MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" /></a>MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002.<br /> <br /> It will be the second meeting between the two sides, with MK Dons coming out on top in a December 2012 FA Cup clash.<br /> <br /> MK Dons started the season in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 comeback win at home to Gillingham on Saturday, while AFC Wimbledon shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town<br /> <br /> Huddersfield Town begin life without Mark Robins with a trip to Chesterfield.<br /> <br /> Robins parted company with Town after their 4-0 opening day defeat to Bournemouth - who travel to face League Two Exeter City - and Chesterfield will hold hopes of claiming a Championship scalp, having begun life back in League One with a 2-1 win over last season's beaten play-off finalists Leyton Orient.<br /> <br /> Orient's Wembley conquerors from last May Rotherham United host League Two play-off final winners Fleetwood Town, while the 2013 finalists in the competition, Bradford City, are in another trans-Pennine clash as they make the trip to the Lancashire coast to face Morecambe.<br /> <br /> There are all-Lancashire clashes between Bolton Wanderers and Bury and Rochdale and Preston North End, while York and Doncaster Rovers will contest Yorkshire bragging rights.<br /> <br /> Leeds United will be dearly hoping to avoid any slip ups against Accrington Stanley after Dave Hockaday's unlikely reign as manager got off to a lacklustre start with a 2-0 loss at Millwall, who also entertain League Two opposition in the form of Wycombe Wanderers.<br /> <br /> Cambridge United and Luton Town sealed their returns to the Football League last term and look to build on opening day wins with ties against Birmingham City and Swindon Town respectively.<br /> <br /> Shrewsbury Town will have designs on a Championship scalp when crisis club Blackpool travel to Greenhous Meadow, while the latter's 2-0 weekend conquerors Nottingham Forest head to Merseyside to take on Tranmere Rovers.<br /> <br /> Forest’s local rivals Derby County get the 2014-15 competition under way at Carlisle United on Monday night, while the two other teams that fell short in the Championship play-offs last season - Brighton and Wigan Athletic - face Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion respectively.<br /> <br /> Ipswich Town and Watford are on the road at Crawley Town and Stevenage following impressive weekend showings in the second tier, with Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also travelling Oldham Athletic and Coventry City.<br /> <br /> The remaining Championship sides in the draw are Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Reading and the quartet will enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe United, Notts County, Colchester United and Newport County respectively.<br /> <br /> Elsewhere, Barnsley host Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City face Oxford United, Dagenham and Redbridge welcome Brentford, Plymouth Argyle entertain Leyton Orient, Hartlepool United travel to Port Vale, Portsmouth tackle Peterborough United, Wolves host Northampton Town, Gillingham head to Yeovil Town and Sheffield United play Mansfield Town.

AFC Champions League FA Cup football MK Dons news news sports MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday. League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002. It will be the second meeting between th…

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Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" title="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" width="320" /></a>Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The midfielder was left unconscious following a first-half collision with team-mate Cristian Ansaldi, who was challenging Wolfsburg's Ivica Olic for an aerial ball.<br /> <br /> Suarez required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Tiago, with Atletico later confirming details of the injury.<br /> <br /> "Mario Suarez suffers a traumatic brain injury," they tweeted. "He's regained consciousness. He's being taken to the hospital for tests."<br /> <br /> Raul Garcia had already headed Atletico in front by the time Suarez was stretchered from the field, and added his second nine minutes after the interval.<br /> <br /> A Mario Mandzukic penalty made it three before Naldo reduced the deficit, but further goals from Koke and Hector put Atleti out of sight.<br /> <br /> Diego Simeone's men started well and Mandzukic tested goalkeeper Diego Benaglio inside the opening minute as the Liga champions looked to end a run of three matches without a goal.<br /> <br /> And it was not long before they were in front, with Garcia rising well to power home a header from Gabi's corner in the 13th minute.<br /> <br /> Kevin De Bruyne started to cause problems in the Atleti penalty area, but the visitors had an even bigger issue to deal with when Suarez was felled in the 21st minute.<br /> <br /> That injury cast something of a shadow over the remainder of the match, but Garcia did his bit to lift Spanish spirits when he capped a flowing Atleti move to double the advantage in the 54th minute.<br /> <br /> And the visitors were three up eight minutes later when Mandzukic was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Naldo - the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.<br /> <br /> The Croatian dusted himself down to drive the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net.<br /> <br /> Naldo atoned for his earlier mishap by drilling into the bottom left-hand corner from a 67th-minute free-kick, but Koke's curling effort ensured the German club's joy was short-lived.<br /> <br /> Hector put the gloss on the result seven minutes from time after being teed up by debutant Antoine Griezmann.<br /> <br /> Despite the serious injury to Suarez, who later underwent a CT scan and was kept in hospital for observation, the nature of the result and a debut for Griezmann should send the men from the Spanish capital home with at least some cheer.

