"They never hurt us and I cannot remember any critical saves that Ben Roberts had to make," said McGhee. "I was satisfied throughout the game we would get a chance, which we did with the penalty, and I'm delighted. To be a part of a day like this is incredible - as good as anything you will ever experience in football."

McGhee admitted that his team's game plan had worked. He added: "You have to accept limitations and we can only play a certain way. We know Bristol City are a better passing team than us and that at times they would keep the ball and we would have to be disciplined and not go rushing out."

Brighton are awaiting a decision from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who will decide whether the club can build a new 23,000-seater stadium at Falmer. "I just hope John Prescott realises just how much this means to the people of Brighton," said a very happy chairman, Dick Knight.

More Rivaldo nonsense

Rivaldo's agent has branded Martin O'Neill's offer to give his client a trial with Celtic "an insult". Carlos Arime said O'Neill asked the 32-year-old to join his squad on a trial basis on their tour of America.

"People will be crying tears of laughter when they hear Celtic wanted to take Rivaldo on trial," he said. "My client has been one of the best players in the world for many years and I don't think he needs to play friendly games in order to prove himself."

Arime said on Saturday that Rivaldo was just days away from signing for Bolton after knocking back O'Neill's offer.

He added: "How dare Martin O'Neill ask Rivaldo to go for a trial in America? That is an insult to my client and to football. What kind of mentality is that? Big-name players will not be attracted to Celtic if that is O'Neill's attitude."

This guy is obviously on a different planet. Rivaldo had a disastrous stay in Milan, unable to get on the field with them in a meaningful game last season. His contract was terminated by 'mutual consent' with AC, in other words he was run out of town by the Italian club. He played 11 games for Cruziero in Brazil. He is not in the frame for the national side. He was a disgrace at the 2002 World Cup. He should be grateful that O'Neill appears to have had a temporary brain cramp in offering him a tryout. If Bolton still have an interest in him at this time, he should consider himself extremely fortunate. Who the hell does this man think he is?

Bits and Pieces

John Hartson wants to finish his career with Celtic......Junichi Inamoto would like a permanent move to Fulham......Hull boss Peter Taylor interested in England U21 job......Coventry talking with Dion Dublin about a return to Highfield Road......Michael Carrick could move after West Ham miss promotion......Matthias Sammer leaving Borussia Dortmund, linked with VFB Stuttgart......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 30/04

Palace back in Premiership

Crystal Palace staged a remarkable resurgence in the second half of the season, culminating in a 1-0 win over West Ham yesterday and a return to the top flight after a six year absence. Manager Iain Dowie arrived in December when the South London club were contenders for a place in Division 2. He took them from fourth from bottom to sixth in the division, followed by a play-off win over Sunderland to get to Cardiff.

"I think we deserved to win - it was a very tight game but we defended resolutely," said Dowie. "People have been saying all season that we can't defend but we showed that we've got heart and soul. It's absolutely incredible. Our effort, commitment and desire to win was superb. I thought that our game-plan worked - West Ham are a top quality side and we've come up trumps. We showed that we're a footballing side. Now we've got the worry of dealing with some superpowers in the Premiership, but what a day for our fans."

Dowie admitted Palace would have to strengthen their squad in order to compete in the top flight but insisted the club would not overstretch itself financially.

"You've got to be sensible about it," he said. "We've seen the boom and bust and we're not going to do that but clearly we need to invest. We're talking about teams like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. I don't sleep in Division One so what I'll be like in the Premiership I don't know!"

A different slant on running the asylum

Michael Owen will have some input on who is appointed as manager at Anfield. Rick Parry, the club's chief executive, told BBC Radio Five Live it was "common sense" to ask Owen and other senior players for their opinions.

"There will be some dialogue with senior players," he told Sportsweek. "It won't be so much in terms of individuals but what they see as being the right qualities and how they think we should be going forward."

Owen is waiting until Gerard Houllier's replacement is appointed before he signs a new contract with the Merseyside club. Parry said he expected the new manager to be installed by the end of June, but was confident the England striker would commit his future to Liverpool. "I think he will re-sign and I'm very hopeful he will be with us next season," he said.

He's not in the chair yet and already!

