Ben Somerford's Freelance: 2010

as seen on The Roar

I was up in the early hours of Monday morning eagerly anticipating a big football match, but it wasn’t Arsenal-Manchester United but instead the African Cup of Nations final in Angola where Australia’s World Cup group opponents Ghana fell short 1-0 against Egypt.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/02/02/five-lessons-about-wc-opponent-ghana-from-acn/

Monday, February 1, 2010

Neill's Gala Stay In Title Hunt

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121644,neills-gala-stay-in-title-hunt.aspx

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Moyes: Cahill Is The Difference

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121576,moyes-cahill-is-the-difference.aspx

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Heff Explains Terriers Move

as seen on 442

FRINGE Socceroo Dean Heffernan has revealed his excitement about his move to join English League One club Huddersfield Town as he chases his World Cup dream.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121528,heff-explains-terriers-move.aspx

Grella Closing In On Return

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Vince Grella has returned to Blackburn training after a thigh injury but this weekend's trip to West Ham comes too soon for the Aussie.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121527,grella-closing-in-on-return.aspx

Friday, January 29, 2010

Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

as seen on Sports Pundit

The football is coming thick and fast now and another weekend of wonderful viewing is on the cards, so here's the guide to it all.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4572/

Why Are Bottom-Club Adelaide's Crowds So Good?

as seen on The Roar

Despite a season of on-field struggle, A-League cellar-dwellers Adelaide United have managed to retain excellent attendances this campaign with an average home crowd of almost 11,000. So I decided to ask Reds Chief Executive Officer Sam Ciccarello how they’ve done it.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/29/why-are-bottom-club-adelaides-crowds-so-good/

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Cahill Just Wants To Keep Playing

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Tim Cahill claims he doesn't want a rest in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup and insists he needs to maintain momentum before South Africa.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121402,cahill-just-wants-to-keep-playing.aspx

Cahill Stars In Toffees Win

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Socceroo Tim Cahill headed Everton into an early-lead as the Toffees defeated Sunderland 2-0 in the English Premier League overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121331,cahill-stars-in-toffees-win.aspx

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Carle Turns Down China Move

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Nick Carle looks set to reject a move to Chinese Super League club Shaanxi Chanba but remains on the lookout for a new club.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121173,carle-turns-down-china-move.aspx

Weekend Developments From Europe's Top Leagues

as seen on Sports Pundit

It is hard to believe January is almost already over, but 2010 is flying by and so are Europe's top leagues as they head towards a climax, so here's the latest from the title races.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4567/

Monday, January 25, 2010

Turkish Debut For Lucas

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Lucas Neill made a solid debut for new club Galatasaray in a 1-0 win over Gaziantepspor in snowy conditions in the Turkish Super Lig overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121159,turkish-debut-for-lucas.aspx

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Roo Keepers FA Cup Face Off

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Mark Schwarzer won the battle of the Australian goalkeepers as Fulham defeated Dean Bouzanis's plucky Accrington Stanley 3-1 in the FA Cup overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121089,roo-keepers-fa-cup-face-off.aspx

Rukavytsya At The Double

as seen on 442

SOCCEROOS hopeful Nikita Rukavytsya fired in a second-half double for KSV Roeselare as they defeated Lokeren 4-1 in the Belgian Pro League.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121080,rukavytsya-at-the-double.aspx

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Kewell's Cruel Injury Blow

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Harry Kewell's sparkling pre-World Cup form has been thwarted with news he is set for an extended stint on the sidelines due to a serious groin injury.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/121053,kewells-cruel-injury-blow.aspx

Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

as seen on Sports Pundit

Another weekend of football hots up with most of Europe's leagues back in full swing, so here's the highlights to keep an eye out for.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4555/

Inside Word On David Rodan's Radical Knee Surgery

as seen on The Roar

We’ve all heard about the radical knee surgery performed on Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan’s injured cruciate ligament. But to get a more informed look on the topic, I thought I’d get in touch with Port Adelaide club doctor Mark Fisher.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/23/rodans-radical-knee-surgery-explained/

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Emerton Nets In Cup Thriller

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Brett Emerton scored for Blackburn Rovers in an astonishing 6-4 Carling Cup semi-final loss to Aston Villa overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120923,emerton-nets-in-cup-thriller.aspx

Have The FFA Suddenly Gone Soft?

as seen on The Roar

Wednesday’s decision by the FFA’s Independent Match Review Panel to rescind Iain Fyfe’s red card from Adelaide’s 3-2 loss to Perth was staggering. It hints at an odd softening of the application of the laws by the A-League’s governing body.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/21/have-the-ffa-suddenly-gone-soft/

