Liverpool Out For Revenge Over Beach Ball Victors - Betting News with Betfred

VERSUS

Liverpool will be hoping for their luck to turn when they face Sunderland at Anfield on Sunday, after the previous meeting between the two teams ended in controversy.

Back in October 2009 the Reds went down 1-0 to the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light, after Darren Bent's shot hit a beach ball thrown on to the pitch by a Liverpool fan, causing it to dramatically change direction, before nestling in the back of the net.

With the form Bent has been in recently punters might fancy the 8/1 on offer with Betfred for him to be first goalscorer on Sunday, with or without outside assistance.

The incident caused huge controversy, and ultimately cost Liverpool valuable points. Five months on and with Liverpool's season faltering, they will have to pull out all the stops if they are going to finish at best in fourth place at the end of this seasons Premier League campaign.

They currently lie sixth, four points behind Tottenham who occupy fourth place and two points behind Manchester City in fifth, both of whom have played a game less than The Reds.

Manager Rafa Benitez has called for his big players to step up to the plate in the coming weeks to ensure Liverpool qualify for next season's Champions League.
The football betting odds make the Merseysiders favourites for Sunday's game at 1/3, but their stuttering form could make a draw at 4/1 a good bet.

The Spanish manager will be aware of the threat Sunderland can pose to his side, who could be still reeling from their defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester United last weekend.

"Sometimes when you talk about big names, top-class players, you are expecting something from them when the team is not doing well," said Benitez.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted in recent days that his performances this season have been lacklustre. He told Sky Sports News he has failed to reach the level he expects of himself, which has left him disappointed. He will certainly need to improve if he is to help England to justify their World Cup 2010 odds in South Africa this summer, and he could show signs of improvement here. Gerrard is 9/2 to grab the first goal on Sunday.

My tip Of The Weekend:
I expect a tight game with few goals at Anfield, so Betfred's odds of 7/2 for the game to be all square at half-time and Liverpool to be victorious at full-time is very attractive - Sunday 28th March, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Football - A Disease of Sporting Cliches!

Having witnessed my own club surrender a two goal half-time lead on Saturday, the inevitable post-match media circus descended unsurprisingly into an old age disease best known to you and I as the football cliche.

In an abject media attempt to bamboozle us, the 'pitiful obtuse' supporter, on the failings of OUR team, we are sadly subjected to terminology that hardly requires one to understand the kinetic energy associated with the thumping of a leather ball inside an IKEA flat-pack designer stadium for the best part of 90 minutes.

Instead the explanation we are treated to is that well known ' Ye Olde English' turn of phrase -
"It was a game of two halves (and their goal immediately after half-time made it very difficult for us)."

Should I sound surprised? Certainly not, for sporting cliches and in particular those referring to 'our beautiful game' are as English as fish and chips!

At the end of the day every fan, commentator, player and manager alike has said at least one cliche in their lifetime!

I have therefore drawn up a list of my 'Top Twenty' classic football cliches, that everyone has probably heard said, read, or are perhaps guilty of saying themselves, even if your footballing prowess is somewhat limited, or your interests are by far and away as close to football as is scuba diving.

In no particular order:

1/ "A game of two halves"
2/ "End-to-end stuff"
3/ "It's a big ask"
4/ "We're not thinking too far ahead, we're just gonna take every game as it comes."
5/ "On paper........"
6/ "He gave 110%"
7/ "This game needs a goal"
8/ ".......and who said the magic has gone out of the FA Cup."
9/ "In this league anyone can beat anyone"
10/ "Setting out their stall"
11/ "He's got a good engine"
12/ "Great touch for a big man"
13/ "One-way traffic"
14/ "For a big lad, he’s good with his feet"
15/ "It was men against boys out there"
16/ "Those famous European cup nights at Anfield"
17/ "That's meat and drink for him"
18/ "If a Brazilian had done that, we'd all be raving about it"
19/ "A good time to score"
20/ "It was a typical forwards tackle"


Have you a favourite cliche that you simply can't stand, or cannot understand - then why not post me that cliche in the comment section at the bottom of this article.

P.Diddy or The Diddymen - Panto At The Palace!

DIDDY TO BID-DY FOR PALACE ?

