john the tinca
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Todays NewsScotland manager George Burley has all but ruled out a trip to Tehran to play Iran in friendly at the end of May.
Scotland were approached for a 28 May clash, four days after the Scottish Cup final, but Burley was reluctant to give that idea too much encouragement.
"There have been a couple of different proposals for a game in May," said Burley. "Iran have approached the SFA but the odds are very much against it.
"We have a problem in May, with the Old Firm both planning tours."
Scotland play Croatia at Hampden later this month but Burley is looking for at least two more games before the first World Cup qualifier on 6 September in Macedonia.
"We have very few opportunities to play games in the build-up to the World Cup qualifiers, so I would like to get something sorted for May because then the next friendly date won't be until August," added the former Ipswich and Hearts boss.
"I'm very pleased with the game coming up against Croatia at Hampden.
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Fifa president Sepp Blatter says a Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympic Games should feature only English players.
The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football bodies oppose a GB team in case it affects their Fifa status, while England back the idea.
Blatter now says said the independent status of the four British associations could be harmed by a unified GB team.
"They should enter only a team composed of players from England," said Blatter.
"This will then not provoke a long and endless discussion of the four British associations."
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john the tinca
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Football's law makers have refused to sanction any further experiments into goal-line technology.
The English Football Association and Premier League chiefs had hoped to introduce the 'Hawkeye' system in 2009.
But world governing body Fifa have ordered a freeze on tests and will now push ahead with trialling two assistant referees behind each goal instead.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who supported the experiments, admitted: "The idea is now dead in the water."
Speaking at the annual meeting of Fifa's International FA Board (IFAB) in Gleneagles, Barwick said: "We are very disappointed.
"The FA has always been in the vanguard of wanting to help the referee and the assistant referee make the right decisions. We've always been champions of this.
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Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson hopes Stephen Ireland will return to the Republic of Ireland squad under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
Ireland infamously withdrew from his country's squad during their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign after lying about the death of his grandmother.
"Trapattoni is very keen that Stephen Ireland would be coming (back) and I told Stephen that," said Eriksson.
"I said 'you should play for your country, because that is important'."
The Manchester City manager added that he expects Trapattoni to meet Ireland in Manchester in the near future.
"What the outcome will be, I do not know. I am supporting Trapattoni there, but you cannot force people to play if they do not want to," said Eriksson.
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Tottenham have moved to reassure fans that Wednesday's Uefa Cup tie second leg at PSV Eindhoven will go ahead, despite a strike by Dutch police.
PSV's match against Ajax on Sunday was one of a number of matches in Holland postponed because of the strike.
But Tottenham said on their website: "At this point, our Uefa Cup return leg against PSV in Eindhoven on Wednesday night remains unaffected.
"We shall update fans should the position change."
Tottenham will travel to PSV 1-0 down from the first leg after Jefferson Farfan scored what could be a crucial away goal following an error by Spurs debutant Gilberto.
But their 4-0 thrashing of West Ham on Sunday should have put Spurs in a more positive frame of mind, as it ended a run of back-to-back defeats.
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Hamilton will seek permission to lay a new artificial surface if they win promotion to the SPL next season.
The Accies, who lead Division One by five points, have been playing on a synthetic pitch since 2004.
Chairman Ronnie MacDonald told BBC Sport the club are prepared to lay a grass pitch but would ask for dispensation for a plastic park.
"We would like to put down the latest artificial pitch and we are examining that option at the moment," he said.
Dunfermline were forced to tear up their artificial surface when the SPL ruled against its continued use in 2005.
And MacDonald said: "We have had preliminary meetings with the SPL and they are not on the whole in favour of artificial pitches.
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Gretna's players have been told the struggling club will go into administration on Monday or Tuesday.
At a meeting at Raydale Park, the squad were informed administration papers had been filed at a court in Edinburgh.
It will mean an immediate 10-point penalty and almost certain relegation from the SPL, while their players will become available for transfer.
However, the SPL expects Gretna to stay in business at least until the end of the season.
The league has stressed clubs in such positions can apply for loans recoverable from prize money.
League secretary Iain Blair said at the weekend: "What has happened over the last four or five years is clubs have been able to apply to the SPL for a loan during the season on the basis the loan is recovered from fees they'd get later on in the season.
"We very much expect Gretna to fulfil their fixtures and be there at the end of the season.
"I can't foresee, given how close we are to the end of the season, a mechanism which would see Gretna go out of business."
The players union chief executive Fraser Wishart is at Raydale Park and will be talking to the players about their options.
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Hibernian's Mixu Paatelainen has been named manager of the month for February in the Scottish Premier League.
The Finn received his Clydesdale Bank award after leading his side to two draws followed by four straight victories during the month.
Sunday's Scottish Cup fifth-round replay away to Rangers is the result of the first of those draws.
The fine series of league results have pushed Hibs into contention for third place and Uefa Cup qualification.
Paatelainen's award completed a fine treble for Hibs.
Striker Steven Fletcher was named young player of the month.
Meanwhile, forward Mickael Antoine-Curier, on loan with First Division Dundee, was Irn Bru player of the month in the Scottish Football League.
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The SFA has been given the green light to take retrospective action against players accused of simulation.
The International FA Board meeting in Gleneagles on Saturday has urged the SFA to present detailed plans about tackling diving to Fifa.
The plans could then be introduced on a trial basis next season.
SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said: "We'll try to get a system approved for next season - diving harms the game and it's not in the fair play principles
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Rangers striker Daniel Cousin will be out of action for a month after tests revealed he broke his jaw in Thursday's Uefa Cup win over Werder Bremen.
Cousin will miss important games, including the Scottish Cup tie with Hibernian, the second leg in Bremen, and the CIS Insurance Cup final.
He told the Scottish Sun: "This is the worst possible thing that could happen after breaking back into the team.
"Hopefully I'll get back as quickly as possible so I can help the team."
The Ibrox club have other attacking alternatives, but the 31-year-old had looked set for a key role as Walter Smith's side continue their challenge for honours on four fronts.
His move to Fulham collapsed last month when Fifa refused to authorise the transfer, as it would have meant him playing for a third club in the same season.
The Gabon international must now wait before he can contribute again to Rangers' busy campaign.
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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."
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Nacho Novo will miss Sunday's CIS Insurance Cup final against Dundee United after his weekend red card.
The Spanish forward was sent off for a reckless lunge at Hibs defender Thierry Gathuessi during Rangers' Scottish Cup replay win at Ibrox.
And a dismissal for serious foul play rules a player out of the next game in any competition.
