Sir Alex Ferguson: Chelsea will be the team to beat again next season

SIR Alex Ferguson heaped lavish praise on former adversary and Manager of the Year Jose Mourinho and predicted more success for Chelsea under his stewardship.

The ex-Manchester United boss said: “He's a successful man, a winner. He deserves the award. I thought he had the best squad. John Terry played every game.

“Champions will always be the ones to beat. Jose knows his squad well. He's settled. It's going to be a very successful few years for Chelsea.”

Mourinho masterminded Chelsea’s fourth Premier League title, finishing eight points ahead of second placed Manchester City.

Mourinho was unable to collect his Manager of the Season award in person on Tuesday night at Old Billingsgate due to a clash with Chelsea's Player of the Year awards.

He accepted the award via a video speech, Mourinho said: “I’m happy and proud. Enjoy your evening and have a good holiday if you can. See you in August.”

Angel di Maria PSG: Ligue 1 giants make Man United winger priority summer transfer target

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly prepared to set aside the majority of their transfer budget to land out of favour Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria after failing in their pursuit of the Argentine last summer.

READ MORE:
Read the latest Manchester United transfer gossip
Man United enter £40m Karim Benzema raceReal Madrid refuse chance to sign Man United striker on permanent deal

According to French news outlet Le Parisian, the Argentine is a priority signing for the Ligue 1 champions, but – once more – the only significant hurdle they face are UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.

They audaciously claim that without UEFA’s financial regulations, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi would be a PSG player.

With the Red Devils having forked out £59.7m to sign Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, the club will no doubt be looking to recoup most – if not all – of this fee, if they choose to sell in the coming months.

The report suggests that in order to bring the price down, PSG could offer Dutch right-back Gregory Van der Wiel – who is well acquainted with United boss Louis van Gaal from his time as Netherlands manager – as part of a potential swap deal.

Despite a fairly miserable debut campaign at Old Trafford having fallen out of favour under Louis van Gaal since the turn of the year, the former Santiago Bernabeu star’s stock has largely been unaffected given his supporters are more than aware that such quality as this beautifully lofted finish versus Leicester City will return with his confidence.

What went wrong this season? After being just two points from the title in 2013-14

Liverpool

What went wrong this season? After being just two points from the title in 2013-14, things have slowly unraveled for Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, a 6-1 thrashing by Stoke in the final game of the season was a crushing but fitting end to a season that has spiraled out of his control.

What comes next? They are now without Steven Gerrard, for so long the leading light at Anfield, so a period of transition seems inevitable. The owners appear likely to stick with Rodgers, at least for the time being. Meanwhile Sterling and his outspoken agent seem determined to force a move away from Anfield.

Who have they been linked with? Reports in Portugal suggest Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio could be bound for Merseyside as a replacement for wantaway Sterling. Carlos Tevez is also weighing up a move to Anfield.

Will they close the gap? Very unlikely in time for next season.

Mauricio Pochettino sold this season as being one of transition so more is expected in the next campaign

Tottenham Hotspur 

What went wrong this season? Despite the heroics of homegrown Kane bringing great joy to White Hart Lane, the season has ended with the familiar result of just missing out on the top four. They paid the price for tailing off towards the end of the season.

What comes next? Manager Mauricio Pochettino billed this season as one of transition as he bedded in and got to know the players and club. But chairman Daniel Levy and the fans will expect marked and quantifiable signs of improvement next season

Who have they been linked with? Spurs were very keen on Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin but the midfielder seems to have his heart set on a move to Arsenal and Champions League football next season. A more likely addition is luring striker Danny Ings from Burnley.

Will they close the gap? Not title contenders yet but could force their way into the Champions League spots with good business in the transfer window.

Radamel Falcao has not managed to turn it on for Louis van Gaal, who will invest big again this summer

Manchester United

What went wrong this season? United's season started with a stutter and ended with barely a whimper as none of the players matched the enthusiasm on the pitch that manager Louis van Gaal demonstrated in his speech at the club's end of season awards. They have taken a step in the right direction after David Moyes' exit, but only a little one.

What comes next? Summer loan signing Falcao is on his way back to Monaco after contributing just four goals to United's total tally of 62 league strikes, their second lowest haul in the 23-year history of the Premier League. The search for a high scoring frontman is on.