Atletico Madrid football Mario Suarez midfielder news news sports The Players Wolfsburg Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday. The midfielder was left unconscious following a first-half collision with team-mate Cristian Ansaldi, who was challenging Wolfsburg's Ivi…

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Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" title="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" width="320" /></a>Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training.<br /> <br /> The Serie A outfit had gone in front at the Commerzbank-Arena through Ruben Botta, but on-loan Chelsea man Lucas Piazon levelled for Frankfurt.<br /> <br /> Haris Seferovic then netted twice before half-time as Inter succumbed to defeat in their penultimate friendly before their return to competitive action in the UEFA Europa League play-offs in 10 days' time.<br /> <br /> Mazzarri, while disappointed with the result, felt the hard work put in by his players during the week had been detrimental to their short-term cause.<br /> <br /> "Was this down to the heavy workload during the week? I don't want any excuses," he told Inter Channel.<br /> <br /> "My fitness coach told me we needed to work on strength right now, as otherwise we'd lack sharpness later on in the season. I think the lads paid that price and they looked pretty heavy-legged.<br /> <br /> "We weren't sharp and I hope that is only down to the fitness work. At this stage of the season it's easy to do well in one game and badly the next. If you lack just a tiny bit of sharpness and focus, then you can trip up.<br /> <br /> "Up until our goal Eintracht hadn't created any chances, but we have to be more concentrated in some situations. Perhaps we subconsciously let go after taking the lead.<br /> <br /> "In the second half we focused on damage limitation."

Chelsea coach Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League football Haris Seferovic Inter news news sports Serie A UEFA Walter Mazzarri Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training. The Serie A outfit had gone in front at the Commerzbank-Arena through Ruben Botta, but on-loan Chelsea man Lucas Piaz…

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Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" title="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" width="320" /></a></div> Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.<br /> <br /> Hours after the sale of former skip<br /> per Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal dispatched the Premier League champions at Wembley on Sunday as Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud found the net in an impressive performance.<br /> <br /> Arteta featured alongside Jack Wilshere as the FA Cup holders dominated central midfield and Wenger named the former Everton player as his new captain, with Per Mertesacker to serve as vice-captain.<br /> <br /> Wenger said: "One, Arteta and two, Mertesacker. Arteta will be captain and Mertesacker vice-captain."<br /> <br /> Mertesacker was absent against City due to an extended break after being part of Germany's triumphant World Cup squad.<br /> <br /> It opened the way for close-season signing Calum Chambers to partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back and the 19-year-old produced as assured display, despite playing the majority of his senior football to date at right-back.<br /> <br /> "For a 19-year-old he had an outstanding performance," Wenger said. "The kind of performance he delivered is very promising.<br /> <br /> "It's impressive because he hasn't got a long history in this position because he was a right-back and I think if all goes well he has a good career in front of him.<br /> <br /> "He can challenge both centre-backs and that's what you want. You cannot play with two centre-backs the whole season; that means he will play."<br /> <br /> At the other end of the field, an Arsenal attack featuring showpiece new signing Alexis Sanchez caused City no end of problems and Wenger is pleased with the talent at his disposal for the new campaign.<br /> <br /> "I have more attacking options than I had for a long time - that's for sure," he said.<br /> <br /> "Three, four, five years ago, every year we lost a big player. In the last two years, we added players like [Mesut] Ozil and this season like Alexis so of course that strengthens the squad.<br /> <br /> "I am, of course, very ambitious but I'm a bit cautious because I have quite a good experience. I look around and see the other teams have strengthened as well so it will be interesting to watch the Premier League because it looks like all the big teams will be very strong."<br /> <br /> Arsenal's title bid last term was undermined by heavy defeats at the hands of fellow Premier League heavyweights.<br /> <br /> "That's why it was important for us not to lose the game," Wenger added.<br /> <br /> "On that front we know that last year we were very consistent against the teams outside the top six and not consistent against the top six teams.<br /> <br /> "The year before it was reversed so let's hope that this year it will be right on both sides."