"He is devastated by what has happened," said team-mate Chris Burke, who scored the winner against Hibs.
Burke netted the game's only goal to set up a quarter-final tie with Partick Thistle.
And, while confessing that he had not seen the incident, stressed that Novo was not a dirty player.
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Cardiff boss Dave Jones says it is time for Cardiff's current crop of players to make their own history after dumping Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup.
The shock win put the Bluebirds into the semi-finals for the first time since they won the Cup back in 1927.
And Jones told BBC Sport: "I get 1927 rammed down my throat every time, but we're trying to make our own history and these boys will deserve it.
"I think we played well today and fully deserved the victory."
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West Brom boss Tony Mowbray admitted his side's FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bristol Rovers was closer than the 5-1 scoreline suggests.
Mowbray said: "Ultimately it was comfortable, but it never felt like that when I was sitting on the bench.
"We went 2-0 up and I was delighted, but they pulled one back. The next goal was huge - thankfully we got it.
"Now we are going to Wembley and have no reason to fear the other teams left in it. Everyone will be thinking that."
The Baggies join two other Championship sides, Barnsley and Cardiff City, in the last four along with Portsmouth, the only Premier League survivors.
"Pompey have some fantastic international players of great quality, power and size," Mowbray added.
"We have got to respect them but they have had some tough games against Championship teams in the Cup this season and hopefully, if we draw them, they would have a tough game against us."
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The Football Association is to review the comments Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made following his side's FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth.
Ferguson criticised referee Martin Atkinson and hit out at referees boss Keith Hackett for what he perceives as a lack of action over poor officials.
A spokesman for the FA said: "We are aware of the comments and will be giving them consideration."
If any action is taken, Ferguson would face a fine, not a touchline ban.
United lost Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final 1-0 but Ferguson felt his side should have had a penalty when Sylvain Distin blocked Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half.
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Barnsley boss Simon Davey could not contain his delight after his side stunned holders Chelsea 1-0 to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Kayode Odejayi's second-half header was enough to seal a trip to Wembley for the Championship strugglers.
"I can't believe it. We beat Liverpool and they thought we couldn't do it again," Davey told BBC Sport.
"But I thought we could and the players were fantastic again. Kayode came out tops again - I'm so pleased for him."
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Donegal Celtic manager Paddy Kelly says Gerard McCabe will be disciplined by the club for his red card challenge on Cliftonville's Liam Fleming.
Kelly is adamant McCabe's high tackle cost DC the chance of a good result against the title-chasing Reds.
"I feel we would have come away with something had we finished with 11 men," Kelly told the club's website.
"I have no excuse for what Gerard McCabe did and it will be dealt with in-house by the club."
Kelly said he was confident his team would bounce back after Saturday's 5-1 defeat.
"It was a freak result. We will regroup and I am confident we will return to our recent good form next weekend," added Kelly.
"There will be changes made to the side for Crusaders on Saturday and I expect a tight game as usual.
"We will not go off the rails because of this one result. It is not a fair reflection on how we have played since the turn of the year."
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Linfield maintained their one-point lead with this comfortable win.
Oran Kearney hit the post and Thomas Stewart shot wide before Stewart stabbed the ball home from 10 yards for the opener in the 32nd minute.
Peter Thompson headed in from a Jim Ervin cross for his 35th goal of the season on 37 minutes and Stewart produced a cool finish on 75 minutes.
Glenn Ferguson blazed over, Stewart had another chance and Jamie Mulgrew should have had a penalty after being tripped.
Mulgrew played his part in Stewart's second goal of the game, providing the pass for his fellow Northern Ireland Under-21 player to lift the ball over Chris Keenan.
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Ballymena United have issued a statement denying "all allegations regarding irregularities in payment to players" on their club website.
United and Crusaders are both believed to be under investigation by the IFA for alleged payment of amateur players.
The clubs will be the subject of a special IFA Executive meeting on Wednesday over allegations of a breach of league rules and IFA articles.
It is understood that Ballymena have requested the meeting be postponed.
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Morecambe have revealed they have turned down an approach from Shrewsbury Town to speak to Sammy McIlroy about their vacant manager's position.
Shrewsbury are looking to replace Gary Peters, who left his role on Monday by mutual consent.
Morecambe chief executive Rod Taylor told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's good to have interest in the manager, it shows you're doing a good job.
"Sammy is happy where he is. He only signed a new deal weeks ago."
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Former Swansea boss Kenny Jackett has tipped his old side to flourish in the Championship despite leading new club Millwall to a 2-1 win over them.
The Swans stay 11 points ahead at the top of League One overnight, while Millwall are four clear of relegation.
"It was a good performance and a fantastic result," said Jackett.
"But I'm pleased for Swansea, they are doing tremendously well. They will be a great credit to the Championship when no doubt they get there
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Wrexham boss Brian Little says there is still a long way to go after a crucial 2-0 win over local rivals Chester.
The win brings Wrexham three points closer to safety with three games in hand over Macclesfield who occupy the last safe spot.
"I'm pleased that we've won and I'm pleased results yesterday went for us," said Little.
"It's a step in the right direction but there's a long way to go. We've still got some catching up to do."
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Nottingham Forest midfielder Arron Davies will be out action for at least three weeks with a hamstring strain.
Davies sustained the injury during Saturday's goalless draw with Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.
The winger, who was playing in central midfield, was making his first start in more than a month but was forced to come off after 74 minutes.
Fit-again Kris Commons or Lewis McGugan are both in contention to replace Davies for the game at Roots Hall.
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Cardiff City goal hero Peter Whittingham says they can go on to win the FA Cup following their stunning quarter-final 2-0 win at Middlesbrough.
The midfielder scored the opener at the Riverside as Championship side Cardiff shocked their Premier League hosts.
Cardiff were drawn against Barnsley on Monday, with Portsmouth facing West Brom in the other semi-final.
"I don't see why we can't win the competition, there are only two games left," said Whittingham.
"We controlled the game and showed we're Premiership clas
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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.
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Oxford United boss Darren Patterson has said he can understand why fans turned on him and the team after Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Burton Albion.
He told BBC Radio Oxford: "I am the manager, I picked the team. I take total responsibility for the defeat.
"As soon as the first goal went in, everyone was just walking around. I apologise [for the performance].
"Our fans have been magnificent and I can only say sorry to them. It was embarrassing. It was inept."
Patterson added: "It's unacceptable and it's something I have to sort out. The only positive is so many of our team are on loan. Too many of them went missing."
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Mansfield have named assistant boss Paul Holland as caretaker manager following Billy Dearden's exit.
