john the tinca
|
Todays NewsEngland Women beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in Thursday night's Euro 2009 qualifying match at Mourneview Park.
Fara Williams and captain Faye White scored as England maintained their 100% record in Group One, but Hope Powell's team made hard work of the win.
"It wasn't a great performance," admitted the national coach, "but give credit to Northern Ireland.
"They stifled us and we lost a bit of discipline. But we got the three points and that was the most important thing."
|
john the tinca
|
Liam Brady will help new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni get to know his players after agreeing to take up a position with the team.
Brady is director of Arsenal's youth academy - but the English club have agreed to him working with Ireland.
"The board of directors and Arsene Wenger are quite happy for me to do this and to keep my job at Arsenal," Brady told Irish broadcaster RTE.
"Trapattoni needs to get to know the players and I can help him with that."
Brady played under Trapattoni during his spell at Juventus in the 1980s.
|
john the tinca
|
Winger Chris Kingsberry and midfielder Peter McCann have signed new deals with Lisburn Distillery.
Kingsberry has signed up for a further two years while McCann's new deal will kept him at New Grosvenor until the end of the 2011 season.
"It was a good bit of business by the club and we are obviously delighted," said Whites' boss Paul Kirk.
"They are two quality players who like what we are trying to achieve both off and on the pitch at Distillery."
|
john the tinca
|
Kenny Jackett returns to the Liberty Stadium on Friday for the first time since he walked out as Swansea boss in February last year.
Jackett brings new club Millwall to League One leaders Swansea who are managed by Roberto Martinez, the man he released in his final year at the club.
But Martinez says there are no hard feelings towards his former boss.
"We have both moved on since then and that's what we have to do in football," he said.
"It would be very easy to create a story out of the situation, but I'm looking forward to the game.
|
john the tinca
|
Former Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh is backing the Bluebirds to knock Premier League side Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Cardiff beat Boro after extra time in a replay at the third round stage in 1994 where Kavanagh was on the losing side.
The Irishman arrived at Ninian Park from Stoke for £1m in 2001 before being sold to Wigan in a shock move in 2005.
And he said: "I can certainly see Cardiff causing an upset. They are due a good performance and a good result."
Kavanagh, who is currently on loan to Sheffield Wednesday from Sunderland, points to Middlesbrough's struggles in getting past lower league clubs in the FA Cup this season as the reason he is backing the Bluebirds.
|
john the tinca
|
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called for lifetime bans and criminal prosecutions for players guilty of making dangerous tackles.
He has demanded a "zero tolerance" policy ahead of the International Board's weekend meeting at Gleneagles.
Blatter told The Times: "Dangerous tackling is one of the most important issues in football at the moment.
"Therefore players who do this kind of thing intentionally should be banned from the game."
He added: "Attacking somebody is criminal, whether it happens on a football pitch or elsewhere. It is a crime and should be treated as such."
Blatter also suggested managers were not helping the problem and he said: "The mechanism where this happens today is obvious.
|
john the tinca
|
England coach Fabio Capello says David Beckham is in contention to earn his 100th cap in the friendly against France in Paris on 26 March.
He was left out of Capello's first game against Switzerland in February because of a lack of fitness as the season in the United States has not started yet.
Midfielder Beckham, 32, has 99 caps and Capello will have the former captain watched playing for Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Italian said: "There is a strong possibility that he will be selected."
The Major League Soccer season begins on 29 March but LA Galaxy play FC Dallas in a pre-season charity game on 15 March and Capello added that he or a member of his coaching team will be at that match to see Beckham play.
|
john the tinca
|
Scotland have been invited to play Iran in a friendly in Tehran in the summer, the Scottish FA has confirmed.
If the game goes ahead, George Burley's side will play Iran on 28 May - the week after the Scottish Cup final is played at Hampden.
The SFA is considering the offer and is consulting the Foreign Office about the safety issues surrounding the trip.
The invitation will trigger memories of the sides' only meeting when they drew 1-1 at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
World football's governing body Fifa officially lifted its ban on Iran playing international football in December 2006.
Fifa originally suspended Iran because of excessive government interference.
|
john the tinca
|
Dundee striker Derek Lyle has been ruled out of Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final after falling through a glass table at home.
The 27-year-old, who left Queens to join Dundee in 2006, would have been in line to start with both Colin McMenamin and Mickael Antoine-Curier cup-tied.
But Lyle required stitches in his stomach after the freak accident.
It means that Bob Davidson, who scored as a substitute against Stirling on Saturday, could start against Queens.
|
john the tinca
|
The Scottish FA is to submit an application on behalf of Queen's Park for the Fifa Order of Merit.
Queen's Park, founded in 1867, are the oldest club in Scotland, the second oldest in the world and the oldest amateur club in the world.
The Order of Merit is Fifa's highest honour and is awarded to those who are considered to have made a significant contribution to the game.
It has been awarded to just two clubs - Sheffield FC and Real Madrid.
Individual recipients include Joao Havelange, Jules Rimet, Henry Kissinger, Nelson Mandela, Zico, Bobby Moore, Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Pele.
Queen's Park, currently playing in the Scottish Second Division, introduced international football to the world with a Scotland v England tie in 1872.
|
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
|
Gretna will hold a crisis meeting with their financial backers on Friday after caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth revealed they could go out of business.
Just 501 spectators - a record Scottish Premier League low - turned up at Fir Park to watch the bottom club lose 3-0 to Dundee United on Thursday.
Chief executive Graeme Muir hopes that Gretna will not go into liquidation.
"I don't think it is just as bad as that, but we have a difficult situation at the club," he told BBC Sport.
"Does any club have a future when only 501 fans turn up?
"Dundee United did not bring many fans through, so I think many Scottish clubs are facing problems.
|
john the tinca
|
Eighty Celtic supporters are due to finally make it home after being trapped in the Pyrenees by a blizzard.
The group, from the Saltmarket supporters' club, had travelled to Barcelona where they saw their team lose in the Champions League.
They ran into white-out conditions on the coach journey home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Local police advised them to stay on board until daylight before taking shelter in a ski lodge a mile away.
Many of the fans were dressed only in shorts and football tops as they hiked through blizzard conditions.
Ronnie Mitchell, who is from the supporters' club, said: "Even the police said they hadn't experienced those kind of conditions in years.
"We were all dressed for travelling on a bus so it came as a bit of a shock."
He said the fans remained in good spirits. Celtic were beaten 1-0 by Barcelona and knocked out of the Champions League.
|
john the tinca
|
Dundee United boss Craig Levein was delighted to get back to winning ways with a triumph over Gretna.
"I was pleased with everyone who came in," said Levein, who made five changes for the 3-0 victory at Fir Park.
