Since the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the 2018-19 season, soccer has taken significant strides toward optimizing playing time. With this objective in mind, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ifab/">International Football Association Board</a> (IFAB) has decided to implement a rule specifically targeting time-wasting goalkeepers for the 2025-26 season.



IFAB, the governing body under FIFA’s authority responsible for dictating the rules of the game worldwide, introduced the change during its 138th Assembly. This decision focuses on regulating goalkeeper behavior when handling the ball.



In a statement released on Saturday, the IFAB “has unanimously decided to amend Law 12.2. The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team.“



The new rule shifts the previous regulation, increasing the time limit from six to eight seconds. Additionally, the penalty for time-wasting will now be a corner kick rather than an indirect free kick. To ensure players and spectators are aware of the time elapsed, referees will use a five-second visual countdown with their hands.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/01130503/Emiliano-Martinez-Argentina-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-557614" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Other significant modifications</h2>



Along with the time-wasting rule for goalkeepers, IFAB has introduced several other important changes to the regulations for the 2025-26 season:


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/is-the-wegner-law-confirmed-fifa-considers-regulatory-changes-that-could-transform-soccer-forever/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250219_WST_555585_Gianni-Infantino.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="FIFA is considering significant rule changes to soccer, to be implemented from July 1st, 2025. These changes will be discussed at the March IFAB meeting and include a potential offside law overhaul (Wenger Law), real-time VAR communication, a ＂Challenger＂ system for coach-requested reviews, and measures to reduce time-wasting.
" title="Is the Wenger Law confirmed? FIFA considers regulatory changes that could transform soccer forever" publication_id="WST#/news/is-the-wegner-law-confirmed-fifa-considers-regulatory-changes-that-could-transform-soccer-forever/"></div>


<ul><li>Dropped Ball (Law 8.2): If play is stopped outside the penalty area, the referee will determine whether to drop the ball for the team that had possession or for the team that last touched the ball.</li><li>Ball in Play (Law 9.2): If a team official, substitute, or any player who is temporarily off the field touches the ball unintentionally, the referee will award an indirect free kick with no disciplinary sanction.</li><li>VAR Protocol: As seen in several competitions like the FA Cup, tournaments will now have the option to require the referee to announce the outcome after a VAR review.</li></ul>



These changes to the rules of soccer will come into effect on July 1, 2025, with the first major tournament to implement them being the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14th.

IFAB introduces game-changing rule targeting time-wasting goalkeepers for 2025-26 season

IFAB introduces game-changing rule targeting time-wasting goalkeepers for 2025-26 season - World Soccer Talk

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Relatively new <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-stream-wrexham-games-in-the-national-league-20221209-WST-411767.html">Wrexham</a> goalkeeper Ben Foster spoke with CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy show on Tuesday about a wide range of topics, including Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.



Despite being in the fifth-tier of English Football League’s pyramid, Wrexham is a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-americans-find-welcome-to-wrexham-so-compelling-20230113-WST-415264.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compelling club</a> here Stateside. The Welsh side has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wrexhams-social-media-reach-surpasses-premier-league-game-20230412-WST-428133.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gained a huge following</a> in the United States. In fact, Wrexham’s matchup with Notts County on April 12th had a larger draw on social media compared to Premier League fixtures.



“You can see where your audience is watching from [with YouTube’s analytics]. Typically, the U.S. audience is about 9% [of our total viewers]. It’s jumped up to about 14-15% in the last two or three weeks on all of the vlogs we’ve released. So, there is a definite interest from the USA,” Foster told Morning Footy.



“Even from my perspective being at Wrexham, the amount of American and Canadian fans that we meet outside the stadium daily is outrageous. And they are coming over because they’re so enthralled in all of it.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"Owners <a href="https://twitter.com/RMcElhenney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMcElhenney</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/VancityReynolds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VancityReynolds</a> promised us a party at the end of the season, one with flashing lights.” 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/BenFoster?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BenFoster</a> joins Morning Footy to talk <a href="https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wrexham_AFC</a> and coming out of retirement. 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/6elLU0bYx9">pic.twitter.com/6elLU0bYx9</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1648321103654457344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>McElhenney and Reynolds upgrading all of Wrexham, says Ben Foster</h2>



Foster was also asked about the changes at the club since owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over. “With the new owners coming in, Rob [McElhenney] and Ryan [Reynolds], they’ve done it so professionally, and they’ve built everything up —&nbsp;just little things like the gym,” said the goalkeeper.