Cristal Palace's playas' lounge has moved one step closer to its unveiling at the Selhurst Park ground.

P.Diddy was locked in talks with Phil Alexander, chief executive of the footie club, on Thursday night - thrashing out a possible takeover.

The multi-millionaire U.S rapper now knows exactly how much the skint club in South-East London will cost and is in contact with their administrators.

Diddy - real name Sean Combs (below) - is expected to come back with an offer this weekend.


Palace face a tricky trip to Blackpool today, the first match since the Diddy story broke.

The Championship side are in serious danger of relegation, but the takeover does not hinge on their survival.

A source said: "Diddy wants to own Crystal Palace - no matter what division they might be in next season."

"He identifies with the club and feels they have real potential."

"If they go down to League One, he will ensure it's a brief stay."



Extract from: Gordon Smart's Bizarre column.
Published: Today by The Sun newspaper - News Group Newspapers Ltd

The Physio Room - Injury Update

With between eight and nine Premier league fixtures remaining of the 2009/10 season, there are only a one or two things that can be said are concrete!

When you take a look at the league table, Pompey are down, but there are two relegation place remaining, and potentially seven clubs in danger of the drop.

At the other end of the table any of the current top three teams: Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal could win the title, and four teams are fighting it out for that 'exclusive' fourth place finish - and a glamorous, income fuelled participation in the Champions League next season.
Let's also not forget the UEFA Europa League 'consolation' prize, that is up for grabs for those sides finishing outside the top four.

That leaves just three or four Premier League teams in mid-table limbo, with little else to play for, other than pride. However the performances on the field of these sides, the likes of Birmingham, Everton, Fulham and Stoke could seriously effect the final outcome of those teams immediately above and below them - so they themselves still have an important part to play as the season reaches its climax.

For example, this weekend Fulham and Stoke play Manchester City and Tottenham respectively. Spurs and City are both vying for that final Champions league berth and will get no change from their mid-table opponents. Messieurs Hodgson and Pullis simply don't do favours!

Matches are coming thick and fast as we speak, more so for some than others. On Tuesday this week Chelsea played Inter Milan, whilst Villa and Wigan had a League fixture to fulfill. On Monday evening Liverpool entertained Portsmouth again in the League, and were back in action last night against Lille in the UEFA Europa League, whilst Fulham took on Juventus in the same competition.

To add into the mix there is a full programme of English Premier League fixtures this weekend, and the FA Cup semi-finals all involving Premier League sides are also on the horizon. Although these cup games are still some three weeks away, they may however be in the back of some players/managers minds.

What remains to be seen is how well the various managers and their coaching staff along with the healing hands of their respective physios can manage their squads, rotate them effectively and nurse their injured players through to the end of the season, whilst being able to juggle and prioritise their fixtures.

Obviously some Premier League teams have the budget to sustain sufficiently large enough squads to nullify this problem as best possible. It could be as much down to luck and good fortune on the injury front, as anything else, as to which teams succeed or fail come May.

Here is your chance to catch up on which players are currently out injured, who are close to a return to first-team action, and which players are really struggling to be fit to play any further part for their respective clubs, before the season ends.

Click on the 'link' to find out the latest on your Club's injury worries.

Congratulations to Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne - Named The FourFourTwo 'Young Player of the Year'

On the 14th March, Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne was named FourFourTwo 'Young Player of the Year ' at the 2010 Football League Awards gala dinner, held at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London.

The 18-year-old defender is ranked 17th in FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players list, making him the highest ranked representative aged 21 or under, and as a result, the ' Young Player of the Year ' for the Coca-Cola Football League, beating Nottingham Forest's Paul Anderson and Southampton's Adam Lallana to the title.

Past winners of the award include Fabian Delph, Michael Kightly and Gareth Bale.

Nathaniel, a product of the highly acclaimed Crystal Palace youth academy follows in the footsteps of team-mate Sean Scannell, who won the ' The Championship's Apprentice of the Year ' at the same event in 2009.

The Stockwell born full-back made his first-team debut for Crystal Palace on the 18th October 2008 against Barnsley aged 17, and was named ' Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year ' in 2009.

He has continued to play at the top of his game and has been a 'shinning light' for The Eagles, despite what has been a much publicised and difficult season for the South London side.