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Vidosic Heads For The Zebras

as seen on 442

DARIO Vidosic has become the latest Socceroo to change clubs after sealing a loan switch from German Bundesliga club FC Nurnberg to second tier MSV Duisburg.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120877,vidosic-heads-for-the-zebras.aspx

Bouzanis Set For Dream Cup Tie

as seen on 442

YOUNG Aussie goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis pulled off a brilliant point-blank save to help Accrington defeat Gillingham 1-0 and qualify for a dream fourth round FA Cup tie with Fulham.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120845,bouzanis-set-for-dream-cup-tie.aspx

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Two-Up Burns On Fire In Greece

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Aussie Nathan Burns has continued his fine form by scoring a second-half double to help AO Kerkyra to another victory in Greece's Beta Ethniki.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120756,twoup-burns-on-fire-in-greece.aspx

Monday, January 18, 2010

Weekend Developments From Europe's Top Leagues

as seen on Sports Pundit

After another weekend of exciting football action here's the latest developments in the big title races (and those ugly relegation battles) around Europe.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4523/

Aussies Hold Greek Giants

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Australian pair Craig Moore and Zeljko Kalac helped Kavala keep a clean sheet and hold giants Olympiakos to a 0-0 draw in the Greek Super League.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120706,aussies-hold-greek-giants.aspx

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Ruka Begins World Cup Push

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Socceroos hopeful Nikita Rukavytsya has made a lively debut for his new Belgian club KSV Roeselare but they lost 2-1 to Mechelen in the Jupiler League overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120624,ruka-begins-world-cup-push.aspx

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

as seen on Sports Pundit

As the European winter breeze begins to settle down, the football is returning which makes for perfect viewing on those chilly evenings. So here's the weekend's guide to the top 5 games to see.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4491/

Pelle Hopes To Become A Bhoy

as seen on 442

PERTH Glory midfielder Adriano Pellegrino will fly to Glasgow next week to try and seal a dream move to Scottish giants Celtic.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120584,pelle-hopes-to-become-a-bhoy.aspx

Djite Makes Turkish Switch

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO Bruce Djite has left Genclerbirligi for fellow Turkish Super Lig club Diyarbakirspor as he searches for gametime in the lead-up to the World Cup.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120583,djite-makes-turkish-switch.aspx

Wilkshire Signing Shows The Power Of Association

as seen on The Roar

It was revealed earlier this week Socceroo Luke Wilkshire had become one of Australian football’s top earners after signing a multi-million dollar deal with his Russian outfit Dinamo Moscow. He’s come a long way in a short space of time.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/16/wilkshire-signing-shows-the-power-of-association/

Friday, January 15, 2010

Reading: No Reds Move For Fed

as seen on 442

READING have denied any contact has been made by Liverpool regarding a bid for the club's Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120460,reading-no-reds-move-for-fed.aspx

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Mancini's Man City Have Ingredients For Success

as seen on Sports Pundit

After four victories from four starts, Roberto Mancini's reign at Manchester City couldn't have begun any better. It's provoked talk of a title hunt for the Sky Blues. But is it realistic?

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4481/

New Injury Blow For Luckless Roo

as seen on 442

YOUNG Aussie James Wesolowski's unfortunate injury run continued after pulling his hamstring in Hamilton's 1-0 SPL loss to Dundee United on Wednesday.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120446,new-injury-blow-for-luckless-roo.aspx

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A-League Premiership Set For Ultimate Climax

as seen on The Roar

With a little over a month left in the Hyundai A-League regular season, the race for the Premiership rather than the battle to make the top six should take centre stage. After all, it appears set for an unbelievable finale in Sydney on February 14.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/13/a-league-premiership-set-for-ultimate-climax/

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Aussie Wes Loves His Scottish Life

as seen on 442

YOUNG Scotland-based Aussie James Wesolowski has revealed he's loving life at Hamilton Accies and hopes to extend his career in the SPL.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120236,aussie-wes-loves-his-scottish-life.aspx

Monday, January 11, 2010

2010 African Cup of Nations Preview

as seen on Sports Pundit

Aside from the horrific drama which has hit the Togolese national team in Angola, there still is a tournament to be played and here's Sports Pundit's preview.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4473/

Coyne Heads For Shandong

as seen on 442

SOCCEROOS hopeful Chris Coyne has flown out of Perth bound for China where a trial with Super League club Shandong Luneng beckons.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120165,coyne-heads-for-shandong.aspx

New Deal For Bouzanis

as seen on 442

LIVERPOOL have allowed their Australian goalkeeping prospect Dean Bouzanis to extend his loan at League Two club Accrington Stanley.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120098,new-deal-for-bouzanis.aspx

