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Former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux has praised Frank Lampard as Chelsea’s best ever player in an exclusive interview with FootballFanCast.

Le Saux is now a club ambassador at Stamford Bridge and so works closely with everyone at the behind the scenes and his opinion on the Blues and England midfielder could not be higher.

The former England left back played with Lampard in his time in West London and admitted he had doubts about him before he arrived in 2001.

“In terms of hitting a consistent level and along with his phenomenal goalscoring record, I would say he could be Chelsea’s best ever,” Le Saux said.

“I was at the club when he arrived from West Ham and it was a pretty huge fee at the time.

“Before the move he hadn’t really proved himself at that stage, but a lot of things struck me from day one and you could see he would go on to be a great.

“His determination, work rate, fitness were all superb and he always tried to work on his weaker areas after training that has reaped it’s rewards now.

“Because Frank was so good for so long I think people just took it for granted.”

It appears that Lampard has been told that he will be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer when his current contract expires.

The 34-year-old has expressed his desire to stay at his beloved Chelsea but the hierarchy and owner seem adamant that he is to leave.

Former Blues star Le Saux has claimed that the deal may not be dead although neither party should be blamed if a new contract cannot be organised.

“The professional part of the game is business and I think both Frank’s party and the club will have had discussions about it,” he said.

“It is just whether they can come to an agreement for him to stay or for him to leave.

“Having been through a similar thing on a smaller scale when I was coming to the end of my career, you have to look at your own personal life not just your footballing life.

“Frank has big decisions to make on many different levels and equally the club have to be consistent with their approach.

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“Frank has been an unbelievable servant to the club, both on and off the pitch, and if an agreement can’t be made then I don’t think either party can be blamed.

“He is an iconic player at the club and I don’t doubt he will make a decision with he and his family in mind.”

2013 UEFA Women’s Champions League final ambassador Faye White joined Chelsea FC ambassador Graeme Le Saux at Stamford Bridge this week to launch the tickets going on sale.

Tickets for the 2013 UEFA Women’s Champions League final, to be played on Thursday 23 May at Stamford Bridge, for more information please visit www.chelseafc.com/uefawomensfinal.

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It should have been business as usual for Manchester United when they faced Arsenal last weekend, and in some ways it was. All United really had to do was turn up to face the team they demolished 8-2 last season, and there should really have been no fear for the visitors as Arsenal haven’t been a genuine threat at Old Trafford for around five or six years. The win was a given for the home side, but it did nothing to reinforce their position as title favourites this season.

Many Arsenal fans haven’t taken too kindly to the comments from the United camp and others in football that the home side should have scored at least five or six, going a decent way to replicating the embarrassment dished out last season. But was it the lack of threat from Arsenal that forced United to remain in second gear throughout the game, or did it tell something more of their own quality?

So far this season, Manchester United have been tested by Fulham, Tottenham, Stoke, Galatasaray, and Braga at home. Fortunately for Alex Ferguson’s side, they’ve managed to come out on top in each of those games except against Tottenham. That tired line of the ‘form of champions’ to come from behind to grab all three points is incredibly wide of the mark.

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Yes, United are the name you associate with Premier League football because of their success, but why should history have any relevance on how poor they sometimes can be? Should a Manchester United team—and this one really aren’t as bad as has been suggested—really be going behind to these teams or using the ropes to prop them up?

Maybe Robin van Persie was willing to show his merciful side against his old club on the weekend, converting only one of his handful of chances during the game. Wouldn’t a devastating score line have said a lot more about where United are and should be this season?

It could be a psychological issue. It would seem a waste to go down the road of suggesting the overriding factor of this United team is that many aren’t good enough, because as mentioned that’s not the case for most of the squad. Why is it then that they can continue to concede in the manner they do, why can they not hold a team like Galatasaray—who really have not impressed in Europe this season—to more than just a one-goal win? The story in Braga this week could have been so different were it not for their goalkeeper deciding to go for a walkabout and Javier Hernandez benefiting from a scramble on the Braga goal line.

