Todays News

john the tinca · Todays News

Crusaders midfielder Darren Lockhart has decided to retire from football at the age of 34.

Lockhart informed his team-mates of his decision after Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Linfield at Seaview, having told manager Stephen Baxter a month ago.

The player won two league championships and three Irish Cup medals during a distinguished spell at Glentoran.

"The rigours of Irish League football were taking their toll and I can't go on for ever," he told the News Letter.

Lockhart scored his final goal for the Crues in a 1-0 win over north Belfast neighbours Cliftonville last week.

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IFA chief executive Howard Wells says a full investigation will be held into unusual betting patterns "only if the facts establish that it is needed".

All three of the country's leading bookmaker chains stopped taking bets on Glenavon's game against Armagh City on Friday and the IFA awaits more details.

"These trends happen from time to time and we were alerted to it," said Wells.

"I suspect it will be very difficult to come up with any concrete facts that indicate to us what actually went on."

Meanwhile Armagh City have written to the Irish FA to say that they would "welcome any investigation into the matter which they would deem to be appropriate".

"We believe that the good name of Armagh City FC, the Carnegie Premier League and the Irish FA are all being damaged by these allegations," they added.

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Crusaders have won the race to sign midfielder Aaron Black from Larne.

The 24-year-old former Ayr United and Glenavon player impressed during his time at Larne, who will not be part of the new 12-team Premier League.

Black also attracted interest from Linfield, Lisburn Distillery and Portadown.

Meanwhile, Crues midfielder Chris Morrow will miss the start of next season after breaking a leg in the 3-0 defeat by Linfield on Saturday.

Morrow fractured the tibia and fibia in his right leg in an accidental collision with Blues defender William Murphy.

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Coleraine's Marty Hunter believes the Bannsiders can upset the odds and beat Linfield in Saturday's JJB Sports Irish Cup final at Windsor Park.

"Linfield may have the impression they just have to turn up to win and hopefully that will work in our favour," he said.

"We've proved this season that we can challenge the best teams and I've no doubt we can cause an upset.

"We have the confidence and ability and we're buzzing for Saturday."

He added: "We've a good blend of experience and youngsters - our job is to take pressure off the young lads and let them show their ability.

"It's a tremendous achievement that within two to three years of this club nearly going out of existence we are in an Irish Cup final."

Davy O'Hare has agreed a two-year extension to his contract at Coleraine but remains a major doubt for the decider because of a calf injury.

The Bannsiders goalkeeper joins Tommy McCallion and John Watt in committing his future to the Showgrounds club.

Howard Beverland looks set to miss the decider but Jody Tolan should be fit - both have ankle injuries.

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Linfield boss David Jeffrey has made his first signing for next season with defender Jonathan Harkness returning to Windsor Park.

Jeffrey said he is "delighted" at landing the versatile 22-year-old from Conference side Kidderminster Harriers.

Harkness is a former Northern Ireland youth international and he had spells with Walsall and Cambridge United.

The Crumlin man played for the league champions as a teenager and made his Linfield debut at 16.

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Ballymena United must look elsewhere for a new manager as Jim Grattan's appointment has been prevented because of his Irish FA commitments.

Grattan was appointed to the job on Monday but the IFA believes he would be unable to combine his role as Child Welfare Manager with the United post.

The IFA has said that the workload of the child welfare job is to increase dramatically in the coming year.

Grattan is to be allowed to help in the search for his successor at Ballymena.

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Roy Millar has lost his job as Northern Ireland Under-21 manager as the Irish FA undertakes "a restructuring of its coaching framework" in age group teams.

Under-19 boss Mal Donaghy and Under-17 manager Kenny Shiels will also be "standing down" from their positions.

"Nigel Worthington has a broad role and we felt the time was right to introduce a fresh approach at all levels," said IFA president Raymond Kennedy.

"Nigel will lead a change of coaching philosophy from schools level upwards."

It is believed that the trio were informed of the decision by IFA chief executive Howard Wells and Worthington earlier this week and it is understood the Northern Ireland senior boss wants to develop a process of continuity from the U17 team to the senior side.

"In the next few days, with Nigel's input, the IFA will be issuing statements regarding the management and coaching structure of all age group teams ahead of the next major tournaments," confirmed Kennedy.

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The IFA Executive Committee has ruled that Portadown's application for the new Invitational League will not be considered as it was submitted late.

It is believed the application was received about 15 minutes after the stipulated deadline of 1600 BST on Monday 31 March.

It is thought that traffic delays were to blame for the late application.

Armagh City were turned down for the new league last week while Larne and Limavady are also out of the running.

The remaining 13 clubs in the current Carnegie Premier League have gained the necessary domestic licences along with First Division side Bangor.

The official announcement of the composition of the new league is expected to be made on 8 May.

Clubs were assessed on league position, attendances, facilities and also provision for women's and youth football.

Portadown have indicated that any comment they will make about the decision will be through their solicitors.

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Linfield boss David Jeffrey praised his players for "stepping up to the mark under a burden of expectation and pressure" after their league title win.

The Blues secured the championship for the third successive year with a 3-0 win over Crusaders at Seaview.

"They are a pretty special group of players and it is down to them that we have won the title," said Jeffrey.

"The fans are our extra man. They turn out in huge numbers and the board and backroom team have been great too."

"We have more points than any other team, more goals scored and the least goals conceded so that is hard to beat," added Jeffrey.

"It was not our best performance ever against Crusaders but we still scored three and did not concede any.

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Linfield won the Carnegie Premier League title after beating Crusaders 3-0 at Seaview on Saturday.

Striker Glenn Ferguson was the hero for the Blues, scoring on 27 minutes and adding a second after 43 minutes.

Mark Dickson, Peter Thompson and Ferguson went close after the break and Stephen McBride had a Crusaders chance.

Dickson completed the victory by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Aaron Kerr in the final minute of the game and the Blues were crowned champions.

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Armagh City will not be playing in the new 12-team Premier League next season after being turned down for a domestic club licence by the Irish FA.

Fellow Carnegie Premier sides Larne and Limavady United have, as expected, also failed to gain a licence.

