Ranieri said after the meeting: "The future can wait. We are now all committed to get the most out of the rest of the season. There are no problems."
Kenyon is said to have wanted a change of coach in the summer, and it is claimed he believed Eriksson would quit England to move to Stamford Bridge. While Eriksson was agreeing a new contract with England, Ranieri took a short break in Rome, believed to be incensed by the continued speculation over his future. Kenyon knew he had to act quickly to prevent the Italian walking out on the club midway through a season in which they are still challenging for honours.
Ranieri has orchestrated transfers far in excess of £100m since Abramovich
took charge, and the Blues are currently second in the Premiership and have the
second leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal to come.
Everyone pulling together at Old Trafford
Surprise, surprise!!! The snake from Fulham is now causing considerable
ripples at his new club, ahead of Saturday's F.A. Cup semi-final against
Arsenal, by criticising Ruud van Nistelrooy.
He says Arsenal's Thierry Henry - who will go up against United in Saturday's Cup tie - is a more complete player. "Ruud lacks big-match experience - Thierry has played in major finals and he knows how to approach these games." Saha, who will play with Henry for France against Van Nistelrooy's Holland on Wednesday, added: "Ruud doesn't take much part in collective play."
There was better news for Van Nistelrooy as he was passed fit for Saturday's tie, after a niggling knee injury. The problem emerged after the striker joined up with the Dutch camp for Wednesday's friendly, but a Dutch FA spokesman said he could even still play in that game. Frank Huizinga said: "Ruud could still play. The team has not been announced yet and he might be in it."
However, the United star will be seething at the comments made by his club
partner. As well as saying that Van Nistelrooy "needs to gain experience
at the highest level" Saha claimed: "Ruud never scores from outside
the 18-yard area and never takes free-kicks. It is very rare to see him
trying his luck from distance." The Frenchman, who joined United from
Fulham in January, added: "Ruud doesn't take much of a part in the
team's collective play. His game is all about finishing."
Safety fears at Old Trafford
An independent report has expressed concerns that fans who stand at Old
Trafford are at risk, as barriers are not designed to hold them back.
The report, commissioned by Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, said a major incident could not be ruled out at the 67,500-capacity ground. Fans in the top tiers of the ground are most at risk, the report added.
United said their stadium complied with all current legislation, and had been
granted a safety certificate.
Antic on hold 'til summer
Raddy Antic, who resigned as coach of Celta Vigo on Monday, will rest for
the balance of the season. The Serb, however, refuses to dampen speculation
that he is White Hart Lane bound in the summer. He played for Spurs' director
of football David Pleat at Luton and admitted they are in constant contact.
Antic told BBC Sport: "Now I'm with my family. I just want to rest until the end of the season. David is a friend of mine and we speak very, very frequently."
Once his sabbatical is finished, Antic stressed he is keen to take control of a club before pre-season training begins. He said: "I want to do pre-season, not just for one month. I want to recover in the right way and start at the beginning."
Asked whether he would be coming to England to manage in the summer Antic
replied: "Never say never.", and when questioned specifically
about the vacant Spurs position, he insisted it was "very soon to
talk about anything."
Italian football in trouble with UEFA
UEFA has imposed a May 31 deadline for Italian clubs to prove their financial
stability, or they will be excluded from European competition.
Between them, the clubs in Italy's top flight Serie A owe 2.5 billion euros. Among those struggling most are Parma and Lazio, whose respective owners Parmalat and Cirio have recently collapsed, and Roma, who are floundering in debt and desperately searching for a buyer. The clubs were last week further hit by the announcement that a proposed law allowing them to pay back tax over a number of years, put forward by Italian Prime Minister and AC Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi, had been dropped..Berlusconi himself confirmed the news.
"After what Berlusconi said, there is a very very high risk that next year, Roma and Lazio won't be able to play, at least in Europe," said the BBC's Pierluigi Pardo. "I also think there is the possibility they will be bankrupt."
Earlier this month Lazio's shares were suspended. The situation was made
worse when the Lazio-Roma derby match was abandoned two weekends ago. Fans
rioted and flares were thrown onto the pitch after a false rumour was started
that a child had been killed outside the ground.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 30/04
Gerrard to lead England
Steve Gerrard has been given the captain's armband for tomorrow's friendly
against Sweden. Regular skipper David Beckham and Michael Owen, who would
normally get the job in Beckham's absence, are both out injured. The 23-year-old,
who captains club side Liverpool, got the nod ahead of Gareth Southgate
and John Terry to wear the armband on his 22nd England appearance.
Glazer says 'no'
American businessman Malcolm Glazer, who owns the Tampa Bay Bucaneers of
the NFL, says he has no intention of making a bid to take-over Manchester
Utd at this time. Glazer has been linked with a takeover since he increased
his stake to 16.69%, which made him the second largest shareholder after
Irish billionaires John Magnier and JP McManus.
"The Glazer Family Partnership confirms that it has no current intention to make an offer for Manchester United," said a statement released on Tuesday. Glazer's statement pointed out that the clarification of his position came "at the request of Manchester United".
The American fuelled speculation of a possible takeover bid by announcing
in February he was "considering his options", and the matter
was referred to the Takeover Panel. Now he has ended the uncertainty at
the same time as United annouced a profit before tax of £26.8m for the
six months to 31 January - much greater than that predicted by city analysts.
Strachan charged by F.A.
Even though he is currently out of the game, former Saints' boss Gordon Strachan has been charged by the F.A. for his remarks about assistant referee Mike Tingey, following Southampton's 2-0 loss to Arsenal on February 10.
He is charged with failing to act in the best interests of the game, bringing the game into disrepute and also improper conduct. The 47-year-old Scot has until 13 April to respond.
Strachan said after the match at Highbury that he felt "some injustice," because he believed Tingey had failed to flag Thierry Henry as offside. "You've got to understand that there's plenty of history between myself and Mr Tingey," Strachan added.
The charges come more than a month after Strachan left St Mary's to take
a sabbatical from the game. He stood down as Southampton manager three
days after the Arsenal game and three months before his planned departure.
Petit gonski
Emmanuel Petit has no intention of staying with Chelsea after this season.
The 33 year old French international says he has been unsettled at the
club since the arrival of Roman Abramovich.
"I know I won't be with Chelsea next season," Petit told magazine France Football. "They don't want to keep me and I don't want to stay. Money can't buy success and a team must be built on sound foundations. The club is following a path to which I cannot identify. Claudio Ranieri is being blamed for all the problems in the world and I have a lot of respect and sympathy for him."
Injuries have restricted French World Cup winner Petit to seven games this
season as Chelsea have boosted their midfield resources. The former Arsenal
player, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2001, is out of contract in
June and is not rushing his return to football. Petit plans to take more
time to recover from a persistent knee problem although he has hinted he
would like to stay in London.
Preston loses less
Preston have announced a significant reduction of losses, down to £154,000
for the second half of 2003 - an improvement of £500,000 from the same
period the previous year. Club chairman Derek Shaw said the figures, which
saw turnover rise by 13% to £3.87m, were "significant progress."
The Division One club was able to make the savings despite not selling
any players although several were released in a bid to cut the wage bill.
Preston also received appearance fees for Sean Gregan and Jon Macken. The
duo brought in £275,000 for the club after reaching an agreed number of
appearances for West Brom and Manchester City respectively. Lee Cartwright
and John Bailey also had their contracts cancelled this season.
Ground rule changes under consideration
The Scottish Premier League's board are meeting today at Hampden Park and
will be discussing possible changes to their rules on stadium requirements.
Several issues are on the agenda.
Promotion-seeking Clyde want an extension on the building deadline for Broadwood, while Inverness and Falkirk are interested in ground-sharing. Dundee's two top flight clubs are looking for the green light to ground-share at Tannadice. Hearts' possible move to Murrayfield will also be discussed at the meeting.
Under current rules each club is required to have a 10,000-capacity all-seated stadium with undersoil heating.
Last year's First Division champions Falkirk were denied promotion because the SPL were not comfortable with their ground-sharing plans with Airdrie United. If the rules are not relaxed then the SPL faces a second consecutive season without relegation.
With the majority of SPL teams failing to attract 10,000 on a regular basis and several clubs in the hands of administrators, Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston is urging change. He told the Scottish Daily Express: "We have to move forward and display a bit more realism to the current needs of football in our country. We must have a common-sense approach. There is no point in making rules which devalue our game and brings the integrity of our league into question."
However, any relaxation in the rules regarding stadium requirements are
sure to anger clubs who have stretched their budgets in order to meet them.
Partick Thistle and St Mirren have already threatened legal action if the
regulations are changed.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 29/04
30 down - 8 to go
The record set by Leeds 30 years ago, in 1973/4, and equalled by Liverpool
a dozen or so years later has been broken by Arsenal. The London club reached
the milestone after a 1-1 draw with Manchester Utd. yesterday. Preston
went an entire season undefeated in 1888/9 over a 20 game schedule, winning
all 20.
Premiership winter break looks possible
It appears that Sven-Goran Eriksson may get his way and a winter break
will be part of the schedule for Premiership clubs. The England coach was
turned down in his bid for the break earlier in March, but it has now been
agreed in principle by the FA. It is thought the agreement was reached
during the negotiations to extend Eriksson's contract until 2008.
"The FA is working very hard to achieve it from next season. It is very positive," said the Swede. "The fixture list is like a jungle for me. With a break, players don't practice and are away from football for seven days. That is very good for the body and the mind."
Eriksson has fought hard for the introduction of a break after the FA Cup committee vetoed the idea earlier this month. His experience managing in Europe convinced him of the benefits of giving players a mid-season rest to prevent burn-out.
"In Italy the players look forward to the break and are hungrier and
more motivated when they come back," he added. "If you talk to
players who have a winter break like David Beckham, he said it was wonderful."
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 28/04
All eyes on Highbury
The big game of the weekend goes this afternoon in North London. In a little over seven hours we will know if a new record is established for games unbeaten from the start of the season in the top flight. The Old Firm meet at Ibrox in what would be, in other years, a huge game, but with Celtic so far in front, the game this year is purely academic
Eriksson extends England deal
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed a new deal that will, for
the time being at least, end speculation on a move back to club football.
The Swede, who has been repeatedly linked with Premiership side Chelsea,
will sign a contract extension that will keep him at the helm until 2008.
The Football Association is expected to clarify details of the agreement at a news conference on Sunday (1100 BST). Reports suggest a release clause has been inserted allowing Eriksson to quit after the 2006 World Cup.
Pressure has continued to mount on Eriksson to reveal his future plans, with
further speculation dominating Sunday's newspapers.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 27/04
Working for nothing. (Very un-Scottish)
Dennis Newall has agreed to manage East Stirlingshire and , for the club, the price is right. Newall has become the first unpaid boss in senior football. (While he may not be the second coming of Jock Stein, it's wonderful to
read that somebody is happy just to be in the game.) The Falkirk club lie bottom of Scottish Division Three with only five
points from 28 games and having suffered 18 straight defeats.
Newall, formerly manager of junior sides Cumbernauld United and Lesmahagow, said: "It doesn't bother me that there is no money. I also have a job as a business development consultant."
Newall, who coached at senior club Albion Rovers, takes over after the resignation of former Aberdeen and Dunfermline Athletic midfielder Steve Morrison. Morrison took charge at a time when Shire adopted a policy of paying players just £10 per week.
"It's a great challenge," said Newall. "I have been boss
of Cumbernauld and Lesmahagow and it's great to be back in control in a
dressing-room."
Top Serbia official dies from gunshot wounds
The Serbia and Montenegro F.A.'s general- secretary has died in the emergency
room hours after being shot in the head. Branko Bulatovic,52, was shot
by an unknown gunman outside his office on Friday.
Belgrade has witnessed a number of high-profile shootings, including the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic last year. Serbian Interior Minister Dragan Jocic described the incident as an execution and said police had made a photofit of the attacker - a man in his 40s. "What remains is to establish the motive...investigate Bulatovic's character, his contacts and everything that could lead to the perpetrator," Mr Jocic told state television late on Friday.
