Not since the 2003-04 season have the injury blighted duo of Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Smith lined up alongside each other in the white of Leeds United. It was that fateful season that one of the biggest clubs in English football succumbed to the relegation trapdoor, to which they have yet to return. Next season they will again try to regain their place in the top echelon of English football, a challenge that could be aided by old boys Woodgate and Smith. Both men are now without a club after they were released by Tottenham and Newcastle respectively, meaning it’s an avenue Leeds should certainly consider exploring. However, it’s one that brings as many potential negatives as positives.

When a club brings back a former player it can work one of two ways, it can generate a buzz of anticipation and excitement amongst the fans, or it can have the complete opposite effect. Woodgate and Smith were both held in very high esteem by Leeds fans while they played for the Elland Road outfit, but they both left the club at a time when it was in free fall. Their departures were inevitable, as both were highly regarded young England internationals who had to be sold to help Leeds financial situation . However, Smith’s departure left fans enraged, as he crossed the Pennines for arch rivals Manchester United no sooner had the dust settled on Leeds relegation. So would the fans welcome him back with open arms?

The main consideration that should come to the forefront with any potential signing of Woodgate and Smith should be their fitness levels. Do Leeds want to bring two players to the club who could feasibly spend most of the season in the treatment room? Jonathan Woodgate in particular has spent large parts of his career battling numerous injuries which have ruined what had the potential to be a hugely successful career. Woodgate only made one appearance for Spurs last season, in the game with Milan at the San Siro. Smith didn’t fair much better either, he only made eleven appearances for the Magpies.

Then we come to the next dilemma in signing the two former stars, their wages. Both may have suffered with injuries throughout their careers, but they haven’t suffered financially, they have both been involved in big money moves which have seen their bank balances well looked after. They would both be well aware they would need to take a pay cut to sign for Leeds, but they would still command considerably higher wages than their team mates. The prospect of paying top wages to players who could find themselves spending more time in the treatment room than on the pitch should be a major consideration for Leeds to take on board.

However, if they managed to stay fit for the majority of the season Leeds would be enhancing their aspirations for a promotion push with two quality players, who would bring a wealth of experience to the side. Having two Premiership calibre players in their ranks would not only significantly increase Leeds promotions credentials, but it would send out a statement of intent. Woodgate and Smith experienced what were possibly some of the greatest moments of their careers playing for Leeds, notably the memorable Champions League campaign in the 2000-01 season. Such times are a long gone now, but the two men could be the catalysts in the next memorable chapter in Leeds United’s history – the season Leeds get back to the Premier League.

It would certainly be a risk for Leeds to bring Smith and Woodgate back to the club, but is it a risk worth taking?  What would the fans reaction to Smith be like? Would his move to Man United be water under the bridge, or do some fans still harbour resentment towards him? Do Woodgate’s persistent injury problems make any move for him foolish, or could he reignite his career and Leeds hopes of promotion with a move back to Elland Road? These are all questions Leeds fans need to ask themselves.

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Argentinean defender Fabricio Coloccini has been named as Newcastle captain following the departure of previous incumbent Kevin Nolan to West Ham. The former Deportivo man beat competition from Steven Taylor, Stuart Harper and Joey Barton, and will lead his side out against Arsenal on the first day of the season at St James’ Park on August 13th.

“I am thrilled to be named captain of Newcastle United. It is one of the proudest moments of my career. Leading the team out in front of our supporters in our first game against Arsenal will be a great honour for me and I aim to give my best for the team and the supporters throughout the season,” he reportedly stated in The Daily Mail.

“I would also like to thank Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me.”

The former Charlton and West Ham manager believes he has selected the right man for the job.

“I had no hesitation in choosing Fabricio to be my captain next season. He will lead the team in a different manner to Kevin, but his professionalism, attitude, application and fantastic character made him the stand-out candidate and, in my mind, the 100% right decision,” the 49-year-old stated.

Meanwhile, Barton congratulated the South American on his Twitter account, and showed no ill-feeling that he was overlooked.

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“I’m happy for Colo and it’s probably the correct decision given my precarious contract situation, gives stability. I’ll be a leader without an armband and I’ll be there for Colo as well as all the lads regardless. Selfishly, it lets me concentrate on playing well every week,” the 28-year-old observed.

The hunger for young players to succeed at the top level is becoming an obsession for both managers and fans. Seeing a young signing or academy product mixing it with the elite and coming out on top is something that everyone loves.

Jack Wilshere’s rise in the last few years has seen him go from youth team to untouchable in both Arsenal and England’s midfield. Everyone will remember the Champions League game against Barcelona at the Emirates as the night Wilshere dominated Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. The 2010/11 season was his first full season as a first teamer although you’d think he was an experienced campaigner judging by his ‘mature for his age’ performances.

