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| john the tinca |
Todays NewsEast Stirlingshire have launched an ambitious approach to make John Hartson their next manager.The Scottish Third Division strugglers want the 32-year-old former Wales and Celtic striker to replace Gordon Wylde, who left Firs Park last week. Shire owner Spencer Fearn said: "John is really keen and we had a great chat. "He's going back to Swansea and we'll know on Tuesday if he's taken the job. This could be a big move for us and his first step into management." East Stirlingshire sit second bottom of the table as they seek to avoid a sixth successive bottom-place finish. Hartson, who won 51 caps for wales, announced his retirement last month after being released by West Brom. The striker who began at Luton and played for Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry and Celtic, said he was not prepared to end his playing career at a low level. |
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Billy Davies has said he is interested in becoming the new Hearts manager.
The job appeals to the ex-Derby County boss, who said: "Hearts are looking for a new manager and that would interest me - if I could pick my own team. "They have not been one of the clubs who have spoken to me, but I'll sit back and see who's interested. "I'll work anywhere, even abroad, I'll go back to England if something comes up or I'll stay in Scotland. I will listen to any offers." The Scot recently parted company with the Rams, and Hearts are currently under the temporary charge of Stephen Frail. Davies ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland job two months ago, with the post eventually being given to former Hearts boss George Burley. |
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Celtic's Aiden McGeady has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month for February.
The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder earned a series of rave reviews for his displays last month. Celtic won all four of their league matches in February, with McGeady scoring in the 5-1 win at Aberdeen. McGeady won the same award for his performances in November and is sure to be a leading contender for the various player of the year honours. |
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Midfielder Aiden McGeady insists Celtic need an incredible performance to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Barcelona.
Celtic visit the Nou Camp on Tuesday, trailing 3-2 from the first leg. "Getting through would be one of the best results in the club's history, considering the opposition we are up against," said the 21-year-old. "Barcelona don't have one or two world class players, they have six or seven - to get through would be unbelievable." Celtic warmed up for the trip to Spain with a 2-0 win at Hibs, while Barca were beaten 4-2 at Atletico Madrid. The Catalans trail Real Madrid by five points in La Liga and have been criticised for some less than sparkling displays this term. |
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Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was delighted with the three SPL points claimed in a 2-0 win at Hibernian.
Second half goals by Lee Naylor and Giorgios Samaras sealed victory, and Strachan said: "I thought we were terrific in the second half today. "I was delighted with our discipline. Aiden McGeady and Scott Brown took knocks but just got on with playing. "The longer the game went on, things began to open up for us, and I felt we were excellent in possession." |
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Walter Smith spoke of his delight as Rangers recovered to secure a 3-1 home SPL victory over Aberdeen.
"We had to work very hard for our win today and obviously I'm delighted with the outcome," offered the Ibrox boss. "We played well at the start before Aberdeen came back at us. Their goal deflated us a little, but we had a strong second half performance. "The one thing that impressed me today was our work-rate, and the way we bounced back from a goal down." |
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Football's governing body Fifa has blocked Rangers striker Daniel Cousin's proposed £3m move to Fulham.
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said he was "disappointed" with Fifa's decision, adding: "It's been a frustrating time for all parties." Cousin, 31, had already played for Rangers and Lens this season and Fifa rules stipulate a player cannot appear for more than two teams in one season. The Gabon striker signed for Rangers from Lens for £1.1m in the summer. Rangers and Fulham agreed a fee for the forward in January, but Cousin's transfer to the English Premier League required Fifa approval. |
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Inverness manager Craig Brewster was upset to see his side brushed aside 3-0 at home to Hearts.
"Hearts didn't have to play great for their three goals and that is really disappointing," he said. "They got a lift from the two first half goals and our confidence drained away. Now we need to pick up and it's my job to lift everybody. "We're not too far away from the top six but we need to get back to basics and start defending better." |
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Histon boss Steve Fallon was pleased to keep their play-off push going with a 3-1 victory at rivals Burton.
It left the Stutes seven points behind the top five, with 14 league games remaining - while Burton are just one point shy of the play-off places. "In the first half, we were very good against the wind and we took our chances," Fallon explained. "It's a long run-in, but away wins like this give us a better chance of reaching the play-offs." |
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Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish thinks his side still have the team spirit to make the play-offs this season.
Fleet could only gain a point at struggling Northwich Victoria on Saturday and are currently 11 points outside the play-off places. But Daish told BBC Radio Kent: "It's going to be difficult, but we've a good set of young lads who are fit and that does help." Fleet face a busy run-in after getting to the FA Trophy semi-finals. The semis against Aldershot will be played over two legs, and Ebbsfleet also have 15 league games remaining. |
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Grays chairman/manager Mick Woodward was thrilled with his first win as boss as they beat Torquay 2-0.
"All week on the training ground, I felt there was something in the locker, and I think we've unlocked something there," Woodward said. "It felt fantastic. The lads were asked to do a job and did a thoroughly professional job. "Torquay are a good side - I think they're very route one, but they deserve to be where they are." |
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Aldershot manager Gary Waddock said being patient was the key to their 2-1 victory over Kidderminster Harriers.
He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "Kidderminster made it very difficult for us. They came with a game plan, sat deep and we had to be patient. "We changed things at half-time and eventually, when the game opened up in the second half, we got our game going slightly better and scored the goal. "It was a learning curve for the players and they came through it well." |
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Crawley manager Steve Evans was unhappy with referee Simon Beck's decision to dismiss keeper Ashley Bayes early in their 3-1 defeat at Stevenage.
Bayes was sent off for handling outside the box after only five minutes. Evans told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "The whole ground saw what happened. We'll see when we look at the video if we get a phone call apologising. "It seems to be the nature these days that you smash Crawley decisions-wise, then call them and it's not a problem." Evans added: "We've gone about our business in a professional manner, as did Peter Taylor and Stevenage Borough, but there were three teams here." |
| john the tinca |
Cambridge United defender Dan Gleeson has signed a new contract which ties him to the club until June 2010.
The versatile 23-year-old, who is in his second spell with the U's, has won two England C caps this season. "He's a Cambridge lad and he's done very well for us," manager Jimmy Quinn told the club website. Meanwhile, reserve keeper Luke McShane, 22, who had been at the Abbey Stadium on non-contract terms, has left the club by mutual consent |
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Scotland manager George Burley has revealed that he is weighing up the prospect of calling on Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.
The 22-year-old right-back was born in Eccles but qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born father. "I will watch Bardsley and assess if he warrants selection," said Burley. "If he does it would be a case of speaking to Phil. "If he didn't want to play for us that would be the end of the story." Bardsley agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with Sunderland in January after starting his career with Manchester United. |
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England's 2018 World Cup ambassador Richard Caborn does not think plans to play Premier League games overseas will affect the Football Association's bid.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter says the "39th game" proposal may harm England's attempt to host the tournament. But former sports minister Caborn says they are separate issues. He told BBC London 94.9: "That is a discussion between Fifa and the Premier League. It has nothing to do with the FA, or indeed the bid for 2018." Caborn is confident that England's bid remains on track. "Even though there will be difficulties on the way, they will be resolved," he added. "We're keeping very close to Fifa and I had a long discussion with Sepp Blatter the week before last. "I think he is very clear that we will give a very professional approach to this, that we will give a very compelling bid when the opportunity arises. |
| john the tinca |
The third annual Football League Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday.