On Friday, FA vice-president Nebojsa Lekovic said they were "pretty sure that it is not soccer-related". Mr Bulatovic, a former Montenegrin footballer, has been the secretary general of Serbia-Montenegrin Football Association for 11 years.
The football federation cancelled all football games scheduled to take place
over the weekend.
Not much else for now
Eriksson/Chelsea rumours resurface, Beckham may miss England friendly,
Neville states the obvious, etc, etc, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 26/04
In UEFA Cup 4th round games yesterday Celtic drew with Barcelona 0-0 to win 1-0 on aggregate, with teenage goalkeeper David Marshall donning the hero's mantle and thwarting the Catalan club at every turn. Newcastle had an easy win in Spain, beating Mallorca 3-0 for an aggregate 7-1 victory. Liverpool took an early lead in Marseille, but lost 2-1 and the tie 3-2 on aggregate. The English side were reduced to 10 men late in the first half when Igor Biscan was sent off. This must surely mark the beginning of the end for Gerard Houllier, as
the Anfield side were dreadful in the second half. Simply hoofing long
balls upfield does not cut it at this level.
Owen builder found dead
Michael Flynn, a builder involved in a £1.2m court case with Michael Owen,
has been found dead in his Shropshire home. Mr Flynn has been locked in
a battle with the star over work on his £1.6m home, above, in Flintshire,
North Wales.
It is understood that police are not looking for anyone else in connection
with Mr Flynn's death which they are treating as "unexplained".
A statement from Owen's agent said the Liverpool striker and his family
"are shocked and saddened" at the news.
Top football official shot in Belgrade
Branko Bulatovic, secretary-general of Serbia and Montenegro's Football
Association, was shot outside his office in Belgrade. He was said to be
in an extremely serious condition after being hit in the neck or head by
an unknown gunman, who escaped from the scene. "An operation is under
way but since this is a serious injury it is difficult to predict the result,"
said Belgrade Emergency Room director Branislav Stepanovic.
Belgrade has witnessed a number of high-profile shootings, including the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic last year.
Another footballer charged with rape
QPR defender Terrell Forbes has been charged with the rape and indecent
assault of a 15 year old girl. The 22 year old will appear at the Old Bailey
on Friday for a bail hearing. Three other people have also been charged
with rape in connection with the incident, which is alleged to have taken
place on March 5.
QPR have released a statement which read: "The club has co-operated fully
with the Metropolitan Police during their investigation and will continue to do
so."
Manu says Ranieri is history
Midfielder Emmanuel Petit says that Claudio Ranieri has told the players
that he will leave Chelsea in the summer. The 33-year-old French international
said he will follow the Italian away from the club.
"I'd have loved to stay here at Chelsea and in London. Yes, that was
my original plan and my desire," he told the Daily Mail newspaper.
"But since my coach is not staying, I'm not interested in staying
myself." Petit said he had respect for Ranieri because the Italian
had brought him to the club from Barcelona.
However, Boudewijn Zenden said he hopes to return to Chelsea when his loan
spell with Middlesbrough expires at the end of the season. "I've never
given up hope of returning," he said in the Daily Mail.
Allardyce in hot water
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce faces F.A. charges over his comments on referee
Mike Riley following the Carling Cup Final. He is accused of failing to
act in the best interests of the game and bringing the game into disrepute.
The Wanderers boss, who has 14 days to respond to the FA charge, hit out after his side lost 2-1 to Middlesbrough. He was angry that Riley awarded Boro a penalty but turned down Bolton's claims for a spot-kick late on in Cardiff. Allardyce said after the game: "I will always look back at the major decisions and Mike Riley was poor. We had our concerns about him before the match and he lived up to his reputation as far as we're concerned."
Allardyce was referring to the history of clashes between Bolton and the
official from Leeds. Riley, who will be one of England's representatives
at Euro 2004, sent off two Wanderers players in the game with Leicester
in 2001 and dismissed Bruno N'Gotto against West Brom in November 2002.
"He's not been very good for us at all. I've never liked him as a
referee for us and he has cost us the chance of winning," Allardyce
added.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 25/04
Champions League Quarter Finals
Real Madrid beat Monaco 4-2 at the Bernabeu yesterday, while Chelsea and
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. The return legs of these games is
on April 6, with the second legs of Tuesday's games on April 7.
UEFA Cup Fourth round 2nd leg
Today's action includes Celtic at the Nou Camp with a 1-0 edge on Barcelona,
Newcastle visit Mallorca having what should be a comfortable 4-1 lead and
Liverpool go to Marseille after a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Villa take-over rejected
Aston Villa have rejected a reported £30m bid for the club from a group
that includes former Manchester City defender Ray Ranson. The club's plc
confirmed the group had made an approach to take over from Doug Ellis but
that the offer had been turned down.
"Aston Villa has received a proposal to acquire the entire issued share capital of the Company," said a plc statement. "The board's view is that it significantly undervalues Aston Villa and the proposal has been rejected."
Ranson, 43, who has forged a career as a businessman, is thought to have been in talks with Ellis about a possible buy-out for months. During his playing career Ranson represented City, Newcastle and Birmingham and captained England Under-21s, and he has since made his fortune from sports finance and insurance. He is keen to provide funds for manager David O'Leary to strengthen the squad at Villa Park so the club can compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Midlands outfit has been the subject of takeover rumours before this
season, with Venezuelan businessman Gustavo Cisneros linked with a £40m
offer. Ellis took control of Villa for the second time in 1982 and has
been in charge for 30 years over two spells.
Robson extends stay
Bobby Robson has signed a new deal that will keep him at St. James' Park
until the end of the 2004/5 season. Robson, 71, has been on a rolling one-year
deal since succeeding Ruud Gullit as manager in 1999 and has reached a
new agreement with the Toon.
"Bobby has signed a new one-year deal," said Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd. "He's got one more season to go after this season which I think he's happy with and we're happy with, so he's here until the end of 2005."
Shepherd hinted that Robson could even extend his contract again at some
point in the future. He added: "Knowing Bobby, I wouldn't be surprised
by anything that happens. He's a one-off."
Ricksen will move on (at least for now)
Dutch defender Fernando Ricksen has turned down an extension to his contract
with Rangers. His agent, Henk van Ginkel, says the 27-year-old will look
to further his career in Italy or Spain at the end of his current contract
in summer 2005.
"I must say that we were quite satisfied with what Rangers offered Fernando," Van Ginkel told Dutch press agency ANP. "But, sometimes, you need to go on. But no clubs have called us yet. He will serve out his contract and, after that, he leaves the club," said Van Ginkel. "We are in no hurry. We will see what will come our way."
There had been suggestions that Rangers might prefer to sell Ricksen before he received his new offer and he was linked with English Premiership outfit Fulham last season.
The Glasgow club had offered the Netherlands international a deal that would have kept him at Ibrox until 2007. Ricksen became a first-team regular after a difficult first season after joining Rangers in 2000 under former boss Dick Advocaat. He has been a fiery figure on the field of play and a controversial one off it.
He received a £7,000 fine for letting off fireworks late at night and assaulting his neighbour when he complained, threw the fully-clothed Rangers chairman John McClelland into a Greek swimming pool and had an alleged dalliance with the glamour model Jordan.
However, Rangers manager Alex McLeish said last week he wanted Ricksen to
remain at Ibrox and added: "He is an asset, a decent passer, with great energy
and good on the training ground."
From Love St. to Greenhill Rd.
St. Mirren have taken another step toward moving to a new stadium and,
at the same time, keeping the club on a sound financial footing. Soil samples
were taken this week from the site of the proposed new stadium site in
Greenhill Road, Paisley. The club would sell St Mirren Park for a supermarket
development and pay off the club's debt.
Club chairman Stewart Gilmour told his club's website: ""It is
the only viable alternative to the club facing a financial catastrophe.
It is not an exaggeration to say St Mirren will be saved from the prospect
of administration and the club's future safeguarded for both its supporters
and the town,"
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 24/03
Champions League Quarter Finals
Four goals in eight minutes at the San Siro yesterday saw AC Milan come
from one down to beat Deportivo 4-1 and virtually seal a place in the semi-final,
while FC Porto overcame Lyon 2-0 in the other game.
The match-ups today have Real Madrid hosting Monaco, while Arsenal make
a trip across London to play Chelsea yet again.
Terry in Ranieri camp
England central defender and Chelsea captain John Terry has been vocal
in his support of manager Claudio Ranieri, a position that could conceiveably
come back to haunt him next season. Ranieri has been the subject of media
speculation all season but Terry thinks he has done a terrific job.
"From the start of the season every single player has come out and supported the manager," said Terry. "We want to go out there and do the job for the manager because a lot of players owe him a lot."
Chelsea have been beseiged by rumours over Ranieri's future for the build up to their Champions League encounter with Arsenal on Wednesday. Terry wants his team-mates to forget all the speculation and concentrate on the game.
He added: "Right from the word go there has been a lot of rubbish
in the papers about this, that and the other, but we're 100% behind him.
We are going to do everything we can to win the game against Arsenal because
the manager has done a fantastic job this year. He has bought some fantastic
players and has built a great team spirit amongst the lads. We enjoy training
with him and everything has been brilliant, that's all I can say."
It has been reported throughout the season that a few of the squad have
been unhappy with the continual rotation and Damien Duff was a little disconcerted
by the signing for next season of Arjen Robben, so not everyone may be
as committed to the Italian as Terry
Forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is reported to have had a couple of thoughts
ahead of today's game, but who cares?
Bound for England World Cup glory or Spanish pesetas???
With apologies to Woody Guthrie! England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is now,
apparently, a target of Real Madrid, according to the Spanish press. The
Swede, who has been repeatedly linked with Chelsea, has yet to sign the
new deal he has been offered by the Football Association.
The Spanish giants are said to have had preliminary talks with Eriksson's advisors. Eriksson told newspaper Marca: "If I had been offered the chance to coach Real Madrid in the past, I would have been interested."
Current Real coach Carlos Queiroz has come under increasing pressure in the wake of Real's recent slump in form - including defeat in the Spanish cup final. Reports also claim his training regime is unpopular with his star-studded dressing room.
Eriksson has been repeatedly linked with a return to club management during
his tenure as England coach. The FA are due to hold further talks at the
end of the month with a view to extending his current deal. Until now Soho
Square's biggest threat to holding onto the former Lazio manager appeared
to be Chelsea, who seem set on replacing present boss Claudio Ranieri.
Eriksson is now understood to have reservations about taking over at Stamford
Bridge.
Bellamy bust-up at airport
Newcastle's Welsh international striker Craig Bellamy was involved in a
bust-up with coach John Carver prior to the team's departure for Spain,
but will not be disciplined by the club. The pair clashed at Newcastle
airport ahead of the Uefa Cup trip to Mallorca.
"It was nothing more than a push-and-shove incident, the type you see in the playground all the time," a Newcastle spokeswoman told BBC Sport. "Newcastle United will not be taking the matter any further and are fully focused on the Uefa Cup game."
Bellamy missed the game against Charlton on Saturday with a hamstring injury,
but is hopeful of being able to play some part at the San Moix Stadium.
Robbo re-printed
Two pieces by Derek 'Robbo' Robson, The Tees Mouth, of the BBC Sports site,
which are worth a read.
Duncan disorderly
When we was at school, there was always one big lad in the football team
who'd kick it (or you) hard, far and inaccurately.
He played centre-half or, if we needed a goal and time was running short, centre-forward. He was a human laxative - one word from him and you s*** yourself.
Course them lads never came to owt - apart from Duncan Ferguson, a great
thick slab of Scots pine who has butted, barged and elbowed himself through 10
games a season since 1990-summat.
At the Walker's Stadium on Saturday, Big Dunc went the extra yard when he
picked up Steffen Freund like he was throttling a chicken.
The man is what we used to call a head-case.
Community service is the only answer.
Rio Bravo
Well, it was a brave performance by Arch-dork Ferdinand, but he's accepted his eight-month ban now.
Yes even he realises that as far as his ban's concerned, the only way is
up.