The quiet, well rounded teenager said of his award:
"It is very pleasing as there are a lot of young players out there playing first-team football. I’m very happy."

The England U19 international, paid tribute to former manager Neil Warnock – now at QPR following Palace's move into administration – for handing him the opportunity to perform on the big stage.
"He gave me my first-team debut and I owe a lot for that opportunity. He gave me a lot of confidence to perform out on the field."


The full interview with Nathaniel Clyne, can be found in the April issue of FourFourTwo magazine.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reaction from Palace fan's on the unofficial Crystal Palace supporters website Holmesdale.net -


Quality youngster and potential England right back. Congratulations Nat and well deserved - 'Lewisham Eagle'

Richly deserved, well done Nathan - 'we_hate_jon_fortune'

Another great talent that will be nicked from us next season! - 'Palace Passion'

Fantastic player. Not only is he great for his age, he's a very good right-back in general. Glad to see he's getting credit where credit's due! - 'Mr Fenandes'

Thoroughly well deserved Nathaniel.
You are a wonderful role model for all aspiring young footballers out there.
Every Palace fan should be very proud to have such a talented, level-headed individual such as yourself at the Club.
Onwards & upwards - the cream always rises to the top! - 'prideofsouthlondon'

Well-deserved. Would go to the World Cup if there was any justice. Better than Wes Brown! - 'Mr 110%'

City Need To Be Wary Of Bent Threat - Betting News with Betfred

VERSUS

Manchester City will have to be wary of the threat that Darren Bent brings as they continue their battle for a Premier League Top Four finish, with a visit to the north-east at the weekend.

City currently occupy fifth spot in the Premier League, but were given a boost when rivals Liverpool lost at Wigan earlier this week. Roberto Mancini's men will now look to increase the pressure on the Reds, as they vie for that fourth-placed finish and with it a lucrative Champions League campaign next season.
The Blues visit Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

On Tuesday night, Sunderland ended their 14-match winless run in the league dating back to October, with a 4-0 demolition of Bolton Wanderers, and some fans might fancy them to get another result on Sunday, with the Black Cats priced at 23/10 to win with Betfred, compared to the 6/5 on offer for City to take the spoils.

Darren Bent scored a hat-trick in that game, which took his tally for the season to 19 goals and his manager Steve Bruce has hailed him as a "natural goalscorer," who should be in contention for a place in Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad.

"To be at a team in the bottom half of the table and to get what he has got, it's fantastic. It is unbelievable with ten games to go," Bruce said.

However, it seems unlikely the striker will have the opportunity to boost England's World Cup chances, as Capello seems to view him as a fringe player at best.

Despite this, only Wayne Rooney has a better goal tally than Bent so far this season, and the former Spurs man could be a good bet to grab a goal against City and damage their top four bid. He is priced at 6/1 with Betfred to open the scoring in the game on Sunday.

Manchester City's last outing in the Premier League was their impressive 4-2 win over title-chasing Chelsea, which left many Premier League fans in the same mind set as goalkeeper Shay Given, who is convinced City can continue their fine form and finish in the top four.


My Tip Of The Weekend:
City, with home advantage will be too strong for Sunderland, despite their terrific midweek win, so my tip is City to win 3-1, which can be backed @ 16/1 with Betfred - Sunday 14th March, kick-off 4pm, live on Sky.

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

A History of Idiosyncratic Events in Football – Part Three

--------------World Cup Shock--------------

With the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa due to kick-off in less than 100 days, it is somewhat ironic that if we roll the tape back almost exactly 60 years to the day, to the World Cup Finals of 1950, a comparable fixture rears its head again for the England national team.

The opening match in Group C takes place on the 12th June in Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium and sees England up against the United States, the first World Cup match-up between the two countries since the 1950 tournament in Brazil.

On the 29th June 1950 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil's third largest city the USA (below) beat England 1-0, and in doing inflicted one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, then and still to this day !

At the time, the English considered themselves the "Kings of Football", with a post-war record of 23 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. Conversely, the Americans had lost their last seven international matches (including the 1934 World Cup and 1948 Summer Olympics).

The USA, who had no professional league to draw upon and whose star player was a Scotsman who had been released by Third Division Wrexham, were certainly not among the pre-tournament favourites!

