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| john the tinca |
Todays NewsLyon coach Alain Perrin believes the open style of football practised by English clubs gives his side a great chance of causing an upset against Manchester United in the Champions League last 16.Perrin knows about the Premier League thanks to his short stint as manager of Portsmouth between April and November 2005. His eight months at Fratton Park may have been seen by many as a failure - his record shows only four wins from 21 games - but they gave him an insight into life in the blood-and-thunder English top flight. And ahead of Wednesday's last-16 first leg at the Stade Gerland, Perrin is confident his team will be afforded opportunities to trouble United, who are currently in second place in the Barclays Premier League. "We can rightly compare this to a tennis match between the second-ranked player in the world and the 15th-ranked player," he said. "In 10 matches, we would lose six or seven of them. But we would win the others. "And English football always gives an opponent the hope of succeeding. The game is less padlocked than in Italy, for example, and you get the feeling you can achieve something against them. |
| john the tinca |
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has insisted the plan for an international round of matches is not a "dead duck" despite hostile opposition.
But Scudamore admitted to MPs that the League will not be able to push ahead with clubs playing a 39th game in a foreign city unless they get the agreement of FIFA, the FA and the Football League. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already criticised the proposals while the FA board will meet on Thursday to decide their response. Scudamore is planning to fly to Zurich next week to see Blatter and try to persuade him of the benefits of the plan. He was quizzed by a committee of MPs on Tuesday, some of whom described the plans variously as "daft", "barmy" and "bent". Scudamore told the Culture, Media and Sport select committee: "It's certainly not a dead duck - it has only just started and we have only had 10 days of a year-long consultation process. |
| john the tinca |
Leeds chairman Ken Bates has called on the Football League to set up a 'taskforce' to help prevent more clubs going into administration.
Coca-Cola League One clubs Luton and Bournemouth have been placed in the hands of administrators this season, while League Two side Rotherham - who went into administration in 2006 - have filed a notice of intent. Bates, who controversially placed Leeds in the hands of administrators last summer, believes there is little help available for clubs in financial trouble. He told Yorkshire Radio: "We don't know the individual situations of individual clubs, but it must be worrying to the Football League. "They should consider setting up a taskforce to advise clubs in difficulties about the best way of going about it rather than leaving them to their own devices, because it can't be good for the League. "They have a responsibility to help the clubs. |
| john the tinca |
Coventry have confirmed the appointment of former Fulham manager Chris Coleman as their new boss on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Coleman, 37, had been out of work since leaving Spanish side Real Sociedad last month and replaces Iain Dowie, who was sacked last week. The former Wales international defender was in charge at Craven Cottage for four years before being sacked last April. Coleman, who played for Swansea, Crystal Palace, Blackburn and Fulham in his playing career, takes over with the Sky Blues lying 20th in the Coca-Cola Championship, four points clear of the relegation zone. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, beaten 5-0 by midlands rivals West Brom at the Ricoh Arena, but Coleman has been robbed of the chance to start his reign at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday after the clash at Hillsborough was postponed because of a frozen pitch and fog. Chairman Ray Ranson, who took over the club two months ago and parted with Dowie saying the pair "did not share the same ideals for the club", was delighted to appoint Coleman. |
| john the tinca |
The wintery weather conditions across the country have taken their toll on Tuesday's domestic programme, with seven matches postponed.
In the Coca-Cola Championship Sheffield Wednesday's match against Coventry has gone and League One promotion hopefuls Carlisle and Nottingham Forest must wait once more to face each other in a match delayed for the second time. Rochdale have suffered another postponement, with their match against Notts County in League Two falling foul of the weather, while Stockport v Mansfield, Darlington v Chester and Hereford v Wrexham are also off. Grimsby's visit to Morecambe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy has also failed a pitch inspection. No new dates have yet been announced. |
| john the tinca |
Chelsea have joined the hunt to sign Czech Republic starlet Lubos Kalouda, who has received an offer from CSKA Moscow.
Kalouda was wanted by Newcastle United during the January transfer window, but the Magpies were unable to conclude a deal with his club FC Brno. Juventus also tried to sign the 20-year-old, with the midfielder perceived as a long-term replacement for compatriot Pavel Nedved at Stadio Delle Alpi. However, interest in the youngster has increased, with Chelsea sending a scout to watch Kalouda in Brno's defeat at Plzen at the weekend. The Blues may have to move quickly, though, after Brno's majority shareholder Roman Pros confirmed CSKA have lodged a bid. Pros told CTK: "The Russian club have forwarded us their offer, we have told them our demands. |
| john the tinca |
Carlisle United's match with Nottingham Forest has been postponed.
The Brunton Park pitch had been covered for the past few nights in the hope of ensuring that the game could go ahead. But Carlisle's efforts have been in vain, with a lunchtime pitch inspection prompting the postponement of the match. It caps a frustrating few days for Carlisle, whose League One encounter at Crewe Alexandra at the weekend was also called off due to a frozen pitch. Forest could have gone back into the automatic promotion spots with victory, while Carlisle are only one point behind Colin Calderwood's side. |
| john the tinca |
Sheffield Wednesday's match against Coventry at Hillsborough on Tuesday has been called off due to a frozen pitch.
The Owls had been using under-soil heating since Sunday but persistent severe frost and freezing fog has left the surface unplayable. Local referee Craig Porter inspected the pitch at 12.15pm and immediately decided to postpone the Coca-Cola Championship match. No new date for the fixture has been arranged yet. |
| john the tinca |
Manchester City have been given a boost with the news that midfielder Michael Johnson is about to return to action.
The 19-year-old midfielder has only played four games since October, his last appearance coming in the Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham in December. The City midfielder has been plagued with an abdominal problem which an operation in November was supposed to have rectified. But Johnson has only now been given the all clear after playing 45 minutes for the reserves last week. "I hate being injured, but now I'm finally running with no pain, and I'm thrilled about that. Touch wood, it stays away now and I keep on top of it," Johnson said in the Manchester Evening News. "It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt against Newcastle in the reserves, "I had no pain, and I didn't feel too tired, so it was a good stepping stone for me." Johnson could now be included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad to face Everton at Eastlands this coming Monday. |
| john the tinca |
Holland coach Marco van Basten has warned Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben he must prove his fitness if he is to force his way back into the squad for Euro 2008.
The 24-year-old has started just five league games for Real since his summer move from Chelsea thanks to continuing problems with a thigh injury. The signs are encouraging for Robben, who scored in the 7-0 rout of Real Valladolid earlier this month and followed that up with 90 minutes against Real Betis on Saturday. But Van Basten insists Robben's run of games must continue if he is to come back into contention for Holland. He told Sportweek magazine: "Arjen must put together a series of games in which he stays fit. If he can play well and train well over that time period, he can become stronger. "Then he has a chance of getting back into squad for the national team. If he does not succeed in doing that it is a pity for him, as a person and as a player, but then others must take precedence. "He has played so little football in the past year, we really have no idea what level he is at now." |
| john the tinca |
Rafa Benitez has reportedly told his players that there will be no more rotation this season as he bids to save his job.
According to The Guardian, he gathered the players on Sunday after the FA Cup humiliation and 'told the assembled throng it was the intention to field only his strongest team in the pursuit of this season's remaining two targets: fourth place and the Champions League.' Reports suggest that Benitez needs to at least finish fourth in the Premier League to keep his job beyond the summer, and Benitez is prepared to sacrifice his usual rotation tactics to achieve that. "The atmosphere is not bad," he said on Monday. "Everybody's sad, everybody's disappointed but the players are training well. They know the Champions League is an important competition and also they know they have two targets now, to finish in the top four and the Champions League. I have explained this to them. We don't have to rest players with four competitions in mind." That means that Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres and Jose Reina will be expected to play every remaining game of this season if they are fit. Their season starts in earnest tonight against Inter Milan in the Champions League. |
| john the tinca |
Bobby Russell hopes Panathinaikos write off Rangers following their goalless draw at Ibrox just as PSV Eindhoven did 30 years ago.