In another development it's believed Portadown's place in the new league is in doubt due to a late application.

Meanwhile, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Lisburn Distillery will play their European games at Mourneview Park.

The clubs have nominated the Lurgan venue as their stadium as their own grounds do not currently meet Uefa infrastructure regulations to host European football.

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Wales manager John Toshack has contrasted Roberto Martinez' "fantastic" season with Swansea City to relegated Wrexham's sad plight.

The man who took Swansea to the top of the Football League says Martinez now has to be ruthless to ensure they have enough quality for the Championship.

He also says Wrexham's relegation could and should have been avoided.

Toshack said: "When Wrexham stayed up in the last game of last season I didn't expect it to happen to them."

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Swansea City have five players in the Professional Footballers' Association League One team of the year.

Each year PFA members are asked to select their star performers in each position with the Swans dominating the teamsheet for League One.

In defence their fellow pros voted for Angel Rangel and Garry Monk to make the divisional team.

Midfielders Andy Robinson and Ferrie Bodde also made the side alongside the club's top-scorer Jason Scotland.

The appearance of so many players in the PFA team caps a spectacular year for the club which has been guaranteed promotion to the Championship next year

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Wrexham Football Club chairman Neville Dickens has denied speculation that the board is trying to sell the club.

Dickens, who led a takeover of the stricken north Wales club in August 2006, did confim to BBC Sport Wales that new investment is being sought.

However, it is understood that the club has yet to receive any firm offers.

Wrexham's loss to Hereford last week confirmed their relegation to the Blue Square Premier, ending the club's 87-year stay in the Football League.

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The Football Association of Wales has moved to distance itself from comments made by former secretary Alun Evans.

Last week Evans criticised the English FA's decision to allow Cardiff City to play in the Uefa Cup, if the Welsh side beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup final.

In response, Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale said the club could consider ending its affiliation with the FAW.

A statement issued by the FAW said: "The views attributed to Mr Evans... are his own and not those of the FAW."

Evans said that the FA's decision, which had the backing of European football's governing body Uefa, had harmed the "credibility of Welsh football on an international basis".

He went on to say that Cardiff had "no relevance to Welsh football".

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Llanelli marksman Rhys Griffiths has been voted Welsh Premier League player of the season.

Striker Griffiths, who scored 58 goals this year, was chosen by 15 of the league's 18 managers.

Bangor City striker Ashley Stott came in second followed by New Saints' midfielder John Leah in third.

Griffiths also won the league's Golden Boot for the third time in a row, bringing his goal tally to 98 since signing for the Reds in

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Cardiff City will have captain Darren Purse available for the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on 17 May after the defender's red card was overturned.

Purse was sent off in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Burnley for a challenge on Andy Cole that left the veteran striker needing 10 stitches in a leg wound.

But on Tuesday a Football Association of Wales disciplinary panel overturned the decision of referee Andy Hall.

That means Purse escapes what would have been an automatic three-match ban.

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Wolves forward Freddie Eastwood believes he has a future at Molineux despite a frustrating first season.

The former Southend striker has made only 10 league starts since moving last summer, but has come off the bench on a further 20 occasions.

"Overall I don't think I've done anything wrong for the manager or the football club," Eastwood told BBC WM.

"Something's got to change because I don't want to be sitting on the bench for three-quarters of the season."

The Wales international has had Wolves' supporters calling for him to be included in Mick McCarthy's plans more frequently, despite a tally of just four goals this season.

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Leeds will find out the result of their appeal against their 15-point deduction by the Football League on Thursday at 1700 BST, reports BBC Radio Leeds.

A three-man arbitration panel will make the announcement at the Offices of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

The panel could back the ruling or, if they find the penalty unlawful, they could reinstate all 15 points.

Leeds have secured a play-off spot but if all the points are reinstated they would go up automatically.

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Cardiff City captain Darren Purse was relieved to have his three-match ban overturned on appeal after fearing he could miss the FA Cup final on 17 May.

Purse received a straight red card in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Burnley for a challenge on Clarets striker Andy Cole.

But on Tuesday a Football Association of Wales panel overturned the decision.

"I'm delighted with the decision as I'm available for the Barnsley match on Sunday, for the FA Cup final in May and the start of next season," Purse said.

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Portsmouth keeper David James is facing a battle to be fit for the FA Cup final on 17 May against Cardiff City.

After 166 consecutive league appearances, the England keeper was missing from the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers with a calf injury.

"I think all calf injuries are quite serious," said boss Harry Redknapp.

"The scan revealed a slight tear but if he'd trained it could have been worse. I think he'll be ok for the Fulham game in two weeks."

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Swansea City's Paul Anderson is unsure of his future, but is certain they deserve the Division One title.

Leeds could yet challenge the Swans' position if they win back 15 points docked after financial problems.

Anderson, on loan from Liverpool, scored the first Swans goal in their 4-1 win over Leyton Orient on Saturday.

He said: "We're a great footballing side for a side in a lower division and winning the championship is well-deserved. We feel like champions."

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Wrexham manager Brian Little has vowed to forge ahead with plans for an overhaul of the club's playing staff.

Little's relegated side lost 3-1 to Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

He said: "One or two of the players did reasonably well in the second-half, but one or two of them showed they are not quite up to what we need.

"I know I have so much to change in this team to try to make them competitive again. I hope the critics understand where I'm coming from."

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Football supporters travelling to Euro 2008 may be at risk of catching measles, health officials have warned.

Significant outbreaks are occurring in Switzerland and Austria, the two countries hosting the competition this summer, Europe-wide figures show.

A team of vaccine experts is currently conducting a risk assessment in Austria just eight weeks before the tournament.

The experts warned people to make sure they are vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.

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South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has quit after 16 months in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The Brazilian and leaders of the country's FA announced his resignation at a news conference on Monday.

Parreira, who will return home to be with his ill wife, said: "My family needs me, especially my wife. After 36 years of marriage, I can't say no."

Joel Santana, currently a coach at Brazilian club Flamengo, is expected to take over from Parreira.

