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Chelsea have confirmed that they will wait until the summer before revealing a decision in terms of their next permanent manager.

After the dismissal of Andre Villas Boas, the Blues have seen an upturn in form under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, which has included qualification to the Champions League and FA Cup finals.

Despite the Italian emerging as a serious contender to fill the role on a long-term basis, chief executive Ron Gourlay has admitted that nothing will decided until after the season finishes.

“We appointed Robbie until the end of the season and he has done a fantastic job,” the Stamford Bridge supremo told Sky Sports.

“But we will stick to our word and wait until the end of the season.

“We will take one game at a time and see where we are. We think that is the best thing for everyone and we should focus on getting the results that this football team needs.

“We need to wait because we have got a number of big games before we get to the Champions League final,” he continued.

Chelsea have been criticised slightly for negative tactics under Di Matteo, but Gourlay has hit back at the critics and is happy with the progress made this term.

“I have been at the club for eight years and that game was the biggest night ever since I have been here.

“People are entitled to their opinion. Robbie set his team out to beat Barcelona over two games and we are the ones in the final.

“We were very disciplined, defended extremely well and rode our luck at times. If you look at the previous winners of the Champions League they have all had a bit of luck in this competition and I will take as much luck that comes our way.

“As far as I am concerned we found a way to beat Barcelona when we were down to ten men for nearly an hour and two goals down so I am surprised that people have chosen to criticise the way that we did it,” he finished.

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By Gareth McKnight

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It’s a little off centre, but Premier League clubs have begun a trend of trying to out-do each other with transfers well before the window opens.

Coupled with Arsenal’s out-of-character move for Lukas Podolski, news arrived that the club were looking to bolster their squad with Yann M’Vila. Emphatic stuff. If that wasn’t enough, Chelsea’s signing of Marko Marin raised eyebrows and plenty of questions, even if it did get drowned in the Saturday afternoon fixtures.

From Arsenal’s point of view, it could be one of two things: the club are looking to appease their fans ahead of season ticket renewals, or, and you’ve got to hope it’s this one, the club have learnt from their mistakes of last year and are taking a no nonsense attitude heading into the summer.

Normally this sort of activity would be a non-starter; there’s a story in there somewhere, but only for about as long as you can keep your attention away from what’s going on in the remaining games of the season. What is making people do a double-take is the regularity of transfer movement so early. A norm in other leagues—we’ve seen La Liga clubs and this year even Bundesliga giants move swiftly outside of the transfer windows—but it’s not what we expect in England. It’s so outlandish that it’s even met with people questioning how genuine the stories are because, you know, you can’t buy players outside of the two designated periods. Apparently.

But despite significant amounts of money being moved between clubs, it’s difficult to see this sort of activity as becoming the norm. Yes it would be great if clubs got their business done early, purely for the peace of mind of supporters, but then what would we do without Jim White? It’s not worth thinking about.

Instead, clubs are acting quickly ahead of the upcoming Euros. If international football has any positive place in the world then this is it: forcing the hierarchy at clubs to earn their pay well before they’re due to spring into action. Other than that, international football can go away for a while. A long while.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Podolski and even M’Vila hasn’t suddenly come about because of the club’s poor showing this season, they’ve both been on the radar since last summer. Naturally, both players wanted a settled environment to ensure they’d make their respective national squads for the tournament. The clubs, however, can’t risk those players having excellent seasons—because, you know, they’re both a bit good—and then watching their value skyrocket. Arsene Wenger is not going to pay £20 million for a player he could have gotten for half that. It’s just not his way.

But the club’s are also mindful that their own players could draw admirers in the tournament. The need for replacements is a must, and it must be done early, rather than producing a sequel to Arsenal’s deadline day rush ‘round the aisles.

With Chelsea, it’s another case of the owner getting involved where he shouldn’t. The signing of Marko Marin raises questions as to how clever the idea was to bring in a player without a manager in place for next season.

The other side of the coin is that the club have obviously gone and picked up a bargain in the German winger. A fee in the region of £7 million is not bad for a player of Marin’s talent, even if he is coming off the back of a particularly disappointing season. His place, after all, isn’t a sure bet in the National team as it is with other midfielders. Still, there’s nothing wrong with adding a player who could act as another creative outlet for a time like Chelsea. Just don’t look to it as a trend setter.

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For now, all of the pre-transfer window activity is a one off. You struggle to see teams continue with this method when there are still games to be played and even managerial positions in doubt. Of course, there are exceptions. You don’t pass on the opportunity to sign a talent for a bargain price just because the sun isn’t out. But the regularity and the expectation from fans for another big name to materialise at the doorstep of a Premier League club is only due to the upcoming international tournament.

Outside of that, it’s hard to see this catching on again next year.

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Harry Redknapp has stated that even if Tottenham had qualified for next season’s Champions League he wouldn’t have been in charge for the campaign.

