Footiemad news item

February 29/04

A total of 20 games were hit by the weather yesterday in the English and Scottish Football Leagues.

In the Premiership the gap at the top widened to nine points as Arsenal and Chelsea were both winners, while Manchester Utd. were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham in a scrappy game at Loftus Road.

In Division 1 Norwich at Sunderland was a victim of the weather, however, West Brom failed to take advantage, losing 1-0 at home to Rotherham. Wigan, Ipswich, Millwall and West Ham to currently hold play-off positions, although that race is extremely tight and will probably change many times before the dust settles.

In Division 2 Plymouth retook top spot with a 1-0 win at Blackpool while Bristol City's impressive run of 11 wins came to an end at Hillsborough, where an injury time goal gave Sheffield Wednesday a 1-0 result. Third place QPR's game at Tranmere was postponed due to the weather. The other play-off spots are held by Swindon, Luton and Port Vale.

Doncaster increased their lead in Division 3 with a convincing 5-0 victory over Kidderminster on Friday. Second place Hull were downed 2-0 at Lincoln while Oxford , in third, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bristol Rovers. Torquay, Mansfield and Yeovil occupy the other play-off positions at this time.

Scottish fixtures were very badly hit with 13 games being postponed. In the SPL, both Celtic and Rangers are scheduled for today. Outside the top flight only two games were played, both in Division 3, Gretna dropping a 2-1 result to Montrose and Peterhead went down 1-0 to Queen's Park.

The Carling Cup Final will be played today at Millenium Stadium in Cardiff with Bolton and Middlesbrough facing off, in what should be a very hard fought game. Middlesbrough have never won a major competition, while Bolton's last success came in 1958, when they beat Manchester Utd. 2-0 in the emotional post-Munich F.A. Cup Final


Chelsea are apparently close to signing an agreement with PSV Eindhoven that would make the Dutch side a nursery club for the Premiership club. As part of the proposed agreement, Chelsea are helping to fund the signing of Santos defender Alex by PSV. "Nothing's been properly finalised just yet but there are clear advantages for everyone concerned," PSV chairman Harry van Raaij told the News of the World. "It is true Chelsea are behind this signing. Everyone's hopeful we can continue to work together." Brazilian Alex, 21, is reported to be set to spend a maximum of two years with PSV before joining Chelsea. The proposed link-up between Chelsea and PSV would resemble the co-operation deal Manchester United signed with Belgian club Antwerp in 1998.
Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 28/04

The weather in 'jolly old' is a little Siberian in some parts, to the point that 18 matches have been postponed in England, Scotland and Wales. Others are yet to be decided after late pitch inspections.


Spurs defender Ledley King has inked a new four year deal that will keep him at the club until 2008/09. The 23 year old Londoner, who made his full international debut earlier in the month, said "I'm delighted to have signed and now I can concentrate on helping Spurs move up the league." His agent added "Both the club and the player are delighted to have agreed the new deal."


Bradford City are back in administration after creditors sought an order against the club. The Bantams spent a period in administration in 2002, before agreeing a Creditors' Voluntary Agreement (CVA), which saw them stay in the league and they are now, once again, in the hands of an accounting firm. The club's finances have been the cause of a feud between the Rhodes family and former chairman Gordon Gibb, both major shareholders at Valley Parade.

The financial woes at Leeds continue as major creditors refuse to extend the 'standstill' agreement on its debt, although the club claims the creditors are still backing its search for a buyer. Administration remains a possibility, but the club is also still locked in negotiations with a Yorkshire-based consortium as it looks to stay afloat. Friday's developments, which also saw the club's shares suspended on the Stock Exchange, mean the creditors have held off while those talks continue. The consortium, led by insolvency expert Gerald Krasner, are the only bidders left after another consortium pulled out. The 'standstill agreement' had been extended on five occasions since the turn of the year - which kept Leeds out of administration. The club's future could now be resolved early next week either way. Mr Krasner also issued a statement on Friday, saying the consortium he is involved with was "passionate about the club" Krasner's group became the sole party interested in rescuing Leeds - who have debts totalling as much as £100m - when the other consortium pulled out on Thursday. That consortium consisted of ex-Huddersfield chairman Terry Fisher, Bolton Wanderers director Ian Currie and former Leeds player Trevor Cherry. The statement from Krasner's consortium claimed the bidders had "the credentials and the finances to save Leeds from administration" regardless of whether they stay up or are relegated. It continued: "Any suggestion the consortium is looking at this acquisition as an asset stripping exercise is completely untrue, so much so we can make a commitment now that, if we are successful in buying the club Leeds' future is and always will be at Elland Road. Anyone suggesting otherwise is simply scaremongering. We have nothing to hide and, despite wishing to keep the members of the consortium anonymous for the moment, our intentions have been clear for everyone to see. Our one and only motivation is to ensure the survival of Leeds United."


Leeds and former England midfielder Nicky Barmby has joined Nottingham Forest on a one month loan deal. "I'm delighted to have a player of Nicky's quality on board with us," said Forest boss Joe Kinnear. "He has got a great pedigree and he's enthusiastic to play for Nottingham Forest, and his record of international appearances speaks for itself. So does the fact that he has been involved in transfer deals totalling almost 20 million pounds." The 30-year-old, who played for Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Everton and Liverpool before Leeds, will make his debut against Bradford on Saturday. Barmby joined Leeds in August 2002 for £2.75m but only made three appearances this season. Kinnear is hopeful the deal could become a full transfer at some stage.
Stories from BBC Sports sit4e.



Footiemad news item

February 27/04

In UEFA Cup play yesterday Liverpool and Celtic were both winners while Newcastle drew in Norway.

The Football League has announced a new three year sponsorship deal with Coca Cola, commencing with the 2004/05 season. The agreement willl cover Divisions 1,2 and 3 and will bring to an end the League's involvement with Nationwide. "This new agreement is good news and provides a tremendous boost for League clubs," said Football League chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney. "It'll contribute significantly to the proposed re-branding of the League." The League has made no secret of its desire to turn their competition into a more attractive proposition to enable them to compete with the Premiership. Mawhinney believes the multi-million pound deal will continue to help League clubs on and off the field.

Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester Utd. fans to call off their proposed protest against John Magnier at Cheltenham racecourse on Gold Cup Day. "It is effectively the equivalent of the FA Cup final to horse racing fans and I would not wish this special festival to be marred," he said. "I am asking supporters to refrain from any form of protest. and I am strongly opposed to any disruptive behaviour which may reflect badly on the club and its supporters."

The news is short and late this morning due to a visit from a representative of the Scottish Tourist Board, Glasgow Division, Promotion Department. Said gentleman is here to ascertain if footiemad can assist in furthering the Scottish game, also the importing of haggis and other dubious delicacies from the banks of the Clyde. In addition, he is selling season ticket packages to Partick Thistle, St. Mirren and Clyde games for next season, air fare included. The price of same is available on request.
Some of the above is from the BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 26/04

In Champions League play yesterday Chelsea, Porto, Deportivo and Lyon were winners. The UEFA Cup trail resumes today with the third place finishers in Champions League group play joining in. Liverpool host Bulgaria's Levski Sofia, Newcastle travel to Norway to play Valerenga and Celtic entertain FK Teplice of the Czech Republic.

In the last of the F.A.Cup 5th round replays, Sunderland got two extra time goals from substitute Tommy Smith to beat Birmingham 2-0 and now host Sheffield Utd. in the quarter final.


Porto coach Jose Mourinho taunted Alex Ferguson after the win in yesterday's first leg Champions League game. Ferguson confronted Mourinho over Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia's part in Roy Keane's late dismissal in the 2-1 victory. Pouring scorn on Ferguson's reaction, Mourinho said: "I understand why he is a bit emotional. You would be sad if your team gets as clearly dominated by opponents who have been built on 10% of the budget." Mourinho also demanded Ferguson apologise for his comments about Baia. "Ferguson told me in the tunnel that he thought Vitor had made the most of it," added Mourinho. "I said I wanted to see it on television before I would make a comment but if he was right, I would apologise. However, if he has no reason to make the claim he can apologise to me." Meanwhile, Ferguson admitted his side would be weaker without Keane, who will automatically be suspended from the second leg on 9 March. "It goes without saying that we would prefer Roy to be in our team," said Ferguson. There was no malice in the incident, it is not Roy's style to do anything like that." (Obviously Ferguson's head has been in the sand for a good part of the last nine years). "The goalkeeper made more of it than he should have done. Certainly he stood on the lad but I don't know whether he could have got out of the way. I can understand why the linesman flagged but the keeper made a meal of it." (With the return leg coming up in two weeks, Mourinho may have been better advised to avoid confrontation. No need for another log on the fire before the Old Trafford meeting).


