john the tinca
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Todays NewsManchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit for England's next two World Cup qualifiers.
Rooney, 22, injured his ankle during United's 3-0 Champions League victory away at Aalborg on Tuesday and was stretchered off during the second half.
He is a doubt for United's Premier League game against Blackburn on Saturday, but should be fit to take his place in Fabio Capello's England squad.
They host Kazakhstan on 11 October and travel to Belarus four days later.
A United spokesman told the club's website: "Wayne has an ankle injury and is doubtful for Saturday, but he should recover in time for England's forthcoming matches."
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john the tinca
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Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo and Bristol City left-back Jamie McAllister have been named in the Scotland squad to face Norway on 11 October.
Keeper Allan McGregor retains his place for the World Cup qualifier at Hampden, despite being dropped by Rangers.
Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot is also kept on by manager George Burley after his impressive debut against Iceland.
Iwelumo, 30, has been capped at B level and has scored eight goals in seven matches this season.
He netted a hat-trick in his last appearance for Championship leaders Wolves, but was also sent off, earning himself a three-match ban.
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john the tinca
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Football chiefs have urged fans to buy tickets for international games earlier after hundreds missed the start of a Wales World Cup qualifier.
Up to 1,000 fans were still waiting to buy tickets near Cardiff's Millennium Stadium when the game against Azerbaijan kicked off on 6 September.
Fans complained about the Football Association of Wales's (FAW) handling of sales and an inquiry was launched.
An investigation found late demand was three times larger than normal.
Following the game fans on the BBC 606 messageboard described the situation as a "fiasco" with queues stretching up both Westgate Street outside the stadium, and nearby St Mary Street.
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john the tinca
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Fifa has given Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland until 6 October to reinstate the country's football association or face forfeiting World Cup qualifiers.
Fifa and Uefa policy means they do not recognise the administrator appointed by the Polish government to run the country's FA.
The FA (PZPN) was suspended for failing to address corruption issues.
Poland could be handed automatic 3-0 defeats in upcoming qualifiers against Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Poland are in the same World Cup qualifying group as Northern Ireland.
They are scheduled to co-host the European Championship in 2012 with Ukraine.
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john the tinca
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Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander is keen to add to his three Scotland caps after replacing international colleague Allan McGregor in goal at Ibrox.
The Scotland manager George Burley will announce his squad on Thursday for next week's World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden.
"Growing up, all you want to do is play for your country," said Alexander.
"I'm very patriotic and I'm very proud of the three caps I've got already - and obviously I'd love to add to them."
McGregor had been strongly challenging Sunderland's Craig Gordon for a starting place with Scotland until injury forced him to miss the conclusion to last season.
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john the tinca
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John Toshack has been handed a fitness boost ahead of Wales World Cup qualifying double-header against Liechtenstein and Germany.
Key centre-back James Collins played his first competitive match for ten months on Tuesday for West Ham reserves in their 4-3 win over West Brom.
Collins had not played since surgery to repair a cruciate knee injury but he has been in full training for a while.
Collins and captain Craig Bellamy were named in the Welsh manager's squad.
But the West Ham defender captained his side as Collins played 69 minutes on Tuesday night without suffering any problems.
Collins and Hammers team-mate Bellamy will join fit again Derby County defender Lewin Nyatanga in boss Toshack's squad to play Liechtenstein in Cardiff on 11 October and Germany in Monchengladbach on 15 October.
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john the tinca
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Standard Liege 2-1 Everton (4-3)
Everton were sent crashing out of the Uefa Cup as they lost 4-3 on aggregate to an excellent Standard Liege side.
Despite an impressive start from the visitors, Axel Witsel volleyed home, before Phil Jagielka gave Everton hope with a second-half equaliser.
But Belgium's league leaders ensured their progress with Milan Jovanovic's penalty, after what had seemed to be a fair tackle from Leighton Baines.
Everton poured forward but were unable to equalise and force extra time.
It has been a torrid few days for David Moyes and his team, losing to rivals Liverpool at the weekend and being dumped out of the Carling Cup by Blackburn.
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john the tinca
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St Johnstone have taken Rangers reserve goalkeeper Lee Robinson on a month-long loan deal.
The Perth club's manager Derek McInnes turned to his former club to provide cover for Alan Main while Euan McLean recovers from a hand injury.
Robinson spent time on loan with First Division rivals Morton last season, playing 23 games for the Greenock side.
Robinson goes straight into the Saints squad to meet Airdrie United at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.
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john the tinca
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Gordon Strachan and Georgios Samaras have scooped a Celtic double in the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League monthly awards for September.
Strachan picked up the manager of the month award, while striker Samaras has been named player of the month.
The Glasgow side secured three SPL wins in September, including a late comeback against Aberdeen at Celtic Park.
Samaras is the SPL's top scorer with seven, netting twice in the two league wins over Motherwell and Kilmarnock.
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john the tinca
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Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has warned his players he will not hesitate to make changes if they produce another lacklustre display at Hearts.
He said: "The Inverness game was the first time this season that I've been really disappointed by the performance.
"I know we're not going to win every game. The important thing is how we respond," he said ahead of Saturday's game at Tynecastle.
"Too many bad games and other people will come in and take your place."
The Rugby Park boss was furious after last week's 3-1 defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle - the club's third SPL reverse on the trot.
"I was angry, and I had every right to be angry," added Jefferies.
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john the tinca
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Lee McCulloch could find himself playing centre-half after featuring at the back for Rangers' reserves in a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.
The former Scotland midfielder told the club website he would have no trouble playing at centre-half in the future.