Dearden left the League Two strugglers by mutual consent after the 4-0 defeat by Rochdale on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Carl Muggleton and youth coach Ivan Hollett will assist Holland, who takes charge for the first time in Tuesday's game with Hereford.
Chief executive Stephen Booth said: "I am considering all options. This does not exclude Paul Holland."
Holland was also in temporary charge when Peter Shirtliff left his role in 2006.
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Notts County boss Ian McParland admits his side "froze" during Saturday's 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Barnet.
He said: "I thought some of our boys froze a bit out there.
"It is not for the faint-hearted and some of them have to realise where they are playing and the sooner they realise that, we can kick on.
"I told the player that the crowd has every right to get on our backs, that was because there were not enough warriors out there."
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Shrewsbury caretaker manager John McMahon has revealed that spirits are high at the club following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Rotherham.
Ben Davies earned a point for the Shrews after Pablo Mills' opener.
McMahon said: "I enjoyed taking the team. You get a vibe and feeling from the lads and there has been a good feeling all week.
"The response has been positive. The lads showed great spirit, effort and desire to dig in and get a point."
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Manager Sammy McIlroy says he is staying at Morecambe after Shrewsbury had an approach rejected for the former Northern Ireland manager.
McIlroy announced the decision to his players during a training session on Monday.
"Sammy wanted to send out the message he's with Morecambe," the Shrimps' chief executive Rod Taylor told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"This is where his future is and we're delighted with that."
"We're flattered that other clubs are looking at our manager, it means that there's something good going on," Taylor added.
McIlroy told Morecambe's website: "It's been a distraction for us at a time when we are having a blip."
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Brighton manager Dean Wilkins thought his side were unlucky to lose 2-0 at promotion-chasing Carlisle United.
Danny Graham and Danny Livesey fired United to a record-breaking 13th home win in a row.
Wilkins said: "I thought we had better chances in the first half and made their goalkeeper work hard, but we didn't get our noses in front.
"If we could have done that, we could have got something from the game," he told BBC Radio Southern Counties.
He added: "One of things we discussed before the match was defending set plays and we failed to do that when we were well on top in the second half and suddenly we were two goals down.
"The higher you go and the better the opposition you play, it's the finer detail in your preparation that either lets you down or wins you the game."
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Gillingham manager Mark Stimson wants his players to concentrate on the simple aspects of their game as they bid to stay in League One.
The Gills lost 4-0 to Hartlepool on Saturday and remain in the relegation zone with 11 games to go.
"Don't try anything spectacular. We need an eight out of 10, like Adam Miller," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent.
"If eight players play like Adam Miller we won't be in this position but if we've only got one or two we will be."
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Boss Steve Tilson was delighted to see Southend move back into the top six in League One with a 2-0 win over Luton.
"The table looks good. The challenge is to stay there because two bad results and you can end up mid-table," he said.
"Luton are fighting for their lives and they were putting their bodies in front of everything.
"We dominated the first half and had some good chances to have been leading comfortably but in the end we have ground out a result."
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Carlisle United boss John Ward praised his side's character after seeing them follow up the victory over Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 win against Brighton.
"Everyone has been keen to pat us on the back and tell us how good we are after winning at Nottingham," he said.
"It was important we didn't get carried away and think we just had to turn up.
"We had to fight hard to get some authority on the game and we rode our luck a little bit but we ran out good winners in the end."
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Cheltenham Town boss Keith Downing branded his side "inept" after seeing them beaten 2-1 away at Yeovil.
"There was an opportunity here against a side that has lost form," he said. "I'm really disappointed with the first half - it was totally inept.
"We were second best physically more than mentally. We got bumped off the ball too many times and I didn't see enough competitiveness about us.
"That's normally not like us but it's creeping into our play."
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Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland has admitted Gary Roberts was left out of the side on Saturday for disciplinary reasons.
A training ground incident cost Roberts his place in the team for the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
"I don't think any coach goes looking for problems but when they arise you have to deal with them," Holland told BBC Radio Stoke.
"Nothing and no-one is more important than the spirit of the team."
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Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood feels his side can still gain automatic promotion despite the draw at Crewe.
The 0-0 draw at Gresty Road means Forest are now eight points behind Doncaster in second place, although the Reds have a game in hand.
He said: "It was not a great result. We are still in the chasing pack but we have to win the next couple of games.
"I am satisfied with the effort and the desire was there. There was never any threat of us losing."
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Kirk has scored 14 goals for the Glovers this season (Getty Images)
Yeovil frontman Andy Kirk has predicted a bright future for his new strike partnership with veteran Marcus Stewart.
The duo were paired together for the first time on Saturday and Kirk scored the winner to help Town beat Cheltenham 2-1, ending a three-match goal drought.
Kirk told BBC Somerset: "Conditions weren't the best. But it's encouraging, we had good movement.
"We can build on that and we can play a lot better together, I'm sure."
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Stoke's Liam Lawrence says he will not take the aggression out of his game despite picking up his tenth booking of the season in the game against Burnley.
The midfielder will now be suspended for the trip to promotion rivals Watford and the visit of Blackpool.
"I said something I shouldn't have done but that's the way I am," the 26-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke.
"I like to get to stuck in and give 100%, if you take that away then you take a big part of my game away."
Lawrence stepped up to convert a last minute penalty to cancel out Kyle Lafferty's opener and salvage a point for Stoke, who have now gone three league games without a win
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Colchester manager Geraint Williams believes United's match against Sheffield Wednesday will be their "biggest" game of their season.
The U's are nine points from safety in the Championship relegation zone with 10 games to play.
Williams believes the game at Layer Road is vital to their survival.
He told BBC Essex: "You've got to help yourself and we've got to make sure we go out on Tuesday in what is the biggest game of the season for us."
Colchester's next three matches will be at Layer Road and Williams is hoping home advantage against Wednesday, Cardiff and Hull will help them to pick up valuable points.
He explained: "We've got to go and win that and if we win that we've got two more home matches to come - so we'll take it from there, but all our thoughts now are on Tuesday.
"Hopefully there'll be a full Layer Road crowd with a fantastic atmosphere; we've got to go out and do what we did against Preston - get at them and go and win the game."
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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has set a target of seven points from his side's next three games as they look to get their promotion push back on track.
The Black Country side sit eleventh in the Championship table but are only five points off a play-off place.
"It's still all to play for. There are a lot of teams that will think they are in with a real chance," McCarthy told the Wolves official website.
"Our goal is to get at least seven points from the next three games."
Wolves' recent form has been good with back-to-back away wins followed by a point in their last home game against Southampton.
