Footballers Direct has noted that rivals Arsenal and Spurs have both revealed their brand new next-season kits this week. Arsenal returned to yellow for the first time in 4 years and Spurs has gone white and blue.

Theo Walcott was the kit model of choice for Arsenal. The official clothing is reminiscent of the kit worn by 2004’s ‘invincibles’ side. They won the league title 10 years ago without losing a single match. Walcott said of the kit: “Arsenal is synonymous with yellow and blue and I think this new design fuses that tradition with a modern twist. 

”I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and wear it!”. 

It goes on sale Thursday, August 1st, from £40 (juniors).

Spurs went for four kit models to show off their new range: Michael Dawson, Brad Friedel, Jermain Defoe and – notably – Gareth Bale. Some are speculating that in choosing Bale to model the new home kit, Tottenham were hinting that he will be remaining at White Hart Lane, despite recent interest from Madrid. Footballer Direct feel confident in saying that he is bound to be staying with Spurs – since the club is also selling 2013/14 shirts with his name printed on back.

The player did not speak to the press about the new kit promotion, though interviews were recorded for later broadcast. However, his ‘footballer-model’ counterparts did appear to confirm that Bale would be joining them for the season ahead.

“This year, we want a great season and we to get into the Champions League and to do that you’ve got to keep your best players’” said Defoe.

“What Gareth did here last year was unbelievable. The amount of goals he scored, at times playing out of position up top off the forward and show the composure he did in certain games when he was one-on-one with the keeper and produced some unbelievable finishes. He’s a special player. You want to keep your top players.”

These comments were echoed by Dawson: “He’s here to do well, like all of us. Like the manager, like the staff at the football club, we’re striving to be successful for this club.

“I remember him coming in as a 17-year-old. He’s not changed, he’s a top guy, he’s got a great family around him. He’s one of the boys, the lads love having him around. It hasn’t always been easy since he signed, he was out of the team like myself but the boy is world class.

“Someone as good as him you certainly want to keep him. I’m very lucky to play with him. Last year, some of the goals he scored to help win us football matches were unbelievable.”

Sounds like good news for Spurs fans then…

Footballers Direct staff are going to tune in to Football’s Suicide Secret tonight. In it, former professional player and TV presenter Clarke Carlisle looks at the ways in which depression can impact on famous footballers and takes his findings to the FA.

Carlisle represented nine clubs during his footballing career before retiring this May. In 2002 he won ITV’s Britain’s Brainiest Footballer and he was the first footballer to appear on Question Time. You might say he has a fair bit going for him – looks, brains and talent! Yet in his prime as a professional player for QPR, and a player for the England Under-21s team, Carlisle attempted suicide. In tonight’s programme he tells of the way that the pressures of being in the public eye almost resulted in his senseless, early death.

“I went to a park near my home in Acton armed with lots of painkillers and thought ‘I’m going to take all these pills and kill myself, because I’m no use to anyone’”, he says.

In a report on the BBC website he explained: “I’d just suffered a severe knee injury and had convinced myself that without football people would see me for what I really was – which was nothing.

“My irrational mind had made me think suicide was a rational action…So I sat on a bench in the park, washed the pills down with a can of beer, and waited for it to happen. In the end I was incredibly lucky, because my girlfriend found me and I was rushed to hospital in time to have my stomach pumped.”

As a young man, Carlisle was not alone in believing that in taking his own life he may find the only solution to the problems that he was facing. Suicide is the biggest killer of men between the ages of 18 and 35 and it can affect anyone, even the most unexpected of people.

Suicide attempts are often triggered by depression and fear of failure and it is not always obvious that a person is having thoughts that can lead to such a shocking and tragic conclusion. As discussed in tonight’s programme, for footballers like Gary Speed and Robert Enke it is too late to get the help needed. But by raising awareness that even those people who appear most healthy, confident and successful can be secretly finding the pressures of life, or the fear of failure too much to bear, it is hoped that more deaths will be avoided.

You can watch Football’s Suicide Secret on BBC Three at 21:00 BST tonight – Tuesday, 9 July.

Some feel that the rising costs could force fans to change the way that they watch football and stick with watching games at the local – others argue that most will find a way to pay the extra due to their love of the game.

What do you think? As fans take to the streets today, the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) has expressed the view that prices for away tickets should be capped at £20.

A spokesperson said: “Nine out of ten fans think football’s too expensive. Along with campaigns like the FSF’s Twenty’s Plenty for Away Tickets, this protest will demonstrate that fans can’t be squeezed forever.

“Premier League clubs are set to share a £5.5 billion media deal and the increase from the domestic rights alone is enough to knock £600 off every fan’s season ticket. Clubs are swimming in cash and it’s about time fans’ loyalty was rewarded with more affordable tickets.”

Supporters Direct released a statement backing demonstrators this morning. It read: “Supporters Direct supports the demonstration organised today by Spirit of Shankly, one of its member supporters’ trusts. We have been kept abreast of developments, and support their right to protest, and their view that ticket prices and the overall experience for the present-day football fan are issues that cannot simply be dismissed.

