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Bristol City manager Gary Johnson says captain Louis Carey is almost ready to return to first-team action.
The defender has been out with an Achilles injury for six weeks but played 78 minutes of the reserves' 3-2 win over Swindon on Tuesday.
Johnson told his club's website that the 32-year-old's recovery is progressing well.
"He is almost ready, in poor conditions it was good to see Louis come through the game without any problems."
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Barnsley manager Simon Davey wants to bring in a goalkeeper on loan before the FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
On-loan keeper Tony Warner is cup-tied for the match at Anfield, having already played for Fulham.
As Heinz Muller is injured with cruciate ligament damage, Davey would be left with youngster Kyle Letheren for the biggest match of the season.
Davey told the club website: "If we needed a kid, we would put Kyle in. We are looking for experience."
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Preston have signed Polish international goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski on a six-month contract.
The 33-year-old was available as a free agent after finishing a six-month contract with Dundee United in January.
Szamotulski, who has 13 caps for his country, played 23 times for the Tangerines this season after joining from Austria's Sturm Graz in July.
He will provide cover and competition for Andrew Lonnergan and will be in the squad to face Coventry at the weekend.
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Leicester boss Ian Holloway says he is "astonished" by claims he is to blame for some of Plymouth's players leaving and says he will talk to his lawyers.
Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton says ex-boss Holloway, who joined City in November, played a key part in some high-profile players leaving Home Park.
But Holloway told BBC Radio Leicester: "I'm absolutely astonished.
"I'm dealing with it in as professional a manner as I can. My lawyers are looking at the statements."
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Former Celtic and Arsenal striker John Hartson has announced his retirement after leaving West Brom last month.
The 32-year-old, who won 51 caps for Wales, revealed he had lost his desire and was struggling to keep fit.
He told the Scottish Sun: "I'm going to miss that competitive edge. That was my weekend, letting off steam and terrorising centre-halves.
"But I'm not going to miss training though. To be honest I'd lost my desire to get back into the West Brom side."
The striker who began his career at Luton and played at Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry, Celtic and Norwich, said he was not prepared to end his playing career at a low level.
"They say you should go down the leagues and just play for enjoyment because it will be easier. It is not," Hartson added.
"I have been fighting my weight for 12 years. I can't have a burger without putting on half a stone."
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Southampton have confirmed caretaker bosses John Gorman and Jason Dodd will remain in charge at the club for the "foreseeable future".
The duo took over after George Burley left to become Scotland boss and Saints director Lawrie McMenemy is happy.
He said: "The ship is nice and steady, management is about doing the best with what's available and that's what these two lads are doing."
The pair have started with one victory, a draw and a defeat in three matches.
McMenemy added: "There's a passion there, when a new manager arrives there's always a reaction."
Talking ahead of the visit of QPR on Saturday, Dodd told BBC Radio Solent: "They've seen that we've got the best out of the players, it's fantastic for me and John but now the hard work really begins."
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Norwich manager Glenn Roeder has ruled out making a loan signing despite being short of strikers.
Jamie Cureton is recovering after having appendix removed, leaving Ched Evans, Dion Dublin and Chris Marton as Roeder's only recognised forwards.
But Roeder told Norwich's website: "We have seven loan players here and you can only use five in any one game.
"With seven it means that every game there's a couple that are not involved and it'll be disappointing for them."
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Hibernian have taken former Gretna defender Martin Canning on trial.
The 26-year-old was released by Hibs' Scottish Premier League rivals in January after two years with the Raydale Park outfit.
Canning, who will play for Hibs' reserves against Aberdeen on Wednesday, had become the club's record signing when he arrived from Ross County.
The £60,000 purchase went on to make 46 appearances, helping the club win the First Division title last season.
Out-of-contract midfielder Martin Mutumba is also training with the Easter Road side.
The Swede is known to manager Mixu Paatelainen, having played in the Finnish top flight with International Turku.
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Motherwell's twice-postponed Premier League match against Celtic has been rescheduled for 15 March.
Motherwell and Celtic had league fixtures against Rangers and Dundee United scheduled for that Saturday.
However, those games were postponed after Rangers and United reached the CIS Insurance Cup final on 16 March.
Motherwell's home game against Inverness is now set for February 20, while their visit to Hibs has been switched to 12 March.
It had initially been rescheduled for 5 March but the Easter Road side could face a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against Rangers on the previous evening.
The death of Phil O'Donnell in December prompted the first postponement of Motherwell's Fir Park clash with Celtic, which was set for 6 January.
A waterlogged pitch then caused the rearranged game on 30 January to be called off at late notice.
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Former Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton has warned any new manager at the club to be ready for interference in the running of first team affairs.
Anderton alluded to meddlesome behaviour from the boardroom, with selection decisions being forced on then manager George Burley.
"George was being put under pressure to play certain players," Anderton told BBC Scotland.
"Having a committee of people running a football club just doesn't work."
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St Mirren midfielder Stephen McGinn has agreed a two-year contract extension and manager Gus MacPherson is tipping the teenager for future success.
The 19-year-old scored twice in December to earn St Mirren a draw at Celtic and a victory at Hearts.
"The main thing for Stephen is that he continues his development as a player," MacPherson told the club website.
"And if he develops as we believe he can, both the player and the club will benefit from that."
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Motherwell forward Ross McCormack is close to agreeing a pre-contract which will take him to Wigan in the summer.
The 21-year-old, who has bagged nine goals this season, has been in talks with Wigan manager Steve Bruce.
"Steve Bruce has been brilliant," said McCormack. "He told me he doesn't want me as a squad player but as someone who is playing in the first team.
"He assured me I will be given my chance. He also told me he believes I can use Wigan as a stepping stone."
McCormack started his senior career with Rangers and hit the headlines when he scored in a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Porto.
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Terry Butcher and Steven Pressley have been confirmed as assistants to new Scotland manager George Burley.
Former England captain Butcher was a team-mate of Burley's at Ipswich, while Pressley skippered Hearts during Burley's short reign at Tynecastle.
Pressley insists he can add to his 32 caps but the Celtic defender has been used sparingly this season.
He was not listed for this week's squad gathering at Loch Lomond but Burley will monitor Pressley's progress
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Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan says midfielder Charles N'Zogbia may leave the club at the end of the season.
The 21-year-old signed a five-year deal at St James' Park in September but was linked with a move to Tottenham in the January transfer window.
"Charles came to talk to me about speculation that there was interest from Spurs," Keegan is reported to have told French newspaper L'Equipe.
"We'll look at it in the summer as the signs are he is not happy here."
N'Zogbia has started every match of Keegan's tenure at the club, but he has often found himself at left-back instead of his favoured position in midfield.
The Frenchman, who joined from Le Havre for £250,000 in 2004, is believed to favour a move to London as that is where his mother and his sister live.
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Sunderland have been hit by a fresh injury blow, with midfielder Liam Miller out of action for up to a month.
Miller, 26, damaged a calf muscle in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 friendly loss to Brazil in Dublin on Wednesday.
His absence leaves Sunderland short of options in central midfield for Saturday's match against Wigan.
Dwight Yorke (calf), Kieran Richardson (hamstring) and Grant Leadbitter (toe) are all out, while new signing Andy Reid is short of match fitness.
Nigeria international Dickson Etuhu has now returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and is likely to partner skipper Dean Whitehead in the middle.