Rangers caught the Dutch side unaware and the midfielder scored the winner as Rangers recovered from losing an early goal to triumph 3-2 in a European Cup tie in Holland in 1978. Nacho Novo squandered the few chances Rangers created in the first leg of the UEFA Cup last-32 clash last week, but Russell believes Walter Smith's men will thrive on playing away from home on Thursday knowing a score draw will put them through. Russell said: "I think we were under-estimated, PSV presumed they had done the hard work and maybe we just played well on the night and they were a bit off. "To be fair, nobody gave us any chance and after 30 seconds it looked that way as well. "We played out of our skins that night and scored some wonderful goals. That caught them on the hop. "So hopefully Rangers can do the same in Athens this time. |
| john the tinca |
Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to conclude a deal to bring Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar to Hillsborough on loan.
Owls manager Brian Laws is confident of drafting in the 18-year-old striker as a replacement for Akpo Sodje, who requires ankle surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Laws said: "Ben Sahar is a player we have been talking about and he's a very talented young player. "We're going to talk to the player before anything is done because he is young and new to the country, so probably does not know too much about Sheffield Wednesday. "Chelsea have agreed to the move in principal, so it should go ahead if the player is happy with the move." Sahar, who played on loan for fellow Championship club QPR earlier this season, is Israel's youngest full international after making his debut aged 17. |
| john the tinca |
Former Celtic striker George McCluskey has backed Aiden McGeady to torment Barcelona - after watching him do the same to Brazil.
McGeady impressed in a 1-0 defeat for the Republic of Ireland against the South Americans last month. And the 21-year-old has been in sensational form for the Hoops ever since, setting up five goals and scoring once in the past three games. McCluskey, who scored for Celtic in a European Cup win over Real Madrid in 1980, now believes McGeady can put Barca to the sword in the Champions League first-leg clash at Parkhead on Wednesday. "He has been doing it lately and I really think we can get a goal or two out of something Aiden creates," McCluskey said. "I think they might have been watching some videos of him and I'm sure they might give him a bit of rough treatment and take him out for special attention. "But Aiden has been unbelievable this year. I watched him for Ireland against Brazil and they couldn't stop him, so hopefully Barcelona can't." |
| john the tinca |
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is pessimistic about Zeljko Kalac's chances of recovering in time for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at Arsenal.
The Rossoneri travelled to London on Tuesday morning with the Australian goalkeeper included in the squad despite dislocating a finger in his right hand during Sunday's practice. "I don't think Kalac will make it," said Ancelotti. "For a goalkeeper a finger is very important but we will see in Tuesday's training. "If he is not able to train, Valerio Fiori will play." With regular number one Dida already out with a back injury, Ancelotti will have no alternative but to use third-choice goalkeeper Fiori in the vital game. 38-year-old Fiori has not played in an official match for the Rossoneri since December 18, 2003. Young striker Alexandre Pato will play after being out of action for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury, while Kaka only returned to play in Saturday's goalless draw at Parma after shaking off a knee injury. The European champions will look to take heart from past Champions League campaigns in order to overcome their current dip in form. "It's true that we are not in the best condition," admitted Ancelotti. "But who is in Italy or in Europe? "I don't think these games are determined by the condition of the team but more from focus and experience. And we are experts in these type of games." |
| john the tinca |
Davie Irons has resigned as head coach of Clydesdale Bank Premier League basement side Gretna.
The Borders club have confirmed both Irons and his assistant Derek Collins have resigned with immediate effect. Reports suggest Irons is the leading candidate to succeed Jim McInally at Irn-Bru First Division club Morton. Irons' departure is a further blow for a club who have been plunged into crisis. Gretna sit nine points adrift at the bottom of the SPL with little hope of retaining their top flight status next season. As well as battling for survival, it emerged on Monday that players and employees were told they would not be paid on time as club owner Brooks Mileson's illness has affected the club finances. |
| john the tinca |
Cesc Fabregas admits he would 'love' Arsenal to sign Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
The Cameroon international has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League after becoming one of football's most feared forwards. Fabregas is a huge admirer of Eto'o and would relish the opportunity to play alongside the striker at the Emirates Stadium. "If I was asked which one player I would like to see at Arsenal, it would be Samuel Eto'o," Fabregas told CNN International's 'World Sport'. "Eto'o is a phenomenal striker, he's ambitious, he runs, he works for the team, he scores well and he's a real winner. "I would love to have him on my team." The Gunners return to UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday when holders AC Milan make the trip to London for the first leg of their last 16 encounter. Though Milan have endured an indifferent season in Serie A, Fabregas has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the Italians' threat. He added: "Everybody talks that they are not well in the league, but these teams they can kill you in one second. "They have great players like Pirlo and Kaka." |
| john the tinca |
Barcelona star Lionel Messi believes Celtic's Aiden McGeady will be the player to watch when the sides meet in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The Argentina international believes McGeady has the ability to become a success on the continent. Such is the Republic of Ireland international's natural ability that Messi believes his Barca team-mates will need to give the winger special attention for the first leg in Scotland. "Aiden McGeady is a fast and skilful winger and someone I rate highly," he told the Record Sport. "We will have to be careful with him because his movement can be special and he has a great ability to appear in goalscoring positions out of the blue. "I really like the way he plays football. He is a natural talent, who can create a brilliant piece of play in the blink of an eye and I can assure you our defenders will be paying very close attention to him. "He'd be successful anywhere in Europe, but I know he likes playing for Celtic, so I'm not sure he'd leave." |
| john the tinca |
Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United are ready to win the Champions League again.
United have not made it through to the final since beating Bayern Munich in 1999 but they were in superb form in the group stages before Christmas. Lyon stand between United and a place in the quarter-finals but Giggs is confident ahead of the first leg with the French champions on Wednesday. "It will be a tough game," Giggs said in the Daily Express. "Lyon have won the French title for the past six years in a row so they have plenty of experience in the Champions League. "The main thing is this season we're better prepared for Europe. Last year we were playing with really only 13 or 14 players because of injuries for the last few months of the season. "Hopefully this season we can go into the run-in with 20 players so the manager will be able to freshen things up. "If you think about teams such as Milan, Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona, they have quality players that aren't even making the bench and that's what we must get to." Giggs has been very impressed by how United's summer signings have adapted to the Champions League. He praised: "The attitude and temperament of the players we've brought in - Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani - suit the continental game. "I don't think playing in the Champions League will faze them - it certainly hasn't so far. "Hopefully factors like that will help us fare better than we did last year." |
| john the tinca |
Ryan Giggs is expected to make his 100th Champions League appearance for Manchester United on Wednesday in the first leg of the knockout phase at Lyon.
The Welsh winger was rested for the FA Cup victory over Arsenal at the weekend but flew out to France on Monday to prepare for the match. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson named the 22-man squad with Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre the only long-term injury absentees. Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from a virus and looks certain to start |
| john the tinca |
Daniel Cousin travelled to Athens with Rangers on Wednesday after FIFA again delayed a decision on his move to Fulham.
The Gabon international, 31, has played for both Lens and Rangers this season and is still waiting to learn whether the world football body will sanction his £3million move to the Barclays Premier League. The striker made a substitute appearance as Rangers were held to a goalless draw against Panathinaikos at Ibrox last week and could now be involved in the UEFA Cup second leg on Thursday. Also included in the travelling squad were Thomas Buffel and Alan Gow, although both are unlikely to take part in the clash. Steven Whittaker missed the trip with a hamstring injury, while a European ban meant Jean-Claude Darcheville also remained behind. Boss Walter Smith told the Scottish Daily Express: "We thought we would get a decision this week but it seems they have asked for more time to consider all the details. "Cousin will be travelling with us to Athens on Tuesday and we will have a look at things in terms of who will line up once we are over there and the players have been checked for any problems." |
| john the tinca |
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy's return to first-team football has been delayed further after news that he needs more surgery on his abdominal injury.
The Wales international played in a friendly at the start of the month, but the club have now revealed that he needs to go under the knife again. Bellamy originally had surgery in October and although the latest operation is only likely to sideline him for a further six weeks, it is a blow as The Hammers had hoped he would now be back in contention for the first-team. West Ham confirmed the news after Bellamy felt he was not 'quite right' after his come-back earlier in the month. Hammers physio George Cooper remained buoyant about Bellamy's recovery. "He has been absolutely brilliant," added Cooper. "Everything he has done has got him back to almost being ready and there is a feeling that if he carries on with slight symptoms they are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go. "The operation will complement the excellent work he has done before and that should be the last bit he needs before continuing his strengthening." There was better news for the Hammers with Bobby Zamora back in full training along with Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano. "He is strong as an ox now," Cooper said of Zamora. "His legs are really good and he is in good nick. Bobby is always in early, has been working very hard and been very patient. "It looks to have paid off. His running fitness is as good as anybody's at the club, if not better." |
| john the tinca |
Manchester United target Karim Benzema has claimed he would rather play in Spain or Italy than England.