Jose Mourinho is not yet officially the boss at the Bridge, but already mass changes appear imminent. Porto midfielder Costinha, above, has joined team-mate Deco in expressing a desire to follow his coach to Chelsea. Champions League-winning coach Mourinho is expected to be named as Claudio Ranieri's successor next week.

Costinha said: "I still have two years left on my contract at Porto, (but) I'd love to go with Mourinho. My agent is taking care of it and I know there will be developments over the next few days. I know if I go I will have more success."

Porto playmaker Deco had said on Saturday: "Of course I'd like to go to Chelsea as he's a coach I know well. He's won everything here and now has other ambitions. I've a preference for the English league because of the way they play."

A source close to Chelsea has told BBC Sport Mourinho has given owner Roman Abramovich a list of eight players he wants to bring to Stamford Bridge. Two of the players on that list are Porto players - defender Ricardo Carvalho and right-back Paulo Ferreira.

(Obviously, none of the above has anything to do with the depth of Roman Abramovich's pockets.)

Bits and Pieces

Patrick Kluivert nixes Middlesbrough move. He wants a top London club......Rivaldo is looking to Bolton again......Lauren wants to extend his contract at Highbury......From the ashes of Telford, liquidated last week, the phoenix, in the form of AFC Telford, is rising courtesy of the supporter's trust......PSV Eindhoven shelve possible bid for Jerzy Dudek......Aberdeen will have competition for Dunfermline striker Stevie Crawford's signature from England and the Pars......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 29/04

Busy weekend in Cardiff

The Nationwide play-off's take place at the Millenium Stadium over the next three days. Crystal Palace take on West Ham today for a place in the Premiership. Tomorrow it will be Bristol City and Brighton meeting for a Division 1 spot and on Monday Huddersfield face Mansfield for the Division 2 berth.

Maloney gets new Parkhead deal

Injured striker Shaun Maloney has signed a new three year deal with Celtic. The 21-year-old has been out of action since February, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligaments, and faces at least another six months out.

"It's great for me that I have my future sorted out and there's no place I'd rather be," said Maloney. "I look forward to battling back to full fitness and and playing my part in bringing further success to the club."

Maloney made his first team debut in March 2001, but has had to wait patiently while Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and John Hartson were banging in the goals. Larsson has left Celtic Park and Maloney will hope to add to his 77 appearances and 21 goals.

"Regardless of the injury, we feel Shaun is proving his worth here and when he comes back from injury I expect him to be even more prominent in the first eleven," said manager Martin O'Neill.

Calderwood moves north

Jimmy Calderwood is the new boss at Aberdeen and will be joined by long-time assistant Jimmy Nicholl at Pittodrie. The move came about after the Dons raised the compensation payment to Dunfermline, where they had been together for four years.

"I'm very happy to be here, although I have to say it was a wrench to leave Dunfermline," said Calderwood after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal. "It is not going to be an easy job but I believe that in time Jimmy Nicholl and myself can take the club back to where they want to be. When someone like Aberdeen comes in for you it is an attractive prospect and I was impressed by Willie's plans for the club,"

Aberdeen sacked previous boss Steve Paterson on Monday and appointed Willie Miller as the club's new director of football.

A compensation fee was agreed between the clubs on Thursday and talks have been concluded swiftly.

Hargreaves looking at 'Jolly Old'

Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is keen to move to the Premiership. The Canadian-born 23-year-old singled out Liverpool as his first choice, but also mentioned Arsenal and Manchester United as possible destinations.

"Sometimes you just know when it's time to move," said Hargreaves, who has two years left on his contract. "Liverpool would be a great destination for me and I think I'd fit in really well there." He added: "Liverpool, with a new manager, will be looking to strengthen and with one or two players they could be a very talented team. The basis is already there with Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen."

"The Premiership is brilliant and the fans are fantastic and just to be there every week would be a dream for me." he continued, "Arsenal are a wonderful team. I'd love to play for them but I just don't know if they need any new players. Manchester United are in a bit of a transition and Chelsea have a wad of money to spend on who they want. If I had carte blanche to choose I would say I'd be a good fit at Liverpool. But I also feel I'd be a good fit at Arsenal and even at Man United for that matter."

