusual route to the top, especially in the Premier League era. Is there a stigmatism stopping amateurs getting those chances today? The idea that if you’re that good, you would’ve been noticed already?
No, simply because people like Rickie Lambert have recently done it as well – I guess I’ve done it and Les Ferdinand did it too. I think if you’re good enough you will be found. Obviously you want to be found as soon as you possibly can but sometimes people go through their young stage, the teens, and it just doesn’t happen because they’re not developed enough. Even up to 18 or 19, I still wasn’t of the stature I was when I eventually signed for Palace.
What do you think the biggest difference is between your generation of footballers and the current one? Both on and off the pitch?
I think they’re under a lot more pressure, on and off the pitch, than we were. There’s a lot more playacting, which is quite frustrating, and they’re much more scrutinised off the pitch – I think it was just starting around my time.
But I must admit they do look more finely tuned. Obviously, you have to be really fit – and we were really fit – but with all the nutrition and the different techniques of warming up and training, they do look more finely tuned, more sharp. There’s a lot more injures now but maybe that’s because they are so finely tuned. Also the game has got a lot quicker – it seems like it’s got a lot quicker anyway!
Do you think you’d make the current Arsenal team then?
This current one? I like to think I could make that team, yeah.
So you’ve stood the test of time?
If we’re talking about The Invincibles, in and around that time, I’m not sure. But after that, after Thierry Henry left, I feel I could’ve made the Arsenal sides. But that Invincibles side was amazing – I wouldn’t mind being on the bench for that team.
It’s been an interesting season for Arsenal. They started slowly but have claimed 33 points from a possible 39 since the turn of 2015, and now look set to clinch runner-up spot in the Premier League. They’re also in the semi-final of the FA Cup. What’s your take on Arsenal’s year?
Well it’s gone how you’d expect Arsenal’s season to go; they began pretty slowly, got a head of steam, started to do really well, are finishing strongly and will probably end up in around fourth like they normally do.
It seems a little bit like Groundhog day but hopefully they can get to the FA Cup final and finish third or second. For me, that will be a good season. I know we couldn’t have done much more on last season. So if we can finish third or second that’s got to be an improvement and if we win the FA Cup that’s got to be very positive.
Who do you think they should buy this summer? I read your comments about Raheem Sterling.
I’m sure Raheem Sterling will sign for Liverpool, I’d just like to see Arsenal making waves. I saw Raheem say ‘it’s flattering’ after he got mentioned with Arsenal and it is flattering when teams want you. Of course it is! But it’s one of those – I’m not sure if Arsenal will get him simply because Liverpool will do all they can to keep him. I would just like to know Arsenal are trying to sign players of that calibre.
We’d been bigging up Wrighty all afternoon. Now it was time to bring him down a peg or two. He’s better than Shaun. He’s better than Shaun. Bradley Wright-Phillips, he’s better than Shaun. True or false?
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I can’t answer that question! The weird thing is, they weren’t even that competitive with each other when they were kids. But I’ve seen them both do things that I’m very, very proud of that impressed me so much and I’d never ever, ever answer that question!
When you’re home alone, do you ever put on your Just Did It t-shirt and sing Chicken Tonight?
No! My Just Did It t-shirt’s in a hotel somewhere unfortunately. And I’ve got to say, with the Chicken tonight thing, I’m very flattered because I think that’s like thirty-odd years and people still talk about it. In respect of advertising, it’s been an absolute success – it’s done its job.
When’s the last time you listened to Do The Right Thing?
I don’t listen to Do The Right Thing. Absolutely not, no.
And finally, Arsene Wenger vs George Graham. No holds barred, straight up street fight. Who wins?
Haha, oh dear. I think George Graham might with his old rugged Scottishness.
Wenger’s got reach though?
He’s got reach but George Graham’s got that Scottish ruggedness. He might take him, I’m not sure. Hopefully it never happens!
Hopefully it does, it’d be hilarious. Thanks Ian, you’ve been a pleasure.
Ian Wright was talking at Ball Street’s media day for #OneMoreGame. Please subscribe to Ball Street’s YouTube channel to follow Wrighty’s journey to #OneMoreGame – https://www.youtube.com/user/
Fulham boss Martin Jol is ready for another summer of hard work as he prepares to strengthen his squad in the transfer market.
Jol’s men have claimed just one point from their last five fixtures after their third straight defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday and the manager is aware of the need to improve next season.
The Dutchman told reporters: “We will always find players like Mladen Petric or Hugo Rodallega.