"It was a massive game for us because we have drawn the last four games, although we should have won every one of them," he said.
"It was beginning to get nerve-wracking for me. So it was good to put on a good performance."
A comfortable win, watched by just 501 fans, was secured thanks to goals from Garry Kenneth, Morgaro Gomis and David Robertson.
Bottom-of-the-league Gretna had beaten United twice this season but rarely threatened as Levein's men moved to a point behind Motherwell in the chase for third spot.
|
john the tinca
|
Aberdeen midfielder Derek Young has been ruled out for the next six weeks with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old has missed the last six games with the problem and is now unlikely to play again until mid-April.
"He got it against Celtic here and they've found out it's ligament damage in his knee," explained Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood.
"It's going to be six weeks at least which is a massive blow, because the lad has done really well this season."
Young was a surprise summer signing, with Calderwood bringing him back to Pittodrie after spells with Dunfermline, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle.
However, he has featured in 30 games this season, scoring three goals.
|
john the tinca
|
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has pledged to support manager Gordon Strachan's spending plans to help the club make further progress in Europe.
Defeat by Barcelona saw the SPL club knocked out of the last 16 of the Champions League for the second successive season.
"Now we must push on and I believe we can. We must keep our good players and bring in better ones," said Lawwell.
"We have a plan and understand where Gordon wants to strengthen."
Celtic exited this season's Champions League after a 4-2 aggregate defeat by Barcelona, but Lawwell said there was grounds for optimism
|
john the tinca
|
Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher has been named Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for February.
The 20-year-old scored five goals as Hibs picked up 13 points from a possible 15 last month.
His highlight was a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Gretna at Easter Road on 13 February.
This is Fletcher's second Young Player of the Month award this season, with the forward having previously picked up the accolade in August
|
john the tinca
|
Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips is trying not to get carried away about Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against West Brom.
"To me it's another game. It's not a semi-final at Wembley; it's not a final at Wembley," he told BBC Radio Bristol.
"We need to win," said the 29-year-old. "There's no point going and saying 'lovely job, it's the quarter-final of the FA Cup' and get beat.
"We'll need to score on Sunday and if we don't we're going to struggle."
|
john the tinca
|
Cambridge United have signed Crawley Town striker Magno Vieira on loan.
The 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season with the U's but will not be able to play against Crawley when the two clubs meet on 18 March.
Brazil-born Vieira moved to Crawley from Barnet last summer but has started just 18 games this season, scoring 12 times in all competitions.
Vieira started his career in England with Wigan and spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Carlisle.
|
john the tinca
|
Crawley Town boss Steve Evans has predicted a play-off challenge for the Reds next season.
Evans won the Conference with Boston United in 2002, and joined Crawley last summer following the club's escape from relegation on the final day.
He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I can tell the Crawley fans now. Get the kettle on. Next season, we're going to be in there.
"I know it could be a big statement, but I believe it."
Evans feels the club, that nearly folded in the past two seasons, need a period of stability.
"Providing nothing changes behind the scenes like someone takes away the budget, and we keep the bulk of the players we have now, we will challenge."
|
john the tinca
|
Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale is still aiming to bring a striker to the club as cover for Adam Stansfield.
Steve Basham and Richard Logan are the only recognised strikers left after Stansfield sprained his ankle in the 2-1 win over Altrincham.
Winger Lee Elam can play up front, but Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon he still hopes to add to the squad.
"We've looked at bringing someone in, but unless they're right I'm not going to disrupt what we've got," he said.
Tisdale says he has been looking for cover since the £145,000 sale of top scorer Jamie Mackie to Plymouth Argyle during the transfer window.
"I've looked since 1 January. There's lots of players out there but they have to be right for us.
"It would be nice to have someone in if they fit the bill, but as yet we haven't found anybody who fits the bill for us."
Exeter travel to York City in the Blue Square Premier on Monday night.
|
john the tinca
|
Oxford United's teenage striker Alex Fisher has been loaned to Brackley Town on a work experience deal.
The arrangement allows him to continue to train and play for Oxford as well as for the Southern League side.
United boss Darren Patterson told the club's official website: "It's a good chance to get games at a good level.
"Alex has done ever so well all season and has scored lots of goals for the youth team and this gives him games in a more physical league."
Fellow United youth-team players Matt Taylor, Ben Weedon and Aaron Posey have already been given similar opportunities at local sides Abingdon United and Kidlington.
|
john the tinca
|
Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough was delighted after seeing a much-changed line-up see off Droylsden to move into the last eight of the Setanta Shield.
First-half goals from Tom Liversage on his senior debut and David Farrell saw the Brewers ease to a 2-0 away win.
Clough, who made 10 changes from the side that drew with York on Tuesday, told BBC Radio Derby: "We could've had four or five in the first half-hour."
The Brewers are away to Halifax in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
|
john the tinca
|
Farsley Celtic manager John Deacey is trying to bring Rochdale midfielder Lee Crooks on loan to Throstle Nest.
The 30-year-old former Manchester City and Bradford player has played 10 times for League Two side Dale this season.
If Farsley can complete the loan signing, Deacey plans to give Crooks his debut in the Blue Square Premier match at home to Cambridge on Saturday.
Farsley are currently just a place and one point above the relegation zone in their first season at that level.
|
john the tinca
|
Aldershot chairman John McGinty admits Monday's 2-1 win at Torquay has taken them "a huge step" nearer to promotion back to the Football League.
The Shots are 10 points clear at the top of the Blue Square Premier with 12 games remaining this season.
McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "You have to be thinking positive, don't you? But you daren't think what you wish.
"We're trying not to think what we wish but it's a great position to be in."
|
john the tinca
|
York City have admitted they are concerned about fans ending up out of pocket due to the date of their FA Trophy clash at Torquay being changed.
The semi-final first leg has been moved forward from Saturday to Friday.
Secretary Nick Bassett said: "There will be fans who booked accommodation, and that is of concern to the club because fans are being inconvenienced."
The club are also running a supporters coach. Bassett added: "The more supporters we can take the better."
Many fans had complained to the club when the fixture was moved with just a week's notice after Devon police decided they did not have the resources to cover both the Torquay tie and Plymouth's home game.
Arriva CrossCountry will allow fans who have booked train tickets for the Saturday to travel on Friday instead.
|
john the tinca
|
Bradford City have announced plans to move home fans back into the Bradford End of Valley Parade next season after supporters voted in favour of the move.
The Bradford End - now known as the TL Dallas Stand - was opened in 1992, but has been used by away fans since 1995.
Manager Stuart McCall told BBC Radio Leeds: "When I played here it was great kicking at the Bradford End when the fans were behind the goal.