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Derby manager Paul Jewell has revealed Claude Davis is likely to be out for the rest of the season after being booked in for a knee operation.
The Jamaican will go under the knife on Friday to cure an injury that has been causing the 28-year-old problems for some time.
"He has been in discomfort and it has got to the stage where he must have surgery," Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.
"That is most likely his season over but we'll know more after the op."
The manager added: "I'm not entirely sure of the complications of the injury, but it's similar to the one sustained by Danny Mills."
Mills, who is at Pride Park on loan from Manchester City, was ruled out for the season in January.
Davis has featured in 19 matches for the Rams this season following his £3m summer move from Sheffield United and his absence would be a huge blow to Derby's hopes of survival.
Jewell's side currently hold up the Premier League on nine points, 13 from safety.
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Premier League clubs will be allowed to name seven substitutes in matches from the start of next season.
The change was suggested by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy last year and replicates the regulations in European and international games.
The Premier League agreed to discuss the issue, amid concerns that it would favour clubs with big squads.
Premier League voting rules require 14 out of the 20 member clubs to back any suggested rule changes.
Coaches are currently restricted to naming five substitutes, and are able to use a maximum of three of them.
But Levy told his club's official website: "We have promoted and lobbied for this rule change for some time and we are absolutely delighted our proposal was supported by member clubs.
"It is important to give our managers greater choice on the bench, enabling them to be more creative tactically.
"That was the objective behind us bringing this proposal to the table.
"Additionally, it should also mean that younger players from the academy can be given an opportunity to break into the first team."
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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will miss his side's Premier League game against Chelsea on Sunday.
Torres had been hopeful of recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in Spain's win over France on Wednesday.
But the 23-year-old will be out for 10 days, and so also miss the FA Cup clash with Barnsley on 16 February, much to boss Rafael Benitez's disappointment.
"We have three big games in 10 days in three competitions and we have lost our top goalscorer," said Benitez.
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Everton striker Yakubu has arrived back on Merseyside to hold talks with boss David Moyes after his failure to return on time from the Africa Cup on Nations.
The 25-year-old was expected at Everton's training headquarters on Wednesday after the quarter-final defeat by hosts Ghana.
But he failed to arrived and may face a club fine of a fortnight's wages, estimated to be around £80,000.
Nigeria team-mate Joseph Yobo returned to Everton on Wednesday as scheduled.
Yakubu is unlikely to be considered for Saturday's game against Reading at Goodison Park, even if he makes his peace with Moyes.
He has been a major success since his £11.25m move from Middlesbrough in August, scoring 12 goals as Everton moved into contention for a Champions League place and advanced in the Uefa Cup.
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The Premier League's proposal to take matches overseas has drawn a mixed reaction, with the government raising fears over the "integrity of the game".
Birmingham co-owner David Gold is among those backing the move, saying: "We are making history."
But the reaction from fans in the UK has been swift, with many appearing unhappy about the idea.
And Andy Burnham, secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport, warned: "Careful consideration is needed."
The radical proposal would mean that from 2010-11 the Premier League would have a new 39-game season, with clubs jetting around the globe in January to play in various cities that had won hosting rights.
But Burnham said: "English football is hugely popular around the world and I understand the Premier League's desire to take the game to new audiences but this proposal goes beyond the Premier League and careful consideration is needed before any decisions are made.
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Plans by the English Premier League to stage some matches across the world have sparked fears of player burn-out.
All 20 clubs agreed on Thursday to explore a proposal to extend the season by one game to 39 fixtures.
But former Football Association executive director David Davies said it was another game on top of an already congested calendar.
"It's more football when our fixture list is already more cluttered than anywhere else," he told BBC Sport.
Those 10 extra games would be played at five different venues, with cities bidding for the right to stage them.
The extra games are expected to net the clubs in the region of an extra £5m each.
When Manchester United played a testimonial in Saudi Arabia in January they reportedly earned about £1m for the 6,000-mile round-trip..
Davies added: "I would much prefer a winter break, if we want our teams to win. The problem is we neither win at international level nor do we win the big club competitions with any degree of regularity at all."
"I'm not surprised about the proposal or the reaction to it for a league so popular around the world and full of players from all around the planet to want to exploit that position is entirely predictable.
"Fans have got to be aware that the game has changed and the game is a global game, so there has to be a balance.
"To be fair, they are not taking a home game out of the current programme and shifting it to Bangkok. The intention is to have an extra game - an extra round of matches."
The BBC's 606 website has been inundated with posts, with the majority of nearly 4,000 comments so far critical of the proposals.
And Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp claimed clubs could become "like the Harlem Globetrotters".
"It will start with one game and then next year or the year after until eventually I can see us playing quite a few games in different parts of the world," said Redknapp.
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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has high hopes about Nathan Delfouneso, the latest graduate to roll off the academy production line at Bodymoor Heath.
The young striker has marked his 17th birthday on Saturday by signing his first professional deal, as well as being handed a first-team squad number.
O'Neill said: "His performances in the youth team have been excellent.
"He has trained with the first team and he will continue to do that. But Nathan is very much one for the future."
Delfouneso, who has committed himself to Villa until June 2010, was part of the Villa squad that went to Craven Cottage for Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
But O'Neill pointed out that it was purely for experience.
"I thought it would be nice for him to join us at Fulham. He could have a look at it so that if he is pitched in eventually it isn't a surprise to him or more importantly he isn't overawed.
"It's a matter of keeping his feet on the ground but he does seem like a level-headed young man.
"He can play though - make no mistake!"
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Birmingham City have written to shareholders recommending they vote against an attempt by Carson Yeung to add two new directors to the board.
Hong Kong businessman Yeung failed in his bid to buy Blues before Christmas.
But his company Grand Top International are trying to get his associate Steve McManaman and ex-Crystal Palace player Fan Zhiyi appointed as directors.
Blues managing director Karren Brady says the board will be voting against and urges shareholders to do likewise.
City say they are legally obliged to put the resolutions to the shareholders. And there will be a vote on the same day as the AGM in a fortnight's time.
But, in a letter sent out with the notices of that meeting, Brady pointed out that the actions of Yeung's company have caused expense and distraction to Blues.
The present board at St Andrew's have 47% of the votes.
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Rochdale manager Keith Hill has strengthened his promotion-chasing squad by signing young midfielder Chris Basham on loan from Bolton Wanderers.
The 19-year-old, who has yet to play for Bolton's first team but is a regular in the reserves, has agreed a three-month deal at Spotland.
Hill told the club's official website: "He is a player we have watched for a long time and one that we admire.
"I am sure he will live up to the challenge."
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john the tinca
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The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has admitted that Didier Drogba was excluded from the 2007 African Footballer of the Year award.
Drogba refused to travel to Togo for the ceremony on 1 February, and the award was given to Frederic Kanoute.
A Caf statement revealed that Drogba's absence ruled him out of contention.
"Any player who is absent at its award ceremony will not be taken into consideration in placements of African footballer of the year," it said.
The statement was issued on Thursday, but the executive committee meeting at which the decision was taken was held in Accra on the day of the awards ceremony.
"This decision was communicated to all those concerned on 1 February with particular reference to the award ceremony scheduled for Lome, Togo," read the statement.
Drogba said that he did not wish to be considered for future African Player of the Year awards after Kanoute won the 2007 title.
"I was told if I didn't appear the rules would change and the prize would go to the runner-up," Drogba said.
"This attitude doesn't honour Africa so I've pulled out of future elections."