Sir Alex Ferguson is a confirmed fan of Benzema and his Lyon team-mate Hatem Ben Arfa. But the France international has told the Spanish press that his future lies in La Liga. "I like the Spanish and Italian leagues," he told Don Balon. "The Premier League does not hold too much attraction to me. "Although they have great teams and I consider that I could play there, the style of game they play does not attract me. "I love La Liga because they play beautiful football there. "As far as football is concerned, Barca are the team I prefer today because they play it on touch," he said. "I must admit I like Real Madrid as well, even if they are more focused on defending. "Barca also give young players the chance to play alongside stars, which helps them improve a lot. "In Italy football is stronger and more based on tactics and it's more difficult to impose yourself, but I consider it a very good league as well." Speaking ahead of Lyon clash with United, Manchester United boss Ferguson admitted that the French club could be very proud of their young striker whilst also admitting he wants another striker. |
| john the tinca |
Chelsea manager Avram Grant will rest John Terry and Frank Lampard in the Champions League to keep them fit for the Carling Cup final.
Terry and Lampard both played against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday - with Lampard scoring two goals - but neither will play against Olympiakos in the Champions League. Grant wants them both fit and well-rested for Sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham and so Alex and Michael Ballack will continue for Chelsea in Greece. He also has a decision to make in attack as both Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are bidding to be the lone striker in his 4-3-3 formation |
| john the tinca |
Basketball superstar Steve Nash has revealed he is in "casual contact" with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and director of football Damien Comolli but insists he has no immediate intention of getting involved in the club.
Nash, of NBA side Phoenix Suns, is a passionate Spurs fan and has spoken before about his dreams of one day working with the club, possibly as the figurehead of a consortium. However the former NBA Most Valuable Player insists any involvement at White Hart Lane would come much further down the line. He told The Guardian: "I'm completely behind the group that's there now and I love what's going on at Spurs at the moment. But I would definitely love to be part of Spurs once my [basketball] career is over. "I've got plenty on my plate right now and so I can't imagine exactly how it might work but it's a big goal of mine. |
| john the tinca |
Martin O'Neill reportedly tops the list of contenders to replace Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, should the Spaniard lose his job in the summer.
Benitez is thought to be on extremely shakey ground at Anfield, and may need to win the Champions League to save his job. However, he remained bullish yesterday, insisting that he is the man to take Liverpool forward, given time. "Look at Arsenal. They have won one cup in three years, but they are now in a position to win a title. It takes time." The Daily Mirror reports that O'Neill is at the top of a shortlist that also features Jose Mourinho and Frank Rijkaard. Mourinho is still out of work after leaving Chelsea last year, while Barcelona's faltering league campaign will probably lead to his dismissal at the end of the season. The Mirror claims that 'O'Neill has emerged as a real contender because of his ability to get the most out of his players and operate on limited budgets.' However, O'Neill is known to be happy at Aston Villa, and didn't wish to be considered for the England job when the FA were appointing a successor to Steve McClaren. |
| john the tinca |
David Beckham has arrived in Hawaii ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy's participation in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship and is fully focused on attaining match fitness ahead of the new Major League Soccer season.
The Galaxy are featuring in the two-day tournament alongside fellow MLS side Houston Dynamo, Gamba Osaka of Japan's J.League and Sydney FC of Australia's A-League at the Aloha Stadium, Oahu. And former England captain Beckham, who trained with Premier League leaders Arsenal last month, is happy to make his first trip to the United States' 50th state, but is concentrating on his football ahead of the Galaxy's opening MLS fixture with Colorado Rapids on March 29. "We're very happy to be here, and very honoured with the invitation," said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who signed for the Galaxy in January 2007. "Also, this is my first time in Hawaii so I'm looking forward to looking around and seeing the beaches and seeing everything. |
| john the tinca |
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has promised to field an attacking side against Bayern Munich in their UEFA Cup second-leg clash.
The Dons twice took the lead with a positive first-half display against the German side at Pittodrie last week - and there will be no damage limitation at the Allianz-Arena. Calderwood paired Lee Miller and Darren Mackie up front against Bayern with on-loan Birmingham winger Sone Aluko causing the Germans problems with his direct running. A goalless draw is no use to the Dons on Thursday and Calderwood will put out a team with plenty of forward-thinking players. Calderwood told RedTV: "We have got to defend when we have to defend, and a lot better than we have been doing. "But the bottom line is we have got to win the game so hopefully it won't be a blanket defence. |
| john the tinca |
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists he still has the backing of his club's owners and is "certain" that will continue.
Wanderers head into Tuesday's Championship game against bottom side Scunthorpe desperate for three points, with McCarthy's position firmly under the spotlight. A dismal display in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Cardiff was branded "hopeless" by the former Republic of Ireland manager as Wanderers stretched their winless streak to four games. Three straight wins at the end of January ended a run of eight league matches without a victory to ease the pressure, but rumours have resurfaced since their form suffered a second slide. After reaching last season's play-offs, pre-season promotion aspirations currently appear wide of the mark with 12th-placed Wolves seven points adrift of sixth spot. While McCarthy concedes he would "understand" if changes were made by the club's hierarchy, he insists owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey are still right behind him. |
| john the tinca |
Michael Essien is determined to help Chelsea to more trophies this season in a bid to make up for the disappointment of missing out on winning the African Nations Cup.
Essien's Ghana went out at the semi-final stage of the competition, but Chelsea managed to keep themselves in the hunt for glory on all four fronts while he was back home. He is set for a defensive midfield role against Olympiacos in the Champions League last-16 tie in freezing Athens on Tuesday - but he believes the superb form of his team-mates in the last two months has left Avram Grant's side with a great chance of more silverware. "They've done a good job and didn't lose a game," he said. "It didn't surprise me because I know we have the players to do it. The team has done really well, and we have to keep going and continue to win our matches. "It was very sad to miss out on the African Nations Cup, but you have to forget about the past and look the future. Chelsea have a bright future, and I still have more trophies ahead of me. "We are still in all four trophies and will work really hard. We have to achieve something and win something this year." |
| john the tinca |
Rafael Benitez claims the confidence of his Liverpool players has remained unbroken despite their shock exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Barnsley.
Liverpool's last remaining hope of silverware this season is the Champions League - but they must overcome the daunting prospect of Inter Milan in the last 16 of the competition. The Reds face the Serie A champions, unbeaten in the league this season, at Anfield on Tuesday and again in Milan on March 11. Such has been the growing crisis at Anfield in the past three months, it might be assumed Liverpool's self-belief would be rock-bottom. But Benitez insists his players are in the right frame of mind for the visit of the Nerazzurri. "I believe confidence is okay," he said. "We played well against Sunderland and Chelsea - and against Barnsley we know we had a lot of opportunities we should have taken. |
| john the tinca |
Wes Brown refuses to take anything for granted after stepping into the shoes of Manchester United captain Gary Neville.
The England right-back is enjoying a regular run in the side as United prepare to face Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday. Brown has featured in all but two of his club's Barclays Premier League games this season. His consistently good form saw him rewarded with a call-up to the England side which defeated Switzerland in a friendly that marked Fabio Capello's first game as manager. Given his injury problems, Brown has nothing but sympathy for long-serving defender Neville, who has been sidelined since March because of an ankle problem. Brown said: "I have been here for more than 10 years and know what Gary is capable of and what he has achieved. |
| john the tinca |
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists the Reds have made progress this season and does not believe Rafael Benitez's rotation policy has affected the team's momentum.
The Anfield club head into Tuesday's crucial Champions League second round first-leg clash with Inter Milan in dire need of a positive performance after Saturday's embarrassing FA Cup exit at the hands of Barnsley. Failure to see off the Serie A champions and leaders over two legs would leave the Merseysiders with little to play for aside from fourth place in the Barclays Premier League - and leave manager Benitez clinging to his job by his fingernails. The current malaise is a far cry from the early months of the season when it seemed Liverpool were finally poised to mount a genuine title challenge. But despite that bid long since faltering, Torres - one of the few summer signings to justify the pre-season hype - still sees signs of progress. |
| john the tinca |
Fabio Capello insists his old club AC Milan face the toughest of tasks against Arsenal this week - and warns that the Gunners will be a very different proposition to the side that was humbled in the FA Cup.