Parreira, 65, had been hired to prepare South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, which the country is hosting.

He put together a young and inexperienced team which suffered a series of poor results and was eliminated in the first round of the African Cup of Nations in Ghana earlier this year.

South Africa slumped to 71st in the Fifa rankings.

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The South African Football Association (Safa) has confirmed the appointment of Joel Santana as national team coach.

Safa say that their chief executive, Raymond Hack, will leave for Brazil this weekend to finalise the contract and other legal requirements.

"I'm confident about the task ahead of me," said Santana.

"I believe my experience in working with many top clubs will assist in preparing the team for the big challenge ahead," added the Brazilian.

Santana is expected to arrive in South Africa on 9 May to begin the task of coaching the 2010 World Cup hosts.

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Guus Hiddink's agent has ruled out any possibility of the Dutchman taking over as manager of Chelsea.

A weekend newspaper report claimed the Russia coach was being lined up to take over from Avram Grant at Chelsea.

But his agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told BBC Sport: "There is no chance of Guus going to Chelsea. He wants to end his career in international management.

"He signed a new deal in March that runs up to the 2010 World Cup and always honours his contracts."

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The Football Association has revealed that the cost of bidding for the 2018 World Cup will be £15m.

It also said it will employ a similar bid team to the one that achieved success with the London 2012 Olympics.

An FA statement said: "The board approved the setting up of a 100%-owned subsidiary company within the FA.

"This would be governed by an executive board made up of a bid chairman, a bid chief executive, the FA chairman Lord Triesman and two deputy chairmen."

The FA added it could take up to six months for a full bid team to be assembled and said Lord Triesman will lead an interim management group until then.

The FA board were given a 63-page report into the proposed structure and details of the focus of the bid.

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A friendly between England and Scotland has been ruled out until at least 2010.

England wanted to resurrect the world's oldest international rivalry at Wembley in May but Scotland boss George Burley decided the timing was not right.

And when the Football Association met Fabio Capello last week to draw up plans for 2009, the England boss ruled out a match against the Scots in 2009.

"I don't envisage us playing Scotland over the next year," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

England and Scotland, along with fellow home nations Wales and Northern Ireland, failed to qualify for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

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Wembley National Stadium Limited is expected to report a loss of more than £20m for its first year of operation.

Football Association sources insist the £800m stadium will eventually generate large profits but concede losses are again expected next year.

Including interest payments on the £346m loan, Tuesday's WNSL board meeting is set to be presented with a pre-tax deficit of around £40million.

The loss stems from heavy start-up costs in the first year of operating.

"Building Wembley was always a considerable financial risk for the FA," said BBC Radio 5 Live sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar.

"They are banking on it producing a steady revenue stream in order to pay for their activities like investing in the game's grassroots and running the representative teams.

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Fabio Capello says trying to find out why England players do not replicate their club form at international level is his toughest managerial assignment.

The Italian said: "This is the problem my predecessors had. I'm hoping I'll be able to understand why and rectify it.

"Looking at the English teams' success in the Champions League, the Premier League is the best in the world."

But Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says Capello does not have good enough players to pick from.

Lippi, who led Italy to World Cup glory in Germany in 2006, said: "The problems for a coach happens when he doesn't have many good players at his disposal.

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Roy Millar has lost his job as Northern Ireland Under-21 manager as the Irish FA undertakes "a restructuring of its coaching framework" in age group teams.

Under-19 boss Mal Donaghy and Under-17 manager Kenny Shiels will also be "standing down" from their positions.

"Nigel Worthington has a broad role and we felt the time was right to introduce a fresh approach at all levels," said IFA president Raymond Kennedy.

"Nigel will lead a change of coaching philosophy from schools level upwards."

It is believed that the trio were informed of the decision by IFA chief executive Howard Wells and Worthington earlier this week and it is understood the Northern Ireland senior boss wants to develop a process of continuity from the U17 team to the senior side.

"In the next few days, with Nigel's input, the IFA will be issuing statements regarding the management and coaching structure of all age group teams ahead of the next major tournaments," confirmed Kennedy.

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Slaven Bilic has agreed a contract extension to stay on as Croatia boss until the 2010 World Cup.

Bilic has been linked as a contender to take over at Manchester City as well as reportedly being a target for former club West Ham.

But he told BBC Sport: "I decided I am going to sign a new contract.

"If I wanted to go I could as I had really great offers from clubs that have approached me but I decided I am going to stay."

Bilic won admirers for the way he has guided Croatia to Euro 2008, with his team finishing top of Group E and effectively eliminating England.

Croatia beat England 3-2 at Wembley in the final group game to drop them into third place behind fellow qualifiers Russia.

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First Division St Johnstone have signed up central defender Stuart McCaffrey on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old moved to McDiarmid Park from Inverness Caley Thistle on loan in January but only managed two games before picking up a foot injury.

McCaffrey, who arrives under freedom of contract, began his career with Hibs and also had a spell at Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Paul Sheerin has been offered a one-year deal to remain at the Perth club.

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East Stirlingshire manager Jim McInally is looking forward to next season after avoiding bottom spot in Division Three.

The Shire beat Montrose 3-1 on Saturday to avoid last place in the Scottish Football League for the first time in six years - by one point.

"It was our final game at Firs Park and it was hard to believe the scenes - there were grown men in tears," McInally told BBC Sport.

"We need to build on this and find some consistency of results."

McInally joined East Stirlingshire in March, soon after he had resigned his post at Morton.

"I'm still new to the club and I couldn't quite comprehend the celebrations, but it was fantastic to see people so happy," he said.

"There was also a great sense of relief since there were worries about losing our league membership.

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Alloa Athletic's Allan Maitland has been voted the Irn Bru Second Division manager of the month for April.

The Wasps claimed the fourth and final play-off spot with two wins and two draws last month.

"We have done really well to finish behind the full-time sides in our league," Maitland told BBC Sport.

"Our boys are at a disadvantage since they only get a touch of a ball on Tuesdays and Thursdays but we aim to be the best part-time team in Scotland

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The proposed deal for entrepreneur Anthony McMullen to buy a 50% stake in Livingston has fallen through.