“When they first walked in and saw the gym, it was a shambles. It was basically a medical ball on the floor, and that’s about it. Now it’s a fully functional and professional gym that the lads are in there every day giving it everything they’ve got. The training pitches are so good, honestly. For a non-league team, this is out of this world, really. And just the way that they’re doing it as well. They want to do it properly.”



<h5>Goalkeeper sees pros and cons on retirement</h5>



Finally, Foster also discussed his future as a professional player. The 40-year-old goalkeeper was signed by the club in March on a short-term deal. He was previously retired from the sport. “Being retired for nine months, it was incredible. It’s only when you retire that you realize that football can be really unsociable,” stated Foster.



“You miss out on so many cool things. You can’t commit to going to parties or birthdays or holiday breaks, because you know you’ve got football at the weekend. So I’ve spent the last 9 months doing all of those things and I’ve had the best time.”



“But I’ve got to admit that I’ve enjoyed these last few weeks. It’s something that I didn’t think I’d miss. When you stand on that football pitch and that whistle goes at 3PM, and the game kicks off, and that adrenalin fills your body again, that is my favorite part of being a footballer and honestly, I’ve missed it a lot. It’s been fantastic.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">SCENES 😳<a href="https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wrexham_AFC</a>&apos;s Ben Foster comes up BIG to save <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_NCFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Official_NCFC</a>&apos;s last-minute penalty 🦸‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/n4ZBSMCrF5">pic.twitter.com/n4ZBSMCrF5</a>— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1645457220434313216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Foster and Wrexham will next face Yeovil Town on Tuesday afternoon in Wales. The club is currently leading the <a href="https://www.skysports.com/national-league-table" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National League</a> by just one point over aforementioned Notts County. However, the Red Dragons do have a game in hand over Notts County.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

Ben Foster on Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham US fans and retirement

Relatively new Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster spoke with CBS Sports Golazo Network's Morning Footy show on Tuesday about a wide range of topics, including Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Despite being in the fifth-tier of English Football League's pyramid, Wrexham is a compelling club here Stateside. The Welsh side has gained a huge [&hellip;]

Ben Foster talks Wrexham's US fan base &amp; Ryan Reynolds

Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster spoke to CBS Sports Golazo Network's Morning Footy on Reynolds and McElhenney, American following and more.

Ben Foster talks Wrexham's US fan base & Ryan Reynolds

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Former England international goalkeeper Ben Foster has joined Wrexham on a short-term deal. The 39-year-old shot-stopper came out of retirement to re-join the National League club. Previously, Foster played 21 total matches for the team in 2005 while on loan from Stoke City. 



<h2>Wrexham approached Ben Foster after keeper injury</h2>



“I’m over the moon,” <a href="https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/march/signed--ben-foster-signs-until-end-of-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Foster after signing the new contract. “I’ve been at the club an hour this morning and it seems a really nice place. Everyone is down to earth and the manager’s top class.”



“It’s changed a lot since I was last here, but it’s nice to be back and it’s nice to be back as a player, too. It will be interesting to see how my body feels after training today! I’m looking forward to getting started.”



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-stream-wrexham-games-in-the-national-league-20221209-WST-411767.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrexham</a> are currently leading the National League table by three points over Notts County. The team’s No. 1 keeper, Rob Lainton, recently picked up a knee injury that will keep him out for around six weeks. Lainton missed months of action earlier in the season due to a wrist injury, as well.



<h5>Keeper returns to the Welsh club after 18 years</h5>



Foster, a former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> keeper, spoke about his previous time with Wrexham 18 years ago. 



“The first time I was here, it was genuinely the springboard to the rest of my career – on the back of the loan move, playing in the LDV Vans Trophy Final at the Millennium Stadium. I got my move to Manchester United at the start of the next season. It was absolutely bonkers!”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThrowbackThursday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThrowbackThursday</a> What are your memories of that day? 🔴⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WxmAFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WxmAFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/dc1pG8xhGY">pic.twitter.com/dc1pG8xhGY</a>— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC/status/1638873658625081344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“If you’d told me 18 years ago that I’d have gone on to have the career that I have had, I probably wouldn’t have believed you to be honest so I do owe a lot to Wrexham.”