Arsenal Arsene Wenger football Manchester City Mikel Arteta news news sports Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Hours after the sale of former skip per Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal dispatched the Premier League cham…

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Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a>Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> Butt has been impressed with the way the Dutchman, who guided his country to third place in the World Cup, has settled in at United and believes the club could challenge for the title this season.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> The former United midfielder has been retained as part of the backroom staff at Old Trafford, with his focus on developing young players.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> David Moyes struggled under the pressure of succeeding Alex Ferguson at United last season, but 39-year-old Butt does not expect the new man in charge to have any such problems.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "He is obviously a very in-control man," he told the Manchester Evening News. "He has an aura about him - when he walks in the building, you know who the boss is, and I think that is very important.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "We had that with Sir Alex for all those years and I think we have that now with Van Gaal. He walks into the building and he commands your respect.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "All the players look up to him as the leader and that is how it should be.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "From afar, when I've looked at him it looks like he takes no messing about and if anyone doesn't toe the line, I'm sure they will be out of the team."</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> United have won every game since the 63-year-old arrived and have one friendly against Valencia remaining before their opening Premier League clash with Swansea City on August 16</div>

Ferguson football Manchester United news news sports Nicky Butt Premier League soccer United Van Gaal Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson. Butt has been impressed with the way the Dutchman, who guided his country to third place in the World Cup, has settled i…

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Promes agrees Spartak switch

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592797header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592797header.jpg" /></a>Spartak Moscow have announced the signing of promising Dutch forward Quincy Promes on a four-year contract from Twente.<br /> <br /> Promes burst onto the scene in the Eredivise last season with 11 goals in 31 appearances as Twente qualified for the UEFA Europa League with a third-placed finish.<br /> <br /> The 22-year-old's domestic form attracted attention from then-Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and earned him an international debut against France at Stade de France in March.<br /> <br /> Promes was also included in Van Gaal's provisional squad for the World Cup in Brazil, but failed to make the final 23.<br /> <br /> His form attracted the attention of a number of clubs, but it is Spartak have won the race for his signature and Promes is looking forward to the next chapter in his career.<br /> <br /> "I am happy that all the formalities are settled and I am now a Spartak player," he told the club's official website.<br /> <br /> "For me as a young player, this move is certainly a step forward.<br /> <br /> "Here I get the opportunity to grow and develop as a professional, playing in a strong league, and I hope to be able to benefit from a new team.<br /> <br /> "This is a very big club with a great history."<br /> <br /> Twente have moved quickly to replace Promes with the signing of South Africa international Kamohelo Mokotjo from Zwolle on a four-year deal.

Champions League football news news sports Spartak Twente UEFA Promes agrees Spartak switch

Spartak Moscow have announced the signing of promising Dutch forward Quincy Promes on a four-year contract from Twente. Promes burst onto the scene in the Eredivise last season with 11 goals in 31 appearances as Twente qualified for the UEFA Europa L…

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Bruce not ruling out more signings

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592653header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592653header.jpg" /></a>Hull City boss Steve Bruce is not ruling out making even more additions to his squad before the transfer window closes.<br /> <br /> After leading the club to a maiden FA Cup final last term, Bruce has strengthened significantly with over £20million worth of investment in his first-team squad.<br /> <br /> Jake Livermore's permanent arrival from Tottenham after a successful loan has been supplemented by the signing of attacking pair Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass as well as promising defenders Harry Maguire and Andrew Robertson.<br /> <br /> And speaking after Hull secured a UEFA Europa League play-off berth with a 2-1 win over Trencin on Thursday, Bruce confirmed he will go after further signatures if suitable targets become available.<br /> <br /> "I always knock the door, I think every manager is never ever finished," he explained.<br /> <br /> "The day I say no is the day I may as well pack it in. We always look to improve.<br /> <br /> "I had five [on Thursday] not stripped, the two we've brought in - Maguire and Robertson - [Nikica] Jelavic, [Maynor] Figueroa, [George] Boyd.<br /> <br /> "We've got healthy competition all round but always if there’s a bit of quality then I'll try."<br /> <br /> One area Bruce is reportedly keen to strengthen is his attack with Matt Fryatt leaving for Nottingham Forest after slipping behind Shane Long and Jelavic in the pecking order.<br /> <br /> Yannick Sagbo is Bruce's only remaining out-and-out frontman other than his first-choice pairing.<br /> <br /> While keeping tight-lipped on his potential striker search, Bruce praised Long's efforts against Trencin despite the Irishman finding himself repeatedly thwarted by Slovakian goalkeeper Milos Volesak.<br /> <br /> The Hull boss added: "Strikers keep getting there, two or three of the chances he [Long] got there himself with his blistering pace to be fair to him and he made them himself.<br /> <br /> "He'll be disappointed that he hasn't scored knowing him but like any striker they've got to keep getting there, next week let's hope it's his turn and he sticks a couple in."