Birmingham midfielder David Dunn re-injured his hamstring and could miss the rest of the season. Dunn was stretchered off during the Blues 2-0 FA Cup defeat against Sunderland and St Andrews manager Steve Bruce is prepared for the worst. The full extent of the damage will be known by Friday but Bruce admitted: "It looks like a bad injury. We don't know if he will be out for the rest of the season, but the signs are not good." The Blues' boss added: "It is the hamstring problem we thought he had overcome. He has never pulled up like that with it before when at full pelt. It is a big blow for him, and he is that player for us who has the creativity to unlock the opposition."


If you ever thought you took your support of your team to the extreme, read on. A fire-bomber has attacked a restaurant co-owned by Inter Milan's Christian Vieri, above, in protest of his supposed attitude. The perpetrator left a message saying: "Vieri, the tolerance is over, you are not worthy of Inter. You don't deserve the support of our city because you don't care about our suffering and that we are disgraced by you. Now you start to pay." The attack came three days after Inter threw away a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to city rivals AC Milan in Serie A. Devices made from bottles damaged a wall and the sign outside the restaurant Baci & Abbracci, jointly owned by Vieri and former Inter midfielder Cristian Brocchi, who now plays for AC Milan. A similar attack, also on Tuesday, was made on a restaurant in Milan previously part-owned by Inter defender Fabio Cannavaro. Inter condemned what it called the "unspeakable" attacks in a statement on the club website. "We refuse to consider these the actions of true Inter fans," the statement said. "We regret what has happened and that these gestures were directed at our footballers, for whom we guarantee maximum security." Vieri is Inter's top scorer this season - and fourth in Serie A - with 11 goals.
Stories on BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 25/04

In Champions League play yesterday Arsenal and Lokomotiv Moscow were winners, while the other two games were drawn. Today Manchester Utd. are at Porto, Chelsea visit Stuttgart, Deportivo host Juventus and Real Sociedad play Lyon.

The last of the F.A. Cup 5th round replays takes place at St. Andrews' tonight as Birmingham play Sunderland. Last night Fulham beat West Ham 3-0 and now meet Manchester Utd. in Round 6.


The fastest hat trick in Football League history was scored yesterday by Bournemouth's James Hayter. The striker came on as an 84th minute substitute to score three times in two minutes and 20 seconds in their 6-0 win over Wrexham. It capped a memorable week for the forward, who missed Saturday's defeat at Brighton to be with girlfriend Sarah as she gave birth to their son, Harris. The Cherries were 3-0 up against 10 men when Hayter came on for Steve Fletcher. "Sean O'Driscoll had already made a couple of substitutions, so I thought I wouldn't get on," he explained."But as I came on, Fletch told me there was a lot of space and I could get a couple of goals. I only had four or five touches the whole time I was on, and three of them were goals! I didn't realise until afterwards in the changing room when someone said it could have been one of the quickest ever." Speculation, however, that he could follow in the footsteps of Cherries skipper Carl Fletcher, capped by Wales last week, is unfounded. Despite some reports stating that "a Welshman" had been Wrexham's undoing, Hayter hails from Newport on the Isle of Wight, rather than its namesake in Gwent.


Some welcome news today for out tartaned techie Andy. Gerard Houllier has said he will not quit as manager of Liverpool and fully expects to be in charge again next year. He has been fiercely criticised after the FA Cup defeat at Portsmouth, but told BBC Sport: "I will not walk away. I am strong and still have goals. I expect to be manager next season because we will reach our targets. I think we will achieve our objective of Champions League football and the board know what we have turned around and that we are on the right track. These are the two reasons why I still believe I will be here next season." BBC Sport also understands support for Houllier remains strong inside the Anfield boardroom, with £14m already committed to the arrival of Djibril Cisse from Auxerre next summer.


Portsmouth have had another setback as they fight for their Premiership life.. Czech Republic international Patrik Berger will be out for the rest of the season. He injured his knee in a game against Chelsea and flew to America for surgery on the problem. The midfielder's agent Barry Silkman revealed he would not be back in action before May. "Patrik will be out for three months. There's no problem, but there's no point in rushing things," said Silkman. Berger has scored five times in 23 games for Pompey, who are currently 17th in the Premiership, above Wolves on goal difference with one game in hand.


Leeds midfielder David Batty will see out his contract with the Yorkshire club despite being told he will not play for the club again, according to his agent. "Why would David want to leave Leeds? He's got a contract until the end of the season and he's going to see it out," Hayden Evans told BBC Sport. "There's been several clubs in for him in the last couple of weeks but he's not interested in going anywhere else. There's never been any hint of David retiring." The Leeds squad agreed to defer more than 20% of their wages in January to help the club ease their financial predicament. It was reported that after Batty was axed by manager Eddie Gray he sought to claim his wages in full, but Evans revealed that was not true. "The talk about David refusing to defer his wages is nonsense." said Evans. "Even though he's not part of the squad, it was a collective decision to defer and he was part of that decision, so he won't be going back on it."


Celtic are reported to be interested in Jay-Jay Okocha for next season as his contract talks with Bolton have come to a roadblock. The Nigeria captain is out of contract in the summer, and there is no sign of a new agreement being reached. Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: "Talks have been on the go for a long time but we're not that close." Celtic boss Martin O'Neill wants to add flair to his side, and if Bolton fail to reach Europe via the Carling Cup, he could offer Champions League football. Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is hoping that if European football is achieved by victory in the Carling Cup final against Middlesbrough on Sunday, that may tempt Okocha and a host of other stars to stay at The Reebok. Okocha is reportedly on £30,000-a-week at Bolton, but Celtic could have cash available after Henrik Larsson's departure in the summer.


Millwall assistant manager Ray Wilkins, above with player-manager Dennis Wise, is confident that the Lions can mantain their challenge for a promotion play-off spot. The former England, Manchester Utd. and Chelsea midfielder said "We have some very good players in very important positions. The lads have certainly kick-started their season but now comes the hard part. We are playing now for the pot - we've got to get there. Now it's pressure time. I believe the lads can play under that pressure."
Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 24/04

Champions League play resumes today on four fronts with the first leg of the knockout stages. Arsenal are in Spain to take on Celta Vigo, Real Madrid visit Bayern Munich, Lokomotiv Moscow host Monaco and holders AC Milan are at Sparta Prague.

The 5th round F.A.Cup replay between Fulham and West Ham will be played tonight at Upton Park, with the winner to meet Man U. in the Quarter Finals.


Celtic striker Chris Sutton, above right with team mate Alan Thompson, believes they are victims of arrogance, after they were omitted from the England squad to face Portugal last week. Sutton, capped once, has long given up hope of an England recall. "They sent someone up to watch Thommo against Dundee United 10 days ago," he said. "Now he knows his chance has gone as well. I don't know what the problem is. There is a bit of arrogance down there, but Celtic know they are a good side." This is nonsense. Real Madrid's David Beckham captains the side, while Owen Hargreaves of Bayern Munich regularly gets the call. It is also not a commentary on the quality of Celtic. Is it possible that both the Celtic men are in their thirties and Sven-Goran Eriksson et al are looking at the longer term, by introducing younger blood to the international arena. I certainly don't agree with many of the Swede's selections, however, do not believe he would weaken the squad just to snub SPL players.


Manchester Utd. defender Mikael Silvestre will miss three weeks after damaging an ankle ligament against Leeds on Saturday. This is not good news for the Old Trafford club, who trail Arsenal by seven points. Rio Ferdinand is already out for, at this time, eight months due to a faulty brain, while Gary Neville is due to start a four game suspension, Paul Scholes is appealing a violent conduct charge and Wes Brown has yet to regain his sharpness after a long injury lay-off. "It is a big blow for us but we will just have to get on with it," said United boss Alex Ferguson.


