Will Power: November 2007

Code 26112007 (Part 3)

It is now 12.14am at time of writing this post.....

Why am I not sleeping? Well, the night is still young, and I am kind of a night owl.

Glad that there has been a conclusion to this matter. I got what I wanted and a new chapter of my life will soon begin once I put ink to paper on some documents in just 9 hours time.

Making this decision and sticking to it faithfully has not been an issue. This is what I really wanted all along.

Have to admit that there will be some things which I may have to sacrifice in exchange of this, but I think I will have to be brave enough to let go, to let go of some happy moments which may not happen again.

I am not saying that the new beginning will be bad, its just that I will have to take some time to settle down. Who knows it will be best for me in the long run?

But I am dead certain that I will do well.

Change is inevitable at some point, and we must move along with it. Those who resist change will never move forward in life.

We are indeed living in a world where time waits for no one. If you don't seek to upgrade yourself constantly, you will be left behind. This is the reality of the cruel world..... .

After close to 4 years, I think its time for me to really look far ahead for a better view and to seek new challenges that will once again provide a stern test for my character.

It will definitely be signed, sealed and delivered later this morning....... .

Veloso Is Top Target

Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has admitted that bringing Sporting Lisbon wonder-kid Miguel Veloso to Old Trafford has become a "priority".

Veloso, 21, is on United's wanted list - but Real Madrid, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all monitoring him closely.

Queiroz says Veloso is among the top young players in the world, and United are considering making a move even though Sporting have stuck a £20million price tag on his head.

"It is impossible to ignore good players and we are following the evolution of some top players," said Queiroz. "One is Veloso. He would be hard to ignore."

Red Devils Defeat Sporting To Top Champions League Group

Cristiano Ronaldo's late strike gave Manchester United victory against Sporting Lisbon to ensure they finish top of their Champions League group.

Ronaldo fired in a superb injury-time free-kick to sink battling Sporting and take the pressure off United for their final group game away to AS Roma.

Abel beat Tomasz Kuszczak at his near post to put Sporting ahead early on.

But substitute Carlos Tevez levelled from close range on the hour to set up Ronaldo's grandstand finish.

United will now get a more favourable draw in the last 16 knockout stages after topping Group F.

Ronaldo was restored to their starting line-up after the defeat at Bolton - but he had little impact on a low-key first 45 minutes.

He did create one chance for Louis Saha with a brilliant flick after 18 minutes, but the striker pulled his shot wide.

Sporting took the lead in bizarre circumstances three minutes later when Abel's speculative shot from near the touchline caught out Kuszczak and flew in at his near post.

They could have added a second almost instantly, but Liedson's finish was ruled out for offside - a marginal decision at best.

As United struggled to maintain any attacking rhythm, Sporting were shooting on sight and Anderson Polga shocked Kuszczak with a snap-shot that the keeper held at the second attempt.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a double substitution at half-time, sending on Tevez and Ryan Giggs for Nani and Darren Fletcher.

Giggs almost created an equaliser for United after 58 minutes when Nemanja Vidic met his corner but headed just wide.

United did not have long to wait to restore equality, levelling on the hour when Ronaldo's shot was deflected in off a combination of Tevez and Sporting defender Marian Had.

Tevez then set up Ronaldo for a fierce angled drive, but his effort was well blocked by Sporting keeper Rui Patricio.

Owen Hargreaves was introduced with 12 minutes left, and he almost scored with only his second touch, forcing another fine save out of the impressive Patricio from Anderson's pass.

But with time running out and United looking like they might need something from their trip to Roma to win their group, Ronaldo fired in a brilliant swerving free-kick to seal the win.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:

"The important thing in the second half was our impetus and the change of pace, and Carlos Tevez helped that with his positional play.

"His running caused them problems and I'm delighted he got the equaliser because he deserved that.

"It is important in the sense that when we go to Rome I will be able to use all my squad. One or two might not travel because there's an important game coming up against Liverpool.

"It was a marvellous strike by Cristiano Ronaldo. He's done it before, he works very hard at that but it was a truly exceptional goal.