FA Cup football news news sports UEFA Bruce not ruling out more signings

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is not ruling out making even more additions to his squad before the transfer window closes. After leading the club to a maiden FA Cup final last term, Bruce has strengthened significantly with over £20million worth of inve…

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Spahic retires from international football

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592651header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592651header.jpg" /></a>Emir Spahic called time on his international career with Bosnia-Herzegovina following their group-stage exit at the World Cup in Brazil.<br /> <br /> Spahic wore the captain's armband as Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to reach the knockout rounds in their debut appearance at the World Cup last month, finishing behind Argentina and Nigeria in Group F.<br /> <br /> And the 33-year-old centre-back - Bosnia-Herzegovina's longest serving captain and second-most capped player - announced on Thursday that he was retiring after 77 appearances for the national team.<br /> <br /> "I gave it a lot of thought and decided to hang up my national team boots after consultation with my friends and family," Spahic told Bosnian media.<br /> <br /> "I am proud to have played in the World Cup with this group and the time has come for younger lads to take over.<br /> <br /> "I wish the team all the best in Euro 2016 qualifiers."<br /> <br /> Spahic, who made his debut as a substitute against Romania in 2003, stepped down from international duty in an effort to prolong his club career with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, according to Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic.<br /> <br /> "Spahic told me after the World Cup he needed a bit of time to make a decision and when he did, he explained that he wanted to focus on his club duties," said Susic.<br /> <br /> "I respect his decision. He was a great player and captain for Bosnia and it will be difficult to replace him."

Brazil football news news sports Spahic Spahic retires from international football

Emir Spahic called time on his international career with Bosnia-Herzegovina following their group-stage exit at the World Cup in Brazil. Spahic wore the captain's armband as Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to reach the knockout rounds in their debut appear…

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United target Vidal back running

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592645header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592645header.jpg" /></a>Midfielder Arturo Vidal has resumed running but a date for his return remains unknown, according to Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.<br /> <br /> Vidal, 27, had knee surgery in May, but still played a huge part for Chile at the World Cup.<br /> <br /> Louis van Gaal's concerns over the problem are reportedly all that is standing between Vidal and a move to Premier League giants Manchester United.<br /> <br /> Allegri, whose team are in Australia to face an A-League All Stars team on Sunday, confirmed Vidal was back running.<br /> <br /> "He is running since yesterday, but we will evaluate day by day his condition and when it is best for him to start playing again," Allegri told a news conference in Sydney on Friday.<br /> <br /> Sunday's clash at ANZ Stadium will mark the first, and probably last, time Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero takes on his former club.<br /> <br /> Juve goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon said it would be "beautiful" to face his former club and Italy team-mate, but hopes he can keep the attacker off the scoresheet.<br /> <br /> Former Sydney FC star Del Piero, who is without a club, will captain the All Stars.<br /> <br /> "Of course having a game against Alex is something completely new for me and for Juventus of course," Buffon said.<br /> <br /> "It will be a beautiful experience to have this game against Del Piero and I hope there will be chances for everybody to entertain the public.<br /> <br /> "Hopefully one of these chances won't be Alex scoring a goal against Juventus."

Chile football Juventus Manchester United Massimiliano Allegri news news sports United Vidal United target Vidal back running

Midfielder Arturo Vidal has resumed running but a date for his return remains unknown, according to Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. Vidal, 27, had knee surgery in May, but still played a huge part for Chile at the World Cup. Louis van Gaal's con…

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Poyet ´confident´ of Fabio Borini capture

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592641header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592641header.jpg" /></a>Sunderland manager Gus Poyet remains confident the club will sign Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.<br /> <br /> Poyet confirmed last month that terms had been agreed with Liverpool to bring Borini back to the Stadium of Light after a successful loan spell in 2013-14.<br /> <br /> But the Italian's move to Sunderland was put on ice following a shoulder injury sustained during Liverpool's pre-season fixture against Roma in the United States.<br /> <br /> Sunderland remain interested in Borini and speaking after Thursday's 2-0 win over Real Betis, Poyet said the club were staying patient in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.<br /> <br /> "We're still waiting," said Poyet.<br /> <br /> "There's no more than last week, no more than next week.<br /> <br /> "We're waiting but it's still ongoing. I'm still confident it will happen."<br /> <br /> Borini netted seven goals in 32 league appearances as Sunderland avoided relegation last season.<br /> <br /> The former Chelsea youth product also scored three goals in the Capital One Cup, including the opener in the decider against Manchester City.<br /> <br /> "I don't think the word is 'frustrating' because we knew after he travelled and the [shoulder] injury that it would take a bit longer," added Poyet.<br /> <br /> "We'll keep working because we know him very well.<br /> <br /> "Fabio ticks all the boxes because we know what we're going to get and how important it is for us and the fans as well.<br /> <br /> "We are in a very good position... waiting.<br /> <br /> "It's that last step, that little thing that is going to close it."<br /> <br /> "Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it takes a bit longer."