The 19 awards presented will include the player of the year in each division - while the goal of the year award covers all three divisions during 2007. Aside from Rickie Lambert (Bristol Rovers), none of the goal of the year nominees are still at the same clubs. The others are Jermaine Beckford (then Scunthorpe), Chris Brunt (Sheffield Wednesday), Chris Dickson (Gillingham) and Scott Sinclair (Plymouth). Beckford was on loan from Leeds, Dickson from Charlton and Sinclair from Chelsea, while Brunt has subsequently joined West Bromwich Albion. It was announced the day before the ceremony that former England captain Jimmy Armfield, who has also been a respected BBC analyst since 1978, would be receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution honour. |
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Rotherham boss Mark Robins was not a happy man after they were beaten 1-0 by Accrington at Millmoor.
"It was a shocking performance - the worst in the second half that I have seen for a long time," he fumed. "I was embarrassed to be on the touchline, because that wasn't my team at all. Our passing was terrible. "We have to pick ourselves up or we will be out of the play-offs and looking over our shoulders at relegation if we aren't careful." |
| john the tinca |
Assistant boss Ray Mathias praised Milton Keynes Dons after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chester kept them a point clear at the top of League Two.
"We weren't moving the ball sharply enough in the first half, and were looking for 'Roy of the Rovers' goals from 30 yards," Mathias explained. "But we kept going in the second half, created chances and got our reward. "We've got to be clinical now to better our goal difference - it could be worth a point at the end of the season." |
| john the tinca |
Chester City have sacked manager Bobby Williamson after a run of just one win in 14 games which has sent them plummeting down the League Two table.
Youth team coach Simon Davies has been placed in temporary charge for Tuesday's game with Darlington. Saturday's 1-0 defeat at league leaders Milton Keynes Dons left Chester in 17th place, 10 points above the drop zone. Former Hibernian boss Williamson had taken charge at the Deva Stadium in May 2007, succeeding Mark Wright. Recently, Chester had reshuffled their backroom staff, with Jimmy Bone leaving the club after a short spell as assistant manager. He was replaced by Steve Mungall, who was one of five men to manage City during their 2001/02 season in the Conference. Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool star Jason McAteer also joined the coaching staff last month. After being sacked as Plymouth boss in September 2005, Williamson had coached the Scotland B side and been shortlisted to take over at Livingston, before being appointed by Chester just after the end of last season. |
| john the tinca |
Northampton boss Stuart Gray was left frustrated after they drew 0-0 with Crewe - the Cobblers' first goalless draw for 14 months.
"It was a case of two points dropped, but at least it is a clean sheet and keeps our run going," Gray said. "The ball was in their box enough, but we could not get that break and find that elusive strike. "Our defensive record is improving, but we just needed someone to make something happen at the other end." |
| john the tinca |
Brighton boss Dean Wilkins was pleased to see striker Nicky Forster score his first goal in more than two months in the 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient.
Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "Hopefully that will kick-start him now. "I think it's played on his mind a bit, but his contribution has been good and he has been creating opportunities for others as well. "Even though it was a penalty it was good to see him on the scoresheet." |
| john the tinca |
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson believes it is only a matter of time before his side starts scoring a hatful of goals.
The Gills have only scored one league goal at home in 2008 and just three in their last nine games. Gillingham failed to score once again on Saturday as their home game with Yeovil Town ended goalless. Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "They're looking good in training, if they keep getting in the box, they'll get goals." In January, the Gills paid Rushden & Diamonds £150,000 for striker Simeon Jackson who has yet to score for the club. The club's current leading goalscorer is Chris Dickson, who scored 11 goals in all competitions during a three-month loan spell from Charlton which ended before Christmas. |
| john the tinca |
Luton boss Mick Harford was upset with his players after the Hatters lost 1-0 to Walsall to leave them 11 points from safety in League One.
"The first-half performance was unacceptable - the players have totally let themselves down," he said. "We picked up in the second half, but overall it was very disappointing - the performance was totally inept. "The whole team is feeling sorry for themselves - it has to be a massive improvement from them." |
| john the tinca |
Swansea's League One title challenge has been boosted by the news that Jason Scotland has not broken his toe.
It was feared the Swans' top scorer had suffered a serious blow after Scotland was stretchered off at the end of their 1-0 win at Huddersfield on Saturday. But Swans physio Richie Evans told the club website that the damage was minor. "The X-ray revealed no fracture, there was a dislocation there but it won't cause him to miss Friday's game against Millwall," Evans said. It was Scotland's goal, his 21st of the season, which gave Swansea the win at Huddersfield - a result which keeps them 14 points clear at the top of League One. |
| john the tinca |
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton has been charged by the Football Association for the second time this season.
Magilton is charged with a breach of FA rule E3 - use of abusive and/or insulting words - during Town's 1-0 defeat at Stoke on 23 February. He had been sent to the stands during the game for complaining about the multi-ball system used by Stoke. In November, Magilton was fined for using abusive words to a referee - but escaped a touchline ban. But this time, he told the club website: "I won't be appealing over the decision - there is no point. "I'll take my punishment, but there will be managers up and down the country that would have behaved in the same way I did. "I'd like to see the ball thrown back to us as quickly as it is to the home side when we are playing away, but it doesn't always happen. In short, I'd like to see the multi-ball system banned." Magilton has until 13 March to formally respond to the charge |
| john the tinca |
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd wants to bring Adam Johnson back to Vicarage Road for a second loan spell.
Middlesbrough's 20-year-old left-winger scored five goals for Watford while on loan between September and November. Boothroyd told BBC London: "I've spoken to Gareth [Southgate] at length several times. Adam needs games but Gareth hasn't got the players at the moment. "We're in there with other clubs but if I could bring him back then I would. It would be good to have him back again." Boothroyd also acknowledged the improvement in Tuesday's opponents Norwich City since Glenn Roeder took over as manager at Carrow Road. Norwich were bottom of the Championship when Roeder was appointed at the end of October but have only suffered six defeats in 24 games in all competitions since. Watford will look to do the double over the Canaries at Vicarage Road having beaten them 3-1 in November. Boothroyd added: "Glenn's brought an upturn in form. He's brought a lot of new players in. I expect a well drilled, well organised team." |
| john the tinca |
Barnsley midfielder Anderson De Silva will be out for up to seven months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Norwich last month.
The Brazilian, 25, joined the Tykes for an undisclosed six-figure fee from Everton at the end of January, after he had impressed in two loan spells. But an MRI scan has revealed the injury is much worse than had been expected. "He is distraught, and we as a club are distraught," Barnsley manager Simon Davey told the club website. "It is a massive blow for us after chasing him all season. "We will send the scans through to a consultant who will advise us on the best possible course of action." Anderson has made a total of 21 appearances for the Tykes, and played in their recent FA Cup victory at Liverpool. |
| john the tinca |
Chelsea captain John Terry believes the club's Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend has enabled the team to forge a new bond.
Terry and first-team coach Henk ten Cate had a training ground spat prior to the final, while the media focus has also angered Blues coach Avram Grant. But Chelsea returned to winning ways on Saturday, beating West Ham 4-0 away. "We've sorted things out very quickly as you can see from this performance," Terry told BBC Sport. |
| john the tinca |
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a ruptured Achilles in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.
The defender was stretchered off on 40 minutes and will undergo an operation on Saturday evening. The 22-year-old was a surprise call-up in Fabio Capello's first England squad against Switzerland in February. "Getting picked gave him a boost of confidence, it's really unfortunate," said Villa boss Martin O'Neill. He added: "Curtis was devastated, he has done so well, it's really disappointing for us," Davies - currently on loan from midland rivals West Brom - made headlines in September when he compared his debut Villa performance in the League Cup defeat to Leicester with a pub player. |
| john the tinca |
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has insisted that the board are 100% behind manager Kevin Keegan.
