Ferdinand: Bolton will survive

Former Bolton Wanderers striker Les Ferdinand has backed the club to recover from a poor start to the season.

 Sammy Lee’s team are second-bottom of the Barclays Premier League table, with three points from their first five matches.

But Ferdinand, who played for Wanderers from July 2004 to January 2005, has every confidence the talent is there to ensure they pull clear of the bottom three.

“Nicolas Anelka is capable of scoring against anyone and there are some big personalities in the dressing room,” he said. “Having spent a bit of time with the players there, I know what their mentality and focus is.

“Gary Speed is a wise old head and with Kevin Nolan as the skipper these guys are winners.”

source:premierleague

Wenger signs new deal

Arsenal have confirmed that manager Arsène Wenger has committed himself to the club until June 2011.

 Wenger, 57, would have seen his current deal expire at the end of the season, but has signed a three-year extension, worth around £4million a season to the highly-respected French coach.

Wenger, who arrived at the club in 1996 will become the longest serving manager in the Gunners’ history, overtaking George Allison who coached the team between January 1934 to May 1947 ? 13 years 4 months.

“My heart is tied to this football club so signing a new deal was always my intention,” said Wenger. ”Arsenal is the club of my life. I have been entrusted with complete freedom to implement and execute my plans on what will make the team successful and that means I have a responsibility to the fans to deliver silverware and also a responsibility to the players to help turn our potential into prizes.

Clubs throw weight behind Kick It Out

Premier League clubs to come together for One Game, One Community Week of Action.

 Football’s most recognised campaigning week will take place between 18th – 30th October this Autumn.

The Kick It Out ‘One Game, One Community’ Week of Action will see all 20 Premier League clubs join groups from across the country to celebrate the contribution all communities are making to the game, while adding their voices to the call to challenge racism and discrimination.

The Week of Action is the biggest series of activities of their kind in Europe.

The aim is 1,000 events take place within the week, during which all 92 professional football clubs hold special matchday activities and hundreds of community events promote messages of inclusion and equality.

U.S. v Brazil: Preview

The United States face Brazil in Chicago on Sunday in a friendly which pits the Gold Cup winners against the Copa America champions.

The U.S beat Mexico in the final of the competition for North and Central American teams in June while the Brazilians overcame Argentina in South America’s regional competition.

Now though the two teams have World Cup qualification on their minds. Brazil begin their campaign away to Colombia on Oct. 13 and while the U.S have to wait until next year for their bid to reach the finals.

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has been recalled by Brazil coach Dunga but he will be without injured defenders Alex of Chelsea and Alex Silva of Sao Paulo.

The pair have been replaced by Edu Dracena of Fenerbahce and Gladstone of Sporting Lisbon. After facing the U.S, Brazil take on Mexico in Boston on Sept. 12.

Gerrard fit for Israel qualifier

England midfielder Steven Gerrard has been passed fit for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley on Saturday. The Liverpool skipper has been doubtful with a broken toe, but coach Steve McClaren confirmed he will start.

McClaren also said under-fire keeper Paul Robinson will play despite his mistake against Germany in August.

But Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will have a fitness test on Saturday on his thigh problem.

McClaren confirmed Gerrard has come through training without any troubles, but will wait until Saturday for a decision on Hargreaves.

He said: “It will be a big boost for everyone but most of all it will be a boost for Stevie Gerrard because he wants to play in this game.