Hargreaves, who has 17 England caps, is part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's 23-man squad for Euro 2004 and is obviously a young man with an abundance of self-confidence.

Bits and Pieces

West Brom are close to signing Djimi Traore from Liverpool for £1m......Livingston coming out of administration and will avoid the 10 point penalty next season......Neil Lennon waiting on the O'Neill situation to be clarified before extending Celtic stay......Cesare Prandelli gets Roma job after Capello move......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 28/04

Rome to Turin

Fabio Capello has left debt-ridden Roma to take charge at Juventus, signing a three year contract. The former Real Madrid boss, who had one year left on his contract at Roma, takes over the reins at the Stadio Delle Alpi from Marcello Lippi.

Capello said earlier this year he was interested in testing his mettle in the Premiership and had been linked to London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham. The 58-year-old had also recently been installed as an outside favourite to succeed Gerard Houllier as Liverpool boss. It had not been predicted, however, that Capello would be handed the Juve job.

Capello played on the wing for the Turin club, but it was with AC Milan that he forged his name and reputation as a manager. He guided Milan to four league championships in the 1990s before joining Real Madrid where he also won the Primera Liga. Capello then returned to resume his old job at the San Siro before switching to Roma, who he steered to the Scudetto in 2001 - the club's first honours in a decade. Roma finished as runners-up to Italian champions AC Milan last season while Juventus were two points back in third.

Lippi, who also had one year left on his contract, parted company with Juventus at the end of the season by mutual agreement after eight years at the club. The club endured a disappointing season as they failed to defend their Serie A title and crashed out of the Champions League in the first knockout stage.

While Capello's appointment could turn around Juve's fortunes, it will be another blow for cash-poor Roma. The club sold defender Walter Samuel to Real Madrid last week and playmaker and captain Francesco Totti is also being targeted by a host of European clubs.

Down by the Riverside (I'm going to lay my body down)?

Middlesbrough have opened talks with cast-off Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert. Boro chief executive Keith Lamb admitted the club's interest, but stressed: "Any potential deal is at a very early stage." The 27-year-old's reported £80,000-a-week wage may prove a stumbling block for clubs interested in his services.

Kluivert, who is currently preparing for Euro 2004, was one of five Dutch players released by Barca.

A Champions League winner with Ajax in 1996, Kluivert has been at Barca since 1998 but was relegated to the substitutes bench this season. He scored 90 goals in his 181 appearances for the Catalan giants, but had become a target for fans who claimed he was more interested in running his trendy bar in the city than the club's fortunes.

Bits and Pieces

Jose Mourinho flying to London for Chelsea chat. The Daily Mirror reports he will make £80,000 a week on a four year deal at the Bridge......Chelsea are trying to avoid sacking boss Claudio Ranieri to avoid a £6m pay-off, according to the Daily Mail......Still with Chelsea, Marseille have turned down a bid from the Blues for Didier Drogba, reportedly £17m......David Trezeguet would prefer Spain, thinks the Premiership might be too rough......Paul Gascoigne talking with Welsh champions, Rhyl. He could see Champions League action next season......Manchester Utd. are close to signing PSG's Argentine international defender Gabriel Heinze for £6m......Wembley Stadium, due for completion in time for the 2006 Cup Final, is bidding for the 2007 Champions League final......Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood and assistant Jimmy Nicholl are talking with Aberdeen after Dons up the ante......Lincoln boss Keith Alexander, seriously ill earlier in the season, has signed a new two year deal at Sincil Bank......Doncaster manager Dave Penney inks new four year deal at Belle Vue......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 27/04

Champions League Final

Porto beat Monaco 3-0, but it was not a classic. In the first half, in particular, the ball appeared to be like a grenade, with both sides eager to give it to the opponents. A couple of obviously incorrect offside decisions went against the French team, most notably in the 30th minute when Morientes was put through. That said, however, on the day the better team won with three very well taken goals.

Mourinho admits Chelsea offer

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will be leaving Porto and his destination, to nobody's surprise, is Stamford Bridge. After yesterday's victory he revealed he will pursue his career in England and Chelsea have made him an offer to become their manager.

"I would really like to accept Chelsea's invitation," said Mourinho. "It will be decided in the next few days when I tell Porto's management of my intentions but the two clubs have talked," he told Sport TV.