Keegan is yet to win a game since his dramatic return to the club in January. Newcastle are just three points off the bottom three and Mort said that there is no danger that Keegan will turn his back on the club a second time. "The board is 100% behind Kevin, and there is no doubt or worry that he will walk away," Mort told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek. |
| john the tinca |
Influential midfielder Clarence Seedorf is a major doubt for AC Milan as they prepare for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Arsenal.
Midfielder Emerson is also set to miss out, although manager Carlo Ancelotti expects Kaka to be available. The playmaker missed Saturday's league game but is expected to return against Arsenal, along with Andrea Pirlo. Ancelotti admitted: "The match with Arsenal is causing me worries because we're not in optimal condition." Arsenal could be boosted by the return of striker Robin van Persie, who has been out since January. "He might be in squad but certainly won't start. We will assess him on Monday morning," said manager Arsene Wenger. AC held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg. |
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that Birmingham's Martin Taylor apologised to him for the tackle which broke Gunners striker Eduardo's leg.
After saying he felt Taylor should never play football again, Wenger said: "He came to see me after the game and said it was completely accidental. "I thought about it and said if it was accidental I had to retract my comment. "We do not want to be a club who is seen to be wanting revenge or anything. We try to play football in a fair way." |
| john the tinca |
Liverpool beat Bolton 3-1 to record a crucial win in the race for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.
A howler of an own goal from home keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen put the Reds on their way to victory and second-half goals from Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio sealed the win which, at least for now, lifts them back above city rivals Everton into fourth. Bolton started well and hit the post from El-Hadji Diouf's free kick in the early stages before Jaaskelainen handed the visitors the lead. Steven Gerrard's 11th-minute shot appeared to offer little danger but instead of pushing the ball around the post, the Finnish stopper saw the ball spin off him and into the net. Bolton fought back and had two good chances to pull level before the break - Kevin Davies seeing a header well saved before Gary Cahill sent the ball wide when unmarked at a free kick. But that was as good as it got for the relegation-threatened Trotters. They were insipid in the second half and soon fell 2-0 down, Babel lashing home after Dirk Kuyt's effort came back off the post. Aurelio put the result beyond doubt with his first Liverpool goal - a great left-footed strike from 20 yards. Subsitute Tamir Cohen headed home a Matt Taylor corner with 11 minutes to go but it was merely a consolation for the home side who remain outside the relegation zone only on goal difference after their third straight league loss. |
| john the tinca |
Birmingham hat-trick hero Mikael Forssell admitted he came close to quitting the club last summer because he felt unwanted by the then manager Steve Bruce.
Now he is set to have talks over his future, with his current contract running out in the summer although a two-year option could be taken up. Forssell, whose treble blast earned Blues a 4-1 win over Tottenham, was ready to move to Hanover FC because he wanted to play regular first team football. In the end the move fell through and Forssell slowly but surely has forced his way back into the first team under the current boss Alex McLeish who admits the Finland international is the best finisher at the club. |
| john the tinca |
Mikele Leigertwood's first-half double helped QPR to a convincing 3-0 victory over Stoke that denied the promotion-chasing Potters a return to the Coca-Cola Championship summit.
The utility player, who joined Rangers from Sheffield United last August, struck in the 12th and 21st minutes to double his tally for the season. And Stoke were dealt another blow shortly before the break when skipper Andy Griffin was controversially shown a straight red card for a challenge on Hogan Ephraim. The Potters' misery was compounded 11 minutes after the restart when Akos Buzsaky fired home to seal their second defeat in as many games. |
| john the tinca |
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane believes he can fulfil his footballing ambitions under Juande Ramos.
Former Sevilla manager Ramos, who took charge at White Hart Lane after the departure of Martin Jol in October, led Spurs to Carling Cup glory last week. The club still have the UEFA Cup to play for and Keane is hopeful they can push stronger in the Barclays Premier League next season. Keane, a substitute in Saturday's loss at Birmingham, told Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday: "I think with the squad we have now and the new staff coming in it's set up nicely for the next few years. "But we have to achieve. It's okay winning the Carling Cup but we need to push on now. "We have still got a lot to play for this season. Saturday was disappointing but we have still got the UEFA Cup. |
| john the tinca |
Kirk Broadfoot insists Rangers had no idea Celtic had slashed their lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to a single point ahead of their own game against Aberdeen.
A 2-0 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road earlier in the day allowed the defending Scottish champions to bridge the gap at the summit of the SPL before the Dons' visit to Ibrox. Despite Steve Lovell grabbing the opener for Aberdeen, Rangers were able to restore their four-point advantage thanks to goals from Christian Dailly, Charlie Adam and Kris Boyd. And, as far as Broadfoot is concerned, a run of 11 consecutive league wins means Rangers are not interested in their biggest rivals' results. "We were just watching a wee bit on Aberdeen so I didn't see the game," he said. "I didn't even know the result until half-time until I saw it on the TV that Celtic had won. "We're not concerened about them to be honest, we are only concerned abour ourselves. We just have to keep winning and getting results." |
| john the tinca |
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson admits opposition teams have worked out how to play against his side and he will have to think about changing tactics if they are to remain in the hunt for a European place.
Saturday's dismal goalless draw at home to Wigan extended City's run without a win at Eastlands to six Barclays Premier League matches. That contrasts sharply to the start of the season when they won their first nine matches on home turf, prompting fanciful talk of the Champions League. The Latics stifled the life out of the hosts, who struggled for creativity, and Steve Bruce's side could even have snatched a victory in the closing stages. And Eriksson, who very rarely departed from his tried and trusted formula when England coach, believes the time has now come to try something new. "We haven't been winning for a while now. It happens and no-one coming to our home ground plays open football any more," he said. |
| john the tinca |
Sunderland manager Roy Keane is hoping for some divine intervention between now and the end of a season he is convinced will go down to the wire.
Keane would not be the first boss to pray for a change of luck at such a crucial stage of a campaign, in particular with Sunderland in such a precarious position. The Black Cats find themselves just two points above the relegation zone and in the middle of a pack of eight teams separated by only four points. Sunderland's cause has not been aided this season by a number of contentious officiating decisions, with the latest at Pride Park. Remarkably, there was no Keane rant after Michael Chopra's legitimate goal in the 38th minute was ruled out by a linesman's flag, denying his team their first away win of the season. |
| john the tinca |
Michael Owen is convinced Newcastle have what it will take to stave off relegation after accepting responsibility for their slip to the brink of the fight for survival.
The Magpies will head for Owen's former club Liverpool next Saturday sitting just three points clear of the drop-zone and knowing another defeat - they have not won in 11 Barclays Premier League games - could see that cushion evaporate. Their plight deepened markedly on Saturday afternoon when a game they had dominated for long periods blew up in their faces with just seconds remaining when Blackburn substitute Matt Derbyshire made the most of a lightning break to snatch victory. But had Owen taken any of the chances which had earlier come his way, Kevin Keegan could have been celebrating a first win since his return. |
| john the tinca |
Reading captain Ivar Ingimarsson hopes James Harper's dramatic last-minute winner over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium can mark the turning point in his side's battle to beat the drop.
Harper fired home a Stephen Hunt cross with 90 minutes showing on the clock to snap a dreadful run of eight consecutive Barclays Premier League defeats and grab the Royals' first away win of the season. Despite still sitting in the bottom three, Steve Coppell's men are now within touching distance of the teams above them and Ingimarsson knows the win will have given his team-mates renewed confidence. Ingimarsson said: "This is hopefully the turning point. When you lose eight games in a row it does affect people's confidence on the pitch so I'm really proud that we've managed to stop that rot. |
| john the tinca |
Where there is life there is hope and Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is clinging to it with an outwardly cheerful dignity at Craven Cottage.