"It does help, especially if they're getting behind you."
The stand holds up to 1,800 fans but has rarely been more than half full for games in League Two this season, with Rochdale's away contingent of 941 the largest for a league match so far.
|
john the tinca
|
Striker Hector Sam has left Notts County by mutual consent after spending less than a season at Meadow Lane.
The 30-year-old joined from Walsall and has played 24 times for the Magpies, but started just nine of those games.
Sam's hopes of first team football have suffered further blows with the recent signings of Danny Crow and Ryan Jarvis.
"Hector has worked hard during his time here and we would like to wish him all the very best for the future," said Magpies assistant boss Dave Kevan.
The Trinidad and Tobago international scored just twice in Magpies colours - once in October's 3-2 home defeat to Hereford and then in the 3-0 FA Cup victory over Histon the following month.
|
john the tinca
|
Lincoln City assistant manager Iffy Onuora has revealed that more of the club's young players could be given a chance in the first team.
City fielded three players who have come through the Imps' youth set-up in last Saturday's 1-0 win over Wycombe.
Lenell John-Lewis and Danny Hone, who have become regulars, have been joined in recent weeks by Shane Clarke.
Onuora told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "A lot of good things have been done for those lads to come through."
Injured Lee Frecklington, another product of the youth set-up, recently signed a new extended deal at Sincil Bank.
Since Peter Jackson took over as manager in 2007 seven players have come through the youth team to play for the senior side.
In the past few years Lincoln have also sold youngsters Scott Loach to Watford and Jack Hobbs to Liverpool.
|
john the tinca
|
Lincoln City assistant manager Iffy Onuora admits he has been in contact with manager Peter Jackson who is receiving treatment for cancer.
The Imps beat Wycombe 1-0 on Saturday in Jackson's final game in charge before he began treatment.
Onuora is now expected to take charge of Lincoln for the next couple of months while Jackson is away.
Onuora told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "He's taken the club to his heart so he is not just going to go away."
"I'll be liaising with his wife Alison because I don't want to be bothering him when he is in the middle of treatment," he added.
After the win against Wycombe, Imps chairman Steff Wright told Jackson to forget about football and focus on his health.
Onuora's spell in charge starts with a match on Friday at Saltergate against Chesterfield.
|
john the tinca
|
Notts County have signed Stoke City goalkeeper Russell Hoult on loan until the end of the season.
The 35-year-old was initially signed as cover for Kevin Pilkington who is expected to be out of action for around two months with a fractured leg.
But Hoult was recalled by the Potters last week to act as cover for first choice Steve Simonsen.
Magpies boss Ian McParland told the club website: "We're delighted. His experience will be important."
|
john the tinca
|
Carlisle United striker Kevin Gall has said he is enjoying his loan spell at Darlington and would be happy to make a permanent switch to the Arena.
Gall, 26, has extended his spell at the Arena until the end of March and is happy working with boss Dave Penney.
He told BBC Tees: "I'm really enjoying it here and it's been good to come in.
"I've known the gaffer for many years now and he's a very good manager. If I had the opportunity to come here I definitely would like to."
|
john the tinca
|
Nottingham Forest have signed striker Brett Ormerod on loan from Preston until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who had been down the pecking order at Preston, could make his Forest debut at Crewe on Saturday.
Ormerod joined North End from Southampton in January 2006 but a broken leg and a fractured cheekbone limited his opportunities at Deepdale.
He scored one goal in 20 league and cup appearances for the Championship club this season, making nine starts.
But Karl Hawley, Neil Mellor and Chris Brown have all been preferred by North End boss Alan Irvine.
|
john the tinca
|
Dougie Freedman says the offer of regular football led to him accepting a three-month loan deal at Leeds.
The 33-year-old Crystal Palace striker had ruled out a move on Tuesday.
He told BBC London 94.9: "I just felt there was an opportunity to play some football, try and score some goals and try and get a promotion for Leeds.
"Then I can come back in the summer and say to Neil Warnock this is what I can do and see out the remaining year of my contract."
|
john the tinca
|
Leeds United's on-loan striker Dougie Freedman is targeting promotion from League One after agreeing a loan deal from Crystal Palace.
The 33-year-old has agreed terms until the end of the season.
"My only way to fight my way back for Palace is by doing this," Freedman told BBC London.
"I just feel this is as an opportunity to go and play some football, try to score a few goals, and try to get promotion for Leeds."
Freedman has made just five starts for Crystal Palace this season and has been used mainly as a substitute since Neil Warnock took over at Selhurst Park.
"I had a conversation with the (Palace) manager on Wednesday and he just told me that he doesn't really see how I'm going to get in the team this season," said Freedman.
|
john the tinca
|
Crewe Alexandra have signed the Preston midfielder Joe Anyinsah on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old will make his debut for the Alex in Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest.
Assistant Manager Neil Baker told BBC Radio Stoke: "He's a player we've watched a lot. He will bring much-needed pace to the side."
Anyinsah had previously had a spell on loan at Carlisle this season, making ten starts and scoring three goals.
The right winger has trained with his new team mates and he said : "I could have gone to another League One club but this is the right move for me.
"I want to play my part in seeing Crewe climb the league table".
|
john the tinca
|
Northampton Town have re-signed Wolves defender Daniel Jones on loan for the rest of the season.
Jones, who impressed while on loan at Northampton earlier this season, can be recalled by Wolves at 24 hours' notice after 28 days of his new loan deal.
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray said: "Daniel doesn't need any introduction. We know about him and he knows all about us."
Meanwhile, Wolves defender Mark Little has extended his loan at Sixfields for a third and final month.
|
john the tinca
|
Cardiff City goalkeeper David Forde has joined League One strugglers Bournemouth on a week's emergency loan.
Forde is set to start for the Cherries at Leeds on Saturday just weeks after a similar move to Dean Court was prevented by a transfer embargo.
Cardiff's third-choice keeper had a move to Dundee United blocked as players are not allowed to play in three different countries in a season.
He will also be available for the trip to Oldham on Tuesday.
|
john the tinca
|
Southend midfielder Kevin Maher looks set to be Gillingham's latest signing in their fight to stay in League One.
The 31-year-old has been training with the Gills this week and the club are looking to sign him on loan until the end of the season.
Gills boss Mark Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "He knows the buzz you get from winning and until you've tasted that you don't know how good that is.
"He's up for the challenge, and will be a massive part for us."
Maher, who has made over 350 appearances for Southend, captained the side to back-to-back promotions, but has not been a first-team regular at Roots Hall since before Christmas.
|
john the tinca
|
Manager Andy Ritchie has admitted that Huddersfield Town have missed out on another two loan targets.