Foster will now enter the fray with just eight matches remaining in the schedule. If they can finish top of the league, Wrexham earn automatic promotion to League Two. They could also eventually be promoted through a round of playoffs if they finish second in the National League.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images



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Wrexham sign goalkeeper Ben Foster to boost promotion hopes

Former England international goalkeeper Ben Foster has joined Wrexham on a short-term deal. The 39-year-old shot-stopper came out of retirement to re-join the National League club. Previously, Foster played 21 total matches for the team in 2005 while on loan from Stoke City. Wrexham approached Ben Foster after keeper injury “I’m over the moon," proclaimed [&hellip;]

Former Manchester United and England international goalkeeper Ben Foster has come out of retirement to re-join Wrexham.

Newcastle picked up an advantage in their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/league-cup-tv-schedule/">Carabao Cup</a> semifinal matchup with Southampton on Tuesday. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/joelinton-goal-gives-newcastle-edge-in-carabao-cup-semis-20230124-WST-416746.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Magpies beat the Saints</a> on the road 1-0 on the night. They will now have an edge when the two teams meet up at St. James’ Park next week to decide which club moves on to the cup final.



The match was Newcastle’s 16th clean sheet in 26 total games so far this season. While keeping a clean sheet is certainly a team effort, goalkeeper Nick Pope deserves massive credit for the impressive record. In fact, Pope has helped keep a clean sheet in 10th-consecutive matches in all competitions. The England international was not between the sticks for the club’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the month.



<h2>Teammate, opposing coach praise Nick Pope as top goalkeeper</h2>



Following the Southampton match, Pope’s teammate Bruno Guimaraes gave the keeper some high praise. “I’d like to say thank you to Nick Pope, he has been brilliant for us. He is the best goalkeeper in the world,” <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11938/12794753/nick-pope-hailed-as-best-goalkeeper-in-the-world-by-newcastle-team-mate-bruno-guimaraes-after-10th-straight-clean-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> the Brazilian midfielder.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🗣 "I think he&apos;s the best goalkeeper right now in the world." Bruno Guimaraes thanks his goalkeeper Nick Pope during the post-match interview ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ybQdfxfI3L">pic.twitter.com/ybQdfxfI3L</a>— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1618009813081853953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Southampton head coach Nathan Jones also complimented Pope following his team’s loss on Tuesday. “There isn’t a better goalkeeper in the league, in terms of what you need to be a goalkeeper, using your hands, he’s categorically the best in the league,” <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11938/12794753/nick-pope-hailed-as-best-goalkeeper-in-the-world-by-newcastle-team-mate-bruno-guimaraes-after-10th-straight-clean-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Jones.



<h5>Keeper has been one of the signings of the season</h5>



Pope has been a smash hit since his $12.5 million move from Burnley in the summer. The Magpies currently sit third in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> table and have allowed the fewest goals in the entire top flight (11). Pope has obviously been a major factor in Newcastle’s rejuvenation. The 30-year-old keeper currently leads the league in clean sheets as well.



Along with clean sheets, Pope also has impressive save percentage statistics as well. His 83.9% save rate is far and away tops among all Premier League goalkeepers. The closest shot-stopper in England’s top flight with at least 15 appearances is Fulham’s Bernd Leno with a save rate of 77.1%.



Newcastle fans will be hoping that Pope and his stingy defense can keep the club in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a> contention. The Magpies have not played a top European competition game since 2003.



PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images

Nick Pope labeled 'best goalkeeper in the world' by Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes has called Nick Pope the 'greatest goalkeeper in the world' following his latest clean sheet on Tuesday, his 10th straight.

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/cameroon-national-team-tv-schedule/">Cameroon</a> head coach Rigobert Song suspended star goalkeeper Andre Onana. The decision arrived prior to the team’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cameroon-shootout-with-serbia-brings-hope-20221128-WST-410292.html">thrilling 3-3 draw</a> against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/serbia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Serbia</a> on Monday. Onana was not on the teamsheet for the match. 