On the international scene, there is trouble brewing in the German camp prior to the build-up to Euro 2004. Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, above, and Bayern's Oliver Kahn do not speak. Lehmann is apparently frustrated at being second in the pecking order and has taken a verbal swipe at his team mate for an affair with a barmaid while the Bayern stopper's wife was pregnant. "I didn't know Oliver and I were supposed to talk. I don't have a 24-year-old girlfriend. I have a different life," he told a magazine. (Wishful thinking, maybe) Kahn admitted he was upset by Lehmann's comments. He said: "I am deeply hurt. This is as low as it can get." Lehmann's remarks have seen him criticised by German World Cup-winning captain and manager Franz Beckenbauer. He has said present national coach Rudi Voeller must now decide whether to drop the Gunners' keeper from the squad. "I felt for some time that something was wrong but I didn't expect it would come out that way," said Voeller. "I'll do what I think is right. I will not let emotions blind me. I will talk to Jens about the situation calmly but clearly."
Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 23/04


Arsenal now have the financing secured to continue the building of the new stadium at Ashburton Grove. The £357m was raised with a complex senior loan facility plus Arsenal money from Granada, Nike and the sale of surplus land assets. The Gunners hope the 60,000-seater stadium will now be ready for the start of the 2006-07 season. "This is exciting news. This club has such an illustrious past but this is one of the most important dates in our history," said manager Arsene Wenger. The Gunners boss has always maintained that leaving Highbury to move to a larger new stadium is essential to the club's long-term growth. "It has been a big target of mine to participate in pushing the club forward and relocating to a new stadium is a necessity as it will enable us to become of one the biggest clubs in the world," added Wenger. "I love the fact that the new site is so close to Highbury, it's where our heart is and from a personal point of view, I am hopeful of being the Arsenal manager when we move to the new stadium in 2006."


Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira faces a fitness test ahead of tomorrow's Champions League game in Spain against Celta Vigo. The midfielder was injured in a challenge with John Terry in the 2-1 win at Chelsea. He is doubtful for the last 16 game and manager Arsene Wenger said: "Patrick has had ice on it and we will see how he responds." He added: "Knowing Patrick and how much he wants to play, that keeps me always optimistic, but we have to say that he is a risk." Wenger can ill afford to be without his influential captain for such an important game, especially with Ray Parlour and Sylvain Wiltord also missing, while Dennis Bergkamp will not travel to Spain. If he is ruled out, Edu would likely start in central midfield with Gilberto, while Jose Antonio Reyes is expected to start in his homeland.


Damien Duff is hopeful he can be on the bench for Chelsea's Champions League clash with Stuttgart on Wednesday. The Republic of Ireland winger last started a game in December, when he dislocated his shoulder against Fulham. He made two substitute appearances on his first attempted comeback last month only to break down again with a recurrence of an Achilles problem. Manager Claudio Ranieri said: "I hope that Damien can be back on Wednesday. Last week, he trained with all his team-mates. Not at the same level but he is getting better and that is important. I hope that he will maybe be on the bench for the Champions League. I am not sure but I want to check him." Physio Mike Banks added: "Damien has been training with the team for most of last week and looks in very good condition. But with an Achilles injury, it is important not to be too pushy or it will end up costing him more time in the long run."


Beleaguered Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has received the endorsement of skipper John Terry, who has urged the Stamford Bridge board (Roman Abramovich) to keep their faith in the Italian. Speculation over Ranieri's future has intensified following the 2-1 home defeat by leaders Arsenal, which left Chelsea nine points behind the Gunners. However Terry leapt to his manager's defence, saying: "I'd just ask the board to be patient. We have the quality to win the title but need time. When we come back for pre-season training I want him there as manager. I think that's the same for all the lads."


Gerard Houllier says that Liverpool's defeat in the Cup yesterday by Portsmouth will make it very difficult to salvage the season. "I know I am going to get slaughtered but I do not feel under any more pressure now," Houllier told the club's official website. "It's not about me, it's about the team. It has been a difficult season. We were without Michael Owen for three months. Other things have gone against us. It's unfair to slaughter us." Of the replay at Fratton Park, Houllier said: "It's a blow, we wanted to go to Cardiff. Now we must focus on the Uefa Cup and trying to get fourth place in the Premiership."


Following his failed bid to buy Fulham last year, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, above, is now setting his sights on Liverpool. Thawatchai Satchakul, the coach of the Thai national team, is advising Shinawatra on the bid. He said: "I believe the prime minister already had his aides checking Liverpool's financial position. He is now in the process of deciding whether to bid for Liverpool. It should be a bigger club (than Fulham)." Satchakul also advised the billionaire on his attempt to buy the London club. On that occasion Thaksin, who made his money in the telecommunications industry, failed because Mohamed Al Fayed did not want to sell. "His feeling now is similar to that five or six months ago when Fulham was in the picture. If you visualised him doing shopping in a store, I would say the prime minister's eyes are now fixed on Liverpool," Thawatchai said.


Scotland boss Berti Vogts has made an approach to Gordon Strachan to join his coaching staff, with a view to possibly taking over in 2006. Strachan, who left Southampton earlier this month, has rejected the offer, but the German hopes to persuade him to rethink the situation after a break from the game. "He isn't interested in football at the moment but I suggested to him if he got back at this level he could take over from me in 2006," said Vogts. The former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds player is the man many of the Tartan Army want to see in charge right now following Wednesday night's 4-0 thrashing in Wales. Vogts' offer was to join the coaching staff after a summer hip operation with a view to taking over after the next World Cup finals. "I will have another talk with Gordon after his operation. I spoke to him three or four weeks ago and he said then he only wanted to work with younger players. I thought that would be perfect - he could work with our under-16s, under-17s and under-19s." This assumes that Vogts will be around that long.
Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 22/04


Newcastle and former England skipper Alan Shearer, who retired from the international scene after Euro 2000, has turned down an approach to rejoin the national squad. "The opportunity arose around six or seven months ago," said Shearer. "However, I thought about it and the reasons I initially gave for retiring still stood."


Contrary to earlier assertions, Leeds striker Alan Smith has hinted that he might leave the club if they are relegated. The 23-year-old, who scored a vital goal to earn Leeds a point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United, said: "If we go down I've got to think again about whether I will stay. If the worst comes to the worst, I'll see it through to the end of the season so nobody can say I bailed out halfway through." The point yesterday, combined with other results, saw Leeds hit bottom again, but Smith believes the Elland Road side can avoid the drop. He added: "We have a good chance of avoiding relegation - we've got the players and if we can keep Mark Viduka and me fit, we'll win matches. It will be a big achievement, but it's something we expect to do. We still have a group of players who did well for us a few years ago so there is enough quality at the club to suggest we can get out of this mess. All the other teams who are down there with us have got to come to Elland Road so it's really in our hands." (Now there's a lad not lacking in confidence.)


Fabio Capello, currently head man at Roma, has admitted to an interest in the vacancy at Tottenham, despite the North London club's statement that they have already identified the man they want. The Italian, who has coached at both AC Milan and Real Madrid said "Spurs are an important team in English football - they intrigue me a lot. I want a different way of life, and this is in England. I like English football for its athleticism. The challenge that attracts me abroad is for cultural differences. For the future I wish to be going to a championship I don't know a lot about. I like a lot Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, and the Chelsea of my friend Claudio Ranieri. But Tottenham intrigue me a lot - if they have the ambition and the strength to make a big team."

In Div 2 yesterday, the top two were both winners. Bristol City beat Wrexham 1-0 while Plymouth kept up the pressure downing Port Vale 2-1. Third place QPR saw the gap widen as they grabbed a late equalizer, on Friday at home to Peterborough, for a 1-1 draw..

Doncaster moved to top spot in Div 3, winning 2-1 at Mansfield. Hull fell to second, going down 1-0 at home to Torquay and Oxford stayed third, only managing a 1-1 draw at home against 10 man Bury. Financially troubled Darlington moved out of the bottom three with a 3-2 win at Yeovil.