The fact of this season is that United have been stretched in almost every game, losing against good opposition at home and relying heavily on one player when they really shouldn’t. How long will it be before Jonny Evans gets a straight red for one of his reckless challenges, the type that is sometimes missed because there was a story from the player on the other end?

The win against Chelsea gave us some evidence that there is a good team in there who can go away to one of the more impressive sides in the league and start much more brightly, although the win wasn’t entirely of their own doing. But that game wasn’t one of many, rather it acted as one of the exceptions.

How long can this team continue to rely on van Persie (yes, in exactly the same way Arsenal did last season) and how long can people continue to say ‘United always find a way to make it through’? They’ve been fortunate that the Champions League group stage has been somewhat kind to them this year and it shouldn’t be looked at as a case of them conquering the group in the way you’d expect. Every other English team is struggling at the moment and there is a very real possibility that all of them may not join United in the knockout phase.

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It doesn’t just amount to a leaky defence owed to a lack of consistent personnel. There doesn’t seem to be the same drive to go and take control of games in a manner in which they should be able to.

Again, even with a limp, lifeless and uninspired Arsenal as the opposition last weekend, United helped to create a score line that many may look back at in the future as something of a close game. It wasn’t, but that was because of the lifeless visiting team.

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QPR have had a second bid for Peter Odemwingie rejected by West Brom with the striker now set to face disciplinary action following an online outburst, the Telegraph reports.

The Nigerian international illustrated his wish to leave the Hawthorns on Friday  by handing in a transfer request as he looked to force through a move to the club’s Premier League rivals.

Albion quickly rebuffed his demands leading to the 31-year-old to vent his frustration at the club via his Twitter account, for which he now faces heavy punishment.

West Brom’s acting sporting and technical director Richard Garlick revealed Rangers had made a second approach for Odemwingie, an improvement on the £2million offered at the start of January, but is adamant no one will be leaving the club before the transfer window closes on Thursday

“QPR have made a second, improved offer for Peter, which we have turned down,” he said.

“As we have repeatedly stated, we have no need or desire to sell our core players.”

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Garlick also refused to disclose how the Baggies would reprimand the striker for his comments over the weekend, saying: “Since we turned down Peter’s transfer request, he has made his position clear in a statement to the media and via his personal Twitter account.

“This matter will be dealt with internally.”

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Former Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has been named the new manager of Everton.

After weeks of speculation, the Spaniard has finally been installed as the boss at Goodison Park and will set about strengthening the Toffees in time for the upcoming season.

The 39-year-old is replacing former Everton boss David Moyes who took the Manchester United job after Sir Alex Ferguson retired last month.

His first job may well be raiding his former club, after Wigan chairman Dave Whelan admitted that he would not stand in the way of any Latics players who wished to follow Martinez to Goodison Park, if the offer was right.

Two players that are thought to have been targeted are midfielders Shaun Maloney and Callum McManaman who will certainly add to the Toffees midfield after an impressive Premier League season at the DW Stadium.

He may also have a fight on his hands to keep Everton players Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines after former their former boss Moyes has been rumoured to be preparing bids for both, in order to bring them to Old Trafford.

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Liverpool youngster Jordan Ibe has welcomed the decision for the club to play their NextGen series home games at St Helens’ Langtree Park this season.

The newly built stadium hosted last season’s semi-final against Ajax, so it’s no surprise that the club have decided to base this season’s campaign at the same venue.

Liverpool’s first home game will be against Norwegian side,Rosenborg on November 13th (7pm), followed by a clash against Borussia Dortmund on November 28th (6pm).

The academy winger Ibe wants fans to constantly flock to watch the team in action, as Rodolfo Borrell’s side look to improve on their third place last season in the inaugural Champions League style under-19 event.

“This is a great stadium and we are looking forward to playing our NextGen Series home games at Langtree Park, Ibe told the Liverpool Echo.