The American team consisted of semi-professional players, most of whom had other jobs to support their families. Midfielder Walter Bahr was a high school teacher, and others worked as mail carriers or dishwashers.

England were expected to enjoy something akin to shooting practice and an easy victory was apparently assured.
However things did not run to plan. The Americans had not read the script and scored the game's only goal when Joe Gaetjens headed in their only chance.
The English quickly began to complain.........the crowd were too close, the pitch was too hard and bumpy, and the players were still tired from a long domestic season.

But the excuses could not disguise the fact that they had lost in humiliating fashion to a team of part-timers from a country which was largely uninterested in football/soccer.

England lost their next match and failed to qualify for the final round, finishing the first round with a record of one win and two defeats.

The USA also lost their next match versus Chile, ending their own 1950 World Cup run. They would not qualify again for the World Cup for another forty years, until Italia 1990.

Match details:
29th June 1950
18:00 BRT
United States 1 – 0 England, Estádio Independência, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Generoso Datillo (Italy)
Goalscorer: Gaetjens 38'


England Team:
GK: Bert Williams
DF: Alf Ramsey
DF: John Aston
DF: Billy Wright (c)
MF: Laurie Hughes
MF: Jimmy Dickinson
FW: Wilf Mannion
FW: Tom Finney
FW: Jimmy Mullen
FW: Stan Mortensen
FW; Roy Bentley
Manager: Walter Winterbottom

Interest in soccer within the United States has grown rapidly since the 1990's. This has been attributed to the fact that the 1994 FIFA World Cup was played in the United States, the first time the event was held in the U.S. This won the sport more attention from both the media and casual sports fans. As part of the United States' bid to host the World Cup in 1994, U.S. Soccer pledged to create a professional outdoor league for the first time since the collapse of the NASL a decade earlier. That effort culminated in the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996, which helped develop American players in a way that was not possible without a domestic league.

Many of these players competed in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the United States did surprisingly well, reaching the quarter-finals after beating arch rivals Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16, before narrowly losing 1-0 to the eventual runners-up Germany in the quarter-finals.

Since the early 1990's, many American men have found opportunities to play soccer at the highest levels of foreign leagues.

The following is a list of Americans playing in the English League's alone.
Others ply their trade in European leagues in the likes of Croatia, Denmark, Germany, France, Norway, Sweeden and Portugal.

In England's Premier League:

Cody Arnoux (Everton)
Landon Donovan (Everton)
Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Tim Howard (Everton)
Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Eddie Johnson (Fulham)
Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa)
Anton Peterlin (Everton)
Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
Jozy Altidore (Hull City)
Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

In England's Football League Championship:

Jay Demerit (Watford)
Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday)

In England's Football League One:

Mike Grella (Leeds United)
Jemal Johnson (Milton Keynes Dons)
Ian Joyce (Southend United)
Jon-Paul Pittman (Wycombe Wanderers)
Zak Whitbread (Norwich City)

I have no doubt that England boss Fabio Capello will have his team primed and ready come the 12th June, and I fully expect England to win a tough opening game against the USA, and avoid a repeat of the events of 60 years ago!

The New Management Team At Crystal Palace Football Club

New Palace manager Paul Hart with his assistant Dougie Freedman

Since Crystal Palace F.C went into administration on the 26th January 2010, there had been much speculation but no real concrete substantiation on the movement or otherwise of manager Neil Warnock.

However on Tuesday it was announced Neil was leaving the Club, to become Queens Park Rangers' fifth managerial appointment of the 2009/10 season. Along with Neil the backroom staff of Keith Curle and Mick Jones also left to join him in palatial West London.

I would like to say that I personally was a fan of Mr. Warnock, or to be more accurate I grew to become a fan, because I have to admit I was somewhat apprehensive when this gregarious, brash, Yorkshire born and bred, larger than life character was initially appointed two and a half years ago.

Some of the unsubstantiated comments allegedly made by Neil on his departure left a somewhat sour taste in mine and many other Palace supporters mouths. How true those comments were I am none to sure, as much as I am as to why he decided to leave in the first place.