Fabio Borini football Gus Poyet news news sports Sunderland Poyet ´confident´ of Fabio Borini capture

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet remains confident the club will sign Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. Poyet confirmed last month that terms had been agreed with Liverpool to bring Borini back to the Stadium of Light after a successful loan spell in 2013-…

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John John StonesStones eyeing future captaincy

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592635header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592635header.jpg" /></a>Young defender John Stones said he would "jump" at the chance to captain Everton in the future after signing a new contract.<br /> <br /> Stones, 20, committed his long-term future to the club by penning a five-year deal - a reward for his stellar 2013-14 Premier League campaign.<br /> <br /> And the former Barnsley youth player, who made 26 appearances in his first full season at Goodison Park, told Everton's official website he has the potential to wear the armband just like skipper Phil Jagielka.<br /> <br /> "I'd love to captain Everton," said Stones, who has also earned two international caps for England.<br /> <br /> "It's a massive dream of mine and the big name players that have done it in the past, I would love to follow in their footsteps.<br /> <br /> "I'd like to think that I have the attributes [to be a captain].<br /> <br /> "I'd like to think that I can do it in the future and, if that chance came along, I would jump on it straight away."<br /> <br /> Stones added: "It's been massive for my learning curve to play alongside Jags [Jagielka] and Sylvain [Distin].<br /> <br /> "They are experienced pros and to learn off them day in and day out and in games is helping me as a person.<br /> <br /> "They are leaders and hopefully I can keep learning off them to get better as a player."

Everton football John Stones news news sports Premier League John John StonesStones eyeing future captaincy

Young defender John Stones said he would "jump" at the chance to captain Everton in the future after signing a new contract. Stones, 20, committed his long-term future to the club by penning a five-year deal - a reward for his stellar 2013-14 Premier…

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Genoa pin hopes on Mauricio

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592089header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592089header.jpg" /></a>Genoa have secured the services of Chile international Mauricio Pinilla from Serie A rivals Cagliari.<br /> <br /> The 30-year-old was part of the national squad that reached the second round of the World Cup in Brazil, before being knocked out on penalties by the hosts.<br /> <br /> Pinilla was almost the hero for his side that day, crashing a shot off the crossbar in extra-time, before missing his spot-kick in the ensuing shootout.<br /> <br /> The forward was also involved in a bust-up with Brazil press officer Rodrigo Paiva during the match, which saw the official banned for three matches.<br /> <br /> Pinilla joined Cagliari from Palermo - initially on loan - in 2012, and scored 22 goals in 63 league appearances during his time at Stadio Is Arenas.<br /> <br /> Genoa announced the news on their official website, while Pinilla took to his Twitter account to declare: "I'm officially a player of @GenoaCFC."

Cagliari football Genoa Serie A soccer Genoa pin hopes on Mauricio

Genoa have secured the services of Chile international Mauricio Pinilla from Serie A rivals Cagliari. The 30-year-old was part of the national squad that reached the second round of the World Cup in Brazil, before being knocked out on penalties by th…

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Draxler happy at Schalke

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592087header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592087header.jpg" /></a>The future of Julian Draxler has been the subject of much speculation over the past year, but the 20-year-old says he is happy at Schalke.<br /> <br /> Draxler has been heavily linked with a number of Premier League clubs, not least Arsenal, and the midfielder revealed he turned down a move to the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.<br /> <br /> Despite interest from across Europe, Draxler admits that last season he did not show his full potential when registering only two goals for Schalke.<br /> <br /> However, after signing a new five-year-deal in May and being part of the Germany squad that won the World Cup, the midfielder hopes to put that frustration behind him.<br /> <br /> "I just want to help the team and I want to be one of the leaders. I think I have to show all my qualities," said Draxler.<br /> <br /> "I have to be more dangerous on my position and create more chances. So I think the last season was very important for my development. I had to go through many lows, but this season will be much better."<br /> <br /> Schalke face Tottenham in their final pre-season friendly before starting their domestic campaign with a first-round DFB-Pokal tie against Dynamo Dresden on 18 August.

