Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is the early favorite, according to the oddmakers, to take over at Anfield. AVB was sacked at Chelsea during the season but still considered by many to be a top notch manager. Other favorites at Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers who are both currently managing other EPL teams. Both managers would likely be candidates for the especially Martinez who was able to lead Wigan to a great finish to avoid relegation.

The odds for betting sites are below and are through Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

SkyBet

AVB – 2/1

Martinez – 3/1

Rodgers – 6/1

Benitez – 13/2

Capello – 10/1

Bet365

AVB – 9/4

Martinez – 7/2

Rodgers – 11/2

Benitez – 8/1

Capello – 12/1

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Liverpool Football Club have parted ways with manager Kenny Dalglish after another disappointing EPL season. Despite the club winning the Carling Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, Liverpool were continually inconsistent in league play and finished behind their rivals Everton.

Dalglish took over the reigns as manager after Roy Hodgson was sacked in January 2011. Initially, Dalglish took over on an interim basis but was given a three year contract at the end of the 2010-11 season. Things were looking up for Liverpool heading into this season but it was their very poor home record (6 wins compared to 8 away wins) that led to an eighth place finish.

Liverpool released the following statement on their website about the decision.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as Manager after having his contract terminated.

After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the Club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily.

The search for a new Manager will begin immediately.

Principal owner John Henry was fulsome in his praise for the outgoing Manager.

“Kenny will always be more than a championship winning manager, more than a championship winning star player. He is in many ways the heart and soul of the club. He personifies everything that is good about Liverpool Football Club. He has always put the Club and its supporters first. Kenny will always be a part of the family at Anfield.

“Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take this Club forward and build on the strong foundations put in place during the last 18 months.”

Liverpool Chairman Tom Werner said it was a tough decision, but ultimately one that needed to be made.

“Kenny came into the Club as Manager at our request at a time when Liverpool Football Club really needed him. He didn’t ask to be Manager; he was asked to assume the role. He did so because he knew the Club needed him. He did more than anyone else to stabilize Liverpool over the past year-and-a-half and to get us once again looking forward. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.

“However, results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change.

“We are committed to delivering success for our supporters and our ambition remains resolute to return this great Club to the elite of England and Europe, where it belongs.”

Kenny Dalglish’s departure brings to an end his second spell at the Club where, as a player, he won numerous honours, including six English league titles and three European Cup trophies. As Manager he won three league titles, two FA Cups and of course this season, the Carling Cup.

Dalglish said he is proud to have served such a great Club.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to come back to Liverpool Football Club as Manager. I greatly appreciate the work that Steve, Kevin, the players and all of the staff put in during my time and feel proud that we delivered the Club’s first trophy in six years winning the Carling Cup and came close to a second trophy in the FA Cup Final. Of course I am disappointed with results in the league, but I would not have swapped the Carling Cup win for anything as I know how much it meant to our fans and the Club to be back winning trophies.

“Whilst I am obviously disappointed to be leaving the football club, I can say that the matter has been handled by the owners and all concerned in an honourable, respectful and dignified way and reflects on the quality of the people involved and their continued desire to move the football club forward in the same way as when they arrived here.

“I would like to thank all of the staff at the Club for their effort and loyalty. I said when first approached about coming back as Manager that I would always be of help if I can at any time and that offer remains the same.

“Finally, I want to put on record my heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool’s fans, who have always given me and the Club their unwavering support. Without them neither the Club nor I would have achieved anything.”

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England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed the 23 players chosen for the upcoming 2012 UEFA European Championships. The list includes most of the players used in Euro 2012 qualifying such as Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, Ashley Young, and Wayne Rooney. The full list is below and also includes a list for stand-by players in case of injuries.

Goalkeepers
Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders
Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea).

Midfielders
Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Forwards
Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur).

Standby list
Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea).

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AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the leading goalscorer for the 2011-12 Italian Serie A season. The striker scored 28 and was four above second place Diego Milito who scored 24. It’s Ibrahimovic’s second Golden Boot in Italy as he also won in 2009 while playing for Inter Milan. The list of the top goalscorers for the 2011-12 season are below.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has won the “Best Manager” in the English Premier League for the first 20 seasons awarads. The awards mark the 20th season of the EPL era and Ferguson was the clear choice as United won 12 of 20 league titles.  The following is an excerpt from the news on the official Premier League site.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the Best Manager in the 20-year history of the Premier League.

The Scot is the only man to have managed in all 20 Seasons of the Premier League and he was chosen from a shortlist of five contenders by a panel of football experts.

At a special ceremony in London on Tuesday, Man Utd chief executive David Gill accepted the award on Ferguson’s behalf and paid tribute to the Old Trafford’s club’s long-serving boss.

“He’s very honoured by the recognition of what he and the club have achieved over the past 20 years,” said Gill.

“You see the hunger, enthusiasm and drive day in, day out. He didn’t sleep on Sunday night [after Man Utd missed out on the title] and was in the office at 7.30am on Monday morning.

“He’s a winner. Football is his life and long may it continue.

“You can feel Sir Alex’s influence throughout the club of course. Man Utd has grown immeasurably and he understands the other areas of the club and knows that Man Utd as a whole has to have all parts working together.

“I’m sure he’ll have many more years with us. Am I confident for next season? Always with that manager.”

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Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has won the award for the Best Player in the English Premier League during its first 20 seasons. Giggs has been a consistent player during the EPL era which saw United won multiple titles as well as trophies in Europe. The Welshman had the following comments about winning the award.

“Being named as the best player in the 20 Seasons of the Premier League is a tremendous honour for me, and very humbling when you consider some of the brilliant players who were nominated alongside me.”

“I’ve known Sir Alex since I was 13 and he’s been the biggest influence on my career. Even then he knew my name and my parents’ names, and it’s that personal touch that sets him apart from everyone else.