Moore Makes Greek Debut

as seen on 442

EUROROO WRAP: Veteran Socceroo Craig Moore made his Kavala debut overnight in a 1-0 defeat to fifth-placed Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Super League.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120132,moore-makes-greek-debut.aspx

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Toffee Roos Shattered At Emirates

as seen on 442

EUROROOS WRAP: Socceroos pair Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill were left shattered after seeing Everton concede late to draw 2-2 at Arsenal in the English Premier League overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120075,toffee-roos-shattered.aspx

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Coyne Linked To Chinese Move

as seen on 442

PERTH Glory's Socceroos hopeful Chris Coyne has admitted there has been interest in him from an unspecified Chinese Super League club.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120045,coyne-linked-to-chinese-move.aspx

Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

as seen on Sports Pundit

The cold freeze resulting in postponements throughout the UK means this weekend's edition is focused on the continent, but there's still plenty to keep an eye out for.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4462/

Birthday Gift For Roo Bozanic

as seen on 442

TALENTED Australian Oliver Bozanic has celebrated his 21st birthday by extending his loan deal at Aldershot Town from Championship club Reading.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/120037,birthday-gift-for-roo-bozanic.aspx

Friday, January 8, 2010

Ruka Lands Belgian Deal

as seen on 442

PROMISING Socceroo Nikita Rukavytsya has joined Belgian battlers KSV Roeselare on loan from FC Twente for the rest of the Jupiler League season.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119948,ruka-lands-belgian-deal.aspx

as seen on The Roar

With the opening of the January transfer window this week, much attention has been paid to Socceroos hopefuls departing the A-League but over in Europe there’s several fringe Roos pining for their own moves elsewhere.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/07/transfer-window-opens-doors-for-fringe-roos/

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Fed Injury-Free To Face Big Boys

as seen on 442

SOCCEROOS goalkeeper Adam Federici appears to have escaped any serious damage after limping off in Reading's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Liverpool on Saturday.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119780,fed-injuryfree-to-face-big-boys.aspx

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Valeri Moves As Deal Done

as seen on 442

AMBITIOUS Italian Serie B club Sassuolo have announced they have signed Australian international Carl Valeri on a co-ownership deal from Grosseto.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119718,valeri-moves-as-deal-done.aspx

Monday, January 4, 2010

Leeds Prove FA Cup Romance Still Alive

as seen on Sports Pundit

After an all-too-predictable Saturday of FA Cup results, Leeds United’s 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday was just what the neutrals ordered.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4437/

McDonald Strikes For Celtic

as seen on 442

UKROOS WRAP: Socceroo Scott McDonald came off the bench to put Celtic ahead before Rangers replied in a 1-1 Old Firm draw in Scotland's Premier League overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119684,mcdonald-strikes-for-celtic.aspx

2009 A Year Of Continued Development For Australian Football

as seen on The Roar

As Australian football fans look ahead to 2010 and the World Cup in South Africa, I thought it might be appropriate to take a moment (following the turn of the year) to take a look back at the evolution of the code during the calendar year of 2009.

http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/04/year-of-continued-development-for-australian-football/

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Cahill Ensures No Cup Slip

as seen on 442

BRITROOS WRAP: Socceroo Tim Cahill was the hero after scoring the crucial goal as Everton overcame third tier Carlisle United 3-1 in the English FA Cup overnight.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119611,cahill-ensures-no-cup-slip.aspx

Valeri Poised For Italian Switch

as seen on 442

SOCCEROO midfielder Carl Valeri is set to leave Serie B club US Grosseto for promotion-chasing Sassuolo according to reports from Italy.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119610,valeri-poised-for-italian-switch.aspx

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

as seen on Sports Pundit

The festive season is slowly winding down and the football action is returning with Spain’s La Liga and England’s FA Cup the highlights this weekend.

http://www.sportspundit.com/article/4429/

Friday, January 1, 2010

Asian Agony For Roo Josh

as seen on 442

JOSH Kennedy's Japanese club Nagoya Grampus have missed out on a spot in the 2010 AFC Champions League after losing 4-1 to Gamba Osaka in the Emperor's Cup final.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/119578,asian-agony-for-roo-josh.aspx

Friday, August 20, 2010

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Friday, August 13, 2010

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Monday, August 9, 2010

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Friday, August 6, 2010

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Friday, July 23, 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Friday, July 16, 2010

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Friday, July 9, 2010

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Friday, July 2, 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Friday, June 18, 2010

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Friday, June 11, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010