“I was on the bench for the Ajax game last season and I remember there being a great atmosphere at Langtree Park.

“Hopefully they can come and support us again this season as we want to do well in the NextGen series.

Ibe was in the side that started their campaign off with a 3-2 defeat away against champions Inter Milan last month.

“I’m really excited as this is my first season playing in the NextGen series and I’m looking forward to it. I played in the play-off game last season when we beat Marseille and that was a good experience playing against a European team.

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“It is different playing against team like that as they play a different style of football and it’s great to test yourself.”

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Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following an incident with Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli.

Wilkinson is alleged to have elbowed Balotelli during Stoke’s 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday. The incident was missed by the match officials, but after reviewing television footage the FA has decided to charge Wilkinson, who has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge.

If he is found guilty Wilkinson is likely to be handed a three-match ban. The FA’s statement read:

“Stoke City’s Andy Wilkinson has been charged by The FA with violent conduct following an incident in his side’s game against Manchester City on Saturday 15 September 2012.

“Wilkinson was involved in an incident with City’s Mario Balotelli, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video. Wilkinson has until 6pm on Wednesday 19 September 2012 to respond to the charge.”

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Stoke face a tough fixture at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Tony Pulis will need his defenders fully focused against an in form Chelsea side.

Liverpool’s defence of the Capital One Cup will begin away at West Brom.

The Baggies pummelled Brendan Rodgers’ side 3-0 on the opening day of the season, and the tie once again pits West Brom boss Steve Clarke against his former employers.

Manchester United have been handed a difficult draw; they host Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United. Losing semi finalists last year Manchester City, meanwhile, take on Aston Villa at the Etihad.

Andre Villas-Boas’s Spurs face a potential culture shock as they travel to League One outfit Carlisle United. Chelsea host recently-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, who wrapped up the second round draw after winning 3-1 away at Northampton Town.

Arsenal, who have historically fielded youngsters in the competition host Coventry City, who are currently without a permanent manager following Andy Thorn’s sacking.

Everton, who currently hold a 100 per cent record in all competitions this season, face a tough assignment away at Neil Warnock’s Leeds United.

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Sheffield Wednesday fans have been discussing the exit of youngster George Hirst, and they’re not impressed by the 19 year-old’s behaviour.

Wednesday’s wonderkid has left the club to join OH Leuven, and the Owls will receive “no more than” £159,000, according to the Star.

The Belgian side are a sister club of Leicester City, who Hirst was also linked with, and are managed by the one and only Nigel Pearson.

Despite making just two senior appearances for the Owls, Hirst has shown his huge potential playing for England’s youth sides, scoring at U17, U18, U19 and U20 level for his country.

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The 19 year-old forward’s contract expires this summer though, meaning Wednesday will not receive a direct transfer fee for the youngster.

They are however entitled to compensation as Hirst is under 24, so the Belgian side will have to pay a small fee for every year the youngster has spent developing at Hillsborough.

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This fee is expected to be around €180,000 (£159,000), and fans are not happy with the youngster, who reportedly rejected a contract that would have made him the best-paid youngster in Wednesday’s history.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

To Whom It May Concern,

Of late Sheffield Wednesday players have been taking a bit of a beating on social sites such as Twitter, being criticised for their lack of talent, their hairstyle, the way that they breathe, and every other aspect of their lives that some people think deserves to be scrutinised.

Look, we all know that this season hasn’t quite panned out like many an optimistic Wednesdayite had hoped that it would. I know we’re not challenging for the title or repeating heroic comebacks week after week, but something the guys do seem to be doing is showing a bit of battle.

In the game against Middlesborough we were beaten by the better team, there’s no debating that. They looked extremely confident on the ball, had players like Josh McEachran who really looked a cut above the rest, and took their goals well. Yet at times we didn’t look too out of our depths. That was pleasing.