The White Hart Lane club spectacularly dismissed Redknapp yesterday, with rumours that chairman Daniel Levy was displeased that the side will not play in Europe’s top club tournament next season.

However, Redknapp has stated that this was not a factor in the decision-making process.

“We finished fourth and were just unlucky in the end, but I still think the same outcome would have come if Chelsea hadn’t have won it (and Spurs would have qualified for the Champions League), that’s the feeling that I’ve got,” he told Sky Sports.

“Even if we’d have finished fourth I still think the chairman would have gone down the same road as he went down yesterday so, as I say, that’s football.

“I had four great years at Spurs. I think it is all you can do, leave the club in better shape than you found it and one thing that I know, I did that for sure.

“I think the atmosphere at the club, the training ground, I made some fantastic friends there and I think people who support Tottenham had a lot to smile about the last four years, I think they were proud to be Tottenham fans and so that’s good, that’s the most important thing to me,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail indicate that former Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas and ex-Schalke trainer Ralf Rangnick are two of the names in consideration for the vacant post.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The Croatian Football Federation have been handed a £65,000 fine from Uefa after their fans were found guilty of racism at Euro 2012.

A section of between 300 and 500 fans made monkey chants at Italy forward Mario Balotelli during the Group C clash between the teams, with rumours that a banana was thrown onto the pitch also.

Uefa have taken action against the eastern European nation, who were also guilty of setting off and throwing fireworks.

“The Croatian Football Federation has been fined €80,000 for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the Uefa Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday 14 June,” an official statement published in The Telegraph reads.

“An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.”

The incident is the latest in a number of cases of racism at the tournament in Ukraine and Poland.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Didier Drogba’s departure from Chelsea is a boost for their title rivals.

The Ivory Coast international has joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

The Blues are now looking for a new big-name player to take the African’s place, but the Red Devils coach is glad to see the back of Drogba.

“When you think of the season he’s just had, I must say it is a big boost for us that Drogba is leaving Chelsea,” Ferguson said in The People.

“He scored that fantastic goal in the final with two minutes to go and his goalscoring record in the big games, in big finals, is incredible.

“As far as I was concerned, he won the Champions League for Chelsea,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Ryan Giggs finally made his entrance on the international stage yesterday against Senegal for Team GB at the Olympics. It was fitting that Giggs’ introduction, and prelude to his final bow in international football, took place at Old Trafford, and many would be citing a disappointment at not seeing Giggs much more prominently in international football over the past 20-years.

Here’s the thing: It’s disappointing and a great shame that Ronaldo never lifted the Champions League during his playing career; it’s also disappointing that The Netherlands have never managed to win the World Cup, despite possessing some of football’s greatest talents. However, should we really bow our heads and take a moment to think of Ryan Giggs missing out on international football?

This isn’t a player who only really had an opportunity in the limelight through playing for his country. Instead, this is the most decorated footballer in England. Countless Premier League trophies, Champions League wins and even more domestic cups. His career has hardly been held back due to his nationality.

There’s also been an argument that the Champions League is a better stage to witness the best football has to offer, rather than the World Cup. Indeed, Giggs has been a prominent figure in club football’s premier competition, as have those who are not likely to figure greatly at international tournaments. A better reflection of what football has to offer? Absolutely.

But as for Giggs himself, does he really hold international football in that high regard that he’d consider it a shame that he’s largely missed out throughout his career? If, for example, Giggs did play for England, the tournament appearances would be there, and he’d more than likely be one of the first names on the squad list prior to a tournament. But like with many players, specifically his club-mates at Manchester United, he’d probably be forced out of international friendlies or qualifiers by a manager who (rightly) rubbishes the notion of such disruptions during a domestic campaign.

Wayne Rooney has been pulled out of England duty on a number of occasions, so are we really supposed to feel sorry for a player who might have treated international football in a similar way? It’s hard to believe that Giggs, despite how good he was, could have had a major swing on the fortunes of England over the years. Maybe it’s best to avoid all such disappointments and embarrassments.

Giggs may be relishing this opportunity with Team GB this summer, and it’s a positive way to help close out his career. He’s captaining the side and he’s been entrusted, as one of the over-age players, to oversee the development of the younger talents. However, I doubt too many tears would have been shed had Stuart Pearce overlooked him. The Olympics are hardly held in high regard here, despite the significance it holds across South America, so the London games really just round out to a nice bonus at the end of a hugely successful club career.

In no way have we been deprived of one of the Premier League’s best performers due to his minor international career. English football and the Champions League will always be of higher priority to a majority of football fans, while tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championship caters greatly to an audience who normally would not be interested in a United League Cup semifinal against Fulham.

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Ryan Giggs’ international career is more than compensated for by his trophy cabinet. And I doubt he’d trade his two Champions League medals for a jolly old outing away to a country where it’s too hot for football and where disappointment is guaranteed.