“The Cameroon Football Federation hereby informs the public that following Mr. Rigobert Song Bahanag’s decision, head coach of the Indomitable Lions, the player Andre Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons,” a <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/cameroon-onana-world-cup-2022-suspended-b1043372.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> on the situation read.



“The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the head coach and his entire staff as they implement the federation’s policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion within the national team.”



<h2>Head coach of Cameroon suspends Andre Onana</h2>



The Inter Milan keeper previously played the opening match of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> for Cameroon. However, the Indomitable Lions lost the game 1-0 against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/switzerland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Switzerland</a>. Following the defeat, Onana and Song apparently began a feud based on team tactics. 29-year-old Devis Epassy filled in for Onana between the posts on Monday. 



<h5>Goalkeeper rejects that he was problematic</h5>



Onana responded. He claimed he “always behaved in a way to lead the team to success in a good manner.”



“Yesterday I was not allowed to be on the ground to help Cameroon, as always do, to achieve the team’s goals,” Onana <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/cameroon-onana-world-cup-2022-suspended-b1043372.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continued</a>. “I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side. Some moments are difficult to assimilate.”



“However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pursuing the success of our team and country.”



Cameroon must beat <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> on Friday if they are to advance to the knockout phase. The African nation must also hope that Serbia can get a result against Switzerland as well.



PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Cameroon suspends Andre Onana through World Cup

Star goalkeeper Andre Onana suspended by Cameroon coach because of disciplinary reasons, but the player disagrees.

<div id="attachment_758" style="width: 228px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-758" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-758" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/01/Gylfi-Sigurdsson_2372258.jpg" alt="Note To Self: Bring Motivation To Every Match" width="218" height="298"></figure></div>Note To Self: Bring Motivation To Every Match</div>
In a season where the passion and relevance of the English F.A cup have been in question, one team defies the odds and shows a true cup spirit. Of course I am referring to Reading, the team who have become all to familiar to football fans around the world after deservedly knocking out Liverpool in the 3rd round and Burnley are the latest top flight victim to the Royals. If you needed any sort of proof that the F.A cup can bring out the best in players, take into consideration that Reading haven’t won a game in their last six league outings and only won three league games in 2009 at their home ground, the Madjeski Stadium (and two of them came in January!). Their win in the 4th round once again got me thinking about how players become differently motivated when the competition changes and the mental challenges that players obviously face.
In the third round replay against Liverpool, at Anfield, Reading completely out played Liverpool and there were several occasions where the players were so confident that they were tricking and nut-megging their way through Carragher and Agger – two experienced decorated defenders. Yet we never see play like this from Reading in the league and they’re often guilty of dropping their heads when things don’t go their way. They’re a talented set of players, obviously the team isn’t of the same calibre as the previous season, but this team shouldn’t be in the relegation zone and that is clear when we know that they are capable of beating the likes of Liverpool and Burnley who are in the league above them.
So it comes down to confidence and belief, one week you’re in the league and struggling to garner belief that you can play to the best of your ability and the next week the cup comes about and you have all the confidence in the world. But why? I’m not sure even a Reading player could answer you that, it’s almost as if there are two Reading teams at the moment and although the scalps of two Premiership teams are impressive, they need to transfer this confidence they get playing in the cup over to the league otherwise Reading may not be starting next seasons cup run from the 3rd round…
It’s a strange phenomenon not only in football but psychology itself; the aspect of motivation is something fascinating and strange. From an outsiders view, it doesn’t make much sense how Reading can get beat by Plymouth (a team below them in the league) 4-1, then soon after outplay Liverpool – twice. Players are obviously very motivated to take on the top teams with the top players as if to prove a point to the football world, yet why do motivation and confidence levels change so dramatically because the name of the competition changes?
Now Reading come up against Sheffield United in the league, away; not an easy game for an team in the Championship. And I wonder if Reading will return to their poor league form or will be inspired by their cup performance. They recently played quite well against Nottingham Forrest away from home but the punters will no doubt prefer the Blades. This also raises the question of how much is ability down to confidence and motivation? Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo obviously have a lot of confidence in their play and the raw talent to match it, but could there be players that maybe could have been a lot better if they had just played with confidence and motivation. I believe that the more you think about motivation and confidence, the more it hinders your play and maybe the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi don’t even consider their motivation and instead try to focus on how their actual talent – so as if motivation takes a back seat therefore is constantly high.
You look at the England goalkeeper situation at the moment and people constantly mention the word ‘confidence’. David Seaman was England’s number one for years and I can’t ever remember his confidence being questioned, whereas people are worried that Robert Green is losing his concentration because of all the goals he is conceding. Seaman didn’t need confidence – he was just ability and although I’m not questioning how good Robert Green is but how good can you say England’s goalkeeper is if he loses faith in his own ability? A lack of confidence can ruin any player.