It's sad he's missed Portugal, it's sad the Old Trafford fortress has become
a lean-to in his absence - but the saddest thing of all is that the bloke
is so dozy, he doesn't realise he's only got himself to blame
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 23/04
Champions League Quarter Finals
Play resumes today with AC Milan hosting Deportivo la Coruna and FC Porto
at home to Lyon in the 1st leg.
Liverpool take-over bid denied
Building magnate Steve Morgan has denied the story, yesterday, that he
wants to take-over at Anfield, saying he just wants to invest in the club.
The multi-millionaire was reported to have made a bid of between £40m-£50
for a controlling interest in the club.
A source close to the board said they were considering a share issue, which
would allow Morgan an influential voice in the boardroom. "It's not
a takeover. Steve just wants to put money into the club," he added.
With a 5% stake in Liverpool, Morgan is Liverpool's third biggest shareholder
- chairman David Moores has a 51% majority stake, while Granada owns 10%.
A share issue would allow Morgan to increase his stake in the club massively,
maybe to as much as 15%.
There is the prospect of Granada's shares coming on to the market in the
future, with the TV company's policy now seemingly moving away from football.
Morgan could also bid for that stake, but it is not believed this is the
current deal being negotiated.
There are 42,000 shares available, at a cost of £4,000 each, and they rarely come on to the market.
Is the honeymoon over?
After just two games in charge, Southampton boss Paul Sturrock is unhappy
with his team's performance and is threatening a major overhaul if it does
not improve dramatically. The newly appointed manager said he was disappointed
after the 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth and was also unimpressed with the 2-0
win over Liverpool.
"It is important for them to appreciate that, if they want to be regulars in Paul Sturrock's team they must do what Paul Sturrock says," he said. "Some of them are going to lose their places because they haven't done that."
Sturrock is renowned for his hard-line approach which even saw players at previous clubs Dundee United and St Johnstone made to work at building sites and down coal mines to experience life outside football.
The former Plymouth manager admitted he was happy to earn a win in his first game in charge, but he revealed he had yet to see enough good football from his new players. "We've started the two matches too slowly and at Portsmouth we only played for about 12 minutes at the end," he said. "We need to mirror-image those 12 minutes for a whole match."
Southampton have the chance to make up for their defeat when they host
Tottenham on Saturday. Sturrock said: "There will have to be changes
in the team for that game. It is important I get a better mental attitude
offensively in the team." Defender Graeme le Saux will not be among
those recalled - the former England international is still struggling with
a hamstring injury, but Sturrock is hopeful midfielder Michael Svensson
will be fit to return for the game.
Edu wants to re-sign
Brazilian midfielder Edu wants to stay at Highbury after his current contract
expires next year. He endured a difficult start when he joined three years
ago after his sister died in a car accident in Brazil and he then experienced
passport problems.
But with Edu in superb form this season he is keen to sign a new deal.
He told BBC Sport: "I'm fine here, I'm very happy, I have one more
season to go. I'm doing well. Nothing would make me want to leave. I'm
so happy here." He was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League
quarter-final first-leg tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
This follows a statement yesterday by Peter Hill-Wood, the Arsenal chairman,
who said he was confident that manager Arsene Wenger would remain with
the club. Wenger's contract ends after next season, but Hill-Wood says
he is confident the Frenchman will stay on.
"We haven't started talks yet because he is pre-occupied. They will happen at the end of the season," said Hill-Wood. "But I cannot imagine anyone else leading the team out when the new stadium opens in August 2006. I know Arsene is excited about the squad we have and he is excited about the stadium project."
Media speculation over the weekend had suggested Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would try to entice Wenger to Stamford Bridge, but Hill-Wood dismissed these reports.
"Who wouldn't want Wenger as manager? It's up to him, but I can't
believe he would consider it," Hill-Wood continued. "I am sure
he is very happy here. He is well-paid and allowed to do what he wants.
The board at Arsenal have never said 'no' to him. Everything he suggests
is eminently sensible."
Meanwhile, across the river
Claudio Ranieri did not get the ringing endorsement he wanted, and deserves,
when Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon issued a statement yesterday.
Ranieri had pleaded with the club to end the speculation over his future,
but Kenyon refused to make a definite commitment to the Italian.
Ranieri is reported to have told his players on Monday: "I know what's going on, you know what's going on. Let's get on with the rest of our season."
Kenyon's bid to quell the growing speculation has served only to heighten
anticipation that Chelsea are already looking elsewhere for a new manager.
"We wish to reiterate Claudio has over three years left on his deal,"
he said. "This wave of unprecedented speculation about Claudio's future
is unhelpful to our manager and players," added Kenyon.
"It's not important for me, but it is important for the players,"
Ranieri said. "If I'm under pressure, it's not a problem for me. But
I want to save the season. I think the club should say now: 'It is all
rubbish. Continue to work'."
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 22/04
Change on Pool horizon?
Multi-millionaire builder Steve Morgan, a vociferous critic of Liverpool
chairman David Moores, is thought to have launched a formal take-over bid
for the club. The bid of between £40m and £50m could give him a controlling
interest in Liverpool. With a 5% stake in the Anfield club, Morgan is Liverpool's
third biggest shareholder - Moores has a 51% majority stake, while Granada
owns 10%. Liverpool, who have refused to comment on the offer, have appointed
Hawkpoint Partners to look at all the options.
In January Moores had to withstand a sustained verbal assault at the club's annual general meeting from Morgan, who does not hold a position on the board. Then Morgan, who has an estimated fortune of more than £300m, said: "The chairman has refused to talk to me. Money is available from me and others, but the chairman will not dilute his holding."
Moores responded by saying: "It is time to bury the hatchet, if you (Morgan) want a meeting, we will sit down and talk it over. This is no good for this club, we must bury the hatchet. If it means diluting my shares or even selling to another Roman Abramovich, I will have to do it."
Last week Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed he not want to buy
Liverpool.
LDV Vans Trophy Final
While it's not exactly shades of Matthews, Mortenson and Mudie, Blackpool
lifted the LDV Vans Trophy for the second time in three years, at Millenium
Stadium yesterday. Goals from John Murphy and Danny Coid gave the Seasiders
a 2-0 win over Division 3 Southend.
Ruckus in Rome
Yesterday's derby match between AS Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico
in the Italian capital was abandoned because of crowd trouble shortly after
half-time. The referee called off the game after flares were thrown onto
the pitch by supporters.
The unrest came after an announcement over the tannoy denying reports that a child had been killed by a police car outside the ground. Play was suspended for 15 minutes in an attempt to restore order but police were unable to calm the crowd. The match was poised at 0-0 before match officials, players and club chiefs agreed to call off the game. Some small pockets of trouble continued outside the ground as riot police moved to diffuse the situation.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 21/04
High winds and rain in UK. Say it ain't so
The weather was again a factor in both England and Scotland yesterday.
Several games were postponed due to either a waterlogged pitch, or high
winds. Two games in England started, but were aborted by half-time as gales
made safety issues a factor. The match at Highbury was delayed by 15 minutes,
again through safety concerns brought about by winds. Swirling winds made
play difficult and pitches were littered with garbage blowing everywhere.
Sadly, one Everton fan was killed on his way to the match with Leicester
after being hit by flying debris.
Could it be the 'bangers and mash'
Despite the apparent somewhat shabby treatment Claudio Ranieri is receiving
at Chelsea, his agent Jon Smith says the affable Italian has several options
should he be fired by the powers that be at the Bridge. Speculation continues
to mount that the Italian will be fired by Blues owner Roman Abramovich,
even if Chelsea should win the Champions League.
Smith said: "If he were to be fired there are clubs here and abroad
who have indicated their interest in him. Should the situation arise, I
know he would prefer to stay in this country."
Although conjecture that Chelsea will part company with Ranieri is becoming
rampant, Smith is keen that he will not make any pre-emptive moves. He
told the Sunday Times: "Claudio is on a good contract at Chelsea.
We are not about to jeopardise that, or any future settlement of it, by
making any moves now."
Tottenham caretaker boss David Pleat, speaking on BBC Radio Five's Sportsweek,
admitted: "The whole situation at Chelsea is bizarre. I'm quite sure
he (Ranieri) wasn't party to some of the signings that have been made and
that for an English manager would be quite unacceptable."
New record next Saturday???
Arsenal yesterday equalled a 30 year old record by going 29 top flight
games undefeated. The record, set by Leeds in 1973/4 and matched by Liverpool
in 1987/8, could go the way of the dinosaur when Manchester Utd. visit
Highbury next week. However, between now and then, there is a little matter
of the 1st leg of the quarter final of the Champions League at Stamford
Bridge to be attended to.
No change at the top of Division 2. Plymouth and QPR were both held to
draws at Luton and Wycombe respectively, while Bristol City dropped the
points, losing 2-0 at home to Oldham.
Doncaster drew 1-1 at home to Darlington to increase their lead by a point
in Division 3. The LDV Vans Trophy Final caused postponement of Hull's
game, while the other teams in the race were victims of the weather.
A game currently in progress has Cup semi-finallists Millwall leading West
Ham 3-1 after an hour despite missing TWO penalties.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 20/04
'Dutch Master' wants another year
Dennis Bergkamp is ready to sign for one more year at Highbury. His current
contract runs out in July. The 34-year-old former Holland star signed a
one-year deal in the summer of 2003.
"I'm happy to stay for another year. I feel physically and mentally right to go on," Bergkamp told BBC One's Football Focus. "And on a private note my family is settled here. But I've got a contract until July so there's still some time."
Bergkamp joined Arsenal in 1995 after an unhappy spell with Inter Milan.
The Dutch striker has played an integral role in the Gunners' Treble hunt
this season.
(Come on Arsenal and do the right thing. This man has been sublime since
his arrival and you owe him.)
Leeds plan accepted
The take-over has been completed at Leeds and the club's immediate future
is secure. The new ownership is thought to be keen to lure Gordon Strachan
out of retirement to manage the team.
Further to the Leeds story, but an integral part of it, all the directors
of the club for the past three years will be the subjects of an investigation,
following the financial debacle of recent times.
The routine probe will examine the operations of eight directors including Trevor Birch, Prof John McKenzie, Peter Ridsdale and Allan Leighton. Insolvency experts will look at the business dealings of all the club's directors over the last three years. The Department of Trade and Industry will then decide on any further action.
As with any administration, the investigation will take place to ensure there has been no wrongdoing on the part of directors past and present. Everyone who has been a director of the club for the past three years, or who has been employed in the last year is legally bound to cooperate with the investigation.
Brendan Guilfoyle, of the P&A Partnership, said: "This is the
first time that a Premier League football club has been investigated with
the backing of the law. I start this investigation (on Friday) and will
report to the DTI in six months. I will look at the conduct of current
and past directors to see if they are fit to be directors - the DTI will
then decide what the next steps should be."
Meanwhile, in a separate development about 22,000 people with shares in
Leeds United are to be contacted by the administrators. Their shares have
been made virtually worthless following the takeover of the club by a Yorkshire-based
consortium led by Leeds accountant Gerald Krasner. A letter going to all
the shareholders will explain the deal which has been struck and point
out that the company they hold shares in will soon no longer exist.
For the benefit of Vladimir Ilich (footiemadandy), Joe Public gets screwed
again by the capitalist pigs.
Wales appeal nixed
A second Welsh appeal against Uefa's decision not to throw Russia out of
the Euro 2004 finals has been dismissed. Uefa's appeals body rejected Wales'
argument that Russia's play-off win against Wales should not stand because
of Egor Titov's failed drug test.
Titov tested positive after the first leg 0-0 draw in Moscow, and played
in Russia's 1-0 second-leg win in Cardiff. Wales argued that Titov was
ineligible for that match and the result should be declared a 3-0 win to
Wales. Consequently, Wales could have replaced Russia in this summer's
16-team finals.
The FAW has the option of taking their case before The Court of Arbitration
for Sport, but will wait for a written report from Uefa, expected in 14
days, before making a decision.
Rwandan skipper nicked
A bizarre story out of Belgium. Rwanda captain Desire Mbonabucya is in
jail in that country charged with human smuggling. Belgian judicial officials
said Mbonabucya, who plays in Belgium's first division, is accused of trying
to pass off a Rwandan child as his own. A spokesman for the prosecutor's
office said he would remain behind bars until at least Monday while they
made further inquiries. A Rwandan couple are also being detained in the
same case.