The England manager says the return of Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Gael Clichy to the Arsenal starting line-up will provide a huge challenge to the Italians. Capello was at Old Trafford at the weekend to see Arsenal beaten 4-0 by Manchester United in the FA Cup, but that result did not detract from his view of Arsene Wenger's side. Capello said: "Since the draw I've felt that AC Milan could not have got a worse proposition than Arsenal. |
| john the tinca |
Jamie McCombe struck deep into injury-time as Bristol City claimed a last-gasp 1-1 draw to deny Crystal Palace their first win in five games.
City - who would have gone top of the Coca-Cola Championship with a win - looked to have missed their chance when Julian Speroni saved Bradley Orr's penalty and follow-up, but McCombe netted in the fifth minute of stoppage time to earn the Robins a point. The Eagles had led through Lee Hills' controversial strike and looked to have held on for the win until McCombe climbed highest to meet Lee Johnson's corner with a thumping header. Palace boss Neil Warnock was furious at the award of the penalty: "The penalty award was one of the softest I've ever seen and why the referee played over the four minutes at the end only he will know. "I've tried to see him, but he refused. I have to be careful what I say because it could cost me a lot of money, but I'm very disappointed. |
| john the tinca |
Zeljko Kalac has been named in AC Milan's 23-man squad to face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The former Australia international dislocated his finger in training on Sunday morning but will fly with the team and undergo further tests to decide whether he will start the last-16 first-leg clash in London. Brazilian goalkeeper Dida will not travel after suffering an injury during half-time in Saturday's Serie A game with Parma, so 19-year-old Daniel Offredi has been called up from the youth side as cover. Teenage striker Alexandre Pato is fit after shaking off an ankle injury sustained against Fiorentina two weeks ago. Full squad: Kalac, Fiori, Offredi; Cafu, Maldini, Nesta, Kaladze, Simic, Jankulovski, Favalli, Bonera, Oddo; Emerson, Gattuso, Seedorf, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Brocchi; Kaka, Gilardino, Inzaghi, Pato. |
| john the tinca |
Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti insists Liverpool's FA Cup disaster means "nothing" in terms of the clubs' Champions League showdown.
Liverpool suffered a humiliating 2-1 home defeat against Coca-Cola Championship Barnsley in the fifth round of competition at the weekend - heaping further pressure on manager Rafael Benitez. But Zanetti has warned his team-mates that, despite the loss, Liverpool are still formidable opponents in the last-16 Champions League match first-leg clash at Anfield. "What happened to them in the Cup means nothing - they are a marvellous club with great history," Zanetti reasons. "This is a big challenge for us. But we have a winning mentality which comes from playing for a big club - and we are intent on winning this match. "In some ways this tie is an examination for us, against a team who have won regularly in Europe. Last season we lost in Valencia in this competition, even though we won the league at home. "Now we are winning our league again. But we have not proved ourselves in Europe, and playing Liverpool is a big test for us. |
| john the tinca |
Arsenal captain William Gallas has escaped disciplinary action over his clash with Manchester United's Nani.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the French defender should have been sent off at the weekend by referee Alan Wiley for kicking Nani from behind in response to the Portuguese midfielder indulging in some ball-juggling. However the Football Association confirmed today that Wiley had looked at video footage of the incident. An FA spokesman said: "Having viewed the footage, the referee was not satisfied that it showed evidence of violent conduct and therefore no further action will be taken." For the FA to take action, Wiley would have had to have deemed the clash worthy of a red card for violent conduct. The decision will be sure to infuriate Ferguson, who said after the 4-0 win by United: "I thought Gallas should have been sent off. The referee must have a look at that again. "He kicked Nani from behind and the referee called both over because they sized each other up. He should have been red-carded." Meanwhile, Gallas has warned his team-mates they will have to fight every inch of the way if they are to win the title or enjoy European glory. Gallas says United will have taken huge confidence from their win over the Gunners in the FA Cup, and that Arsenal's players have to be ready for the conflict. A visit by AC Milan on Wednesday night is the next challenge facing Arsenal, and Gallas said the team need to step up their approach for both that and the Premier League campaign. He told Arsenal TV: "The title is a dream and to get that dream you have to fight. "We have to take it game by game, and we have to be ready for the fight. We know it will not be easy for us, and Manchester United will have confidence and if we want that title we have to fight. "The defeat was very tough for us. We did not play well. We know we were not good at all. "Everyone was disappointed and now we have to work and work again to see what we can do in the Champions League and the Premier League. "We have to put the game behind us. On Wednesday it will be different as we are at home and we can play our game, but away we have to fight and we didn't fight on Saturday." |
| john the tinca |
Southampton have unveiled Nigel Pearson as their new manager on a rolling contract.
The former Newcastle assistant boss succeeds George Burley - who left the Coca-Cola Championship side in January to take the Scotland job - at St Mary's. Jason Dodd and John Gorman were placed in charge of first-team affairs following Burley's departure and the duo will stay on as part of Pearson's new-look backroom staff. Dodd and Gorman were powerless to prevent the Saints slipping to four defeats from their last five games in all competitions, which included Saturday's FA Cup humbling at the hands of League One side Bristol Rovers. Nevertheless, chairman Leon Crouch has praised the duo and backed Pearson, 44, to stop the side's slump down the Championship table. "We are very grateful to John and Jason for all their hard work and their passion after taking over in very difficult circumstances," Crouch told www.saintsfc.co.uk. "They did everything they could and they must feel as hurt as everyone else at the club by Saturday's result. "Pearson is a top-quality coach with plenty of experience and good contacts in the game. "He is also a disciplinarian with a strong work ethic and I believe he will inject new impetus into out campaign." Pearson made his first tentative steps into management with Carlisle before short spells in temporary charge of West Brom, Newcastle and the England Under-21s. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough defender left Newcastle following Kevin Keegan's arrival on Tyneside last month and should take charge of the Saints for the first time against Plymouth in the Championship. |
| john the tinca |
Portugal international Paulo Ferreira has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea.
Speculation had surrounded the future of the 2004 Champions League winner, who was signed by former boss Jose Mourinho before the 2004-05 season. But the 29-year-old has signed a new deal which is likely to tie him to Stamford Bridge for the remainder of his career. Ferreira told the club's website, chelseafc.com: "I am delighted to commit my long-term future to Chelsea. "The fans have made me very welcome since I have been at Chelsea and I enjoy my football here a lot. "We have had a lot of success and I am hoping we have more over the coming years." The former Porto defender has made 130 appearances for the Blues but has faced stiff competition for the right-back slot from summer recruit Juliano Belletti this season. |
| john the tinca |
Chelsea coach Avram Grant insists he will not rest until he has led the club to Champions League glory.
Grant's side face Olympiacos in snowy Athens on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-16 tie but the Blues boss already has his sights set on the ultimate goal. Chelsea failed twice at the semi-final hurdle under previous coach Jose Mourinho but Grant is determined to succeed where he failed. "Chelsea are a big club already but if you want to be a really big club and bigger than we are now, we need to be in the final of the Champions League and then do more and more," said Grant. "You cannot say we are bigger if we don't get to the final of the Champions League. So this is our target. Our target was to do it within two years but we want to do it this year. "We need to go step by step. I personally will not rest until we get to the final. Our target is to reach the final but we also need to do our job tomorrow night. If we look too far ahead we could lose the moment. So we concentrate on tomorrow first." For the first time since he took charge from the deposed Mourinho, Grant has a fully fit squad to choose from. Only Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko did not travel and he was left at home in a bid to boost his fitness levels after a lengthy back injury. |
| john the tinca |
Former Liverpool midfielder Ronnie Whelan has blamed Rafael Benitez for the club's recent poor form which culminated in their FA Cup exit to Barnsley.