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round &#8211; Motivation Phenomenon

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round - Motivation Phenomenon - World Soccer Talk

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round – Motivation Phenomenon

<div id="attachment_733" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-733" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-733" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/01/50-pounds-fan.jpg" alt="It&apos;s that time again!" width="250" height="245"></figure></div>It&apos;s that time again!</div>
I remember when the January transfer window first came to football. Forgive me if I can’t remember the exact year but I remember FIFA decided that it was a good idea to help all the small clubs hold onto their top players for larger parts of a season. Nobody could have predicted the level of insanity and inflated pricing that it would have brought, but now January is a special time for football fans; almost like Christmas in the footballing world. Especially the last two days where we see all the panic buys, prompting many of us to ask why managers didn’t use the previous 30 days available to them – but that would be silly wouldn’t it? Just about every team in the Championship could arguably do with strengthening in the first month of the year and it will be interesting to see who is welcomed to the league and who we will be saying goodbye to:
Barnsley:
Mark Robbins has done a fine job so far but his biggest desire will most likely be a striker and Billy Sharp has been one of the names thrown around. Sheffield United may well want return him from his loan at Doncaster so they can cash in, but expect Yorkshire rivals to try all they can told hold onto their top player this season. Barnsley have agreed to extend the loan deals of Stoke players Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson so Robbins will be delighted that have those players as options. As far as departures, no major players have been rumoured to be leaving the club so watch this space.
Blackpool:
How much ambition does the Blackpool board have? Playoff contenders Blackpool have surprised many this season but they still have a lot of work to do. They’ve already supposedly failed to sign <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11728_5836645,00.html">Roman Torres</a> and there’s been and Holloway has admitted that players will only be coming in if they have the right character. No offers have come in for their players yet, but few would be surprised if some clubs tested the Seasider’s resolve on in form midfielder Charlie Adam; a player who has been a joy to watch all season.
Bristol City:
Not to look too much into anyones personal life but does anyone else think there was a heated Christmas affair at the Johnson household? Lee Johnson, son of Robbins manager Gary Johnson, has left the club for the injury struck Derby, on an original one-month loan deal; guess it wasn’t a Merry Christmas for all of us. The club is currently in a defensive crisis, so City fans should expect Christian Ribeiro to return to the club from his loan spell at Stockport. Targets have been discussed this week, but Johnson will no doubt be disappointed to learn that he must <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bristol_city/8439342.stm">fund himself</a> this month by selling players first.
Cardiff City:
Peter Ridsdale will become the most unpopular chairman in the country for a second time if he is lying about the club’s potential administration possibility, but Cardiff do need to strengthen their team if they want to keep up with those around them. Fabian Delph is thought to be high on Dave Jones’ list, as a midfielder appears to be the priority for this month. Villa don’t seem keen on loaning out young star Delph but there is no doubt that Cardiff will enquire and if they can bag the player in on loan it could allow another player to come in at the same time as Jones has been promisd £3 million to spend. Bristol Rovers star Chris Lines has also been touted, a player who’s contract is up at the end of the season; the right bid may be too good to turn down as Rovers will not want to risk losing him for nothing. An unusually quiet window in terms of rumours for Joe Ledley may be explained by new kid on the block Adam Matthews, who is courting interest from big teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal. Let’s see if the Bluebirds can hold on.
Coventry City:
It’s common practice for English clubs to raid the Irish leagues these days, and Coventry have moved quickly to snap up Gary Deegan. Richard Woods and Chris Hussey have made their loan moves permanent, business Chris Coleman is delighted with and their is a move in the pipe line for league one stand out Carl Baker who has impressed many this season. It certainly appears as if Coleman is doing all he can to fight off the relegation threat to the club and we may even expect more new arrivals at the Ricoh arena. Coleman will not be happy however to hear that Sunderland have an eye on goalkeeper Kieran Westwood and the club must do everything in their power to keep one of the leagues top goalkeepers.
