Sunderland Sign Barcelona B Captain & Terry Named England Captain.

Mikk · 08-10-2006, 12:17 PM

Sunderland have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Arnau Riera, subject to international clearance.
Arnau passed a medical last night and quickly agreed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
The 24-year-old is likely to come into contention for a place in the Black Cats' team against Plymouth on Saturday.
Arnau has signed from Barcelona, where he captained their B team (reserves) last season.
He spent 10 days training with Sunderland and an impressive performance in a practice game against South Korea under-20s last week persuaded boss Niall Quinn to sign him.
Quinn said: "We really like the look of him. He's a creative player but he also likes a tackle. That's what made us sit up and take notice. I think our fans will take to him.
"Arnau is an exciting player. He has fantastic lungs, is a playmaker but can also tackle. He's the type of player you need to be to come to Sunderland, he ticks all the boxes. He's a fine, athletic player."

Quinn added: "I've talked about us needing creativity and he's a player I think will create. He comes into contention for Saturday."
Quinn said Barcelona "reluctantly" allowed Arnau to leave, freeing him up to pursue a dream of playing English football.
He added: "They have insisted on a sell-on clause in the deal, which is only right."
Arnau played in the Spanish Segunda Division B last season - the third tier of football in Spain.
Barcelona's B side has provided a production line of top-class talent in recent years, cultivating the likes of Lionel Messi, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool's Luis Garcia.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourninho managed Barcelona B in the 1990s.
Sunderland hope to receive international clearance in time for Arnau to feature against Plymouth at the Stadium of Light.

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John Terry has been named as the new captain of the England football team.
The 25-year-old was confirmed as David Beckham's successor on Thursday, with Steven Gerrard made vice-captain by new England coach Steve McClaren.
Terry begins his reign as captain in McClaren's first match in charge, a friendly against Greece on 16 August.
McClaren told the Football Association's website: "I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had." 
McClaren said that the respect that Chelsea skipper Terry commanded among his fellow professionals was behind his decision.
"John has all the attributes an international captain needs - leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best," he said.
 "He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity.
"Over the five years I've been involved with the England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players.
"There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch."
Terry said he was delighted with the appointment.
"It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity," he said.
"It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."
Steven Gerrard offered his congratulations to his Chelsea counterpart.
"I would like to congratulate John on being appointed England captain. I'm sure he'll do a great job," he said.
"He's a tremendous leader for Chelsea and has all the qualities required to do the role.
"I'm also pleased to have been appointed vice-captain by Steve McClaren today. I am grateful that Steve took the time to call me and inform me of his decision.
"There are a number of captains in the England squad and I know we will all be giving 100% support to Steve and John."
 Terry has won 29 caps since making his debut against Serbia and Montenegro on 3 June 2003.
Beckham stepped down as England captain one day after his team were knocked out of the World Cup quarter-finals by Portugal.
The midfielder had been skipper for six years after being handed the armband by stand-in coach Peter Taylor in 2000.
Central defender Terry was the bookmakers' odds-on favourite to follow Beckham, although many tipped Gerrard to take the role.
A poll commissioned by the BBC Sport website and Radio Five Live had revealed that England fans were divided over who should be the new national captain.
Terry gained 51% of the votes, Gerrard polled 46% and Gary Neville got 2%.

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Looks like a good signing for Sunderland and I'm unsure on Terry as England captain as i think Gerrard would have done a better job.

Snowman · 08-10-2006, 04:23 PM

I have never been a fan of England as a team, but I have always liked England's players. Terry might be my fave. Im glad he is the captain, he will represent his country well.

Is Beckham done with the National team or he is just done wearing the arm band??? As good as he is, I dont think England will miss him all that much as a talent (with Rooney and Owen still playing), but they will surely miss his heart...

Mikk · 08-10-2006, 05:06 PM

I think he is staying on but i don't think we would miss him if Mcclaren dropped him.

The Phantom · 08-11-2006, 11:24 AM

John Terry was the only real choice for England captain. Gary Neville is getting on a bit, and may not be around come the European Championship, and I don't think Gerrard would have been an effective captain.