The Reds were knocked out of the competition at the fifth round after they suffered an embarrassing 2-1 home defeat to Simon Davey's Coca-Cola Championship side at the weekend. And Whelan insisted the recent demise is the fault of the Liverpool manager and not the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks who have taken a lot of the flak from supporters. "To get beaten by Barnsley - I don't know what's going on. The performances on the pitch have been absolutely abysmal," Whelan told RTE radio. "Okay, you say 'now and again there's a cup upset, it's a one-off' but it's not really a one-off at the moment with Liverpool. "They struggled against a team six leagues below in the round before, who no-one had ever heard of. They struggled against Luton, they're having a lot of struggles at the moment. "They have no chance of winning the league. And I think the manager is under a lot of pressure now." Whelan continued: "He spent an awful lot of money on an awful lot of players and they haven't been very good signings. |
| john the tinca |
Rafael Benitez has reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool as the five-time European Cup winners bid to salvage their season against the best team in Italy.
The under-fire Anfield chief could hardly have a more difficult task following the wreckage of Saturday's FA Cup humiliation by Barnsley. With their confidence and quality under the spotlight, Liverpool must confront Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16, a team who are unbeaten in their domestic league all season and 11 points clear at the top of Serie A. Benitez must feel he has been battered black and blue these last few months as Liverpool have collapsed, and now he comes up against the Nerazzurri, Italy's own merciless black and blue giants. Inter have lost just three of their last 45 away games in all competitions and are odds-on favourites to deepen the crisis that has enveloped Anfield this season. But despite being told by critics that he must win the Champions League to save his job, Benitez still believes he will be Anfield manager for some time to come. He said: "I do not see this as my most difficult time as a manager. I have worked for 21 years now in the job so I have good memories and bad moments. "So I try to concentrate only on the next game. Obviously I was really disappointed at the weekend, but we must be positive and prepare for this game correctly. "I feel the disappointment just like any fan. But I must underline that my commitment to this club is still 100%. |
| john the tinca |
Sir Alex Ferguson was resigned to his fate after Manchester United were once again paired with a Premier League side in the FA Cup.
United will face Portsmouth at home in the quarter-finals while Bristol Rovers will play West Brom, Chelsea will take on Barnsley and Sheffield United or Middlesbrough will host Cardiff. Ferguson's side have had to overcome Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal to reach the last eight of the competition - and played six top-flight sides in last season's FA Cup, including Portsmouth. The United manager told the club's website, www.manutd.com: "It's a home draw, so it doesn't matter who you get. But it's typical that we have another Premier League team. "The good thing about the FA Cup, though, is that the opposition bring an increased number of supporters, which makes for a great atmosphere. "We've had two great home ties against Spurs and Arsenal in the previous rounds, and hopefully we'll have another one against Portsmouth." |
| john the tinca |
Rafa Benitez claims that the mood in the Liverpool camp is "really good" despite their FA Cup exit to Barnsley.
The Reds now face Serie A champions-elect Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night with reports suggesting that he needs to win in Europe to keep his job. "The mood of the players is really good, probably better than people expect," said Benitez on the club's official website. "Physically and mentally they are ready for the game on Tuesday. We have prepared well and I am confident we will be ready for a good performance. "We know it will be difficult because Inter Milan are a good side who have won a lot of games this season, but we know that on our night we can beat anybody at Anfield and the players know what they have to do." Asked if he had a message for the fans who have shown him unprecedented patience this season, Benitez said: "At Liverpool the fans say you will never walk alone and I am sure they will be behind us on Tuesday night. "We know it will be another great atmosphere and I am sure they will play their part. We need their backing and their support." Liverpool have no new injuries - with Martin Skrtel and Fernando Torres set to return. |
| john the tinca |
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate concedes he has now become accustomed to playing the vulnerable role.
In a season of FA Cup shocks, Boro managed to avoid becoming the latest Premier League victim with a battling, yet goalless fifth -round draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday. Against Bristol City and Mansfield in previous rounds, Boro were viewed as prime candidates for a giantkilling, yet they managed to avoid being toppled. And if they beat the Blades in the replay, Boro face another team from the lower divisions in the quarter-finals - Cardiff at the Riverside. But you have to go back to 2001 for the last time Boro were beaten by lower league opposition in the FA Cup, since when they have overcome 13 potential banana skins. "I've spent most of the season as second favourite for the sack, so we're used to dealing with this kind of thing," was Southgate's honest assessment. "So am I peeved about constantly being viewed as vulnerable? No, it's not a problem. We have to focus on what we can control. "When you come to places like Sheffield it is tough, and if we had lost then it wouldn't have been as big a shock as some of the ties in other rounds. "But we've dealt with the pressure quite well. We told the players to just go out and play their football, although at times we have probably tried to do that too much. "But on an afternoon few will remember, we've only lost one of the last 10 away games, so we're not giving much away which is a good platform to build on." Southgate has fielded his strongest side in every round of the FA Cup so far, unlike others who have opted for the 'weaker' approach and paid the price. "Some teams have enough players to be able to do that," remarked Southgate. "If you were Liverpool (who lost at home to Barnsley) you would feel you put out a strong enough team to win the game. "We have tried to make as few changes as possible, although very often some have been forced upon us. "You know in the Cup it (a giantkilling) can happen. There is such a thin dividing line. United had a free-kick that hit the post and if they had gone in at half time 1-0 up, then it would have been a tall order to come back. "That's the beauty of the competition |
| john the tinca |
Samuel Eto'o has been included in the Barcelona squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Celtic on Wednesday night.
Eto'o picked up a thigh injury while playing for Cameroon at the African Nations Cup and missed Barca's 2-1 win at Real Zaragoza on Saturday. But he is in contention for the clash in Glasgow, meaning coach Frank Rijkaard will have his 'fab four' of Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry all available for the first time since August. Sylvinho also returns to the squad after missing the last two games through injury. But there is no place for teenage striker Bojan Krkic, Gianluca Zambrotta or Edmilson, while Oleguer Presas, Santi Ezquerro and goalkeeper Albert Jorquera are all still injured. Barcelona Squad: Valdes, Pinto; Puyol, Thuram, Marquez, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho; Toure, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho, Messi, Henry, Eto'o, Giovani. |
| john the tinca |
Franz Beckenbauer believes there are some merits in the Premier League's proposal for an 'international round' - but has warned that it would be "cocky" to go against FIFA's wishes.
The German, who is a FIFA executive committee member, said England's bid for the 2018 World Cup will not have a chance unless they go "hand-in-hand" with the world governing body. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already expressed his vehement opposition to the Premier League's plan for each club to hold a 39th game in a foreign city. Beckenbauer, speaking in St Petersburg at the Laureus sports awards, said: "If FIFA is against this idea to put Premier League games outside the country, I wouldn't do it. "The decision on who gets the World Cup 2018 will happen very soon and England are one of the favourites. At this time I wouldn't be so cocky to go against FIFA. "In this period if you want to be the World Cup host you have to get hand-in-hand with FIFA - otherwise you don't get the chance." Beckenbauer believes however it is a good idea to export football - and even suggested playing the FA Cup final in China. |
| john the tinca |
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists that plans to host games abroad are still alive despite widespread opposition.
Scudamore stressed the "39th game" proposals were in their infancy and that the FA and Fifa will be consulted. "It's certainly not a dead duck," he told a House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee on Tuesday. FA chairman Lord Triesman said there were a number of issues to be discussed but that it welcomed new ideas. The Premier League unveiled its plans last Thursday to explore the possibility of playing an extra round of matches every season abroad, with all 20 clubs unanimous in support. Since then a large number of influential football figures, domestically and internationally, have ridiculed the plans with Fifa president Sepp Blatter insisting the plans will never happen. |
| john the tinca |
Plymouth Argyle have signed 29-year-old Derby County winger Gary Teale on loan until the end of the season.
Teale goes straight into the squad for Tuesday's Championship match with Southampton at St Mary's. Teale has won 10 caps for Scotland and played 22 times for Derby in the Premier League this season. "He's lost a bit of confidence and he needs to go and play some football," Derby County manager Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby. "Gary's had limited first team opportunities. I had him at Wigan and he's a terrific lad," added Jewell. Teale moved to Wigan in 2001 and was part of the Latics side which won promotion from what is now League One to the Premier League before joining Derby. He began his career at Clydebank before joining Ayr United in 1998. He moved to Wigan in 2001 for £275,000 before signing for Derby County in January 2007 for £600,000. He made his Scotland debut in a 3-1 defeat by Switzerland in March 2006. Teale will wear the Argyle number seven shirt and joined up with his new team-mates at their Southampton hotel in preparation for Tuesday's game. |
| john the tinca |
Gretna chief executive Graham Muir has conceded he cannot rule out the SPL's bottom side going into administration.