The 30-year-old was joined by Christian Dailly in defence after Rangers' reserve coach suggested the switch.
"You're never too young to learn and, wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I will play," said McCulloch.
Rangers manager Walter Smith and assistant Ally McCoist watched the whole match, with McCulloch bidding to regain match fitness following a knee injury
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john the tinca
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An Aberdeen footballer is set to go on trial charged with driving dangerously at speeds of up to 120mph.
Lee Miller pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Stonehaven Sheriff Court.
It is alleged Mr Miller, of Perth, drove at speeds of up to 120mph in a 70mph zone on the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road on 30 March.
It is also alleged he drove at up to 90mph in a 40mph zone. The case was continued until fresh dates in November.
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Motherwell manager Mark McGhee had no complaints after watching his side lose 3-0 on aggregate to impressive Uefa Cup opponents Nancy.
"There's so much they do that we want to do. The movement of the strikers and the quality of their touch was fabulous," he told BBC Sport.
"The free-kicks we lost for the goals were bad ones to give away.
"But, in general play, there were a lot of good things we were trying to do. We don't feel we can't have some pride."
McGhee said his players would use the experience of their Uefa Cup defeat to improve as a team.
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St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson will not appeal the red card shown to Franco Miranda last week against Motherwell.
The 23-year-old Argentine was dismissed for elbowing John Sutton during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Fir Park.
MacPherson has reviewed the footage and has decided not to appeal, so Miranda is suspended for Saturday's Scottish Premier League match against Rangers.
"The pictures are inconclusive, so there's nothing we can do about it," said MacPherson.
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Harry Fay has been sacked as manager of Dungannon Swifts after a series of disappointing results left the club second from bottom of the league.
The Stangmore Park club has just six points from eight Premiership matches.
Fay met with the club's board on Thursday night and is believed to have issued a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Bangor.
James Slater has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be in charge for Saturday's trip to Institute.
Fay is believed to have called for a meeting with club officials after supporters their  to board members after Tuesday's home league defeat.
The 45-year-old took over as manager in 2006, having been assistant to previous boss Joe McAree.
During Fay's tenure, the club enjoyed an Irish Cup final appearance against Linfield and also competed in European competition and the Setanta Cup.
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Alan Blayney is set to return to goal for Ballymena's derby trip to face Coleraine on Saturday as Sean O'Neill has been ruled out with a bout of flu.
"Alan had an injury but was also dropped as his form was not what I had expected it to be," Ballymena manager Roy Walker told the BBC.
"He was dropping balls and I expect to see a different player from now on.
"I will make a few changes for the game. Our players must go out with the right attitude and temperament."
Walker also revealed that he had asked Gavin McDonnell and Michael McGinlay to "get fit" before being considered again for first-team action.
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Linfield midfielder Jamie Mulgrew has been ruled out for six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in the Co Antrim Shield win over Crusaders.
Mulgrew was stretchered off in the first half of the penalty shoot-out victory in the semi-final, which ended 3-3 after extra-time.
"Jamie has been magnificent this year and has been our driving force," said Blues boss David Jeffrey.
"He's also chipped in with four or five goal so his presence will be missed."
"Jamie will not play for a long time and early estimates suggest it may be six weeks.
"Out of all the midfielders, Jamie and Damien Curran have been very impressive."
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Cliftonville put their early-season struggles behind them as they romped past holders Glentoran in Wednesday's County Antrim Shield semi-final.
The Reds went ahead on 39 minutes with Barry Johnston unleashing a great shot from just inside the penalty area after a slick passing move.
It was 2-0 three minutes later when Sean Ward headed Rory Hamill's corner into his own net.
Chris Scannell scored the third goal on 75 after a superb Francis Murphy run.
Murphy beat three challenges before teeing up Scannell to score.
The Reds were the better side throughout the Windsor Park contest and the understrength Glens, after a promising start, faded from the game.
Glentoran manager Alan McDonald elected to rest a number of his first teams regulars ahead of Saturday's JJB Sport Premiership clash against Linfield.
Cliftonville's win sets up a decider against Linfield, who edged out Crusaders on penalties in Tuesday's opening semi-final.
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Ards progressed to the last 16 of the CIS Cup with a 1-0 win over Limavady United on Wednesday night, leaving the North Down club 4-1 aggregate winners.
Leading 3-1 from the first game, midfielder James Wilson scored from close range in the 44th minute after the Roesiders defence failed to clear.
Ryan McIlmoyle and Gary Crossan had missed opportunities for Limavady.
The prize for Ards is a third round fixture against Premier League opposition in the form of Newry City.
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Linfield manager David Jeffrey and his Crusaders counterpart Stephen Baxter praised the football on show in the Co Antrim Shield semi-final clash.
The game finished 3-3 after extra-time before the Blues won the penalty shoot-out 3-0 to make the decider.
"There were all sorts of twists and turns and it was a great advert for local football," said Jeffrey.
Baxter said his team were "simply immense" in defeat and that the game was an "exhibition of football."
Linfield keeper Stuart Addis saved two penalties in the shoot-out at the Oval.
Jonny Harkness, Glenn Ferguson and Michael Carvill converted their spot-kicks.
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Mark Farren scored the winning penalty as Derry reached the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup by beating Cork 5-3 on spot-kicks after the match ended 0-0.
Darren Murphy had a first-half chance for Cork before Steven Gray and Eddie McCallion went close for the home side.
Sammy Morrow was denied by Michael Devine and Gerard Doherty then saved from Denis Behan in extra-time.
