Alan Shearer Shocked and Numb At Speed's Death

Alan Shearer has spoken for the first time about the death of his close friend Gary Speed, the former Newcastle and England striker has been left feeling numb since the news that his former team-mate had committed suicide while at home yesterday morning with various news sources revealing the player hung himself.

Alan Shearer was with Gary Speed on Saturday on television before he headed off to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Newcastle, which is now the last time he saw Gary Speed.

Shearer said: "We were arranging next weekend. He was coming up to stay at my house with his wife and we were going up to various charity dinners on Friday and Saturday.

"We left the studio at half past two and I walked over to Old Trafford  to go and watch Newcastle.  I shook his hand and said, 'see you next weekend' - and unfortunately I won't.

"It's incredible. I'm still numb and still shocked like everyone else. You read things in the newspaper and it doesn't happen to one of your best mates.

"I'm just so sad and shocked and feel for (Speed's wife) Louise and his two boys and mum and dad."

Recalling his last moment with his close friend Shearer added: "I was with him and he was happy and joking and we were having a normal mickey-take like we do out of each other, and having a laugh and a joke about our golf trips and holidays that we went on together last year, and planning our next holiday in Portugal next summer with our families and kids."

Shearer became close friends with Gary Speed when Kenny Dalglish signed the Welshman at Newcastle, with Shearer describing his team-mate as "a great footballer and a model pro".

Shearer added: "You're bound to have arguments along the way in football, but no-one ever did with Gary - no-one had a bad word for him.

"He was an incredible guy who you could rely and depend on. Everyone loved him... he was loved because that's the type of guy that he was - he got on with everyone and everyone respected him."

Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Steven Gerrard: We Will Challenge For Trophies

Steven Gerrard hopes Liverpool will be able to close the gap on the top four this season and is looking forward to getting the new campaign underway, the Reds captain is also looking forward to resuming the rivalry with Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side recorded their 19th Premier League title last season, edging one ahead in the long-running battle between the old foes.

With Liverpool owners willing to spend big after the aqcustion  of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez last season and having recently signed England Under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson in a £20million deal, Gerrard is confident the Anfield side can match United and suggested he wants to win more trophies before the end of his Anfield career.

"As a Liverpool fan and a player it's frustrating when you see your arch-rivals lifting trophies but you've got to give credit where it's due. They've won it, they've overtaken us," said the 31-year-old.

"Now the challenge for us is to equalise. We've got to make sure we've got a squad capable of going into the season and competing with Manchester United.

"It's a big statement by the club getting a big signing in early and now we're watching anxiously for a few more to follow. It's exciting times.

"It's important this team delivers very soon because we've been a number of seasons without putting a trophy in the cabinet and that's not what Liverpool is about.

"I want to play well, I want to score goals - but it's much more important that the team plays well and we all end the season happy."

Gerrard is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme after missing the end of last season after undergoing groin surgery in March.

"I want to come back with a bang, I want to have a big season," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website.
"It's been non-stop football for me since I started when I was 17. I've never had a period of more than four or five weeks out of the game, so it's been nice to rest mentally.

"You don't want to miss games but when you're watching them it gives you that edge, that buzz to get back.

"I'll come back hungry and hopefully there's a very productive season ahead for me."

Kenny Dalglish Slams The Premier League

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has criticised the Premier League for announcing that the first round of the Carling Cup will be played three days after international fixtures, the Anfield outfit kick-off the campaign against Sunderland on 13th August which is just days after England face Holland in a friendly.

Speaking on Liverpool’s official website, the Scot said; "I would ask why the season is starting on a Saturday when there are international friendlies the midweek before.

"Clubs are doing their best to bring in good players and that usually means they are international players.
"There is a free week after the first weekend so I don't understand why we can't start the season on a Sunday to prevent players having to travel back on a Wednesday night in time for a Saturday start.

"If you are going to have international games then have them. But surely it makes sense to put the league games back a day if it's possible. To me it's common sense."

Jordan Henderson Joins Liverpool

Jordan Henderson has completed his move to Liverpool today, the midfielder has signed long-term contract at Anfield.

The Black Cats accepted an offer from the Reds earlier this week and allowed Henderson to head to Merseyside for talks, The midfielder has already joined the England Under 21 squad in Denmark ahead of the start of the European Championship this weekend.

Henderson is in line to face Spain on Sunday and will remain focused on international duty until later in the summer.

"I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it," he told the club's official website.

"Liverpool's definitely the place to help me come on as a player, and improve me. The club's going in the right direction and it can go as high as it wants."

Henderson is looking forward to playing alongside stars such as ndy Carroll and Luis Suarez, as well as captain Steven Gerrard.

Speaking about Gerrard he said; "He is one of the best players in the world, you want to be playing with him and training with him to try and improve yourself as a player."

"I've trained with him once (for England) and he was unbelievable, to be honest.

"I'm looking forward to it, and there are other good players here who can help me as well.

"Steven has been a massive, massive player for Liverpool for years now and he still is. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him.

"Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition.

"Hopefully I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.

"There is a lot to achieve. It's a massive club and we've seen over the last few months how good they are.

"So I'm just coming here to learn and try to improve my game and I'm sure that along the way there will be a lot of happy memories.

"You come to a big club and you want to win things. Liverpool have won a lot in the past and hopefully there is a lot more to come in the future."