Drogba, who won the 2006 award, said it made no sense to have the awards ceremony in another country while such a high-profile African event was ongoing.
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Derby County manager Paul Jewell says Saturday's home game against Tottenham is as tough a fixture as they can get in the Premier League.
Spurs smashed the Rams 4-0 earlier in the campaign and after a turbulent season, they are hitting top form.
"If they get it right on the day they are as attractive a team as anyone," Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.
"They have unbelievable attacking options in Dimitar Berbatov, Jermaine Jenas, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon."
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Tottenham will not be allowed to field new £9m signing Alan Hutton in the Uefa Cup this season.
Right-back Hutton played for Rangers in the Champions League and now that the Scottish club have dropped into the Uefa Cup he is ineligible to play.
Spurs, who play Slavia Prague on 14 February, were aware of the situation before signing the 23-year-old.
Rangers finished third in their Champions League group behind Barcelona and Lyon.
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Portsmouth are still waiting for injured striker Kanu to return from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
BBC Radio Solent understands that the Nigerian is yet to leave his team's hotel in Accra, despite their exit from the tournament on Sunday.
Pompey originally requested that Kanu return to England for treatment after he suffered a knee injury against Ivory Coast more than two weeks ago.
But Kanu is now not expected back in Hampshire until the end of the week.
The striker said at the time of his injury: "Portsmouth wanted me to go back and get treatment in England, but I cannot leave my team-mates."
"Millions of Nigerians are looking up to us to bring them happiness and I cannot leave the team.
"I know it would have been better for me to return to England, but I have to make the sacrifice for my country."
Kanu's Portsmouth and Nigeria team-mate John Utaka is also due back at the Premier League club later this week.
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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate cannot wait to see new signing Afonso Alves take to the field.
Alves was presented to supporters at the Riverside on Thursday and Southgate is delighted to get him in the side.
He told BBC Tees: "He's a player who's very keen to be here and very keen to make a big impression.
"As a club we've taken the decision we need a natural goalscorer and it gives us something different amonst the strikers we've got."
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Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has told BBC Radio Newcastle the club needs to compete with the big four when it comes to the best young players.
Speaking on the two-hour phone-in Keegan told listeners attracting young players is increasingly difficult in the face of the bigger clubs.
He said: "The reason that other clubs are getting good kids is that they are competing, paying compensation.
"We haven't been able to compete on a level playing field with bigger clubs."
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Zimbabwe striker Benjani's protracted move from Portsmouth to Manchester City has been resolved with Pompey to receive an initial fee of £3.87m.
The 29-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with City after passing a medical on Monday.
If Benjani makes 75 senior starts Pompey will receive a total of £7.6m.
"I'm delighted we have signed such a quality player, and I am looking forward to working with him," said City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The on-off transfer saga had been in doubt after City tried to pull out of the deal, expressing concern about a knee injury Benjani had surgery on 18 months ago.
City said the striker had arrived in Manchester too late to complete the deal before last Thursday's midnight transfer deadline.
Pompey called in the Premier League and, upon examining the relevant paperwork, officials were satisfied that the deal had been completed by the close of the transfer window on 31 January.
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Boss Justin Edinburgh felt Grays were "punished for not taking their chances" as they drew 2-0 at York.
"We changed the system today and had a good shape to us - we were good in the first half," Edinburgh said.
"I didn't feel they were a threat in the second half, but the game turned on its head with their penalty.
"And after a mistake by our keeper Ross Flitney, we were out of the game. I may have to shake things up a bit now that the window for loans is open again."
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Cambridge United boss Jimmy Quinn was thrilled after a late winner by Scott Rendell helped them beat Stevenage 2-1.
"It shows how much we've come on from last year when Stevenage - who are a big club in our league - come here and play one up front," QUinn said.
"We had all the play, and I think we got what we deserved.
"But the fans made a difference - they gave our lads the heart, courage and endurance to carry out a performance like that and nick a late goal."
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Ebbsfleet United manager Liam Daish thinks their Blue Square Premier play-off hopes are still alive despite dropping two points at home to Exeter.
The Fleet drew 1-1, their first dropped points in five games, and are now eight points off the play-off zone.
Daish told BBC Radio Kent: "People can be apathetic towards our play-off chances. I feel we are as good as anyone in this league."
Ebbsfleet face trips to Crawley and Torquay within 48 hours this week.
There is commentary on both games on BBC Radio Kent's website.
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Crawley midfielder Jamie Cook has been voted as the Blue Square Premier's player of the month for January.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a purple patch during the month, scoring seven goals in four games - including a hat-trick against Rushden & Diamonds.
He has scored a total of 11 goals in 24 league appearances since joining the Red Devils last summer.
The other contenders for the award were Stevenage's Steve Morison, Salisbury's Matt Tubbs and York's Emmanuel Panther.
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Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough was not happy with his side's defensive display in the 2-1 defeat away at Woking.
"We created enough situations and chances but I don't think overall we did enough to deserve anything out of the game," Clough told BBC Radio Derby.
"We gave two softish goals away and when you are 2-0 down at half-time you'll maybe get something out of the game two or three times a season.
"When you come away the back four must do their jobs and they didn't."
Interview: Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough
Clough added: "We maybe had a bit of bad luck at times but I think if you play a little bit better then you will get that luck."
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Oxford United manager Darren Patterson has hailed his goalkeeper Billy Turley as the best in non-league football.
The 34-year-old former Rushden stopper made two penalty saves in United's 3-0 win over Histon and was a key figure in keeping a clean sheet.
"That's why we have signed him on a long-term deal," Patterson told BBC Radio Oxford.
"He is a great goalkeeper and he is a winner. I believe he is the best keeper in this division."
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Cambridge boss Jimmy Quinn has played down speculation striker Scott Rendell and defender Michael Morrison could be on their way to Peterborough United.
Peterborough's director of football Barry Fry was in the stands to see Cambridge beat Stevenage on Saturday.
"There's nothing in it at all," Quinn told Cambridge's website.
"I'm not in the habit of selling my best players when we're going for promotion. It'd have to be a very good offer for us to consider anything."
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Crawley boss Steve Evans was unhappy with the performance of his side in the 1-0 defeat at Forest Green on Sunday.
The loss ended a nine match unbeaten run in both Blue Square Premier and FA Trophy matches.
Evans told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I was not happy with one or two players. We just lacked a bit of energy and effort."
"The sides cancelled each other out. Second half we were dominant and they get a breakaway goal."
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Kidderminster Harriers' manager Mark Yates felt that his side could take heart from the performance in the 1-0 defeat at Torquay United.
Mark Ellis' first-half stoppage time goal ensured Harriers returned from Devon empty-handed.
Yates told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "We switched off for five seconds before half-time and it's cost us.
"It's a harsh lesson because I felt the players deserved something out of the game."
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Winger Dean Bradshaw has left Histon and joined Ryman Premier Division side Boreham Wood.
The 23-year-old had joined the Stutes from Braintree last summer, but failed to make a first-team appearance.
After his Histon contract was terminated by mutual agreement, he has linked up with Boreham Wood boss George Borg, who had managed him at Braintree.
And he marked his Wood debut with a goal on Saturday as they beat Folkestone Invicta 2-1.
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Derby striker Kenny Miller insists he would be prepared to return to Rangers - despite his spell with Celtic.
The 28-year-old, linked with a return to Ibrox, says he would be tempted to cross the Old Firm divide once again.