“Indeed we are keen to ensure that the growing anger, frustration and legitimate disenchantment being expressed through meetings, marches and other events, is harnessed to bring about lasting change in our national game. These actions are driven by a feeling that football is run increasingly for the benefit of a super-wealthy elite, and not the fans – who are the game’s lifeblood.

“We continue to press for change in the ownership and governance of football clubs so that the vital role that supporters play in the lives of their clubs is properly recognised.

“We call on all those concerned with the health of the sport, to continue to back the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, the Government and the opposition in their shared desire to see football reformed, or to introduce legislation to enforce change.

“Increased supporter involvement and ownership at clubs will provide a better structure for the game and a fairer deal for fans.”

The Tahitian team is currently ranked 138th by FIFA and has just one professional player in the form of Marama Vahirua. They qualified for the tournament by winning the Oceania Nations Cup, since then, however, they have scored just two goals as a team, losing five out of six games. Nigeria remain unbeaten in their last 17 games with their last defeat being over a year ago – in May 2012.

Nigeria and Tahiti have never played on a senior level before, but the two did meet at for the Under-20 World Cup in 2009 where Tahiti was defeated 5-0. With all this in mind, what do you think of Tahiti’s chances today?

Footballers Direct writers do love an underdog story but some are going as far as to suggest that the appearance of Tahiti is damaging the credibility of the tournament.

It may seem that the result of this match is a foregone conclusion but you only need to think back to 1950 and the United States’ shock 1- 0 victory over England at Belo Horizonte to know that nothing is certain in football.

Vahirua told the press yesterday: “They don’t want to be ridiculed, they want to show …we are up to the task. The players are all aware there is a chasm between the professional and amateur world.

“I think tomorrow we will not be on a par with Nigeria … they have been professional for years, but mentally we are ready. We will fight like lions and we will do anything to represent our country.”

We would love to hear your opinions ahead of the game! Who is your money on?

He went on: “Time flies, it looks like it was a couple of days ago but it was nine years ago when I first became manager and since then a lot of things happened in my professional life.

“I have the same nature, I am the same person, I have the same heart and the same kind of emotions related to my passion for football and my job, but of course I am a different person.

“If I have to describe myself I would describe myself as a very happy person. It is the first time I arrive in a club where I already love the club, before I had to build an emotional relationship and I only came to love the club a little later.”

He reassured the press that he could achieve further success as the manager of Chelsea, explaining: “”My career has been built and raised on success. In every club I was able to achieve success and win trophies and leave different types of legacy. I have to believe in that.”

Inevitably the subject of a previous breakdown of relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich came up: “I read that I was fired and we had a complete breakdown in relationship, that was not true. At the time we thought it was the best for both of us.

“It was a decision that was difficult for both of us but a decision made by mutual agreement. There was never a break of the relationship and that is why it was possible for me to be here today.

“I am back because we feel we are in a moment of my professional life and in the case of the owner, also a moment in his career as owner, where I think we are in the best moments of our careers and ready to work together again and in much better conditions this time and to succeed in what this club wants, which is stability.

“One of points for me is my relationship with the owner has to be private. What is discussed has to be private. That privacy is crucial.

“The point is we all want the same. We are all in the same direction. It’s a moment where I think we have maturity, a very good feeling, same perspective for the future of the club.

“My area is football but more and more in football have to be deeply connected with all areas of the club. We have same vision and I’m more than happy to follow this philosophy. I am more than happy to be back.

“I didn’t choose a comfortable position because I’m returning to a house where I was happy and successful and where fans loved me. I’m coming from the opposite way. The expectations are higher because people know what I can deliver.

“I want to be respected for achievements in the past but I want to respected for what I achieve now.”

The 50-year-old highlighted the experience that he clearly feels will benefit Chelsea the second time around: “I was two years at Inter and three at Madrid, five years in a managerial career is a long time. Football is an industry where you learn a lot of yourself and learn a lot every day.

“My beginning in 2000, when I was managing for the first time I thought I knew everything but after 13 years you realise you know nothing and have to learn every day. My adventures around Europe were fantastic for me, different countries, different cultures, different media. It was fantastic.

“At 50 I think I am still very young as a manager and I think it was like the beginning of a new period. Do I have a different personality? No, but for sure I have a different approach and perspective.”

Writers at Footballers Direct have just heard that Mourinho has publicly criticised Ronaldo’s attitude on a Spanish TV show…

The former Real Madrid manager revealed that one of the reasons for his exit from the team was the breakdown of their relationship. He said of their fall out: “I had only one problem with him, very simple, very basic, which was when a coach criticises a player from a tactical viewpoint trying to improve what in my view could have been improved… he didn’t take it very well, because maybe he thinks he knows everything and the coach cannot help him to develop more.”

He went on to hint that he was the reason behind much of Ronaldo’s success in their three seasons together: “Cristiano has had three fantastic seasons with me, I don’t know if they were the best of his career because he had some fantastic moments with Manchester United,” he said.