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Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock says his team must start games better if they are to keep their play-off push alive.
The Pilgrims went down 1-0 to Sheffield United on Saturday after a poor opening half at Home Park.
Sturrock believes his players need to take the urgency they show in the second half of games into the opening periods of matches.
"It's very strange how we start games as slowly as we do," Sturrock told BBC Radio Devon.
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Queens Park Rangers midfielder Hogan Ephraim insists he did not elbow Frank Songo'o during Saturday's defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
The club are considering contesting the red card shown during the 2-1 loss.
Ephraim told BBC London 94.9: "I don't feel it was a red card. At most it was a yellow for the tackle but the referee says it was for an elbow.
"I didn't go in with an elbow, I thought it was going to be a yellow card for where our feet connected."
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Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson says he will stay at Selhurst Park for as long as the club wants him.
Watson, 22, scored the second in Saturday's 2-1 win against Colchester, but has been linked with a move away.
Watson told BBC London 94.9: "My future is here. But it's not down to myself. If something happens it's not that I want to leave.
"I'm not going to go in banging the gaffer's door down saying that I want to leave, I'll never do that."
The former England Under-21 international added: "Hopefully at the end of the season we'll be in the Premier League with Palace."
Watson, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Eagles, has scored three times this season to help the club to ninth in the Championship, three points off the play-off positions.
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Southampton boss Nigel Pearson has disciplined two of his players after a reported nightclub incident last month.
Footage of Nathan Dyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips reportedly taken from a Portsmouth nightspot's CCTV cameras emerged in a newspaper at the weekend.
Allegations of theft have also been made, and the club are now awaiting details of a police inquiry.
Saints manager Pearson said: "The late-night socialising has been strongly dealt with internally."
In a statement on the club's official website, he continued: "As far as the other allegations are concerned, the club views these seriously but will await full details and will then decide on what action to take."
The alleged incidents took place in the early hours of Thursday February 28th at the Bar Bluu club in Portsmouth.
Wright-Phillips was dropped for Saints' home game with Ipswich the following Saturday, while Dyer is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
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Charlton manager Alan Pardew says he could make changes to his team for the upcoming trips to Burnley and Ipswich.
The Addicks have suffered four defeats this year to dent their automatic promotion bid, including Saturday's 2-1 loss at Preston.
Pardew told BBC London: "I may have to look to the group to find the players who will represent us in the right way.
"The chasing pack are going to close in on us. They will see weakness in us and we've got to respond to that."
Ben Thatcher is close to a return after six months out injured while there are players on the bench such as Andy Gray, Lee Cook, Jose Semedo and Scott Sinclair who will be pushing for a start.
Pardew called on supporters to keep believing after the latest setback.
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Fifa president Sepp Blatter wants to examine Martin Taylor's leg-breaking tackle on Arsenal striker Eduardo and could extend his three-match ban.
Birmingham defender Taylor has insisted the challenge was clumsy not malicious.
But Blatter has said he will contact the Football Association to release the disciplinary file of the incident.
"We have the right to ask national associations to give us the file - and if we feel the suspension is not enough we will come back on that," he said.
Eduardo suffered a double compund fracture of his left leg and will miss the rest of the season as well as Croatia's Euro 2008 campaign.
The Arsenal striker has accepted it was an accident after meeting Taylor in the Birmingham hospital where he underwent surgery, but Blatter clearly has other views.
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Derby County chairman of football Adam Pearson says Pride Park will be a hive of activity in the summer as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Pearson told BBC Radio Derby: "There will be six or seven each way. We will re-shape the squad quite significantly.
"That's why it's important for the players to respond between now and the end of the season."
The Rams signed several players on short-term deals in January including Laurent Robert and Hossam Ghaly.
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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has refused to question the effort of his players after the 1-0 defeat by Everton at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Black Cats were hanging on for a point before Andrew Johnson's winner but Keane believes his players could not be faulted for their application.
"There's no question of the players' desire," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"The players kept going right to the end and on another day we could have got the right result."
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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has defended the supporters who left the ground early during their 2-0 defeat by Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Riverside was sold out for the game which saw Boro miss out on a Wembley semi-final and Southgate believes the fans deserve an apology.
He told BBC Tees: "It hurts because we've let down the fans.
"We've been begging for a full house for months and we haven't rewarded the fans with a performance."
The former England international played in the FA Cup Final with Aston Villa in 2000 and guided Boro as a player to a semi-final in 2006.
Such experiences mean Southgate is aware of the significance of the defeat.
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Bolton manager Gary Megson believes his team will stay up, despite a slump in form that has seen them lose their last three Premier League fixtures.
The Trotters are now third from bottom in the table and have 10 games left.
"We have lost our last three Premier League games but we played ever so well in them," Megson told BBC Sport. "We are not lacking in confidence.
"The 1-0 defeat by Portsmouth was probably the best we have played since I have been here."
After the reverse to Pompey on 9 February, the next league game was a 4-1 defeat at Blackburn and then a 3-1 loss at home to Liverpool - and the sequence of results has seen Bolton slip down from a season's high of 13th.
"People are starting to see the glass half empty about Bolton but the most we have been is four points away from trouble," added Megson.
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john the tinca
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Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has admitted the club's defensive frailty is severely hampering their efforts to avoid relegation.
The 3-0 defeat at Liverpool was sparked by Jermaine Pennant's freak goal and Harper feels a lack of confidence is undermining their hard work.
"At the minute we're in that spell where if we concede one we'll concede two," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"Forty-two minutes of good work is undone by just three or four."
With just three points separating the Magpies from the relegation zone, goal difference is something that Harper, as a goalkeeper, is most concerned about.
"I think we've conceded probably 34 goals in 10 games, and that's almost like losing another point," he said.
"When teams are pulling up with us they're going to be ahead of us on goal difference so we need to get a point more."
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john the tinca
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Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has apologised to Martin Taylor for suggesting the Birmingham defender is a hatchet man.
Queiroz mentioned Taylor during a rant against referee Martin Atkinson and Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra following Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat.
Taylor was sent off for breaking the leg of Arsenal striker Eduardo during Birmingham's 2-2 draw at St Andrews.
Queiroz has now apologised to Taylor - but not to Atkinson or Diarra.
Queiroz said: "I am deeply sorry if my comments, made when emotions were running high after the Portsmouth game, were misconstrued.
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john the tinca
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Avram Grant has admitted the pressure is building on him following Chelsea's shock FA Cup defeat by Barnsley.