"The fact I have history with the club and their main rivals wouldn't come into my thinking," explained Miller.
"The fans were great with me - I never had any problems from either side. There is always going to be the odd comment but times have changed."
The Scotland forward told the News of the World: "I've another two years left at Derby and I don't have a get-out clause, but we'll wait and see what happens.
"If something like that was to come up, you would be silly to rule it out."
Miller - who played for Rangers between 2000-2001 - is realistic about the remainder of the season with the rock bottom Rams, currently holding just nine Premier League points from 26 games.
"The last thing you want is to be known as the worst team in terms of points totals in Premiership history, so we'll be looking to get over that threshold.
"All we've got to fight for is pride."
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Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters admitted he did not think his side would come away from Brentford with a point.
Brentford led through Alan Connell's 57th minute strike, only for substitute James Constable to salvage a point with his first Shrews goal.
Peters told BBC Radio Shropshire: "Away from home you've got to be happy with a performance like that. I didn't think we'd come back.
"But we didn't give too many chances away and created some of our own."
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Brentford boss Andy Scott insists his side will keep battling in the final third of the League Two season.
The Bees are in 12th place with 40 points, eight points behind the play-offs but 15 points clear of the relegation zone with 17 games left.
"We want to win every game. If it takes us to the play-offs, great," Scott said after they drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury.
"If it doesn't, everyone can say we had a go at it. We're not going to see the season through and go on holiday."
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Keith Hill insists there is nothing 'broken' to fix with his Rochdale side despite Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Sincil Bank to lowly Lincoln City.
Ahead of Tuesday's date with promotion rivals Hereford United, Hill said: "The only thing broke was our concentration.
"We weren't 100% for 100% of the time. And that cost us at Lincoln.
"The team machine is not broke so we won't be doing an awful lot different against Hereford at Spotland," the Dale boss told BBC Radio Manchester.
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Lincoln boss Peter Jackson saluted "a really big win" as they beat Rochdale 2-1 to move nine points clear of the League Two relegation zone.
"Some of our best performances before today have been away from home - it's nice for our supporters to leave the stadium happy," Jackson enthused.
"Make no mistake, we've beaten one of the top three sides in the division.
"We were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet, but full credit to them for getting back into the game."
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Kevin Ellison's proposed move from Chester to League Two rivals Stockport has "finally been aborted", according to a statement on Chester's website.
The 28-year-old had been set to join County on loan until the end of the season, before signing a permanent contract in the summer.
However, the ex-Stockport player then raised objections to the move.
Meanwhile, Chester have re-signed their former utility player Stephen Vaughan, 23, a year after he left the club.
Vaughan made 59 league appearances for Chester before leaving for Boston United in January 2007, but had been a free agent after departing the Pilgrims last year.
He is the son of former Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan, who resigned from the board in December but remains the club's majority shareholder.
Ellison originally joined Stockport in November 2001 and went on to make 52 appearances for the Hatters.
He was also recently targeted by Wrexham.
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Brogan was taken to hospital after sustaining a double fracture of his lower leg in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Milton Keynes Dons.
The 19-year-old utility man was stretchered off after a collision with Dons goalkeeper Willy Gueret.
"Once the lad broke his leg, it took the tempo out of us," Milton Keynes assistant boss Ray Mathias said.
"It affected the players - Willy was heartbroken in the dressing-room, so it shows you the severity of it."
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Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson railed at referee Graham Horwood after Saturday's fiery 0-0 draw with former club Wrexham at London Road.
"Their centre-back has head-butted our goalkeeper, elbowed our centre forward, that is total nonsense," he said after a game that included a 20-man brawl.
"My lads stuck together, what saddens me is the fact the referee has given us no protection all afternoon."
Wrexham manager Brian Little defended centre-back Steve Evans after the game.
The defender's clash with Joe Lewis ended with the Peterborough keeper being stretchered off, prompting the 20-man dust-up and leading Ferguson to confront Evans at the end of the match.
"Steve was a little bit late with challenge, but I thought that he genuinely went for the ball," Little told BBC Sport Wales.
"He scored a header from an identical situation last week. I'm 100% sure that it was an accident, Steve's eyes didn't leave the ball.
"The referee had a few difficult decisions to make and I thought he did all right, he made honest calls all day."
Ferguson insisted that he had "no interest in Wrexham or their tactics", and Little was pleased to have taken a point from the League Two high-fliers.
"We are fighting like crazy to stay up," said Little, whose side remain bottom but just one point behind Dagenham & Redbridge and Mansfield.
"Our system stifled Peterborough and stopped them playing as they wanted.
"The game plan is about pressure, but the last thing in the world we are is over-physical.
"The brawl shouldn't have happened, we need to be better behaved than that.
"But the players are desperate to represent Wrexham now, and those outside the team are battling to get in - that wasn't necessarily the case a few weeks ago."
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Wycombe boss Paul Lambert was disappointed to concede an early goal as they lost 2-1 to Mansfield.
"As soon as you give the other team an impetus, they have something to hold on to," Lambert explained.
"We got the goal back, had a lot of dominance and we should have kicked on, but we didn't.
"Mansfield hit us with a sucker punch - Jefferson Louis got in too easily for the second goal. The only good thing about the day was the other results."
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Andy Bishop has admitted to relief that conjecture about his future can now be put aside until the end of the season.
The Bury striker scored both goals in Saturday's 2-1 win at Bradford which took the Shakers three points clear of the League Two relegation zone.
"Speculation has gone away for a bit so I can concentrate on keeping Bury up," he told BBC Radio Manchester, ahead of Tuesday night's home date with Wycombe.
"I'm just working hard on getting the right results for Bury."
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Darlington boss Dave Penney has stressed the importance of patience from fans ahead of Tuesday night's League Two trip to Notts County.
Despite Saturday's 1-0 home win against Barnet, Penney felt the crowd's expectations pressured the players particularly during a tense finish.
He told BBC Tees: "If you're winning 1-0 and there's three minutes to go you don't chuck it in the box.
"We've got to learn to be patient as a club and as players."
Saturday's win, which kept Darlo second, was marked with another impressive display from goalkeeper David Stockdale, capped by his second-half penalty stop.
"It's luck but it's also gambling the right way, and getting a good strong hand behind it," said Penney.
"He made a good save 20 minutes before the end. He's been excellent for us all season."
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Gillingham manager Mark Stimson said the defeat at Oldham was the most disappointing day since he took charge.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat leaves the Gills without a win in six games and just two points above the League One drop zone.
"It's the lowest point this season for me. I hope the players are as upset as me and the travelling fans," he told BBC Radio Kent.
"The only way to go forward is to roll our sleeves up and stand up and be counted," added Stimson.
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Swindon boss Maurice Malpas thought his side lacked inspiration after Huddersfield ended their nine-game League One unbeaten run on Saturday.
Phil Jevons scored the only goal within a minute after a Jerel Ifil error.
Malpas told BBC Radio Swindon: "We had plenty of ball in the second half, but we never had that inspiration or anyone picking a [killer] pass.
"It was a frustrating game for players to play in and for us to watch. We never put their keeper under pressure."
Malpas is hoping for a better performance when Swindon host Cheltenham on Tuesday.
"We'll work on crossing and finishing on Monday and we'll see if we're better at that on Tuesday."
And the Scot wants his side to adopt a winning mentality to boost their play-off push.