After Izale McLeod rejected a move to the Galpharm, Ritchie turned his attentions to West Brom's Craig Beattie and Shefki Kuqi from Crystal Palace.
"The lure of Championship football is proving too much for those players," Ritchie told the club's website.
"As soon as we registered our interest, at least two Championship clubs made a move for them."
|
john the tinca
|
Swindon defender Jack Smith has told BBC Radio Swindon he thought he would never play for the Robins again, after his late call-up to face Huddersfield.
Team-mate Jamie Vincent was injured in the pre-match warm-up, giving Smith his first game for nearly three months.
"The way things were looking I wasn't involved at all, so I was surprised I was even on the bench," said Smith.
"Sometimes, fate will give you a game and you've got to take your chance and hopefully I've done that."
The right-back had been left wondering if he had a future at the County Ground.
"It's down to the gaffer really," he said. "My contract's up at the end of the season so I really want to get something settled."
|
john the tinca
|
Hull boss Phil Brown is in talks to bring striker Craig Fagan back to the club from Premier League side Derby, understands BBC Radio Humberside.
Brown also revealed he has been in talks with Sheffield United about striker Billy Sharp.
"There is interest in bringing Craig back to the club," Brown told BBC Radio Humberside.
He added: "[Sheffield] United have got a plethora of strikers, we have asked about them all, including Sharp."
Any deal for Fagan would be a loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
Brown said: "If the financial situation was right then I would be interested in bringing Craig back.
"It has to be a loan, Derby are trying to tie a permanent deal in behind it and that's what the contractual situation between the two clubs is all about."
|
john the tinca
|
Sheffield Wednesday have signed Portsmouth's French winger Franck Songo'o on a month's loan.
Songo'o, 20, impressed Wednesday boss Brian Laws during a loan spell with Crystal Palace earlier this season.
Laws said: "He has an abundance of talent and pace and I hope he will be an excellent acquisition for us.
"He played against us at Palace and showed he has a turn of pace and can be creative. Hopefully his arrival will give the rest of the players a lift."
Songo'o has also been on loan at Preston and Bournemouth.
|
john the tinca
|
Sheffield Wednesday have extended QPR midfielder Adam Bolder's loan spell at Hillsborough by another month.
Bolder, 27, joined Rangers last season and started the current campaign as the London club's captain.
But he is among several players to have fallen out of favour since Luigi De Canio took over as QPR boss.
Bolder, who started his career at Hull City, will not be eligible to play for Wednesday in their Championship match against QPR this weekend
|
john the tinca
|
Leicester City have signed teenage Chelsea defender Harry Worley following a successful week-long trial.
The 19-year-old centre-back has initially joined the Foxes on loan for the rest of the season, but will pen a three-year deal in the summer.
City manager Ian Holloway said: "Harry is another young player to add to some of the wonderful ones we have already.
"We have paid a little bit of money for him. We see him developing into a very decent centre-half."
|
john the tinca
|
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney has denied he is stepping down due to pressure from the board.
Varney has been at the Championship club for 11 years but announced on Thursday he would be leaving in June.
"On Monday the shareholders will approve a bond issue to invest £14 million of their (the directors) own money," Varney told BBC London 94.9.
"That would not be happening if there was boardroom unrest or if a purchaser was coming in, as has been suggested."
"There is no foundation in that whatsoever. It is nothing to do with that. I think people that know Charlton know we have a terrific board of directors here under Richard Murray's leadership.
"It's for personal reasons. I've been here for 11 years now and I sat down with the board of directors and told them that I thought this is a good time for me to move on.
"Why this particular week is because we are having an extraordinary general meeting on Monday and it's very important that any material facts are known to shareholders before that bond issue is approved
|
john the tinca
|
Charlton boss Alan Pardew is hoping chief executive Peter Varney will change his mind about leaving the club.
Varney has announced he will end his 11-year tenure at the Addicks in June for "personal reasons".
He has overseen the club's move back to The Valley, and two promotions to the Premier League.
Pardew told BBC London 94.9: "I'm very disappointed that he's leaving. I'm still clinging to the hope that he might change his mind."
He added: "His legacy is to have built a club that is regarded with all the right traditions that you expect a club of this stature to have.
"Charlton is a by-word for doing it the right way, being honest, developing and producing great players, and Peter has been very much a part of that.
Chairman Richard Murray said: "He is without doubt the most impressive individual I have worked with throughout my business career."
|
john the tinca
|
Bristol City defender Bradley Orr has been suspended for an extra game by the Football Association following his sending-off at Colchester.
The right-back had served a two-match ban and was due to be available for Saturday's game with Leicester.
But the FA fined Orr and banned him for a further match for using 'abusive and/or insulting words' to referee Anthony Taylor after the final whistle.
Orr was unlikely to face the Foxes in any case because of an ankle injury.
|
john the tinca
|
Ipswich Town have announced a freeze on season ticket prices for existing holders who renew by next month.
Prices for new applicants will rise by around 5.7%.
Over 13,000 supporters who have held a season ticket for the past two seasons could also get a rebate of 50% if Town win promotion.
Ipswich chief executive Derek Bowden said: "In the event of promotion we will be rebating around £2m to existing renewing season ticket holders
|
john the tinca
|
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi wants to take striker Andriy Shevchenko back to Italy - and is confident Chelsea will allow him to leave.
Berlusconi wants the 31-year-old, who spent seven years at Milan, as a replacement for the injured Ronaldo.
"Shevchenko is a player who is ready to help and he would be the ideal solution," said Burlusconi.
"I do not think Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will have a problem in letting him go."
Brazilian forward Ronaldo suffered ruptured knee ligaments in February and is expected to be out until November.
Shevchenko joined Chelsea from Milan for £30m in 2006 but has failed to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
"I think regularly about Shevchenko and I often speak to him," added Berlusconi.
"The fans would understand that this would be the ideal choice for us."
Shevchenko's first season ended prematurely when he had hernia surgery - forcing the striker to miss the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool and the FA Cup final.
He has failed to force his way into the team this season despite a change of management at the club.
The Ukraine forward has a record of 20 goals in 68 appearances for Chelsea.
|
john the tinca
|
Jose Mourinho has revealed plans to "kill" Chelsea when he returns to football management.
The former Blues boss is eager to meet the club in European competition next season and knock them out.
"If I play them in the Champions League, I want to go there and kill them - that's my message," he said.
Meanwhile, the 45-year-old denied he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona but said he was ready to return to management.
|
john the tinca
|
The future of Liverpool remains unclear after a series of claims and counter-claims on Thursday.
Dubai International Capital's takeover bid stalled when Tom Hicks threatened to block any attempt by co-owner George Gillett to sell his 50% stake.
