Yoan Gouffran captures the heart of the Toon Army

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Yoan Gouffran is still a young footballer but since the 26 year old star signed with Newcastle United, fans have been all over him, and he said that he had never witnessed anything close to what he experienced on that day.

After his initial start in his Toon career, he captured the hearts of fans with some hard working performances at the stadium in order to prove her worth to the team, wearing his black and white shirt and providing a perfect counter to what the Chelsea formation gave him on the terrain.

His display managed to help the team by providing three points and keeping up a 100% winning start for his new career as part of the team. He was part of Alan Pardew and his 4-3-2-1 formation in the match which proved to be quite challenging, but Gouffran took the reigns and came out looking great at the end, to the amazement of fans everywhere.

Gouffran was an unusual arrival to the team, speaking only basic English and being somewhat unknown before taking center stage, but he told the press that he was already loving his new life on Tyneside, after taking part in a lap of honour following the victory over Chelsea. Many reporters already compared his professionalism to Alan Shearer or Gary Speed, and that he was very quick to absorb information.

In some of the statements he made, he said that his most important thought was to keep fighting for the team, and to believe that he has to come out fighting and remember what playing for this team means for the fans. The troops came out strong against Chelsea and even though they only managed to get 1-0 up before the half-time, they then dominated the game, ending with a great victory.

 

Where next for Mohamed Diame?

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Mohamed Diame seems to have a lot going for him. Born in Creteil, France, the 25 year old football player has caught the attention of many clubs this season. After impressing West Ham, Diame has been in the news several times, and may end up being a star player for one of the top teams in the upcoming years, thanks to his admirable performance.

At the start of the season, the Senegal International joined up with the Hammers, and this would have been yet another chance for the young player to show his skills, but it ended up that a little known clause in his contract allowed him a £3.5 million exit, and the midfield player’s long term future was then cast into doubt at Upton Park.

So despite impressing at Upton Park this season, it still remains to be seen whether Diame is the right choice for Arsenal. This is the main team that has been watching the young star, and Arsene Wenger has been criticised for not having a strong, dominant midfielder since the departure of Patrick Viera.

The skills behind Diame are well known, but he still may not have the passing abilities that would be required for such a position among the Arsenal team. They already have Abou Diaby back from his past injuries, and another young rising star is Francis Coquelin, already promised to the team.

Some analysts have said that Arsenal should look for more long term benefits by going to ball winning dominant players, and that Diame may end up clogging up the squad. Diame may just not be the man they need, yet everything is not lost for the young player, as many other teams may be looking his way. If Arsenal does pass on Diame, he most likely will not have look far to find other interested parties.

 

Mancini plays down training ruckus with Balotelli

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Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli have figured in a physical scuffle at their training facility in Manchester and the confrontation may have been the result of a tackle on teammate Scott Sinclair that the striker considered uncalled for. The clash between striker and manager was witnessed by the whole team which was preparing for its third round game against Watford.

A reliable witness told how Balotelli strongly reacted to being chided by the manager for a bad play to which the manager reacted even more strongly. The source added that a furious Mancini grabbed Balotelli and tried to topple him down the floor which he failed to do, the latter being much stronger than he was. Players and coaches tried to pacify the two, but Mancini was adamant and again and again he tried to break free trying to get to Balotelli. In the end cooler heads prevailed.

After the commotion died down, the witness stated that Balotelli went to the dressing room after which he drove away from the place, driving a luxurious Bentley. He stopped at the gates though for fans that were waiting for autographs.

In the past, there were plenty speculation about the future of Balotelli with the Manchester City team and this incident is sure to trigger a fresh round, although Mancini has resisted the idea of selling the striker during the January transfer windows.

Last month Mancini told the sports gazette Gazzetta dello Sport, that Mario will stay with the team, but for how long depends on Mario. He added further that his relationship with the player has always been good even when there are times when he does something unsettling.

 

Wannabe WAGS descend on Manchester nightclub

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They have been berated in the past for their wild parties, so for this year’s Christmas bash the Manchester United team decided to go a lot more low key.

They started off the night at the restaurant owned by United star Rio Ferdinand; Rosso but once the word was out that they were partying at Panacea night club, the wannabe WAG fraternity was out in force and descended upon the club in the hope of bagging themselves a player.

The line of ladies was way longer than any ordinary night at Panacea, and they all seemed to be in their brightest and tightest dressers to try and catch the eye of a footballing hero. Despite the freezing conditions, there was a distinct lack of jackets as these girls seemed determined to let their dresses, and there oh so obvious assets, do the talking.

The stars were certainly out if force with Robin Van Persie, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and stalward Ryan Giggs all snapped looking very dapper for their Christmas bash. The only notable absence was Wayne Rooney, who in light of past misdemeanour’s wisely chose to stay home with pregnant wife Coleen.

Van Persie, despite only joining the reds this season has clearly settled in well and led a rousing rendition of ‘Glory Glory Man Utd’ at Russo. The striker, bought from Arsenal for £24m, is one purchase that Alex Ferguson will certainly not be regretting as he has already scored 15 goals from 21 games, placing them 6 points clear at the top of the premiership.

As to whether any of the wannabes actually got up close and personal with one of the players remains a mystery, but watch out for what appears in the gossip columns.

 

Liverpool WAGS support charity at Christmas bash

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It would seem that it is never too early for a Christmas party and that was proved by the host of famous faces that turned out for the charity Christmas lunch held by Carolyn Hughes PR. The event, which is now in it’s 5th and was held to raise funds for the ‘Wirral Witches’, Women in touch with Claire House, had quite a decent sprinkling of very glam looking Liverpool WAGs.

The Footie wives in attendance at the Gusto restaurant on Albert Dock where the lunch was held included Dani Lawrence, Jude Cisse, Shauna Muamba, Laura Warnock, Nicola Carragher and most famous Liverpool WAG of them all; Alex Gerrard., who looked stunning the understated style that she carries off so well, wannabe WAGs take note. Also in attendance to support the cause were celebrity designers Tony Burke and Philip Armstrong.

Peter Price popped in with his fellow pantomime star Liz Mclarnon during the lunch break from rehearsals, and he found time to lead a Christmas sing-a-long to really kick off the party. Simon Ross from Radio City was on duty as host and the entertainment included the soul sounds of Stephen Bayliss, DJ Mina and Jade Porter belted out some floor fillers that had everyone up on their feet.

Carolyn Hughes spoke of the event and said the Christmas lunch had been a huge success and had raised £3000 for the Wirral Witches and the success it enjoyed every year was mainly due to the amazing support they got from such lovely people. She added that as in previous years, once this lunch was held Christmas had officially started and she was touched that it meant so much to so many people.