Partick Thistle have signed former Portuguese international striker Jorge Cadete to a one month deal. This could see him face former club Celtic in a top v bottom clash today in the SPL. The Jags invited Cadete to train with them this week after a proposed trial with Raith Rovers fell through. He scored 32 goals for Celtic during the 1996-97 season, but moved on to Spanish club Celta Vigo after just one campaign in Glasgow. Jags chief executive Alan Dick insisted the 31-day deal did not break the club's strict wage ceiling policy. "That was the only way we would have taken him - and that's why we are the only solvent club in the country," he said. Cadete is hoping the prospect of him making an appearance against his former club will be enough to encourage fans of both teams to flock to Firhill. "It is important to me as I have the chance to play again and it gives me the chance to show the footballing world that I can still play the game," he said. "I have been out for 18 months, which is the same that some players can miss through injury, but I have been fit through it all and have a good level of fitness still. Fitness-wise I feel okay and if the management ask me to play on Sunday then I am ready," Co-manager Derek Whyte told his club's website: "We were trying to get a centre forward in during the transfer window and to think that we can get a player of the calibre of Jorge Cadete is a great bit of business for Partick. This is not a publicity stunt. We are bringing in a player who can certainly bring something to the club."
Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

February 21/04


Welsh legend John Charles died this morning, aged 72. He joined Leeds at 17 where he played for eight years and scored over 150 goals, moving to Juventus in 1957 for a then record fee of £67,000 and scored 93 goals in 155 matches. It was in Turin he was nicknamed 'the gentle giant'. He also had spells at Roma and Cardiff. In 38 appearances for Wales, Charles scored 15 times and played for his country in the 1958 World Cup finals. The big man, who played as a striker or centre-half, was never booked or sent off in his career. He was awarded the CBE in 2001 and a year later made a Vice President of the Welsh F.A. He was admitted to hospital in January after feeling unwell prior to an appearance on Italian television. He underwent two operations in Milan and had part of his foot amputated due to serious blood circulation problems before being flown back to England. Swansea-born Charles passed away at Wakefield's Pinderfields Hospital in the early hours of Saturday. 'King John' was one of the all-time greats in the game, admired by all who saw him play.



Footiemad news item

Huge kudos to Rogers Sportsnet for being flexible and showing this 'game of the week'. This old fart will now check your scheduling with monotonous regularity instead of thinking that once posted, it is cast in stone. You are advancing the cause in Canada, keep up the good work.

The TV schedule has been changed to accomodate games with significance. On SPORTSNET (God love them) at 10.00 EST Saturday Chelsea v Arsenal and at 12.30 Man U v Leeds

February 20/04


Manchester Utd and England midfielder Paul Scholes has been charged with violent behaviour after a clash with Middlesbrough's Doriva, in which both players appeared to raise their hands. The incident occured during Boro's 3-2 win at Old Trafford two weeks ago. Referee Paul Durkin did not see the incident so neither player was punished at the time. After studying video evidence the FA has charged Scholes but not Doriva, with the Englishman given until March 5 to respond. The prospect of a ban for Scholes comes at a bad time for United, with Gary Neville facing a ban for headbutting Steve McMananam in the FA Cup tie. United are also without Rio Ferdinand as he is serving an eight-month ban for failing to attend a drugs test.


Southampton striker James Beattie says he would have no problem if Glenn Hoddle were to return to St. Mary's at the season's end.. "A bit of a myth has sprung up about my relationship with Glenn." said Beattie. "I never had a problem with Glenn, I certainly have no axe to grind with him or grudge to bear and I would not slap in a transfer request." The prospect of Hoddle's appointment has raised questions over Beattie's future with the south coast club. When Hoddle was Saints boss he agreed a price with Crystal Palace for Beattie, and that has now sparked speculation the pair did not get on. "Yes, he did try to sell me to Crystal Palace, but with the wisdom of hindsight I can see why he might have wanted to have done it," added Beattie. "I was a raw, young striker who had not established myself in the first team and he had agreed what he thought was a good price for me with Palace. I told him I didn't want to go, and he said: 'fair enough, let's work together.'"


The Football Association of Ireland are not doing cartwheels over a hint from Roy Keane that he would welcome the chance to wear the green jersey once again. The Manchester Utd. captain won 'Idiot of the Year' honours when he was sent home from the World Cup, after the much publicized confrontation with then boss Mick McCarthy. The FAI refused to comment on the reports on Friday morning and Brian Kerr also seems certain to remain silent on the issue. The prevailing view at FAI headquarters is that Keane said nothing new on Thursday. On a number of previous occasions, Keane has made similar comments but the chances that Brian Kerr will contact the 32 year old appear remote. After the debacle in the Far East, where he disgraced himself, why would they want him?


Former Scotland midfielder John Collins is not a fan of Berti Vogts and believes the German should be fired as Scotland's manager in the wake of the drubbing on Wednesday, albeit a friendly. "I don't think he is the man for the job.They look like a team lacking motivation and passion." said Collins. "We don't have a lot of talent, you have to say that, but what we do have needs to be motivated and inspired." Collins believes Vogts' command of the language is also making it difficult to get his message across to Scotland's players. He said: "What comes across to me in his interviews before and after games is that he doesn't have a great grasp of the language first and foremost. When you've got limited players, what you have to do is make sure they're motivated, and to motivate individuals you have to get into their minds and communicate with them. In the past we haven't had the greatest teams but what we did have was 11 players going out on the park motivated, playing for each other and organised. We got results, we surprised a lot of teams and it was very rare that we got a going-over, as is happening just now."


Blackburn midfielder Barry Ferguson, who fractured a knee cap in a game with Newcastle in December and was expected to miss the rest of the season, could be back by the end of March. Manager Graeme Souness says the 26-year-old Scotland international has made a rapid recovery and is expected to return to Rovers' starting line-up in five weeks. "On Monday, he'll be thrown into the second phase of his rehabilitation," said Souness. "He's taken five days off to get some sun on his back, then he'll be involved in running and maybe kicking a ball. I'm hoping he'll be back in a month to five weeks, but I know that Fergie is determined to get back playing as soon as possible."


Scotland's James McFadden is not enthusiastic over new regulations that could see foreign players representing any of the UK national teams on residency grounds. "If any foreign players did come in, no matter who they are, they would not be welcome because it is Scotland, not any other country," said McFadden. "They can't get a game for their country so they shouldn't come to ours and try to take our positions." The four home nations are set to meet to discuss the implications on 28 February. So far, manager Berti Vogts and Scottish Football Association chief executive David Taylor have declined to rule out the possibility of recruiting hastily-naturalised foreigners. Wednesday night's Millennium Stadium mauling by Wales intensified the debate as it was clear that Scotland, who lost 4-0, are in terrible shape. Everton's McFadden made it clear there was already a strong feeling of resistance among the players. "Other teams may do it but I don't know what the SFA's view or the manager's view is. But none of the Scottish players want to see foreigners coming in, no matter who they are or how good they are. What passion is going to be there for them? If they don't fancy it are they going to try? Are they going to try for the fans or anybody else?" See the comments by John Collins, above, regarding passion and motivation. It also seems to me that Everton are an English team, so, Jimmy lad, is this a bit of a double standard? Some poor English boy is not in the Goodison squad since your arrival. Your passion did not keep you at Motherwell.


Real Madrid's French midfield star Zinedine Zidane has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2007. He had earlier hinted he would retire at the end of the 2004/05 season. "I'm delighted. It was what the club wanted and what I wanted," Zidane told the club's official website."For me the most important thing is to play football and doing that here at Real Madrid is the greatest pleasure I could have." Zidane has been at the Bernabeu since moving from Serie A side Juventus in a world record $66m deal in July 2001.
Stories from BBC Sports site.



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February 19/04

The friendlies are over. Northern Ireland scored its first goal in 1298 minutes of football. Scotland's defence disappoints Vogts, resembling a collander against Wales. England fans well behaved and no arrests reported. Ashley Cole and Gilberto Silva injured ahead of Arsenal's weekend clash with Chelsea, the seriousness yet to be determined. Mark Viduka will miss the Leeds game with Manchester Utd, a result of a ban for missing the Socceroo's game in Venezuela after the Australian Soccer Association did not accept his injury plea. Was it all worth it? Many of the teams were not even close to being at full strength and substitutes were used freely, so it's anybody's guess.

The F.A. have warned Oldham about their disciplinary record, which has to show considerable improvement or the club will be facing a fine at the end of the season. With four points awarded per yellow card and ten for a red, Oldham have been told to get their average mark per game down from 9.14 to below 8. Otherwise they could be hit with a fine which could be up to £30,000.