Mbonabucya led Rwanda into its first African Cup of Nations finals this
year, where they scored a famous victory over their larger neighbours,
the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 27-year-old was arrested on Thursday
whilst taking part in a training session at his club St Truiden. He first
came to Belgium in 1995 at the age of 18 before spending time in Turkey.
He joined St Truiden four years ago and has scored 22 goals for the club
in just over 100 appearances.
Earlier this year, the Congolese-born singer Papa Wemba was also charged
with people smuggling in Belgium. He was accused of using his band as a
cover to smuggle hundreds of people from his native Democratic Republic
of Congo.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 19/04
It should be longer
L'Affair Ferdinand is hopefully over. The appeal panel upheld the eight
month ban. The player says he is devastated. The F.A. and FIFA were reportedly
looking for an increase of the suspension to 12 months. I was hoping for
the two year maximum. You can't please everyone.
There were only three possible reasons for missing the test.
a) Something to hide. (I am not suggesting this was the case)
b) An arrogant disregard for the rules. (The other players picked took
the test)
c) Too stupid to live.
The effects of his 'omission' were several. The F.A. had no choice but
to exclude him from the squad for the vital upcoming Euro 2004 qualifying
game three weeks later, or risk expulsion from the tournament. His fellow
professionals subsequently suffered a massive brain cramp, the strike threat,
which should have resulted in none of them ever wearing an England jersey
again. (To their credit, the team played an excellent and disciplined game
in a very hostile atmosphere in Istanbul to ensure a place in Portugal).
The relationship between the players and the F.A. was, to say the least,
strained, when both should be working in harmony for the good of the game
at the national level.
Manchester Utd., knowing it wasn't Einstein that they'd paid 29 million
for to play defence, should have done more to ensure he took the test,
maybe a very short leash or nail his feet to the floor that day. That investment
won't be paying any dividend for a while. The F.A. have instituted what
will hopefully be better and faster disciplinary procedures as a result
of the negative reaction to this and other cases. The rules for team selection
for England will be much clearer in future.
For Ferdinand himself, devastated as he might be, the bright side is that
his memory may improve during the time on the sideline. Meanwhile, enjoy
the sweater, lad!
Leeds look close to safety
The take-over to save Leeds is expected to be completed today. The £30m
takeover will see Leeds Utd plc wound up and affairs transferred to Leeds
Utd AFC after the consortium struck a deal with the major creditors. Under
the deal, the creditors have agreed to accept about 20p in the pound percentage
on total debts believed to total £100m. Former managers Peter Reid and
David O'Leary also agreed to a big reduction in the monies they are owed
by the club. The safeguarding of Leeds' security comes after weeks of intense
negotiations. Leeds-based businessman Gerald Krasner will chair a six-man
board which will include former player Peter Lorimer.
Under the deal, £20m will go to major creditors, including bondholders M&G, Teachers and MetLife and Gerling Insurance, who agreed to settle for a percentage of the monies owed by the cash-strapped club. Another £10m will be used as working capital, while further negotiations have led to agreements to restrusture debts to other creditors such as the Inland Revenue.
The consortium has pledged they will not sell the club's ground Elland Road, although part of their Thorp Arch training centre may be sold under an agreement with the previous regime.
In addition to former playing hero Lorimer, the new board will include David Richmond, son of former Bradford chairman Geoffrey. Geoffrey Richmond acted as an advisor to the consortium and is expected to be retained in a consultative capacity.
Current chairman Trevor Birch, who kept Leeds afloat and staved off the threat of administration, is said to be leaving the club. Current caretaker manager Eddie Gray would be found a role within the club as a reward for his work during the club's difficult period.
Some Leeds fans have expressed reservations about the takeover, and claim
the mathematics do not add up, but with Leeds immediate future safeguarded
other backers are thought to be ready to come forward.
Wimbledon live on
The club's creditors have accepted a take-over bid from the InterMK consortium,
led by Peter Winkleman, and will enable Wimbledon to continue in business.
The club has spent nine months in administration with debts of £25m, but
the decision should pave the way for a brighter future in Milton Keynes.
The administrators' statement read: "We are pleased to announce that
the creditors have accepted the company voluntary arrangement proposal.
This is another step towards taking the club out of administration. However,
the Football League is unwilling to transfer the club's registration until
the expiry of the 28-day period during which creditors can challenge the
outcome of the CVA. Therefore the club will remain in administration until
the meeting of the board of the Football League on 26 April."
Another date at Hampden
North of the border, financially troubled Livingston get another money-making
game at Hampden, thanks to a Burton O'Brien goal to beat Aberdeen 1-0 in
the Scottish Cup quarter-final replay, a game which had been largely dominated
by the Dons. The West Lothian club will now meet Celtic in the semi-final
on April 11.
Jags and Buddies join forces
Still in the land of the kilt and claymore, St. Mirren have joined with
Partick Thistle in opposition to any change by the SPL in their rule on
stadium acceptability. The two clubs will start legal action against the
Premier League if they extend the deadline beyond March 31.
Hearts, Dundee, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Falkirk and Clyde have all called for an extension. St Mirren and Thistle spent heavily to meet such a deadline in the past.
"We spent more than £100,000 extra in order to make the deadline when we won promotion in 2000," St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour told the Daily Record. "Now some clubs are saying they should be spared having to comply with that ruling. But we would have been in a better financial position and had a better team if St Mirren had no need to spend that money. We have also suffered severe losses since going back down to the First Division. If the rules are changed then we will have been trading unfairly. And we'll be looking for appropriate compensation."
Thistle chairman Tom Hughes has repeatedly said his club will oppose any rule
changes from the SPL and will use the courts if necessary.
Stories from BBC Sports site. (opinions aren't)
Footiemad news item
March 18/04
Ferdinand ban upheld and remains at eight months.
Wimbledon OK as creditors accept consortium takeover led by Peter Winkleman.
March 18/04
Dons' D-Day
'To be or not to be'. Wimbledon will learn this afternoon whether or not
they have a future. The club, which moved to Milton Keynes earlier in the
season and has continued to struggle since, could become the first to go
into liquidation since Maidstone in 1992, if a rescue package is rejected
by its major creditors. A consortium, InterMK, plans to take over the Dons'
running costs and pay off a some of the creditors' debt.
The fate of Wimbledon now lies with two Norwegian millionaires, the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise who are owed more than £20m between them.
If Wimbledon go into liquidation before the end of the season, it will
give the Football League a problem over what to do with their results.
Maidstone went into liquidation during the close season, and their results
from the preceeding season were expunged, but the situation would be less
straightforward for Wimbledon with this season still in progress.
Will he remember to show up?
The 'memory man' Rio Ferdinand's appeal against his eight month suspension
has begun at a Heathrow hotel. The Manchester United and England defender
was given the suspension, and a £50,000 fine, in December for missing September's
routine drugs test.
Ferdinand began his ban on 20 January - even though he could have played
up to the appeal - as he wanted to get his spell on the sidelines over
with. The 25-year-old is hopeful that he could still play at Euro 2004.
However, the appeal panel has the right to keep the ban the same, or even
increase it, as well as reduce the sentence.
The appeal is expected to last two days, with an immediate decision.
Owen bounces back
Michael Owen, above with Dietmar Hamann after the latter opened the scoring
for Liverpool, roared back to the form expected of him in last night's
3-0 demolition of Portsmouth. Owen set up the first for the German international
and then scored two, his 13th and 14th, himself. The win lifted the Anfield
club into fifth spot, one point out of a Champions League position.
Beleaguered manager Gerard Houllier, who must have been as relieved as
Owen with the England striker's performance, was effusive in his praise
for his man. "Michael is so special," he said ."He made
one goal, scored two, and showed he is not only a star player but a great
team player. Michael not only scored goals but he worked tremendously hard."
Houllier added: "The effort our front two put in to shut down defenders
and win the ball back was hugely important. Defending starts at the front.
Michael did not have too many opportunities, but he scored two. His confidence
will now improve - because goals do that to strikers."
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, who had warned his side before the game
that Owen's slump would not last forever, said "You always expect
Owen to score, he is a great player. People criticising him are so unfair
because he is a top player. His header finished us off, there was no coming
back from that."
Hitzfeld bid! 'Nein' say Chelsea
Chelsea have denied making a bid for Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld
to move to London next season. Hitzfeld was quoted in a German newspaper
claiming he had turned down the chance to replace current Chelsea boss
Claudio Ranieri..
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon, however, denied approaching Hitzfeld.
"This is totally untrue and without any foundation whatsoever. Chelsea
have not made any approach to Ottmar Hitzfeld," he insisted.
Germany's Bild newspaper quoted Hitzfeld as saying: "I have received an offer (from Chelsea), but I will fulfil my contract until 2005."
(Ranieri, always a gentleman, must find this constant speculation disconcerting.
He has his side in second place in the league. They are still in the Champions
League, at least for two more games. Chelsea should, and it may have been
done privately, publicly endorse the Italian as their manager for next
season.)
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 17/04
F.A. Cup
Millwall beat Tranmere 2-1 last night to set up a semi-final clash with
Sunderland at Old Trafford on April 4. This is the first time in 67 years
that the Lions have reached this stage of the competition.
Yorke afoul of Souness
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness confirms there has been a bust-up with
striker Dwight Yorke over a training ground incident. It was understood
to have started after a heavy tackle on Souness by the striker in a practice
match, prompting retaliation from his manager.
Souness told BBC Sport: "There was something, but these things happen on training grounds every week in football and you move on. You want your players to be competitive and we'll speak about it."
Souness described claims that Yorke's Blackburn career was over after the
incident as "absolute nonsense", but it is clear Yorke is now
facing a battle to extend his Blackburn career and is already being linked
with a summer move to Fulham. Souness was reportedly planning to sell the
32-year-old at the end of the season even before the bust-up.
Owen at career low
Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen admits that he is at the low point of his career with recent lack of form. England's main hope for goals in Euro 2004 missed crucial penalties in the FA Cup exit at Portsmouth and in Sunday's Premiership defeat against Southampton, plus a couple of other gilt-edged chances that, earlier in his career, he would have buried in his sleep.
He said: "The Portsmouth game was one of my lowest points ever. The
manager was under intense pressure and I missed that penalty when we lost.
That day was as bad as I have ever felt. I was so low I wanted to wrap
up the season there and then."
Owen. who faces Portsmouth in the Premiership at Anfield on Wednesday,
admitted: "I remember thinking 'I wish someone would just give us that fourth
place and we could finish it all now'.
Charlton talking 'crisis'
Manchester Utd. legend Bobby Charlton, now a director of the club, believes
the recent run of form constitutes a crisis. United have been knocked out
of the Champions League and been beaten by derby rivals Manchester City
to drop 12 points back in the league and virtually end their title hopes.
"It would appear there is a crisis," he said. "We've lost
a couple of important games and it does hurt. We've done it to a few people
in the past and now it's being done to us so it's our turn to suffer."
Charlton added: "You can't help it hurting if you're a fan, whether
you're like me, or if you work at Manchester Airport or on a conveyor belt
in a factory. It's your passion so if your team suffers really seriously
- and we've had two big hits in the last week - it hurts."
Discipline to be dealt faster
The F.A. will institute a pilot scheme next season with a new set of rules
to speed up disciplinary matters. Under the new code, suspensions will
come into effect immediately, unless a claim for wrongful dismissal is
lodged by 12 noon the next working day. Appeals will only be permitted
if the ban exceeds three matches. A new and separate code of conduct regarding
doping matters is set to be unveiled at the end of this month.
The FA has engaged former West Brom player Brendon Batson to manage the
project, which is the result of lengthy consultations with players, managers
and referees. The procedures, which meet FIFA requirements, fall into three
main categories: automatic suspensions for incidents seen and dealt with
by the referee; incidents not seen by the referee; and incidents seen by
the referee but out of his jurisdiction. Bans following an accumulation
of yellow cards will come into effect seven days after the last card rather
than the current 14.
For more complex cases - such as doping, child protection and financial matters - the disciplinary commissions will control the speed of the process but these will still be dealt with within 28 days.