But a DIC source told BBC Radio 5 Live that representatives could meet Hicks as early as Monday after the American agreed not to stand in Gillett's way.
However, Hicks maintains he has not softened his position.
He says he has no plans to meet DIC in London and will remain a majority stakeholder at Anfield.
|
john the tinca
|
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be returning to Pittodrie - albeit with his team.
A game with Aberdeen to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dons winning the European Cup Winners' Cup could be on the cards, depending on negotiations.
A spokesman for the Gothenburg testimonial committee confirmed that discussions were at an advanced stage with the Manchester United board.
Details could be finalised soon. There are also talks with another top side.
Sir Alex led Aberdeen to three Scottish championships, four Scottish Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup and the European Super Cup.
|
john the tinca
|
Sunderland boss Roy Keane has admitted he feels "paranoid" about the way the club has been treated by referees in the Premier League this season.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Five major decisions have gone against us.
"We keep talking about fairness but the decisions certainly haven't gone our way. You're looking at six points lost.
"I spoke to Mike Riley after the Derby game but you get little satisfaction because the game has gone. You end up feeling paranoid about things."
He added: "Since I've been in the job I've been to see three referees. That's not bad going really considering the decisions that have gone against us," he said.
"I find it very hard to take some of the comments that come my way from referees and officials and generally the attitude to our football club has left me very disappointed.
"The attitude seems to be 'It's only Sunderland'. All we're asking for is fairness in the game and this football club is not getting that at the moment."
|
john the tinca
|
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered his strongest hint yet that he will retire from football in 2011.
By then, Britain's most decorated boss will have spent a quarter-of-a-century at the Old Trafford helm.
He has won 18 trophies after arriving at the club in 1986 from Aberdeen but told French radio: "I still have a lot of passion.
"I'm still happy but I'm 66 now - maybe three years more, then I'll finish."
Ferguson had initially planned to retire in 2005, only to change his mind.
That decision was vindicated as he rebuilt his side and United went on to clinch last season's Premier League crown.
|
john the tinca
|
Aston Villa's young defender Stephen O'Halloran says he is staying positive about his future after suffering a potentially serious knee injury.
The 20-year-old's loan at Leeds was cut short after he damaged cruciate ligaments ahead of what would have been his debut last Saturday.
"It's early days at the moment and I'm just trying to be positive," O'Halloran told BBC WM.
"I'll probably need an operation so we'll have to take it day-by-day."
|
john the tinca
|
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reacted angrily to David Bentley's suggestion that Theo Walcott must leave Arsenal to find regular football.
Bentley, 23, quit Arsenal after five years in 2006 to join Blackburn where his career has flourished.
But Wenger said: "Bentley is entitled to his opinion but it does not mean he is right.
"I don't know why one player should incite another player to leave a club. It is not his job."
Walcott, 18, has still not earned a regular first-team place under Wenger despite showing the sort of form that earned him a shock England call-up for the 2006 World Cup.
|
john the tinca
|
Everton boss David Moyes concedes his side must make a massive improvement to reach the Uefa Cup quarter-finals after a disappointing loss to Fiorentina.
The Italians take a 2-0 lead into next week's second leg at Goodison Park.
Moyes said: "We now have a big job to do. They are a good team and on this performance we need to do much better.
"The performance was not good. I think we didn't start the game well and we gave the initiative to Fiorentina. They played well throughout."
Moyes, whose side conceded two late goals, added: "Early on they had a couple of shots against us as a warning. We should have defended their crosses and not given the midfield players the chance to get shots away.
|
john the tinca
|
manager Gary Megson has blasted the Israeli officials who took charge of the last-16 Uefa Cup first leg with Sporting, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Megson, who had a running battle with fourth official Eitan Tabrizi, was angry that referee Alon Yefet did not send off Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio.
"The rules are if you handle outside the box you get sent off. Patricio got both hands on the ball," said Megson.
"As for the fourth official, he is a doughnut. He did not know the rules."
Megson was left bemused after Tabrizi tried to stop him shouting instructions from his technical area.
|
john the tinca
|
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos refused to blame new signing Gilberto for the 1-0 Uefa Cup loss to PSV Eindhoven.
Gilberto endured a torrid debut on Thursday, losing the ball for Jefferson Farfan's winner and receiving a caution before being substituted at half-time.
"I didn't substitute him because he made a mistake - it was because he has had a calf injury and has not got his rhythm," said Ramos.
"He needs to play many more games, that's why I took him off."
Gilberto joined Tottenham from Hertha Berlin for a reported £1.9m in January.
The Brazil international's move was initially in doubt because of problems with his medical and injury had prevented him from playing until Thursday's last 16 first-leg tie.
|
john the tinca
|
Reading manager Steve Coppell has defended his decision to loan out striker Leroy Lita to Charlton.
The 23-year-old frontman has struggled to force his way into the first team this season and will be at the Valley for 28 days.
Coppell said allowing him to go was a "calculated risk" but it seemed "the right thing to do".
He said: "He, like a few other players, are upset about not playing regularly, which is a natural reaction."
"I have four strikers. In an ideal world, all four of them would have been happy to stay and fight for their place, but they get frustrated and get down about their particular scenario - and strikers more so than most.
"This is just a short-term solution. Whether it proves to be a long-term solution, I doubt it but we'll just wait and see what happens after 28 days.
|
john the tinca
|
Arsenal and Croatia striker Eduardo says he does not know how long it will be before he returns to action.
The 25-year-old suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle after a tackle by Birmingham's Martin Taylor in February.
"I am walking on crutches but I am feeling well, there is no pain," he told Croatian paper Jutarnji List.
"Some say the recovery will take half a year, some say I'll be playing in nine months, others say 15 months."
Eduardo also revealed he is set to miss Croatia's World Cup qualifier at home to England on 10 September.
|
john the tinca
|
Wigan manager Steve Bruce claims the challenge of taking on teams such as Arsenal is one of the most appealing aspects of his job.
Bruce's side are just two points above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone and face the daunting prospect of a visit from the leaders on Sunday.
And with the Gunners travelling to the JJB Stadium on a high after a stunning win over European champions AC Milan this week, the task for the Latics seems all the more difficult.
|
john the tinca
|
Sunderland manager Roy Keane admits he would have gone to prison had Sepp Blatter's demand for some tackles to be made a criminal offence come into force while he was a player.
FIFA president Blatter wants those who deliberately make dangerous challenges to face legal action.
Keane was one of the finest midfield tacklers of his generation but there were occasions when the former Manchester United captain went over the top.
Most infamous was a knee-high lunge on Alf Inge Haaland during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in 2001, which Keane later revealed in his autobiography was a pre-meditated revenge attack for a spat that began four years earlier.