Bradford City's managing director Shaun Harvey has warned the club could go back into administration if they fail to find a resolution to their financial problems. Harvey explained: "We are close to the finishing line but there are a few hurdles to negotiate. In the event of failing to reach an agreeement with the last remaining stakeholders, then we will be forced to find additional funding elsewhere. As a last resort we could go back into administration," The club, currently 23rd in Division 1 and eight points from safety, have been in negotiations with their creditors since November and are close to conclusion. The anicipated level of funding required is estimated at between £3m-£5m, which chief executive Julian Rhodes and his family are prepared to meet. Harvey added: "I have been assured by Julian Rhodes that in the event of the company having to be placed in the hands of an Administrator that his commitment to the club will not alter. He will do everything within his control to ensure the survival of the club."
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February 18/04

Well, the big day is upon us. National teams from around the globe will use about 25% of players registered as such to bilk the fans of their money and provide a cure for insomnia for the rest of us. At a time of the year when, in Europe, the league's are heading for the run in to the championship, team's are taking part in the final stages of cup competitions and top clubs are involved in the Champions League and UEFA Cup races, just what everyone needs is a meaningless friendly. The only way that FIFA will get the message and stop insisting that players be made available for such fiascos, is if the fans stay away. As it stands, there are people winning caps that normally would be spectators at international level.
It is the same thing with the Centenary Celebration game in May. I can accept that the France v Brazil friendly was arranged two years ago and the F.A. should have taken this into consideration when setting a date for the Cardiff spectacular. By the same token, FIFA should have been aware of , in this instance, the F.A. Cup Final and not pick a date two days earlier and expect all the players from those nations to be available. Surely such austere bodies as FIFA and the F.A. are on speaking terms. One would assume that at least one member of each the above has heard of and knows how to use a telephone. This is beaurocracy at its finest. The same argument would be equally applicable to FIFA and any other national governing body. It is time for those running the game to work together for the common good, as opposed to each having seperate agendas.

In Division 2 yesterday, Bristol City moved into top spot with a 2-1 win at Grimsby, while previous leaders Plymouth crashed 3-0 at Tranmere.



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February 17/04


Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has apparently shown some interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday, currently in Division 2. The 72 year old, who it appears is being frozen out at the Bridge since Peter Kenyon assumed the chief executive mantle, is being held back by the reluctance of the Owls to make financial information available.Chairman Dave Allen admitted Bates was interested, and a Wednesday spokesman confirmed the Chelsea chief had made an enquiry. "Yes, it is true that Ken Bates made an enquiry about buying Sheffield Wednesday three or four weeks ago," the spokesman told BBC Sport. "But he has not come back to the club with a formal offer since then." Bates bought Chelsea 22 years ago for just £1 before agreeing to sell it to billionaire Russian businessman Roman Abramovich for £17m last year.


Fulham defender Jon Harley, who has been on loan to West Ham for the past month, has agreed to a two month extension of his stay ay Upton Park. Harley's initial loan period of one month expired at the weekend when the Hammers earned an FA Cup fifth-round replay against his parent club. He now has another chance to earn a permanent stay before his contract at Fulham expires next summer. Hammers boss Alan Pardew said: "Jon has signed for two more months which I think is good for West Ham fans because he has played well. It is two more months for him to see if he can secure a permanent deal." Harley is ineligible to play against Fulham in next week's replay at Upton Park because of FA rules.

Manchester Utd. will be under the scrutiny of the Takeover Panel, who will be watching, very carefully, trading in the shares of the EPL club ahead of a possible takeover bid. The City watchdog made the statement following comments by US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer, who said he may make a bid for the club. The club has officially been placed in an "offer period", which will last until Mr Glazer either makes a bid or decides against making an offer. Manchester United said it still had not received any takeover offer. In a statement, the club said: "The board of Manchester United wishes to make clear that, as at today's (Tuesday's) date, it has not received any approach, formal or informal, regarding a possible takeover offer for the company."


If the English are masters of the understatement, their opposition tomorrow, if Luis Figo is a valid example, are masters of the overstatement. The Portuguese skipper said of his Real Madrid teammate, ahead of the friendly between the two countries, "David Beckham is a monster of soccer, he is not only in the current elite, he will go in history as one of the best of all times."
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February 16/04

The draw for the F.A. Cup Quarter Finals :

Millwall v Tranmere
Manchester Utd v Fulham or West Ham
Sunderland or Birmingham v Sheffield Utd
Liverpool or Portsmouth v Arsenal

Ties to be played March 6/7


We start today with an excerpt from the new children's book 'Gary in Wonderland'. The Manchester Utd. defender, given a yellow card for a dive and then a red card for subsequently putting the nut on Steve McManaman, is not entirely remorseful for his actions. Neville had an appeal for a penalty refused and was then sent-off for his part in the fracas that followed. "I made a mistake but I'm not going to beat myself up about it," he said. "I am annoyed with myself because I'll be suspended for important matches but that's the only reason to regret what happened with Steve McManaman." Writing in his column for The Times newspaper, Neville said: "Firstly I was 100% convinced at the time that I deserved a penalty. (Anyone seeing the game would disagree) "Now I have seen the replays I can understand why referee Jeff Winter did not give it but the defender caught my shins and missed the ball completely. When I got up three City players were rushing towards me. I pushed them out of the way but McManaman brushed his head against mine" (Must have been a long distance brush). "When he came towards me again I pushed my head forward in anticipation of him doing the same. I have no problems with the referee's decision because it looks like a headbutt." (Now you're talking) It should be added that McManaman and a couple of others involved in the fracas were lucky not to see yellow.


Tottenham defender Ledley King has been called up by Sven-Goran Eriksson to replace Sol Campbell in the midweek friendly with Portugal. Campbell aggravated a groin injury in the cup game with Chelsea. The 23-year-old King has made two substitute appearances for England. "He's strong and skilful and can play in many positions. It will be good to have him with us," Eriksson said. "Ledley is another good young player that we have. I have seen him play several times this season."


Central defender Claus Lundekvam has inked a contract extension for two years at Southampton. The deal takes the 31 year old up to the 2007 season when he will look to end his career with Saints. The Norwegian international arrived at The Dell in 1996 from Brann Bergen for £400,000 and has made more than 250 appearances for the south coast club..He said: "I was pleased to sign a new deal and I think I made it clear all along that I wanted to stay here. This is my eighth season at Southampton which is a long time in football but I have enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to finish my playing days at the club," Lundekvam, who was one of former manager Graeme Souness' first signings continued "The club has grown enormously since I first arrived. There is a new stadium and the playing squad is the strongest that I have ever seen. There is competition for every place throughout the team and that can only be a good thing," Lundekvam signed his new deal at the end of a week in which manager Gordon Strachan stepped down three months early. The Saints defender said: "I am obviously sad to see Gordon go because I think he has done a very good job for us but it didn't affect my decision. It is up to the chairman to appoint a replacement but I am sure that will be taken care of."


West Ham manager Alan Pardew is eager to sign Michael Carrick to a new deal. The 22 year old midfielder, who has a year and a half left on his current deal, has been in great form this season and the Hammers boss does not want him to just play through to the end of that term. Carrick - who has two England caps - is keen to force his way back into Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans, but knows it will be difficult from Division One. "I think you have to be in the Premiership to get into the England squad," he said. "It was okay for David James because he was already established but to break into it you have to be playing in the Premier League against top players. I want to be back in the squad again but now is not the time to think about it."


From Scotland, it is expected that Dunfermline players will announce they will accept pay-cuts in a move designed to keep the club out of administration. It is believed that it could trigger £2m of new investment into the Scottish Premier League outfit. The wage cuts are crucial to a rescue business plan formulated in conjunction with accountants Deloitte Touche.Chairman John Yorkston called in the advisors as he attempted to prevent the club buckling under tightening of Bank of Scotland overdraft limits, which have already been blamed for Dundee and Livingston going into administration this season. There is also a feelgood story that is part of the deal and shows that it is not all about self and greed in the pro game. In-form striker Noel Hunt said: "I'm sure an agreement will happen on Monday and everything will get sorted out." Manager Jimmy Calderwood and assistant Jimmy Nicholl have indicated that they are willing to accept reduced terms, although there have been suggestions that they may have to lose a couple of their backroom staff. Players talked directly to Deloitte Touche last week but delayed their own decision as there was disagreement about whether the cuts should be an across-the-board percentage reduction or a sliding scale. Hunt revealed that he and other young players at East End Park will be exempt. "I'm not going to be affected by it, because the senior players have decided to help the young boys out because we don't earn as much as them," he said. "They decided that, to be eligible for it, you have to earn a certain amount and I think that shows how close everyone here is and what sort of spirit we have. They deserve credit for doing that, because they didn't have to and we are all grateful."
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February 15/04

Not much worth commenting on so far today and it's an early start at Highbury. Yesterday saw some losing their heads, some using their heads and , in Gary Neville's case, both.