The Irish businessman had hoped to bring in former Carlisle United boss Roddy Collins as a general manager.

However, the First Division club insist Mark Proctor will remain in charge of the first team for next season.

"The deal stalled over certain conditions, which the board had set as well as other details that emerged post announcement," read a club statement.

McMullan, who had also been interested in ailing Gretna and Rotherham United, promised substantial backing for the West Lothian club.

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East Stirlingshire say they were forced to leave their Firs Park stadium partly because of new Scottish Football Association criteria.

Shire will move from their long-time Falkirk home to groundshare with neighbours and Third Division rivals Stenhousemuir next season.

Director Spencer Fearn explained why Firs Park will make way for housing.

"We would have to spend a lot of money bringing it up to to scratch," he told his club website.

"For one thing, the pitch is too short. We would have had to dig up the terracing and extend the playing surface. It's just not worth it."

Fearn thought that the club would have had to spend "tens of thousands of pounds" on improvements demanded by the game's governing body in Scotland.

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Dundee defender David O'Brien has signed a new one-year contract with Alex Rae's side.

However, Paul Dixon and Scott Robertson are set to leave Dens Park after refusing the club's final offer of a new contract.

Several other players have been given until the end of the week to accept new deals and the club have already identified new signing targets.

O'Brien, 24, first joined Dundee last summer from Stirling Albion.

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St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson has revealed that midfielder Mark Corcoran has agreed a pre-contract deal with former club Hamilton Academical.

MacPherson also fears he will lose defender David van Zanten under freedom of contract.

However, experienced striker Jim Hamilton is staying on with the Paisley club for next season.

"Jim has done extremely well for us since coming here in January," MacPherson told the club website.

The much-travelled 32-year-old has scored once in 11 appearances for the Buddies.

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Morton midfielder Erik Paartalu has signed a new two-year contract with the Cappielow club.

The 21-year-old Australian joined the First Division side in March after being made redundant by Gretna, who had just entered administration.

Paartalu also had a two-month loan spell at Stirling Albion this season.

Morton chairman Douglas Rae told the club's website: "To have a talent like Erik available to us is so encouraging for everyone connected with the club."

Paartalu made five appearances for the Greenock side after his March move, which saw him reunited with manager and former Gretna boss Davie Irons.

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Queen of the South have revealed the ticket sale arrangements for their first ever Scottish Cup final.

The Dumfries side have been allocated parts of the south and east stands for the historic tie with Rangers at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 24 May.

Tickets will go on sale at Palmerston Park on 10 May to season ticket holders and shareholders.

Fans with vouchers from the last home game of the season and people who were at the semi-final are next in line.

South stand tickets are priced £28 and £35 while east stand tickets are £24 for adults and £10 for children.

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First Division St Johnstone have signed up central defender Stuart McCaffrey on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old moved to McDiarmid Park from Inverness Caley Thistle on loan in January but only managed two games before picking up a foot injury.

McCaffrey, who arrives under freedom of contract, began his career with Hibs and also had a spell at Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Paul Sheerin has been offered a one-year deal to remain at the Perth club.

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East Stirlingshire say they were forced to leave their Firs Park stadium partly because of new Scottish Football Association criteria.

Shire will move from their long-time Falkirk home to groundshare with neighbours and Third Division rivals Stenhousemuir next season.

Director Spencer Fearn explained why Firs Park will make way for housing.

"We would have to spend a lot of money bringing it up to to scratch," he told his club website.

"For one thing, the pitch is too short. We would have had to dig up the terracing and extend the playing surface. It's just not worth it."

Fearn thought that the club would have had to spend "tens of thousands of pounds" on improvements demanded by the game's governing body in Scotland.

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Celtic will discover over the next 24 hours if Stephen McManus will be out for their final three SPL matches.

The Parkhead captain was forced to limp off with a calf injury during Sunday's 3-2 win over Rangers.

The club is waiting for the results of further tests to assess the extent of the damage.

Celtic are away to Motherwell on Saturday before completing their SPL fixtures with games against Hibs and Dundee United.

The defender took up the captain's armband after Neil Lennon left Celtic Park at the end of last season.

This term the 25-year-old has made 48 appearances for Gordon Strachan's team, scoring five goals.

Celtic are five points ahead of Rangers at the top of the SPL table, although their city rivals have three games in hand.

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Falkirk head coach John Hughes has been handed a six-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association.

Referee Scott MacDonald objected to offensive language used by the Bairns boss against St Mirren on Saturday and noted it in his match report.

Hughes was spoken to by MacDonald after the game following an exchange of words in the tunnel.

The punishment increased because it was the Falkirk boss's third misconduct charge inside three years.

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Winger Ryan Baldacchino has left Gretna to join Australian outfit Altona Magic.

The 27-year-old, who began his career with Blackburn Rovers, helped Gretna move up from the Third Division to the Scottish Premier League.

But he has ended his five-year spell at Raydale Park with the club destined for relegation and in administration.

"I've been here for nearly five years now and I am devastated that I have to leave, but I've been left with little choice," he told the Gretna website.

Baldacchino, who joined Gretna from Carlisle United, suffered a serious knee injury against Forfar Athletic on Christmas Eve 2005 and has only made a handful of appearances since then.

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Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch does not expect to recover from injury until the Scottish Cup final against Queen of the South on 24 May.

And, even then, the Scotland international only anticipates playing a peripheral role at Hampden.

Following reports he could play against Motherwell on 7 May, he said: "There is no way I will be back in a couple of weeks or anything like that.

"But my aim is to get 10 minutes in the final at the end of the season."

Rangers have been struck with injuries and suspensions as they enter a hectic spell of matches at the end of the season.

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Aberdeen have signed Oldham Athletic midfielder Gary McDonald on a pre-contract arrangement.

The former Kilmarnock player has agreed a two-year deal with the Dons, after turning down a two-year contract extension with the League One club.

"The lure of returning to the SPL with such a great club as Aberdeen was a major factor," said McDonald.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Oldham, but now I can't wait for the new season to get underway."