“But, of course, it’s not easy. I think we had five new players in, so it’s not easy to settle.
“I’m satisfied we’ve got the points to be safe, although I’m a bit disappointed we couldn’t get more points in the last few weeks and gone even higher.”
Fulham were linked to Swansea City’s Wales and Great Britain full back Neil Taylor over the weekend. The 24-year-old has just made his first appearance since September after recovering from a bad ankle injury.
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Paul Pogba went from man of the match as Manchester United came back to beat their local rivals City last weekend to being hauled off before the hour mark in the 1-0 home defeat to West Brom just eight days later.
It is that inconsistency that rankles with Jose Mourinho and the Daily Mail report that the former Inter manager has lost patience with the playmaker and will allow him to depart Old Trafford in the summer.
The 51-cap French international is among four players – Anthony Martial, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are the others – who are reportedly surplus to requirements under Mourinho.
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Although Pogba and Mourinho’s relationship has deteriorated this season – as per the report – it would still be a huge development if the Frenchman departed the club he returned to at such great expense just two years ago.
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That’s why we’re asking you; should United offload Pogba? Let us know by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the result…
Radamel Falcao’s future could still lie with Manchester United, according to Monaco’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev, as reported by The Guardian.
Falcao has largely been a disappointment since joining the Red Devils on a season-long loan from Ligue 1 side Monaco last summer, scoring just four goals in 22 Premier League appearances.
And it was widely expected that United, who have first option to buy the 29-year-old for £43.5million at the end of the season, were going to decide against making his Old Trafford stay a permanent one.
But Vasilyev insists United have not yet made a decision on their intentions where Falcao is concerned, and that it is still possible that he could be at Old Trafford next season.
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He told The Guardian: “I saw the Manchester United people last Sunday and they have not yet decided if they would exercise the option.
“It’s not his best season, but they kept the opportunity to make a decision at the end of the season.”
But despite Man United having first refusal on the Colombian’s signature, Vasilyev has admitted that Monaco have recieved content from a number of clubs regarding Falcao’s availability, though he insists negotiations with these clubs have not yet begun.
“We are not in any other negotiations, even if big clubs are interested,” he added.
“The decision is with Manchester, then we will discuss with the player what he wants. I would like to have more visibility.”
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With Robin Van Persie’s future still to be decided and Javier Hernandez expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer, Louis Van Gaal will definitely be in the market for a goalscorer between now and the beginning of next season, with Falcao still very much a possible option.
Winger Adam Johnson has backed new Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio to be a success at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio replaced the axed Martin O’Neill on Sunday and has already set about placing his mark on the side by introducing a tough new training regime, as well as making changes to the squad’s nutritional intake and diet.
Former Manchester City winger Johnson insists the players are fully behind the new manager and is confident that Di Canio will prove to be a success at the Stadium of Light.
Johnson told SAFC TV: “To be fair, it has been a lot different. He (Di Canio) has come in and everything has been turned upside down so quickly and everyone is getting used to it. So far, so good.
“We are going to see him getting the best out of the lads. He demands your best and obviously we have got to work so hard.
“I think that’s probably what we need; everyone is excited and can’t wait to play.
“He is full of enthusiasm and energy. He just demands the best from his players.
“I think if you do well for him he’s going to be a great manager to play for.”
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Di Canio will take charge of his first Sunderland game on Sunday for the trip to Chelsea, with the Wearside outfit just one point clear of the drop zone ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Anthony Martial would have liked to have examined the possibility of being the man Manchester United gave to Arsenal in exchange for Alexis Sanchez during the January transfer window, according to a report in the Times.
In the end it was Henrikh Mkhitaryan who went to the Emirates but it would have been a damning indictment on Martial’s ambitions if he had settled for a move to North London when he has such potential.
What’s the story, then?
The report states that Martial – valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt – was disappointed not to have had the opportunity to discuss the prospect of going the other way as Sanchez arrived at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich and Juventus are now reportedly in the hunt for the Frenchman and those clubs would be much more befitting of his exciting talents.
Martial is apparently stalling on a new deal until he has received assurances over his gametime but Jose Mourinho is keen to make the forward prove he deserves more starts.
Martial can do better than Arsenal
Arsenal are in largely the same position as United were at this time last season – in sixth place with just the Europa League to play for – but the Gunners have slumped this time around while United are on course to finish in their highest league position since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The players at Arsenal get an easy ride due to the fact that Arsene Wenger takes the brunt of the criticism and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s explosion at Liverpool after years of Emirates stagnation is just one example that proves young players no longer progress under the French boss.