Mourinho is expected to be named as Chelsea's new manager, but he has also been linked with Liverpool.

He added: "One club had a serious conversation with my agent and a small conversation with me. I have given my word to them and I will not change my mind. My agent was involved in a few conversations. I want everything to be done right. I will speak to the Porto president and I hope he respects my wish to leave. There is one club I give my word to and one I would like to go to and this won't change even if I get other situations because we have won the Champions League."

Smith takes cross-country hike

Alan Smith has made his £7m move from Leeds to Manchester Utd. and has vowed to fight for a place in the starting line-up.

"I am not prepared to spend time on the bench," said Smith, who will compete with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha for a place in United's attack. "If you are going to be successful as a team, you need a good squad but I think I'm good enough to play in the team. I want to make an impact straight away and hopefully I will be proved right."

Smith insisted he was ready to take abuse from Leeds fans angered by his move to Old Trafford. "Not a lot of people would have been brave enough to make this step," he added on MUTV. (now he's talking through his rear end, as it's been done before and will be again.) "I know all about the cross-Pennine rivalry and the hostility between the two sets of supporters. But I am prepared for what comes with that and I am looking forward to the challenge of playing for Manchester United. I can't wait to get started. I want to prove myself here and win the fans over with my performances on the field."

The 23-year-old revealed that it was his desire to win honours that made him choose Manchester United ahead of the likes of Newcastle and Everton. "Growing up, I wanted to be the best I could be," he said. "I want to win everything I can. That is the biggest reason for coming here. Manchester United is a team of winners. They play in every tournament going and I want to become a winner too."

Ipswich get Canadian content

Jason de Vos has signed a three year deal with Ipswich after his contract with Division 1 rivals Wigan expired this summer. The Canadian international central defender joins the Tractor Boys on a free transfer.

"I'm delighted Jason decided to join us. He is a strong, outstanding centre-half who will keep our goals against to a minimum," said boss Joe Royle. "He's also a threat from set-pieces and it's a strong statement of intent from this club," he told Ipswich's website. "We are not satisfied with fifth place in the table and we will be going all out to finish in the top two next season."

The 30-year-old spent three years with Wigan after joining for £500,000 from Scottish outfit Dundee.

Pool confirm Cisse deal

Chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse will join Liverpool on July 1, despite the departure of Gerard Houllier. There had been doubts about his move as Houllier had been instrumental in setting it up. The 22-year-old was the French league's top scorer this season with 26 goals. Cisse says he turned down Real Madrid to join Liverpool and Parry says his arrival will give fans something to look forward to next season.

"I don't think you could have taken the decision not to sign him because we've parted company with Gerard," said.Parry. "Cisse is a very exciting player with a good goalscoring record. He has pace and power and all the qualities a modern striker needs, he is someone who we believe is capable of scoring 20 goals a season."

Bits and Pieces

Everton appoint Trevor Birch chief executive......Toffees' are also looking at Paul Dickov......Kit Symons puts holiday on hold with Palace in Div. 1 play-off final......Thomas Myhre wants away from the Stadium of Light......Ben Futcher can leave Lincoln, for a price......Darlington CVA agreement accepted by creditors, club can now move forward......although Dean Windass keeps them waiting......Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky would like to move to Anfield, according to Fredi Bobic......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 26/04

Champions League Final

Monaco and Porto meet today at the Arena Auf Schalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in the showpiece for European club football. Porto have no injury problems, while Monaco striker Fernando Morientes has had a sprained ankle, but is expected to play.

It's been that sort of year

In a move that typifies the past couple of years at Elland Road, Leeds have now confirmed Kevin Blackwell as their new manager.

Blackwell, who has signed a two-year deal, was due to be appointed as the permanent successor to Eddie Gray on Monday. However, Steve Parkin's interest in the club forced the board to delay the move, with the haulage magnate thought to favour Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie. The club delayed any announcement until next week. After the collapse of Parkin's proposed £25m takeover, which had seemed to be going forward, the club has moved quickly to secure Blackwell.

Blackwell, who joined the club last July after a lengthy spell as Neil Warnock's right-hand man at Sheffield United, took charge of United's final game of the season against Chelsea after the departure of Eddie Gray. He has been working as head coach since Gray's departure, but is keen to stamp his own authority on the club.