And that is some feat when, as Hodgson admits, his team require a minimum of five wins from their remaining 10 matches to stay in the Barclays Premier League. Fulham were comprehensively, and predictably, outplayed as they lost 3-0 to champions Manchester United on Saturday and are six points off safety. Hodgson, 60, who has bossed Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland and Blackburn Rovers has probably already seen all the ups and downs of top football. And he had no illusions about the size of Fulham's survival task when Mohamed Al Fayed asked him to replace the sacked Lawrie Sanchez just after Christmas. So far, despite splashing out on a raft of new players in January, Hodgson has overseen just one win in eight games. |
| john the tinca |
Steven Taylor fears for his Newcastle future after warning he will not be "mucked about" regarding a new contract.
The England Under-21 international is keen to stay at St James' Park and extend his current deal beyond 2009. But he admits he may have to consider his options at the end of the season, if discussions have not been initiated by the club. The defender does not blame manager Kevin Keegan for the situation, instead suggesting the board do not rate him as a player. "I have heard nothing at all about a new contract," Taylor told the Sunday Mirror. "It is up to the chairman to offer me one, but the longer it goes without any feedback the more concerned I'm becoming. "I've lived all my life on Tyneside, come up through the youth system and have a great relationship with the Newcastle fans. There is no other club I want to play for. |
| john the tinca |
East Stirling are hoping to appoint former Celtic and West Ham striker John Hartson as their new manager this week.
The Irn-Bru Third Division outfit, who sacked Gordon Wylde last week, have approached the 32-year-old former Wales international. Shire owner Spencer Fearn said: "John is really keen and we had a great chat after he worked for Setanta on their game. "He's going back down to Swansea and we'll know on Tuesday whether or not he's taken the job. "This could be a big move for us and his first step into management." East Stirling sit second bottom of the table as they seek to avoid a sixth successive bottom-place finish. Hartson announced his retirement last month after being released by Coca-Cola Championship West Brom. |
| john the tinca |
Birmingham chairman David Gold has branded the people making death threats to defender Martin Taylor as "cowards".
Taylor has been the subject of such messages after the challenge which led to Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva breaking his leg last weekend at St Andrews. They have included threats from Croatian fans upset Eduardo has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 finals. Gold knows what Taylor is going through as in the past he has been targeted by the neo-Nazi group Combat 18 - and he has urged the former Blackburn player to be vigilant. The Blues supremo said: "When I received threats, it was from an organisation who hated me on the Monday and still hated me on the Tuesday because I was Jewish. "What Martin is going through isn't quite the same. He is getting messages from individuals angry about one particular incident. "But it is nevertheless worrying and I would consider it as a form of terrorism. The morons who leave such messages are causing terror to someone. |
| john the tinca |
Scotland boss George Burley has confirmed Phil Bardsley is in his thoughts - but stressed he would not beg the Sunderland defender to play for the Scots.
Bardsley, who was born in Eccles and brought up nearby Salford, qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born father. Bardsley has stressed his preference is to play for England and Burley would need to see a passion for Scotland if he were to pick the former Manchester United full-back. Burley said: "I will watch Bardsley and assess if he warrants selection. If he does it would be a case of speaking to Phil. "If he didn't want to play for us that would be the end of the story. "Players have to show they want to play for Scotland, show they have passion and a hunger for Scotland. "That is the key. I won't force any man to play for us." Bardsley, 22, joined Rangers on loan in August 2006 but played just a handful of games before a training-ground disagreement saw him sidelined by Paul Le Guen. It was then that he spoke about his international future, revealing that then Scotland boss Walter Smith had approached him at United's training ground to gauge his interest. Bardsley said at the time: "It's something I'll consider. My main priority is England at the minute but there's always a great chance for me to play for Scotland." |
| john the tinca |
Sir Alex Ferguson admits sentiment will influence his team selection if Manchester United reach the final of the Champions League.
The Red Devils meet Lyon in the second leg of their last-16 encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in France. Ferguson is not taking progression for granted, but concedes Paul Scholes has already been pencilled in for a starting role should they make it to the final in Moscow in May. Scholes missed the club's Champions League success over Bayern Munich in 1999 through suspension and Ferguson believes the veteran midfielder would deserve to play in the Russian capital. "Hopefully we can get to the final again and this time Paul will get his opportunity," said Ferguson in the Sunday Mirror. "I'm not a sentimentalist by any means. My one aim has always been to manage the club in the right way. "But if we got to the Champions League final again then I'm telling you that I would have to be sentimental when it came to choosing my team for that one. I'd have to pick Paul to play because he deserves it. "Paul doesn't say much about missing out in 1999, but it must have hurt him. He will still feel it because players like that always do. "Players with his calibre and with his record of being a winner will have felt bad about missing out. It would have hurt Paul just as much as it hurt Roy Keane. "To miss the biggest club game in the world must have an impact. "Paul won't talk about things like that because he is not the kind of man to let disappointment destroy him. You only have to see what he has won in the game to realise that." |
| john the tinca |
League Two strugglers Chester have parted company with manager Bobby Williamson following a miserable run of one win in 14 games.
The former Hibernian and Plymouth boss, 46, took charge at the Deva Stadium in May 2007 as successor to Mark Wright. But, after an encouraging start to the season, yesterday's 1-0 defeat at leaders Milton Keynes Dons left City languishing in 17th place - 10 points above the relegation zone. (reopens) Youth team coach Simon Davies has been placed in temporary charge for Tuesday's game with Darlington. A statement on the club's official website, www.chestercityfc.net, said: "Chester City and Bobby Williamson have parted company after nine months. "Williamson came to the Deva Stadium last May and made a great start to the season with the Blues being in the hunt for a play-off place. "However, a dismal run of results, seeing City have one win in 14, has seen the club drop down the League Two table. "Simon Davies will take control of matters for the game at Darlington on Tuesday evening." |
| john the tinca |
Liverpool are lining up a new one-year contract for veteran defender Sami Hyypia.
And they have also opened talks with striker Peter Crouch over a new deal. Hyypia, 35 in October, sees his current deal run out in the summer, and there has been interest from Fulham and Newcastle. But the Finland international has stated he wants to complete ten years at the club next term, and sources at Anfield have confirmed that he will be granted his wish. Hyypia was not expected to figure regularly this season with the emergence of Daniel Agger as a defensive partner for Jamie Carragher. But the Danish youngster has been out for five months with a metatarsal injury and only made his comeback in the reserves this week. That has meant Hyypia has made 33 appearances this term. Boss Rafael Benitez has also bought £6million Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel, but wants four centre-backs to choose from and Hyypia will be offered the chance to finish his career at Anfield. However the move to tie-up Crouch on a new deal may prove more difficult than the club are prepared to admit, although the England striker has said he wants to stay at Anfield. Benitez said: "We have been talking about a new contract with Crouch and the player has told me that he wants to stay. His agent was talking to Rick Parry (Liverpool chief executive) and said that the player wanted to talk." Crouch's situation is complicated as he in the last 18 months of his current deal. He will have to accept that he is third-choice at best and that he will be used very much in the way he has been this season, mainly from the bench. Portsmouth and Manchester City have been trailing him, and he would certainly get more games at another club. Crouch will this summer be in a position to take advantage of Article 17 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players. This rule allows players under the age of 28, who have served three years of a four or five year contract, to effectively hand in their notice and move to another club. Crouch, 27, will finish the third year of his four-year deal at the end of this season. Benitez is ready to test just how happy Crouch is at Liverpool and a formal contract offer is expected to be made imminently. |
| john the tinca |
Owen Hargreaves is confident Manchester United have a squad capable of winning three competitions this season.