“I think we created a fantastic situation for him tactically in which he could express all his potential and turn that into records and goals.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho returned to Chelsea this week just two days after leaving Real and he seems very happy to be back: “I feel myself not just a Chelsea manager, it’s the first time in my career that I arrive at a club that I already love. I am happy and proud because when you return to a place it’s for some reason, it’s not because you had good results in the past, not just because the fans like you, it’s because you left something here. I left something here.

“I think I arrive in my club, my Chelsea, in the best moment of my career, my stability as a manager, my stability as a person. I arrive in the best moment ready to give everything I have to try and make the club happy. I’m the same nature but much more mature with a different approach to things. Much more ready to establish myself in the club and stay for a long time.”

Chief executive of Chelsea, Ron Gourlay described Mourinho as the club’s “number one choice”, before adding: “He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again.”

Footballers Direct will be interested to see what changes he makes to the line up!

Writers at Footballers Direct were interested to read Csaba Abrahall’s Guardian report questioning the logic behind automatic local football fan rivalry this week.

In it, Abrahall describes the way his father first introduced him to the idea that “harbouring positive thoughts about your team’s local rivals” was not “the done thing” and explores ways in which this type of attitude can create unnecessary tensions between local fans. In his case, as a supporter of Ipswich Town, an automatic hatred of Norwich city was an inevitable part of his football ‘duty’ and a direct result of the expectations of others. However, he says that he was never really comfortable about the idea of expressing dislike for other teams for no logical reason:

“The truth I now acknowledge is that I still don’t dislike Norwich City, and a question that I didn’t ask my dad is demanding an answer – why should I? You should have a good reason to dislike something. Norwich is a nice place – both my daughters were born there and it has a lovely cathedral. The football team’s recent renaissance and dedication to entertaining football can only be admired. Neither the city nor the club offend me, so to develop a groundless aversion to them and let it dictate my behaviour would appear irrational and futile.”

Abrahall also highlights the rise of the internet as one of the reasons behind an increase in unfounded negativity between fans, pointing out that the anonymity it offers can be a bad thing. When fans form opinions about football direct from internet sources they are often related to what are known as ‘bragging rights’. He says:

“Bragging is neither attractive nor rewarding; bragging rights are little more than a licence to behave like an arse. It’s not something that appeals. I don’t mean to suggest that we should all get along. While participating in gloating seems pointless, it is understandable that football supporters should seek some kind of adversary. There’s a role for an antihero in any drama but automatically casting the team down the road in the part is the lazy option; we should be more discriminating.

“Thanks to the reported actions and words of their players, managers or supporters I have managed to build up genuine petty grievances against plenty of clubs without needing to invent one against my local rivals. And while some fans will have good reason to include their neighbours on their most-despised lists, there must surely be many more who, if they think about it, will have been more cheesed off by others.

“Dislike of our local rivals is an indoctrinated position that’s hard to shake. If, just for example, Norwich were to lose at home in the FA Cup to a non-League team at a time when I feared that they might have a squad decent enough to win something of consequence, I would be unable to suppress a chuckle, but there’s no malice there. I don’t really care. To do so would be an unnecessary strain on my blood pressure, and it’s already a bit high. I’ll reserve my spite for those that really merit it.”

Reactions to this report were very varied but many agreed that Abrahall has a point. One responded: “Agreed. My best mate and my Uncle are City fans, so if I’m declaring my pathological hatred for City and all City fans I’m actually slagging off family and friends in the process.” Another said: “I still remember me and my Dad jumping around the living room in 1988 or whenever it was, when Arsenal won the league at Anfield, because a London team had won the league. That memory always makes me smile, but it’s unthinkable now.” While ‘Birty’ reminded us: “I always see football rivalry as a pantomime villain style. When we’re in the ground I may sing about your sister or your players or the lack of studious work ethic your town is known for but in the end its all meant as a joke.”

What do you think about local rivalry in the game? Footballers Direct would love to hear your opinions…

Footballers Direct heard yesterday that David Beckham is to retire from football after 20 years of being considered one of the world’s best players.

Recent rumours had suggested that Beckham would be continuing in the game after an offer from Paris Saint-Germain but it has come to light this week that he has decided against the move.

“I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” he is reported to have said.

We’re sure it is with some sadness that Beckham leaves the game behind him but not many players can look back on the kind of career that he has enjoyed. With his first team Manchester United he won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Champions league. During his career he also spent four seasons with Real Madrid, two loan spells with AC Milan and was England captain for six years. As he says goodbye to professional football the 38-year-old still holds England’s record for making the most appearances for the national team as an outfield player – 115 in total.

“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I’m fortunate to have realised those dreams,” he is quoted in The Guardian.

“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.”

But now is time for family and Beckham is looking forward to some quality time with his wife and four children:

“I owe everything to Victoria and the kids,” he said, “who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period. I also want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from and the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”

So, what should we expect to hear from Beckham in future?

“Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love. However, I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it’s my time to give back.”