Kevin McHugh, Thomas Stewart, Kevin Deery, Gareth McGlynn and Farren scored penalties but Behan's effort was saved.
Murphy shot over from the edge of the area and, after the break, Devine let Gray's shot slip through his hands but the ball went narrowly wide.
Devine then held on to McCallion's 30-yard shot at the second attempt.
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Wrexham manager Dean Saunders insists there will be no club versus country conflict as he juggles his two jobs.
The Welsh coach took over as Wrexham boss after Reds owner Geoff Moss gave Saunders assurances he could continue as John Toshack's Wales assistant.
Saunders said: "The Wales job is a big part of my life and doing both roles well will not be an issue.
"When Geoff was persuading me to be Wrexham boss, he made it clear he was happy for me to continue with Wales."
Toshack appointed former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United assistant Saunders as his number two in June 2007 following Salvador Iriarte's departure
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john the tinca
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New Wrexham boss Dean Saunders admits he is 'putting his neck on the line' by agreeing to help rescue the Welsh club from non-league obscurity.
The former Wales star has signed a rolling deal to succeed Brian Little at the Blue Square Premier strugglers.
Wrexham owner Geoff Moss will allow Saunders to combine his Racecourse role with his part-time job as Wales boss John Toshack's right-hand-man.
"People must be wondering why go down to manage at non-league," he said.
"Yeah I needed a bit of persuading, I wouldn't have dropped to this level for any other club than Wrexham. I wouldn't have contemplated it.
"I've obviously worked at the highest-level in the Premier League and at international level for six or seven years since I finished playing but this is different.
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New Brighton & Hove Albion loan signing Robbie Savage has hit out at his critics who claim he is past his best.
The 33-year-old hopes to use his time at the Withdean Stadium to prove his fitness and ability to compete for a place at his parent club Derby County.
He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "There are a lot of people who are saying nasty things, that I've gone.
"A fit Robbie Savage could easily get into any Championship team but I have to come here and prove it first."
The former Wales international added: "It's a big gamble for me, if I come here and don't perform, people will be saying 'he's useless now'."
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Boss Dave Jones was delighted with Jay Bothroyd's first goal for Cardiff that helped them to a 2-1 win over Coventry.
Bothroyd had not hit the back of the net since his £300,000 summer switch from Wolves but Jones now expects the 26-year-old's confidence to flow.
"He (Bothroyd) should have got a second with the header but he's getting in the right positions now," Jones said.
"Before he was (shooting) outside the posts rather than inside them so we'll keep working on that."
Bothroyd put Cardiff ahead after 31 minutes when he took a driven Peter Whittingham pass in his stride and slotted the ball beyond Sky Blues goalkeeper Kieron Westwood.
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Millwall boss Kenny Jackett has been named League One's manager of the month for September.
Jackett told BBC London 94.9: "Great for me and the staff and a good bit of publicity for the club."
The Lions have enjoyed an excellent month, winning all four of their league matches and conceding just one goal in the process.
They beat Hartlepool, Leicester and Cheltenham before continuing their good run with a 2-1 victory away to Swindon.
The Lions are currently lying in fifth place in the table.
Jackett told BBC London 94.9: "
Gary McAllister of Leeds United, Oldham's John Sheridan and Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins were also shortlisted for the award.
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Barnsley have pledged to nurture Reuben Noble-Lazarus after the striker, aged 15 years and 45 days, became the Football League's youngest player.
Boss Simon Davey said the youngster, who was due back at school on Wednesday, was too young to be paid.
Noble-Lazarus came off the bench during his side's 3-0 defeat at Ipswich to beat the record by 113 days.
He passed a mark set by Bradford Park Avenue's Albert Geldard in 1929 and equalled by Wrexham's Ken Roberts.
Roberts was aged 15 years and 158 days when he made his debut in 1951.
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West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has given a boost to Bryan Flynn's squad for Wales' Under-21 European Championship play-off against England.
Collison played his first game of the season after knee trouble on Tuesday for the West Ham reserves in a 4-3 win against their West Brom counterparts.
The play-off first leg will be played at Ninian Park on 10 October, with the return at Villa Park four days later.
England have named Micah Richards and Aaron Lennon in a 23-man squad.
Boss Stuart Pearce's strong England squad includes Premier League stars Gabriel Agbonlahor, David Wheater, James Milner and Mark Noble.
Pearce, meanwhile, has also called Southampton's 20-year-old midfielder Adam Lallana into his party for the first time.
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Oxford United's new chairman Kelvin Thomas says if Darren Patterson cannot get his team winning soon there will probably be a new manager.
Thomas took over the role from Nick Merry on Thursday and told BBC Oxford that the poor run of results cannot go on forever.
"We have had discussions with Darren. Realistically, and Darren knows this himself, we need to start winning.
"We want to make Oxford United successful and winning helps."
Thomas also says a good working relationship with the club's former owner and current landlord Firoz Kassam is crucial and he has already held talks with him.
"Firoz has actually been very helpful in allowing the club to handle some of those short-term financial issues including the rent payment.
"We are encouraged with that and it was a very good conversation."
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Ebbsfleet United manager Liam Daish has criticised the Blue Square Premier for not allowing them to switch Saturday's game at Altrincham to Friday.
It means Ebbsfleet will have just over 48 hours before their next game, on Monday night against Histon, and that includes a 200 mile trip home.
Daish told BBC Radio Kent it would not happen to a Premier League club.
"Players are full-time here and whether they're at Man Utd or at Ebbsfleet Utd they should get the same recovery."