The reigning champions closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to a solitary point on Saturday with a 3-0 win at Fulham, in which Hargreaves scored his first goal for the club. United meet Lyon in the second leg of their last 16 UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday before facing Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals next weekend. And, with Sir Alex Ferguson having an almost fully-fit squad to select from, Hargreaves is backing the Red Devils for the Treble. "This is the big part of the season, this is where it starts getting interesting," Hargreaves told the News of the World. "There's not many games left, so this is where you want to be. "I'm glad I'm healthy now and that's the key for us. When you look at the strength of the teams we put out against Arsenal and Lyon and Newcastle back-to-back, I don't think that many clubs are able to do that. |
| john the tinca |
Midfielder Clarence Seedorf is a major doubt for AC Milan's midweek Champions League clash with Arsenal after limping out of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Lazio.
A hamstring injury saw Seedorf substituted after just 37 minutes of the Serie A clash and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admits the Dutchman is unlikely to be fit for the last-16 second leg against the Gunners at the San Siro on Tuesday. He said: "My intention is to see who is well and pick my team based on who is available. "We will have to see how things go in the next few days, but I think it is unlikely that Seedorf will recover." |
| john the tinca |
Newcastle chief executive Chris Mort insists the board are fully behind manager Kevin Keegan as he bids to turn around the team's fortunes.
The Magpies have not won in seven matches since Keegan returned for a second spell at St James' Park and are just three points above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone. Keegan's appointment, following the departure of Sam Allardyce in January, was greeted with much enthusiasm and Mort has no doubt he is the right man for the job. Mort told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Clearly Kevin wants to turn results around, that's what he has come in to do. "It is disappointing but it will come. Kevin has got the players playing very well and I am sure the results will follow |
| john the tinca |
Rafa Benitez is confident he will remain as Liverpool manager for a 'long time' as reports suggest he is on the verge of being offered a new deal at Anfield.
The Reds boss' future has been questioned this season with Liverpool once again way off the pace in the Premier League title race. Benitez, who joined Liverpool in 2004, also suffered a much-publicised bust-up with the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks earlier in the campaign following a disagreement over transfer policy. However, speculation is mounting that Benitez is set to be offered a new contract to extend his stay on Merseyside beyond the year-and-a-half the Spaniard has to run on his present deal. And Benitez is sure his long-term future lies with the Reds. |
| john the tinca |
Everton manager David Moyes insists he is not worried by the lack of talks regarding a new contract.
Moyes is approaching six years in charge at Goodison Park, but has just one more season to run on his present deal. He is yet to meet with chairman Bill Kenwright to discuss an extension, but the Scot says he is not troubled by the situation. "We've not spoken about a new contract, although we are due to in the future," said Moyes in the Sunday Mirror. "I am not worried because I am aware of my own ability to manage and if you ask the chairman and the board my understanding would be that they would want me to be here." The Toffees are pushing for a UEFA Champions League spot this season, but feels the club will need to invest more money in the transfer market to continually compete at the top end of the Premier League table. He added: "Bill Kenwright should be praised for what he has achieved here, never mind me. "Except there is a 'but' and that is if we are going to continue to try to compete we are going to have to find the cash to do so. "Manchester City are going to spend, so are Newcastle, Villa, Tottenham, not to mention Portsmouth. "So now you may have to spend more just to keep ahead of the teams you are in front of, never mind the ones you are trying to catch." |
| john the tinca |
In a remarkable twist to the interminable Liverpool takeover saga, manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly set to begin talks on a contract extension to 2012.
Having previously been thought to be intent on removing Benitez in the summer, co-owner Tom Hicks is now believed to have buried the hatchet with the Spaniard. Equally remarkably, Hicks is reputedly ready to rebuff renewed efforts from DIC to buy the club and secure full ownership himself. According to The Mail on Sunday, 'Hicks is stepping up plans to raise £150million to buy out fellow American and co-owner George Gillett and assume sole control of Anfield.' Whereas just a few weeks ago the report would have signalled the death knell of Benitez's tenure, the paper says that 'Benitez sees himself as the biggest winner if Hicks succeeds in taking control.' |
| john the tinca |
Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady insists qualification through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League by beating Barcelona in Spain would be "one of the best results in the club's history".
The Scottish champions flew out to Barcelona this morning from Glasgow Airport for the second leg of their last-16 clash looking to make amends for a 3-2 defeat in the first game at Celtic Park. The Republic of Ireland international, awarded the Clydesdale Bank player of the month for February, is under no illusions as to how difficult the task will be in the Nou Camp. He said: " Getting through would be one of the best results in the club's history, considering the opposition we are up against and the calibre of player we are facing. "We are playing against one of the best teams in the world. "Barcelona don't have one or two world class players, they have six or seven so to get through would be unbelievable. |
| john the tinca |
Around a dozen arrests were made at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday after mocking Aston Villa fans made offensive chants about Eduardo following his leg-break horror.
While Arsenal supporters unveiled a 'get well soon' banner for the Croatian striker, a section of the away support were not so sympathetic, vocally comparing Eduardo to amputee Heather Mills. 'The chants prompted a furious response from a handful of home fans next to the visitors' enclosure and stewards were forced to make several ejections,' reports The Sunday Telegraph. Fighting between the two sets of supporters broke out just before half-time, with one man requiring hospital attention. |
| john the tinca |
Eduardo da Silva has thanked Arsenal physio Gary Lewin for saving his foot.
The Gunners striker is facing nine months out of the game after a foul by Birmingham's Martin Taylor last Saturday caused an open fracture of his lower leg and a dislocated ankle - but he knows the prognosis could have been much worse. "The injury was so grave I could have lost my foot," he told the News of the World. "So I will always be grateful to Gary for what he did in lowering the risk to my leg. That was decisive. I do not remember too much about the blow. "I remember the pain, seeing that my foot had rotated, but I only recaptured my senses in hospital." Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was scathing in his condemnation of Taylor's tackle but Croatia star Eduardo accepts the defender's insistence there was no malice. Taylor visited him in hospital, and Eduardo said: "I had to look at him. I could not understand how anyone could make a tackle like that in only the third minute of a game. "But in the end I believed that Taylor was sincere and I accepted his excuses. "Even though he had destroyed my season it would be incredible to think that what he did was pre-meditated." The Brazilian-born forward, who spent his 25th birthday in hospital, also revealed he has not seen any footage or images of the tackle. "I'm not interested," he added. "I've made this decision along with my wife. I want to try and forget what happened." |
| john the tinca |
Fred continued to win back the hearts of the Lyon fans as the Ligue 1 leaders moved six points clear with a 1-0 victory over lowly Lille on Saturday.
The Brazil striker rounded off a free-flowing move in the 32nd minute to inflict Lille's first defeat of 2008 in a game played at the Stade de France as part of the stadium's 10th birthday celebrations. Fred, who was linked with a move away from the champions in the January transfer window, has returned to favour with a bang. He bagged a brace against Metz last weekend and, having not found the net all season, now has three in two games. Marseille boosted their Champions League hopes as they moved up to fourth with a 2-1 win over Auxerre. First-half goals from Lorik Cana and Djibril Cisse put the south coast side in control before Benoit Pedretti grabbed an 88th-minute consolation for Auxerre, who saw their lead above the drop zone cut to six points. |
| john the tinca |
Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal can overcome AC Milan in the San Siro next week to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League - but insists his team will not will not kick Brazilian playmaker Kaka to get there.