Draxle football Premier League Schalke soccer Draxler happy at Schalke

The future of Julian Draxler has been the subject of much speculation over the past year, but the 20-year-old says he is happy at Schalke. Draxler has been heavily linked with a number of Premier League clubs, not least Arsenal, and the midfielder re…

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Campbell makes Fleetwood loan switch

<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> <div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592085header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592085header.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Newcastle United striker Adam Campbell has joined League One side Fleetwood Town on a one-month loan deal.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">The England under-19 international has struggled to break into the first team at St James' Park since graduating from the club's youth academy in 2012.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Campbell made three senior appearances during his debut season with the first team before spending much of the last campaign out on loan.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">After spells with Carlisle United and St. Mirren, he will move to Highbury on a one-month loan deal and could make his debut against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">While the 19-year-old failed to score for Carlisle, he found the net twice for St. Mirren and will bolster Graham Alexander's attacking options.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Fleetwood are preparing to embark on their maiden campaign in the third tier after a meteoric rise up the pyramid in recent years.</span></span></div>

Campbell football Newcastle United soccer Campbell makes Fleetwood loan switch

Newcastle United striker Adam Campbell has joined League One side Fleetwood Town on a one-month loan deal. The England under-19 international has struggled to break into the first team at St James' Park since graduating from the club's youth academy…

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Terry retains faith in returning Drogba

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592007header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592007header.jpg" /></a>Chelsea captain John Terry is adamant that Didier Drogba will still give defences nightmares in his second spell with the club.<br /> <br /> Drogba rejoined Chelsea last month, signing a one-year deal after his contract with Turkish side Galatasaray expired.<br /> <br /> The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a magnificent first stint at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League three times, the FA Cup on four occasions and the UEFA Champions League in 2011-12.<br /> <br /> A prolific eight-year spell ended with Drogba scoring over 150 goals for the London outfit, but at 36 there are doubts over whether the former Marseille man can reproduce anything close to that sort of form on his return.<br /> <br /> Drogba is likely to be the back-up to Spain's Diego Costa - who arrived from Atletico Madrid in July - with Romelu Lukaku, the player long touted as his heir apparent, sold to top-flight rivals Everton.<br /> <br /> But Terry remains confident that the move will prove to be a good one for Jose Mourinho's men, and feels Drogba's experience could have a positive impact on Chelsea's younger players.<br /> <br /> "Didier's still the same. He's been a nightmare to play against in training. He's still physically strong, sharp and hungry as well," Terry told Chelsea TV.<br /> <br /> "It's important Didier is here because he brings that mentality of wanting to win every day and that rubs off on people like [centre-back] Kurt Zouma and the other young players he's playing against."<br /> <br /> It has been a transfer window of great change for Chelsea, who - in addition to Drogba and Costa - have recruited Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, long-serving players Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have moved on, with the latter set to play for Manchester City on loan after joining affiliate MLS franchise New York City.<br /> <br /> But, while Terry is saddened by the departures of that pair, he feels fans should be excited by the club's future.<br /> <br /> "It just doesn't seem right to see them [Cole and Lampard] in different shirts," he added.<br /> <br /> "The club are evolving. One day we'll all be gone.<br /> <br /> "It's time for these players to continue to keep winning trophies for this club and keep the fans and owner happy.<br /> <br /> "If I was a Chelsea fan I'd be impressed from what I have seen so far from Diego, Cesc, Filipe and all the boys that have come in like Kurt as well."

Chelsea Drogba football John Terry soccer Terry retains faith in returning Drogba

Chelsea captain John Terry is adamant that Didier Drogba will still give defences nightmares in his second spell with the club. Drogba rejoined Chelsea last month, signing a one-year deal after his contract with Turkish side Galatasaray expired. The …

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Bastia loan Ba from Sunderland

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592079header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592079header.jpg" /></a>Sunderland midfielder El-Hadji Ba has returned to French football, joining Ligue 1 side Bastia on a season-long loan.<br /> <br /> The midfielder joined the Premier League club from Le Havre last July, but failed to establish himself in the first team in his maiden season.<br /> <br /> Ba scored on his debut in a 3-1 FA Cup win over Carlisle United in January, but made only two more appearances in the 2013-14 campaign.<br /> <br /> First-team opportunities were likely to be limited for the 21-year-old Frenchman in the coming season following the addition of Jack Rodwell.<br /> <br /> Ba will instead hope to prove himself with Bastia as they look to build on last season's 10th-place finish under new coach Claude Makelele.<br /> <br /> Bastia face Marseille in their Ligue 1 opener on Saturday at the Stade Armand Cesari, where Ba could make his debut for the Corsican club.