"[Reaching the play-offs] is realistic because it's possible. We'll pick the players up again on Tuesday night to start another unbeaten run.
"It's important we get the attitude that we have to win games. If we do lose games by being a bit kamikaze and gung ho, then so be it.
"But I think we've got to start putting a run of wins together rather than a couple of wins, a couple of draws then a defeat."
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Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope thought Doncaster striker Mark McCammon should have been sent off for fouling keeper Steve Phillips on Saturday.
Phillips stayed on despite being hurt in the collision in the 2-0 defeat as Rovers' 11-match unbeaten run ended.
Trollope told BBC Radio Bristol: "For me, it was a sending-off offence. Steve did well to carry on.
"He's still got a headache, he's taken a fair whack. But he should be fine for Tuesday's game [against Oldham]."
The Rovers boss has also revealed he is hoping to add to the loan signing of Anthony Pulis.
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Hartlepool United boss Danny Wilson is appealing against the red card received by defender Sam Collins in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Southend.
Collins was sent off for violent conduct but Wilson hopes to have the card rescinded, leaving the centre-back free for Tuesday's visit of Port Vale.
He told BBC Tees: "I've already spoken to the referee about it.
"We can't tell him to look at it. The FA have to tell him that. We'll certainly put an appeal in."
Wilson admitted he did not see the incident between Collins and Southend striker Lee Barnard but he has spoken to his player and believes the club has a case.
"All I'm going off," said Wilson, "is the fact that I said to Sam 'Is there an elbow?' and he said 'Absolutely not'.
"He said 'He was coming across me and I'm not letting him come across me' and that's good defending
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Nottingham Forest boss Colin Calderwood has hit out at the lack of atmosphere at The City Ground at the weekend.
The Reds beat Millwall 2-0 to move into third spot in the League One table and Calderwood felt his players deserved better support.
"What I found surprising was the real lack of appetite and apathy of the fans when we didn't score in the first 20 minutes," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"It was minimal support to the team and can't happen."
Calderwood added: "We're sitting with a promotion run going and they should be urging the team on."
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Swansea City are relieved to learn the knee injury defender Dennis Lawrence suffered in the 2-2 draw at Crewe is nowhere near as bad as first feared.
Physiotherapist Richard Evans said: "Dennis has a mild strain of the knee ligament, but it's nothing serious.
"We'll keep assessing him, but at the moment it looks as if he'll only be out for two to three weeks."
The news comes as a boost ahead of Tuesday night's visit to Liberty Stadium of promotion-chasing Walsall.
Manager Roberto Martinez initially feared Lawrence would be a long-term absentee, but Evans added: "Fortunately a surgeon friend of mine, a Crewe fan, was in the crowd and he checked Dennis out at half-time and allayed our initial fears.
"He twisted his knee in a challenge and the opposing player landed on top of it."
"Now once the swelling goes down we can start working on getting Dennis back as soon as possible."
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Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn will continue dialogue this week with potential investors in the Dorset club.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Mostyn confirmed that there are three interested consortia, with whom he has been holding talks for three months.
He said: "I'm extremely positive about bringing current negotiations to a successful conclusion."
The Cherries went into administration last week, with debts of around £4m, and suffered a 10-point deduction.
Mostyn himself could be part of a consortium taking the club forward. He gave a six-figure sum to finance the club though the early stages of administration.
Administrator Gerald Krasner of Leeds-based specialists Begbies Traynor said: "Without that investment from Jeff, I'm quite certain that we'd be talking about the liquidation and extinction of AFC Bournemouth."
Krasner has an eight-week period to formulate a plan with the club's creditors
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Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock hailed the performance of Hungarian midfielder Peter Halmosi after his side's win over Ian Holloway's Leicester City.
The 1-0 victory, Argyle's first in the league since Boxing Day, moved Argyle to within two points of the Championship play-off spots.
Left winger Halmosi played on the right and scored the only goal.
"Halmosi was terrific in a new position for him," Sturrock told BBC Radio Devon.
Sturrock also praised debutant full-back Jim Paterson in Plymouth's first match against Leicester since Holloway's departure in November.
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In-form striker Ched Evans says he is prepared to bide his time with Wales Under-21 before getting a senior call.
"I hope (Wales manager) John Toshack gets the chance to see my two goals," he said, after a late, stunning strike helped Norwich to a 2-1 win at Cardiff.
"It might put some doubts in his mind, but I'm in no rush as I'm really happy with the U21s, we're in a great place in the Uefa championship qualifiers."
Evans also scored twice in the U21s fine 4-0 win over Malta in midweek.
The 19-year-old Manchester City front man has impressed at Norwich, and is now in his second loan spell of the season at the Canaries.
"It's been a big step up from the reserves, I'm not playing against 16-year-olds any more," said the St Asaph man. "You have to give your all in every game.
"It's been a great week for me with four goals, I'm really pleased with my performances at the moment and I'm just gaining in confidence with every game I play.
"I'm just glad that the second goal went in at Ninian Park. Darren Huckerby was screaming at me for the ball and the manager was telling me to put it in the corner!"
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Former Southampton and England striker Alan Shearer has officially ruled himself out of the running to become the Saints' new manager.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Shearer said: "I've got too many things on my plate at the moment.
"I've got my BBC commitments and my charity work. I'm also working on getting my Uefa Pro license," he added.
Shearer had been tipped to gain experience at Saints after failing to agree a role at his ex-club Newcastle.
The 37-year-old added: "I'm going to be very busy for the next six or seven months."
Shearer, who has already gained his Uefa 'A' and 'B' licences, said: "I've heard nothing from Southampton. I know Jason Dodd and John Gorman have been put in charge and I wish them all the best.
"I was with Jason both as an apprentice and as a player. I gather the club's search goes on and I wish them well with that."
When asked by BBC Radio Solent whether he would consider the job in the summer, Shearer replied: "No."
Shearer made his Saints debut in 1988, playing five seasons at the club and scoring 23 goals.
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Manager Tony Mowbray and his assistant Mark Venus have both signed new contracts at West Bromwich Albion.
Mowbray has committed to the club until the summer of 2011 and Venus has agreed an improved rolling 12-month deal.
Albion chairman Jeremy Peace said: "We're delighted Tony and Mark have signed their new contracts.
"The deals are just reward for their efforts over the past 16 months. Tony's one of the brightest managerial prospects around."
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Leicester City defender Gareth McAuley says manager Ian Holloway played a huge part in his decision to sign a new three-and-a-half year contract.
The Northern Ireland international, 27, was the subject of a bid from Ipswich Town during the transfer window.
But McAuley told BBC Radio Leicester he never wanted to leave: "I'm delighted. I was adamant I wanted to stay.
"Since Ollie arrived I feel like I've started to learn the game again and I believe he can improve me as a player."
McAuley added: "It still excites me to play for this football club. I feel comfortable and happy here.
"I am progressing at club and international level and am enjoying things."
But the centre-half admits Ipswich's interest did affect him: "It was pretty unsettling because at one stage I thought I was going to be sold.
"But things have worked out and thankfully I've got to stay here."
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Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson is to have talks with chairman Kevin McCabe after fans protested against him after Saturday's draw with Scunthorpe.
Robson, who admits he could be running out of time in the job, told BBC Radio Sheffield the fans' reaction had not helped the team in the goalless draw.
"They were on my back and the players' backs very early on in the game," said the former Middlesbrough boss.
"If we'd had better support from them I feel we could have gone on to win."
