British-based firm Hawk-Eye has been chosen as the provider of goal-line technology for the Premier League.

The camera-based ball-tracking system was recommended as the preferred option - rather than the German alternative Goalcontrol - with a unanimous vote at a meeting of the 20 top-flight clubs.

Hawk-Eye, which was sold to technology giant Sony two years ago, already provides camera-based systems for tennis and cricket, and its equipment is now set to be in place at Premier League grounds and Wembley Stadium from next season.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "The Premier League has been a long-time advocate of Goal-line Technology, and at times it didn't look like it would be something we would be able to introduce.

"However, since FIFA took the decision to permit it we have been working hard to get a system in as soon as practically possible.

"Principally it is about getting it right. Fans, players and managers exhort, strain and stress respectively for their teams to score or prevent goals being scored, so we as administrators should do all that we can to ensure the correct decisions are being made.

"Of the four companies that are currently licensed by FIFA, Hawk-Eye stood out for their excellent track record in delivering for sport over many years."

England coach Roy Hodgson said: "Well it's the same as everyone else. We're not behind people. It's same for all European countries.

"It had to be approved by FIFA and for many years they were against it - and I can understand their opposition in one sense. It costs lots of money which means only certain countries can benefit from it.

"The major fear for FIFA has been where is it going to end - are we going to have a very different game in the future. Will game be stopped and it goes to panel of experts who will study the video and make a decision. So I can understand there's been reticence.

"But with goal-line technology there's less reason to doubt its usefulness. It's one of those momentous days that go down like changing of offside law."

Stoke chairman Peter Coates added: "I am for it, and all the other clubs are for it, and we'll see how it plays out. I am not for technology everywhere but I think, however many extra officials you have behind the goal-line, you are back to human error, unless you eliminate that.

"We want to keep it simple, and we still want plenty of controversy so I don't think we want to overdo it."

Source: Skysports.com

I am new to the site and the forums. I just decided to pay for a 3-month subscription so I can watch the games. The payment got trough and they draw the money, but still Im just a regular member. How come?

Would be very sad to not being able to watch the game today...

a little fun the guys had

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla...WkeRkRyToo
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KWkeRkRyToo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Quote:On Sun 2 June 2013 Old Trafford will host a very special event. Red Heart United will see Manchester United Legends take on Real Madrid Legends with further event activities to be announced.

Tickets can be purchased via the Man United website.

All Those ABUs who Laughed at United could well have been Leeds, Wolves or Blackburn fans. All three teams, who were previously in the top flight, are now fast becoming laughable clubs. Leeds are up for sale, after only being bought last December; Blackburn don't have a clue how to manage managers and Wolves, well, just Wolves, really.

Quote:Leeds United are up for sale again after owners Gulf Finance House (GFH) confirmed they are looking to offload the club. GFH only bought United on 21 December but in the company's statements for the year ending 31 December 2012, they have revealed an 'active plan' to sell their stake in LUFC Holdings Limited.

Bahrain-based GFH also described the acquisition of Leeds as a 'bargain purchase'. "The Group has an active plan to sell its stake in LUFC Holdings Limited, and accordingly, the asset and liabilities acquired were classified as held-for-sale and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position," GFH stated in the company's accounts for 2012. Subsequent to the year end, the Group has commenced negotiations relating to the sale of its stake in LUFC Holdings Limited."

Local businessman Steve Parkin has been linked with a fresh attempt to buy the club by local media after he failed in his previous attempt.

To add to the sense of uncertainty around Elland Road, Leeds manager Neil Warnock has indicated he will leave at the end of the season if they do not make the play-offs.

United are seven points adrift of the play-off places with eight games to go in the regular season.

Quote:Blackburn Rovers have sacked manager Michael Appleton after less than three months in charge at Ewood Park.

Appleton only replaced former boss Henning Berg on January 12 having been recruited from fellow Championship side Blackpool - where he had previously been manager for just 65 days - but has been dismissed following a disappointing run of results that have brought just four wins from 15 games.

The 37-year-old - who began the season in charge of Portsmouth - becomes the fourth manager to be sacked by controversial owners Venky's since taking over the club in November 2010.

Appleton's brief tenure included a famous FA Cup fifth round win at Arsenal but his side were then knocked out in a quarter-final replay by Millwall earlier this month and have sunk to 18th in the Championship table.

Quote:Wolves chairman Steve Morgan has admitted that the club have not made any financial plans for relegation to League One. The Midlands club currently sit second from bottom in the Championship after a run of thirteen games without a win, and manager Dean Saunders has yet to register a single victory since taking charge.

Wolves, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have a wage bill of £25million, with chairman Morgan revealing that the club are losing £6.5million per year. Financial issues would only increase if the club suffer a second successive relegation.

"It's up to us to make sure we don't get into a tailspin," Morgan said.

"The contracts were all done when we were in the Premier League. There was no question or thought about going into League One.

"None of the contracts take that into account."