football soccer Sunderland Bastia loan Ba from Sunderland

Sunderland midfielder El-Hadji Ba has returned to French football, joining Ligue 1 side Bastia on a season-long loan. The midfielder joined the Premier League club from Le Havre last July, but failed to establish himself in the first team in his maid…

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Mostefa makes Lorient move

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592031header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/7/592031header.jpg" /></a>Lorient have added some steel to their midfield with the signing of Algeria international Mehdi Mostefa from Ajaccio on a three-year-deal.<br /> <br /> Mostefa makes the move after playing two games during Algeria's run to the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil.<br /> <br /> The defensive midfielder, who can also operate as a centre-back, spent three years with Corsican side Ajaccio after joining them from Nimes in 2011.<br /> <br /> Mostefa could not prevent Ajaccio from suffering the ignominy of relegation from Ligue 1 last season, as they finished bottom with just 23 points to their name.<br /> <br /> But Mostefa will be playing in the French top flight in the coming season after becoming the latest recruit of new Lorient coach Sylvain Ripoll, who took over from Christian Gourcuff in May.<br /> <br /> Ripoll will preside over a much changed side in his maiden season in charge.<br /> <br /> Ghana forward Jordan Ayew and former France Under-21 international Benjamin Jeannot are among the other new faces at Stade du Moustoir.<br /> <br /> First-team regulars Jeremie Aliadiere, Kevin Monnet-Paquet and Gregory Bourillon have left the club, but the 30-year-old Mostefa is excited by the prospect of playing for the Brittany club.<br /> <br /> "I was interested in the project of the club," Mostefa told Lorient's official website.<br /> <br /> "To leave Ajaccio for Lorient is a great step for me in my career. I am very happy to be here.<br /> <br /> "I am ambitious and really want to make a great season with Lorient."<br /> <br /> Mostefa could make his Lorient debut at Monaco on Sunday.

Algeria football soccer Mostefa makes Lorient move

Lorient have added some steel to their midfield with the signing of Algeria international Mehdi Mostefa from Ajaccio on a three-year-deal. Mostefa makes the move after playing two games during Algeria's run to the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil. …

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Outsourcing: 5 ways corporations grab your tax dollars

Greedy corporations just can't seem to get enough outsourcing, as they take control of public assets like roads, parking meters, schools and prisons.<br /><br />None of this is news to anyone. But it seems the scope of outsourcing is growing and the pace is accelerating. Just in the past few days we note news items about the corporate takeover of our schools, our water, our prisons and our national air space. Corporations even manage to persuade taxpayers to pay for <i>creating</i> assets -- like football stadiums -- that benefit people who are already wealthy.<br /><br />Here's a quick rundown: <br /><br /><b>Charter schools: </b><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2013/09/10/charter-school-gravy-train-runs-express-to-fat-city/" rel="nofollow">Forbes</a> reported recently on the corporate grab for local education dollars in a story, "Charter School Gravy Train Runs Express To Fat City." The magazine told it like it is:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">On Thursday, July 25, dozens of bankers, hedge fund types and private equity investors gathered in New York to hear about the latest and greatest opportunities to collect a cut of your property taxes.</blockquote>There are now more than 6,000 charter schools in the United States, 3,500 more than a decade ago, and they're educating 2.3 million children. These corporate schools can pick which students they admit, but local taxpayers pay for them. They're a great way for politicians to reward their cronies. In Ohio, Forbes reports,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...two firms operate 9% of the state’s charter schools and are collecting 38% of the state’s charter school funding increase this year. The operators of both firms donate generously to elected Republicans. </blockquote>Sadly, kids in corporate schools don't do any better than kids in public schools.<br /><br /><b>Air traffic control: </b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-23/talks-on-private-air-traffic-control-turn-serious-in-u-s-.html" rel="nofollow">Bloomberg</a> tells us "Discussions about removing government management of the U.S. air-traffic control system are the most serious in two decades."<br /><br />"Privatization is not the answer," responded a commenter identified as Exctyengr:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Most of these knuckleheads never served in the military nor flew in the air traffic system. ... We privatized much of the military and we got Blackwater and Halliburton and Kellogg, Brown and Root and how did that work out?  Did we get our money's worth?  Were there scandals? </blockquote><b>Prisons, of course: </b>The <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/09/private-prisons-profit-scheme.html" rel="nofollow">Center for Media and Democracy</a> reports <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;">prison industry giants like </span><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Corrections_Corporation_of_America" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;">Corrections Corporation of America</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;"> are making big profits by locking states into occupancy quotas and “low-crime taxes." Some states </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;">state are by the corporation to keep prisons full or pay a fee for unused beds.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;"> Cost-cutting by private prisons companies "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">has led to numerous lawsuits and litigation, fines, and increased need for federal oversight, at great cost to taxpayers, communities, inmates and their families." Instead of taxpayer money going to safer communities, it goes to CEO salaries: <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/09/GEO-group-rap-sheet.html" rel="nofollow">GEO Group </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.890625px;"><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/09/GEO-group-rap-sheet.html" rel="nofollow">CEO George C. Zoley's compensation</a> was an eye-popping $22,315,704 from 2008-2012, almost all paid for by U.S. taxpayers.</span><br /><br /><b>NFL Football:</b> Gregg Easterbrook at <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/10/how-the-nfl-fleeces-taxpayers/309448/" rel="nofollow">The Atlantic</a> argues:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Taxpayers fund the stadiums, antitrust law doesn't apply to broadcast deals, the league enjoys nonprofit status, and Commissioner Roger Goodell makes $30 million a year. It's time to stop the public giveaways to America's richest sports league—and to the feudal lords who own its teams. </blockquote>Well, at least the players are allowed to belong to unions.<br /><br /><b>Water: </b>In Fryeburg, Maine, a local taxpayer named Bruce Taylor doesn't want Nestle getting a sweetheart deal from state regulators to buy water for its Poland Springs bottled water business. Maine's Public Utilities Commission members all have financial ties to the corporate giant (no surprise there). Taylor told <a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/the-stream/the-stream-officialblog/2013/9/27/conflict-of-interestclaimspersistinmainesnestlewatercase.html" rel="nofollow">al-Jazeera America</a>,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“They’re buying a commodity at a cheap regulated rate from a monopoly they own and are reselling it for a high profit in the form of bottled water you find in your local 7-11,” Taylor said. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Taylor believes Nestle is paying too little for water and making too much profit off of Maine. He suggested “an inverted water rate for any commercial water that leaves the state of Maine.”</blockquote>For more about the perils of outsourcing, read the Center for Media and Democracy's series on <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/projects/outsourcing-america-exposed" rel="nofollow">Outsourcing America Exposed</a>.