Oldham manager John Sheridan was keen to keep the 26-year-old, who scored the winner in the League One side's FA Cup triumph over Everton.

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The Scottish Premier League will not say whether Celtic's Artur Boruc is mentioned in the match delegates report into Sunday's Old Firm derby.

Goalkeeper Boruc wore a "God bless The Pope" t-shirt on the pitch after Celtic's 3-2 victory over Rangers.

The SPL must decide whether the action could have had repercussions for behaviour among supporters.

But it stressed that any discussions would be conducted in private, although the outcome might be made public.

The report from Willie McDougall, a former police chief superintendent and Scottish FA security officer, was handed to the SPL on Wednesday.

And an SPL spokesman said: "I can confirm we have received the report and we will be studying it.

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Falkirk midfielder Jack Ross has signed a pre-contract deal with Scottish Premier League rivals St Mirren.

Ross, 31, will move to the Paisley club at the end of the season after agreeing terms on a two-year contract.

The former Clyde player joined Falkirk from Hartlepool United in August 2005 and has enjoyed a spell as skipper under current manager John Hughes.

Ross was sidelined for six weeks last year with a double hernia and has made 87 appearances for the club.

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Henrik Larsson will once again wear the green and white hoops of Celtic.

The Swede will join up with other members of Celtic's 1998 league winning side to pay tribute to Phil O'Donnell, who died earlier this season.

A match against Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup winners will take place on 25 May at Celtic Park.

Midfielder O'Donnell died aged 35 while playing for the Fir Park outfit but was also part of the Celtic team who won the Scottish title in 1998.

The 36-year-old Larsson, who now plays for Swedish club Helsingborgs, left the Glasgow club to join Barcelona in 2004 after seven prolific years at Cetic Park.

He will be joined in the Celtic team by Paul Lambert, Morten Wieghorst, Craig Burley, Stephane Mahe and Alan Stubbs.

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Inverness Caley Thistle trio Zander Sutherland, Rory McAllister and Iain Vigurs have all agreed one-year contract extensions.

Striker McAllister, 20, has already made 55 appearances for Inverness - mostly from the substitutes' bench.

Midfielder Sutherland, also 20, spent most of the season on loan at Elgin City and was nominated for the Third Division Player of the Year.

Vigurs, 19, won his first Inverness start at Rugby Park in March.

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Motherwell captain Paul Quinn could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken jaw in a nightclub.

The club say the 22-year-old defender will have surgery on his jaw on Monday, which could rule him out of the club's Uefa Cup push.

A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident in Wishaw on Saturday night.

"The matter is now in the hands of the police, and we wish Paul a speedy recovery," a club spokesman said.

Quinn was handed the captaincy following the death of Phil O'Donnell in December.

The right-back's berth in the team could be filled by Brian McLean for Saturday's visit of Celtic in the SPL.

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Rangers manager Walter Smith says David Weir has made a 'great recovery' and could play in their Uefa Cup semi-final second leg against Fiorentina.

The Glasgow club had confirmed the defender's absence on Tuesday with a groin injury, but he flew to Florence with the squad on Wednesday morning.

Steven Davis also had a groin complaint after Sunday's match, but the midfielder is in the frame to play.

However, Allan McGregor, Lee McCulloch and Charlie Adam are definitely out.

Steven Naismith, Chris Burke and DaMarcus Beasley are also on the long Ibrox injury list.

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Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson says they will take a positive approach into the second leg of their Blue Square South play-off with Braintree.

The Sussex side hold a 2-0 advantage to take into the home leg at Priory Lane thanks to two goals from Allan Tait in the meeting at Cressing Road.

Wilson told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "We're not the type of team that can sit back and hold a lead.

"We're going to try and score early and put it out of Braintree's sight."

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Bromley player-manager Simon Osborn and player-coach Bobby Bowry are to step down from their roles at Hayes Lane.

Bromley signed off their Blue Square South season with a 1-0 home defeat by Dorchester on Saturday that left them with an 11th-place finish.

Bowry told nonleaguedaily.com: "It is true myself and Simon are leaving.

"We have been told by the chairman that the club is up for sale and this did not really say to me that they wanted me to stay."

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Lewes have confirmed the departure of manager Steve King and the appointment of Kevin Keehan as his replacement.

Former Brighton commercial manager Keehan will also take on the roles of general manager and commercial manager at the Rooks.

The club is looking for new investors and has said that Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry is among those interested.

The Rooks are yet to announce details of Keehan's coaching staff.

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Winger Brian Smikle and striker Matt Barnes-Homer have agreed new deals with Kidderminster Harriers, but midfielder Gavin Hurren is to be released.

Smikle, 22, and Barnes-Homer, who scored seven goals this season, have both signed new one-year contracts.

Hurren, 22, had been in talks with manager Mark Yates but the club have confirmed he is leaving.

Yates told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "It was decided it was best for all parties if Gavin plays elsewhere."

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Cambridge United defender Michael Morrison is confident of beating Burton in the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

The U's travel to the Pirelli Stadium for the first leg on Friday evening and play the return fixture on Tuesday.

"I think out of all the teams we would rather play Burton and we fancy ourselves against them," Morrison told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"We won at their place and they only drew at our place, so if you look at that we stand a good chance."

The 20-year-old said he and his team-mates were trying to stay relaxed.

"We've talked about the game but we won't over-talk about it too early," he said.

Let's make it a special season and get promoted

U's defender Michael Morrison

"When we're a day or two away we'll start talking about what they're [Burton] going to do and I know our management have been to watch some of their games.

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Oxford United striker Yemi Odubade has been rewarded for finishing the season as his side's top scorer by being taken off the transfer list.

Odubade, 23, was told he could leave in February after a poor run of form but ended up with 11 goals.

He is 12 months into a two-year contract at the Kassam Stadium.

U's boss Darren Patterson told BBC Oxford: "Yemi deserves his chance and we will work together to get the best of him next season."

Odubade paid tribute to United's coaching staff, admitting his decision-making in matches improved markedly in the closing games of the season.