Crystal Palace:
Will any money be spent? No. Palace have <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11706_5818892,00.html">struggled to find the green stuff </a>this season and a team that was already quite inexperienced may get even more so by the end of the window. Palace are even in danger of losing their manager Neil Warnock as he eyes up the chance to manage league counterparts Sheffield Wednesday. You must have been living under a rock if you haven’t heard the name Victor Moses linked with just about every club above Palace in the country and Palace have certainly shown they aren’t going to be pushed over despite their monetary problems as they’ve set an asking price of £5 million. Expect more stories about players going out this month as opposed to players coming in.
Derby County:
Derby need new faces fast. They’ve been hit so badly with injuries that Nigel Clough has struggled to get a consistent team together that understands how they play. An ambitious side that would be appealing to any player really, a striker is top of their list. Michael Symes, James Vaughan and Fredrik Stoor are all on Clough’s radar as the Rams look to get someone quality up front. Danny Buijs of Ado Den Haag was keen on a move to the club but this may have fallen through due to his clubs reluctance to loan him out. Recently fit again Kris Commons is attracting interest from the Premiership, Wolves have their eye on the talented midfielder.
Doncaster Rovers:
There’s not much coming out of Donny at the moment. Billy Sharp has recently won PFA player of the month and the Keepmoat outfit will be hoping that Sheffield United don’t exercise their option to recall the front man. A rumoured move for Daniel Cousin seems unlikely, especially considering that QPR are in advanced talks with the player. Martin Woods has been making some eye catching performances this season and the club will be trying to fend off the likes of Cardiff and Middlesbrough this month so they can hold onto him.
Ipswich Town:
Roy Keane has already spent quite a lot of money as manager of Ipswich and results on the pitch have not reflected this. Giovanni Dos Santos is wanted by the tractor boys once again and may well be one of a few signings coming in this month unless players move out. Tamas Priskin has been a flop since his £1.7m move and may well be heading towards the exit door this month and could well pave the way for Derby striker Rob Hulse.
Leicester City:
If Nigel Pearson had plans at the start season for this transfer window then he may well want to throw them out of the window and reassess. City are another admirer of Chris Lines and will be part of a bidding war for him. A bizarre move for Edgar Davids may materialise as well, chairman Milan Mandaric has spoken of his admiration of the former Dutch international recently; paying his wages may be another issue though (maybe he has another with all that tax dodging he’s been up to). Top scorer Matt Fryatt has been watched by Wigan recently and Pearson will not fancy losing him.
Middlesbrough:
Kris Boyd would be a huge capture for the troubled North East side and Boro are certainly <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/8442623.stm">considering that avenue</a> due to Rangers current financial difficulties. Signs would suggest that Strachan is keen to utilise his knowledge of the Scottish leagues, as his former players Gary Caldwell and Scott McDonald have both been suggested as Boro arrivals. In any case expect many arrivals for the short-handed side as Didier Digard prepares to depart the Riverside.
Newcastle United:
Chris Hughton has got money available to him and Jermaine Beckford seems more and more likely to join the Geordies after <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8444552.stm">recently handing in another transfer request</a>. A defender is also a desire for the Toon, but don’t expect Matthew Killgallon to move to the North East, the defender has now committed to Sheffield United until the end of the season. Former Ballon D’or nominee (that’s right) Geremi made a little unannounced detour on his way to Angola to meet up with potential new club Ankaragucu. Although they haven’t actually agreed anything with Newcastle the Turkish side still decided to throw the confetti and a party for the player; talk about confidence!
Nottingham Forrest:
Could anyone really play their way into this in form side? Forrest fans will be hoping that Billy Davies can make some signings as to maintain their promotion push and former England international Nicky Shorey is their first priority. It’s been highly reported for a while that the club has an interest in Tottenham’s Gareth Bale but this may be quite unlikely as it is unknown what Harry Redknapp wants to do with the player. Swindon’s Charlie Austin could be a more likely transfer although this is a light rumour as of now. There has been little interest from any clubs so far in Forrest players.
Peterborough United:
Another non-league player comes in (surprise Posh fans!) Josh Simpson. Aldershot’s Marvin Morgan has been attracting interest, although this may seem unlikely now the club has captured Reuben Reid from West Brom. Izale McLeod is the subject of interest from the Posh, but they face interest from Scottish Premier League side Hearts. The traditional round of Joe Lewis leaving rumours have begun already, particularly after Barry Fry told Harry Redknapp he had first option on the player – Redknapp later telling everyone. Good one Barry.
Plymouth Argyle:
So far for Plymouth its been more a case of who’s leaving this month. However, the green army could be tempted to bring back out of favour Hull player Peter Halmosi. It is a bit unknown who new boss Paul Mariner is after, as the club have seen defenders Kirsztan Timar and Marcel Seip both leave already and Steven MacLean is more than likely on his way out too. Tough times on the south coast.
Preston North End:
<a href="http://www.championshiptalk.com/can-darren-ferguson-take-preston-to-the-premiership/720">Darren Ferguson</a> returns to the Championship almost instantly and has taken the reigns at the famous outfit of Preston North End. If you’ve read Daniel Cragg’s post on this site then I don’t need to tell you that there isn’t a lot of money for Preston, but changes need to be made. Neil Collins has joined on a permanent deal already but due to Ferguson’s arrival being so recent its hard to tell who he wants to bring in at this time. Sorry Preston fans!
Queens Park Rangers:
Signings galore for the London outfit? You wouldn’t be wrong. The team has already apparently agreed a deal for Daniel Cousin who will join up after the African Cup Of Nations and the club also has apparently made an enquiry about the well-travelled Amdy Faye. Markus Jonsson of AIK in Sweden is also hoping for a move to England and QPR may well be his outlet to fulfil that ambition. Adel Taarabt may return to Tottenham unfortunately for QPR, but the player has his heart set on staying with Rangers.
Reading:
Gunnar Thorvaldsson has become another member of the ever-growing Icelandic contingent at Reading but apart from that there are few players being linked with the club due to their lack of a manager. Reading have managed to hold onto Simon Church after he signed a new deal with the club and they also harbour an ambition that Gylfi Sigurdsson can continue his impressive displays with Reading as opposed to someone else.
Scunthorpe United:
Craig Dawson of Rochdale is a player Nigel Adkins would dearly love at his disposal, but Rochdale seem adamant he is going nowhere. Scunthorpe seem to see Rochdale as somewhat of a market stall this January if you believe their interest in striker Chris O’Grady. Michael Raynes seems a very likely arrival for the Irons, the Stockport defenders contract is up in the summer and his club are likely to want to make some sort of profit on him. George Friend has been recalled by Wolves, meaning the Irons only have one left back at the club, so that position is likely to be Adkins priority.
Sheffield United:
Due to Matthew Killgallons apparent commitment to the club, Kevin Blackwell is unlikely to have the money he thought he would this window. Richard Creswell has come in from Stoke already but former loanee Greg Halford will not be returning to the club as he wants to battle for his place at Wolves. As mentioned above, Marcel Seip has joined on loan for the rest of the season and it may not be the end of the dealings for a heavily injury struck squad.
Sheffield Wednesday:
The club is looking to the future, as <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11703_5837382,00.html">ten Australian players</a> are currently on trial with the club. Tom Soares has extended his loan deal but the most prominent potential transfer for Wednesday at the moment is their managerial position. As mentioned above, Neil Warnock is interested in the job and is the bookies favourite to get the job.
Swansea City:
Could Paulo Sousa, the manager, leave Swansea this January? Burnley have an eye on the talented Portuguese gaffer but the Swans want to hold on. Lee Trundle has extended his loan deal at the club, much to the fans delight and the club may be in the market for another striker to solve their goal shyness. Kevin Phillips, Vincent Pericard and Tamas Priskin have all been linked with the club, so watch this space. The club will also be doing everything they can to hold onto Andrea Orlandi as a few scouts have been watching him over the past few weeks.
Watford:
Your guess is as good as mine? Probably nothing will be happening this month as Malky Mackay wants to keep all his players, particularly Scott Roach and the threat of administration means there will be few arrivals for the hornets.
West Bromwich Albion:
Ishmael Miller is almost back from injury and will feel like a new signing upon his return and it remains to be seen whether or not the club can meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of Victor Moses. Gabriel Tamas has joined on loan from Auxerre and brings a wealth of experience with him. Marcus Haber may also be on his way in, while Robert Koren is expected to be shipped out of the Hawthorns as the Albion have a wealth of depth at their disposal.

January Transfer Window: What Will Happen?

January Transfer Window: What Will Happen? - World Soccer Talk

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For me, there is only one English goalkeeper that can be England’s number one for South Africa next summer and that man is Paul Robinson. After being so badly treated at Tottenham under Juande Ramos and unfairly blamed for giving away a soft goal for England against Croatia, Robinson has finally got back to his best. He was hung out to dry by Steve Mclaren after Gary Neville’s wayward back pass bobbled over his foot.
Everyone conveniently forgot the string of saves Robinson had made to keep England in a game they were a poor second best in that night. Right now, he is playing better than any of his counterparts, with probably the exception of Steve Harper at Newcastle United and Joe Hart at Birmingham City. Forget the Robert Green argument, he’s nowhere near good enough.

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Of the goalkeepers available to Capello, Robinson is head and shoulders above all others and has been for the best part of a year. David James is injured and playing for a team in free-fall, both on and off the pitch. Robert Green is bang out of form and consistently makes mistake after mistake. He also has a tendency to try and deliberately foul players whenever possible.For all his bravado and wearing “England’s number 6” on his gloves, he’s not good enough. He’s always been poor coming off his line and his aerial ability is not the best.
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Poor old Ben Foster has suffered from some rather unnecessary criticism but still can’t shift the dreadful Thomas Kuszczak from between the sticks at Old Trafford.There is no doubt that the lad can go a long way in the game, but he’s suffering from a crisis in confidence at the moment, but he’s still a better goalkeeper than Kuszczak.
Scott Carson still suffers from a lack of concentration at West Bromwich Albion and still seems to bear the scars from the defeat to Croatia in November 2007 at Wembley. For all his shot stopping ability, Carson can still make some all mighty howlers from out of nowhere and seems to have fallen away from anywhere near the England team.
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Poor old Chris Kirkland simply can’t keep fit, whenever he gets on a great run of form, his long standing back injury seems to flare up and take out of the side. Despite the 9 goal mauling Wigan Athletic suffered at White Hart Lane, it’s no exaggeration to say it could have been twenty if it wasn’t for Kirkland. He showed such promise at Coventry but injuries blighted his time at Anfield and he’s never been able to shake the tag of being injury prone.
Other than Robinson and Hart, the other stand out candidate for the three places in South Africa for me is Steve Harper at Newcastle. He’s now getting the opportunity to show just how good a goalkeeper he actually is week in week out after Shay Given left last January for Manchester City. Whilst most people would have been itching for a move, Harper has shown incredible loyalty to Newcastle over the years.
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After 16 years service, with 12 of those as Given’s back up, he’s incredibly only played 151 games for Newcastle, with 86 of those appearances coming in the last four seasons. He has constantly served the club with pride and is now in the form of his life. Whilst others may have viewed Given’s depature as a real blow, having a player of the ability of Harper would certainly soften the blow.
Whilst some people seem to point out that you need a great goalkeeper to win the World Cup, with the exception of Buffon in 2006, you have to go all the way back to 1982 to find a team with a world class goalkeeper that won the World Cup. Every other winner since then has had good, and in some cases distinctly average custodians between the sticks. Paul Robinson is far better than average and Capello would do well to welcome him back into the fold.&nbsp; With Harper and Hart, that would be a dependable and quality set of goalkeepers to choose from.

Time For Capello To Restore Paul Robinson As Englands No.1

Time For Capello To Restore Paul Robinson As Englands No.1 - World Soccer Talk

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