He added: "There's no manoeuvrability from fixtures on a Saturday going into the television game on the Monday.
"I think it's 51 hours between our matches.
"But you've got to bare in mind the long trip. We're on the coach Friday and then on Sunday we'll be in again training."
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Farsley Celtic have sacked manager John Deacy after just 10 games of the Blue Square North season.
Deacy was assistant manager under Lee Sinnott and played a major part in the club's three promotions to the Blue Square Premier in just four years.
The former Middlesborough academy player took over as manager in November 2007 when Sinnott left for Port Vale.
Deacy won just 10 league games during his entire reign and Neil Parsley has been placed in caretaker charge.
Speaking on Thursday, less than 24 hours before getting sacked, Deacy had called on everyone at the West Yorkshire club to stick together.
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Oxford United chairman Nick Merry has stepped down from his role, with former director Kelvin Thomas replacing him.
Merry will remain as a non-executive director at United, as they look to improve on a poor start to the season.
Thomas left the club following their Conference play-off semi-final defeat by Exeter in 2007 to move to Florida.
He told the club website: "Nick has put a huge amount to the club he so obviously loves - anyone can see how the pressures have taken their toll."
He continued: "I an glad to be able to take some of that pressure from him and look forward to getting on with the urgent job of resolving the short-term financial anxieties."
Merry, a former United youth-team player, took over the club in March 2006 but was unable to prevent them suffering relegation to the Conference that season.
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john the tinca
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Stevenage's Steve Morison has been named the Blue Square Premier's player of the month, while Crawley's Steve Evans is the top manager for September.
Striker Morison's eight goals in five matches helped his side to 11th - three points off the play-offs zone.
The Blue Square South award went to Hampton & Richmond Borough centre-back John Scarborough.
Stafford Rangers defender Wayne Daniel was named the Blue Square North's player of the month.
On Wednesday, Crawley's Evans was voted the top manager after guiding his team to five wins and a draw from six league fixtures.
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Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates have given a trial to former Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore.
Moore, who has been training with Harriers, scored twice in a practice match against Bewdley on Tuesday night.
Yates plans for further talks with the 25-year-old, who has been without a club since ending last season on a short-term contract at Walsall.
"He's been training with us and done well," said Yates. "But as yet nothing has been sorted and we'll talk again."
Moore, whose younger brother Luke is still playing Premier League football at West Bromwich Albion, had loan spells at Chesterfield and Millwall before leaving Villa for Queens Park Rangers in June 2005.
He has since also been on loan at Leicester City and Port Vale before moving to Walsall in February following his release by QPR.
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Mansfield Town manager Billy McEwan has toned down training to help his players cope with their workload of matches.
After a short pre-season due to the late takeover of the club, Mansfield have now played 12 Blue Square Premier games in just seven weeks.
"Fatigue can set in," McEwan told BBC Radio Nottingham. "But we're being careful. We don't overwork them on the training pitch.
"We work on the mind and sharpness but we don't work long double sessions."
And McEwan is confident that his players, who have lifted the Stags to third in the Blue Square Premier table largely on the back of an unbeaten home record, are lasting the pace.
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john the tinca
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Veteran defender Jerry Gill has left Cheltenham Town to become first team coach at Forest Green Rovers.
Gill moves to the Blue Square Premier club as coach immediately, and will play as a loanee until January.
He told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "I watched the Torquay game, and Rovers have a young team which can improve."
"They've had a lot of injuries in September, but their form in August was good. I hope I can tap into my contacts and help out."
The 38-year-old Birmingham City full-back, who joined Cheltenham from Northampton in February 2004, was part of the side that won the League Two play-off final against Grimsby in 2006.
He was transfer-listed by new Cheltenham manager Martin Allen last week - but Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has been quick to act.
"I spoke with Jim Harvey at the Torquay game," said Gill. "We hit it off straightaway because his beliefs are very similar to mine.
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Histon have confirmed goalkeeping coach Lance Key has left the club as part of cost-cutting measures.
Key, 40, began his second spell with the Stutes back in 2004 and was the first-choice goalkeeper until the arrival of Danny Naisbitt last season.
Boss Steve Fallon confirmed the club are looking to make cuts, but dismissed concerns about the financial situation.
"There are no problems at this club, the directors will make sure we keep going in the right direction."
Histon are one of the few clubs in the Blue Square Premier to operate on a part-time basis, but have conducted a review of their spending in light of the current economic down turn.
"You do have to prepare given the current climate, so we've done that and done it early," Fallon said.
"Our attendances are down so we're looking to make savings where we can."
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Ebbsfleet United midfielder Danny Slatter is hoping their busy forthcoming schedule will help him get back to full fitness.
Slatter, 27, missed most of last season after seriously damaging his knee.
He was handed his first start in their 3-0 win at Barrow, played a reserve game on Tuesday, and now wants to be involved against Altrincham and Histon.
Slatter said: "I need the games and they're coming thick and fast. It's just nice to be involved again."
He added: "It was a bit of a surprise to be playing from the start but it's just a great feeling to be back with the boys and to get a good win as well."
The former Chelsea trainee, who joined captain Paul McCarthy to pick up the FA Trophy at Wembley in May, has been at the Fleet for three years since joining from Welling in June 2005 and has made 82 starts for the club scoring four times.
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Boston United supporters have donated around £7,000 to help the club meet their final administration payments.
United ended their Company Voluntary Arrangement in May but have two more instalments of £25,000 to pay, the first of which is due this month.
