Premier League Fixtures – The start of the new Premier League season might still be a while off, but the fixtures are already out and we’ve got all the early match betting – Aug 16th

New Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has vowed to continue the work done under predecessor Luis Aragones.

The former Real Madrid boss was given the unanimous backing of the Spanish Football Federation’s executive committee to replace Luis Aragones, who led the side to victory at Euro 2008 last month.

“The objectives are clear. In the short term we have to qualify for the World Cup and to do well at the Confederations Cup next summer,” Del Bosque told a news conference.

“We also have the objective to maintain the style with which Spain has achieved one of the greatest moments in its history, and we need to maintain the group that has been so important in this success.”

The 57-year-old said he did not feel intimidated by the prospect of taking over the European champions.

“Many people have said this, but it would have been far worse to be taking over a side who had gone out in the quarter-finals again, having to try and raise everyone’s spirits,” he said.

“Other countries would be envious of my position.

“I want to keep this momentum going and bring my own experience and way of doing things to the side in order to try and make improvements. Football is a constantly changing environment and you cannot afford to stand still.

“The path has been marked out and I do not intend to stray too far from it.”

Del Bosque refused to be drawn on the question of whether the likes of Raul and Guti – both of whom were left out of the Euro 2008 squad – would be recalled to the national side.

“We need to have patience. Raul and Guti play for a great club and, of course, in a different era I have worked with them. But when it comes to taking the decisions I will listen to people but always do what I think is best for the team,” he said.

Premier League Fixtures – The start of the new Premier League season might still be a while off, but the fixtures are already out and we’ve got all the early match betting – Aug 16th