Speaking ahead of his side's Barclays Premier League game against Everton on Sunday, Keane said: "I have to be careful with this subject. I would have been doing a bit of 'porridge' myself!
|
john the tinca
|
Roque Santa Cruz insists Blackburn are not punching above their weight as they target European qualification - instead insisting they are performing slightly below his expectations.
The Paraguay striker says it will be a major disappointment if Mark Hughes' side do not clinch a UEFA Cup spot.
Blackburn are on a good run of only one defeat in their last 10 league matches, a spell that has propelled them to seventh in the table.
It now looks to be a straight fight between Rovers, Aston Villa and Manchester City for that sixth place - with whoever gets it hoping either Chelsea or Manchester United win the FA Cup to pass on that UEFA Cup qualification spot.
Santa Cruz knows that he needs to start scoring again after failing to find the target in four matches. But, with 15 goals this season, he has already proved his worth - and his last barren spell in November was broken by a hat-trick.
|
john the tinca
|
Roy Hodgson has thrown down the gauntlet to his Fulham players to improve their poor away form - but admitted they need a little bit of luck on their travels.
The Cottagers travel to Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday looking to record their first league away win in 30 games.
It is a dreadful run which Hodgson is determined to change and he has urged his players to stand up and be counted.
"Managers are always looking for players in their squads to have broad enough shoulders to put the overcoat on and take the responsibility," said Hodgson.
"I have no need to be critical of my team in that way, but what we really need to break that circle is a result.
|
john the tinca
|
David Beckham once again underlined his belief his international career is far from over as the midfielder looks set for an England recall.
The 32-year-old's days seemed numbered when new manager Fabio Capello excluded him from his first squad against Switzerland last month due to fitness concerns.
Doubts were also raised that playing an inferior standard of football in MLS for Los Angeles Galaxy and a potentially gruelling trans-Atlantic schedule would count against Beckham in the future.
But Capello revealed on Wednesday that Beckham is in contention to win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on March 26, although the Italian will assess the former Real Madrid midfielder again when Los Angeles Galaxy play FC Dallas on March 15.
|
john the tinca
|
Sylvain Distin has told his Portsmouth team-mates they have nothing to fear from Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final trip to Manchester United.
Manager Harry Redknapp has described the tie against Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-chasers as the draw from hell.
Defender Distin insists the south-coast side are capable of causing an upset and booking their first semi-final since a 1992 defeat to Liverpool.
Former Manchester City star Distin said: "Every season you see results that people call miracles. It is not about that.
"Teams go to Old Trafford thinking 'We are going to win' and they fight from the first to the last second. That is what we have to do.
"If we are ready physically and mentally and we keep our shape, we have enough quality to battle against United.
|
john the tinca
|
Liam Brady has agreed a two-year deal to become an assistant to new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
Brady, who played under Trapattoni in the early 1980s at Juventus, met with the 68-year-old Italian to discuss the situation last week.
He will combine his new role with his job as Arsenal's head of youth development after being given permission by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The 52-year-old Brady, who won 72 Republic caps between 1974 and 1990, will join Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi as part of Trapattoni's backroom team.
Trapattoni is due to start work on May 1 once he has concluded the current Austrian League season with Red Bull Salzburg, with the aim of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
|
john the tinca
|
Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback insists he still does not know where his future lies.
Boro have a two-year option on the Brazilian, but it is understood they have not yet exercise this.
However, the Teesside have another two months to decide whether to extend Rochemback's stay and the player can do little but wait and see.
A host of clubs in Portugal and his homeland Brazil have been tracking him and have confirmed their interest.
Former club Sporting Lisbon have long been linked with a move but they like all the other clubs will have to wait until the summer - Rochemback has confirmed.
|
john the tinca
|
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe wants to bring former England manager Graham Taylor to Bramall Lane.
Taylor could return to the game with the Blades where McCabe has indicated his No.1 priority is to employ a 'head of football' at the Championship outfit.
"He'd be top of my list," McCabe told the Daily Mail. "He'd be diplomatic, he wouldn't step on toes and he has great knowledge.
"We're looking for a younger Sir Bobby Robson."
At 63, Taylor has previously hinted at a move back into football, and the role of working closely with manager Kevin Blackwell could be the perfect route back into the game for the former England boss.
McCabe has also confirmed that Bramall Lane's PLC have been in talks with an American sporting and media company directed by the leader singer of U2 - Bono.
McCabe said: "Bono is a director of one the companies we've spoken to.
"We're not talking to him as an individual but to a company with whom he is associated."
|
john the tinca
|
Gareth Barry has insisted a club of Aston Villa's calibre should be playing European football on a regular basis.
Captain Barry has to go back a decade to his debut season after moving from Brighton for the last time Villa qualified for the UEFA Cup via a top-six placing in the Barclays Premier League.
Since then the only time time the midlands club have taken part in the competition was after winning the Intertoto Cup in 2001, and then they exited the at the first hurdle to Croatian side NK Varteks.
Barry is keen to emulate those days when playing in European every season was almost taken for granted at Villa Park.
|
john the tinca
|
Matthew Upson admits West Ham's efforts this season have worn out their injury-hit squad heading into the business end of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
The Hammers have had important players on the treatment table all season, and Upson is the latest after picking up a calf complaint during Wednesday's defeat to Liverpool.
He is struggling to make Sunday's clash at Tottenham when Alan Curbishley's men look to get back on track after consecutive 4-0 reverses, against Chelsea and then at Anfield.
If he misses out, Curbishley's squad will be stretched even more as they look to make the jump from mid-table into European qualification candidates.
"The last two games have been unlike us but it may be a case that there are a few tired legs now because we've had to work so hard to reach mid-table safety," said Upson.
|
john the tinca
|
Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead is confident the feelgood factor at the Stadium of Light will be enough to inspire the Black Cats to top-flight safety.
Roy Keane's side put in a below-par display last weekend to claim a disappointing goalless draw at whipping boys Derby.
With just three points and no wins on their travels in the Barclays Premier League this season, Sunderland have displayed relegation form on the road.
The fact they stand two points above the bottom three is almost entirely a result of their magnificent home form, which has seen them claim seven wins and three draws from 13 league matches on Wearside
|
john the tinca
|
David Healy may have a chance to push his claims as a first-choice Fulham forward on Saturday - in the absence of Jari Litmanen.
The Cottagers travel to Blackburn in the Barclays Premier League badly needing points on the road to salve their plight at the bottom of the table - with the likelihood of relegation increasing as time runs out.
Roy Hodgson's team's cause will not be helped by the unavailability of Litmanen, who is back in his native Finland having new insoles made for his boots to cure a muscle strain.