Head coach Davie Irons and his assistant Derek Collins left the club on Tuesday to take over at Morton. That came the day after it emerged that staff, including players, had not received their weekly wage. Speaking to BBC Sport, Muir said: "There's always a danger of going into administration but we've had these kind of rumours before." |
| john the tinca |
Manager David Irons has resigned his post at Gretna, along with assistant Derek Collins, to take over at First Division Morton.
The pair replace Jim McInally and Martin Clark at the Greenock club. Irons stepped up from the assistant's role in March and steered Gretna into the Premier League as caretaker coach on a dramatic final day of last season. He was given the manager's job in July, taking over from Rowan Alexander, but Gretna have struggled in the SPL. Irons leaves with the club stranded at the foot of the table, having picked up just 13 points from 25 games. And the news of his departure comes a day after it was revealed that Gretna staff, including players, had not received their wages on time. Gretna director of football Mick Wadsworth, assisted by Iain Scott and Andy Smith, will take charge of first-team affairs until further notice. |
| john the tinca |
Hearts have announced that they are to seek a meeting with Celtic following events involving their fans during Saturday's SPL game at Celtic Park.
During the match nine supporters were ejected and three arrested. Celtic have confirmed they will provide full details of every ejection and arrest. Hearts operations director Campbell Ogilvie said: "We're aware of the way certain issues were handled. "We will work with Celtic to ensure any future issues are minimised." The Edinburgh club received an above average number of complaints about stewarding, crowd control and policing at Celtic Park. And Ogilvie told the club website: "Where supporters have breached the SPL Unacceptable Conduct regulations we cannot condone those actions." |
| john the tinca |
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says a knockout tie against Champions League holders AC Milan will be the "ultimate test" for his talented young team.
The Gunners face the Italian giants at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening, with Wenger insisting his side must show their true quality to win. "We're in the position of challengers but Milan are the holders," he said. "They have quality and experience. We are a team who can challenge and beat them, so we want to be at our best." |
| john the tinca |
Barcelona academy coach Jose Ramon Alexanco believes forward Lionel Messi is the kind of special player who only appears once in every generation.
Messi, 20, will feature against Celtic in Barca's Champions League last-16 first leg at Celtic Park on Wednesday. Alexanco, who lifted the European Cup as Barca captain in 1992, told BBC Sport: "Messi is one of those players who does not appear very often. "There can be little doubt he is now one of the best players in the world." Argentine international Messi is Barca's top goalscorer this season, with eight in La Liga, and he has already scored four times in the Champions League as well. |
| john the tinca |
Boss Avram Grant admits Chelsea face a tough task to overcome Olympiakos in the Champions League last 16 after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Greece.
The Blues have not lost at home for 59 games but Grant says the return leg in two weeks is not a forgone conclusion. "They are a good team, very organised. They play more or less the same away and it's not easy to play against them. "We expect a tough game. They played the group games at Real Madrid, Werder Bremen and Lazio well," Grant said. |
| john the tinca |
Fifa's plan to introduce a quota on foreign players has been struck a major blow by the European Commission.
Sepp Blatter, head of football's ruling body, was hoping to enforce his 6+5 rule that would stop clubs from playing more than five non-nationals in an XI. "The implementation by Fifa of a 6+5 rule in the European Union would violate EU law," said an EC spokesman. "The Commission is not considering any change to allow Fifa to push forward this idea. Fifa is aware of this fact." A spokesman for football's governing body said they were not going to comment on the statements issued by the EC, who are the executive branch of the EU. Despite the stance, Blatter is set to submit his idea to the Fifa Congress when it meets in Sydney on 29 and 30 May. |
| john the tinca |
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted his side's 2-0 Champions League win over 10-man Inter Milan was crucial after another turbulent week for him.
The Spaniard has come under intense pressure this season and none more so than this week following Liverpool's FA Cup exit to Barnsley at the weekend. And he said: "I think everyone knew we needed this. It was really important for the club and fans that we won. "I have always had confidence in this team and we will win a lot of games." Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard got the goals in the last five minutes what had at one point looked like being a frustrating match to ensure Liverpool are well placed to make the quarter-finals of the competition. That came after Marco Materazzi had seen red on the half hour and Benitez said: "We needed to be patient. |
| john the tinca |
The BBC will screen three of the four FA Cup sixth round matches, starting with Barnsley's home tie to Premier League side Chelsea.
Barnsley beat Liverpool in the fifth round and the tie from Oakwell will be shown on 8 March at 1730 GMT. Sheffield United or Middlesbrough will play Cardiff at 1310 GMT on 9 March and that will also be shown. The action will be concluded on Sunday when Bristol Rovers take on West Brom at 1800 GMT. League One Bristol Rovers are the only team from outside the top two divisions still left in the tournament and have beaten Fulham and Southampton to reach the quarter-finals. The other tie of the round is between Manchester United and Portsmouth and will kick-off at 1245 GMT on the Saturday. |
| john the tinca |
Farsley Celtic have been commended as team of the year at the Yorkshire Sports Awards.
The commendation recognised Farsley's superb achievement in gaining two consecutive promotions to reach the Blue Square Premier division. Simeon Bambrook also picked up a special commendation as player of the year at the event at Leeds Civic Hall. The midfielder's penalty sealed a 4-3 win over Hinckley in the Conference North play-offs last season. |
| john the tinca |
York City manager Colin Walker has demanded a response from his team in Saturday's FA Trophy quarter-final at Rushden & Diamonds.
Walker saw his side's 17-game unbeaten run ended at Histon and told BBC Radio York: "Saturday is the biggest game since I've been here. "It's now about how we react. Having got beaten well, we must bounce back. "We struggled to cope with their [Histon's] ugly game on a pitch that you couldn't play any football on." York expect captain Manny Panther to return at Rushden after a knee injury. Loan striker Leo Fortune-West and midfielder Simon Rusk are not available for the Rushden tie. Onome Sodje, Craig Farrell and Richard Brodie are in contention for a place in attack. |
| john the tinca |
Oxford boss Darren Patterson has bemoaned the fact that he cannot offer defender Michael Howard a permanent deal after a successful loan.
The Morecambe defender could extend his temporary stay at the Kassam Stadium, but is unable to sign a permanent deal because the transfer window has closed. Patterson told BBC Radio Oxford: "It's a right royal pain in the backside as I am only allowed five loan players." Patterson has indicated he will try to extend Howard's loan stay with the U's. |
| john the tinca |
Kidderminster boss Mark Yates says he is disappointed with the way Sunday's game at Crawley was called off.
The Blue Square Premier clash was due to be played on Sunday but was postponed two hours before kick off because part of the pitch was frozen. Yates told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "We were 10 minutes from the ground at a service station and had no inclination that the game was in doubt. "We just felt we should have been consulted over the decision." The Harriers boss added: "By the time we left, they were having a full practice match on the pitch and the area of concern was absolutely fine. "It's not as if we're an hour down the road and our fans are just waiting on a phone call. "Our supporters, like the players, left Aggbrough at half eight, quarter to nine and it was pretty disappointing the way it ended out." |
| john the tinca |
Veteran Burton Albion goalkeeper Kevin Poole expects to be out of action for at least a fortnight after injuring his hamstring in the defeat at Salisbury.
"I took a goal kick and my standing foot slipped," Poole, 44, told BBC Radio Derby. "I felt my hamstring go - it's going to be two weeks at least." Saul Deeney will come in for Saturday's FA Trophy tie at home to Ebbsfleet. Brewers boss Nigel Clough added: "We are fortunate we have Saul to step in and he'll be an adequate replacement." |
| john the tinca |
Members of fans' website MyFootballClub will formally complete the takeover of Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday.
In January more than 18,000 members voted on the £635,000 takeover, with 95.8% backing the Kent club's purchase. The deal is believed to represent the first website-community takeover of a football club or business in the world. Members will be able to vote on team selection, player transfers as well as other decisions affecting the club. MyFootballClub has more than 28,000 members, spread over 80 countries. In November, MyFootballClub announced it had reached agreement with Ebbsfleet - known as Gravesend & Northfleet until last summer - to buy control of the club. |
| john the tinca |
Stafford Rangers have called a news conference for Thursday where it is expected they will announce Wolves legend Steve Bull as their new manager.