The tie is delicately poised at 0-0 from the first leg at Emirates Stadium, where the Brazilian World Player of the Year had only a limited impact. Wenger insists Arsenal will again look to stifle the influence of the gifted 25-year-old by cutting off his supply chain, rather than adopted the rough-house tactics so often deployed against his own men. "Milan have shown in Europe that they can deal with all sorts of opposition, they can slow the game down," Wenger reflected. "What Milan do well is put you to their pace, and when Kaka gets the ball they can have sudden acceleration which can kill you. "We will have to adapt to that because we like to play always at a high pace." The Arsenal boss added: "In Italy, what do the teams do who play against Milan? They take Kaka, get him out of the game. "We will play zonal and will not mark him man to man. We will be faithful to what we do usually. |
| john the tinca |
Kris Boyd claimed his 18th goal of the season as Rangers restored their four-point lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with what could prove to be a crucial 3-1 win over Aberdeen.
The Dons were the last team to take points off Rangers in the SPL back in January and they looked set to throw a spanner in the works once again when Steve Lovell claimed the opener. Rangers knew the pressure was on following Celtic's win at Hibernian earlier in the day and Christian Dailly marked his Ibrox debut with the equaliser before goals from Charlie Adam and Boyd sealed the win. |
| john the tinca |
Newcastle could be heading to China this summer for a high-profile friendly against Tottenham.
Owner Mike Ashley and close friend Paul Kemsley are understood to be in the process of trying to arrange the clash in Beijing ahead of this summer's Olympic Games. The plan, which has been run past Barclays Premier League chiefs, is being implemented as the debate on controversial plans to play a 39th round of league games overseas rumbles on. Ashley's Sports Direct group is eyeing the lucrative Chinese market, and his guests at last weekend's 5-1 defeat to Manchester United included several Chinese businessmen. Newcastle have made inroads into the Far East market before, playing games in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and it was during a pre-season trip to Bangkok in 1996 that Keegan announced the club had clinched a £15million world record deal to take Alan Shearer to St James' Park from Blackburn. |
| john the tinca |
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has admitted he will not let personal accolades distract his focus ahead of the Potters' Coca-Cola Championship clash with QPR.
Pulis was handed the Manager of the Month award for February after he steered his side to five wins out of their last six games. The Potters suffered a 2-0 defeat to Preston during the week and Pulis is keen for his side to get their bid to win promotion to the Barclays Premier League back on track at Loftus Road. "QPR is a massive game for us on Sunday and everyone is concentrating on that," Pulis told the club's official website. "The players are well motivated at the moment. They've got an aim, that, fingers crossed, we can achieve this season. |
| john the tinca |
Ryan Giggs believes home advantage will see Manchester United clinch a place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday at the expense of Lyon.
The teams are locked at 1-1 going into the second leg after Carlos Tevez cancelled out the opener from French striker Karim Benzema. "The goal has put us in a good position because we are strong at home and we know we have a good chance," said Giggs. "It was a hard game against Lyon but we showed a lot of character and eventually got the goal. "This team never gives up and we definitely have more options than last season." Certainly United's form in the group stages could hardly have been better as they look to emulate the class of 1999. They managed to get their hands on the trophy with a nail-biting victory against Bayern Munich which secured a legendary Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup. United won their group at a canter, recording five straight victories against Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kiev and Roma. |
| john the tinca |
AC Milan playmaker Kaka has spoken of his desire to remain with the club for the rest of his career after signing an extension to his contract.
The 25-year-old Brazilian, who this week added two years to his contract which keeps him with the Rossoneri until the summer of 2013, also said he expects to recover from a knee injury and play against Arsenal in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second-leg clash. Kaka said to AC Milan Channel: "This hasn't been a good period for me, physically I haven't been doing too well over the last month. The knee, the knock the other day... Physically I'm not at my best. "But this week I've had the chance to work a lot, also physically. That was useful for me. "I'm working hard to get in good form on Tuesday and do everything that people expect from me. |
| john the tinca |
Everton manager David Moyes has revealed contract extension talks with Joleon Lescott will begin shortly.
The defender has been a revelation at Goodison Park this season, scoring 10 goals and forcing his way into the England set-up. He has also provided useful versatility both for club and country, looking equally at home at left-back as he does in the centre of the defence. And witth that in mind, Toffees boss Moyes is looking to get him tied down. "I think there will be new contract talks soon, because he is a very valuable member of our squad," Moyes said. "The thing is, he is OK about playing at left-back, and that helps. |
| john the tinca |
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 41-year-old, who won 51 caps for his country, will see out the rest of the campaign with Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Colchester before hanging up his boots. Sheringham had two stints with Tottenham and played for six other clubs - famously helping Manchester United win the Champions League in 1999 - in a career spanning 26 years. Sheringham said: "After a long and fun-filled career I have decided that this season will be my last. |
| john the tinca |
Newcastle winger Damien Duff has aimed a swipe at former boss Sam Allardyce, saying he is enjoying things more under Kevin Keegan.
Keegan replaced Allardyce at St James' Park in January and Duff is relishing playing under the former England chief. Republic of Ireland international Duff believes training is better under Keegan and he ridiculed Allardyce's claim that Newcastle were one of the fittest squads in the league. "I know Big Sam used to say that we were the fittest around but I think we were far from it," Duff told the Guardian. "I don't think we were the fittest when the new gaffer came in. As a group, I think we could have been fitter. "Training has been getting better every week. However, it's going to take a while for the gaffer to put his stamp on things. "We haven't won under Kevin, but there's definitely a buzz around because he's such a legend here. "He's a great motivator and is always positive, even after we'd just lost to Manchester United. "I've enjoyed every minute working with him and now it's all about taking that out on the pitch where it matters most." |
| john the tinca |
Hibs midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin has denied signing a pre-contract agreement to join former boss Tony Mowbray at West Brom.
The French star is out of contract at the end of the season and he has been linked with the Championship high-fliers, who are gunning to return to the Premier League. But the former Le Havre midfielder insists he had yet to decide where his future lies and is concentrating on the job in hand with Hibs. Reflecting on the situation, he told the Daily Record: "Of course, I'm thinking about next season because my future is very important. However, for now I prefer to play and do my thinking off the pitch. "There have been some talks with Hibs but nothing has been agreed. I really have no idea at this stage what will happen. "I don't think I will return to France, although it can never be said for definite. My girlfriend is Scottish so I would prefer to remain here because I like the passion of the Scottish game. "The speculation linking me with West Brom has not had an affect on me and it's rubbish to suggest I've already signed a pre-contract with them. I've not left yet. I'm still a Hibs player and want the best for my team." Beuzelin has enjoyed mixed fortunes on the pitch this season but believes he is now back to his best. |
| john the tinca |
Stranraer have secured the services of several players on new agreements.
Scott Black, John Kane, James McKinstry and Danny Mitchell have all signed up with the Blues until May 2009, according to the club website. Manager Derek Ferguson and assistant Keith Knox are also hoping that James Creaney, Darren Gribben and Kevin Nicoll will put pen to paper shortly. The Stair Park club are starting the process of retaining the nucleus of the squad for next season and beyond. |
| john the tinca |
John Hartson has rejected the chance to succeed Gordon Wylde as East Stirlingshire manager.
The Scottish Third Division strugglers wanted the 32-year-old former Wales and Celtic striker to replace Gordon Wylde, who left Firs Park last week. "I had loads of friends tell me it would be a great challenge for me and I was sorely tempted to accept the offer," Hartson told the Scottish Sun. "But the timing is just not right for me at the moment." Hartson said he was not ready to cut his managerial teeth and would have given the same answer had Motherwell or Dunfermline made a similar approach. Shire owner Spencer Fearn said: "He says he can't accept, but he was very complimentary about the club." East Stirlingshire sit second bottom of the table as they seek to avoid a sixth successive bottom-place finish. John Brownlie has been asked to continue as caretaker manager and will be in the dugout for Tuesday's league match against Stranraer. |
| john the tinca |
St Johnstone have signed Barry Wilson and Sean Lynch on emergency one month loan deals.