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Hatem Ben Arfa will miss the start of Newcastle United’s Europa League campaign due to a suspension dating back to 2010.

The French international is unavailable for both ties against Greek side Atromitos due to a three game suspension picked up at former club, Marseilles.

Man of the match in the Toon Army’s Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the 25 year old misses out after seeing red for the French side in a 2-1 home defeat to Benfica.

It is doubtful whether Saturday’s match-winner would have been selected for Thursday’s clash in Athens anyway, with several key players likely to be rested for the Geordie outfit. Magpie manager, Alan Pardew is said to be prioritising Saturday’s league clash with Chelsea over Europe’s secondary competition.

Pardew may use the mid-week fixture to blood youngsters such as Sammy Ameobi and Harris Vuckic, whose first team opportunities were restricted last term.

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The Toon Army are back in European competition after a six year hiatus, after upsetting the odds to finish fifth last season.

Jack Rodwell’s move to Manchester City raised a few eyebrows up and down the country last week. Rodwell was regarded as Everton’s next big star, but has swapped dark blue for sky blue in exchange for £12million, and faces a battle to earn a place in the Champions star-studded lineup.

But whilst one homegrown player closes the door on Goodison Park, it could be about to open for another. 18-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley will be hoping to vill the void left by Rodwell and the New-York-bound Tim Cahill, although it is thought David Moyes is willing to send the youngster out on loan, with Sheffield Wednesday being touted as his most likely destination.

Moyes said: “I’m thinking about getting him some Championship experience maybe in the coming month or two.

‘I can’t do it right now until the squad is strong enough. I want him to go out and play. It seems right.”

Barkley is a product of the Everton youth academy, and has been touted as the most promising player to emerge since Wayne Rooney in 2003. He was a key part of the side that won the Premier Academy League in 2011, and has also represented England at under-19 level alongside Everton academy teammates Jake Bidwell, Luke Garbutt and John Lundstram, as well as featuring for England at under-21 level.

Quick, skilful, strong and with an eye for goal, Barkley’s performances have drawn rave reviews and reportedly attracted interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Barkley suffered a double leg break in 2010, which somewhat curtailed his development. Now back to full fitness, the Wavertree-born-midfielder has spent the summer impressing for England in the European Under-19 Championships in Estonia, putting in a man of the match performance against Greece.

It begs the question as to whether Moyes needs to dip into the transfer market when Barkley is available for selection, or whether he feels the chance to play regularly at a lower level, will have a bigger long term benefit for Everton.

The youngster started Everton’s first game of last season against QPR, and has impressed in small cameos since. Able to play in central midfield or just behind the striker, Barkley could play a big part for Everton this season after Moyes has already said his squad is thin, and could fill either role left by Rodwell or Cahill.

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With ten days of the transfer window remaining, if the Everton boss finds himself struggling to pull of the deals he is hoping, he could do a lot worse than turn to this gifted 18-year-old.

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Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has been sent home from international duty with Netherlands after picking up an injury in training, The Daily Mail report.

The Tyneside stopper played in the Oranje’s 2-0 win over Turkey on Friday night, but picked up an elbow injury in training on Saturday and as such has been sent back to the Premier League club.

As such Krul will not feature for Louis van Gaal’s men against Hungary on Tuesday night, and Alan Pardew will now deploy his medical staff to ascertain the severity of the knock.

Krul has been in a battle with Roma’s Maarten Stekelenburg to claim the No.1 jersey for the international side, and will be frustrated by the injury.

Newcastle take on Everton next Monday at Goodison Park, and it is yet to be revealed whether Krul will be able to play or if the visitors will need to rely on back-up Steve Harper.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Maya Yoshida is excited by the new challenge facing him at Southampton after making his debut at Arsenal on Saturday, The Southern Daily Echo reports.

The 24-year-old arrives at St Mary’s after spending two years at Dutch Eredivisie side VVV Venlo, and is helped by the fact he speaks fluent English and has fellow compatriot Tadanari Lee with him at the club.

Yoshida captained Japan to a fourth-place finish in this summer’s Olympics and is marshalling the centre of the defence in his country’s charge to World Cup qualification.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’m really excited to play for Saints in the Premier League, but first I have to know what I should do and how the team are going to play.”

Yoshida was thrown straight into the deep end in his first-ever Premier League appearance, coming on as a substitute in the 6-1 drubbing at the Emirates, but admits he chose a move to the Premier League in order to challenge himself.

“I think the Premier League is a much, much higher level than the Eredivisie, so I have to get used to the speed and physicality,” he added.

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He is aware of the club’s financial problems in the past and their seven-year struggle to return to the top-flight, but was impressed by the ambition of the south coast side.

“There are new owners and they have good ambitions, and I have also,” he added.