With the 2011/12 season looming ever closer there are a hoard of young players hoping to make a similar impact and be talked about in the same breadth as Wilshere who is already docked firmly in the world class genre. Who will be the next young prodigy to get fans out of their seats and the pundits purring at their every movement?

Click on Tom Cleverley to unveil the top 10 looking to make the breakthrough

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Manchester United chiefs are mulling over the sale of some shares that will go some way in the club alleviating some of the debt they currently find themselves in. Some financial analysts have suggested that this is all a part of the Glazers eventual get out strategy at Old Trafford; something that will prove welcome by the majority of the Old Trafford faithful.

Elsewhere in the papers Chelsea look to offer duo as bait for Modric; Nasri slams fake facebook claims, while West Ham retain an interest in Joey Barton.

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Wenger’s instructions may lead to more trouble with Uefa – Guardian

Glazers mull plan to raise $1bn in float – Guardian

Chelsea could offer pair as Modric bait – Guardian

Man City defend £350m Etihad Stadium deal as UEFA plot investigation – Daily Mail

Nasri slams ‘fake’ Facebook claims – Sun

Wesley Sneijder tells Man Utd: I’ll take pay cut – Sun

West Ham back in for Barton – Mirror

Kop kids get first taste of Euro nights as NextGen Series launches at Anfield – Daily Mail

Target Dann has Scott to go – Sun

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Everton plan swoop for Man City defender – Mirror

Tottenham set to take Adebayor on loan – Daily Mail

Fernandes to give Warnock ‘what he wants’ at QPR – Independent

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The higher they climb, the harder they fall. Sadly, with football being as brutal as it is these days, there is simply no time for sentiment. One day you can be flying high with your club, the next you’re old news, and you’re out on your own.

Through a combination of poor performances, long injury lay-offs or simply because they just weren’t as good as everyone thought they were, the following 10 payers have plummeted down through the football leagues, in this country and around the world.

And while some might seem harsh inclusions, it is important think about where they were, how much promise they had and how badly they have failed to achieve that, through their own fault or otherwise.

Football is now a cruel and uncaring game. Let’s exploit that. Have a cheap laugh at the expense of others. Go on…

Click on Alan Smith to unveil the top 10 fall from graces

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List compiled by Tom Close

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Of all the derbies within the English game, Tottenham Hotspur versus Arsenal is one of the most fierce rivalries. This weekend’s upcoming fixture sees the red half of North London starting on the back foot which has been quite rare in the Premier League era.

The last time Spurs finished above the Gunners was in 1995 but this season, the Lilywhites look like they can mount a serious challenge again for 4th place. Last season, the Champions League sapped a lot out of them and from 2011 onwards, the White Hart Lane side never appeared front runners for 4th place.

This year, Spurs have a great opportunity to finish higher than their fiercest rivals. Their chances should only increase after being knocked out of the Carling Cup early on and with manager Harry Redknapp fielding youngsters in the Europa League.

So why is the game so important for each side?

The rivalry cannot be overlooked. A derby victory for either side will help to drag onside any disillusioned fans. This particularly applies to those of a red persuasion. To the supporters, any bragging rights will be priceless come next Monday morning, so they want to see total commitment right from the first whistle.

For Arsenal, currently North London’s top dog, they have to start winning away. If they don’t turn around their form fast, they will find it very difficult to get into the top 4 this season. Arsene Wenger needs his team to find some consistency. If the Gunners were to record back-to-back victories, it would show some steadiness in his so far inconsistent side. Momentum is important to any team and although they probably have held it for much of the Premier League era, in the last four years Arsenal have struggled against Spurs.

The significance of the game for Tottenham will have the White Hart Lane faithful purring with excitement. They have the opportunity to record their fourth consecutive win in the league. They have only lost to Arsenal once in their last six league meetings and they’ll be desperate to continue that run. A win on Sunday would send a powerful message out for the season especially after their convincing victory against fellow Champions League challengers Liverpool.

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Having Emmanuel Adebayor in his ranks is a feather in Harry Redknapp’s cap. He scored against Arsenal for Manchester City in 2009 and his celebration of that goal is part of the reason he will receive a fair amount of verbal abuse from the away support this weekend. That day at the City of Manchester stadium proves his ability in the face of adversity. The way he’s started at Spurs, the chances of him making his mark on Sunday look good.

They shouldn’t count out Arsenal’s strike force either, though. Robin van Persie demonstrated against Bolton why the Spurs defence cannot afford to take him lightly. Bagging a brace and in the process his 100th goal for the club, van Persie has definitely been a consistent threat in the Arsenal side during 2011.

