Nelsen Injured in Blacburn Draw

All White skipper Ryan Nelsen pulled up injured in Blackburn's hard fought 1-1 draw with Man City at Eastlands overnight. Nelsen was withdrawn 5 minutes before half time after a typically strong performance for Rovers. The injury was picked up in a challenge with City midfielder Yaya Toure earlier in the half. So far, there has been no word on the extent of the injury or the likely recovery time.

Nelsen was the only Kiwi in action in the Premiership. Neither Chris Wood or Winston Reid featured for their clubs, West Brom and West Ham. But down in the Championship Tommy Smith put in another full shift for Ipswich as the came away from Portsmouth with another useful point after a nil all draw. Ipswich are now third in the Championship.

Ten Clubs Chase Wood

West Bromich Albion has revealed that no fewer than ten Championship clubs have asked about taking the young All White striker on loan. And they are not surprised, citing his good form for WBA last season and his "terrific" World Cup.

But there is still no certainty he will be let go, both Manager Roberto Di Matteo and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth re-emphasising that, while they'd like him to be playing every weekend, Wood is part of the first team squad at the moment, made a excellent cameo at Anfield and hinted he is a good chance to be in the squad to face Spurs in the weekend.

It's worth reading the whole story from Birmingham's Express and Star newspaper here. They say nice things about our Woodsy.

Surgery for Fallon

Rory Fallon had surgery on a hernia on his groin on Friday. Manager Peter Reid indicated to the club website that it was yet unclear how long Fallon would be out of action. "We'll wait for the doctors on that one."

It could well mean Fallon is unavailable for the upcoming All Whites matches versus Honduras and Paraguay. At the very least, he is likey to be short of match fitness.

Don't Get Too Cocky Nelsen Tells Arsenal

I found this quite amusing. Ryan Nelsen has been reported as telling Arsenal not to get too carried away with their hard fought win over Blackburn last weekend. Some Gunners fans are suggesting the win at Ewood Park heralds the arrival of a tougher, more resilient Arsenal not afraid to mix it with the physical sides. Nelsen's obviously not yet convinced. "I didn't sense much different about them. I hope they do better this season as I like the way they play. But it's different coming to a place like this when it's sunny in August rather than February-March when it's cold and windy. It's those games where you win titles so let's see in March."

Clough Confirms Wood Derby Loan Close

Derby Manager Nigel Clough has given the strongest indication yet that Chris Wood may be on his way to Pride Park on loan. According to Clough, "We got quite a way down the road with West Brom and with Chris (Wood) as well - and we hope that as soon as West Brom's injuries clear up, we will be able to get him in. "I think he fits the mould of the younger players we have. He is inexperienced but he has played international football."

Sky Sports UK reported Clough as stating he would go straight into the market as soon as the loan window opens next week.

Chettleburgh to get one year "Amateur" Contract with Sparta Rotterdam

19 year old youth All White, Cory Chettleburgh, has reportedly done enough to win a one year "amateur" contract with Dutch 2nd Division (Eerste Divisie or Jupiler League) side Sparta Rotterdam. Chettleburgh, who holds an EU passport, still has to have the contract cleared by the Dutch Footbal Association (KNVB). It's not clear what "amateur" means, but there is a history of Dutch players signing Australian footballers on an "amateur" basis to avoid transfer red tape issues. Regardless, it is good news for Chettleburgh. Rotterdam was relegated from the Eredivise last year, but are a decent club with a lot of history. They won a league match 12-1 a fortnight ago and sit third in the league after 3 rounds with a real shot at promotion.

Phoenix After Fallon for 150k Pounds

The Daily Mail is reporting that the Wellington Phoenix wants to secure out of favour Rory Fallon from Plymouth Argyle for 150k pounds. There has certainly be no wind of this in New Zealand, and it would be a surprise move by the Wellington club - and seems unlikely. Of concern to Fallon and any prospective employer is the possiblity that his groin injury may be bad enough to require an operation, the last thing the big man needed.