They set up a website to allow people to make donations to the club.
Chairman David Newton told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "It reinforces the feeling we're doing the right thing, and that the club was worth saving."
But Newton admitted that the board of directors had had reservations about asking the fans to help with the Pilgrims' financial situation through the Support the Pilgrims website.
He said: "I'm not comfortable doing it, we'd much rather have sorted it ourselves but everyone knows the present climate we're operating in.
"Everyone's being squeezed and it was a big ask but people are responding, they're realising that we're it for the right reasons."
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Grantham Town manager John Wilkinson has been relieved of his duties following a string of poor results.
The Unibond League club's board took the decision after five defeats in their last six games, during which time the Gingerbreads conceded 23 goals.
Chairman Roger Booth said: "The results and performances recently have not been acceptable either to John or the club."
But Booth added that he would like Wilkinson to stay at the club, and had offered him a place on the board.
Wilkinson, who was in his second spell at the Meres, led Grantham to the Unibond First Division South play-offs last season.
But they have struggled in the current campaign following a number of squad changes and a cut in the playing budget.
Booth said: "The board felt that the time was right to make a change at the top.
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Grimsby Town chairman John Fenty says he is prepared to quit the club if a suitable buyer can be found.
In a statement, the chairman questioned the support of the council over stadium plans and claimed he was hurt by criticism of his search for a manager.
"To say we are looking to take the cheap option is grossly unfair," the Mariners chairman explained.
"To get this football club out of this current mess will cost a fortune whoever is appointed."
Fenty described running the club as a never-ending torment: "You end up asking questions of your sanity and what you are actually achieving.
"There simply isn't support for the way we have been performing on the pitch nor the facility we play from.
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Bury boss Alan Knill has been named League Two's manager of the month for September following his side's recent good run.
The Shakers are unbeaten in four matches, having defeated Lincoln and Barnet and managed draws against Chester and Wycombe.
They are currently top of the table on goal difference.
Andy Scott of Brentford, Macclesfield's Keith Alexander and Wycombe manager Peter Taylor were also shortlisted.
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Midfielder Sean Thornton is waiting on a decision from Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson about whether he might extend his loan from Leyton Orient.
"Paul Simpson hasn't talked to me about it yet, "Thornton told BBC Radio Shropshire. "But I'd like to stay."
"They're a progressive club, with an exciting team and a fantastic stadium, and clearly going places."
The former Sunderland man, 25, is covering for the injured Paul Murray, still several weeks from a return.
Meanwhile, out-of-favour full-back Darren Moss has turned down a loan move to fellow League Two side Bournemouth, where former Town boss Jimmy Quinn is now in charge.
Moss says he would rather stay and fight for his place at Shrewsbury.
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Aldershot Town midfielder Lewis Chalmers has revealed that he is frustrated at a lack of starts in League Two so far this season.
The 22-year-old has been in the first XI only three times this season, coming off the bench in other league games.
He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "It's been frustrating and I'm disappointed not to be playing after featuring in so many games last year.
"I've not been training hard enough. It has given me a kick up the backside."
He added: "With the others lads doing so well it has made it difficult for the gaffer to take one out and put another in.
"I was unlucky to be pulled out after the Luton game but I've got no qualms with that.
"I'm sure my time will come again. I'll be involved sooner rather than later."
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Luton Town midfielder Paul Underwood has decided to leave the League Two club after failing to recover from a long-term knee injury.
The 35-year-old suffered the problem in 2006 and has not played a game since the 2006/07 pre-season.
Underwood's contract with Luton was due to expire at the end of the season but he has left now as he would not be fit before the end of the campaign.
He joined the Hatters from Rushden in 2004, making 72 appearances.
Luton director Antony Brown told the club website: "It's horrible when a player suffers such a long-term injury.
"It is hugely demoralising for the player concerned when they are trying to regain fitness but are separate from the rest of the squad and can't contribute on the pitch.
"I know the lads wish Paul the very best and hope that he makes a full recovery and gets a chance of football for a couple more seasons."
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Port Vale caretaker manager Dean Glover is backing himself and assistant Andy Porter to turn the team's fortunes around over the next month.
The duo will again be in joint charge for the home game against Notts County as they try to halt a run of five straight defeats.
Glover told BBC Radio Stoke: "I believe we can turn the next month around and then we can push on."
The Vale board is unlikely to name the new manager before their next game.
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New Gillingham signing Albert Jarrett has revealed it is the attacking philosophy of manager Mark Stimson that attracted him to the club.
The Sierra Leone-born winger, 23, has joined the Kent side on a month's deal.
And he told BBC Radio Kent: "When the team is on the back foot he brings on an attacking option to take the stress off the back four and midfielders.
"I like the gaffer's ideas that he brings across to the team and I'm sure this year the aim is to win promotion."
He added: "Reaching the play-offs would be the minimum to be fair - anything less than that would be a disappointing season."
Jarrett is expected to get his first start at Exeter on Saturday following the departures of Charlie Daniels and Tyrone Berry.
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Bradford City midfielder Chris Brandon has undergone an ankle operation and will be out until January.
It is another blow for the 32-year-old who has yet to make his Bradford debut since joining the club in the summer.
Brandon told local newspaper the Telegraph and Argus: "I didn't want to have the op but it's for the best.
"Of course it's a massive frustration but it's one of those things and I hope to be back in time to still have a real part to play."
Brandon joined Bradford in the summer after being released from Huddersfield Town, but picked up an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly at Motherwell.
The current problem occurred in September when he caught his studs in the ground while playing against Scunthorpe United reserves.