Ricksen gets four
North of the border, Rangers' Fernando Ricksen has been hit with a four
game ban following a guilty verdict for elbowing Hibs' Derek Riordan in
the CIS Cup semi-final. The SFA's disciplinary committee handed him a two-game
suspension and 12 disciplinary points, which mean a further ban. The decision
was taken after video evidence was used to incriminate the player by the
review panel. Ricksen has seven days to appeal against the ban. He will
miss Rangers' next two matches and a further two games from 30 March.
Rangers had already fined the player, who was previously banned in similar circumstances after being caught on camera kicking Aberdeen's Darren Young, £10,000.
It is only the third time the SFA has used video evidence to punish a player,
with Bobo Balde the other player to have been brought to book by such means.
Fans will have a voice
Clyde supporters' trust is part of a consortium that has made a successful
bid for the club. The new regime will officially take over on Thursday
when the current board stands down at the club's annual general meeting.
A new board, including vice-chairman Gerry Dunn, secretary John Taylor
and fans' representatives, will be formed.
The new owners are also to meet the council with a view to work being resumed
on a fourth stand at Broadwood. In the region of £250,000 has been raised
by the Clyde Supporters' Trust to clear the club's debt to North Lanarkshire
Council in order to facilitate the resumption of building work necessary
to meet the SPL's requirements. The SPL requires clubs winning promotion
to have a compliant stadium by 31 March and only St Johnstone of the three
clubs most likely to win the First Division title presently fulfil the
criteria. However, Trust board member Cameron Macdonald said: "With
three SPL clubs in administration, I think the time has come to revise
some of the entry requirements."
Partick Thistle, almost certain to finish bottom of the SPL, will oppose any such change, saying that such a move would be unfair as they had been financially disadvantaged by having to meet such requirements in the past.
"The SPL have already added the requirement for undersoil heating
this season, so they have already set a precedent of changing their own
rules midway through a season," Macdonald pointed out. "The clubs
voted narrowly against Falkirk being allowed in last season and hopefully
they would vote this time to allow Clyde in should we win the championship."
Clyde are currently four points clear at the top of the First Division.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 16/04
Man.U. ticket allocation cut
Manchester Utd. have had their ticket allocation for the F.A. Cup semi-final
cut by 1500. They had been given 18,600, but that has been cut to just
over 17,000, while Arsenal's 18,400 allocation has not been reduced. The
decision is said to have been taken because of licensing officials' safety
concerns over United fans' habit of standing throughout matches. Neither
the Football Association nor Manchester United have commented.
(My only thought on this is why were they given 200 more tickets in the
first place? Was it some sinister plot to ensure they had more support
at the game, contrived by evil minds at both Old Trafford and Soho Square?
Mind games to disrupt the Gunners.........dream on.)
Redknapp extends Pompey deal
Manager Harry Redknapp has signed a one year extension to his contract
with Portsmouth, taking him through to 2006. He succeeded Graham Rix as
Pompey boss in March 2002 and guided them to the First Division title in
2003. The club are facing a battle against relegation, but Redknapp said
he is happy to carry on no matter what division they are in next season.
"I actually agreed it with the chairman a while ago but got round
to signing at the weekend," he told BBC Sport. "We have got great
supporters and I could not have enjoyed two years more than I have done
here - it's been absolutely brilliant. When I took over the club was fourth
or fifth from bottom of the First Division and had been for the previous
six years, so I think I've earned anything I get. While I'm enjoying it
I'll continue doing it. I enjoy working and enjoy the people I work with
and work for."
Anelka apologizes
Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka has issued a public apology to French
team boss Jaques Santini, giving rise to speculation that he would like
to be in the France squad for Euro 2004.
"Despite the disagreement we've had, I've always had the greatest respect for the France team," Anelka said. "That's why I feel it is necessary to make a public apology to Mr Jacques Santini and to the France team.. This apology will let me feel more free in my head and let me continue to focus on football, without looking back."
Anelka, who made the remarks on his personal website, said he was in the wrong when making a public attack against Santini after declining the chance to face the Yugoslavians in November 2002. He was invited to join up with the squad as a late call-up to cover for injuries but rebuffed the offer.
Santini is likely to need two forwards to cover for his first choices,
Arsenal's Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet of Juventus, because Auxerre's
Djibril Cisse has to serve a five-match international ban. If Santini accepts
Anelka's apology, the player would be in competition with several others
for a back-up spot.
Rooney interviewed by Manchester constabulary
Eighteen year old Everton and England striker Wayne Rooney was questioned
by police on Sunday following an allegation of a spitting incident at a
Manchester nightclub on February 8. A 23 year old Skelmersdale woman alleged
she had been spat at by the footballer.
Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford of Proactive Sports Group, said at the time,
any allegations were "entirely false" and that Rooney had himself
been spat at.
Stretford said: "Any allegations being made against Wayne are fatuous
and entirely false. The only untoward incident Wayne was aware of in the
nightclub in question was when he was subject to a volley of verbal abuse
from a young woman. Although he did not respond in any way, she spat at
him and was subsequently ejected from the nightclub. Wayne was enjoying
a perfectly legitimate night out after a big match. He was entirely sober
throughout the evening. Wayne will cooperate fully with any police investigation.
It is not something that causes Wayne or his management a moment's concern."
A file has been passed on to the Crown Prosecution Sevice, a routine practice,
and the CPS will decide if the evidence warrants taking the matter forward.
(Earlier that day Rooney had enjoyed a particularly good outing against
Man. U., almost rescuing a seemingly lost game in the second half, so maybe
a disgruntled fan was reacting badly or possibly someone was trying to
ensure their 15 minutes in the spotlight at his expense. I certainly hope
so.)
Baggio reaffirms retirement decision
Roberto Baggio, the former Italian international striker, insists he will
retire at the end of this season, despite still finding the net in Serie
A. He grabbed Brescia's second goal in the 2-2 draw against Parma on Sunday
to become only the fifth player to score 200 goals in the Italian top flight.
His professional career began in 1982 with Vicenza and three years later
he made his Serie A debut with Fiorentina. After four seasons in Florence
he moved to Juventus for a then record £7.6m. He also had spells with AC
Milan, Bologna and Inter Milan before joining Brescia in September 2000.
"My decision to retire is a very difficult one but injuries have made
up my mind for me," said the 37-year-old.
Baggio played 55 matches for his country and scored 27 goals, quite a strike
rate at the top level, ensuring his place as one of the top players of
the era.
Yesterday's Thai story changes
It now appears that Thai P.M. Thaksin Shinawatra does not want to own a
piece of Liverpool, according to his advisor. Thailand coach Thavatchai
Sajakul says Thaksin wants to link up with Liverpool to promote football
in his homeland.
"Our intention is not to take over," Sajakul said. "We just
want some kind of access to a Premier League club. We're looking very closely
at Liverpool and aside from the access we need some co-operation. Our intention
is just to support Thai football. Our prime minister has already spoken
to the Liverpool chairman but the details of it cannot be revealed. I think
negotiations have been going on for the last two-and-a-half months. We
have told them our intentions, our interest and they haven't come back
officially."
(The rest of the league can breathe easier. They won't have to travel to
Bangkok for away games with Liverpool.)
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 15/04
Eriksson will extend contract!
Who says so? None other than the 'font of facts', former Chelsea chairman
Ken Bates. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has continually been linked
to a return to club football with Bates' old club. Bates, chairman of the
Football Association's Challenge Cup committee, claims he directly challenged
Eriksson to end speculation over his future.
Bates, who claimed he pressed Eriksson at a meeting, told the Daily Express
newspaper "I asked him 'Will you be here for the 2006 World Cup? I
said to Eriksson you keep banging on about wanting a winter break and we
are ready to help you. But will you be here to lead us in Germany?"
After Eriksson had given his usual reply to such questions: "I have
a contract until 2006.", the former Chelsea chairman said: "We
know he has said that before so I told him 'That's fine Sven, but you have
not answered the question.' Our eyes met across the room and reluctantly,
I felt, he finally gave me his answer. 'Yes, I will be leading England
in 2006'."
It now remains to be seen whether Bates' claims prove to have substance, as Eriksson has a new offer on the table from the FA. (It might not be game, set and match just yet.)
Thai P.M. wants part of the Pool
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is looking at buying a stake in
Liverpool, according to his advisor Thavatchai Sajakul, the Thai national
team manager, who says talks with the Premiership club are at an early
stage.
"They want to sell to us, and we want to buy. We've expressed our interest that we want to be part of their club," said Thavatchai. "We are still in the phase of unofficial negotiations."
He declined to give further details about other Thai investors who are
involved with Thaksin's approach. and added "We still haven't decided
the details, but are we serious about this? Yes, we're serious,"
Thaksin, who is a billionaire, made his fortune in the telecommunications
industry before entering politics, had announced in October he wanted to
buy Fulham, but nothing came of his interest.
Elliott a 'Tractor Boy' for a while
Leicester defender Matt Elliott has signed a one month loan deal with Division
1 Ipswich Town. Elliott, who has 18 caps for Scotland, will join up with
the East Anglia club today..
"I have been chasing Matt for three weeks and am delighted that he has chosen to join us," Ipswich boss Joe Royle told the club's official website. "Matt has come in at a time when we are experiencing an injury crisis at the back. In fact, at the moment, he is our only fit centre-half."
Canuck pleases Burley
Canadian international striker Paul Peschisolido, who moved from Sheffield
Utd. to Derby County last week, impressed new boss George Burley, above,
on his debut at Pride Park. He scored the only goal of the game to beat
Rotherham.
"Paul was outstanding, not only for his goal, but for his overall
work rate and commitment," said Burley. "He was the thorn in
Rotherham's side. We've had a lot of games this season when we needed a
goalscorer like that to finish things off. This was a game where we knew
we would have to work for a victory."
Brentford turn to Thompson
Following the firing of Wally Downes, Garry Thompson has been given the
reins at Brentford. Thompson, who worked as Downes' assistant, now takes
on the role of caretaker boss while the Division Two outfit search for
a new manager, and will be assisted by first-team coach Jim Stannard.
He had a brief spell in charge of Bristol Rovers in 2002, before linking
up with Downes at Griffin Park. Downes' reign as manager was ended in the
wake of Brentford's weekend home defeat to Stockport. The 2-0 loss left
them one off the bottom of the table.
Livi lift cup
Livingston, on goals from Derek Lilley and Jamie McAllister, above, beat
Hibs 2-0 to win the CIS Cup yesterday at Hampden Park. It was the club's
first major trophy in it's nine year existence.
Pre-match favourites Hibernian missed chances, with Marvin Andrews clearing off the line from Garry O'Connor, but they were hit with two goals in two second-half minutes, Lilley driving the opener home from 12 yards then McAllister breaking clear to finish. Tam McManus and Steve Dobbie came close for Hibs, but Livi held on for victory.
The West Lothian club, still in administration, become the first side other
than the Old Firm to win a major honour since Hearts beat Rangers to lift
the 1998 Scottish Cup.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 14/04
Beckham blasts Bridge rumour
England skipper David Beckham has denied that there is any substance to
newspaper rumours that he will be switching from the white of Real Madrid
to the blue of Chelsea in the summer.
He said: "I will be a Real Madrid player next season. Why do people have to lie? There is no question of me putting in a transfer request. I can categorically deny having had any meetings with Roman Abramovich, any Chelsea official or any other club."
Real Madrid director of football Jorge Valdano admitted intense media attention had made Beckham's life difficult. "The same problem he is having was suffered by Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo in their debut seasons in Madrid," he said. "I hope in the next season Beckham gets left in peace and starts enjoying Madrid and football without those problems that are difficult to control. We would like him to live a more normal life, but it is difficult to be Beckham and normal."
Much of the speculation surrounding Beckham's future followed revelations
that he would not be renewing the lease on the house he is renting on the
outskirts of Madrid. However, he explained: "The lease on my house
was due to expire at the end of April. We have extended it for one further
month to take us until the end of the season when we will be moving into
a new house in Madrid. I am looking to buy a house."