Blackwell is said to have been unhappy with the way he was treated on Monday. He was summoned to meet with Leeds managing director David Richmond on Tuesday and agreed to sign the two-year deal he was offered originally.

Transfers to get more scrutiny

The F.A. and the Premier League are working on regulations that will open transfers to greater scrutiny. The governing bodies want clubs to divulge more details about where and when the money from player deals goes to, BBC Five Live has learned.

The move comes after Manchester United disclosed they had paid more than £13m to agents over three years. They have now demanded a declaration from agents they have no relationship with anyone at the club. United have said that financial details of transfers should be made public in future to safeguard the club's reputation.

The Old Trafford club have decided to end their association with the Elite Sports Agency, which is run by United boss Alex Ferguson's son Jason.

In a report to the Stock Exchange the club confessed that 8.5% of the £158m spent on transfers in the last three years went to agents.

Earlier this year, United's dealings were brought into question when shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus sent the club 99 questions about recent transfers and business dealings. The central component of their original letter was to highlight transfer deals and corporate governance where they felt United's conduct fell "short of best practice".(For that, read sleazy) United responded by promising to carry out a thorough review of all their procedures.

Bits and Pieces

Michael Owen says new manager key to him re-signing......Birmingham's Emile Heskey agrees that Gerard Houllier should have been fired......Claudio Ranieri and Peter Kenyon met yesterday and still nothing resolved at the Bridge. Abramovich did not attend......Charlton boss Alan Curbishley keen on Cardiff striker Robert Earnshaw......Liverpool deal close to being Thai'd up according to Pongsak......Spurs make an offer for Edgar Davids, who has turned down a deal at Barca......van Bronkhorst makes Barca move permanent. Kluivert, Overmars, Cocu and Reiziger shown the door, Recber also has no future there......Aldershot will go full-time on July 1......Livingston future somewhat cloudy after Lionheart consortium pulls out......Portsmouth sign Andy Griffin to four year deal. He was out of contract at Newcastle......Dundee plan gets creditors backing and the club can start to get out of administration by May 31, avoiding the 10 point penalty next season......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 25/04

A rumour with a twist

Real Madrid's director of football, Jorge Valdano, is saying that Roberto Carlos is about to join Chelsea for £20m. The 31-year-old Brazilian defender is reportedly set to sign a deal which will see his wages double to £120,000 per week. "We're waiting for a fax from Chelsea confirming they will pay the £20m fee in order to complete the deal," Valdano told Spanish daily sports paper AS.

Carlos, however, has been sending out mixed messages about his future. He was quoted by BBC Radio Brazil as saying that he was about to leave, but after Madrid's 4-1 defeat by Real Sociedad he seemed to change his mind.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid and I think my situation will be sorted out in the next 20 days," he said. "I am certain I will be here next season. I need a rest now, because I have had a lot of years playing a lot of games. I will go home to Brazil on Tuesday, my lawyer will call the club and he will sort things out."

Carlos was part of a Madrid side that has just completed a dismal season. They lost their last five matches of the campaign to finish fourth which led to the dismissal of Carlos Queiroz.

Why would Chelsea want to pay that kind of money for what is essentially an unknown quantity in the Premiership? Even with all his money, Abramovich can't be seriously prepared to pay that kind of weekly stipend to a man getting toward the twilight of his career and who may not adapt to playing in a different climate. Lampard will be screaming from the rooftops if this comes about.

Wigan sign Reebok cast-off

Danish international Per Frandsen has signed a one year deal with Wigan following his release by Bolton on a free transfer. The 34-year-old has twice helped Bolton to Premiership promotion and will hope to repeat with his new club.

"I'm delighted, he has proven quality and will be a great addition to our squad," Wigan boss Paul Jewell told the club's website. "I've always rated him highly and was surprised when Bolton released him."

It's not Chelsea, but

Division 3 champions Doncaster will spend over the summer to back their ambition and try for a third successive promotion year.

Rovers boss Dave Penney has made a six-figure bid for an un-named midfielder. If the move comes off it will be a transfer record for the Belle Vue club, while Penney has also lodged a cash offer for a young striker. Penney has led Doncaster from the Conference to Division Two - their highest level since 1988 - with successive promotions.