Swapping one London club in a perilous financial position and potentially relegation bound for another in an equally precarious position on the field, albeit with an affluent but seemingly self-destructible and unpredictable boardroom, with just 14 games of the season to go, I simply fail to understand!
The truth may never be known outside of those immediately implicated.

However during Neil's tenure I was also impressed with the work of Neil's assistant Keith Curle, (the ex Manchester City and England International player).

Without trying to stick my oar in, I went to watch the Ivory Coast play South Korea (two of the World Cup qualifiers) in an international friendly at Loftus Road on Wednesday afternoon, and unsurprisingly bumped into Keith as he arrived at his 'new home.'

Out of interest I asked Keith if he had been offered the position of manager at Palace after Neil decided to leave, to which he replied 'no.'
I then put it to him that if he had been offered the managerial role at Palace would he in fact have taken it. His somewhat muted, low-key reply was ' yes.'

Now I have to say my heart sank at that moment, because in my eyes he would have been an ideal replacement for Neil for several reasons. The obvious ones being that he already knew the set-up at Palace, the players - their abilities and mind set, he had the experience of working with Neil, was well respected at the Club by the players and supporters alike, and therefore was in my humble opinion the best person to fill the void left by Neil's departure, and to take the Club forward.

However a new management team is in place and Neil Warnock is in the library listed under the ' history' section, and I look forward on a positive note to the arrival of our three new amigos in the shape of Paul Hart, his assistant, ex-Palace hero Dougie Freedman, and first team coach John Pemberton, also a former Crystal Palace player.

The new men in charge:

The Manager:
Paul Hart

Born on 4th May 1953 in Golborne, Lancashire, Paul Hart began his playing career in 1970 at Stockport County. In 1978 he made a £300,000 move to Leeds United as a replacement for Gordon McQueen, and spent another five years at Elland Road where he made 191 appearances.

He went on to play for a number of other clubs namely Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesay, Birmingham and finally Notts County.

After announcing his retirement Paul was appointed manager of Chesterfield. He spent three years with the Spireites, which included an unsuccessful run to the play-offs, before a fall out with the Chairman led to his depature in 1991.

He then moved into youth coaching and was offered the role as head of Leeds United's Academy.
His young side won the FA Youth Cup in 1993 and 1997, while many of his young players went on to establish themselves in the Leeds side that reached the Champions League semi finals in 2001.

He then moved to Nottingham Forest to take charge of their Academy, but was promoted in 2001 to first team manager upon the departure of David Platt.
Hart was forced to take control of a club that had spiralled into crippling debt under Platt, and he had to accept losing a series of key players to balance the books.
Nonetheless Hart still managed to stablise the team and actually led them to the First Division play-off semi-finals in 2003.

He was offered the vacant managerial position at League One side Barnsley, before his departure by mutual consent.

A short spell in charge of Rushden & Diamonds followed in 2006, but it proved to be another short stay and he returned to youth team management at Portsmouth in 2007.

Two years later Pompey's first team manager, Tony Adams was removed from his post and Hart was offered the position as caretaker manager until the end of the 2008/09 season.
It was made permanent in July 2009, but he couldn't replicate the success he had the previous campaign and after a difficult start to the new season he left the club.

It led to a surprise move to QPR in December in a move that turned out to be another bizarre turn of events in the South West London club's managerial merry-go-round, because after less than month in charge he left Loftus Road.

On 2nd March 2010 Hart was appointed manager of Crystal Palace.

Assistant Manager:
Dougie Freedman

Born 25th May 1974 in Glasgow, Dougie Freedman began his career with top flight Queens Park Rangers in 1992, but never made their first team. Instead, he moved to Third Division Barnet on a free transfer in July 1994. He made his league debut in August 1994 and quickly became the club's leading player as he struck 24 goals in his debut season. A bright start to the following season convinced Crystal Palace to bid £800,000 to take him to Selhurst Park in September 1995.

Freedman instantly showed he could continue his goalscoring antics at the higher level when he netted 20 times in the 1995–96 season.

The following season saw a less prolific 11 goals scored by the Scotsman, but it was enough to help the club to the promotion play-offs. He then scored crucial goals in the 89th and 90th minutes of their semi-final tie with Wolves after coming off the bench with just 17 minutes left. Palace went on to win promotion in the Wembley final, beating Sheffield United 1–0.