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February 14/04

The England squad to face Portugal on February 18

All ties are scheduled for the weekend of the 6 and 7 March.

In an addendum to an earlier piece of news, Welsh legend John Charles, who underwent heart surgery last month after collapsing on an Italian TV show, has now had part of his right foot amputated. The doctors at the Milan hospital had no choice, as circulation problems following the earlier operaton meant blood was not reaching the end of the foot. He is expected to make a full recovery. We continue to wish him well.
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February 7/04


The Welsh F.A. will appeal the decision of the UEFA disciplinary committee that allows Russia to remain in the Euro 2004 tournament. The FAW will be given a personal hearing before Uefa's appeals body and believe they can argue a strong case for that decision to be reversed. Secretary general David Collins and manager Mark Hughes, above, backed up by their legal and medical experts, will attend the hearing to argue their case. Hughes said "We intend to take this all the way, and if we fail this time we will consider going to the European sports arbitration body. Why should we not do this? Anybody else would do the same. For too long we have maybe felt that we are only Wales so what we say will not make a difference. But that is not the case now, we have made people sit up and take notice on the pitch and now we aim to do the same off it as well. Logistics of ticket sales, hotels booked, draws made, should not come into it. Yugoslavia dropped out in '92 and Denmark came off the beach to win the tournament and just took over their fixtures, so there is no need for a re-draw. I hope these things did not come into the thinking of the panel. This is a moral issue. Something has happened to effect the outcome of a game, so whatever the consequences the right decision should be made."


England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has apparently added unnecessary fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding the managerial position at Stamford Bridge. The Swede has repeatedly been linked with the job since Roman Abramovich took control of the club last year. He said a poor Euro 2004 for England and failure for Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea could see him change roles. "I have a contract but of course much relies on what happens in the spring and summer," Eriksson reportedly told Swedish journalists. "Let's say England lose every game 3-0 in Portugal then I suppose I will get the sack before we get back. If that happens and if, let's say, Chelsea has been a flop from now until May, then something can happen." Eriksson stressed, however, that he had not been in talks with Chelsea. Quoted in The Sun newspaper, he said: "At the moment, I don't think of any clubs in the Premiership as most have good managers. I also know that I can't improve the players at Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea as they have good managers and coaches." On the other side of the coin, Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri remains philosophical. He has admitted he will not be surprised if he loses his job following the arrival of new chief executive Peter Kenyon. The Italian has been warned by Kenyon that it would be a "failure" if the club does not win anything this season. However Ranieri commented "I could be sacked even if I win something. When the owner or chief executive changes at a club, it's normal to change the manager also - it is unusual if he stays." Ranieri believes upcoming matches against Premiership leaders Arsenal in the league and FA Cup fifth round could seal his fate. He said: "This month is very important. The two matches against Arsenal could change the season. We want to win something. It is our ambition and we will try, but I could still go. If I'm the man who wins things, that will be my pleasure. If not, it will be the pleasure of the next manager."


Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has moved to scotch the usual end of season rumours ahead of time. The 27 year old French international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian Serie A champions Juventus, but he insisted that he was happy at Highbury and said: "I know that there will be rumours about me. It happens every year but I will be here for a long time," he told the Daily Mirror newspaper. Vieira added: "I'm sure this summer I'll be supposed to be going to Barcelona, or Madrid or Juventus and that I've been spotted there." The Gunners' midfield maestro is contracted to the club until 2007 after signing a new deal in the summer and sees no reason why he should leave before then with the club planning to move into a £400m state-of-the-art ground a short walk from their current home. "Of course I want to play at Ashburton Grove for Arsenal," he added. "The stadium will be fantastic. It will be sad for me to leave Highbury because it's a wonderful old stadium and when you just walk into the ground you feel that special atmosphere, but the way football is going, the ambition and future of the club and the desire to be there with the best, means we need a bigger stadium."


Rangers' Fernando Ricksen will be the subject of the SFA video review panel after an apparent elbow against Hibs' Derek Riordan during the CIS Cup semi final on Thursday. No date has been set for the panel to sit, but some time next week is likely. Ricksen was banned for two games by the SFA over an incident involving Darren Young after television cameras caught him kicking out at the Dons' player in a league match in November 2000.
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February 6/04


After five months on the sidelines injured, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has resumed playing again. He went an hour in Utd.'s reserves 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The Norwegian international last played in mid-September and it had been feared he would miss the rest of the season. "There was a slight setback a couple of weeks ago in training but there's been no problem since," he said."It's great to be back playing again."


Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka has had a change of heart and would now like to play for France again. The 24-year-old suggested last year that he would not play for the French team, after a row with coach Jacques Santini. He is now looking for a possible return for Euro 2004 and told French newspaper L'Equipe: "I want to be a French international again. When you get older, you change, and you grow up. I never closed the door to the French team." Santini has recently been hit by a five-match suspension handed to striker Djibril Cisse after his dismissal in an Under-21 fixture. That means Cisse cannot play at Euro 2004 until the final, which means he is unlikely to be named in the squad for the finals. He would have been the most likely replacement for first choice strike duo Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet and his absence could pave the way for Anelka to return. French Football Federation president Claude Simonet has recently hinted that Anelka could be set for a recall.."A return to the French team could come at the right time, when required," said Simonet. "It is always a good thing to speak with restraint. Nicolas' youth maybe led him to say certain things which we should be capable of putting behind us and forgetting about." Anelka enraged Santini by declining a call-up to play for the national team against Yugoslavia in November 2002 when asked to join up late with the squad as a replacement for the injured Sidney Govou. He added fuel to the fire by saying that Santini would have to go down on his knees to lure him back. The player has now admitted his actions were wrong. "I can understand that Santini was hurt by my comments," said Anelka. "Now the easiest would be to discuss with him and see how he sees things. If I have to tell him something I will do it face to face."


Liverpool skipper Steve Gerrard, who signed a new four year deal with the club in November, has reiterated the thoughts of chairman David Moores. He said:"When you're captain of this club it is about winning things, and over the next year or two that will drive me on. I want to prove signing a new contract was the right decision.The most important thing is to finish in the top four and be playing Champions League football next season. It is up to all the boys now to dig in from now to the end of the season. I am sure we can get that top four finish and do well in the FA Cup." Gerrard also said he intended to see out the four-year deal he signed with Liverpool in November, although he warned that the club needed to win some silverware. "I have a contract with Liverpool and I intend to honour that," said the England midfielder. "The most important thing is being successful with Liverpool, and depending on how successful Liverpool are will depend on how long I stay there. I can only speak for myself but I share the chairman's view that fourth place is that minimum requirement.It will hurt really bad if we don't achieve that."


Division 2 Brighton's proposed new stadium at Falmer has been set back by the Local Plan Inspector advising against the project in his report to the local council. Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, will be responsible for the final decision, and chairman Dick Knight has urged fans to express their anger. "This report completely disregards the overwhelming support for the stadium and should not be allowed to influence Mr Prescott's decision," he said. "I call on all Albion fans to write to him urgently." A nine-month public inquiry into plans for the 22,000-seater stadium, three times the size of their current facility, ended in October last year. Brighton have been without a permanent home since their Goldstone ground was sold for redevelopment in 1997.