"I am going to give Dave all the resources to make a bid for another promotion," Doncaster chairman John Ryan told his club's official website.

From SPL to Division 3

Boston United's new striker Derek Lilley says one of the reasons why he left Scottish football is because it was boring. Lilley left Premier League side Livingston and has signed a three-year deal with the Pilgrims.

He told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "This season alone I've played Aberdeen seven times and Dundee on five occasions. Playing those teams alone made up a quarter of the season and it is boring coming up against the same players and is not as much of a challenge."

Bits and Pieces

A member of UEFA's technical team at Euro 2004, ex Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier intends to return to the game quickly. (did you see that, Roman?)......Blackburn interested in Paul Dickov......Felix Magath named Bayern coach as of June 28......Alan Smith could make £7m move to Man. U. tomorrow after medical......U turn at Leeds re managerial announcement. Won't happen this week, as possible take-over is closer to fruition......Despite interest from several clubs, Mark Delaney wants to fight for job at Villa Park......Newcastle to return to Far-East this summer......Livingston's Lee Makel and Dundee's Steven Milne will sign on with Plymouth today......Aberdeen will have to up the ante if they want Pars' Two Jimmys, Calderwood and Nicholl...... SPL on the telly to cost for next four years as Setanta conclude deal. £12.99 a month or a season ticket for £99, available for a limited time......Ranieri and Abramovich set to chat......A Man. City bid to get Dominic Matteo on one year loan deal rejected by Leeds. (Show us the money) He could come fairly cheaply......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May24/04

The end of the road

Liverpool announced today that Gerard Houllier has been dismissed as manager. The Frenchman has been under fire for some time and speculation on his future (or lack of) at the club has been rife. He arrived at Anfield in the summer of 1998 and took sole charge from Roy Evans later that season.

Liverpool will start the search for his successor immediately, with Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Valencia coach Rafael Benitez the early favourites. However, the agent of Valencia chief Benitez told BBC Sport on Sunday that Liverpool had not made contact with his client.

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish had been linked with a return to the club, but BBC Sport understands this is unlikely.

Houllier has paid the price for Liverpool failing to mount a serious title challenge last season, even though he guided the club into the Champions League. It brings to an end a tenure that enjoyed its major successes, with the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and Worthington Cup won in 2001. Houllier also won the Worthington Cup in 2003 with a 2-0 win against Manchester United.

Liverpool have yet to formally start the search for his successor, with the Anfield hierarchy determined to avoid getting into a long-running saga of the kind which has engulfed Chelsea.

Boca Juniors are paying the price

Argentina's biggest club, Boca Juniors, are forced to play their second leg, quarter-final of the Copa Libertadores against Sao Caetano at the ground of rivals Racing..Authorities are preventing them from using their famous Bombonera stadium.

Boca are paying the price for events at last week's big Buenos Aires derby, when they were at home to River Plate. As always, the modestly entitled 'superclasico' was a complete sell-out. An inspection revealed that organised thugs were allowed in without tickets and that Boca officials appeared to let an alleged leader of the thugs decide who should get in for free. (In Argentina a degree of complicity exists between club directors and organised gangs of thugs. The rent-a-mob can be very useful to an unscrupulous director, and part of the pay-off comes in free transport and match tickets.) Exceeding the stadium's capacity was a clear security risk.

A stormy week followed in which an investigation was carried out and a Boca official was detained and questioned. The club hoped that everything would blow over but the authorities have stuck to their guns.

Tuesday night's game against the small Brazilian club, who have a reputation as giant-killers, will be played at Racing's ground, a clear punishment as Boca lose the advantage of using their world famous home for such an important match. Following a first-leg goalless draw, the second leg is no foregone conclusion. The game could well be a tense struggle. Boca will have to do without the waves of noise coming down from the tight terraces of La Bombonera.

They will hope that they can have their ground back in time for the next round of the Libertadores. If they can get past Sao Caetano they are on course for a semi-final meeting with River Plate, a home and away clash that would be the biggest of all the 'superclasicos.'