Who have they been linked with? Harry Kane, but the Tottenham man says he is staying put. Van Gaal would be interested in Raheem Sterling but animosity between United and Liverpool makes any move deeply unlikely. If Gareth Bale is made available by Real Madrid, United would be prominent in the market.

Will they close the gap? No, unless they bring in a prolific and proven goalscorer. The squad is already strengthened by the addition of Dutch winger Memphis Depay from PSV but the likely exit of goalkeeper David De Gea would be a huge blow.

Arsene Wenger has not won the Premier League title for 10 years and he may fall short again next season

Arsenal

What went wrong this season? On paper a third place finish and a second FA Cup final – possibly a second victory – in as many years represents progress for Arsene Wenger's side but they still failed to mount a serious title challenge despite coming close to Chelsea at times. Were dealt cruel injury blows.

What comes next? If they fail to win silverware on Saturday, Wenger is likely to begin next season under pressure from some fans whose patience is waning after five years of pretty but largely unfruitful campaigns. Wenger needs to add serial trophy winners to his team

Who have they been linked with? The sale of Olivier Giroud to fund a swoop for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been suggested.

Will they close the gap? If Alexis Sanchez maintains the scintillating form demonstrated in his debut Premier League season and they can fend off injuries and bring through talented youngsters like right back Hector Bellerin, they stand a chance but will probably fall just short again.

Jose Mourinho tore into Chelsea's title rivals... so what do Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham need to catch the champions?

Jose Mourinho devoted his speech at Chelsea's end of season awards to the idea that his side were not given enough credit for their achievements this season because their brand of football was considered 'boring'.

He mocked Manchester United for dominating possession yet losing and Arsenal for scoring beautiful goals but ultimately failing to win enough games.

Mourinho was typically antagonistic but made a salient point – whatever your opinion on the way they did it; that Chelsea were the best team in the Premier League this season is indisputable. They won the title at a canter, rarely seriously threatened and had the trophy all but sewn up by March.

Here, Sportsmail considers whether there is anything the chasing pack can do to prevent a repeat performance next season.

Manchester City

What went wrong this season? They seemed to lack the big personalities in the dressing room to cope with the pressure of being champions. Ran Chelsea close around Christmas but lost a lot of ground with a run of just five wins in 14 games in the new year and hopes of defending the title ebbed away.

What comes next? Owner Sheikh Mansour is unlikely to tolerate another second place finish from manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will have more freedom in the summer transfer window this time round with fewer Financial Fair Play restrictions to contend with.

Who have they been linked with? They are reportedly in hot pursuit of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling and are prepared to offer Edin Dzeko as a makeweight. But City are set to be thwarted in their attempts to sign the immensely talented Paul Pogba from Juventus. The midfielder is said to favour a move to Spain.

Will they close the gap? With the squad they already have and the pot of money at their disposal City are best placed of the chasing pack to topple Chelsea.

The Nigerian Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee has reportedly stripped lawyer and former counsel to Ex Osun state governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Kunle Kalejaiye, of his rank as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The Nigerian Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee has reportedly stripped lawyer and former counsel to Ex Osun state governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Kunle Kalejaiye, of his rank as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).


According to Sahara Reporters, Mr Kalejaiye was stripped of his SAN rank for allegedly communicating via text message with one of the judges, Thomas Naron, during the election tribunal hearing in the case filed by ex governor Oyinlola against the current governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Mr. Kalejaye had faced an inquiry into his unethical conduct since 2008 when a series of text messages between him and the judge were made public.

Photo: Woman accused of witchcraft burnt to death in Kebbi

A woman suspected of witchcraft was burnt to ashes in Argungu town of kebbi state this morning.

Raheem Sterling ready to quit the club after this shameful act by the fans and LFC TV

Raheem Sterling’s Liverpool journey could soon be heading towards an end after the recent act of stupidity by the Liverpool fans present for Liverpool’s season-ending award ceremony.

Raheem Sterling was awarded with Liverpool’s young player of the year last night. Sterling came on the stage to receive the award only to be greeted with viscous boos by all the people in attendance.

Following the boos, Liverpool’s official channel LFC TV decided to moot the coverage so that people can no hear the boos laid down by the fans on Sterling.

Liverpool fans are still digesting the fact that Sterling has decided to leave the club and will announce his decision this coming Friday after a meeting with the officials.

Fans expressed their views on the player during the season-ending award ceremony by booing him aggressively. This follows the incidence which took place during Liverpool’s kit launch when a fan shouted to Sterling, “we better see you in this kit next season”.

The reaction of Liverpool fans and LFC TV has not gone down well with the player and their actions might have fueled Sterling’s desire to leave the club even further.

Sterling is tipped to join either Chelsea, Arsenal or make a move abroad to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the summer.

Manchester United Join Hunt For Chelsea Star

Manchester United have entered the race for Chelsea’s want away goalkeeper Petr Cech, as the Daily Telegraph states the Red Devils will make a move should their own exit-seeking stopper leave the club.

David De Gea is being chased by Real Madrid and although United are furiously fighting to secure the player to a new long-term deal, they find themselves in a tricky situation as the Spaniard has just one-year remaining on his current deal.

Reports state that should Louis Van Gaal lose his player of the year, the Red Devils will rival Arsenal for 32-year-old Petr Cech, giving the Czech international another option to consider.

Jose Mourinho has stated he is helpless to prevent Cech joining a rival Premier League club but Cech also has offers from the continent, where Mourinho hopes he will move to.

After an eleven-year stint with Chelsea, Cech is leaving to secure first-team football after losing his spot in the starting eleven to excelling starlet Thibaut Courtois.

From ‘Working Woman’ to ‘Super Woman’!

Myfoodwarehouse.com has converted many busy women in Lagos into super-women. Now every busy woman can concentrate on delivering her best at the office during the day while taking delivery at her doorstep, the required food items needed to prepare fresh and nutritious meals for her family. Myfoodwarehouse.com, Nigerian’s most innovative online fresh food shop has been at the forefront of delivering fresh and ready-to-cook food items to the doorsteps of customers in Lagos. 



We stock a large variety of fruits, fresh vegetables, poultry & meat products, African delicacies (moi moi, agidi and ogba) and seafoods, and offer same-day delivery for orders placed before 12noon and orders above 5,000naira attracts a free delivery. Here is what Myfoodwarehouse super-women in Lagos are saying about us; 

Photos: Ambode pays courtesy visit to past Lagos state governors & Osinbajo

Lagos state Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode paid a courtesy visit to past Governors of Lagos state including Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu (pictured above with his wife) and Ebitu Ukiwe. Ambode also visited VP-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja yesterday May 19th. House of Representative minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila was present during the courtesy visit. More photos after the cut..

Ebitu Ukiwe - Lagos governor from July 1978 – October 1979

Lateef Jakande - Lagos governor between1979 to 1983

Mobolaji Johnson - Governor from 1967 to 1975 

Photos from his visit to Osinbajo below...

 

Man who slumped while jogging in Lagos yesterday has died

Remember the man who slumped while jugging along Stepping Stone bus stop in Satellite town Lagos yesterday morning? (read here). The man has died. A close family friend said the man, who has been identified as Sunny Enebong, died yesterday. He probably suffered a heart attack but didn't get help in time because instead of calling an ambulance, passersby surrounded him and was just staring at him. So sad. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Calypso Coconut Liqueur partners Skuki Entertainment on campus tour

As part of its commitment to the entertainment Industry in Nigeria, Calypso Coconut Liqueur, a premium brand from the stable of Grand Oak Limited, a leading Marketer & distributor of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages in Nigeria has embarked on a Musical Tour across campuses in Nigeria. Tagged Skuki and Friends Campus Concert, the tour promises to be a memorable one. 

 
The musical group makes its first stop today at Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan and will move round other universities. 

Performing at the University of Ibadan concert isSkuki the “Banger” corona himself and other celebrated Nigerian musical artistes likeOlamide, Phyno, May D, Zeez, Black Magic, Vector, Lil Kesh and a host of other notable artiste in the Music Industry. 

Commenting on the event, the Brand Manager, Calypso Coconut Liqueur, Miss Joy Alabata, said “the Calypso, Skuki and Friends Campus Tour will be a thrilling event with great performance from Skuki and other musical Icons in the Industry”

She also added,“Calypso Coconut Liqueur brand is specially packaged for fun lovers and the campusTour with Skuki and friends provides a good opportunity to connect with our core targets and for Calypso.The idea is to ensure that we provide a platform for fun and complete entertainment in all campuses across the Country”.

The Calypso brand has over the years sponsored series of events ranging from UnilagBiobaku Hall week, Grand Oak Valentine party and a host of others.

Calypso Coconut Liqueur is a special tropical coconut flavored drink that is carefully blended for fun lovers with good taste.

Xenophobia: South Africa repatriates 5,645 immigrants

South Africa has repatriated 5,645 foreigners since the end of xenophobic attacks in late April, the government said yesterday. A Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe, who said this in a statement, added that the foreigners chose to leave South Africa voluntarily.

Malawians made up the bulk of the foreigners, numbering 3,506, followed by Zimbabweans (1,440) Mozambicans (682), while Tanzanians had (17). Mr. Radebe said the repatriation process started soon after the latest spate of xenophobic violence ended in April.

"The Department of Social Development continues to work closely with other relevant departments, as well as civil society organisations to provide support to displaced foreign nationals,” Mr. Radebe said. The official also said over 1,000 foreigners received trauma counseling.

According to the statement, 10 women with children under 12 months of which three had just given birth were flown to their respective countries on their insistence. Mr. Radebe further said the department would continue to do its work to ensure that the underlying socio-economic issues that gave rise to tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals were dealt with.

 He also defended the current Operation Fiela (meaning “sweep’’ in Sesotho language) launched after the end of the xenophobia attacks. He said the operation was meant to address the security challenges in a structured and coordinated manner.

Chelsea line up Manchester City striker as Drogba replacement

Barclays Premier League winners
Chelsea are planning a sensational
swoop on nearest rivals Manchester
City for Edin Dzeko.
The is out of favor Bosnia &
Herzegovina striker is being lined up as
a possible replacement for Didier
Drogba, whose contract is up in the
summer.
Although Dzeko has been a key player
for the Citizens since his £27million
arrival from German side Wolfsburg in
the winter of 2011, he has been
consistently linked with a move away
from the Etihad.
OLD GUARD: Didier Drogba could leave
the Blues in the summer
The £25 million recruit of Ivorian
International Wilfried Bony from
Swansea has seen Dzeko fall further
behind in the pecking order, and could
finally part with the Manchester side.
The 29-year-old’s agent Irfan
Radzipegic earlier in February revealed
that his client would be interested in a
move to a ‘big club’ like Juventus or
Atletico Madrid.
"Dzeko is 28 years old and wants to play
for the most prestigious teams in
Europe. If he were to leave Manchester
City he'd prefer a big club like Juventus
or Atletico Madrid," he said.
Former club Wolfsburg; where he made
a name for himself, winning the
Bundesliga in 2008-09 and finishing as
the leading scorer in the league the
season after, are also rumored to be
interested in the hitman’s services.
Dzeko himself refused to rule out a
return to the Volkswagen Arena
"A return to Wolfsburg? Never say
never,”
“If the fans of Wolfsburg want to win
back the championship, then they will
need a striker who scores at least twenty
goals a season.
“Although Bas Dost right now is doing
very well and has earned the trust of the
club,” he told Kicker.
WHERE HE MADE A NAME: Dzeko has
refused to rule out a move to
Wolfsburg
But the German sides’ sporting
executive Klaus Allofs has quelled the
"nonsense" speculation.
This might leave Chelsea as the clear
favorites to land Dzeko, and despite
signing a new four-year contract last
summer, he could be available for a
cut-price fee of less than £15million.
Diego Costa was burdened with the
goalscoring duties this season, which
he carried out quite efficiently. But
Mourinho wants to lighten the burden,
and a move for an experience and
proven goalscorer in Dzeko makes
sense.

West Brom name strong squad to face Chelsea

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has a fully fit squad for the Premier League visit of Chelsea on Monday. The Baggies have been carrying several knocks for a number of weeks – although Pulis has kept the identity of the players a secret.
Callum McManaman has fully recovered from his foot injury, though, with Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye pushing to start after being named on the bench in last week’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
Provisional squad: Myhill, Rose, Gamboa, Wisdom, Dawson, McAuley, Lescott, Olsson, Brunt, Pocognoli, Gardner, Baird, Morrison, Fletcher, Mulumbu, McManaman, Yacob, Sessegnon, Berahino, Ideye, Anichebe.

Burundi coup leaders arrested

Three army generals who were part of a group that attempted to overthrow Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza a few days ago have been arrested. Former Burundi Defence minister Gen Cyrille Ndayirukiye was one of the three arrested today. But the general who led the coup and made the announcement on radio, Gen Godefroid Niyombare (pictured left) has not been found.

The General had earlier told AFP News Agency on phone yesterday that he and others who plotted the coup will surrender but hoped they will not be killed."I hope they won't kill us". He said.

President Nkurunziza, who returned back to Burundi yesterday from Tanzania is expected to make a national address later today. Obviously, he has more people loyal to him in the army than the generals

2 policemen reportedly killed during vandals’ attack

According to a report by Punch, suspected pipeline vandals engaged policemen attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism in a gun battle yesterday in Igando, Lagos.

Unfortunately during the shootout, two of the police officers were killed, while others sustained bullet injuries. According to reports, two of the vandals, who were about 20 in number had broken 2 underground pipelines and were stealing fuel when the police team arrived on a tip off.


A witness said

“The clash occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The police were acting on a tip-off that those vandals were at the Obadore waterside with their tankers. So, the task force moved in and they were able to intercept the tankers. They seized three fuel-laden boats and two empty others. They arrested a female suspected pipeline vandal. As they made to leave the area, other vandals opened fire on the task force and the policemen replied. At the end of the shootout, two of the policemen were seriously wounded and two were killed. Some witnesses sustained gunshot injuries too. I do not know whether any suspects were arrested from the scene.”

A source, who spoke with the newspaper said that the injured officers had been rushed to the Igando General Hospital for treatment. He said,

“We cannot conclude that the two policemen are dead. Other officers, who were seriously wounded, have been rushed to the Igando General Hospital, and are receiving treatment presently. As we speak, there is a massive operation ongoing in the area as armed policemen have taken over everywhere. It was a major attack by the vandals on the task force."

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed a shootout in the area. He said, “Yes, there was a shooting incident in the area, which is being investigated by the police.”

im Kardashian superfan who spent £100,000 on surgery gets turned away for more surgery

 Jordan James is a 23-year-old Kim Kardashian superfan and lip filler addict who has spent more than £100,000 on plastic surgery just to look like his ‘idol’ Kim Kardashian.

Jordan has spent £350 per shot on each of his 50 lip filler operations, even though he's been warned several times that his lips might end up exploding some day.More photos after the cut.He also has eyebrow tattoos, chin, forehead and cheek filler, botox injections and has had laser hair removal.

James who was brought up in Birmingham, has revealed in a TV show-Botched that he could no longer move his face as a result of the surgery and that his 4mm lip fillers are leaking.

He said: ‘I can’t really move my face. I want just a little bit of definition and they just got bigger and bigger but any attention is good attention.
‘I’m worried if they keep leaking I’m going to end up with small lips again.

Jordan asked 'Botched' doctors Terry Dubrow and Paul Nassif if he could have a nose job to give him a smaller pinched in looking nose but both doctors said no, demonstrating with cotton buds that if he had the surgery he wouldn’t be able to breathe due to his enormous lips. He disregarded their advice and said he'd go elsewhere to get it done.

In regards to his lips, he said: ‘I’m addicted to lip-fillers. The bigger, the better. I’ve never felt better about myself. I laugh when people try to insult me by telling me I look plastic or fake. Do they think I’m going for the natural look? If I was, I’d ask for my money back".

‘Whenever I see a new procedure, I have to try it. I’m in the clinic so often I get a discount. I do borrow money off my family. But I have worked hard, in sales and at a health club', he said. ‘I work so hard as a make-up artist and I grew up with my mum who would spend the last pound in her purse if she wants something. Now, if I want it, I have it. My mum also likes to buy me things, which I’m very grateful for. I am a little bit spoilt, I have to admit’.

Jordan before surgery

With his Mum as a child.