I, like most Wednesday fans, was pleasantly buoyed by the brilliant start that we had to this season. Despite the fact that we were recently promoted, had a relatively small side, who were under a lot of pressure, we were doing well. Then, however, the inevitable happened…

We hit a bad patch. We hit a bad patch that hasn’t really come to a proper end yet, and as it stands we’re still sat 20th in the league, mere points above the relegation zone. However, as I’ve said before, we are a club in transition, now is not the time to panic and start hurling abuse at the men who can get us out of this predicament.

Before the recent transfer window closed I felt as though Dave Jones had assembled a good squad. We’d attracted a higher calibre of player than we’d had from the season previous and kept hold of many of the men that worked their arses off to get us to the Championship, creating what I thought was a nice mix.

Did I expect another straight promotion? No. Of course the 13-year-old Owl inside me thought, “You know what? Maybe we can do this…” but the rational journalist in me realised our real situation. We were a team in transition, a team that needs to gel, and a team that needs to focus, this season at least, purely on staying in the division.

Dave Jones took a floundering Gary Megson-managed side and completed an unimaginable league turn around that saw us leapfrog our fiercest rivals and claim promotion, he has earned himself the chance to have a fair crack of the whip at Hillsborough.

I recently read a piece by Dale Johnson, an avid Wednesdayite like ourselves, who seemed to put it best.

Dale said, “This is a new side, with a relatively new manager trying to find an effective way of moulding his team. Why is the default position for so many fans the trigger button? I’ve been there myself, as there are occasions when the much-used ‘give him time’ argument is nothing more than an exercise in time wasting. But Dave Jones is not a Yorath, nor a Turner, nor a Jewell, nor a Megson. He is a proper football manager who will build something at this club, not a five minute grope behind the bike shed.”

I understand that, as Wednesday fans, we think we deserve more glory than your Huddersfield Towns and your Brighton and Hove Albions, but the fact of the matter is, other than last season, we’ve earned about as much right to think that in recent years as my five-a-side team here in Cape Town.

More to the point, how much of an impetus is it to the players pulling on the famous blue and white shirt when a small group of fickle buggers are laying into them because of a prior performance. Would it spur you on? It’d p*ss me off.

Don’t get me wrong. These guys are not beyond criticism, to no extent are they bigger than Sheffield Wednesday, none of them. However, what they do deserve is to be able to log onto their Twitter accounts and see words of encouragement and not a barrage of abuse.

I would LOVE to see Wednesday in the Premier League. I’m currently on a one-man mission to convert as many South Africans into honourary Wednesdayites as I can (something I’m having a reasonable amount of success in) and I wear my shirt every match day.

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I’m an optimist, like most of you, and I think that we can rectify this season and finish happily mid-table. However, in order to do that then we need to back our players, give them the support that they need and stop treating Jones and Co. with the respect that you’d offer to something that came out of your dog’s backside.

Now is not the time to panic, we’ve spent too many years doing that. Now is the time to enjoy being back in the Championship and spur our boys on to winning as many points as possible up until Christmas. If we’re sat in the relegation zone come the start of the year then I give you permission to come after me with pitchforks and scream, ‘I told you so!’ But until then… we’re all Wednesday, arent we?

Can We Kick It? @YesWeCrann

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According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are waiting to see if left-back Tom Pearce will accept the new contract he has been offered, and Whites fans have been quick to have their say on the situation.

The 6ft 1in tall left-back’s current deal is due to run out next month, and the Yorkshire Evening Post says that the club are set to confirm on Friday that he has been offered new terms to stay at Elland Road having become a regular in the XI towards the end of the campaign.

The 20-year-old made five Championship appearances in total, and scored his first senior goal for the club in the 2-1 win against Barnsley last month.

Leeds supporters, who have been fearfing the worst about the discussions between the two parties on Twitter, took to social media to give their thoughts on the story, and they were clearly unhappy.

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While one said they “really would not be too bothered if he went”, another said “who does he think he is?”

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Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…