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Aldershot are releasing four players following their promotion to the Football League.

Defenders Rob Gier, 27, and Dean Smith, 21, along with midfielder Ryan Scott, 21, are not being offered new contracts for next season.

And experienced winger Ryan Williams, 29, has left by mutual agreement.

Shots boss Gary Waddock said: "I wish them all every success in the future and thank them for the first-class service they gave this club."

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Boss Graham Heathcote admits there is a big rebuilding job to do at Altrincham if they are to return to the Blue Square Premier at the first attempt.

The Robins were relegated after drawing their final game 2-2 at Weymouth.

"It will be very difficult for us because Blue Square North is a very, very tough league," Heathcote told BBC Radio Manchester.

"Some comments were attributed to me that I never made - the cliche managers say about bouncing straight back."

He added: "I never said that because it would be disrespectful to the sides in the league.

"I know the sides in there like Stalybridge and Hyde, and it's a tough, tough league.

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Boss Nigel Clough is delighted Burton Albion have avoided an exhausting trek for their play-off semi-final.

The Brewers' 4-4 draw with Exeter means they face Cambridge in the Blue Square Premier play-offs instead of a two-legged tie with Exeter or Torquay.

"They're all good sides and would pose problems," Clough told BBC Radio Derby.

"But I'm just pleased that we haven't got so far to travel. We are not travelling on Bank Holiday Monday so that is great news for the supporters."

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Forest Green manager Jim Harvey says he is staying in Gloucestershire despite the rumours linking him with the vacant manager's job at Stevenage Borough.

Harvey led Rovers to eighth place this season - their highest ever finish.

"We've started something off here and it's promising. I just hope that we can keep everybody together and improve on it," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"The first year we were 14th and we've improved. We've got a wee bit of ground to make up, hopefully we can do it."

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York City suffered a disappointing end to their Blues Square Premier season with a 3-0 defeat at Salisbury.

But manager Colin Walker says he is confident that his team will come back next season looking much stronger.

Walker told BBC Radio York: "We know we've got to get better people. Within the next couple of weeks I hope to have a couple of signings to announce."

After his side's poor display at Salisbury, Walker said his players need to become mentally stronger.

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Stevenage Borough manager Peter Taylor will leave the club this week after failing to guide them to a Blue Square Premier play-off place.

The former England caretaker boss took over in November after Mark Stimson resigned to become Gillingham manager.

Boro chairman Phil Wallace told the club website: "It's been difficult for all of us, but now we need to regroup, rethink and go again next season.

"We expect to make an announcement very quickly - hopefully within 10 days."

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Salisbury City midfielder Wayne Turk is on the verge of agreeing a new deal with the Wiltshire club.

"Hopefully we can get it sorted next week. I probably will, fingers crossed, if they're going to stay part-time," Turk told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"This is where I want to be, I've been here too long to go - eight or nine seasons now," added the 27-year-old.

Turk shared the Salisbury supporters' player of the year award with Matt Robinson, who is already set to stay.

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Ryan Brown has signed a new two-year contract with Blue Square Premier side Northwich Victoria.

The former Port Vale full-back is the first signing of the summer for Northwich manager Dino Maamria.

"A number of clubs inquired about Ryan in January and I made him a promise that if the club stayed up then we would look after him," said Maamria.

"I'm glad to say I've done my bit and that's happened and Ryan wants to be a part of our future."

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Brentford manager Andy Scott has signed a contract that will keep him at Griffin Park for the next five years.

The former Bees striker, 35, took over in January following Terry Butcher's sacking and was assisted by former Barnet manager Terry Bullivant.

Scott told the club's website: "After discussions about the budget and my plans for the future I'm extremely excited to be able to sign.

"I'm honoured that I'm the man they believe will lead us forward."

Chairman Greg Dyke added: "[The board] believe in Andy and Terry Bullivant we have the team that will enable us to challenge for promotion next season

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Defender Marc Tierney was a double winner at the Shrewsbury Town awards night, winning both the fans' and players' player of the year.

"I'm chuffed with the one from the players, but to get the fans' vote too is the icing on the cake," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I train as hard as I can and give my all for the team.

"As a full-back you often don't get the recognition, so this is my best night in football by far."

He added: "I enjoy playing football every day - and this has given me so much confidence for the future."

Striker Dave Hibbert was also a double winner after being named young player of the year, and picking up the leading scorer trophy for his 12 goals.

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Lincoln City striker Ben Wright believes he has come to terms with the demands of playing in League Two.

The 27-year-old joined the Imps last summer after a spell in Norway with Viking FK, IK Start and Moss FC and is their joint top-scorer on 14.

He told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "It's not easy, it's physical so I have had to develop that part of my game and be a bit more stronger.

"Hopefully with a good pre-season behind me I can kick on from this."

Imps assistant manager Iffy Onuora said: "He's getting there and he is doing the ugly stuff that centre-forwards have to do."

The German-born striker began his career in non-league football with Kettering, Basingstoke and Woking.

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Manager Keith Hill has assured fans that Rochdale are ready for life in League One.

Dale have already booked a League Two play-off place after collecting 79 points with one game left, and Hill is sure they can cope at a higher level.

"We have got most of our squad tied up to contracts for next year," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We are ready, there is no question about that. We are very young but we are also very brave."

He added: "There is a case for some experience. We are on our way to making the most of the plan we started out with.

"We are very pleased with the progress we are making, both on and off the pitch, as we have some really good young talent plus some of that experience to go with it."

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Stockport boss Jim Gannon hit out at referee Keith Woolmer's performance after the goalless draw at Chester.

Gannon told BBC Radio Manchester: "The referee was weak and incompetent but you are going to get that in a game.

"The referees are amateurs, they are car park attendants turning up at a professional game and trying to manage professionals," he added.

The point guaranteed Stockport home advantage in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.

The Hatters, who end their league campaign at home to Brentford on Saturday, will face either Darlington or Wycombe in the play-offs.

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Stockport boss Jim Gannon hit out at referee Keith Woolmer's performance after the goalless draw at Chester.