While Hodgson is left to bemoan the absence of the 37-year-old striker, opportunity knocks for Healy - who has been considered for a loan move as he struggles to catch his manager's eye.
Hodgson, hoping Litmanen will soon be fit again, said: "It is frustrating for him and it is frustrating for me because it would give me another element in the competition for places up front."
It means, however , that Northern Ireland international Healy could be back in the reckoning.
He has been linked with a loan move to a number of Championship clubs - but Hodgson has made it clear he wants to retain the former Leeds striker and has subsequently rebuffed any enquiries.
|
john the tinca
|
Jose Mourinho has taken an almighty pop at Arsene Wenger, claiming the Frenchman has it easy at Arsenal.
"Arsenal is a unique team," Mourinho told Gazzetta Della Sport. "Their coach hasn't won anything for years and is still an idol. There is no pressure at Arsenal. But do not say he is growing young players into talents. What he does is take young players who are jewels and polishes them. It's different. He has time to work in a serene atmosphere and get results."
While the accusation is not new, the previous diatribes occurred when the two mangers were in direct competition and thus interpreted as a 'mindgame' ploy by the Special One to ratchet up pressure on Wenger. That Mourinho felt compelled to put Wenger back in his sights even at a time when he is out of the game indicates that the antipathy between the pair - who fell out spectacularly three years ago when the then Chelski boss branded Wenger a "voyeur" - still lingers. Either that or Mourinho genuinely believes that the Arsenal manager lives in a comfort zone at the Emirates Stadium.
|
john the tinca
|
Arsene Wenger wants his Arsenal side to follow up their immaculate Champions League triumph against AC Milan by revelling in the mud of Wigan.
The Arsenal manager insists that champions must be able to deal with a variety of demands and the challenge of the cow patch which the JJB Stadium pitch resembles at times could not be a greater contrast from the beautiful football played by his side in the San Siro.
Wenger said: "To be champions in England you have to go from Milan to Wigan and win the game and I like that because it is a completely different type of game. You have to find a response to what you face.
"It will be a big test because they (Wigan) are playing not to go down. They are under pressure like we are at the top. They are under pressure not to go down and I have heard that the pitch is not the Emirates."
|
john the tinca
|
Stranraer's Derek Ferguson is the Irn Bru Phenomenal Third Division Manager of the Month for February.
Stranraer were unbeaten last month, winning three of their five outings as they climbed up the table.
The Blues now sit in second spot behind runaway leaders East Fife and will hope to hold on for a play-off place at the end of the season.
Ferguson began February as caretaker boss but a good run ensured he took over from the departed Gerry Britton.
|
john the tinca
|
Peterhead's Neale Cooper has been named the Irn Bru Phenomenal Second Division Manager of the Month for February.
The Blue Toon won three of their four league outings last month, including a 4-0 success at Cowdenbeath and a 3-0 win away to Ayr United.
Former Ross County and Hartlepool boss Cooper has only been at the helm since late January.
His reign started with a 9-2 win over Berwick Rangers, while they held league leaders Ross County at the weekend.
|
john the tinca
|
Alex Rae and Gordon Chisholm shared the Irn Bru First Division Manager of the Month award for February.
Rae steered Dundee to a Scottish Cup win at Motherwell and has closed the gap on league leaders Hamilton Accies.
Chisholm has worked wonders at Queen of the South, picking up two wins from three in the league and knocking Morton out of the Scottish Cup last month.
The in-form Doonhamers have not lost a game since a 1-0 reverse at Hamilton on 2 January.
The managers will go head-to-head on Saturday when Queen of the South host Dundee in the sixth round of the Scottish Cup.
Chisholm won the award in January, while Rae last picked up the honour in November
|
john the tinca
|
Dundee striker Mickael Antoine-Curier has been named the Irn Bru Phenomenal Scottish Football League Player of the Month for February.
The Frenchman, on loan at Dens Park from Hibernian, scored four goals in three league outings last month.
The young player of the month is Livingston's Graham Dorrans, who will switch to West Brom in the summer.
The attacking midfielder has put in some excellent displays despite Livi's Scottish Cup exit and poor league form.
|
john the tinca
|
Livingston have confirmed that they have been approached by three groups in the last month who are interested in investing in the First Division club.
Former Powderhall owner Eddie Ramsay is one of the interested parties and would want to introduce greyhound racing at Almondvale Stadium.
But Livingston chief executive Vivien Kyles told BBC Sport: "We are a million miles away from a deal with anyone."
The club remain to be convinced that a dog track could work at the stadium
|
john the tinca
|
Four matches in the Scottish Football League have been postponed due to the heavy rainfall.
Airdrie's encounter with Ayr United at New Broomfield was called off yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch.
The visit from Dumbarton to Stirling Albion at Forthbank failed an early morning pitch inspection.
Ross County's First Division match against Brechin and Dumbarton against Forfar Athletic in the Third Division have also been cancelled.
|
john the tinca
|
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has pledged to support manager Gordon Strachan's spending plans to help the club make further progress in Europe.
Defeat by Barcelona saw the SPL club knocked out of the last 16 of the Champions League for the second successive season.
"Now we must push on and I believe we can. We must keep our good players and bring in better ones," said Lawwell.
"We have a plan and understand where Gordon wants to strengthen."
Celtic exited this season's Champions League after a 4-2 aggregate defeat by Barcelona, but Lawwell said there was grounds for optimism
|
john the tinca
|
Aberdeen midfielder Derek Young has been ruled out for the next six weeks with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old has missed the last six games with the problem and is now unlikely to play again until mid-April.
"He got it against Celtic here and they've found out it's ligament damage in his knee," explained Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood.
"It's going to be six weeks at least which is a massive blow, because the lad has done really well this season."
Young was a surprise summer signing, with Calderwood bringing him back to Pittodrie after spells with Dunfermline, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle.
However, he has featured in 30 games this season, scoring three goals.
|
john the tinca
|
Dundee United boss Craig Levein was delighted to get back to winning ways with a triumph over Gretna.
"I was pleased with everyone who came in," said Levein, who made five changes for the 3-0 victory at Fir Park.
"It was a massive game for us because we have drawn the last four games, although we should have won every one of them," he said.
"It was beginning to get nerve-wracking for me. So it was good to put on a good performance."
A comfortable win, watched by just 501 fans, was secured thanks to goals from Garry Kenneth, Morgaro Gomis and David Robertson.
Bottom-of-the-league Gretna had beaten United twice this season but rarely threatened as Levein's men moved to a point behind Motherwell in the chase for third spot.
|
john the tinca
|
Hearts say they have paid a bill that led to an office furniture company issuing a writ against them.