Bull told BBC Radio Stoke: "They've told me their plans for the next three or four years, a new ground maybe, and I would like to be part of that. "Starting at Stafford would give me a really good start." The 42-year-old added: "I want to have a go, and if it's not my game, I'll go back to what I'm best at." Bull's first game in charge could be at Halifax on Saturday. He will take over from Kevin Street and Neil Grayson, who have been in caretaker charge at Marston Road since Phil Robinson left in December. Rangers lie 11 points from safety at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier. |
| john the tinca |
Aldershot manager Gary Waddock said the club have hit new heights after the 3-1 win over Stevenage Borough on Sunday.
Waddock told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "We've played some good football, but the first 45 minutes was the best that we've played." The victory meant the Shots kept a six point lead in the Blue Square Premier after Torquay had cut the gap to three. Waddock added: "Was there added pressure with Torquay winning? It didn't look like it to me first-half." |
| john the tinca |
Cambridge United striker Scott Rendell has joined Peterborough on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.
Rendell, 21, who has scored 22 goals this season, put in a transfer request after the U's snubbed a six-figure bid. "We don't keep players who are unhappy and don't want to play for the club," said Cambridge director George Rolls. "We're shocked he wants to leave us, bearing in mind we believe we can give him league football at the end of the season. We didn't want him to leave." |
| john the tinca |
Exeter City midfielder Dean Moxey has begun training with England ahead of their 'C' international with Wales on Wednesday night.
Moxey is part of a 16-man England squad drawn from players at clubs in the Blue Square Premier, Conference North and the Ryman League. The match, at Exeter's St James Park, is part of the International Challenge Trophy, a new event for the 'C' team. In November England beat Finland 2-0 in the first match of the tournament. England's C team, the new name for the old National Game XI and semi-pro side, has had great success in the season. In 2006-07 they won all their games. They took the European Challenge Trophy by beating the likes of Belgium, Italy and Holland. They also won the Four Nations Tournament against Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland |
| john the tinca |
Halifax Town have been kicked out of the West Riding County Cup and fined £1,500 after fielding loan players.
Due to an injury crisis, Town manager Chris Wilder named five loanees on the bench against Ossett Albion, putting three on during the game. The rules state that no loan players can feature in the competition and as a result Town have been expelled. It is a reprieve for Ossett Albion who will now play Bradford Park Avenue in the semi-final. |
| john the tinca |
York City manager Colin Walker has demanded a response from his team in Saturday's FA Trophy quarter-final at Rushden & Diamonds.
Walker saw his side's 17-game unbeaten run ended at Histon and told BBC Radio York: "Saturday is the biggest game since I've been here. "It's now about how we react. Having got beaten well, we must bounce back. "We struggled to cope with their [Histon's] ugly game on a pitch that you couldn't play any football on." York expect captain Manny Panther to return at Rushden after a knee injury. |
| john the tinca |
Woking manager Frank Gray has confirmed he will make team changes after Saturday's 3-0 loss to Farsley Celtic.
It was only Woking's first defeat in the Blue Square Premier since New Year's Day. Gray told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "You're disappointed when you lose games, but we didn't perform anything like we have been doing recently. "It was probably the worst we've played all season. We should have both Bradley Quamina and Jay Gasson back at least." |
| john the tinca |
Weymouth manager John Hollins has released defender Joel Kitamirike reports BBC Radio Solent.
The 23-year-old former Chelsea centre-back joined Weymouth in the summer of 2007 from Blue Square South side Fisher Athletic. "We're now moving on. We thank him for his efforts and he's been tremendous but that's the way the game is going," said Hollins. "I've got to make decisions and that is what I've done." Hollins is still searching for his first league win in charge and new faces are expected soon at the Wessex Stadium. |
| john the tinca |
Salisbury striker Matt Tubbs has been forced to withdraw from the England C squad to face Wales Under-23s.
The 23-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in Salisbury's 2-0 win over Burton Albion in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. Tubbs has been unlucky when involved with the England C squad having picked up injuries in both the games he has played in. Tubbs has scored 11 league goals for Salisbury this season. |
| john the tinca |
Macclesfield defender Andrew Teague is to continue his rehabilitation from a broken leg by spending a month on loan at Blue Square North side Hyde United.
Teague, 22, spent last month with Tamworth where he played his first competitive games since being carried off at Stockport in November 2006. "Andy needs more games under his belt," Macclesfield boss Ian Brightwell told the club website. Teague will join former Silkmen Dave Morley and Matthew Tipton at Hyde. |
| john the tinca |
Rochdale fans have been praised for their help in trying to defrost the Spotland pitch in time for Tuesday's clash with Notts County.
Club officials and fans worked through the night, stoking 43 burning braziers around the ground. But their efforts proved in vain when the match was postponed for a second time because of a frozen pitch. Press officer Mike Brookes praised the club's fans: "They've been here all night. We can't thank them enough." Keith Hill's side lie eighth in the table with two games in hand. A new date for the fixture is yet to be announced. |
| john the tinca |
Accrington Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell says the team desperately need a leader in their defence.
Stanley have conceded 60 goals in 32 league matches this season and have kept just one clean sheet since the beginning of November. "Anyone who follows Accrington knows we are missing a dominant centre-half," Bell told BBC Radio Lancashire. "Every team in the league seems to have them at the minute. We certainly need one of them - a bit of a leader." He added: "We have a couple of irons in the fire at the moment but it's hard to attract such good players because of our form or whatever. We are doing our best." Stanley are currently eight points above the League Two relegation zone and are keen to avoid a repeat of last season where they guaranteed survival with only one game to spare. "We need four or five more wins from our remaining games," added Bell. "We've got to believe that what we have got is good enough to get us out of the sticky situation we are in at the moment." |
| john the tinca |
Stockport County defender James Tunnicliffe has signed a contract extension with the club.
The new deal will keep him at Edgeley Park until summer 2009. The 19-year-old, who turned down the chance to join Southampton last year, told the club's website: "I'm delighted to sign a new deal. "I honestly feel we can push for promotion. Personally I'm developing well, if I can get a few games then I can push on from there." Tunnicliffe is a product of Stockport's Centre of Excellence and made his first team debut at the age of 16. He has made just three substitute appearances for County this season due to injury. |
| john the tinca |
Chesterfield defender Gregor Robertson faces at least a month on the sidelines with a thigh muscle injury.
Robertson missed the defeat against Hereford on Saturday because of the problem and there were fears he may be ruled out for the rest of the season. But a scan has shown the damage is not too serious and he may return in March. However Jack Lester (ankle), Peter Leven (knee) and Derek Niven (toe) are all making steady progress and could return against Brentford on Saturday. |
| john the tinca |
Bradford City captain David Wetherall has announced he will retire at the end of the season after making more than 300 appearances for the Bantams.
The 36-year-old still has two years left on his current deal and will stay on at the club as first team coach. He told BBC Radio Leeds: "I'm a realist and not a fantasist and know you've got to call it a day sometime." Chilean striker Willy Topp is suffering from a muscle-tightening condition which prevents him playing full games. Wetherall signed for Bradford City from Leeds for £1.4m in 1999 and will be best remembered at Valley Parade for scoring the goal against Liverpool on the final day of the 1999-2000 campaign which ensured Premiership survival. |
| john the tinca |
Bournemouth defender Russell Perrett has received some positive news after undergoing hospital tests following a health scare last Wednesday.
The 35-year-old was admitted to hospital by ambulance after being taken ill at his home suffering from breathing problems. But after undergoing a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram and a blood flow scan, Perrett was given the all-clear. Perrett missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Southend as a result. |
| john the tinca |
Leeds United could have club captain Alan Thompson back for their match at home to Crewe on Saturday.
The 34-year-old's loan spell at Hartlepool United runs out on Friday and he could make a shock appearance at Elland Road the following day. The former Celtic midfielder will be available for Hartlepool's encounter with Northampton on Friday evening. Thompson was sent on loan by ex-Leeds manager Dennis Wise and has made six appearances for Pools, scoring once. Meanwhile Scott Gardner's loan spell at Blue Square Premier club Farsley Celtic will come to an end after this weekend's game at Exeter. Gardner has made three appearances for Jon Deacy's side to date. |
| john the tinca |
Boss Kenny Jackett remained positive after watching Millwall lose 1-0 away at Huddersfield and feels his side will see their results improve.