Gannon told BBC Radio Manchester: "The referee was weak and incompetent but you are going to get that in a game.

"The referees are amateurs, they are car park attendants turning up at a professional game and trying to manage professionals," he added.

The point guaranteed Stockport home advantage in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.

The Hatters, who end their league campaign at home to Brentford on Saturday, will face either Darlington or Wycombe in the play-offs.

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Mansfield's 77-year stay in the Football League is over after Chester's draw with Stockport on Tuesday sent the Stags down to the Blue Square Premier.

The Stags are now four points behind third-bottom Dagenham & Redbridge with just one League Two game remaining.

Boss Paul Holland told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I am distraught but we've not been good enough over the season.

"But now is not the time to mope around. We have to make sure we come back up at the first attempt."

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Preferred bidder Tony Stewart believes Rotherham United's future at Millmoor will be sorted in a matter of days.

The ASD Lighting managing director will be confirmed as the club's new owner this Friday.

Stewart told BBC Radio Sheffield that negotiations are continuing with Millmoor's landlords, the Booth family, and he expects a resolution soon.

He said: "I think things have to arrive to a conclusion very soon, we're talking days not weeks."

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Bradford City have released 13 of the 18 players out of contract at Valley Parade this summer.

The biggest names to leave are striker Eddie Johnson, defender Darren Williams and midfielder Paul Evans.

All three goalkeepers, Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and Jamie Waite, have also been released.

The five players retained are strikers Barry Conlon, Luke Medley and Sean Taylforth, midfielder Kyle Nix and defender Luke O'Brien.

Local players Tom Penford and Craig Bentham have also got to look for new clubs. Penford had been in the City set-up since he was 10.

Youngsters Scott Phelan and Alex Rhodes are also out of work come June, while Luke Morgan, David Brown, and Damian Hopkins have also been released.

If the five players who have been retained by manager Stuart McCall sign new deals, it will leave the West Yorkshire club with just 11 first-team squad players.

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Barnet midfielder Neal Bishop has asked the club to transfer list him after turning down the offer of an improved contract at the League Two club.

Bishop, 26, played 47 times this season before having his campaign ended by a knee injury suffered in Barnet's 2-0 victory over York City.

"Neal has indicated that he wants to leave," said manager Paul Fairclough.

"The club have made a very good offer of an improved contract and that would have put in line with our top earners."

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Bury manager Alan Knill has confirmed Nicky Adams is set to be offered a new contract to stay at Gigg Lane.

Adams scored Bury's goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with neighbours Rochdale, just weeks after the Shakers rejected Dale's undisclosed offer for the striker.

"We're talking to him about a new contract and I think Nicky wants to stay," Knill told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We're delighted to have him and I've already seen some progress with him. I think he will be a top player."

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Hereford United manager Graham Turner said he was proud of his side after they achieved promotion from League Two at Brentford on Saturday.

Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "I've had some great moments in football, this is the freshest and in my mind and this is the best.

"We've had a group of players that have worked tremendously hard for the club.

"The support has been terrific and they've deserved it because we were a long time in the Conference."

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Wycombe manager Paul Lambert insists that the six changes he made to the side beaten 1-0 at Notts County on Saturday were justified.

Lambert altered the team who beat Chester a week earlier in order to rest players ahead of the play-offs.

The Scot told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I had great belief in the ones that came in, I always have done and always will do.

"There were a lot of changes but we dominated the game."

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Striker Rene Howe says he hopes to challenge for a first-team place at Peterborough United when he returns from his loan spell at Rochdale.

The 21-year-old has scored nine times for Dale, helping them qualify for the League Two play-offs.

He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I've got three years at Peterborough and I'd like to come back and prove myself.

"I've been playing first-team football at Rochdale and when I get back I'll be able to go for the regular first-team."

Howe admitted he was disappointed not to form a part of manager Darren Ferguson's first team when he first arrived at London Road, but said he was enjoying his time at Rochdale.

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Notts County supporters are likely to be able to use the Spion Kop Stand for the whole of next season.

Magpies supporters have been in the Kop for the last two home games, and won both matches - against Accrington and Wycombe Wanderers.

Now chairman John Armstrong-Holmes is planning on home supporters using the stand next season.

He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "There are still a few issues to address but I'm sure there'll be no objections."

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Oldham Athletic have told midfielder Ashley Kelly and utility-man Michael Pearson they will be released when their contracts expire in June.

Kelly, 19, is a product of the Boundary Park youth system and spent much of the season on the substitutes' bench.

He played in the 2-0 win over Leyton Orient on 12 April after loan spells at Barrow and Leigh RMI.

Pearson, 20, has been plagued by injury since signing a one-year deal last summer and had a loan spell at Farsley.

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Oldham Athletic have told midfielder Ashley Kelly and utility-man Michael Pearson they will be released when their contracts expire in June.

Kelly, 19, is a product of the Boundary Park youth system and spent much of the season on the substitutes' bench.

He played in the 2-0 win over Leyton Orient on 12 April after loan spells at Barrow and Leigh RMI.

Pearson, 20, has been plagued by injury since signing a one-year deal last summer and had a loan spell at Farsley.

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Jermaine Beckford has enjoyed treble success at the Leeds United Player of the Year Awards.

The striker won the Players' Player of the Year, the Fans' Player of the Year and the Fans' Goal of the Year Awards.

This season Beckford, 24, became the first Leeds player to score 20 league goals in a single campaign since Mark Viduka in 2002/03.

Johnny Howson won both the Fans' and Players' Young Player, while Casper Ankergren gained the Community Award.

Almost 4,000 Leeds United supporters voted for the awards through the club's website.

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Crewe's Neil Cox has been offered a job with a Premier League club following his decision to retire as a player.

The 36-year-old defender will play the final game of his 18-year career against Oldham on Saturday.

"A decent Premier League club has come in with the offer to do a few things for them. It was a bit of a shock," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was nice to get the phone call, but I've told them that I need a break to relax and spend time with the family."

Crewe need a point from Saturday's home match with Oldham to secure their League One status, and Cox says that is much more important than his retirement.