Ferguson blames Kenyon
Manchester Utd.'s failure to sign Ronaldhino in the summer was the fault
of then chief executive Peter Kenyon, according to manager Alex Ferguson.
The Brazilian was snapped up by Barcelona last summer, despite interest
from the Premiership champions.
"It was disappointing not to get Ronaldinho," admitted Ferguson. "There was a problem with his brother, who was his agent, but Peter Kenyon didn't get the job done."
Kenyon left Old Trafford early this season to join big-spending Chelsea.
Ronaldinho has been in sparkling form for Barcelona this season, while
Ferguson's summer signings have not had as big an impact at Old Trafford.
Ferguson was further frustrated when highly-rated Dutch winger Arjen Robben
chose to join Chelsea over United.
(Is the good ship Manu taking in a little water?)
Kirkland out again
Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will miss the next six weeks after
breaking his wrist in training. Surgery will not be necessary but it is
a new blow for the injury-hit England U21 international. Kirkland only
recently returned to the first team after breaking a finger against Bolton
on Boxing Day. In his absence, Jerzy Dudek is in line to return to the
Reds starting line-up for the Premiership game against Southampton today.
In Division 2 yesterday the top three were all winners so no change. Plymouth
beat Swindon 2-1, Bristol City edged Rushden and Diamonds 1-0 and QPR hammered
Hartlepool 4-1. Luton moved into a play-off spot with a 3-2 win over Blackpool.
Doncaster were held to a 1-1 draw by Cheltenham while Hull beat Scunthorpe
2-1 to narrow the gap at the top to four points. Huddersfield moved into
third spot with a convincing 4-0 win over Macclesfield.
Livi look for revenge
In Scotland the CIS Insurance final will be played between Hibs and Livingston
at Hampden. Hibs will have the backing of the crowd, having sold 37,000
tickets, while Livingston have only managed to shift around 8,000. Hampden
was the setting for the first ever meeting between the sides, when Hibs
cruised to a 3-0 win in the 2001 Scottish Cup semi final.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 13/04
Eriksson denied break
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is unhappy that a move for a winter break
has, at least temporarily, been blocked. The FA Cup committee voted against
the idea this week because it would mean replays in the fifth and sixth
round would have been scrapped.
"I think it is very wrong," Eriksson told BBC Radio Five Live. "You cannot find one manager not wanting a break. I don't understand why the committee went against it." The Swede has urged England's football chiefs to follow the example set by domestic leagues in Europe by breaking up the season. Eriksson believes the top-flight's leading players get so burnt out by the hectic schedule that they fail to deliver at the end of the season for either their clubs or the national side.
Football Association representatives and Premiership chairmen met with Eriksson earlier in the year to discuss proposals to implement a 13-day break in January. He is determined to see their scheme through despite the fact that it has fallen at the first hurdle.
"I am extremely disappointed but we will go on trying to achieve that winter break," added Eriksson. "We think for English football, for the clubs and players, it is very important on all levels."
The FA Cup committee is chaired by former Chelsea chairman Ken Bates and is
made up of FA councillors who are drawn from all areas of the game.
Sturrock shell-shocked
Before he has managed a Premiership game, new Southampton boss Paul Sturrock
endured a scaring experience, self-inflicted. Sturrock watched neighbours
Portsmouth - who Saints play in his second game in charge - be taken apart
by Arsenal.
It was a sobering experience for the former Plymouth manager, who admitted:
"Arsenal scared the living daylights out of me. Hopefully, they're
not all like that in the Premiership."
Sturrock makes his St. Mary's debut on Sunday against Liverpool.
Ziege squabble over
The row between Middlesbrough and Liverpool over Christian Ziege's move to Anfield for £5.5m in August 2000 is resolved. Middlesbrough accused Liverpool of illegally approaching the German international defender. A statement said the clubs had come to a "satisfactory resolution".
The case was due to be heard in the High Court on 22 March, but the clubs
announced a solution has been reached. The decision followed discussions
between the two clubs and Ziege which were instigated by the Premier League.
A statement added that the settlement details were confidential and no
further comment would be made by any of the parties.
Ziege left Anfield for Tottenham in a £4m deal in July 2001.
Arsenal aren't the only pacemaker in Ferguson's life
Alex Ferguson has been given a pacemaker following treatment for a heart
condition in December. The 62-year-old underwent the procedure several
days ago and was back behind his desk inside 24 hours.
The Old Trafford boss had been suffering from an irregular heartbeat and
said: "I want to reassure fans everything is OK. It was an option
for me to get this done. The club knew about it and I feel great. It's
business as usual."
Blues at the Bridge
Chelsea's goalkeeper problems have worsened.
First choice Carlo Cudicini, above, is expected to be out for one month after breaking his right hand in training on Thursday. Now back-up Sullivan been ruled out for two to three weeks with a pulled leg muscle, also suffered in training. That means Marco Ambrosio, who has made just one, unconvincing appearance for Chelsea, will have to get his chance.
Ambrosio, who did not impress on his Carling Cup outing against Notts County
earlier this season, could play in the quarter-final of the Champions League
against Arsenal later this month. They do have other possible options,
but none of them are ideal.
Balde to blame for Celtic tunnel scuffle?
Barcelona's Thiago Motta, who was sent off along with Celtic keeper Rab
Douglas, above, for a skirmish in the tunnel at halftime of the UEFA Cup
clash on Thursday, claims Bhoys' defender Bobo Balde was the sole cause
of the problem.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill is set to appeal against the dismissal of goalkeeper
Rab Douglas.
The Barcelona midfielder insisted Balde was the only player who should
have been dismissed. "Balde completely lost it and that started the
whole thing off," he said. "At the end of the first half, we
were going into the tunnel when Balde arrived and had a go at one of my
team-mates. Another team-mate came to break it up so Balde had a go at
him too. The police got involved in the middle of it but, at that point,
Celtic's keeper arrived. He was having a go at my team-mates so all I did
was try to restrain him. When Balde came charging in, it looked like he
was about to hit someone and that's why I intervened so the only one to
blame for the tunnel incident is Balde."
(A charming little yarn, but if I remember 'Come Dancing' correctly, when
the tango is danced there are always two. I'm guessing no cheeks were turned.)
Stories fron BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 12/04
Champions League draw
The draw for the Champions League, all the way to the final took place
today at 11.30 G.M.T. and is as follows:-
FC Porto v Lyon
Real Madrid v Monaco
Chelsea v Arsenal
AC Milan v Deportivo la Coruna
The ties will be played March 23/24 and April 6/7
The semi finals are:-
Real Madrid/Monaco v Chelsea/Arsenal
FC Porto/Lyon v AC Milan/Deportivo la Coruna
The ties will be played on April 20/21 and May 4/5
The final is on May 26.
In UEFA Cup action yesterday Celtic got by Barcelona 1-0, Newcastle beat
Mallorca 4-1 and Liverpool and Marseille settled for a 1-1 draw. The return
leg is on March 25, with the British clubs all on the road.
Leicester trio freed
Paul Dickov, Keith Gillespie and Frank Sinclair are on their way back to
England after getting bail following a week in a Spanish prison. The trio,
who deny sexually assaulting three women in a La Manga hotel where the
club was on a training break, were met by club chief executive Tim Davies.
They are due to arrive back at Luton airport on a flight from Alicante
soon.
Bail was set at a total of 288,000 euros (£196,500) by a judge in Cartagena on Thursday. The breakdown of the total is Paul Dickov: 120,000 euros (£81,800), Keith Gillespie: 60,000 euros (£40,900), Frank Sinclair: 60,000 euros (£40,900), Civil responsibility: 48,000 euros (£32,700). After the hearing the players returned to the prison to complete the paperwork enabling their release.
"The players are delighted they are able to return to England after
what has been a very traumatic time for them," Mr Davies said. "They
are in good health and are looking forward to being reunited with their
families as soon as possible. They maintain their total innocence of all
outstanding charges and also want to express their confidence in the Spanish
legal system and that justice will be done."
Dutch maestro wants another season
Dennis Bergkamp would like Arsenal to offer him a contract for next season
sooner rather than later. The 34-year-old, who has been at the heart of
the Gunners' Treble hunt is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year.
Arsenal took their time before extending his deal by 12 months in the summer
of 2003 and his agent Rob Jansen told The Sun: "Dennis wants to stay.
Nobody wants things to be left for too long. It is up to Arsenal now."
Jansen added: "If Arsenal approach Dennis or myself we will respond
in a positive way. He is enjoying his football there at the moment."
Pendrey leaves St. Mary's
Southampton assistant manager Garry Pendrey has left the club following
Gordon Strachan's departure. Pendrey was expected to follow the Scot out
of St Mary's but he stayed on until Paul Sturrock was appointed as Strachan's
successor. "It is sad to be going but nothing lasts for ever,"
Pendrey told the club's website. It is expected that when Strachan decides
to return to football he will appoint Pendry as his number two. He now
plans to follow Strachan's lead in spending some time with his family before
possibly linking up again with the Scot.
Tilson gets Southend job
The Essex club have appointed Steve Tilson manager for the balance of the
season. Former Leyton Orient boss Paul Brush will continue as first team
coach. Former Shrimpers player Tilson had been caretaker-manager since
November and has become popular with fans. He took over following former
boss Steve Wignall's sacking and a brief caretaker spell under Dave Webb.
"This team has demonstrated an ability to successfully manage and
motivate the team," a club statement read. "The board sees it
as appropriate that they should continue to provide continuity in the current
campaign. The board is satisfied that together they will provide the success
in the league that this club now needs."
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 11/04
Games to go ahead
UEFA have now confirmed the games will be played as scheduled despite the
attacks in Madrid where more than 170 people have died.
Four Spanish teams remain in the competition, with two set to face British opposition. Celtic host Barcelona, while Newcastle entertain Real Mallorca, with Valencia and Villarreal also in action.
The games involving the Spanish clubs were in doubt in the wake of the terrorist attacks, with several of the clubs expressing an unwillingness play the games. Barcelona had approached Uefa and Celtic about a postponement.
However, after a meeting of Uefa's executive, the Spanish clubs and government
officials it was decided that the fixtures would be played with one minute's
silence and black armbands at every fixture.
UEFA Cup ties in doubt
The four Spanish clubs left in the UEFA Cup have asked that today's games
be postponed in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Madrid. At least 131
people are believed to have died following a series of explosions in the
Spanish capital.
Celtic are due to host Barcelona, Real Mallorca are scheduled to play at Newcastle, Valencia at Genclerbirligi and Villarreal are at home to Roma.
Celtic have already said they would support a postponement of their tie.
Officials from the Scottish club have already had discussions with Barcelona
president Joan Laporta. "Clearly all our thoughts are with the families
of those affected by these tragic events in Spain," said a Celtic
spokesman. "Celtic are fully supportive of Barcelona's request for
the postponement in light of those events and we are awaiting further communication
from Uefa. Everyone is shocked by the events but as things stand Uefa are
proceeding with the plans to play the game."
Footiemad news item
March 11/04
Champions League (cont)
The first round knock-out stage concluded yesterday. Arsenal were 2-0 winners
over Celta Vigo for a 5-2 aggregate, Real Madrid advanced with a 1-0 win
and 2-1 aggregate against Bayern Munich, Monaco got through on the away
goals rule after beating Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0 and holders AC Milan beat
Sparta Prague 4-1 after a goalless 1st leg
The last eight is Arsenal, Real Madrid, Deportivo la Coruna, Chelsea, Porto,
Lyon, Monaco and AC Milan. The draw takes place on Friday.
The UEFA Cup 4th round, 1st leg is being played today. Celtic, Liverpool
and Newcastle all open at home against, repectively, Barcelona, Marseille
and Mallorca.
Dugarry and Birmingham part ways
Christophe Dugarry and Birmingham have parted company by mutual consent
after a season of battling injuries for the French international.
Dugarry signed a permanent deal at St Andrews last summer but his family struggled to settle in England. "Frankly I was living on my own in the past six months because my family did not like living in England," Dugarry told L'Equipe newspaper. "Since the club have nothing to fear nor to hope for anymore we agreed to part company on good terms."
