Czech Republic defender Martin Jiranek has confirmed that he turned down offers from a number of clubs across Europe in favour of joining Birmingham City...

Tony Pulis has called on Stoke to reproduce the qualities they showed in their first two seasons in the Premier League as they look to get over their poor start to the current campaign...

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has told Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac not to consider him for a while as he bids to rediscover his best form...

Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon is desperate to play again but not about to risk further damage to his broken arm by rushing his recuperation...

Tony Pulis has told his Stoke players their work ethic will be key as they bid to bounce back from a bad start to the Premier League season...

Martin Jiranek has revealed he rejected a host of European clubs in favour of a move to the Barclays Premier League with Birmingham...

Frank Lampard has hit back at critics who claim Chelsea's squad is past it, insisting there is more to come from the Premier League champions...

Martin Jiranek has revealed he rejected a host of European clubs in favour of a move to the Premier League with Birmingham...

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has paid a glowing tribute to Jamie Carragher who has been handed a testimonial game against Everton this weekend...

Tottenham centre back Michael Dawson admits his first taste of a World Cup finals has given him the hunger to be involved in future tournaments as an England regular...

Andrey Arshavin believes he has become "more effective" since joining Arsenal - even if the Russian playmaker feels he is now "less sparkling"...

Frank Lampard has hit back at critics who claim Chelsea's squad is past it - and declared there is more to come from the Barclays Premier League champions...

On the mend: City's 22-year-old Michael Johnson Michael Johnson admits he cannot wait to start playing alongside Manchester City's galaxy of stars...

Rafael Van der Vaart has said an emotional farewell to Real Madrid - but Tottenham's new signing is dreaming of a return to the Bernabeu in the latter stages of the Champions League...

Tottenham's William Gallas has continuedwhere he left off at Chelsea - by taking the No 13 shirt...

Manchester City's bunch of millionaire stars face an uphill challenge this season - and that's just on the training pitch! As boss Robert Mancini attempts to transform the big spenders into a top four side, he has installed a 'hill of hell' at the Carrington base...

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has warned winger Charles N'Zogbia he has to prove himself to his team-mates after almost leaving last week...

Hatem Ben Arfa is confident he will be ready to make his first-team debut next weekend when Newcastle United face Blackpool at St James' Park...

Andrey Arshavin believes he has become "more effective" since joining Arsenal - even if the Russian playmaker feels he is now "less sparkling"...

Heurelho Gomes reckons Tottenham's feel-good factor can help Harry Redknapp's men continue their progress in the Barclays Premier League and on into Europe...