When asked whether he accepted his job may rest on winning either the Premier League or Champions League, the Chelsea manager replied: "I will accept it.
"When I'm responsible for the team, and my team loses at Barnsley, there will be many negative things said about it."
The Guardian claims sources close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich say he was "incensed" by the 1-0 defeat.
The away supporters at Oakwell could be heard chanting the name of Jose Mourinho, Grant's predecessor, and the Israeli was surrounded by security staff as he left the dug-out at full-time.
The Tykes' victory, secured by a second-half Kayode Odejayi header, ended Chelsea's defence of the trophy and came a fortnight after they were beaten in the Carling Cup final by Tottenham.
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john the tinca
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Dubai International Capital (DIC) has announced it is in advanced talks to buy a stake in Liverpool.
But in a statement the investment agency, owned by the ruler of Dubai, also confirmed crucial aspects of the deal had yet to be decided.
It said: "Dubai International Capital confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the co-owners of Liverpool Football Club.
"But no agreement has been reached on price or shareholding percentage"
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john the tinca
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Birmingham chairman David Gold has criticised Sepp Blatter's outburst over the tackle from Martin Taylor that broke Arsenal striker Eduardo's leg.
Eduardo could be out for up to a year and Blatter said: "It's shocking when you see how this player was attacked, it's not football."
But Gold said: "Martin is being made to look like public enemy number one.
"Things like this being said by Sepp Blatter are inappropriate and do not help the situation."
Taylor has insisted there was no malice in the challenge which took place during Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham on 23 February.
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john the tinca
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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Gabriel Agbonlahor's confidence has not been dented by his recent barren run in front of goal.
Agbonlahor has scored seven times so far this season but is yet to find the net in 2008.
"I think he's been fantastic for us and he's at the top of his game at the moment," O'Neill told Villa's website.
"Confidence is what it's all about and Gabby is one of those players who's confident whatever else is happening."
Agbonlahor last scored nine games ago in Villa's 2-1 win at Wigan at the end of December.
"Confidence can come and go minute-by-minute, never mind game-by-game. Players need goals and every centre-forward would say the same," added O'Neill.
Villa return to action against Middlesbrough at Villa Park on Wednesday.
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john the tinca
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Frank de Boer is set for talks with Bert van Marwijk with a view to becoming the incoming Holland coach's assistant.
De Boer had previously feared his work with the Ajax youth team would prevent him from working alongside van Marwijk, who will take over from Marco van Basten after Euro 2008 this summer.
But he now hopes to combine the two roles.
He told RTV Noord-Holland: "I think that it will be a great experience for me too.
"I now hope that I can combine the two jobs."
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john the tinca
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Dubai Investment Capital have announced they are in advanced talks to buy a stake in Liverpool.
The investment agency have been lined with a takeover at Anfield since competing with Tom Hicks and George Gillett to assume control of January 2007.
They pulled out to allow the American duo to buy the club, but the battle for ownership has been subject to intense speculation in recent months.
Gillett is now reportedly willing to sell his stake, while Hicks is keen to continue to hold a majority share on Merseyside.
DIC revealed earlier this week they would be prepared to accept a 49 per cent shareholding, and they have now confirmed negotiations are progressing towards a resolution.
"Dubai International Capital confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the co-owners of LFC but that no agreement has been reached on price or shareholding percentage," DIC said in a statement
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john the tinca
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Blackburn have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association as a result of their players' behaviour during the game with Newcastle on March 1.
The FA have alleged that Rovers were guilty of "failing to ensure that their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" in the match at St James' Park, which they won 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal by Matt Derbyshire.
Blackburn have until March 25 to respond to the charge.
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john the tinca
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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists he has no regrets over leaving Barcelona - but has not ruled out returning to the Nou Camp in the future.
Fabregas began his career at the Catalan club's youth academy, alongside players such as Lionel Messi and Giovani dos Santos, but left to join Arsenal aged 16 in 2004.
He has since matured into one of Europe's finest players under Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and is now highly coveted in Spain, with Real Madrid and Barca repeatedly linked.
Speaking on Catalan television programme 'Gol a Gol' on Sunday, Fabregas said he was happy with life at Arsenal and could not ask for a better coach than Wenger.
"I don't know (if I'll return)," he said. "I'm fine where I am, I'm learning a lot and I'm at the ideal club to grow, with a great coach and good team-mates.
"He [Wenger] is the best coach I've ever had and the more time I spend working with him the more I learn.
"In the future I don't know, but I'm happy where I am.
"Everyone chooses their own path in life. I chose one and I can't complain. I don't know how things would have gone for me at Barca and I'd prefer not to think about it."
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john the tinca
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Rafa Benitez believes that Steven Gerrard has become an even better player since linking up with Fernando Torres.
The pair have established such a potent understanding that they are now drawing comparisons with some of the greatest double acts in the club's illustrious history.
Gerrard and Torres is now widely considered by many of the Anfield faithful to be just as effective as the all conquering partnerships of Keegan and Toshack and Rush and Dalglish.
With 44 goals between them already this season it is easy to understand why such high praise is being handed out.
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john the tinca
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Avram Grant has admitted that he must win either the Premier League or the Champions League, or he will lose his job as Chelsea manager in the summer.
Grant was speaking after his side suffered their embarrassing 1-0 loss to Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, which with Manchester United exiting earlier in the day, represented Chelsea's best chance of winning a trophy this season.
Chelsea lie third in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Arsenal but with two games in hand after the Gunners' draw against Wigan. However, they still have to face both Arsenal and Manchester United, and have failed to beat any of the 'big four' under Grant.
They remain in the Champions League after beating an anaemic Olympiacos last week, but given Grant's record in important games of late, Roman Abramovich will probably not be holding out much hope in Europe.
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john the tinca
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Roy Keane has called on his dejected Sunderland squad to "lick their wounds" and get ready for another gruelling test at home to Chelsea next weekend.
The Black Cats put in a gritty, if uninspired, performance against Champions League hopefuls Everton only to lose out to a single, scrappy goal.
It was a much-improved display from the last time the sides met, when Everton crushed their opponents 7-1 at Goodison Park in November, but Keane acknowledged it was another blow.
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john the tinca
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Chris Burke insists Rangers team-mate Nacho Novo is not a dirty player following his dismissal in yesterday's Scottish Cup win over Hibernian.
Substitute Novo had an unwanted impact on the fifth-round replay when he saw red after just 12 minutes on the park for an X-rated tackle on Thierry Gathuessi.
Burke - who bagged the only goal of the game to set up a quarter-final meeting with Partick Thistle - confessed he had yet to see the incident again on television but knows Novo well enough to know there was no malice in the challenge.
