Dowie: Hughes needs more time to succeed at QPR | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Mark Hughes deserves more time to give the players he has brought into the club a chance to shine, claims former QPR player and manager Iain Dowie. Mark Hughes deserves more time to give the players he has brought into the club a chance to shine, claims former QPR player and manager Iain Dowie.Hughes is widely believed to be close to the axe after Saturday’s 3-1 loss against Southampton left them four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League, and without a win all season.Dowie told Sky Sports News: “Mark’s a very experienced manager and he’ll understand that when you don’t get results you come under pressure. But with the sheer number of players that have come in, it takes time to gel.”I felt they were outplayed on Saturday and that will be the big disappointment for Mark and his coaching staff. Southampton looked the more creative side, which will be a big concern.”Dowie, meanwhile, does not agree with criticism that QPR’s players are not giving their all to try to get the club out of trouble.He said: “Sometimes when things aren’t going your way people throw up the line about players not trying. When you look at the likes of (Ryan) Nelsen and (Jamie) Mackie, I think they do have players who’ll demand effort. Mark’s sides have always been that way.” Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on QPR

Cahill insists Chelsea players fully behind Di Matteo | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill insists the players are fully behind manager Roberto di Matteo. Chelsea defender Gary Cahill insists the players are fully behind manager Roberto di Matteo.Cahill said the Blues’ squad had as much confidence in their manager now as when he masterminded their march to Champions League glory exactly six months ago.He said: “From last year, when he took the job, he did tremendously well and achieved such a lot in a short space of time.”We started the campaign really well.”We’re all behind him and he’s definitely the right man.”He proved it last year and I’m sure he will prove it this year as well.”

Young Wigan keeper Nicholls extends contract | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Wigan keeper Lee Nicholls has signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2015. Wigan keeper Lee Nicholls has signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2015.The 20-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Latics but he is currently first choice at League Two Northampton, where he is on loan.Latics boss Roberto Martinez told the clubs official website: “Seeing Lee’s progress from a young age has been a joy and to have him stay here and continue his hard work is great news.”Lee is a great goalkeeper and he has shown that at Northampton this season. He has had some outstanding performances and we are really looking forward to continuing to work with him.” Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Wigan Athletic

QPR defender Hill in Leeds sights | Transfers | Tribal Football

According to reports, Championship Leeds United are lining up a loan deal for Queens Park Rangers defender Clint Hill. According to reports, Championship Leeds United are lining up a loan deal for Queens Park Rangers defender Clint Hill.Hill signed a new one-year contract at QPR in the summer after winning the club’s player of the year award last season but is now behind Armand Traore in the pecking order at Loftus Road.The 34-year-old has worked with Leeds boss Neil Warnock before in spells at Crystal Palace and QPR.Hill, who can play at centre-back or left-back, joined the Hoops on a free transfer in July 2010. Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on QPR

Chelsea defender Cahill: Players care about winning culture here | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill accepts the massive demands for success.The England defender was acutely aware of the additional pressure from above at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea defender Gary Cahill accepts the massive demands for success.The England defender was acutely aware of the additional pressure from above at Stamford Bridge.”Being part of a club like Chelsea, you’re expected to perform and get results, rightly so,” he said.”Of course, the boys come to a club like Chelsea because they want to be a part of big things, and that means winning football matches.”The players want to win. Even at times, drawing feels bad.”It’s a philosophy that this club definitely has, and the players have as well.”

Mancini’s son claims father Roberto more knowledgeable than Mourinho | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Roberto Mancini’s son Andrea has backed his father, the Manchester City boss, for football knowledge against Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho. Roberto Mancini’s son Andrea has backed his father, the Manchester City boss, for football knowledge against Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho.Andrea Mancini, who is currently on the books at Spanish side Real Valladolid having been released by City this summer, believes his father is doing a good job at the Etihad Stadium despite his critics.He said in Marca: “I don’t understand the criticism. He’s just become Premier League champion with City, which they haven’t won for 44 years. I don’t know what more he has to do.”Andrea Mancini was also asked about any similarities between Roberto and Mourinho, who come face-to-face in the Champions League on Wednesday night.The 20-year-old said: “They aren’t alike. My father was a player for many years and you notice this. He has a lot of experience and knows more about football than Mou.”Mourinho is more psychological, more of a motivator, he knows how to manage the minds of the players. The ideal coach would be a mixture of the two.” Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Manchester City

Cahill defends Chelsea pal Luiz: You can't be bad if you captain Brazil | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Chelsea centre-half Gary Cahill has jumped to the defence of David Luiz after defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Chelsea centre-half Gary Cahill has jumped to the defence of David Luiz after defeat to West Bromwich Albion.The erratic Luiz has borne the brunt of the criticism amid Chelsea’s inability to keep clean sheets.Cahill said: “David Luiz is one of the most comfortable players on the football as a centre-half I’ve seen. He’s got great ability.”You don’t play for a top club and captain Brazil if you’re not a top footballer. That’s what he is.”John (Terry) is a different type of player. They’re both fantastic. Defensively, it’s been two halves this season.”Early on, we kept six clean sheets and had one of the best defences in the league.”Of late it’s not been the case. It’s the same personnel, the same team, so we just have to get back to the way we started the campaign.”

Man City boss Mancini has masterplan to silence Real Madrid star Ronaldo | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has a Champions League masterplan to silence Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has a Champions League masterplan to silence Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.Ronaldo ran riot in the Bernabeu in September, dramatically robbing Mancini’s men of a point in injury time.The former Manchester United hero returns to Manchester tonight hoping to sentence United’s bitter rivals to an early Champions League exit.And Mancini believes Ron would deserve to be hailed as the best player on the planet if he scoops the Ballon D’Or next month.The City boss smiled: “How do we stop him? Maybe we’ll call the police.“He’s a top player and, when you come up against someone who can score one or two goals every game, it is difficult.“We will need to concentrate.“For me Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon D’Or. He scored so many goals last year and that helped Madrid finish above Barcelona.“But I hope he can have a bad night on Wednesday. Maybe they can leave him at home.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson hints at Powell start | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell is set for a Champions League start at Galatasaray. Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell is set for a Champions League start at Galatasaray.United boss Sir Alex Ferguson indicated he is ready to hand a first start to 18-year-old midfielder Powell, a summer arrival from Crewe.”Most of them will have experience of big games and big crowds,” said Ferguson.”Obviously for Nick Powell it’s completely different – he’s played in front of 76,000 as a substitute but this will be his first European away game.”It will be a big day for him but he has the temperament, which is important.”

Man Utd midfielder Fletcher looking forward to Galatasaray experience | Premiership News | Tribal Football

Darren Fletcher is looking forward to Manchester United’s clash at Champions League opponents Galatasaray. Darren Fletcher is looking forward to Manchester United’s clash at Champions League opponents Galatasaray.The midfielder has enough experience of Turkish football to know the best way of dealing with what is to come.”It’ll be hostile – the fans are really passionate,” he said.”I’ve not played against Galatasaray but I’ve been to Bursaspor and Besiktas and it’s a unique atmosphere.”It’s a challenge and something we have to experience. For me it’s a new stadium, a new occasion and you want to enjoy the experience. Hopefully that brings out the best in your performance.”