"I've been pretty lucky through my career because I've never had to have an operation before," said Brandon.
"I've had a few minor niggles but nothing serious so this is all a bit of a shock.
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Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson has told injured midfielder David Hunt he is still part of his first-team plans.
Hunt picked up a pre-season knee injury, and has been sidelined along with the more prominent Paul Murray.
"I liked what I saw of David in our pre-season build-up, and I'm following his and Paul's rehab closely," Simpson told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"He's not forgotten. He still has a lot to offer, and is very much part of the first-team squad."
Hunt and Murray (ankle) are still several weeks away from a return.
But striker Richard Walker will go head to head with Dave Hibbert for a starting place at Darlington on Saturday after proving he is over his hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Simpson has opted not to offer a deal to Leeds United trialist Rob Bailey.
Bailey scored for the reserves in last week's 5-2 win against Macclesfield. But Simpson said: "I can only bring someone in who's better than what we've already got, and that wasn't the case."
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Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen has added two more players to his squad.
Free agent Darren Kenton has signed a three-month deal after being released by Leeds while James Wesolowski has joined on loan from Leicester City.
Kenton, 30, could play at right-back at Brighton on Saturday, while Wesolowski, 21, is a central midfielder.
Cheltenham now have six loanees but under League rules only five can be included in a squad of 16, one of them, Barry Hayles, is currently suspended.
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Hereford United's players will have a session with a sports psychologist to boost their confidence and belief.
The Bulls are lying three points adrift at the bottom of League One and have only recorded a single league win this season, against Crewe in August.
"It's about maintaining that belief that we're good enough to be playing at this level," United manager Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"All aspects of that type of thing in the game are very important."
The Bulls manager added it is part of a wider effort to turn the club around.
"The one thing we don't want is to be involved in a relegation struggle over a period of time," he said.
"We're better equipped to be half-way up the table than down in the relegation dogfight and that's what we've got to aim for."
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Striker Liam Dickinson has said his loan move to Huddersfield Town has renewed his love for the game.
The 22-year-old has scored twice for the Terriers in six games since moving from Derby County.
"I had a hard spell at Derby, it was very frustrating not playing," Dickinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"I'm enjoying my football again from playing games here. My confidence is up and things are really looking up once more for me."
Dickinson only signed for Championship side Derby in the summer after playing a major part in Stockport's promotion to League One.
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Leeds United's teenage defender Aidan White could make it big in the game, according to team-mate Paul Telfer.
The 16-year-old made his Leeds debut in August and has played in the last two league games.
Telfer told BBC Radio Leeds: "I couldn't believe he was 16 - I thought he was 18.
"He's got everything - the great attitude, he's got pace and ability so I don't see why he can't keep going up and up that league."
White joined the Leeds scholarship scheme in the summer of 2008 after a spell in the club's academy.
The Leeds-born left-back made his first start in the 4-0 Carling Cup win against Crystal Palace and won the man-of-the-match award for his performance against Bradford City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
He also played in the league wins over Carlisle and Hereford and has yet to feature in a losing side for Leeds.
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New Brighton & Hove Albion loan signing Robbie Savage has hit out at his critics who claim he is past his best.
The 33-year-old hopes to use his time at the Withdean Stadium to prove his fitness and ability to compete for a place at his parent club Derby County.
He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "There are a lot of people who are saying nasty things, that I've gone.
"A fit Robbie Savage could easily get into any Championship team but I have to come here and prove it first."
The former Wales international added: "It's a big gamble for me, if I come here and don't perform, people will be saying 'he's useless now'."
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Millwall boss Kenny Jackett has been named League One's manager of the month for September.
Jackett told BBC London 94.9: "Great for me and the staff and a good bit of publicity for the club."
The Lions have enjoyed an excellent month, winning all four of their league matches and conceding just one goal in the process.
They beat Hartlepool, Leicester and Cheltenham before continuing their good run with a 2-1 victory away to Swindon.
The Lions are currently lying in fifth place in the table.
Jackett told BBC London 94.9: "
Gary McAllister of Leeds United, Oldham's John Sheridan and Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins were also shortlisted for the award.
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Veteran defender Jerry Gill has left Cheltenham Town to become first team coach at Forest Green Rovers.
Gill moves to the Blue Square Premier club as coach immediately, and will play as a loanee until January.
He told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "I watched the Torquay game, and Rovers have a young team which can improve."
"They've had a lot of injuries in September, but their form in August was good. I hope I can tap into my contacts and help out."
The 38-year-old Birmingham City full-back, who joined Cheltenham from Northampton in February 2004, was part of the side that won the League Two play-off final against Grimsby in 2006.
He was transfer-listed by new Cheltenham manager Martin Allen last week - but Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has been quick to act.
"I spoke with Jim Harvey at the Torquay game," said Gill. "We hit it off straightaway because his beliefs are very similar to mine.
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Watford midfielder Damien Francis has announced his retirement following a serious knee injury.
Francis, 29, damaged his cruciate knee ligament in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in April 2007.
London-born Francis made the decision to retire on strong medical advice following a series of setbacks whilst trying to regain complete fitness.
"I'm devastated to have to accept the decision to announce my retirement," he told the club website.
"But I have been strongly advised by my surgeon that I cannot continue to put my knee through such trauma."
He joined Watford in July 2006 from Wigan Athletic for a fee of £1.5m.
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Southampton have signed winger Ryan Smith on a three-month loan deal from League One side Millwall.
Smith, 21, can also play in attack and has previously turned out for Arsenal, Leicester and Derby.