"We played some constructive football, but we couldn't convert it into goals," said Jackett. "We had some young players out there who showed some nice touches and we created chances. "There is ability here and spirit here. It's important that we keep going and we will climb the table." |
| john the tinca |
Huddersfield Town manager Andy Ritchie has insisted the League One play-offs are still a realistic target.
Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Millwall left the Terriers six points adrift of the top six. Ritchie told BBC Radio Leeds: "We've got nine games in March which is just a crazy amount. "We'll try to keep as many clean sheets from now until the end of the season and if we do that we've got a chance of getting in the play-offs." |
| john the tinca |
Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood says he is unlikely to bring in cover for injured striker Nathan Tyson.
Tyson is set be out until April with a hamstring problem but Calderwood says he will not rush into the loan market. "I'm happy with what I've got," he told BBC Radio Nottingham. "I want to have this group prove they can do it. "But it always depends who's available. We've never stopped looking but the important deadline is the one in March where you can't take anyone." Forest failed in their attempts to sign Coventry striker Leon Best in January but Tyson's injury is offset by the return of Junior Agogo, who had been with Ghana on Africa Cup of Nations duty. |
| john the tinca |
Crewe first team coach Steve Holland has said he has received several inquiries from clubs wanting to take forward Ryan Lowe on loan.
Holland told BBC Radio Stoke: "There are a number of clubs that would borrow Ryan if we agree. "I'm certainly in no rush to see the back of Ryan but if he says he wants to go somewhere to get football, then we will discuss that." Lowe, 24, joined the Alex in July 2006 on a free transfer from Chester City. "Ryan has had some opportunities in the first team," said Holland. "But perhaps he has not done as well as he would have liked. "He's obviously on the fringe of the team, but he's an excellent professional and one of our more experienced players." Lowe has found the net five times in 26 appearances for the Alex this season, to add to the 12 goals he scored last term. |
| john the tinca |
Doncaster's League One game against Leeds United has been rearranged for Tuesday, 1 April at 1945 GMT.
The original fixture was due to be played on Saturday 16 February, but was postponed because of a frozen pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium. Tickets for the original game will be valid for April, but Leeds have said their fans can apply for a refund if they cannot make the new date. With both clubs fighting for promotion, the game is likely to be a sell-out. |
| john the tinca |
Yeovil Town defender Nathan Jones could be back before the end of the season despite confirmation that he broke his arm in Saturday's defeat at Oldham.
Jones, 34, will have an operation on Wednesday which means his arm will not need to be put in plaster. But he will not be able to subject his arm to any contact for eight weeks. A further scan showed that fellow defender Scott Guyett, although a doubt for Saturday's Southend game, suffered only severe bruising to his ribs. Guyett also picked up his injury on Saturday, where he played the full 90 minutes. Jones, who came off after half an hour at Boundary Park, plans to maintain his fitness levels with running and ball work so that he can be ready for an immediate recall when his eight-week break is up. Meanwhile, new loan signing Martin Woods has returned to his parent club Doncaster Rovers for treatment on his injured ankle, but is due to return to Huish Park on Thursday for training. |
| john the tinca |
Swindon Town have awarded nine youth team players professional contracts ahead of their FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie at Charlton on Tuesday.
Swindon's youngsters have been attracting a lot of interest from bigger clubs in the last 12 months. Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz joined Everton last summer while defender Ben Tozer joined Newcastle in January. Youth team boss Paul Bodin said: "It's great news for the kids, they're all very talented with great potential." He added: "They still have to do their academic stuff and their apprenticeship but they're on the first rung of the ladder in terms of professionalism." The players who have been awarded contracts are: Kurt Hammonds, Jake Hyde, Ben Joyce, Callum Kennedy, Lloyd Macklin, Sam Morris, Shaun Morrison, Mark Scott and Jack Winter. |
| john the tinca |
Roberto Martinez hit out at Swansea City's "soft" defending that makes MK Dons "favourites" to reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
Jemal Johnson's solitary goal has given the League Two leaders the edge ahead of Monday's area final second leg. Willy Gueret made a heroes return to The Liberty Stadium as the former Swans 'keeper made a string of great saves. Swans boss Martinez said: "The disappointment is the soft goal we conceded and the chances we wasted." Swansea are chasing their third Trophy triumph but the shock home area final first leg defeat has handed Paul Ince's team the initiative. The Swans are bidding to become the first Welsh club to appear at the new Wembley but Martinez admits" "Taking a 1-0 lead back to their place obviously makes them favourites. |
| john the tinca |
Southend United defender Tom Hopkins has joined Southern League side Cheshunt on work experience.
The under-18's captain will spend four weeks with the non-league outfit as they attempt to escape relegation. He has linked up with Southend team-mate striker Rhys Henry who is already at Cheshunt. Hopkins joins Henry, James Lindie, David Obaze and Luke Thurlbourne on work experience spells away from the League One club. |
| john the tinca |
Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has described the club's decision to release Danny Jackman as "embarrassing" after he came back to haunt them.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who left Priestfield last summer, was Northampton's man-of-the-match in the 4-0 drubbing of the Gills on Saturday. "I told the chairman that to let him go for nothing is amazing," said Stimson. "I've seen the kid play a couple of times, and he's played against us and he looks a hell of a player." He added: "He's my type of player, he's got a great enthusiasm, he gets around the pitch, he's not the biggest but he competes in both boxes. "It's amazing and embarrassing that he was allowed to leave." Jackman left the Gills in May 2007 on a Bosman-style free transfer, after rejecting the offer of a contract from former manager Ronnie Jepson. The latest defeat leaves the Kent club in the relegation mire and without a win in seven games |
| john the tinca |
Stoke City club captain Dominic Matteo says getting promotion with the Potters would be the highlight of his career.
Matteo, 33, told BBC Radio Stoke: "To get into the Premier League with Stoke would certainly be the biggest achievement of my career. "I've never been part of a team that's been promoted before and it would be massive for a club like Stoke to earn a place in the Premiership." Matteo has been out of action since November following a foot operation. The former Scotland international has seen his side go top of the Championship in the time he has been on the sidelines and he says he is pleased with the way the team has been finding a way to win matches. "In the last few weeks we've not been at our best," he said. "But we've been able to win games and that is a sign of a good side. "A lot of that is down to the attitude of the players because that has been first class all season." |
| john the tinca |
Chris Coleman has signed a three-and-a-half year deal to become the manager of Coventry City.
The former Fulham boss, 37, who had been out of work since leaving Real Sociedad in January, replaces Iain Dowie - who was sacked on 11 February. Steve Keane, Coleman's assistant at Fulham, will join as his number two. Coleman said: "This is a big club, all geared up to be in the Premier League. It will not be easy but we want to build a team in order to do that." |
| john the tinca |
New Coventry City manager Chris Coleman will be without captain Michael Doyle for his first three matches in charge.
The Irish midfielder has lost his appeal against the red card he received in Saturday's 5-0 FA Cup thumping at home to West Bromwich Albion. Doyle, dismissed for a foul on Zoltan Gera, will now begin his ban with Saturday's home game against Leicester. The City captain will also be suspended for next week's trips to Burnley and Scunthorpe United. |
| john the tinca |
West Brom defender Neil Clement is on the verge of joining Hull on loan for the rest of the season.
The former Albion captain has been given permission to play in the Tigers' reserve team in a match against Darlington on Wednesday. Clement, 29, has played only twice for the Baggies this season. And he is expected to complete the move to the KC Stadium on Monday - just two days Hull after play at West Brom in the Championship. |
| john the tinca |
Ipswich have approached Portsmouth about a three-month loan deal for striker David Nugent.
The 22-year-old scored Pompey's winner against the Suffolk side in the FA Cup in January but has struggled since a £6m move from Preston. "Nugent is a possibility," boss Jim Magilton told the Ipswich Evening Star. "We have asked about taking him on loan and Portsmouth have not ruled it out." Nugent is currently recovering from hernia surgery but is nearing fitness. Magilton added: "We are well aware if he did come he is not at 100% but he is making massive strides to get fit so we will wait and see what happens. "He loves Portman Road and he loves scoring goals here so it would be good to have him in a Blues shirt." |
| john the tinca |
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey says the club's board are all behind Mick McCarthy and that he has their "full support" as manager.
Speculation over McCarthy's position has been rife with the club slipping out of immediate play-off contention. But Moxey told BBC WM: "M |