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john the tinca
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Wigan manager Steve Bruce will wait anxiously for news of the scan on Emile Heskey's injured foot after the England striker limped out of his side's goalless draw with Arsenal.
The loss of Heskey after 55 minutes was the only blot on what was a superb defensive performance by the Latics against the Premier League leaders.
Wigan lost their influential forward for two months late last year with a broken metatarsal and the latest injury is to the same foot, although it is not believed to be a similar problem.
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john the tinca
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Cardiff boss Dave Jones challenged his players to claim their place in the history books after watching them book an FA Cup semi-final trip to Wembley with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough.
The Championship side ensured Portsmouth will be the Premier League's only representatives in the semi-finals of this season's competition with a comprehensive win at the Riverside Stadium.
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john the tinca
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Arsene Wenger denied Arsenal had suffered a Champions League hangover after they were held to a goalless draw at Wigan.
Having produced a famous 2-0 win in the San Siro over AC Milan to progress to the quarter-finals in Europe's premier competition in midweek, the Gunners were brought back down to earth at a muddy JJB Stadium.
It was their third successive Barclays Premier League draw and their advantage at the top is now only two points from Manchester United, who have played one match fewer.
Tuesday was an historic night for Arsenal but Wenger insisted they had put it to the back of their minds ahead of the trip to Wigan.
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john the tinca
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Mansfield have placed Paul Holland in temporary charge of first-team affairs at Field Mill ahead of Tuesday's Coca-Cola League Two clash with Hereford.
The Stags, currently second bottom in the table after a dismal run of eight defeats from nine home games, parted company with previous boss Billy Dearden following Saturday's 4-0 loss at the hands of Rochdale.
Holland previously worked as assistant manager under Dearden and has now been handed the task of masterminding an immediate upturn in results.
"Paul Holland is now acting manager and will be in charge versus Hereford on Tuesday night," said chief executive Stephen Booth.
"I am considering all options in terms of possible managers, going forward. This does not exclude Paul Holland.
"I am not going to be rushed into a premature decision.
"I am in discussions with a number of potential candidates but this decision has to be the right one for Mansfield.
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john the tinca
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Arsenal slipped up once again in the Premier League title race on Sunday, being held to a goalless draw by lowly Wigan.
In what was a disappointing game at the JJB, the best chances came at the very start and end of the match.
Emmanuel Adebayor might have put the Gunners in front in the very first minute but he was thwarted when one-on-one with keeper Chris Kirkland.
Then in the 90th minute Cesc Fabregas was again denied by the England stopper.
Wigan's best effort came with the game stretched in injury time - Jason Koumas' piledriver was charged down by Fabregas.
The result leaves Arsenal two points clear at the summit but rivals Manchester United can go top by winning their game in hand.
At the other end of the table, Wigan are now three points above the dreaded relegation zone.
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john the tinca
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Wrexham gave themselves renewed hope of avoiding relegation with a valuable 2-0 win over bitter rivals Chester.
Goals from Paul Hall and Michael Proctor were enough for Brian Little's men to beat a Chester side who found their former goalkeeper Gavin Ward in inspired form.
The opener came after 22 minutes when Hall pulled away from his marker and, after being picked out by Proctor, fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
The home side should have drawn level just after the hour when Kevin Ellison had plenty of time and space, but saw his eight-yard effort superbly saved by Ward.
Chester's Chris Holroyd then had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside, and within seconds the struggling visitors doubled their advantage.
A long throw was allowed to bounce in the box and Proctor hooked a tremendous volley over his shoulder and past goalkeeper John Danby. Ward again denied Ellison with another fine save and Paul McManus shot just past the post as Wrexham hung on for victory.
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john the tinca
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Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor insists referees have a responsibility to protect the most skilful players in the game.
Taylor's claim follows comments by Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who revealed after his side's FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth that a lack of protection from officials has made him "scared" to play his natural game.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson criticised referee Martin Atkinson for the decision not to award his side a penalty after Sylvain Distin blocked Ronaldo in the sixth minute of the game.
Ferguson also directed harsh words at Keith Hackett, the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, and said the tolerance level of referees was behind the rest of Europe.
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john the tinca
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Sylvain Distin launched a staunch defence of the art of tackling after Portsmouth clinched a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley.
While Sulley Muntari scored the winner from the penalty spot against hot favourites Manchester United with 13 minutes to go, Distin found himself in the eye of a storm.
Top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he was not offered enough protection by referee Martin Atkinson.
The United winger felt he should have been awarded a penalty in the sixth minute when he danced into the area only for Distin to block his path.
Ronaldo's boss Sir Alex Ferguson was also livid with Atkinson after seeing his team's dreams of the treble die and felt the official contributed to his team's downfall.
Distin is adamant his challenge was fair.
"If every time you touch a player it is a penalty, how do you defend?," said the former Manchester City centre-half.
"This is football - it is a contact sport.
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john the tinca
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Kevin Keegan has urged his struggling Newcastle side to "dig deep inside themselves" to find something to save the club from the nightmare of relegation.
Manager Keegan is still without a win since he returned to St James' Park eight games ago.
The rot, though, had set in long before Keegan set foot back in the north-east in January to succeed Sam Allardyce.
Newcastle are now 14th and they have now gone 12 league games without a victory and sit three points off the drop zone.
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john the tinca
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ManYoo assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has bizarrely likened the alleged elbowing of Cristiano Ronaldo to the season-ending tackle on Eduardo by Martin Taylor.
Incensed by a challenge by Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra in the opening stages of Saturday's controversial FA Cup tie, Queiroz accused the midfielder of elbowing Ronaldo - and then cited the challenge by Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor which has put Eduardo out of the game for a year.
"What did Diarra expect when he elbowed Ronaldo by the line to put him out, this is why the Taylors of the game are allowed to survive and the best players are out of the game," Queiroz raged.
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john the tinca
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Manager Arsene Wenger is confident the midfield talents of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini can take Arsenal to Premier League glory.
Fabregas received rave reviews for his performance in the San Siro in midweek when he scored the first goal in the 2-0 victory against AC Milan while Flamini provided the protective shield which allowed Fabregas the freedom to revel in his creative work.
So effective were they that Wenger believes they could be the foundation for silverware for years to come, just like the partnership of Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit in the past.
Fabregas and Flamini are expected to line up against Wigan in Sunday's match at the JJB Stadium when the pitch will be somewhat lumpier than the immaculate surface at the San Siro.
But Wenger is sure they can cope with anything thrown at them, including the infamous Wigan mud.