"I think that he always wants to do well against his old club because he owes a lot to Sporting Lisbon - they found him as a boy, he respects that and has great admiration for the club."

Man Utd: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher (Tevez 46), Nani (Giggs 46), Saha (Hargreaves 79).

Subs Not Used: Van der Sar, Brown, Pique, Simpson.

Booked: Ronaldo, Evra.

Goals: Tevez 61, Ronaldo 90.

Sporting Lisbon: Rui Patricio, Abel, Anderson Polga, Tonel, Had, Izmailov (Bruno Pereirinha 81), Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli (Vukcevic 67), Veloso, Purovic (Farnerud 81), Liedson.

Subs Not Used: Tiago, Adrien Silva, Gladstone, Yannick Pupo.

Booked: Had, Anderson Polga.

Goals: Abel 22.

Att: 75,162.

Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

Milan Purovic challenges United's Rio Ferdinand in the early exchanges at Old Trafford

The Portuguese side take the lead in the 22nd minute as Abel's shot beats Tomasz Kuszczak at the near post

The hosts equalise as Carlos Tevez appears to get a touch to Cristiano Ronaldo's shot at goal in the 61st minute

Ronaldo's stunning free-kick gives the hosts victory in added time to ensure Sir Alex Ferguson's men top Group F

Changi Airport Terminal 3 Open House -- Part 1

Went to the Terminal 3 Open House last friday and took some photos.

Terminal 3 will officially be opened on 9th January 2008. It is built at a cost of S$1.75 billion and is a 7-storey building with 4 above-ground levels and 3 basements.

Terminal 3 will add a capacity of 22 million passengers per annum, bringing the total capacity of Changi Airport to 70 million passengers. When operational, Terminal 3 will add another 28 aerobridge gates to the airport, with up to eight to handle the new generation of aircraft, the Airbus A380.

View from outside Level 2

3 stands for Terminal 3?

Check-In Counters before departure

Phone booths for calling the ones you love before departure

So, where to go?

The unique roof

This way up to the viewing mall. Yes, food is also located upstairs

Marvellous view of Level 2

The Terminal 3 visitor gallery. It is also the starting point of the tour. Visitors either have to pay $1 for self-guided or $3 for the guided tour.

Departure gate

Inside Level 2 Transit Mall

Endless flow of water. It also symbolises the endless flow of passengers when Terminal 3 is fully-operational come 9th Jan 2008

The first FIFA World store in the world

The carpet

The transfer counter

Surf for free! Part of the Internet stations located throughout the terminal building

The Koi Pond (no fishes at the moment.....)

Another view of the Koi Pond

The Gate Holdrooms

Relaxing in comfort. Heard that the sofas are imported all the way from Sweden

* Part 2 yet to come...... . Please wait for it!

FA Charges Man Utd Boss Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is to face a Football Association misconduct charge.

Ferguson has been charged with using abusive and insulting words towards an official after an exchange with referee Mark Clattenburg on Saturday.

Ferguson was sent to the stands by Clattenburg following a half-time rant during United's 1-0 defeat at Bolton.

The Scot, who must respond to the FA by 11 December, said he told the referee "exactly what he thought of him".

He continued: "Some referees don't like it. They don't like the truth. But I just told him how bad he was in the first-half."

Ferguson was upset with what he felt was a lack of protection for his players against what he claimed were "over-aggressive" tactics from Gary Megson's side.

He now faces a fine and the possibility of a touchline ban if the case against him is proved.

However, he continued his criticism of Clattenburg on Monday.

"Any team at the bottom of the league, you expect them to battle and scrap because they haven't got the quality of opponents like ourselves - that's why we are in different positions.

"But the key to it really is how the referee controls it. He's the arbiter in terms of applying the laws of football. That's where we feel a bit aggrieved."

Code 26112007 (Part 2)

Good news to be announced pretty soon....

Everything went on smoothly except for some issues to be agreed between both parties, but that should not be a problem.

Patrice Evra: I Love Man. United

Patrice Evra is the next United player in line to sign a new extended contract, and the Reds full-back says he couldn’t be happier at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old has been one of the Reds’ outstanding performers this season.

His current deal expires in around 18 months, but Evra is keen to extend his stay in Manchester.

"I love the club and I am really enjoying my football," he told MUTV.

"I've got one season left on my contract after this one, but Manchester United know my situation. I'm just concentrating on playing, I'll leave the rest to my agent and the club."

Evra modestly, almost reluctantly, accepts praise for his performances this term.

"I work hard every day," he said. "Football for me is like a pyramid and you have to always try and stay at the top. I need to continue my work. Everyone at the club has really helped and I have no excuse not to do well."

Not only is Patrice proving popular on the pitch, his personality makes him a well-liked figure off it among team-mates and with the manager - except when international matters are at stake.

"I remember when France lost to Scotland, when I got back to Manchester the boss and Fletch absolutely killed me! Now it's my turn," Patrice joked.

Evra helped France secure qualification to Euro 2008 alongside Italy, at the expense of Scotland.

However, he says he would have gladly seen Scotland go through, so long as it wasn’t at the expense of les bleus.

"I would have been happy if France and Scotland had qualified,” he added.

"They did very well in the qualifying games. Conceding the goal after just two minutes against Italy made it difficult, but the atmosphere was absolutely amazing at Hampden Park.

"I was certain that Scotland would beat Italy, but football can be like that."

Evra unhappy with Davies?

Patrice Evra has launched a savage attack on Bolton’s Kevin Davies after leaving the Reebok battered and bruised.

The French full-back accused Davies of targeting him for rough treatment as Manchester United stumbled to defeat.

Sir Alex Ferguson was furious ref Mark Clattenburg did not give his players more protection. The Old Trafford chief spent the second half in the stands after telling the official what he thought of him and now faces a touchline ban.

Evra revealed his anger with Davies. He said: “It was the same last year when he kicked me as well. I said to him then, ‘Why do you do a tackle like that?’ And he said, ‘Because I don’t like you’. I didn’t understand it. And he did it again. It’s bizarre. His first tackle deserved a red card. I received more tackles in that one game than I’ve had in my entire life.”

Tevez Deal To Be Made Permanent?

Sir Alex Ferguson wants to extend Carlos Tevez's stay at Old Trafford.

The energetic forward has become a popular figure at United since joining in the summer.

The 23-year-old's existing loan contract will expire at the end of next season. But Sir Alex is hopeful of making the deal permanent, and he believes the fee is a bargain.

"There is no question about his long-term future here. David Gill has spoken to his agent and told him we are very happy with him," Sir Alex told Setanta.

"The fee is in place. I won't tell you what it is but it is still cheap. I want to make his happen. He has impressed everyone with his appetite for the game.

"He'll get me 15 goals this season and what's more they will be important goals."

Destination Nowhere Out This Wednesday!

Erika Sawajiri's 2nd single, Destination Nowhere, will be released this wednesday, 28th Nov.

Kindly show your support by purchasing her latest single.

Track List:

01 Destination Nowhere

02 ESCAPE

03 FREE -overrocket101007 mix-

04 Destination Nowhere (Instrumental)

Man. United Sink To Defeat At Bolton

Gary Megson claimed his first win in charge of Bolton with the unlikely scalp of Manchester United, thanks to Nicolas Anelka's early strike.

Anelka slotted home Ivan Campo's free-kick after 11 minutes.

And an out-of-sorts United were left frustrated as Jussi Jaaskelainen kept out Owen Hargreaves' free-kick and Carlos Tevez sliced a shot wide.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands after the break following a half-time rant at the referee.

Ferguson, whose side now trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by three points, was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg for a tunnel outburst at a succession of minor decisions that had gone against his team.

Although Manchester United's trip was less than 20 miles down the road from Old Trafford, the gap between the two sides in the Premier League could not be much bigger.

United experienced their only previous league defeat this season back in August - against Manchester City - whereas that same month marked Bolton's only win in the Premier League - 3-0 against Reading.

Having already notched up four draws and a loss, Megson's side have clearly become harder to beat but few would have expected them to take an early lead.