Lynch McQueen were seeking payment of £12,400 for unpaid invoices and Hearts declined to defend the action at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month.
Hearts were given 14 days to pay to prevent assets being seized or the pursuer seeking a winding-up order.
But, although a company source told BBC Sport it still has not been paid, Hearts say a cheque has been forwarded.
|
john the tinca
|
Hearts are close to agreeing the summer sale of striker Roman Bednar to West Brom for a fee of about £2.3m.
The English Championship outfit want to secure the 25-year-old Czech on a permanent deal after his impressive displays during a season-long loan.
Injury kept Bednar sidelined until early November but the former Mlada Boleslav forward has wasted no time in becoming a hit at The Hawthorns.
Bednar has scored 15 goals in 23 appearances for Tony Mowbray's side.
Injuries interrupted Bednar's two seasons at Tynecastle, where he made 39 appearances and scored 13 goals.
|
john the tinca
|
Gretna are considering going into administration as the Scottish Premier League's crisis-hit bottom club fights for survival.
Club officials emerged from a day of talks with insolvency experts Wilson Field Ltd to say that a final decision on Gretna's future had yet to be made.
But BBC Sport was informed that options would be considered over the weekend, with a statement likely on Monday.
Just 501 fans - a record SPL low - watched Thursday's match at Fir Park.
|
john the tinca
|
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has spoken out against the possibility of the Old Firm moving to England's top flight.
The idea of Celtic and Rangers moving down south has often been mooted but world football's governing body would not endorse it.
"It would be detrimental to Scotland if the two best teams leave to try and play in England," he told BBC Sport.
"It is also good for the political aspects that the British Associations keep their different leagues."
|
john the tinca
|
The Glens moved to within two points of Carnegie Premier League leaders Linfield after this Oval victory.
Glentoran striker Michael Halliday went close before Elliot Morris made a good save to deny Coleraine's Davy Patton.
David Scullion put the Glens ahead on 56 minutes with a rebound finish after Halliday's lob struck the bar.
Kyle McVey (73) equalised from the penalty spot after a foul on John Watt before Gary Hamilton (79) won it with a header from Jamie McGovern's cross.
|
john the tinca
|
UCD 2-3 Derry City
Peter Hutton's goal two minutes from time gave Derry victory in their Eircom Premier Division opener at Belfield on Friday night.
Ruairdhi Higgins put City ahead on 20 minutes and striker Mark Farren doubled the lead four minutes later.
But the students fought back with forward Paul Byrne pulling one back after 36 minutes before Conor Kenna levelled seven minutes after the break.
However, Hutton popped up with the late winner to give Derry the perfect start.
|
john the tinca
|
Liam Brady has agreed a two-year deal with the Football Association of Ireland to become an assistant to new Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
Brady is director of Arsenal's youth academy - but the Gunners have agreed to him also working with the Republic.
"The board of directors and Arsene Wenger are quite happy for me to do this and to keep my job at Arsenal," Brady told Irish broadcaster RTE.
"Trapattoni needs to get to know the players and I can help him with that."
|
john the tinca
|
Republic of Ireland and Reading defender Alan Bennett has joined League Two side Brentford on loan.
The 26-year-old centre-back recently completed a half-season loan at Southampton, where he made 11 first-team appearances.
Bennett, who joined Reading from Cork City last summer, goes straight into Saturday's squad to face Macclesfield.
Meanwhile Bees boss Andy Scott has allowed 19-year-old striker Charlie Ide to join Blue Square South side Lewes.
|
john the tinca
|
League title rivals Linfield and Cliftonville have been paired together in the draw for the semi-finals of the JJB Sports Irish Cup.
Marty Quinn's Coleraine side will face Donegal Celtic, the conquerors of Glentoran, in the other clash in the last four.
Both matches are scheduled to be played on Saturday 29 March at 1500 GMT.
The Blues will play the Reds at the Oval while the Bannsiders will face DC at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Coleraine manager Marty Quinn admitted that he had got the draw that he wanted.
|
john the tinca
|
Former Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh is backing the Bluebirds to knock Premier League side Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Cardiff beat Boro after extra time in a replay at the third round stage in 1994 where Kavanagh was on the losing side.
The Irishman arrived at Ninian Park from Stoke for £1m in 2001 before being sold to Wigan in a shock move in 2005.
And he said: "I can certainly see Cardiff causing an upset. They are due a good performance and a good result."
Kavanagh, who is currently on loan to Sheffield Wednesday from Sunderland, points to Middlesbrough's struggles in getting past lower league clubs in the FA Cup this season as the reason he is backing the Bluebirds.
|
john the tinca
|
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos refused to blame new signing Gilberto for the 1-0 Uefa Cup loss to PSV Eindhoven.
Gilberto endured a torrid debut on Thursday, losing the ball for Jefferson Farfan's winner and receiving a caution before being substituted at half-time.
"I didn't substitute him because he made a mistake - it was because he has had a calf injury and has not got his rhythm," said Ramos.
"He needs to play many more games, that's why I took him off."
Gilberto joined Tottenham from Hertha Berlin for a reported £1.9m in January
|
john the tinca
|
Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale is still aiming to bring a striker to the club as cover for Adam Stansfield.
Steve Basham and Richard Logan are the only recognised strikers left after Stansfield sprained his ankle in the 2-1 win over Altrincham.
Winger Lee Elam can play up front, but Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon he still hopes to add to the squad.
"We've looked at bringing someone in, but unless they're right I'm not going to disrupt what we've got," he said.
Tisdale says he has been looking for cover since the £145,000 sale of top scorer Jamie Mackie to Plymouth Argyle during the transfer window.
"I've looked since 1 January. There's lots of players out there but they have to be right for us.
"It would be nice to have someone in if they fit the bill, but as yet we haven't found anybody who fits the bill for us."
Exeter travel to York City in the Blue Square Premier on Monday night.
|
john the tinca
|
Nottingham Forest have signed striker Brett Ormerod on loan from Preston until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who had been down the pecking order at Preston, could make his Forest debut at Crewe on Saturday.
Ormerod joined North End from Southampton in January 2006 but a broken leg and a fractured cheekbone limited his opportunities at Deepdale.
He scored one goal in 20 league and cup appearances for the Championship club this season, making nine starts.
But Karl Hawley, Neil Mellor and Chris Brown have all been preferred by North End boss Alan Irvine.
|
john the tinca
|
Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley says manager Richard Money's success is bound to attract attention from other clubs in time.
"It's one of the penalties of success," Whalley told BBC WM.
"It's a bit like players. If they do well they're always going to attract the interest of so-called bigger clubs. That's life.
"The only consolation is he's got to achieve success at Walsall to get the offer from other clubs."
|
|
|