Skrtel Insists Liverpool Will Challenge For Trophies Next Season

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is confident that Liverpool will be ready to challenge for trophies next season, the Reds have endured a difficult year after new owners were brought in and after Roy Hodgson was sacked, Kenny Dalglish was installed as his replacement at the turn of the New Year.



Once Kenny Dalglish became manager things started to turn around for Liverpool, putting on a run of consecutive win pushing them further up the table and with the additions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez  things appeared to be on the up at Anfield.

Yet back-to-back losses to round off the campaign saw Liverpool miss out on the chance to play European football next season.

Yet the summer looks likely to transfer action at Anfield, and Skrtel the defender believes the club will still be in contention next season regardless of who arrives despite still smarting over missing out on a Europa League spot.

"I would love to say I am satisfied but I am not," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Our goal was simple and everyone knew it - Europa League. We didn't make it this time so I can only say that we will do our best next time.

"I have quite mixed feelings about this season. The beginning of the season was not good but this changed with the arrival of Kenny Dalglish.

"This was a turning point for our season and we really improved under his guidance. This gives me a lot of hope ahead of the new season."

Blackpool's Charlie Adam Submits Transfer Request

Blackpool’s Charlie Adam has handed in a transfer request in hope of pushing through a move during the January transfer window, Liverpool are likely to submit an improved offer after having a £4m offer rejected last week.

The Scottish international turned in another eye-catching display against Sunderland on Saturday despite the ongoing saga over his future.

The Scotland midfielder scored a penalty in the home defeat.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway insists that Adam should stay put until the summer, but now he has to contend with an official request.

Holloway said: 'Has his head been turned? Yes. It can be turned. He understands Liverpool is huge. With Kenny Dalglish in charge, the club is so stable.

'They have got new owners and they are going to get back to what they were and Charlie deserves to play for them one day.

'But that day, for me, isn't right for this football club at this moment in time. Maybe in the summer because it's a much better time to do business.'

Blackpool have since rejected Charlie Adams's transfer request, with hope of keeping hold of him until the season.

Ian Holloway Fears For King Kenny

Ian Holloway has said that Kenny Dalglish cannot fix Liverpool’s problems overnight and hopes the Scot does not tarnish the reputation he currently has with the Fans. Kenny Dalglish is seen as a Legend at Anfield having achieved much success at the club as a manager and as a player.

Liverpool have slipped way behind the top three in recent weeks and Holloway feels King Kenny will have his hands full in rejuvenating the Reds season in hope the blame won't fall on the Scot should he fail succeed this time around,

Blackpool face Liverpool tonight in which it will be Dalglish’s first league game in charge of Liverpool since he resigned 19 years and 11 months ago after he masterminded three title triumphs and FA Cup successes.

Ian Holloway said; "I hope Kenny does brilliantly - after our sides meet.

"But there are problems at Liverpool and it will take time. What Kenny can't do is carry the can for all this.

"I don't see Kenny as being the great golden saviour. I just see him as someone the fans trust at a time when they need to get some trust back.

"Kenny does not deserve to ruin what he's got with the fans - and football fans can be fickle.

"It's a bit like a painter. Sometimes you aren't appreciated until you're gone. Let's hope Kenny will still be appreciated after this stint."

Liverpool Appoint First Team Coach

Kenny Dalglish has moved quickly to bring in Steve Clarke as his First Team Coach at Anfield, The Scot was named as temporary manager until the rest of the season after Roy Hodgson was sacked on Saturday.

Kenny has been given to chance to rejuvenate Liverpool’s season after below-par performances so far this campaign, the Reds are currently lying in twelve position in the Premier League and the fans and players are convinced that Kop legend Dalglish is the right man.

"Steve is a great addition to our team and I'm delighted we've been able to bring him in.

"I am looking forward to working with Steve alongside [assistant manager] Sammy Lee and our other staff."

Clarke, who left West Ham by mutual consent in June 2010 when Gianfranco Zola was sacked as manager, Steve was at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Monday, he was assistant manager at Newcastle and Chelsea previously and has played over 500 senior games for St Mirren and Chelsea.

He left West Ham by mutual consent in June 2010 after Gianfranco Zola was sacked as manager the previous month

Fernando Torres Calls For Support

Fernando Torres has hit out at claims that he is about to quit Liverpool in the wake of a sacking of another Liverpool manager.  The Spaniard has called for the fans to get behind the team and all pull together.

Roy Hodgson was sacked yesterday after a dismal run in the league. KOP Legend Kenny Dalglish has been put in temporary charge and it was thought that senior players like Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina might look to initiate a move away from Anfield.  It would perhaps only take one player to start this particular stack of dominoes falling.

Yet Torres has made an early intervention to dispel any rumours. Both he and Reina have been linked with a transfer to Manchester United.  However, Torres has categorically rejected any talk of leaving and said, "More than ever, we need to stick together. We must live in the present, from match to match."

In a statement to the press which must have come as a relief to the management of Liverpool, he added: "We need to add more points, win matches and improve our standing in the table. That is our challenge and I demand the total help of our supporters in doing that."

Whether he instigated this public call for support himself or was asked by Dalglish remains unknown.  However, the Spanish player has effectively quashed rumours of his departure from the team.  "My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals." he said today.

Torres went on to add; "I haven't considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club. Liverpool had a lot of success under Rafa Benitez and that is difficult for anyone to follow. Even if the ball hasn't always dropped our way this season, we have missed out in a lot of matches."

Liverpool remains a team in crisis. However, unless Torres does a Rooney this statement will go a long way to relieving management, players' and fans' fears.