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Martial must know he has the talent to attract interest from Bayern and Juve – and other similar level teams – so there is no need for him to drop out of the Champions League (potentially) and join the Gunners. Under Wenger, they are only going in the wrong direction.
Steven Gerrard will always be a Liverpool legend. There is no doubt about that. But this season the Liverpool captain just hasn’t been his usual dependable self.
After a few costly mistakes – including that awful sending off after 38 seconds against Manchester United – it is unlikely we will see a vast amount of Gerrard for the remainder of the season. Many fans are saying he has stayed at Liverpool for one season too many and should have retired from his boyhood club while he was still loved, admired and needed by the team. It is not nice to say about one of this generations greatest English players but sadly he is now seen as a bit more of a hindrance than a help.
After England’s terrible World Cup, Gerrard announced that he would be retiring from international football. Steven Gerrard’s current contract is set to run out at the end of this season and he has already signed for David Beckham’s old team, LA Galaxy. Many fans were surprised that Gerrard decided to stay at Liverpool for one last season expecting him to move in the summer transfer window.
So why did he decide to stay?
The first explanation of why he decided to stay was that he really badly wanted to lift the Premier League trophy. Gerrard has won the FA Cup, League Cup and of course the Champions League trophy in that famous match in 2005, but the one victory that has eluded him is the Premier League.
Last year was one of Liverpool’s best seasons in the last decade. Everything was going right for them and in the anniversary year of Hillsborough it looked like the writing was on the wall for a perfect remembrance for the 96. Everyone though the Premier League trophy could be theirs, neutral supporters everywhere were egging them on to do it.
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This leads us nicely onto the second explanation; the incident which caused social media go crazy with memes, vines and pictures.
Gerrard got so close to finally getting his hands on that trophy until that fateful slip. While at the time it was awful for Gerrard – he was ashamed and gutted for himself and for the fans – but did that slip affect him more than we thought?
Maybe Gerrard decided to stay because he thought he could redeem himself. He was guilt ridden – and let’s face it – after seasons of brilliance, he didn’t want to be remembered for that one mistake.
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Both the reasons, I suspect, played a part in Gerrard’s decision to stay and sadly it looks like that decision might not have paid off. While fans will always worship him as a Liverpool hero, this season has been one to forget.
With quite a bit left to do for Liverpool to try and secure a Champions League spot for next year, I don’t think we will see much of Gerrard for the rest of the season. Maybe he should have bowed out last year. I have a feeling he is regretting not getting on that plane to America earlier.
French midfielder Alou Diarra has claimed that West Ham and Sam Allardyce have cheated him since his arrival at the club in the summer, as reported by Sky Sports.
The 31-year-old has claimed that he was never told that he would be a reserve and that Allardyce was only interested in working with ‘his own’ players.
Diarra is now set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Rennes but may get a frosty reception when he returns to East London in the summer.
A section of West Ham supporters were jeering the French international in his final appearance for the club away at Arsenal and sung “Alou Diarra, you’re wasting your time” in reference to previous comments he made about joining West Ham being a waste of time.
It seems his long term future may lie elsewhere but Diarra is adamant that he was unfairly treated by the club and that he was fed up of fighting for a first team place.
“The coach did not refuse my arrival, but he didn’t want it either. I was just one additional player,” Diarra told France Football.
“I never gave up, but in the end you get fed up of fighting for nothing.
“Should I have spoken to the coach before I signed? I wanted to but he was always at training.
“I was handed a three-year contract, but he (Allardyce) wanted to work with his own players that have followed him for years.
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“It is one of my worst memories because I have been cheated. I could not accept the situation any longer and went to meet with my representatives. They understood and I thank them.”
Aston Villa forward Scott Hogan scored his sixth Championship goal of the campaign in Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Reading at Villa Park.
The 25-year-old’s goal tally has been called into question on a number of occasions this season, but there is no doubting his passion and commitment to the cause.
The Reading match was huge for Villa when considering their recent stutter, and Hogan scored the third in what was a 3-0 success for Steve Bruce’s side.
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Hogan’s number of goals is not exactly impressive for a team challenging at the top end of the table, but he remains a popular figure with the club’s supporters.
Hogan, who joined Villa from Brentford in January 2017, was absolutely everywhere on Tuesday night as Reading struggled to live with the movement of the Republic of Ireland international.
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The Villa supporters have insisted that Hogan’s work does not go unnoticed, with many taking to social media to hail the attacker.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: