Gerrard admits Rooney ban a blow

England captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that Wayne Rooney’s absence from the first two Euro 2012 group games will be a blow.

The Manchester United striker was handed a three-match ban by UEFA, later reduced to two, after he kicked Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro in October.

But the 32-year-old midfielder said the Three Lions are more than capable of putting in good performances until Rooney’s return.

Gerrard told RMC: “Wayne (Rooney) is a world class player. Any team would suffer after the loss of such a player.

“So yes, we will miss him. But we hope it will go well without him and we can do the job. In any case, we expect to reach the quarterfinals.”

The Liverpool man also praised the quality of the France squad ahead of the two sides’ meeting in their opening group game on June 11.

“Playing against France for the first game is a difficult start because this team is fantastic. But this type of game is exciting,” he said.

“They are fantastic players. For example, we know (Samir) Nasri and (Karim) Benzema very well. When we see such players selected for France, we understand that the quality of the French team is high.

“I consider France to be one of the favourites for the Euros. We are all looking forward to playing this game.”

However, Gerrard refused to look past the match against Les Bleus, insisting that his side will take it step by step.

“We take the games one after another,” he said.

“Sincerely, we hope to first achieve a good result against France. What we do will automatically give a lot of confidence for the rest.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gerrard-admits-rooney-ban-a-blow/95521/

Reading takeover completed

Thames Sport Investment, owned by Anton Zingarevich, have completed their takeover of Reading.

The group have purchased 51 per cent of shares in the newly promoted club and the takeover has been ratified by both the Premier League and the Football League.

The Royals have added four directors to their board chaired by Sir John Madejski-Zingarevich, Christopher Samuelson, Andrew Obolensky and chief executive Nigel Howe.

Reports have suggested that Zingarevich eventually plans to buy the remaining stake of the club from Madejski, who has been chairman since 1990.

Speaking in January when the deal was first announced, Madejski said that he could not be happier.

“This fit is so good it is not funny,” he said.

“Not only does Anton come from a very wealthy family, but he was also educated in the area.

“He has a great love for the club and football and it’s a match made in heaven. I couldn’t think of a better partner to have than TSI.”

The deal was originally due to be completed by March 31.

Reading won the Championship title last season under Brian McDermott, taking 89 points from their 46 matches.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/reading-takeover-completed/95469/

Whites talking with investors World Soccer Shop

Championship outfit Leeds United have confirmed they are in talks with an unnamed group of potential investors.

Leeds: In talks with investors

Speculation has been mounting since the weekend that the club could be the subject of a possible takeover, while it is understood discussions took place in Leeds last week.

A club statement read: "Further to media reports on Tuesday morning, the club can confirm that talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future.

"The club has always publicly stated that it would welcome potential investment, but has maintained a belief whereby the quality of the investor is the most important factor in terms of the long-term development of Leeds United. No further comment will be made at this stage."

Canada-based Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), owners of NHL ice hockey franchise Toronto Maple Leafs, have been mentioned on internet fans' forums, but it has been reported the company have denied any involvement in last week's meetings.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17358/whites_talking_with_investors

Eriksson: England will progress ´easily´

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Roy Hodgson’s side should ‘easily’ qualify from their Euro 2012 group.

Eriksson feels that, even without the suspended Wayne Rooney, England should have no problem advancing from Group D, which also contains France, Sweden and co-hosts the Ukraine.

In his column for the Times of India, the Swede wrote: “Despite Rooney’s unavailability, I would think that England should easily reach the knockout stage from the group and their real test should start from there.

“However, how far England would progress in the competition would depend on whether their experienced midfield stays fit throughout the tournament and how soon Hodgson can put together a perfect combination on the field.

“He gets two friendlies to work out what he wants to do in Ukraine and has already got off to a solid start with a victory against Norway on Saturday. I wish him the best for the tournament.

Eriksson feels Hodgson will be under more pressure to succeed given England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and the fact they have never won the competition.

“I have been the manager of England at the World Cup in 2010 and I know the pressure the English team manager has to handle,” he wrote.

“The pressure would be all the more on Roy Hodgson, since England had failed to qualify for the last edition of the competition and the fans would be expecting that their star players would bring home the trophy that has eluded them since the start of the championship.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/eriksson-england-will-progress-%c2%b4easily%c2%b4/95385/