Wenger said of 20-year-old Fabregas, who recently signed a new five-year contract: "He is still a bit young. There is more to come from him and you want him to show that he is the complete midfielder as he did on Tuesday night in attack and defence. It was a most pleasing performance."
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john the tinca
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Barcelona's Primera Liga title hopes suffered a huge setback on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat at home to Villarreal.
Jon-Dahl Tomasson's late winner gave the third-placed visitors an unexpected win at the Nou Camp and leaves the Catalans eight points behind leaders Real Madrid with just 11 games remaining in the Primera Liga.
Marcos Senna had earlier given Villarreal the lead from the penalty spot after Victor Valdes had clumsily clattered into Guillermo Franco on the half-hour mark.
And although Barcelona Xavi equalised halfway through the second period, the visitors retook the lead following Tomasson's strike nine minutes from time.
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john the tinca
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Days after winning a place in the FA Cup semi-final, Cardiff City are set for a High Court battle which leaves the future of the club in the balance.
Wednesday's hearing is over £24m in loan notes the club borrowed from Langston Corporation in 2004.
Cardiff say a variation to the agreement means it is not repayable until 2016 but Langston want full repayment immediately.
The High Court will consider Langston's application for summary judgment.
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john the tinca
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Cardiff boss Dave Jones says Barnsley manager Simon Davey will relish the chance to get one over the Bluebirds in their FA Cup semi-final Wembley clash.
That is because Davey is a native son of Cardiff's Welsh city rivals Swansea.
The Championship sides won through after seeing off Premiership clubs, Cardiff beating Middlesbrough 2-0 while the Tykes stunned Chelsea 1-0.
"It will be a tough game, but we have a chance and I'm sure Simon will be saying exactly the same," Jones said.
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john the tinca
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Ballymena United have issued a statement denying "all allegations regarding irregularities in payment to players" on their club website.
United and Crusaders are both believed to be under investigation by the IFA for alleged payment of amateur players.
The clubs will be the subject of a special IFA Executive meeting on Wednesday over allegations of a breach of league rules and IFA articles.
It is understood that Ballymena have requested the meeting be postponed.
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john the tinca
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Donegal Celtic manager Paddy Kelly says Gerard McCabe will be disciplined by the club for his red card challenge on Cliftonville's Liam Fleming.
Kelly is adamant McCabe's high tackle cost DC the chance of a good result against the title-chasing Reds.
"I feel we would have come away with something had we finished with 11 men," Kelly told the club's website.
"I have no excuse for what Gerard McCabe did and it will be dealt with in-house by the club."
Kelly said he was confident his team would bounce back after Saturday's 5-1 defeat.
"It was a freak result. We will regroup and I am confident we will return to our recent good form next weekend," added Kelly.
"There will be changes made to the side for Crusaders on Saturday and I expect a tight game as usual.
"We will not go off the rails because of this one result. It is not a fair reflection on how we have played since the turn of the year."
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john the tinca
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St Pat's scored two late goals to deny Glentoran victory in the Setanta Cup Group Two game at Richmond Park.
Michael Halliday pounced on a defensive mistake to give the Glens a fifth minute lead but Gary O'Neill levelled from close range on 22 minutes.
Colin Nixon converted a 73rd minute penalty before Daryl Fordyce fired the visitors into a 3-1 lead on 84 minutes.
O'Neill pulled one back with an 88th minute header and Keith Fahey struck the equaliser deep into injury time.
The Glens protested after the first St Pat's goal, claiming keeper Elliot Morris had both hands on the ball when O'Neill bundled it into the net.
Glens striker Gary Hamilton wasted a good first-half chance when he shot straight at keeper Barry Ryan.
The penalty was awarded after Hamilton was fouled by Jamie Harris.
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john the tinca
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Glentoran manager Alan McDonald has criticised referee Colin Burns for awarding a goal when he believed the ball was in Elliott Morris's hands.
The Belfast referee allowed Gary O'Neill's first equalising goal for St Pat's to stand after it appeared that Morris had the ball under control.
"I thought we were playing 12 men out there," said McDonald after his side's 3-3 Setanta Cup draw at Richmond Park.
"I thought if you had two hands on the ball it was the goalkeeper's ball."
"As far as I am concerned, those are the laws of the game," he added.
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john the tinca
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Linfield manager David Jeffrey said he was disappointed with the behaviour of Derry City boss Stephen Kenny during the Setanta Cup game on Monday night.
Kenny was involved in heated exchanges as the teams left the Windsor Park pitch at half-time, just seconds after an on-field melee.
"He (Kenny) made his way over to Jamie Mulgrew - Jamie's a young fella," Jeffrey told BBC Sport.
"I will not let anybody, in any shape or form, intimidate any of my players."
He added: "For whatever reason they got themselves rattled.
"I'm so pleased how my players behaved themselves and it complimented an excellent performance from them.
"I always say it's about the squad and we made the full use of the squad.
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john the tinca
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Linfield started their Setanta Cup campaign with a deserved win over City in an ill-tempered Windsor Park clash.
Thomas Stewart put the Blues ahead on 23 minutes when his header struck Clive Delaney before finding the net.
The prolific Peter Thompson fired into the bottom corner from Mark Dickson's cross to make it 2-0 on 40 minutes.
Ciaran Martyn netted in the 79th minute to give Derry hope but Glenn Ferguson sealed the win with a penalty seven minutes later after a foul on Stewart.
Linfield boss David Jeffrey made six changes for the game while the Candystripes team showed five changes as the game kicked off in blustery conditions.
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john the tinca
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Michael Owen believes he could miss out on Fabio Capello's England squad to face France on 26 March if Newcastle's miserable run of results continues.
The 28-year-old striker has scored only five goals for the Magpies this season during an injury-hit campaign.
Owen told BBC Radio 5 Live: "When you are down it is hard to be listened to.
"Results are not going well and, when you are not playing well as a team and individually, then individuals will not get picked for the national team."
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john the tinca
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Scotland manager George Burley has all but ruled out a trip to Tehran to play Iran in friendly at the end of May.
Scotland were approached for a 28 May clash, four days after the Scottish Cup final, but Burley was reluctant to give that idea too much encouragement.
"There have been a couple of different proposals for a game in May," said Burley. "Iran have approached the SFA but the odds are very much against it.
"We have a problem in May, with the Old Firm both planning tours."
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john the tinca
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Prosecutors have accused Fifa's former marketing arm ISL/ISMM of channelling 18m Swiss francs ($17.5m; £8.7m) in bribes through Liechtenstein.