In the second CIS Cup semi final, played yesterday, Hibs ousted Rangers on penalty kicks. The game had finished 1-1 AET and had included Hibs keeper Daniel Andersson saving a spot kick by Mikel Arteta. It took a total of 14 penalties before the Edinburgh side prevailed 4-3 to set up a meeting with Livingston in the Final at Hampden on March 14.
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February 5/04

The two cup replays yesterday were perfect examples of why the oldest club competition in the world captures the imagination.An absolute gem at White Hart Lane saw Manchester City, who played the second half with 10 men (Joey Barton had been controversially sent off after the half time whistle) come from a three goal deficit at the break. to win 4-3, on a header from Jon Macken in injury time. Wonderful stuff. In the other game Fulham looked to be home and dry until Francis Jeffers pulled Everton back on terms in injury time. The London club ran out winners on a Steed Malbranque goal in extra time. In Round 5, City play United in a Manchester derby, while Fulham host crosstown West Ham in of the Capital's derby games. The Telford match with Millwall was postponed yet again due to a waterlogged pitch. It is now scheduled for February 11, just three days before the 5th round game with Burnley is slated. If it is called off again, the F.A. will consider changing the venue.


Nicolas Anelka's appeal against his red card in Sunday's game with Arsenal has been denied by the F.A..The Manchester City striker grabbed Ashley Cole by the head, so the referee had no choice in his decision. The Frenchman will miss three games, starting from February 15, therefore will be available for the 5th round cup tie with Manchester Utd.

The beat goes on at Old Trafford. The club have delivered a seven page response to the questions raised by Magnier and McManus over transfer dealings etc. of late. The pair are considering the document and, presumably, their next move. They have also asked for tapes of Ferguson's press conference last Friday, parts of which might be construed to be defamatory towards the twosome. Sooner or later, this too shall pass.


Roberto Mancini, currently managing Lazio in Serie A, has claimed he is still in contention for the job at White Hart Lane. When asked if he had spoken to Spurs, Mancini said: "These are the kind of things one doesn't ever say, but yes, it happened. You know, we talked just to get to know each other. Just to test the water, that type of thing. I have a long contract with Lazio, but you never know," This is a complete about face by Mancini, who only last week denied reports he was going to quit Lazio at the end of the season. "I intend to stay on at Lazio," the 39-year-old said. "I've lived in Rome for seven years and I'd like to remain here long-term."

St. James' Park, the Stadium of Light and Hampden Park have missed out on staging the 2005 UEFA Cup Final. European football's governing body awarded the final to Sporting Lisbon's Jose Alvalade Stadium, one of two Portuguese venues in the running. Uefa's executive committee handed the 2005 Champions League final to the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
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February 4/04


In yesterday's F.A. Cup 4th round replay, Division 2 Colchester upset Coventry, Div 1, 3-1 to earn an away tie in round 5 with Sheffield Utd. The Essex club got a hat trick from Rowan Vine, above. The postponed 4th round tie between Telford and Millwall is scheduled for today, as are the 4th round replays between Fulham and Everton and Spurs and Manchester City.


Middlesbrough beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Carling Cup semi final 2nd leg at the Riverside yesterday, (3-1 on aggregate), to set up a February 29 meeting with Bolton in the Final at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium. The Gunners had Martin Keown sent off in the 44th minute for hauling down Massimo Maccarone

UEFA have rejected the Welsh appeal to have Russia's Euro 2004 play-off victory overturned because of a failed drug test. "There's no question that the Russians cheated and that Uefa's hearing was a PR exercise," said former FAW secretary Alun Evans. Uefa decided that Russia's Euro 2004 play-off win against Wales will stand despite Egor Titov's failed drug test. The FAW have until midnight on Friday (6 February) to decide whether to appeal against the decision. They are understood to be taking legal advice and will not release a statement until Friday.

The turmoil at Manchester Utd. continues unabated. Lawyers acting for John Magnier and JP McManus have asked for transcripts of Sir Alex Ferguson's press conference. On Friday Ferguson spoke out for the first time about the ongoing dispute with United's major shareholders. The pair questioned United's transfer dealings, some of which are said to have involved Jason Ferguson's Elite Sports Agency. Ferguson said his son had called in police because people had been stealing his mail and going through his rubbish. Meanwhile, Jason Ferguson has jumped to his father's defence. He said: "I'm very proud of what my father has achieved and I'm proud of the way he has done it. He has sweated blood to put United where it is, but I am disappointed to say blood is now being spilt over what is a private matter. What has been said about me I know is part of a wider campaign to discredit my dad but I will not let it happen. It has been suggested I am going to walk away, but I can categorically state I will not and want to end any rumours that might destabilise this company. We have always conducted ourselves in a good and correct manner." United have confirmed they will conduct a review of recent transfer dealings. The United boss's son said: "There is going to be an internal inquiry at the club and I welcome that and will co-operate fully with it."


In Scotland, Livingston, despite going into administration hours earlier, edged another sorely financially troubled club, Dundee, also in administration, 1-0 to reach the final of the CIS Cup. Livi got the winner with a last minute penalty to advance to their first ever chance at a major trophy. On March 14 they will meet the winner of the other semi final, Hibs or Rangers in the Final at Hampden Park. It is possible some of the Livingston players will play for nothing as several of them will be made redundant this week. A Scottish Football League spokesman said: "Ultimately, if they are still registered players, that is all that matters to us. What they are paid is a matter for them and the club."
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February 3/04

Arsenal visit the Riverside today for the Carling Cup Semi Final 2nd leg with Middlesbrough, with the home side holding a 1-0 edge. Colchester host Coventry in the F.A.Cup 4th round replay.

Wales boss Mark Hughes has warned that the Principality will fight in the European courts to have Russia disqualified from this summer's extravaganza in Portugal should UEFA fail to do so. Uefa are set to rule on Tuesday whether the Russians should be kicked out of the tournament in the wake of Yegor Titov's failed drugs test. Wales drew 0-0 in the first leg of the play-off in Moscow only to lose 1-0 in Cardiff. It was later revealed that Titov had tested positive for bromantan after the first game. Titov and his club Spartak Moscow have been fined and the player banned for a year, but Wales want Russia punished too. The Welsh believe Titov was ineligible for the second leg and argue they should be given a 3-0 win, which would take them through to the finals instead. Hughes said "There have been other instances relating to drugs in football but the fact is that the substance involved this time is the key. It is a drug that fights fatigue, that is the issue. It was deliberately taken. The guy has taken something that did enhance his performance. We certainly felt the effects of the second game because they finished stronger.He failed the test, should not have been in the second game and we should have the game awarded to us 3-0."


Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg could miss three weeks because of a cracked rib picked up in the win over Manchester City on Sunday. He is likely to miss both the F.A.Cup 5th round and the Premiership games with Chelsea on the next two weekends, with a likely return looking to be against Celta Vigo in the Champions League on February 24 in Spain.


West Ham striker Jermain Defoe has joined former team mate Freddie Kanoute at White Hart Lane. In a deal that just beat the transfer deadline Spurs paid the Hammers £7m on Monday, with Bobby Zamora moving to Upton Park as part of the deal. "It's always a difficult decision to lose a great player but in the cold light of day we knew all the facts," said Upton Park boss Alan Pardew "And the fact is, he wouldn't sign a new contract for us. I rang him on Sunday night and got a feel for where he was at, and that made my decision. On numerous occasions he had been asked to come in and he made it very clear - well, not so much him but his agency - made it clear they were not prepared to do a deal." Pardew contrasted the attitude of Defoe with that of new arrival Zamora. "I want people who are hungry to play for West Ham and I feel that in Bobby we have someone that shows that - and I hope he gets the goals we want," he told the club's official site. "I don't think he has had two games back to back at Spurs and I think any young striker going to a big club needs a run - and he will get it here. He is a West Ham fanatic and I think he would have walked here if he had had the chance."

A deal that had been expected to go through on Monday collapsed at the last minute when league rules prevented a deal between Tottenham and Leeds for Paul Robinson. The 24-year-old goalkeeper passed a medical and agreed terms with Spurs, but the London club claim the deal foundered because of "Premier League rules". On Tuesday, caretaker manager David Pleat said: "I would expect Paul Robinson to sign for us in the summer." In a statement on Monday, a club spokesman had said: "After reaching an agreement with Leeds United, Paul Robinson successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with us.This transaction would have seen Paul join us in the summer. Premier League rules however, have prevented the conclusion of the transfer at this particular time because they state that you cannot pay for a player in advance of him joining you. Paul is a player we greatly admire and we certainly hope to confirm this deal at the next available opportunity."