He started his career with the Gunners and made his debut at 16 before a season on loan at Leicester.
Smith made a permanent switch to Derby and Millwall then paid £150,000 for him in the summer of 2007 after his loan stint at the New Den.
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Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd says he is staying out of the row over the club's financial situation.
Chairman Graham Simpson has defended the board after criticism from former chairman Sir Elton John about the running of the Vicarage Road outfit.
Boothroyd told BBC Three Counties that both are passionate about the club.
"Graham has given me a chance here and I'm indebted to him," he said. "Elton loves Watford, and it's a difficult situation for me to comment on."
The row is threatening to overshadow Saturday's home game with Preston.
Boothroyd added: "Graham is a Watford fan through and through and anybody who puts their own money into the club has my utmost respect.
"Elton's the same. A guy that has put his life and soul into the club, and has an opinion, as does Graham."
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Striker Liam Dickinson has said his loan move to Huddersfield Town has renewed his love for the game.
The 22-year-old has scored twice for the Terriers in six games since moving from Derby County.
"I had a hard spell at Derby, it was very frustrating not playing," Dickinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"I'm enjoying my football again from playing games here. My confidence is up and things are really looking up once more for me."
Dickinson only signed for Championship side Derby in the summer after playing a major part in Stockport's promotion to League One.
"Going to Derby was a big step up but it's so frustrating to go from playing week in, week out at Stockport to not even being on the bench at Derby," he said
"The lads and management here at Huddersfield have made me feel very welcome and that's great.
"I'm aiming to do the best I can for Huddersfield, play some games, get goals and confidence and hopefully that will win over Paul Jewell."
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john the tinca
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Striker Liam Dickinson has said his loan move to Huddersfield Town has renewed his love for the game.
The 22-year-old has scored twice for the Terriers in six games since moving from Derby County.
"I had a hard spell at Derby, it was very frustrating not playing," Dickinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"I'm enjoying my football again from playing games here. My confidence is up and things are really looking up once more for me."
Dickinson only signed for Championship side Derby in the summer after playing a major part in Stockport's promotion to League One.
"Going to Derby was a big step up but it's so frustrating to go from playing week in, week out at Stockport to not even being on the bench at Derby," he said
"The lads and management here at Huddersfield have made me feel very welcome and that's great.
"I'm aiming to do the best I can for Huddersfield, play some games, get goals and confidence and hopefully that will win over Paul Jewell."
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Championship leaders Wolves have signed Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards on a three-month loan deal.
Boss Mick McCarthy moved for the 29-year-old following injuries to first-choice wingers Michael Kightly and Matt Jarvis in Tuesday's defeat by Reading.
McCarthy told the club website he was delighted to bring Edwards to Molineux so quickly.
"We've lost one winger long-term and another short-term but have got a very good replacement," he said.
"Carlos is a quality player who can operate on either wing and is someone we know a lot about."
The Trinidad & Tobago international joined Sunderland from Luton Town for £1.5m in January 2007 but has lost his place on Wearside this season following the arrival of Steed Malbranque.
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Burnley boss Owen Coyle has been named the Championship's manager of the month for September.
Coyle won the award ahead of Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock, Steve Coppell of Reading and Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.
Burnley recovered from a poor start to the season to win four and draw one of their last five league matches.
"It's a tremendous accolade," Coyle told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It's credit to the football club and everybody involved with it."
The Clarets beat local rivals Preston before twice coming from behind to take all three points against Watford.
"As the manager and the figurehead you're the recipient of the award, but it's through the hard work that everybody's put in."
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Jonathan Grounds has been recalled from his loan spell at Norwich City by parent club Middlesbrough.
The 20-year-old defender has returned to the Riverside after joining the Canaries on a three-month emergency loan deal in September.
He has been recalled as Boro manager Gareth Southgate is short of cover following suspensions and injuries.
Meanwhile, Canaries boss Roeder is facing two games without centre-half Dejan Stefanovic, who is suspended.
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Portsmouth intend to make an official complaint to the Football Association over insults aimed at Sol Campbell by Spurs fans at Fratton Park last Sunday.
Campbell, who chose to leave Tottenham on a free transfer to rivals Arsenal in 2001, was subjected to prolonged abuse.
Complaints from Portsmouth fans were made to Hampshire Police, who initially said they could not take action due to the huge number of Spurs fans involved.
The FA said it will ban for life any fans they can prove were connected.
BBC Sport's Gordon Farquhar explained that both the FA and the local police were now dealing with the matter.
"They wanted a formal complaint to come from the club too as that reinforces their position legally, because they intend to get tough," he said.
"The FA say this isn't about hitting Spurs as a club, it's about identifying those responsible now and making sure they're banned from football for life."
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Manchester United midfield duo Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have signed extensions to their contracts.
Scholes's deal keeps the 33-year-old at the club until 2010 while Fletcher, 23, has committed himself to another three years until 2012.
"Paul is proof that if you look after yourself you can carry on playing and be rewarded at a club of this size," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"He's been here since he was 14. That tells you his desire and ability."
Scholes, who turns 34 in November, has just been ruled out for 10 weeks after suffering knee ligament damage in United's Champions League win over Danish side AaB.
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John Aldridge fears for Liverpool's future if the club's American owners fail to resolve their financial issues.
George Gillett and Tom Hicks have come under fire from Liverpool fans worried over transfer spending and their treatment of manager Rafael Benitez.
Plans for a new stadium have been beset by delays and Aldridge is concerned by the direction the club is heading.