Robson, 50, took charge at Bramall Lane in May, nine days after the Blades' dramatic relegation from the Premier League on the last day of the season.
But despite their pre-season aim of returning to the top flight, United lie 17th in the table, and top scorer James Beattie has only just returned to action after a long lay-off because of a knee ligament injury.
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Iain Dowie has been sacked as manager by Championship club Coventry.
The Sky Blues are currently hovering four points above the relegation zone and the decision comes on the back of a 1-0 loss to fellow strugglers Preston.
Dowie's assistant Tim Flowers and Bob Dowie, who was part of the backroom team, have also left the club.
Frankie Bunn and John Harbin have taken charge of the team ahead of the game against Cardiff on Tuesday and the FA Cup tie against West Brom on Saturday.
Coventry have lost five of their last six league games and, despite reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup, that has not been enough to save Dowie's job.
The club confirmed the news in a brief statement on their website and said they would not be "making any further comment at this time".
Dowie, 43, has managed Oldham, Crystal Palace and Charlton before taking over at the Ricoh Arena last February as he succeeded Micky Adams.
Coventry ended last season in 17th place and started this season in promising fashion and beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Carling Cup.
But their league form dipped and, although they knocked Blackburn out of the FA Cup in January, they continued to struggle in the Championship as the early season hopes evaporated.
In 49 games in charge, Dowie won 20, lost 21 and drew eight.
Off the field, the club has been embroiled in takeover activity with Ray Ranson in the process of buying the club after they were on the brink of going into administration.
Ranson has 88% of shares and needs 90% before he can take full control of the Midlands outfit.
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Tottenham defender Michael Dawson may be sidelined for up to three weeks because of a thigh injury.
The 24-year-old limped off holding his right leg after only 14 minutes of Spurs' 3-0 Premier League win at Derby.
"We think it is a muscle tear but we won't know how bad it is until we have a proper look at him," said Tottenham manager Juande Ramos.
Dawson will definitely miss Thursday's Uefa Cup trip to Slavia Prague, leaving Spurs short at the back.
Ledley King is still struggling for fitness and Ramos added: "I have not had an updated report from our medical team.
"But we are still four or five days away, so we will make a judgement later in the week."
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Fans at Sunday's Manchester derby immaculately observed a minute's silence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash.
There had been fears some Manchester City fans would disrupt the silence before the game - in which the visitors beat rivals Manchester United 2-1.
But both sets of supporters inside Old Trafford stood for the full minute without any interruption.
However, several loud bangs appeared to come from outside the stadium.
Old Trafford observes Munich tribute
City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I would like to say a big thank you to our fans. They were absolutely fantastic before the game during the minute's silence and of course during the game."
And the visitors captain Richard Dunne added: "Our fans were fantastic - everyone within the club knew they would be.
"We are very proud of them and hopefully they are very proud of our performance."
Inside the ground, United and City supporters held up special commemorative scarves that had been handed out before the game.
Banners around Old Trafford paid tribute to the 23 people, including eight United players, who died in the disaster on 6 February 1958.
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Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz blamed the toll of international football for his side's defeat by Manchester City.
City beat their rivals 2-1 after both clubs' fans impeccably observed a minute's silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
"We believe the team was affected by international call-ups," said Queiroz.
"But talking about that would be an excuse. It was not our day. We didn't play well and need to accept that."
England's players are believed to have had two training sessions a day in Fabio Capello's first get-together as manager of the national team.
Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Serbia centre-back Nemanja Vidic were also on international duty in midweek.
"It was really unusual to see a couple of our players playing so slow, without tempo and making mistakes," added Queiroz
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Chelsea boss Avram Grant has not ruled John Terry out of a return in time for the Carling Cup final on 24 February.
Terry, who has not played since 16 December because of a foot injury, had said he had a chance of playing against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.
However, Grant was less optimistic and doubted whether his captain would even be fit for the Carling Cup final.
"We think he'll be back in three weeks - I think the cup final will be too soon but we will see," said Grant.
"He wants to do everything he can to be fit as soon as possible."
Grant admits Terry's imminent return is a major boost for the Blues, as they prepare for the run-in to the end of the season.
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Manchester United captain Gary Neville has denied speculation his injury problems could force him to retire.
The England defender has not played first-team football since last March because of ankle ligament problems and has picked up several niggles too.
Neville, 32, said: "I understand that because I've been out so long there is talk about whether I'll make it back.
"But I'm training again and I'm focused on getting fit. Once I get fit, I've no doubts at all that I'll be OK."
Right-back Neville made a goalscoring return for United last month as he played 45 minutes for the club's reserve side.
But his comeback has been put back several times because of a series of minor injuries problems.
"Ironically my ankle has been OK for the last couple of months," added Neville.
"I've just picked up little knocks here and there that have lasted a couple of weeks or so; they can really set you back when you've been out for so long.
"But I'm doing the best I can to get fit and I won't put a timescale on my return."
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Newcastle winger Damien Duff says the club will face a relegation battle unless their results start to improve.
The Magpies have taken just two points from a possible 12 since Kevin Keegan took over as manager and are just six points off the relegation places.
"We are in a fight. Relegation hasn't been mentioned in team-talks because we are trying to stay positive.
"But anyone who has got half a brain can see we need to pick up points, and the sooner the better," said Duff.
Newcastle, who were beaten 4-1 by Aston Villa on Saturday, last won a Premier League game on 15 December when they beat Fulham under former boss Sam Allardyce.
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Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal have a new resilience that could help them go five points clear at the top of the table with a win against Blackburn on Monday.
After Manchester United lost and Chelsea drew on Sunday, Arsenal can take a step towards the title and Wenger has praised his side's attitude.
He said: "The team as a whole had a personality and a mental toughness from the beginning of the season.
"We were confronted with major problems and showed resilience every time."
A major reason for Arsenal's resurgence this season has been the improved ability to counter teams who adopt a physical approach to the game.
It has not been lost on Blackburn manager Mark Hughes, who takes his team to the Emirates well aware of the size of the task ahead of him.
"Arsenal are a side that have a physical edge to their game now and I think they are reaping the benefits of that," said Hughes.
"They can compete on any level. And they are certainly not worse for it - I would say they are better for it."
It has not always been the case, and last season Cesc Fabregas mocked Hughes after being frustrated by what he felt were spoiling tactics as Rovers held Arsenal 0-0 in the FA Cup.
Now though it seems Arsenal have learned to cope better with that approach and Wenger says Fabregas, in particular, has matured.
"Cesc is committed and you always like your players to have a winning attitude," said Wenger.
"Sometimes it can go a little bit over the top but Cesc has behaved remarkably well this season - I cannot remember one incident.
"There was maybe a stage, for about six months, where he went a bit the wrong way, but he corrected that very well, without any special management from me.
"He apologised and from then on there have been no problems with him. He is so intelligent that he realised that is not the way he wanted to go."
However, Wenger realises that the current Arsenal side must win something if they are to be considered a great team.
"My target is to get the best out of this team," said Wenger. "We have to get the best out of them until the end of the season, and then we can let people judge how good we are or not."
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Aston Villa striker John Carew says the club are perfectly placed to clinch a European place for next season.
The Norwegian scored his first hat-trick for Villa in Saturday's 4-1 thumping of Newcastle.
Villa are sixth in the Premier League just three points off the final Champions League place.