Birmingham have signed Blackburn defender Martin Taylor to a three and a half year deal for £1.25m. Manager Steve Bruce believes he has acquired "a huge talent" in the 24-year-old. "Martin Taylor appeals to me because he is versatile and young, he's English, he is six feet, four inches tall and he can play right-back, left-back and centre-back. He is very comfortable on the ball and I think he is an outstanding talent. I believe that if he gets confident, then we have got a genuine, huge talent on our hands. There are not many footballing centre-backs or full-backs like him. He has quite incredible balance for someone so big."

In a couple of other deals to beat window closing, Portsmouth signed Lomana LuaLua from Newcastle on a three month loan, Middlesbrough have Brazilian Ricardinho til the end of the season and Bolton got Liverpool defendef Jon Otsemobor on the same basis.


Midfielder Tommy Miller could turn down the chance of an international call-up because he doesn't feel Scottish enough. The 24 year old, with Ipswich in the First Division, had been pencilled in by Berti Vogts for the squad to face Wales this month. Miller, who has a Scottish grandmother, said: "I'm in the provisional squad. I am a million miles away from playing for England, but I don't feel very Scottish." Ipswich boss Joe Royle had told his club's website: "It is a great boost for Tom and for the club." He has established himself as a first-team regular since arriving at Portman Road from Hartlepool for £750,000 in July 2001 and has scored seven goals for the club this season.
Stories from BBC Sports site.



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February 2/04


Former Scotland manager Ally McLeod has died, aged 72. The man who led Scotland to the 1978 World Cup passed away peacefully at home in Ayrshire.He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. As a player McLeod was a talented left winger for Hibs and Blackburn. He started in management at Ayr and at club level also led Aberdeen, Motherwell, Airdrie and Queen of the South. McLeod is best known as the national team manager in 1977 and 78 and will be remembered for his boast that Scotland would "bring back a medal" from Argentina. However, defeat to Peru and an embarrassing draw with Iran meant Scotland were packing their bags early, despite a famous 3-2 win over Holland. The Scottish Football Association paid tribute to MacLeod. "Obviously everybody in Scottish football is saddened to hear of his death," said a SFA spokesman. "He was at Hampden as recently as last July to accept an award from the Tartan Army who presented him with a crystal decanter set in appreciation of his services to the national team and to Scottish football in general. That shows the high regard in which he was held by the people of Scotland."


Former Sunderland manager Bob Stokoe has died, aged 73. He was admitted to the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Tuesday and died on Sunday morning, having been suffering from dementia. As a player he will be remembered as a solid centre half with Newcastle, however, is better known as the man who led Sunderland to their famous 1973 FA Cup final victory over Leeds, when the north-east club were massive underdogs against Don Revie's side. The victory was the first time a second division team had secured the Cup for 40 years. After the Cup win, Stokoe took Sunderland into the top flight in 1976 but resigned the following season, citing ill health.


Ex Manchester Utd. and Northern Ireland legend George Best pleaded guilty to drunk driving earlier today. 57-year-old Best was fined £1,500, banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay costs of £55.after being stopped by police on the A3 in Merton in the early hours of Friday. He spent about five hours in police custody before being charged. Magistrate Sally Marley told Best: "We have taken into account your guilty plea but you were nearly two and a half times the legal limit and you were very close to being given a community penalty. It was irresponsible and unacceptable behaviour." Best, who was voted European Footballer of the Year during his brief career, agreed in court to attend drink-driving rehabilitation lessons. If he completes the course, which costs about £150, he could have his ban reduced by up to five months.


Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson is expected to sign for Spurs today for in excess of £2m. The 24 year old England international is undergoing a medical at White Hart Lane, but will stay at Elland Road for the balance of the season, according to a statement from Leeds. He has made 26 appearances for Leeds this season and made his international debut against Australia in February 2003.


Leeds striker Michael Bridges has signed a three month loan deal with Newcastle. He moved to Elland Road for £5m under then manager David O'Leary from Sunderland in 1999 .and scored 22 times in his debut season. Since then, the often injured 25 year old has struggled to recapture his best form and has made the Leeds starting line-up just once this season with five substitute appearances.


Blackburn are expected to complete the signing of Huddersfield striker Jon Stead prior to the deadline later today. The youngster was due to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms at Ewood Park on Monday. Huddersfield rejected a bid for the 18-goal striker from Rovers on Friday, but have now accepted an improved offer from the club. Sunderland failed with a late bid for the 20-year-old on Sunday.
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February 1/04


Leicester goalkeeper Ian Walker was involved in an unpleasant incident with a fan during yesterday's 5-0 loss to Aston Villa. The spectator ran on to the pitch after the third goal and taunted Walker, who pushed the idiot in the chest, more than once, sending him to the ground. The fan was escorted off by stewards and arrested by police, who will conduct 'a full review of the incident' with the club. "I hope no action is taken against Ian. First of all the fan shouldn't have been on the pitch," said manager Micky Adams. "I know he was unhappy but there were 30,000 out there just as unhappy and they stayed in their seats. I was worried about the safety of my player because anything could have happened to Ian and certainly he felt threatened by the supporter."


Manchester City and Marseille have switched players in a loan deal that could become permanent at the end of the season. Belgian international Daniel van Buyten, above, has moved to Lancashire, while David Sommeil takes his act to the south of France. Van Buyten, 26, long linked with a move to Manchester United, has passed a medical and agreed personal terms. Van Buyten cost Marseille £7.7m when he signed from Standard Liege in 2001, but will not feature in today's Premiership match against Arsenal at Highbury. "Looking at the whole situation, it's very good for both clubs," City boss Kevin Keegan told the club's website. "Daniel moved to Marseille from Standard Liege for £7.7m. That's a huge fee for a defender, and I believe now that the Premiership will suit him. David Sommeil had several good seasons with Bordeaux, and moving back to Marseille is a big move for him. David has been very good while he has been here, and it wouldn't be a problem if he came back here at the end of the season. I just think that given our current situation with the way we are playing and the goals that we are conceding, we need a fresh face in there."


Middlesbrough are vowing to continue their legal battle against Liverpool in an effort to get suitable recompense for German defender Christian Ziege. In March 2002 the Anfield club were fined £20,000 by a Premier League commission after being found guilty of making an illegal approach for Ziege, but Boro want more compensation and are seeking up to £10m through the courts.Chairman Steve Gibson told the Sunday Mirror: "The club will not rest in its pursuit of the truth and for proper recompense. We lost a very, very prominent player, Christian Ziege, through illegal means. That happened two or three weeks before the start of the season. And when I say illegal means, that's not my verdict, that's the verdict of the Premier League." Middlesbrough are seeking £2m on top of the £5.5m they received for the German international, who is now at Spurs. The club said it should receive the difference between the Liverpool's payment and Ziege's market value in 2000, which they argued was £7.5m. This was based on written offers they claimed to have received from Chelsea and Scottish club Rangers. They also want an additional £4m in damages. The claim also includes lost gate receipts and merchandising sales after the German's departure to Anfield. In May 2002 Boro's initial attempt to win compensation was dismissed. Boro appealed, however, and Lord Justice Simon Brown of the Appeal Court said the lower court's decision had been unconvincing.

In Div 2 no change at either end of the table. Leaders Plymouth lost 2-1 at Brighton, while QPR went down 4-2 away to Chesterfield. Bristol City's game at Grimsby was one of many postponed due to waterlogged pitches yesterday. At the other end the three bottom clubs, Stockport, Notts County and Wycombe, each picked up a point to maintain the status quo.

In Div 3 it is much the same story. Leaders Hull were idle because of the weather. Doncaster beat Northampton 1-0 on Friday and Oxford were 2-1 winners over Kidderminster yesterday, making things a little tighter in the promotion race. At the other end, only Darlington played, picking up the points with a 1-0 win against Rochdale. Carlisle and Southend were both victims of the elements.

North of Hadrian's it was the precipitation that was the winner at many of the games. In the SPL, the Celtic juggernaut keeps rolling, this week 5-1 over Kilmarnock. Rangers visit Firhill Park today. In the first division Inverness C.T. went top on goal difference over idle Clyde. The Highland's side needed a late equalizer to take the necessary point from St. Mirren.
Stories from BBC Sports site.