close-season

Once again Bruce's team are fighting for Premier League survival and he is already planning another "major close-season rebuild".

Scrap January transfer window and make managers prove they can coach | Louise Taylor 2011

Henry, a statue of whom has been unveiled at the Emirates Stadium, has been training with the club while the New York Red Bulls, his employers, are on their close-season break.

Thierry Henry still has the quality for Arsenal, says Per Mertesacker 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson has spent the past week in America, promoting Manchester United's close-season friendlies and continuing to grumble about recent refereeing decisions while doing his best not to sound paranoid.

Fabio Capello avoids sniggers while Wayne Rooney steps into shade | Paul Wilson 2011

It feels like a punishing schedule for a club that, until last July when they staged an eight-day whistle-stop tour to Malaysia and China, were hardly synonymous with far-flung close-season adventures.

Arsenal plan games in Seoul, Beijing and Hong Kong in July 2012

Stefan Ratchford, Warrington's close-season signing from Salford who started the game as Myler's half-back partner, made a positive first impression, and there were two tries for the young Bridgend-born three‑quarter Rhys Evans.

Elbow injury puts Richie Myler's season with Warrington in doubt 2011

It was tested in the close-season with the latest instalment of the Cesc Fábregas-Barcelona saga but Clichy's take on whether the team has to win a trophy to keep the likes of the captain and Robin van Persie next summer is interesting.

Gaël Clichy: Ending Arsenal trophy drought has become an obsession David Hytner 2010

In the absence so far of an official deal, he has agreed to train with Tottenham until 10 February to maintain his fitness during the MLS close-season and it was his first day at the club today.

David Beckham willing to take wage cut to secure Tottenham loan 2011

Not even the summit of Latrigg, which I attained last week, has escaped the close-season's manicuring, pristine and green yet again.

Country diary: Lake District 2011

Henry has been training at Arsenal during the MLS close-season and Wenger said that he knew after the striker's first session that he could still contribute at Premier League level.

Thierry Henry's Arsenal return has no downside, insists Arsène Wenger 2011

I watched the Spurs match live on Sky, and in the first half at least their football was the most pleasing of the day, played in front of Sky's new host, close-season signing from GMTV, Ben Shephard.

Steve Bruce kick-starts the new referee-bashing season on MOTD 2010