Carew told BBC WM: "We are in a good position. We've kept everybody fit and as long as we avoid serious injury it won't be a problem."
Carew's treble against the Magpies took his tally to nine goals so far this season and he was quick to deflect praise on to his team-mates.
"Ashley's [Young] corner for my first was perfect for me and for the second I was just waiting for it to fall to me in the area and luckily it did," said Carew.
Carew completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after the usual taker, Gareth Barry, insisted he took it.
"Gareth told me to take it just after the whistle went and I was happy to. I'm very proud," he added.
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Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere has said he does not feel threatened by the arrival of Brazilian striker Afonso Alves at the Riverside.
After hitting the winner in Saturday's 1-0 win against Fulham, the Frenchman said he wants to focus on his own game.
"It doesn't matter how many forwards we've got," Aliadiere told BBC Tees, "there's competition at any club.
"I want to concentrate on my own work and on the team. Scoring goals is the target for me."
After a slow start, in which he scored just once in his first 18 games, Gareth Southgate's £2m summer signing is beginning to settle in - and Saturday's goal was his second in three matches.
"I'm maybe more focused and getting into better positions to score goals," he added. "Suddenly it has just started happening, so I'm delighted."
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Sunderland boss Roy Keane paid tribute to his goalkeeper Craig Gordon after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Wigan.
A string of key saves from the Scotland keeper was the sort of form that earned Gordon his £9m summer move from Hearts.
"He was outstanding," said Keane. "He's looked really sharp in the last month. He had two or three days away with Scotland and it's done him good."
Keane also believed Nigerian midfielder Dickson Etuhu had a real impact on his return from international duty.
"Dickson's always been a threat," said Keane. "I've seen him score enough goals at his former club, particularly in the air, because he's a big lad.
"That'll do Dickson the world of good. He's been frustrated that he's not played much for his country."
Irish winger Daryl Murphy lit up the game with a thunderous goal and Keane was delighted for his fellow countryman.
"Lucky he scored because he might have got a different reaction from me," smiled Keane. "When he hit it you're thinking 'Go on'. It was worth of winning any game."
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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is optimistic injured striker Fernando Torres will be fit to face Barnsley in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match.
Torres, 23, missed the goalless draw at Chelsea at the weekend because of a hamstring strain he suffered while playing for Spain against France.
But Benitez said: "Maybe he can be available for the weekend against Barnsley. We have time.
"The physios are working with him really hard. He could be OK."
Should Torres return it would be a huge boost for Liverpool, who face Italian champions Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday 19 February.
Liverpool failed to hit the target at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with striker Peter Crouch guilty of missing three good chances.
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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is optimistic injured striker Fernando Torres will be fit to face Barnsley in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match.
Torres, 23, missed the goalless draw at Chelsea at the weekend because of a hamstring strain he suffered while playing for Spain against France.
But Benitez said: "Maybe he can be available for the weekend against Barnsley. We have time.
"The physios are working with him really hard. He could be OK."
Should Torres return it would be a huge boost for Liverpool, who face Italian champions Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday 19 February.
Liverpool failed to hit the target at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with striker Peter Crouch guilty of missing three good chances.
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Histon boss Steve Fallon has allowed long-serving defender Matty Haniver to join Blue Square South neighbours Cambridge City on a month-long loan.
"Hopefully this will enable Matty to get a month of first-team experience," Fallon told his club's website.
"That will certainly hold him in good stead for our hectic end-of-season schedule," he added.
Haniver, 26, has only started a handful of games for Histon this season despite being an ever-present last term.
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Dagenham & Redbridge have signed Stevenage defender Mark Arber on loan.
The former Barnet and Peterborough centre back, 30, will stay with the Daggers until the end of the season.
Arber also finished last season with Dagenham and helped the club clinch promotion to League Two after signing from Peterborough.
He joined Stevenage last summer and had been a virtual ever-present this season before being left out of Saturday's loss to Cambridge
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Crawley boss Steve Evans was unhappy with the performance of his side in the 1-0 defeat at Forest Green on Sunday.
The loss ended a nine match unbeaten run in both Blue Square Premier and FA Trophy matches.
Evans told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I was not happy with one or two players. We just lacked a bit of energy and effort."
"The sides cancelled each other out. Second half we were dominant and they get a breakaway goal."
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Ebbsfleet United manager Liam Daish thinks their Blue Square Premier play-off hopes are still alive despite dropping two points at home to Exeter.
The Fleet drew 1-1, their first dropped points in five games, and are now eight points off the play-off zone.
Daish told BBC Radio Kent: "People can be apathetic towards our play-off chances. I feel we are as good as anyone in this league."
Ebbsfleet face trips to Crawley and Torquay within 48 hours this week.
There is commentary on both games on BBC Radio Kent's website.
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Forest Green Rovers boss Jim Harvey was delighted with his team's battling qualities as they beat Crawley 1-0.
Rovers are just four points off the play-offs after Alex Lawless's winner.
Harvey told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "We've played a lot of really good football this season and put teams under pressure.
"But this was about guts and determination and matching their effort because Crawley came here on the back of a good run, full of confidence."
"They were scoring a lot of goals so to keep a clean sheet against them and come out with a win speaks volumes for the character of the team and the squad of players that we have," Harvey added
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Halifax Town have been drawn at home in the Northern Section semi-finals of the Setanta Shield - if they can overcome Nuneaton Borough.
The two sides meet on Tuesday, 26 February at the Liberty Stadium, with the winners hosting either Droylsden or Burton Albion.
In the other Northern area semi-final Northwich Victoria will be at home to Kidderminster or Rushden & Diamonds.
In the Southern Section, Crawley host Aldershot while Weymouth go to Woking.
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Oxford United manager Darren Patterson has hailed his goalkeeper Billy Turley as the best in non-league football.
The 34-year-old former Rushden stopper made two penalty saves in United's 3-0 win over Histon and was a key figure in keeping a clean sheet.
"That's why we have signed him on a long-term deal," Patterson told BBC Radio Oxford.
"He is a great goalkeeper and he is a winner. I believe he is the best keeper in this division."
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Jim McInally has resigned from his post as manager of Greenock Morton after three-and-a-half years at the club.
McInally guided to team back to the First Division last season, but despite a good start, the team now lies ninth in the table.
"Apart from poor results over the last 10 weeks or so, Jim has been good for our club," said chairman Douglas Rae.
"But he felt the only way the players would find favour again with the supporters was with a new manager."
The 44-year-old former Dundee United midfielder took over at Cappielow from John McCormack, with the club in the Second Division.
And last season he managed the Greenock outfit back to the First Division after a hiatus of six years.
Despite a promising start the team currently finds itself in the relegation play-off spot having lost six out of its last seven league matches.
McInally's assistant, Martin Clark, will also depart the club.
"Jim Mclnally has always given one hundred percent, win or lose," added Rae.
"Both Jim and Martin are very professional, honest, trustworthy and honourable men, and I am sure that our loss will prove to be another club's gain."
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Darlington boss Dave Penney has stressed the importance of patience from fans ahead of Tuesday night's League Two trip to Notts County.
Despite Saturday's 1-0 home win against Barnet, Penney felt the crowd's expectations pressured the players particularly during a tense finish.
He told BBC Tees: "If you're winning 1-0 and there's three minutes to go you don't chuck it in the box.
"We've got to learn to be patient as a club and as players."
Saturday's win, which kept Darlo second, was marked with another impressive display from goalkeeper David Stockdale, capped by his second-half penalty stop.