Bits and Pieces

Tony Mowbray to manage Hibs......Kevin Blackwell favourite to be Leeds boss, announcement expected today......Charlton sign Danish international goalkeeper Stephan Andersen from AB Copenhagen......Thai's give Liverpool until Wednesday to agree deal for 30%......Henrik Larsson rejected Blackburn overtures, wants sunnier climes......Lyon win third successive championship in France......Real Madrid fire Carlos Queiroz after one season and replace him with Jose Antonio Camacho, formerly the boss of the national side......Aberdeen have fired manager Steve Paterson and assistant Duncan Shearer. Willie Miller returns to club as director of football......

Stories from BBC Sports site



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May 23/04

Cup Finals, North and South

No real surprise in either game. A minor twist in the storyline at Hampden had Dunfermline in front at half time, after which the Bhoys moved up a gear and the Larsson show started. The Swedish striker capped his seven years in Glasgow with two goals and, fittingly, a storybook ending to the Celtic phase of his career. At the Millenium Stadium, Millwall surprisingly held the game scoreless until just before the break, when Cristiano Ronaldo punished a defensive lapse. In truth, the game could have (should have) been over as a contest much earlier. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two in the second half, one from the spot, and was named 'man of the match'. From my vantage point, the Portuguese youngster should have received that accolade, as he terrorised the Lions' defence all afternoon. Not the most exciting final ever played, but, to their credit, Millwall never gave up, even though the difference in class between them and United was an abyss.

According to the 'Barmaid's Gazette'

A story in 'The News of the World', reports an F.A. plan to bring Pierluigi Collina and other top overseas referees into the English game for Premiership matches. In itself, very laudable. However, the Italian, generally considered the best on the planet, has reached the 45 year plateau and, presumably, would be ineligeable under F.A. rules. Jeff Winter and Paul Durkin, two of the top officials in Britain, have both had retirement forced on them for the crime of living 45 years.

Does football need these 'old guys' in the middle? The answer, of course, is painfully simple. Yes it does. As long as they can demonstrate the physical ability to keep up with the game, their experience is an asset to any league. Their presence would enable younger men to hone the necessary skills in the lower divisions, improving the standard of officiating from bottom to top. The top leagues, globally, deserve (demand) the top officials. Why trade a thoroughbred for a carthorse?

Bring in Collina et al. Bring back Winter and Durkin. Let's go with the best!

Bits and Pieces

England considering bid for 2018 World Cup......Margate accept demotion to Conference South and will move back home to Hartsdown Park......Didier Deschamps denies deal with either Chelsea or Juventus......Celtic chairman Brian Quinn confident Martin O'Neill will stay with club......



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May 22/04

The stage is set

Manchester Utd. and Millwall take the field in a little over four hours for the fourth F.A.Cup Final to be played at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium.

Alex Ferguson's Red Devils start as 1-10 favourites in their first final since sitting out the 2000 competition to play in the World Club Cup, while Millwall, who are sweating on the fitness of player-manager Dennis Wise, have been written off by many pundits. They will, however, be hoping to spring a Cup shock in front of 72,500 fans on one of British sport's biggest occasions. On paper, the Lions have little chance against the Old Trafford all-stars, including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and fit-again talismen Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy, but second-tier sides have pulled off huge upsets in the past, as when Southampton toppled United in the 1976 final.

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis believes a fairytale ending is on the cards. "It is a great, great opportunity for us as an FA Cup Final is something that dreams are made of," he said.

Last day of Winter

It will be an emotional day for Cup Final referee Jeff Winter, who is in charge for last game before enforced retirement at the ripe old age of 45. Winter, just like fellow ref Paul Durkin, has been forced to hang up his whistle having turned the magical number last year.

"It would have been emotional whatever the last game, but for it to be the FA Cup final is a tremendous honour. In my opinion this is the greatest game of club football in the world," Winter told BBC Sport. He added: "Refereeing an FA Cup final is something I always had as a pipe dream, so I'll be living that dream on Saturday."

The game cannot afford to lose these men at so early an age. The prime example of the idiocy of this rule is that the man generally accepted to be the best in the world, Pierluigi Collina, is in the same situation. Surely, if these men are physically able and have the desire to carry on, their experience and proven ability at the highest level should be utilised.