"The club's not really getting run at at the moment; it's getting neglected," the former Reds striker told BBC Sport.
"Whilst the Americans have their problems, the club is getting deeper and deeper into trouble, especially with the new stadium and everything else."
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Wigan manager Steve Bruce is hoping to land striker Amr Zaki on a permanent deal but is aware he will face competition from other clubs.
The Egyptian, 25, is on a season-long loan from Zamalek and is the top scorer in the Premier League with five goals.
Bruce told BBC Radio Manchester: "Make no mistake that the big boys will be coveting a few of our players.
"There is a danger he can disappear, but we will try our utmost to make it permanent and the boy is happy here."
He has also lauded the support of chairman Dave Whelan in holding on to the club's best players.
"Thankfully with the chairman I've got I don't have to sell any of them so if they are going to go, they're going to go at a premium."
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A South African consortium could be on the verge of buying Newcastle for about £300m, BBC Sport understands.
The businessman heading the five-strong South African group, Jonathan Cleland, has revealed he is "80% confident" of completing the takeover.
Cleland has also confirmed he has been speaking to former manager Kevin Keegan, who could be reinstalled.
Keegan may be offered a 5% stake in the club in a bid to persuade him to return for a third spell at the helm.
Interim boss, Joe Kinnear, revealed on Thursday that as many as eight consortiums have been in talks with owner Mike Ashley about buying the Magpies.
The South African group are considered the frontrunners and could be set to finalise a deal in a matter of weeks.
"I haven't got a timescale on it, so I don't really know what the outcome is," Kinnear commented.
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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit for England's next two World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Rooney, 22, injured his ankle during the Champions League win at Aalborg.
He is a doubt for the Premier League game against Blackburn but boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I have no issues with him joining England.
"With the games they have, they should cope even if Wayne was not to make next Saturday's game."
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Chelsea expect striker Didier Drogba to be out for "weeks, not months" after he picked up a knee injury in the Champions League game against CFR Cluj.
It was initially feared he had suffered serious knee ligament injury damage in the 0-0 draw with the Romanian side.
But a Chelsea statement said: "He will not be requiring surgery.
"We will keep him under observation before putting an estimate on how long he'll be out, but we're certainly looking at weeks, not months."
The statement added: "Didier Drogba has had two forceful rotations in his knee and ankle. Fortunately, he has avoided any significant ligamentus rupture."
The assessment of Drogba's injury will be a boost to the striker who was making only his third start since undergoing a knee operation in the summer.
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Arsene Wenger was delighted that Arsenal put the disappointment of defeat by Hull behind them as they beat Porto 4-0 in the Champions League.
The Gunners boss said: "It is the response I wanted. Maybe it was our most complete performance this season.
"We could have scored a few more but most important was to win and respond in a convincing way.
"I didn't make many changes because sometimes you have to give a team a chance to respond quickly."
Wenger had promised sweeping changes after the 2-1 defeat by Hull on Saturday but in the end made only one, bringing in Samir Nasri for Emmanuel Eboue.
Wenger explained: "I didn't make many changes because I didn't want to give a feeling that you punish one player more than another
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Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood has high hopes for three young trialists from Arsenal.
Defenders Paul Rodgers, 18, and Abu Ogogo, 18, and midfielder James Dunne, 19, all played in Forest's reserve-team 2-1 win at Shrewsbury this week.
The youngsters are on a two-game trial with the Reds.
Calderwood told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We'll certainly be looking at them to [make] more of an impact with the senior squad than with the youth team."
"They're here for a fortnight and they'll play next week for the reserves again against Lincoln," he added.
The Reds boss was alerted to the fact that the youngsters would soon be leaving the Gunners, and he admits he is keen to make the moves permanent if he can.
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Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is encouraged by his improving partnership with Robin van Persie at Arsenal.
The pair scored two goals each as the English side beat Porto 4-0 in the European Champions League on Tuesday.
With Van Persie injured for much of last season, Adebayor was Arsenal's main goal-scoring threat.
Adebayor is encouraged by the understanding the pair are developing: "We are working hard for the team - he has got the same ambition as me."
He continued by saying: "We are here to help this team, we are here to help win something so I'm very pleased with the way he played against Porto.
"I gave him a pass and he gave me a pass. That shows there is a good relationship between the two of us.
"We are very happy and hopefully we can help this team win something this season."
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Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon fears Saturday's opponents Arsenal will be out for revenge after the Gunners' 2-1 defeat by Hull City last weekend.
Gordon, 25, admitted the Sunderland players were stunned by the result at the Emirates, and expects a immediate response from Arsene Wenger's side.
"You don't expect results like that," the Scot told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"You would probably expect a bit of a backlash from that but we're at home and we'll be ready for that."
Stoke City's draw with Liverpool and Arsenal's defeats by Hull and Fulham have helped to give the Premier League table an unusual look after six games.
West Ham United and Hull currently occupy top-half places while Everton and Manchester United linger in mid-table, but Gordon believes it is only a matter of time before the table offers a more realistic picture.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks the club's next boss must maintain the stylish brand of play he has established - or risk a backlash.
Reflecting on his 12th anniversary at the club, Wenger said their open attacking play would be his greatest legacy when he eventually leaves.
"The crowd are used to it and demands it now," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It would be very difficult to change. We have created that [style] at the club and are rather proud of it."
He added: "You can see that the way we see the game will survive me and the staff.
"It will last, which is a very good thing. Inside the club now you have a real culture to play the game and bring players through the ranks.
"They play the game I love and that we love here at the club."
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