"It's luck but it's also gambling the right way, and getting a good strong hand behind it," said Penney.
"He made a good save 20 minutes before the end. He's been excellent for us all season."
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john the tinca
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Manager Jim Gannon has hit out at the decision to sell Stockport County's top scorer Anthony Elding during the January transfer window.
The sale of County's leading striker to Leeds and the failure to re-sign Kevin Ellison prompted the Gannon outburst.
"What you don't expect is your top scorer to be sold when you're on the point of achieving," he told the MEN.
"The plan is to get into the Championship and grow the squad by developing players," he added.
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john the tinca
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Cambridge boss Jimmy Quinn has played down speculation striker Scott Rendell and defender Michael Morrison could be on their way to Peterborough United.
Peterborough's director of football Barry Fry was in the stands to see Cambridge beat Stevenage on Saturday.
"There's nothing in it at all," Quinn told Cambridge's website.
"I'm not in the habit of selling my best players when we're going for promotion. It'd have to be a very good offer for us to consider anything."
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john the tinca
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Yeovil manager Russell Slade has moved to solve his goalkeeping problem by agreeing a deal to sign Scott Flinders on a month's loan from Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old is expected to complete the paperwork in time to make his debut at home to Northampton on Tuesday.
Flinders joined Palace from Barnsley in 2006 but is currently behind Julian Speroni in the pecking order.
Slade was forced to sign a keeper after first choice Steve Mildenhall was injured against Walsall on Saturday.
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john the tinca
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Leeds United have urged the High Court to act quickly over their legal challenge against the Football League for their 15-point penalty deduction.
The League One club were docked points for breaching the Football League's rules on insolvency.
Leeds served a writ against the League in response and hope to have a decision before the end of the season on 3 May.
Chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "It's only fair for everybody that the decision is made before that date."
In a news conference on Monday, Harvey added: "We have now issued proceedings in the High Court against the Football League asking them to examine whether their decision was in accordance with their own regulations.
"We don't want any play-off issues, promotion issues or relegation issues to be dragging on any longer than the end of the season - that's not fair to everybody involved.
"We are seeking an expedited hearing for that to be able to take place and we will keep everybody informed as it goes along as to what progress we are making.
"We are all fully committed to trying to regain the unprecedented deduction of the 15 points."
The penalty was imposed by the Football League for the way Leeds exited administration and was upheld at a meeting of the other 71 league clubs.
Chairman Ken Bates told the news conference: "I think it's in the interest of the league themselves to have the matter resolved one way or another because at the moment their whole constitution is in question.
"They have two other clubs to look at - Luton and Bournemouth," he added.
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john the tinca
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Carlisle boss John Ward wants his players to put their disappointing away form to the back of their minds and concentrate on their promotion bid.
Following their latest failure to win away at struggling Port Vale on Saturday, the Cumbrians now host Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.
And Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria: "We're still there and we want to stay there.
"We finished eighth last year and we've put pressure on ourselves by being in the top part of the league."
After starting the season with three victories from their first away games, Carlisle have not won on the road now since late September.
But it is a different story at Brunton Park, where Ward's men have reeled off six straight wins to stay fourth - just four points shy of an automatic promotion place.
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john the tinca
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Coventry City's former managing director Paul Fletcher says he has sympathy for sacked boss Iain Dowie.
Fletcher, who appointed Dowie as City boss last year, told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "Iain wasn't managing a stable club at the time.
"There was obviously a lot of bickering going on in the background which was all part and parcel of the build up to the takeover.
"Sometimes the manager and even the players get dragged into this."
Dowie was dismissed on Monday, just shy of a full 12 months in charge at the Ricoh Arena.
A string of poor results in the Championship led to his demise, with assistant Tim Flowers and Bob Dowie following the former Charlton manager out of the club.
Fletcher resigned in October last year after failing to secure a proposed takeover deal with Manhattan Sports Capital Partners.
The Midlands outfit was subsequently saved from administration by new chairman Ray Ranson's Sisu Capital.
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john the tinca
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Barnsley goalkeeper Heinz Muller has had a successful operation on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and is set to return to Oakwell next week.
The 29-year-old picked up the injury in the 1-0 victory against Colchester in the Championship on 29 January.
Muller will miss the rest of the season and could be out of action for up to nine months because of the knee injury.
"The surgery went well and he'll see a specialist next week," Barnsley physio Richard Kay told the club's website.
"Heinz is very positive about the surgery and he is already doing some physio work in Germany."
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john the tinca
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Coventry City chairman Ray Ranson has said a difference of opinion over the future direction of the club led to Iain Dowie's departure as manager.
Ranson told the club website: "We did not share the same ideals for the club.
"I felt that to move Coventry City forward towards a more progressive way of operating, I would need a different style of first-team management here.
"My complete attention must now be to identify the right person to take our football activities forward."
Ranson added: "I have set no timescales to deliver the right manager or coach, but rest assured that I will be exploring every opportunity to ensure Coventry City can progress and deliver stability both on the pitch as well as off it."
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john the tinca
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Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric says his first 12 months in charge have been incredibly frustrating.
"It feels like 12 years," he told BBC Radio Leicester. "It's not the easiest year in my life but I am enthusiastic and it's a great opportunity.
"We are not even near where I wanted to be or where I planned to be.
"But I have to keep working on it and surround myself with the people that will help me to get there and you have to look to the big picture."
Mandaric added: "I gave my life to this club for the last 12 months, and millions of pounds, and I don't see as good progress as I wanted."
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john the tinca
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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is optimistic injured striker Fernando Torres will be fit to face Barnsley in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match.
Torres, 23, missed the goalless draw at Chelsea at the weekend because of a hamstring strain he suffered while playing for Spain against France.
But Benitez said: "Maybe he can be available for the weekend against Barnsley. We have time.
"The physios are working with him really hard. He could be OK."
Should Torres return it would be a huge boost for Liverpool, who face Italian champions Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday 19 February.
Liverpool failed to hit the target at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with striker Peter Crouch guilty of missing three good chances.
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john the tinca
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Chelsea boss Avram Grant has not ruled John Terry out of a return in time for the Carling Cup final on 24 February.
Terry, who has not played since 16 December because of a foot injury, had said he had a chance of playing against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.
However, Grant was less optimistic and doubted whether his captain would even be fit for the Carling Cup final.
"We think he'll be back in three weeks - I think the cup final will be too soon but we will see," said Grant.
"He wants to do everything he can to be fit as soon as possible."
Grant admits Terry's imminent return is a major boost for the Blues, as they prepare for the run-in to the end of the season.
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john the tinca
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West Ham have appealed against the red card shown to Lee Bowyer in Saturday's Premier League match with Birmingham.
Referee Mark Clattenburg issued a straight red to the midfielder for an alleged two-footed challenge on Blues captain Damien Johnson.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley said after the 1-1 draw: "We have asked the referee to look at it, and we think he will. Hopefully he will overturn it."
The case will now be heard by the Football Association on Tuesday.
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john the tinca
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Newcastle winger Damien Duff says the club are facing a relegation battle after a miserable run of results.
The Magpies have taken just two points from a possible 12 since Kevin Keegan took over as manager and are just six points off the relegation places.
"We are in a fight. Relegation hasn't been mentioned in team-talks because we are trying to stay positive.
"But anyone who has got half a brain can see we need to pick up points, and the sooner the better," said Duff.
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