The 31-year-old World Cup winner initially joined Birmingham on loan from
Bordeaux in January 2003 and was instrumental in Birmingham preserving
their Premiership status. He has struggled with a knee injury throughout
the current campaign and scored just one goal in 12 Premiership starts.
Wembley arch hold-up
Wembley Stadium's new 440 ft high arch has been declared unsafe to put
into position. Safety checks have revealed that more work is needed on
the complex steel structure. Engineers say "some minor rectification
work" is being carried out and pledged the showpiece structure will
be raised into place in the spring.
The 2,000 tonne, 315 metre-long steel arch replaces the Twin Towers as the iconic feature of the £757m stadium.
Ashley Muldoon, project director for Multiplex Construction UK, the main contractor for the Wembley Stadium project, said: "There are no structural problems with the construction of Wembley Stadium. Extensive quality assurance checks are carried out on-site on a regular basis. These are procedural and on occasion, some rectification work is required. The project is running ahead of schedule and Multiplex is confident that we will deliver it on time and to budget."
The new stadium remains on target to open in 2006 with the 2006 FA Cup Final
set to be the first match played there.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 10/04
Champions League shocks
Both Manchester Utd and Juventus were eliminated from the competition yesterday.
Porto came back to tie the game 1-1 at Old Trafford in the 90th minute
and beat United 3-2 on aggregate. Juventus were beaten 1-0 at home by Deportivo
la Coruna, giving the Spanish side a 2-0 aggregate win. In the other games,
Chelsea drew with Stuttgart 0-0 to get through 1-0 on aggregate, while
Lyon beat Real Sociedad 1-0 for a 2-0 overall result.
Today sees Arsenal hosting Celta Vigo, Real Madrid face Bayern Munich,
Monaco entertain Lokomotiv Moscow and holders AC Milan play Sparta Prague.
Blackburn won't be rovers
Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has ruled out future overseas trips following
an attack on Nils-Eric Johansson in Spain during the winter break. The
24-year-old defender had to fight off youths in Marbella who tried to steal
his mobile phone. Souness said: "These kind of trips are finished.
It's become too dangerous. When players are in a group like that they are
too big a target." He banned his squad from leaving their complex.
Wigan sign Farrelly
Wigan have added some depth to their squad by signing Bolton midfielder
Gareth Farrelly to a deal for the balance of the season. His contract at
the Reebok was cancelled by mutual consent. The 28-year-old has not figured
in manager Sam Allardyce's plans this season and has had spells on loan
at Burnley and Bradford. Farrelly joined Bolton from Everton in December
1999 following a loan spell and started 74 games for the Trotters.
Oldham to announce new manager today
Oldham have called a news conference for today and will unveil the new
boss at Boundary Road. Brian Talbot, who quit his job with Rushden and
Diamonds on Monday, is widely tipped as the Latics' new man with John Sheridan
likely to be his assistant. Sheridan, who has been caretaker-boss since
Iain Dowie's departure to Crystal Palace last December, has been asked
to stay on by Oldham's new owners.
Summer shake up at Ibrox
Big changes are looming at Ibrox as Rangers face a season's end with no
silverware. Manager Alex McLeish has told Nuno Capucho, Emerson (above)
and Christian Nerlinger they have no future with the club and to find alternative
employment in the summer. Henning Berg and Michael Mols will also leave
at the end of the season when their contracts expire and McLeish hopes
Egil Ostenstad will also depart. The de Boer twins, Frank and Ronald, are
also out of contract and it now looks unlikely that they will be offered
new deals.
"I spoke to the players yesterday and made it plain they are not in
my plans," McLeish told the Rangers News. The trio's contracts extend
beyond the summer, so if buyers cannot be found then the cash-strapped
club will be forced to negotiate pay-off deals to get them off the wage
bill.
Stories from BBC Sports site
Footiemad news item
March 9/04
Champions League 2nd leg
The second leg of the Champions League knock-out stage takes place tonight. Chelsea host VFB Stuttgart, already holding a 1-0 advantage, while Manchester Utd.are hoping to overcome a 2-1 deficit against F.C. Porto at Old Trafford. United will be without skipper Roy Keane, who was sent off in the first leg. UEFA are appealing against their own disciplinary panel to get the ban increased. This will likely be heard on March 19.
F.A.Cup Semi-final
It is possible that the match between Arsenal and Manchester Utd. may be
moved to Millenium Stadium from Villa Park and played on Saturday April
3 instead of April 4. The Gunners have reportedly approached the Football
Association about a move because Cardiff's Millennium Stadium is bigger
than Aston Villa's ground. The FA would not comment on a swap, saying that
it hoped to confirm the date and venue of the tie on Tuesday. As things
stand, the tie is scheduled for Sunday April 4 because Villa have a Premiership
game on the Saturday, but it is understood that Arsenal and Manchester
United would prefer the game to take place on April 3. It would allow them
extra time to prepare for possible Champions League action the following
week. The switch to Cardiff would probably allow for a Saturday kick-off
but the tie would then run the risk of clashing with the Grand National
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy would not want his side's semi-final
against either Millwall or Tranmere to be moved from Old Trafford to Cardiff.
The clash is scheduled to be staged in Manchester on April 4 and McCarthy
said: "I do not see that there is any reason why we should be moved
from Old Trafford to be quite honest."
Talbot leaves Diamonds
After seven years at Nene Park, Brian Talbot has resigned as manager of
Division 2 side Rushden and Diamonds. The one-time Arsenal and England
star took charge of the Conference strugglers in 1997 and they were soon
pushing for promotion, winning a place in the Football League in 2001.
After losing the play-off final in the next season, Talbot took the Diamonds
to the Division Three title in 2003.
The former WBA boss is being linked with the vacant manager's post at Division Two rivals Oldham Athletic.."I have enjoyed it here very much and I am proud of what we all have achieved both on and off the pitch," Talbot told the club's official website. "It is the end of an era, and I feel now is the time for the club and me to make the break." Club secretary Dave Joyce said he was sorry to see Talbot leave. "Brian has taken us to a level which nobody could have expected seven years ago," he said. "It has been a tremendous honour to work with him."
Ross will not get life
Glasgow's finest, obviously with better things to do, have confirmed they
will be taking no action against Rangers defender Maurice Ross following
an incident during the Old Firm cup tie on Sunday.
The player was alleged to have kicked a ball at a female Celtic fan as
he warmed up at half-time. Ross insisted it had been an accident, with
the ball having bounced into the crowd off an advertising hoarding. The
Scotland international was an unused substitute during Rangers' 1-0 quarter-final
defeat. Reports suggested the woman had been hit on the arm but did not
require medical treatment.
Stories from BBC Sports site
Footiemad news item
March 8/04
The draw for the Scottish Cup Semi-final
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dunfermline
Celtic v Aberdeen or Livingston.
The draw for the F.A.Cup Semi-final
Sunderland v Millwall or Tranmere
Arsenal v Manchester Utd
Games to be played on Sunday April 4
The draw pits the two Premiership teams against each other on consecutive weekends as Arsenal host Manchester Utd. in league play on March 28, a similar scenario to the previous round when the Gunners faced Chelsea on consecutive weekends.
Shepherd rebuts Gullitt outburst
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has come to the defence of his captain,
Alan Shearer, after an extraordinary verbal outburst by former Magpies
manager Ruud Gullitt. Gullitt, now in charge of Feyenoord, branded Shearer
"overrated" and "a rotten apple". Shepherd, riding
in like the U.S. cavalry, told The Sun: "I'll always defend Alan against
any criticism. He has done a great job for us. I refuse to let anyone knock
him. His record speaks for itself. He's given our fans so many great moments."
Gullitt spoke of his rift with Shearer following the striker's attack on current boss Sir Bobby Robson. Gullitt launched his stinging attack on the former England captain five years after he resigned as Newcastle manager following a bitter dispute with Shearer. The former Dutch great told the News of the World: "It was plain he didn't want to play for me. I told him to his face 'you are the most overrated player I have ever seen' but he didn't reply. He thinks about himself all the time. It's always about his goals and not about the team." He accused Shearer of being a selfish player who threatens to rule the roost at St James' Park. "He scores some great goals but it's the players who score goals and win trophies and championships that receive the real recognition." said the Dutchman. "Maybe that's why they call him Mary Poppins because he is so innocent. But I know how powerful and ruthless he can be."
Adams won't quit"Everybody is fully committed behind Micky," Mace told BBC Radio Five Live. "I have been in regular contact with Micky for the last six days and it has been a very, very difficult time. But we need to get through it. Micky has done a fantastic job for this football club. He is probably the single biggest reason we are playing Premiership football this season."
Mace added that Leicester would launch a full internal investigation into
the events in La Manga and said that the club now regretted what was supposed
to be a relaxing mid-season break. With hindsight obviously it was an incorrect
choice but at the time we wanted to give our players the best possible
preparations for the Premiership run-in," he said "Obviously
it hasn't turned out like that."
Stories from BBC Spots site
Footiemad news item
March 6/04
Leicester looks to liberate its players.
Officials of Leicester City are expected to fly to Spain this weekend to
try to get three of their players released from jail, following charges
of sexual assault. Under Spanish law, Paul Dickov, Keith Gillespie and
Frank Sinclair, who deny the charges, could stay in custody for up to two
years before a trial is set. The club and MP Keith Vaz are pushing for
the players to be brought home while the investigation continues. The men
were charged after three women claimed they were attacked in a hotel. They
could face up to 14 years in prison.
Ferguson backs down
Manchester Utd. manager Alex Ferguson has backed down in the dispute with
John Magnier over stud rights to racehorse Rock of Gibralter. The Scot
is expected to confirm in a statement in the next two days that he has
dropped his legal battle. The sour one had demanded half of the horse's
£100m stud value but is now understood to have accepted a much reduced
offer. Sources close to Ferguson revealed that he rang Magnier in Barbados
last week to request an out-of-court settlement. The 62-year-old is now
understood to have accepted the Irishman's offer of four stud nominations
a year. Their value is estimated at between £175,000 - £200,000 although
Ferguson is likely to receive a lump sum. He had been preparing to take
his case to Dublin's High Court. Increasingly the affair had begun to undermine
his position at Old Trafford and that is likely to have affected his decision.
Magnier and his partner JP McManus hold a 28.89% stake in Manchester United
and are understood to want greater influence over how the club is run.
Quarter final action is on tap both sides of the Wall this weekend.
Stories from BBC Sports site
Footiemad news item
March 5/04
Six in Spanish court
Six Leicester players, Matt Elliott, Keith Gillespie, Lilian Nalis, Paul Dickov, Frank Sinclair and James Scowcroft, have appeared in court in Spain after spending one night in custody following allegations of sexual assault by three German women. Nalis, Dickov, Sinclair and Scowcroft were asked about claims of sexual aggression and breaking and entering. Elliott and Gillespie were quizzed over other allegations. The club's chief operating officer Paul Mace said the players "consistently and strenuously denied" the allegations. The court proceedings were held behind closed doors in Cartagena.
Three other players have been released. Danny Coyne and Nikos Dabizas,
questioned over breaking and entering and failing to help the women, were
provisionally released while Steffen Freund, quizzed about failing to help
a victim of crime, was released without charge.
Man. U. look at capacity boost
Manchester Utd. are exploring the feasibility of raising the seating capacity
at Old Trafford by 7,500, to 75,000. A statement from the club said other
facilities at the Premiership's biggest stadium might also be upgraded.
"A feasibility study is underway to evaluate the technical, financial
and planning issues on completing the north-east and north-west quadrants.
Any decision to proceed will be taken by the board in due course and announced
thereafter." Officials have previously resisted demands to increase
the capacity, believing the club's current 67,500 stadium large enough
for their needs. No time limit has been put on the study but the extra
7,500 seats could generate in excess of £4m over the course of a full season.
That cash could be vital at a time when Arsenal have confirmed their plans
to relocate to Ashburton Grove, where the capacity is likely to be about
60,000.
Ridsdale has Hart set on promotion
Former Notts Forest boss Paul Hart, fired in January, is the new manager
at Barnsley. The Division 2 club fired Gudjon Thordarson after taking only
eight of a possible 33 points since Christmas.