Wilson, 36, has joined from Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Twenty one-year-old Lynch has moved to McDiarmid Park from SPL outfit Hibs. Saints manager Derek McInnes said he was delighted with his additions. "I'm very grateful to Craig Brewster and Mixu Paatelainen for their help with these loans and I'm sure both players will add something," he said. |
| john the tinca |
Dumbarton goalkeeper Peter Shaw has signed for Junior club Arthurlie on loan until the end of the season.
Shaw last played for the Sons' first-team two weeks ago in the 3-0 league defeat by East Fife. He has made only three appearances for the Third Division club since signing from Dunfermline in 2006. Shaw has struggled to establish himself in the first-team and has been back-up to Stephen Grindlay, Anton Nugent and David Crawford. |
| john the tinca |
Billy Davies has said he is interested in becoming the new Hearts manager.
The job appeals to the ex-Derby County boss, who said: "Hearts are looking for a new manager and that would interest me - if I could pick my own team. "They have not been one of the clubs who have spoken to me, but I'll sit back and see who's interested. "I'll work anywhere, even abroad, I'll go back to England if something comes up or I'll stay in Scotland. I will listen to any offers." The Scot recently parted company with the Rams, and Hearts are currently under the temporary charge of Stephen Frail. Davies ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland job two months ago, with the post eventually being given to former Hearts boss George Burley. |
| john the tinca |
Groundsharing in the Scottish Premier League is likely to become a thing of the past following problems with Gretna and Motherwell games at Fir Park.
The Fir Park pitch has deteriorated with the two clubs using it every Saturday and the poor weather has led to a number of postponements. Now a senior Scottish football figure has told BBC Sport that groundsharing is unlikely to be approved in future. Gretna could not play at Raydale Park as it failed to satisfy SPL criteria. The club, which was promoted from Division One at the beginning of this season, was given permission to use Fir Park for its home SPL games while Raydale was upgraded. But the surface has deteriorated and a number of Motherwell and Gretna games have been postponed as a result. |
| john the tinca |
Georgios Samaras has urged his Celtic team-mates to use Greece's Euro 2004 triumph as motivation for their daunting trip to Barcelona.
Celtic trail the Catalan giants 3-2 from the first leg of their Champions League last 16 match, but Samaras is confident they can cause an upset. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's return leg, he said: "You have to believe in dreams and miracles. "We are going to attack, to pass the ball, you never know what can happen." |
| john the tinca |
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Lyon's Karim Benzema is a big threat to their chances of reaching the Champions League last eight.
Benzema, 20, scored in the first-leg 1-1 draw and is expected to star again in the second leg on Tuesday. "Benzema plays as a lone striker and he's a goal threat because of that," Ferguson said. "The way Benzema took his chance tells you he can score out of nothing and you worry about players like that." |
| john the tinca |
Former international referee Graham Poll says players are better behaved when playing in European competitions than in the Premier League.
"They're more respectful because they recognise they're being refereed by one of the elite referees in Europe," Poll told BBC Sport. Now retired from refereeing, Poll believes familiarity breeds contempt for players in the Premier League. "Players see the same refs all the time. They have an impression of them." This season in the Champions League, red cards have been handed out approximately at a rate of one in every 17 games. In the Premier League, where Poll says the pressure on referees is far more intense, there is a red card in nearly one in every 12 games. |
| john the tinca |
Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk will take over as Holland manager after Euro 2008, replacing Marco van Basten.
The 55-year-old has been handed a two-year contract, taking him up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. "This is the best thing you can achieve as a coach. When the chance comes, you must take it," said Van Marwijk. Van Basten revealed last month he is to step down as Holland coach after the finals in Austria and Switzerland to take over as manager of Ajax. Van Marwijk, who had a previous spell at Feyenoord from 2000-2004, has also coached German side Borussia Dortmund. He added: "Fortunately neither the players nor the board of Feyenoord begrudges me this job." Van Marwijk, who won the Uefa Cup with Feyenoord in 2002, is the father-in-law of Bayern Munich and Holland midfielder Mark van Bommel. |
| john the tinca |
Mike Barton has quit as manager of Welsh Premier strugglers Caersws.
He stood down after a meeting was called to discuss the club's current league position as they find themselves three points above the relegation zone. Barton took charge of the Bluebirds in June 2007 after the long-serving Mickey Evans decided to quit after 15 seasons. Assistant Dave Taylor will take the reigns for the remainder of the season becoming only the club's third manager since 1992. |
| john the tinca |
Cardiff City boss Dave Jones says any players focused on Sunday's FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough instead of the trip to Crystal Palace "deserves a kicking".
The FA Cup quarter-final is whetting appetites, but Jones says the Bluebirds must concentrate on bidding for a place in the Championship play-offs. Jones said: "If there are minds on Sunday's game they want an absolute kicking, because they shouldn't be." Jones hopes Joe Ledley will return from a hamstring injury for Tuesday's |
| john the tinca |
Swansea's League One title challenge has been boosted by the news that Jason Scotland has not broken his toe.
It was feared the Swans' top scorer had suffered a serious blow after Scotland was stretchered off at the end of their 1-0 win at Huddersfield on Saturday. But Swans physio Richie Evans told the club website that the damage was minor. "The X-ray revealed no fracture, there was a dislocation there but it won't cause him to miss Friday's game against Millwall," Evans said. It was Scotland's goal, his 21st of the season, which gave Swansea the win at Huddersfield - a result which keeps them 14 points clear at the top of League One. Andy Robinson was also replaced against Huddersfield after a thigh knock, while a back spasm stopped Gary Monk from starting the match. "It should not be a long-term thing with Gary, it was just with his normal routine, he's never had a knock or an accident (to his back)," Swansea manager Roberto Martinez said. Evans confirmed that the injuries to Robinson and Monk were not serious and he hoped that, along with Scotland, they would both be available for Friday night's match at the Liberty Stadium. |
| john the tinca |
Cardiff manager Dave Jones has welcomed Tuesday's trip to face Crystal Palace as an early chance to get the 1-0 home loss to Leicester out of their system.
A Darren Purse own goal, volleying a clearance into his own net, summed up a lacklustre Saturday at Ninian Park. "We were down on everything against Leicester and the sad thing is we've had a really good week," Jones said. "Palace will put us under pressure, bomb the ball forward and play at a high tempo." After Tuesday night's trip to Selhurst Park, Cardiff travel to face Premiership side Middlesbrough on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals |
| john the tinca |
Wrexham boss Brian Little was relieved to escape with a draw in their home clash with relegation rivals Mansfield.
A Michael Proctor free-kick prevented visitors Mansfield, who had led through Michael Boulding, from moving seven points ahead of bottom side Wrexham. "Because we weren't playing well you just felt we were going to make a mistake somewhere," Little said. "When their goal went in it was a major blow... but we threw on two wingers and at least it got us a point." |
| john the tinca |
Llanelli have made an official protest over the date and venue of their FAW Premier Cup final with Newport County.
The match will be played at Newport's Spytty Park home on Tuesday, 11 March - a week before the Reds expected it. There is no suggestion of Llanelli not turning up to play, but secretary Nigel Richards said the club is unhappy "All along the final was scheduled to take place on March 18 and last Friday we were told it was being switched," Richards said. "It's being held for the second successive time at Newport and we'd be embarrassed to be in that situation." |
| john the tinca |
Rory Hamill scored both goals as Donegal Celtic pulled off a shock win over Glentoran, the club which let him go on loan.
