Getty Images Despite having lost his starting position, Brad Friedel is ready to push on at Spurs. The 41-year-old has signed a new deal with the North London club, one which will carry him through the 2013-14 season.
On one level, the deal is a surprise. After all, it’s not difficult imagining another club giving the veteran goalkeeper a chance to start next season. With the recently acquired Hugo Lloris likely to cement his hold on on first choice at White Hart Lane, Friedel’s likely to see very few Premier League starts going forward.
But for a player well into the twilight of his career, the chance to stay at a big club, not have to relocate his family, and still provide guidance on a team he’s come to know makes for an easy acquiesce. Given the grace with which Friedel’s handled Lloris’s acquisition, the former U.S. international appears to be under no illusions as to the state of his career. His new contract is a sign of that acceptance, with the former Liverpool, Blackburn, and Aston Villa keeper moving into a role he could sustain into his mid-40s.
There had been some small rumblings of Friedel moving back to the U.S., but as long as there was interest from England, the former Crew player was likely to stay abroad. The Friedels are well established in England, with Brad having played in the Premier League since 1997.
During that time, Friedel has made 471 Premier League appearances, a record 310 of which were made consecutively. He is the oldest player to appear in a competitive match in for both Aston Villa and Tottenham.
And while his new deal likely precludes him from adding huge numbers to his appearance total, it does mean he could be making appearances in the Premier League at 43. And realistically, as long as there’s not an appreciable drop off next season, there’s no reason Friedel won’t be asked to continue.
If he’s willing to accept a backup’s role and can maintain his same level of performance, André Villas-Boas and Daniel Levy seem happy to have him at the club.
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Kljestan becomes the fifth American to defend a title in a top league:
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The Scottish striker will hardly be missed around Vancouver:
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Sporting K.C. makes it clear after blown call – “I scored the goal”
May 19, 2013, 10:00 PM EDT
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Sporting K.C. manager Peter Vermes and defender Ike Opera didn’t appreciate the pivotal offsides call that disallowed a possible winning goal against D.C. United, and they made that very obvious.
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D.C. United rue own goal but end losing streak against Sporting KC
May 19, 2013, 7:51 PM EDT
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A dull, scoreless first half picked up in the second term as D.C. United grabbed a point against the league’s second-best team and ended their club-record losing streak at 7 matches.
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Carlo Ancelotti denied release from PSG as he looks to Real Madrid job
May 19, 2013, 5:50 PM EDT
Reuters
With his eye on the imminent vacancy at Real Madrid left by Jose Mourinho’s almost certain departure, Paris Saint-Germain’s mastermind Carlo Ancelotti may now have a large hurdle to get past if he is to land his ideal job in Spain’s capital.
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Fernando Torres scores first Premier League goal in 2013 as Chelsea secures third place
May 19, 2013, 5:34 PM EDT
Fernando Torres broke his Premier League scoring drought by banging home the game-winner to secure Chelsea a third place finish.
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Heartbreak in Serie A this year belongs to Fiorentina. Mario Balotelli converted a penalty in the 84th minute to draw level and two minutes later Philippe Mexes slotted home a cross to secure Europe’s top competition for AC Milan.
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Despite little to play for, Premier League final day provides prize money shifts
May 19, 2013, 4:47 PM EDT
Reuters
With Arsenal and Tottenham the only teams battling for any meaningful positioning in the Premier League table, the final day still had implications for many teams in the form of placement prize money.
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Sir Alex Ferguson managed the final match of his career away from Old Trafford, and it looked set to complete on a high note, until the opposition had other ideas late.
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(Video) Gareth Bale’s wonder strike not enough for Tottenham to capture Champions League dreams
May 19, 2013, 4:25 PM EDT
Another game-winning strike from Gareth Bale wasn’t enough to save Tottenham from more Champions League heartache.
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New York took all the points from the L.A. Galaxy on Tim Cahill’s late goal. So let’s talk about that goal.
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Where Landon Donovan’s afternoon takes us in the ongoing U.S. national team debate
May 19, 2013, 3:17 PM EDT
This Landon Donovan debate regarding his place on the national team is not going anywhere. So, did Sunday’s performance move the needle either way?
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Arsenal grabs Champions League spot with victory over Newcastle
May 19, 2013, 2:42 PM EDT
Arsenal secured its 16th consecutive spot on the Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
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Story-lines: What to watch for on the final day of the Premier League
May 19, 2013, 11:30 AM EDT
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With David Beckham-esque tears streaming down my cheeks, we’re finally here: The final day of the 2012-13 Barclay’s Premier League.