"Despite the fact that Gudjon started the season in difficult circumstances,
any manager is always judged on results," said a Barnsley statement.
"We have acted now to give us time to try to get back into the play-offs."
Thordarson took over as Tykes boss in June last year when California-based
businessman Sean Lewis bought the club, though Lewis departed when the
takeover was not ratified by the Football League.
The former Leeds Academy coach links up once again with former Elland Road chief Peter Ridsdale, who is chairman of Barnsley.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 4/04
The draw for the UEFA Cup 4th Round
1 CELTIC v Barcelona
2 Genclerbirligi v Valencia
3
Bordeaux v Club Bruges
4 NEWCASTLE v Real Mallorca
5
Auxerre v PSV Eindhoven
6 Inter Milan v Benfica
7
LIVERPOOL v Marseille
8 Villarreal v Roma
Games to
be played on 11 and 25 March
Paul wants to be in that number
Southampton have called a news conference at 14.30 GMT to announce Paul
Sturrock as the new manager at St. Mary's. The 47 year old Scot, who had
signed a five year deal with Plymouth in the summer, but with an out-clause
in the event of interest from a Premiership club, has reportedly agreed
personal terms with the Saints. The two clubs have thrashed out a compensation
package to enable his move along the south coast.
Saints chairman Rupert Lowe turned his attentions to former Scottish international
Sturrock after Glenn Hoddle withdrew from the race.
Plymouth vice-chairman Peter Jones said: "We're desperately sad to
lose him, but these opportunities do not come along very often. I think
it would be difficult for any manager with real talent and real ambition
to turn down the chance to manage a decent club - and let's be honest,
Southampton are a decent club. It's not often a man gets the chance to
pit his wits against Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and so forth.
If Paul wants to go, we can't stop him. Our whole relationship with Paul
has been one which has been based on trust and openness, and that remains
the case. However, we are slightly surprised at Southampton's actions,
given their history with Tottenham Hotspur."
Maybe it's the water......
Leicester boss Micky Adams has remained in Spain, along with eight of his
players, after the the players were questioned by Spanish police concerning
alleged incidents at the Foxes' training camp in La Manga. The squad had
been taking a sunshine break to prepare for a final push at Premiership
survival. Leicester flew out on Sunday on the back of a run of 15 league
and cup games without a win.
Chief executive Tim Davies is thought to have flown to Spain to meet up
with boss Micky Adams and the eight players. "The club is aware that
a number of players have been interviewed by Spanish police as a result
of alleged incidents which took place during a club training camp in Spain,"
said a club statement. "The club is co-operating fully with the authorities
in their investigations but, as these investigations are still on-going,
is not in a position to make any further comment at this stage."
Toni Coles, managing director of the La Manga complex, told the Leicester Mercury newspaper: "There has been an incident. The matter is between two independent parties. The hotel is not involved. I have nothing else to stay." The La Manga Club marketing manager Modesto Boti said: "The (eight) players are still at the hotel so we have to take care of their privacy."
It is not known whether the incidents about which players are being questioned by police have any connection with the celebrations staged for midfielder Jordan Stewart, who was 22 on Wednesday. Four years ago the squad were thrown out of a hotel and returned home after former City striker Stan Collymore set off a fire extinguisher in a hotel bar. Leicester also had to deal with controversy on their pre-season tour to Finland in 2002. Full-back Callum Davidson suffered a fractured cheekbone after an incident with another ex-City player, Dennis Wise. The clash led to the Foxes terminating the remaining two years on Wise's contract, although the Millwall player-manager has since won an appeal for unfair dismissal.
Some things just don't travel well!
Spanish police have now confirmed that nine Leicester players have been
arrested in relation to allegations of sexual assault against three women.
I never felt more like singing the blues
Chelsea winger Damien Duff, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Blackburn
in a £17m deal last summer, is not ecstatic about the club signing PSV
Eindhoven winger Arjen Robben to a deal that will see the Dutchman at the
club in the summer. The Republic of Ireland international has been hampered
by shoulder and Achilles tendon injuries this season, but is scheduled
to return to first-team action after a reserve game midweek.
Duff told The Sun: "I must admit it was a bit of a kick in the teeth
after two months out to hear about it,.but I will just have to carry on
doing what I always do and work hard. I hear that Robben is a left-winger
but I do not play there very often so maybe I will get a game somewhere
else in the team,"
Reports had also suggested that midfielder Joe Cole was dismayed at the decision to sign Robben but he has insisted that he is ready to fight for a first-team place.
Sadness at Bates departure!!!!
In a quote in the Daily Star, Chelsea legend Ron 'Chopper' Harris was delighted
to see Ken Bates leave Stamford Bridge. "Good riddance!" he declared.
"I'm still pissed through celebrating!"
How do you really feel, Chop?
It's a long way for a home game!
Hearts' proposal to play an SPL game against Celtic in Australia is being
treated with derision by Martin O'Neill. The Jambo's chief executive is
considering the idea designed to promote the Scottish game worldwide. However,
O'Neill said: "When I was told about this, I thought it was a joke
and I haven't given it much consideration. Are you telling me that we have
to travel to Australia to play an SPL game and play at a cricket ground?
It would take us four weeks."
Hearts chief executive Chris Robinson approached Celtic counterpart Peter
Lawwell last week with the ground-breaking proposal. The game has been
pencilled in for either August or January in Melbourne and is now waiting
for the green light from the SPL. But Lawwell maintains that he must consult
with O'Neill before taking the proposal further. "It is still very,
very early for us to consider it further," he said.
Stories from BBC Sports site.
Footiemad news item
March 3/04
Son of a Gunner!
My name is footiemadmarty. Son of footiemadtony, the chief editor of the
footiemad news dept. It is not often that I enjoy a solid, good nights
sleep. I've managed to trace the cause back to an early childhood memory.
As a child. I would collect clippings from the newspapers, or posters from
magazines, of my favorite teams and players. My bedroom walls were covered
with the photos of my heroes. But a nighttime I could hear noises in my
room. Scary noises. Lot's of deep breathing, and banging about the room.
When I would wake in the morning, I would find my walls bare, and white.
Except for a single Arsenal pennent, hanging from a nail, at eye level.
No matter how many days I would remove this symbol of North London, it
would always be there, staring at me each morning.
My point is.........Finally, the day has come! The news department has
been hijacked! We can all sleep comfortably at night, knowing that the
Gooner propaganda has been halted, even if just for one day! You can rest
assured, that the brain of the writer hasn't been taken over by the mind
of the crafty French manager of the North London hit squad. Brainwashing,
is not meant to be the top priority of the news page!
Oh, and by the way, I was instructed (at gun point) to put the word 'again'
in the first sentence of the 'Rich List' article!
Witchdoctor will not become a Saint.
Glenn Hoddle has withdrawn his bid to become the manager at Southampton.
The former Saints boss said a lack of full support from all the board members
would have made his position "untenable and damaging to the club".
Chairman Rupert Lowe was keen on appointing Hoddle but news of his return led
to protests by sections of the club's supporters.
In a statement, Hoddle said: "As has been widely reported in the media, I have been in active discussions regarding the position of manager at Southampton Football Club. I have been particularly heartened by the level of support shown to me by the chairman and large sections of the club - including many players and supporters. However, whilst it is clear that there has been a great deal of support for me on the board, it has not been 100%. Therefore I have reluctantly decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the post."
Sarong fitting's in just over two months!
Sven-Goran Eriksson will name his Euro2004 squad on May 17. The 23-man
squad is being announced ahead of England's May friendlies against Iceland
and Japan..
FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said Eriksson wanted to build team spirit ahead of their departure to Lisbon."The official deadline from Uefa is 2 June, so there is room for some flexibility, if required, until then," added Bevington
The England coach has already pencilled in much of his first-choice squad, but stressed there is still time for fringe players to earn themselves a place. The likes of Ledley King, who impressed in February's friendly with Portugal, will be keen to stake a claim, as will Chelsea's Scott Parker and Leeds' Alan Smith. "If I should pick the team and the squad today for Euro 2004, with everyone fit, it wouldn't be that difficult," Eriksson said ahead of the Portugal match.
.England open their Euro 2004 campaign against France in Lisbon on 13 June.
Group matches follow against Switzerland on 17 June and Croatia on 21 June.
And who said the punters won't pay 40 quid for a ticket?
Manchester United have again topped the football rich list, based on last
season's income.
The list, produced by accountants Deloitte, revealed that United's income was £167.83m last term, well ahead of nearest rivals Juventus.
Juventus earned £145.75m, while crisis club Leeds are surprisingly 16th on the list after earning £61.41m. Leeds' presence is down to income, despite shares being suspended and reported debts of around £100m. Champions League winners AC Milan were the third richest club with an income of £133.66m. And Real Madrid, complete with England captain David Beckham, are fourth after earning £128.5m.
Manchester United also come out on top in comparison against the biggest sporting franchises in the United States, where the New York Yankees head the list with an income equivalent of £162.7m.
1. Manchester United £167.83m
2. Juventus £145.75m
3. AC Milan
£133.66m
4. Real Madrid £128.5m
5. Bayern Munich £108.6m
6. Inter Milan
£108.4m
7. Arsenal £99.87m
8. Liverpool £99.74m
9. Newcastle United
£92.73m
10. Chelsea £89.32m
11. AS Roma £88.39m
12. Borussia Dortmund
£82.78m
13. Barcelona £82.38m
14. Schalke 04 £79.17m
15. Tottenham
Hotspur £63.81m
16. Leeds United £61.41m
17. Lazio £59.34m
18. Celtic
£58.07m
19. Olympique Lyonnais £56.27m
20, Valencia £53.73m
UEFA Cup Preview
Barcelona will be hoping to ease their way through to the next round of
the UEFA Cup, in today's match with Danish side, Brondby. Frank Rijkaard's
side won 1-0 in Denmark thanks to Ronaldinho, and should win easily at
the Nou Camp..
Britain's three representatives face very different challenges as they aim for the fourth round. Newcastle have little room for error at home to Valerenga of Norway after a 1-1 draw. Liverpool have a two-goal lead as they face Levski Sofia in Bulgaria. Celtic should have the easiest task, travelling to Czech side FK Teplice with a commanding 3-0 lead.
If Britain's representatives all survive, two Turkish clubs could provide the major upsets of the third round. Genclerbirligi - who have already seen off Blackburn - take a 1-0 lead into their home tie against Parma Gaziantepspor's task is tougher as they travel to Italy to face Roma with the advantage of Yusuf Simsek's goal..
Besiktas try to overhaul a 3-2 deficit against Valencia and Galatasaray travel to Villarreal with the score at 2-2.
Uefa Cup third round ties (first leg scores in brackets):
Barcelona (1) v (0) Brondby
Besiktas (2) v (3) Valencia
Bordeaux (1) v
(0) Groclin Dyskobolia
Debrecen (0) v (1) Club Brugge
Dnipro (0) v (1)
Marseille
FK Teplice (0) v (3) Celtic
Genclerbirligi (1) v (0)
Parma
Inter Milan (2) v (2) Sochaux
Levski Sofia (0) v (2)
Liverpool
Mallorca (3) v (0) Spartak Moscow
Newcastle (1) v (1)
Valerenga
PSV Eindhoven (0) v (0) Perugia
Panathinaikos (0) v (0)
Auxerre
Roma (0) v (1) Gaziantepspor
Rosenborg (0) v (1)
Benfica
Villarreal (2) v (2) Galatasaray
It really was an awesome sight, to see him moving in full flight
The
greatest player I've ever seen, I'm sure you know the one I mean
A giant
with a gentle touch, just watching him we learnt so much
A big man with a
special gift, he gave his team-mates such a lift
In defence or in attack,
nobody could hold him back
When the ball was in the air, opponents used to
stand and stare
There wasn't a thing he couldn't do, King John, he scored
goals and he stopped them too
As Welshman we worshipped the ground he trod,
and in Italy they treated him like a god
But in spite of his undoubted fame,
his character remained the same
And though his goals are in the past, the
memories will always last
I think you know the one I mean, the greatest
player that's ever been
God bless you John and may you rest in peace
Stories from BBC Sports site.