“At 17, you just want to train with the first team, then you get greedy, want to get in the team and win trophies, but of course I didn’t think I’d still be playing at this age.

“The older lads get a bit of stick in the dressing-room, but I remember when I was in their shoes giving it out to the likes of Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce.

“The older players have always made the younger players feel at ease at United, and the transition – because of the manager – has always been an easy one into the first-team squad.”

“The Premier League is bigger and better now than it was 20 years ago, there’s no doubt about it,” he added. “The players and facilities are better and it’s just a joy to have been a part of it from the start and see what it is now.

“I think the League is faster and technically better these days. You’ve seen this season with the football played and the goals scored that it’s getting better every year.”

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After a successful career that included stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ruud van Nistelrooy has announced his retirement. Nistelrooy will likely be considered one of the greatest strikers ever with over 300 goals scored and top goalscorer awards in multiple leagues. He recently finished this past season playing for Malaga and helped them finish in fourth to earn a UEFA Champions League spot. The following are comments during his press conference held on Monday, May 14, 2012.

“I played my last match as a professional footballer yesterday.  My dream, and that of the Club, was to qualify for Champions, and I think now is the right time for me to retire.  Playing at the highest level in the League as well as the Champions, has made me realise that I’ve reached my physical limit.  There’s not a better way, or a better time for me to retire, it was completely my decision”.

“I would like to thank Málaga Club de Fútbol, my team mates, the coach, Antonio Fernández – Sporting Director – Fernando Hierro – MCF’s General Manager – the coaching and medical teams, and everyone that works with the Club, for an unforgettable year.  I’m proud to have played in different championships in various parts of the world, but the biggest satisfaction for me is to have worked hard every day, year after year, to reach the highest level of football”.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the fans of FC Den Bosch, Heerenveen, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Hamburg and Málaga CF, as well as the Dutch national team.  Also thank you to my followers, who’ve been supporting me all over the world, my agent, who’s been a friend, a true inspiration and adviser, and to Nike for believing in me.  I’d like to thank my family, my wife and children and all my friends, for all your support in helping me have such a successful career”.
 
“I made the decision in February/March.  I knew it was the right time for me to retire.  I didn’t make an announcement before, as I didn’t want it to interfere with the team and the work we were doing.  We were working towards our ultimate goal, and I didn’t want the headlines to be about me.  The most important thing was to keep working to achieve our dream”.

“I arrived at the Club a year ago, at the start of an exciting new project, with new ideas and big dreams.  Now we’re in fourth position in the Spanish League.  It’s amazing, a wonderful feeling.  I’d like to congratulate everyone, the team, and all at the Club, who’ve helped us achieve our goal”.

“It was a spectacular final.  Retiring from football at almost 36 years of age, without injury, and being completely my decision, is very important to me.  Also helping Málaga CF reach the Champions League after an amazing, historic year, and lots of hard work”.

“I played as well as I could, and wasn’t thinking about my retirement at all.  Now is the time to decide what I’m going to do”.

“It’s wonderful to have the love and support from fans.  Every professional footballer works hard to keep the fans happy, and when they return the sentiment, there’s nothing better”.

“I always wanted to retire on top.  It’s been a fantastic year, and we’re celebrating our fourth place.  After Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, there’s Málaga CF, and this is a wonderful memory that I’ll remember forever”.

Nistelrooy’s career stats are below.

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Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has been charged with two acts of violent conduct by the English Football Association (FA). Barton was sent off in Sunday’s match for an elbow on Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez. The charges are referring to what Barton did after being sent off as he kicked Sergio Aguero and tried to headbutt Vincent Kompany.

Barton has had a troubled past on and off the pitch which has resulted in suspensions and fines. Despite his problems, Barton has still had a successful career was a regular starter for QPR this season.

The FA released the following statement on the charges. Details on a possible suspension and/or fines will be determined later as Barton has a chance to respond to the charges.

The FA has today [Monday 14 May] charged Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton in relation to two acts of alleged violent conduct during Sunday’s match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Following the player’s dismissal in the 54th minute of the fixture, there followed two incidents involving Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee.

Barton has until 6pm on Tuesday 15 May to respond to the charges.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that midfielder Paul Scholes will return for the Red Devils next season. Scholes has retired after the 2010-11 season but returned to football in January 2012. The midfielder showed little rust and along with Giggs is still very capable of playing at a high level. It’s unknown if the upcoming season will be his last but it could be determined by if United are able to win the EPL or Champions League.

The club press release (from their website) is below.

Sir Alex has confirmed that Paul Scholes will stay at Manchester United for the 2012/2013 campaign.

The midfielder retired last year but returned in January to help fuel the Reds’ title bid, playing a key role in the team accuring 89 points and only missing out on the championship on goal difference.

At 37, he still showed a thirst for finding the back of the net – scoring four times, against Bolton, Norwich, QPR and Swansea and all worries that he may call it quits again have been ended by the manager.

“It’s been done,” he told MUTV in an exclusive interview during the Player of the Year award ceremony. “I’ve spoken to him and he’s staying. I’m delighted. He knew he’d made a mistake.

“He now realises that if he plays 25 or 30 games next season, they’ll be of real quality. We know our player very well. We’ve had him since he was a kid and we know how to use him.”

United legend Bryan Robson, who knows all about dominating the midfield, endorsed the move during another exclusive MUTV interview.

“Why would you not stay?” he asked. ”Since Scholesy’s come back, he’s been terrific. To run games in the Premier League like he has since he’s come back, has been great.

“He’s got such a great footballing brain, his passing range is so great. I’m just delighted that Scholesy is staying.

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Below is the final table for the 2011-12 Italian Serie A season.