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Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond says fans should get behind current club chairman Jeff Mostyn.

Mostyn was named as the preferred bidder for the club on Tuesday, after pumping in £80,000 to ensure that the wage bill was met for April.

"It's incredible so many people have an opinion on what is best for the club, and are criticising left, right and centre," Bond told BBC Radio Solent.

"Jeff needs an awful lot of credit for taking this challenge on."

Administrator Gerald Krasner expects a conclusion by early June.

The Cherries have been in administration since early February, earning them a mandatory 10-point deduction from the Football League.

Since then, there have been a number of attempts to buy the club.

But Bond added: "Once again Jeff is the only man left standing. He's mad to want to take the club on."

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Aberdeen have signed Oldham Athletic midfielder Gary McDonald on a pre-contract arrangement.

The former Kilmarnock player has agreed a two-year deal with the Dons, after turning down a two-year contract extension with the League One club.

"The lure of returning to the SPL with such a great club as Aberdeen was a major factor," said McDonald.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Oldham, but now I can't wait for the new season to get underway."

Oldham manager John Sheridan was keen to keep the 26-year-old, who scored the winner in the League One side's FA Cup triumph over Everton.

The Irvine-born midfielder has made over 90 appearances for Oldham, scoring 12 goals.

In 2005 he scored for Scotland's Future team in their 2-0 win over Poland.

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Leeds will find out the result of their appeal against their 15-point deduction by the Football League on Thursday at 1700 BST, reports BBC Radio Leeds.

A three-man arbitration panel will make the announcement at the Offices of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

The panel could back the ruling or, if they find the penalty unlawful, they could reinstate all 15 points.

Leeds have secured a play-off spot but if all the points are reinstated they would go up automatically.

Another option could see the panel return a proportion of the lost points, with five being the most likely added to Leeds' current total.

The Elland Road club are demanding a maximum return of points as they believe the 15-point sanction placed on them by the Football League to be unlawful.

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Charlton have recalled Frenchman Therry Racon from his loan spell at Brighton.

Midfielder Racon started eight games during his time at the Seagulls and helped set up a goal in his final match for the club at Bristol Rovers.

With neither side able to make the play-offs Racon is now heading back to The Valley ahead of their last game of the season with Coventry.

The 23-year-old Frenchman joined the Addicks from Guingamp but has only started one game for the London side.

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Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond says fans should get behind current club chairman Jeff Mostyn.

Mostyn was named as the preferred bidder for the club on Tuesday, after pumping in £80,000 to ensure that the wage bill was met for April.

"It's incredible so many people have an opinion on what is best for the club, and are criticising left, right and centre," Bond told BBC Radio Solent.

"Jeff needs an awful lot of credit for taking this challenge on."

Administrator Gerald Krasner expects a conclusion by early June.

The Cherries have been in administration since early February, earning them a mandatory 10-point deduction from the Football League.

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Bristol Rovers have confirmed they will play their home matches at Cheltenham Town's ground for up to two seasons while the Memorial Stadium is upgraded.

Cheltenham will receive a six-figure sum for the use of Whaddon Road after Rovers opted to share with them instead of Yeovil or Swindon.

"The decision was made with fans in mind as it is the easiest option for travelling," chairman Ron Craig said.

"The quality of the pitch was also a consideration," he added.

"We really appreciate all the backing they [the fans] have already given us and hope that they continue to do so while we play away from Bristol

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Carlisle United boss John Ward has admitted some of his players are suffering from emotional fatigue as the season draws to a dramatic climax.

The Cumbrians' promotion fight took a turn for the worse with the 3-0 loss at Millwall on Saturday and Ward is wary of burnout within his squad.

"There's a shortage of energy you need at this stage and a few are running on empty," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's not effort or fitness, but we just don't have that zip about us."

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Gillingham manager Mark Stimson expects to receive the backing of chairman Paul Scally even if the club are relegated.

The Gills' 1-1 draw against Swindon on Saturday left them on the brink of the drop to League Two.

But Stimson told the club's website: "The chairman and I will have a chat next week. He said that we'll meet to discuss the budget for next season.

"We will always look each other in the eyes and be honest. We will not hide behind anyone

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Walsall winger Darren Wrack says he is keen to learn if he is to be offered a new contract at the Banks's Stadium.

The 31-year old is completing his 10th season with the club, and had his testimonial against Wolves this week.

"I don't know what's happening, I don't know who's making the decisions or when anyone's going to be told," Wrack said.

"It's a case of sitting tight and waiting, but hopefully I've done enough to earn a contract. I feel like a piece of the furniture," he told BBC WM.

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Southend manager Steve Tilson hopes the return of striker Gary Hooper will boost their League One play-off hopes.

The 22-year-old has been on loan at Hereford United since January, but has now returned to the Essex club for the remainder of their season.

Hooper scored 11 goals in 19 games in his spell with the League Two Bulls.

Tilson told Southend's website: "His confidence will be sky-high and it's going to be good having another striker in form with us."

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Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott has started his summer transfer dealing, signing Anthony Griffith from Doncaster and Rob Taylor from Nuneaton Borough.

Both midfielders have signed two-year deals with the Valiants.

Meanwhile David Mulligan, Joe Cardle, Robin Hulbert, Adam Eckersley, Craig Rocastle, George Pilkington and Colin Miles will not be offered deals.

However Danny Whittaker, Paul Harsley, David Howland and Luke Prosser will all be offered new contracts at Vale Park.

Youth team player Ross Davidson has also signed a one-year contract at Vale Park.

22-year-old Griffith has spent the season on loan at Halifax Town making 37 league appearances while Taylor joins from Nuneaton after a successful trial period playing for Vale reserves.

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Nottingham Forest winger Kris Commons hopes his side can complete a remarkable recovery and seal automatic promotion against Yeovil on Saturday.

The Reds have drawn one and won five of their last six games and victory over the Glovers will see them promoted if Doncaster fail to beat Cheltenham.

Commons told BBC Radio Nottingham: "If we get three points and Doncaster can slip up that would be very special."

Forest are just one point behind second-placed Doncaster.