A fraud trial in Switzerland is taking place of six former executives from the now-defunct firm, on charges including embezzlement and forging documents.
Prosecutors allege the six paid-off people involved in negotiating the rights deals to major sporting events.
The defendants have entered not-guilty pleas against all the charges.
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john the tinca
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Austria coach Josef Hickersberger says he has no plans to recall Wigan's Paul Scharner despite the defender ending his self-imposed international exile.
Scharner, 27, who quit international football in 2006 after a fall out with Hickersberger, met him on Sunday.
"He said he'd be willing to play again at Euro 2008 but I said in 2006 that his decision to leave the team meant he was giving up on that," said the coach.
"Barring exceptional circumstances any Euro return for Paul remains unlikely."
Hickersberger said the way Scharner had left the camp had damaged his chances of getting back in the side for the tournament taking place in Austria and Switzerland.
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john the tinca
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Fifa president Sepp Blatter says a Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympic Games should feature only English players.
The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football bodies oppose a GB team in case it affects their Fifa status, while England back the idea.
Blatter now says said the independent status of the four British associations could be harmed by a unified GB team.
"They should enter only a team composed of players from England," said Blatter.
"This will then not provoke a long and endless discussion of the four British associations."
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john the tinca
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Nacho Novo will miss Sunday's CIS Insurance Cup final against Dundee United after his weekend red card.
The Spanish forward was sent off for a reckless lunge at Hibs defender Thierry Gathuessi during Rangers' Scottish Cup replay win at Ibrox.
And a dismissal for serious foul play rules a player out of the next game in any competition.
"He is devastated by what has happened," said team-mate Chris Burke, who scored the winner against Hibs.
Burke netted the game's only goal to set up a quarter-final tie with Partick Thistle.
And, while confessing that he had not seen the incident, stressed that Novo was not a dirty player.
"He hasn't been sent off that many times and I don't think he is that type of player," added Burke.
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john the tinca
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The Scottish FA has confirmed a date for the Scottish Cup quarter-final replay between Celtic and Aberdeen.
The sides will face each other on Tuesday, 18 March at Celtic Park, with kick-off at 1945 GMT.
Jeffery de Visscher's 78th minute strike looked to have given the Dons victory in Sunday's quarter-final clash at Pittodrie.
But Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink equalised in injury-time to ensure a replay for Gordon Strachan's side.
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john the tinca
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Assistant manager Ally McCoist has dismissed fears of burnout as Rangers continue to chase four trophies.
The Ibrox club take a 2-0 lead to Werder Bremen for Thursday's Uefa Cup tie before taking on Dundee United in Sunday's CIS Insurance Cup final.
And the former Gers striker said: "A lot of people say, 'are the amount of games worrying you... the pitches, the backlog, the tired players?'.
"No, this is where you want to be, this is what you want to do."
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john the tinca
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Falkirk striker Graham Barrett has extended his contract with the SPL club until 2009.
The 26-year-old former Coventry and Arsenal forward joined the Bairns in August 2006 and spent almost two years on the sidelines with a knee injury.
"I'm delighted and have continually said I want to do well for this club," Barrett told Falkirk's website.
Bairns manager John Hughes said Barrett was a great asset to the club and he expected him to become a better player.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for Falkirk this season.
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john the tinca
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Motherwell midfielder Steven McGarry has agreed a new deal, tying him to the Fir Park club until the summer of 2010.
The 28-year-old moved to 'Well from Ross County in January 2006 but was not a first team regular until this season.
"His new contract is fully justified given his performances," manager Mark McGhee told the club website.
"I think he's a very under-rated footballer and he will have a big part to play in the run-in and the hunt for that top three place."
McGarry, who began his career with St Mirren before a near four-year spell at Ross County, has scored twice this term as McGhee's team push for a European qualification spot.
"It's an exciting time to be at Motherwell and I am delighted to be staying here," he said.
"We've had a terrific campaign this year and I want to play a part in future seasons."
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john the tinca
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Lithuanian international midfielder Audrius Ksanavicius has signed a new contract with Hearts until June 2009.
The 31-year-old joined on loan from FBK Kaunas last summer and has agreed to extend that arrangement for another season at Tynecastle.
Ksanivacuis has made 24 appearances for the Edinburgh club.
His only Hearts goal came early in the 4-2 home win over Falkirk in October, while he featured as a substitute in September's 3-1 loss to Scotland.
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john the tinca
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Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns is facing a fresh battle against cancer, the club has confirmed.
The 51-year-old was diagnosed as suffering from a melanoma in March 2006 and had responded well to treatment.
But a spokesperson for Celtic said: "Celtic today confirm that first-team coach Tommy Burns is to receive continued cancer treatment.
"Tommy intends to continue as first-team coach and head of the youth academy during this treatment."
The spokesperson added: "Clearly, Celtic requests that the privacy of Tommy and his family is respected at this time."
Burns began playing for Celtic in 1974 and also won eight Scotland caps in a distinguished career which ended as player/manager of Kilmarnock.
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john the tinca
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Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United are heading to Pittodrie, it has been revealed.
The Premiership giants will play Aberdeen - who Sir Alex formerly managed - on Saturday, 12 July.
The game will mark the 25th anniversary of the Dons winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983.
A sell-out crowd is expected for the tie, which will be a highlight of a series of testimonial events to honour the victory.
Sir Alex led Aberdeen to three Scottish championships, four Scottish Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup and the European Super Cup.
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john the tinca
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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says their progression to the quarter-finals of the Champions League shows the quality of the Premier League.
Liverpool joined Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the last eight, beating Inter Milan 3-0 on aggregate.
Benitez said: "It shows the quality of the Premier League and especially the quality of the top four.
"It is important to be in the best eight teams and everyone from the Premier League is in a good position."
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john the tinca
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Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini intends to leave the Serie A champions at the end of the season.
Mancini, 43, revealed his plan to leave Inter after their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool on Tuesday.
Fernando Torres's second-half goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 win in the San Siro and a 3-0 aggregate victory.
Only last week Inter president Massimo Moratti described Mancini as the best coach in the history of Inter along with Nerazzurri legend Helenio Herrera.
"I know I still have four years to run on my contract but the next two-and-a-half months will be my last guiding Inter," said Mancini.
"I've told the lads and it's right to tell everyone. It's a decision I've taken and has nothing to do with this defeat."
Mancini took over as Inter coach in 2004 and led the club to the Serie A title in his first two seasons.
The first title was only won after Juventus and AC Milan were demoted and deducted points due to a match-fixing scandal.
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