Should Arsenal win at White Hart Lane on Sunday, it would be a massive result in the context of their season so far. It would scare away some of the encircling vultures around the future of Arsene Wenger. Ultimately even if the Gunners were to lose at the weekend, although it would be a tough blow, it wouldn’t represent a change in power.

If Tottenham displaced Arsenal in the Champions League, it would certainly signify a sizeable momentum shift in North London. Still, it’s hard to argue it would show the passing of the baton though. Spurs will need to finish above Arsenal for a few years before this can be declared and there’s a long way to go before that happens. However, a victory for Spurs on Sunday could be a watershed moment in this rivalry.

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Bayern Munich are considering a January move for out of favour Chelsea winger Florent Malouda according to talkSPORT.

The Bundesliga giants were linked with a move for the 31-year-old in the summer and are now mulling over whether a bid when the transfer window re-opens.

Malouda’s future at Stamford Bridge has come into question over the last few weeks after the arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia with the Spaniard preferred in the line up by Andre Villas-Boas.

Mata’s early form in West London has been a shining light so far this season and could prove to be the death knell for the French midfielder.

The Portuguese coach stated he was looking to freshen up his squad with some younger faces and with Malouda now peering over the wrong side of 30 he could be sacrificed.

A move to the Allianz Arena could now be in the pipeline although they could face a fight from Italian sides Juventus and AC Milan who have also been credited with holding strong interest in the Frenchman.

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The Germans are desperate to capture their man and will be confident of beating both Serie A sides to Malouda’s signature who has been a consistent performer for Chelsea over the last three seasons.

West Bromwich Albion are the pride of the Black Country this evening after edging out Wolves 2-0, in what proved a pulsating derby.

The win was the Baggies first over Wolves in the top flight for some 29yrs and it sees Roy Hodgson leapfrog their great rivals in the table. This was Wolves 5th consecutive defeat and Mick McCarthy is under no illusions that they need to get out of this slump and quick.

Wolves actually started the game well and had the majority of possession throughout the first half, although West Brom was extremely dangerous on the counter attack. In fact it was the Baggies first attack in the game that brought the first goal of the afternoon as Chris Brunt fired in after good work from Billy Jones.

Mick McCarthy’s men huffed and puffed and yet a lack of quality in the final third cost them dear. Not for the first time Wolves have created chances but have been unable to convert them and how they must have looked on enviously at Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long.

The latter in particular had a fantastic game and although he was unable to find the net, proved a constant threat to the Wolves backline and gave Roger Johnson a tough afternoon.

West Brom were much improved in the second half and got control of the game and certainly looked the most likely to bag a second. It arrived duly 15mins from time when Peter Odemwingie drilled home after excellent work from Paul Scharner.

A 2-0 defeat was harsh on Wolves and manager Mick McCarthy was quick to point out that despite the five consecutive losses, the spirit in the camp is absolutely fine:

“There is nothing wrong with the Wolves spirit, effort and endeavour despite five defeats on the bounce. Spirit, effort and endeavour is always there but we need to be better in the box.”

The win however drags West Brom out of the bottom three for the first time this season and Roy Hodgson hailed their first home win of the season and their third clean sheet of the season:

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“It was a very important game and it was excellent to get our first home win of the season. It was also important to get our third clean sheet from eight games. That’s more than the two for the whole of last season.

“If we keep three clean sheets every eight, we’ll be fine.” (BBC)

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That way, you’ll appear on our fanpage and we can see easily who’s in the running (copy and pasting it won’t work). Deadline November 11th.

Bolton defender Gary Cahill has had the red card he received against Tottenham on Saturday rescinded, and will not face a ban after successfully appealing the decision.

The England international was given a straight red for fouling Scott Parker in the first half of The Trotters’ 3-0 defeat at White Hart Lane, as referee Stuart Attwell adjudged him to have denied the hosts a goalscoring opportunity.

Both Owen Coyle and Harry Redknapp admitted that the dismissal was harsh after the result, and the Reebok Stadium outfit chose to appeal the decision.

The FA have confirmed that no ban will be forthcoming, in a boost for relegation candidates Bolton.

“Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has had his claim for wrongful dismissal upheld,” an official statement reads.

“As a result, the one-match suspension handed to him has been withdrawn.

“Cahill had originally received a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday 3 December 2011.”

The dismissal was deemed as a mistake by many in the game, on the same weekend that Chelsea’s David Luiz was only given a yellow card for blatantly fouling Newcastle forward Demba Ba whilst through on goal.

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By Gareth McKnight

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