Megson reaped the rewards of Anelka's return from a recent hamstring injury when the Frenchman took advantage of United defender Gerard Pique's mistake to slot home.

Campo's chipped free-kick set up the goal with Pique mis-timing his leap leaving Anelka unmarked with the ball in front of goal.

While Bolton looked lively and dangerous on the break, the visitors made a lacklustre start - perhaps missing the touch of winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested after playing in two Euro 2008 qualifiers over the past week.

United's chances at the other end were few in the first half with Hargreaves screwing a 20-yard effort wide, and Tevez just failing to get on the end of Rio Ferdinand's long ball.

Their frustrations were deepened by an ongoing battle between Bolton striker Kevin Davies and United defender Patrice Evra - which resulted in an angry Ferguson being sent to the stands after the break.

Davies was lucky to get away with just one booking after two heavy-handed late challenges and a nasty clash of heads with the Frenchman.

But the referee's decision brought Ferguson to the touchline to express his disgust.

However the tactical substitution of Pique for Anderson just before the half hour mark seemed to reinvigorate Ferguson's side and moments later, keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen did well to keep out Owen Hargreaves' dipping free-kick with a flying save.

United kept turning the screw and Carlos Tevez should have done better when he sliced Evra's cross wide from just a yard out 70 minutes in.

Although the visitors continued to pile forward, United could find no equaliser.

And when Hargreaves clipped the roof of the net with an injury-time free-kick, Ferguson had to settle for the sight of his side losing at Bolton for the first time since December 1978.

Meanwhile Megson was able to breath a sigh of relief as defeats for Birmingham, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Wigan helped Bolton climb from second from bottomin the table to 15th on 11 points.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Andrew O'Brien, Gardner, Campo, Nolan (McCann 83), Guthrie (Wilhelmsson 74), Davies (Speed 70), Anelka, Diouf.

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Michalik.

Booked: Davies, Nolan, Hunt.

Goals: Anelka 11.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown (O'Shea 88), Pique (Anderson 59), Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Hargreaves, Giggs, Saha, Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Eagles.

Att: 25,028

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).

That goal that gave Bolton Wanderers the victory over the reigning champions

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on referee Mark Clattenburg:

"I told the referee what I thought - some referees don't like it. They don't like the truth.
"But I just told him how bad he was in the first-half.

"I know Bolton are battling for their lives at the bottom but they were a bit aggressive and we were looking for some protection from the referee."

Sir Alex: I had to rest Ronaldo....

“Ronaldo had a little strain on the inside of his thigh,” United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV. “We’ll see what he is like for Tuesday but he was not fit for Saturday.”

O'Shea Signs New Deal

John O’Shea has signed a three-year extension to his current contract, which will see him stay at Old Trafford until June 2012.

The versatile Irishman made his United debut eight years ago as an 18-year-old and has been a regular first-team squad member since his breakthrough season of 2002/03.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “John has developed during his time here at the club and he is now regarded as one of the more experienced players.

"He has proved over the years through his personality and professionalism that he is an outstanding credit to Manchester United. I'm delighted he has signed a new contract."

O’Shea was equally upbeat after putting pen to paper, adding: “I'm really pleased to be extending my contract with the champions. I've been at Old Trafford since I was 17 and it's a dream come true to play for such a great club.

"I hope to play my part in bringing more trophies to the club and to continue the success with this young, exciting team. I'd also like to thank the boss, the staff and the fans for their continued support.”

Park Close To Return

Reds midfielder Ji-sung Park could be back in action by the end of December as he continues his excellent rehabilitation work.

The 26-year-old Korean star has spent eight months on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury, which he sustained in United’s 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in March.

He completed the full 90 minutes but was later sent to renowned knee specialist, Dr Richard Steadman, for surgery in America.

It has been a long and arduous road to recovery. Although he is not yet in full training and remains under medical supervision, Ji has occasionally taken part in first-team exercises in recent weeks.

Park joined the rest of Sir Alex's squad on Friday and the Reds boss says the livewire winger is edging ever closer to a return.