In October 1997, Freedman moved ironically to Wolves on a loan spell and was signed permanently after impressing at the Molineux club. However, his spell with the club would only last until the end of the 1997–98 season, before Freedman was sold to Nottingham Forest for £950,000 in August 1998.

Nottingham Forest offered Freedman his first full season in the top flight in 1998–99, but Forest were relegated. He remained with the club for a further full season before rejoining Crystal Palace again in October 2000, this time for £600,000.

Freedman joined the club during a relegation threatened campaign, but one which ended with perhaps his most famous goal for the club. Relegation to the third tier loomed in Palace's final game of the season at Stockport County. With three minutes left and the score 0-0, Freedman dramatically pounced to score probably the most vital goal in the Club's history, and one which secured Palace's survival in the division.

The following campaign saw him bag 21 goals in all competitions, his best seasonal tally for the club. This also earned him a call-up to the Scottish national team, to add to his earlier Under 21 caps.

However the following season was less of a personal success. His fortunes were revived in 2003–04 though, as he re-established himself as a first choice regular under new manager Iain Dowie. A strong surge in the second-half of the season saw the club go from relegation contenders to the promotion play-offs. He was an unused substitute in the final though, which saw the club beat West Ham and win promotion to the top flight, the second time he had been promoted with the club.

However, life in the Premier League in 2004–05 saw Freedman often overlooked as the team employed only one striker in most games, with Andy Johnson being the preferred choice in this role.
He remained committed to the Palace cause of consolidating FA Premier League status by rejecting a loan bid from Leeds, and scored in their final game of the season, but could not prevent the club enduring Premier League relegation in 2005.

Back in the Championship the form of fellow strikers Johnson and Clinton Morrison limited his first-team opportunities, but he scored his 100th and 101st goals for Crystal Palace in a 3–2 win at rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on 20th November 2005. This made him only the seventh player in Palace history to have reached the century mark.

His coaching career began when he was appointed as the reserve team manager of Crystal Palace in November 2007. He was in this role alongside his playing duties for the club's first team.

Freedman joined League One club Leeds United on loan in early 2008, until the end of the season, where he made quite an impression. He helped them reach a play-off final at the age of 34.

After returning to Palace at the end of the season, Dougie was granted a testimonial match to reward him for ten years' service at the club over two spells.

In September 2008, Southend United announced the signing of Dougie Freedman on a two year contract. On 2nd March 2010 Freedman had his contract at Southend terminated by mutual consent and he returned to his former club Crystal Palace as the new assistant manager.

1st Team Coach:
John Pemberton

Born 18 November 1964 in Oldham, Lancashire John Pemberton started his career as a junior at Manchester United but was released in June 1983. He signed for Chadderton F.C, then Rochdale A.F.C before moving to Crewe Alexandra in 1985.

He initially came to prominence when he joined Crystal Palace in 1988, helping them win promotion to the First Division in 1989.
He appeared for Palace in the 1990 FA Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley.

In 1990, Pemberton moved to Sheffield United. His most memorable moment game in 1993 when he scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Blackburn Rovers in the Quarter Final replay of the FA Cup. The following summer he was sold to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

Pemberton became something of a cult figure at Leeds owing to his determination and high work-rate. He appeared in a second Wembley final when he played for Leeds in the 1996 League Cup Final against Aston Villa, again, unfortunately for Pemberton his side was defeated.

He ended his career back at Crewe Alexandra with two appearances in the 1997–98 season.

Pemberton coached Nottingham Forest's reserve team to the Central League title in the 2007–08 season. In December 2008, following the dismissal of first-team manager Colin Calderwood, Pemberton was appointed as caretaker manager before Billy Davies was named as the new first-team boss. At the end of the 2008–09 season Davies re-organised his coaching staff, and Pemberton's contract was terminated by mutual consent after more than a decade as part of Forest's backroom team.

On 2nd March 2010 Pemberton was appointed first team coach at Crystal Palace.


May I take this opportunity to wish the new management team the best of luck for the remainder of the season.
As a Palace fan, on behalf of all Palace fans, can I ask that each of you give 100% in your efforts to keep 'The Eagles' in the Championship. In return you will have our whole hearted support in these difficult times.

Babe Of The Month - Rehydration!