aviation safety charter schools football outsourcing private prisons water privatization Outsourcing: 5 ways corporations grab your tax dollars

Greedy corporations just can't seem to get enough outsourcing, as they take control of public assets like roads, parking meters, schools and prisons.None of this is news to anyone. But it seems the scope of outsourcing is growing and the pace is acce…

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Richmond: More than 20,000 fans turn out for Redskins Fan Appreciation Day

<blockquote>Practice has begun here at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center, and crowds are still lined up all the way to DMV Drive, waiting to enter the facility.<br /><br />More than 20,000 fans have entered already today, though many have turned around and headed right back out after seeing the conditions. Mud and fertilizer has created a pungent smell in the main viewing area, and security guards have been overmatched against the throngs trying to enter and leave at the same time.</blockquote>So writes Michael Phillips in Saturday's <i><a href="http://trainingcamp.blogs.timesdispatch.com/2013/08/03/more-than-20000-pack-redskins-camp-on-fan-appreciation-day/">Richmond Times-Dispatch</a></i>. Sounds to me like Richmonders are really enjoying having the <a href="http://www.redskins.com/">Redskins</a> in town. Fan favorite RGIII has been a hit:<br /><blockquote>During the practice portion, quarterback Robert Griffin III was once again the focal point, and he hit his first four passes during 7-on-7 play.</blockquote>Perhaps the enthusiastic outpouring of support will <a href="http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/07/30/washington-redskins-training-camp-in-richmond-a-success-so-far/">help temper the criticism</a> surrounding the move to Richmond. Perhaps. Meanwhile, <i><a href="http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/eight-ways-to-spot-a-redskins-training-camp-tourist/Content?oid=1927043">Style Weekly</a></i> lightens up the atmosphere with a humorous list of eight ways to spot a Redskins Training Camp tourist. <br /><br />I checked out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redskins">Redskins' Facebook page</a> and found photos, links to press conferences, rallies and gatherings at local restaurants, and more. Seems like a win-win for Richmond <i>and</i> the fans.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/08/richmond-more-than-20000-fans-turn-out-for-redskins-fan-appreciation-day/">Virginia Politics On Demand </a>

Bon Secours facebook football RGIII Richmond Richmond Times-Dispatch Robert Griffin III SPORTS Style Weekly training camp Washington Redskins Richmond: More than 20,000 fans turn out for Redskins Fan Appreciation Day

Practice has begun here at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center, and crowds are still lined up all the way to DMV Drive, waiting to enter the facility.More than 20,000 fans have entered already today, though many have turned around and…

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