“Ji is back training and he will almost definitely be playing by the end of December. He is doing really well,” said the boss.

“He may have to wait until the beginning of next year, but he is certainly on the way back. He’s doing good training.”

There was further good news for United as Park’s fellow long-term absentees, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster, are also recovering well from serious knee injuries.

“Mikael Silvestre, as we predicted, could be back in March,” added Sir Alex. “And Ben Foster is also doing some good work. We expect him to be available in February, or maybe March.”

Swift Return For Rooney?

A mere seven days after being told he would be out for a month, this picture shows Wayne Rooney doing light running at Carrington on Friday. The Reds forward is on course for a rapid return after twisting his ankle in training before the Blackburn game last Friday

The Reds striker scored eight goals in seven games before a training ground accident forced him onto the sidelines.

The initial prognosis signalled that United would be without the influential front man for a month.

Sir Alex Ferguson: “I think Wayne will be back for the Fulham game."

What do you think? Will Rooney make his rapid comeback?

Only time will tell............

Code 26112007 (Part 1)

Probably the turning point of my life......

Watch this space for more updates......

Man. United Capture 14-year-old Cofie

Manchester United have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for 14-year-old Burnley striker John Cofie and agreed an undisclosed fee with the Clarets.

Burnley rejected a reported £250,000 bid from Liverpool for Cofie this week.

But the German-born Ghanaian refused to return to training with the Clarets and they agreed he could leave Turf Moor.

Burnley have inserted a 25% sell-on clause in the deal, which also gives them first refusal on any loan deal and a future friendly match with United.

It will be three years before Cofie can sign professional terms at Old Trafford and the friendly game will take place within 12 months of that.

Cofie was signed by the Clarets last summer after he was spotted at a youth tournament in Germany.

"The player was unwilling to come back to Burnley so we didn't have a choice in keeping him here," Burnley operational director Brendan Flood told his club's website.

"He was going to go to one of the clubs chasing his signature and in the end, we all felt that Manchester United was the right option.

"He has a good future ahead of him and hopefully we can try and keep youngsters of John's quality at the club in future."

O'Shea Closes On New Deal

Reds defender John O'Shea is hopeful of signing a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford for the rest of his career.

The versatile Irishman has become an important member of the United squad and he looks set to be rewarded with an extended contract.

"I have this season and the next on my current contract, but I am very close to signing a new deal that will keep me at United into my 30s," he was quoted as saying in the Sunday Mirror.

The 26-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Reds this term, and his value to United is evident in the variety of positions he has taken up in defence and midfield.

"It is something I want to do," he said of the prospective deal. "I want to stay here, everything is good and this is where I want to be. I have never looked to go elsewhere."

United To Lock Up Defence

Sir Alex Ferguson is on course to wrap up new deals for four of Manchester United's rearguard.

Wes Brown, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to sign a three-year contract worth £50,000-a-week in the next few days. He has been right-back this season in place of the injured Gary Neville and can talk to other clubs from January 1 unless United move fast.

Left-back Patrice Evra will renegotiate the deal that brought him to United almost two years, while John O'Shea was offered an improved contract.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will agree a 12-month extension until the end of next season.

Ferguson To Make Vidic Decision

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will decide whether Nemanja Vidic plays for Serbia at the weekend.

Vidic is part of the Serbia squad whose Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan has been rescheduled for the same day as United's league match with Bolton.

The Group A match was due to be played last Saturday but had to be cancelled because of heavy snow in Belgrade.

Uefa said because the new date falls outside an international window Serbia have no automatic right to keep Vidic.

The Serbs still have an outside chance of qualifying for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

However, if they fail to beat group leaders Poland on Wednesday, or Portugal take a point from Finland on Wednesday, the Kazakhstan tie will be meaningless.

After Saturday's postponement Uefa attempted to stage the qualifier on Sunday but with 14cm of snow still lying on the Partizan Stadium pitch, those plans also fell through.

Super Import Nights -- The Vehicles

Well, the Super Import Nights ain't just about the pretty babes. What is a motorshow without the vehicles?

(click on the image for the original size version)