Hamill punished slackness by Glentoran keeper Michael Dougherty, charging down the attempted clearance to score after just seven minutes. Gary Hamilton equalised direct from a 12th-minute free-kick. But Hamill sank his own club by scoring DC's winner on 23 minutes after another blunder by Dougherty. The home keeper allowed a long clearance to bounce over his head and Hamill nipped in to score from a tight angle. Now questions are bound to be asked about why Glentoran allowed their own man Hamill to play against them. The two clubs had an agreement that Hamill would not play for DC in the league fixtures at the Oval on 1 February, a match which Glentoran won 5-1. But there was no such arrangement for any cup meeting between the sides. |
| john the tinca |
Sports Minister Edwin Poots has assured the Irish Football Association of his commitment to the release of further cash set aside for the Soccer Strategy.
The minister was responding to the IFA's recent decision to streamline its executive from 18 to 11 members. "I have always made it clear that release of funds...would be linked to progress in strengthening governance and accountability," he said. "I expect this (issue) to be brought to a conclusion very soon." Mr Poots added that the IFA's decison on 21 February "to move to a more competency based approach was a major step forward". "A programme of work is being agreed with Sport Northern Ireland to deal with a small number of outstanding issues. "I would also anticipate that this funding will enable the IFA's youth programme to continue and allow a facilities programme to be launched that would help clubs upgrade their venues in accordance with UEFA, new IFA Premier League and Premier Intermediate League requirements over the coming year." Around £3.8m of funds have already filtered through to the local game from the Soccer Strategy and the Irish FA is banking on receiving another £4.2m. |
| john the tinca |
Coleraine and Institute both have a player back from suspension for Tuesday night's JJB Sports Irish Cup quarter- final replay at the Showgrounds.
The Bannsiders have midfielder John Neill available after a one-match ban and 18-year-old Alan Ewart is also added to manager Marty Quinn's squad. David Ogilby returns for Institute and John O'Loughlin may be back from a business trip in time to be included. Ryan Semple is considered doubtful for the match with a foot injury. Mark Scoltock and Kyle Moran are among those still unavailable to Institute manager Liam Beckett. The teams drew 0-0 in their game on Saturday and Beckett says his side will approach the replay "in the same upbeat manner". "Both teams cancelled each other out at Drumahoe but hopefully home advantage will help us on Tuesday night," said Quinn. |
| john the tinca |
Striker Lianne Sanderson scored twice as Arsenal bounced back from Thursday's Premier League Cup final defeat by Everton with a 4-0 win at Leeds United.
The top-of-the-table Gunners are now seven points clear of Bristol Academy. Everton retained their feel-good factor from the final, beating Cardiff City 4-0 to chalk up a seventh successive victory in League and cups. There was another 4-0 scoreline at Doncaster, where the Belles beat bottom of the table Charlton Athletic. |
| john the tinca |
Histon manager Steve Fallon was delighted with his side's resilience after their 3-1 win over rivals Burton.
A late Jack Midson goal ended Burton's late fightback and Fallon believes the Stutes have learned from their 3-3 draw against Stafford last Tuesday. Fallon told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We had to defend and we defended well. "We know you have got to kill teams off, but we looked dangerous the whole game going forward. It's just nice to finish a game much more relaxed." |
| john the tinca |
Crawley manager Steve Evans was unhappy with referee Simon Beck's decision to dismiss keeper Ashley Bayes early in their 3-1 defeat at Stevenage.
Bayes was sent off for handling outside the box after only five minutes. Evans told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "The whole ground saw what happened. We'll see when we look at the video if we get a phone call apologising. "It seems to be the nature these days that you smash Crawley decisions-wise, then call them and it's not a problem." Evans added: "We've gone about our business in a professional manner, as did Peter Taylor and Stevenage Borough, but there were three teams here." |
| john the tinca |
Bradford Park Avenue have named Nicky Law as their new manager but Alfreton Town insist he is still in charge at the Impact Arena.
Law missed Alfreton's Blue Square North match on Saturday and the former Bradford City boss was at Park Avenue's Unibond League match the same day. Alfreton say Law is under contract but Bradford chairman Dr John Dean does not believe that to be the case. "I was told Nicky was free to leave," Dean told BBC Radio Leeds. |
| john the tinca |
Oxford boss Darren Patterson says he was happy with Saturday's performance against Forest Green but thought his side should have won side the 0-0 draw.
Patterson told BBC Radio Oxford: "We've had better chances all day. Their keeper has been very active, ours has had nothing to do. "They're doing well, we're pretty pleased with that, but disappointed we didn't win. I felt we deserved it." Patterson's side now host Cambridge on Tuesday, 4 March. |
| john the tinca |
Forest Green Rovers chairman Colin Gardner insisted there were no major crowd problems during his side's home game against Oxford United on Saturday.
Oxford fans made up more than half the crowd of 1,624 and several of them contacted BBC Oxford complaining that there were not enough seats available. Gardner suggested difficulties were minor but added lessons would be learned after the 0-0 draw. "All we were trying to do was give them a seated area undercover," he said. He explained it was not possible to open terracing for visiting fans once the game was underway. He said: "We took advice from the police, but from a safety point of view it was OK." And Gardner criticised home followers who displayed the colours of Oxford's rivals Swindon Town. "A couple of people from here - not Oxford United supporters - were rather stupid. Generally the Oxford supporters were well behaved and I have no problem with them," he added. |
| john the tinca |
Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish thinks his side still have the team spirit to make the play-offs this season.
Fleet could only gain a point at struggling Northwich Victoria on Saturday and are currently 11 points outside the play-off places. But Daish told BBC Radio Kent: "It's going to be difficult, but we've a good set of young lads who are fit and that does help." Fleet face a busy run-in after getting to the FA Trophy semi-finals. The semis against Aldershot will be played over two legs, and Ebbsfleet also have 15 league games remaining. |
| john the tinca |
Crawley have signed goalkeeper Danny Knowles on a seven-day emergency loan from Blue Square Premier rivals Grays.
The Reds' only senior keeper Ashley Bayes was sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Stevenage, which means a one-match ban. Twenty-two-year old Knowles will play in Tuesday's game with Exeter City before returning to Grays. Reds assistant manager Paul Raynor told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "Danny's confident and has Conference experience. He'll do a good job." Crawley decided not to appeal against Bayes' sending-off after being told the appeal would be heard on Tuesday, meaning it would be too late to sign a keeper to play against Exeter if the red card was not overturned. |
| john the tinca |
York City manager Colin Walker says the next four games are "pivotal" to the club's aims for the rest of the season.
City take on promotion hopefuls Burton Albion and Exeter, plus a two-legged FA Trophy semi-final against Torquay. York must win both the two Blue Square Premier games to boost their slim hopes of reaching the play-offs. Walker said: "If we come out positive at the end of these 14 days then the season will be extended, and then who knows what might happen?" York started that 14-day run badly with a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge. Walker said: "We gave away two really horrible goals. "It's a massive fortnight for York City Football Club. Counting the Burton game, you've then got Torquay, Exeter, and you've got Torquay again. The season will be pivotal around those four games |
| john the tinca |
Rotherham boss Mark Robins was not a happy man after they were beaten 1-0 by Accrington at Millmoor.
"It was a shocking performance - the worst in the second half that I have seen for a long time," he fumed. "I was embarrassed to be on the touchline, because that wasn't my team at all. Our passing was terrible. "We have to pick ourselves up or we will be out of the play-offs and looking over our shoulders at relegation if we aren't careful." |
| john the tinca |
Assistant boss Ray Mathias praised Milton Keynes Dons after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chester kept them a point clear at the top of League Two.
"We weren't moving the ball sharply enough in the first half, and were looking for 'Roy of the Rovers' goals from 30 yards," Mathias explained. "But we kept going in the second half, created chances and got our reward. "We've got to be clinical now to better our goal difference - it could be worth a point at the end of the season." |