In Glasgow as well

Rival managers Jimmy Calderwood and Martin O'Neill are seen with the Scottish Cup before Celtic and Dunfermline take the field at Hampden Park at 1500 BST. The Bhoys are looking to complete the double, while the Pars are hoping for a third Cup win.

League champions and firm favourites Celtic have won the trophy 31 times before - their last victory coming in 2001. The Fife club last tasted Hampden success in 1968 and this is their first final since. However, Dunfermline's other triumph did come against Celtic, after a replay, in 1961.

The match marks Henrik Larsson's last competitive game for Celtic. The prolific Swedish striker has netted an incredible 240 goals during his seven seasons at Celtic Park. Two of those strikes came against Hibs in the 2001 final and Larsson will be looking for a farewell goal or two as he bids to bow out with a second Scottish Cup winner's medal.

Dunfermline goalkeeper Derek Stillie is also moving on after the final and will be desperate to spoil the widely anticipated Larsson party. In order to do so, one suspects Stillie will be a very busy man.

Bits and Pieces

Leeds reject a Galatasaray bid to take Mark Viduka on a one year loan deal......Real Madrid and Roma have agreed a reported £15m deal for Walter Samuel. The Argentine defender will sign for five years, ending speculation of a move to Chelsea......Sunderland release Jason McAteer, Joachim Bjorklund and Phil Babb......Stanislav Varga has signed a new two year deal with Celtic......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 21/04

Charges dropped against Leicester three

Paul Dickov, Keith Gillespie and Frank Sinclair have been acquitted in the Spanish court of sexual assault on three women at La Manga, after forensic tests proved negative. It doesn't compensate them for the week they spent in jail, or the difficult time they have endured since, however, hopefully they can get on with their lives now in normal fashion.

Laursen set for Villa

Danish international Martin Laursen will move to Aston Villa from AC Milan for £3m subject to a medical and will sign a four-year deal. The 26-year-old defender, who will be in Denmark's squad at Euro 2004, has been out of favour at the San Siro since Milan signed Alessandro Nesta two years ago. Laursen, capped 33 times by his country, remains a highly-rated player and has been linked with a number of other Premiership clubs.

Villa boss David O'Leary wants to strengthen his squad this summer after narrowly missing out on a Uefa Cup spot this term. The Dane will become his first capture ahead of the new campaign and his fourth since joining the club - following compatriot Thomas Sorensen, Gavin McCann and Nolberto Solano.

The Dane will become his first capture ahead of the new campaign and his fourth since joining the club - following compatriot Thomas Sorensen, Gavin McCann and Nolberto Solano. O'Leary has also released veterans Dion Dublin and Ronny Johnsen this summer.

Laursen began his career with Silkeborg before moving to Italy with Verona, Parma and then Milan.

Thai bid for Pool stalls

The Thai bid for a stake in Liverpool has hit a snag, according to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. A £60m deal for 30% of the Anfield outfit has reportedly stalled because the Thai's are unhappy at only being offered one seat on the board.

"There won't be a signing this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, but we're trying to complete next week," said Thaksin. He also voiced concerns about "minority protection", saying that chairman David Moores would still own 35% of the club. "If we agree with what Liverpool proposed, the deal could be done quickly. But we don't, as we want them to follow us," said Thaksin on Thursday. "Our ratio of directors on the board should be high."

Deputy Commerce Minister Pongsak Raktapongpisal, the chief Thai negotiator, denied media reports that the two sides were at loggerheads over Liverpool's merchandising rights in Asia. "We don't want to boast that we are experts on professional football but in trade, financing and marketing we are second to none," said Pongsak.

Meanwhile millionaire Liverpool fan Steve Morgan says he has had a revised bid to invest in the club turned down. Morgan had an offer to plough £73m into Liverpool rejected as "not attractive" by the board earlier this month.

He revealed on Friday he had since "totally changed" the structure of the bid, and increased the price per share. "This revised offer has also been turned down by both the chairman and the Liverpool board," a statement from his representatives claimed. Morgan now says he is "reluctantly withdrawing" the new bid, which was the third he has made to Liverpool. A £50m offer was turned down earlier this season, followed by the £73m bid and now this latest attempt to buy into a club he has always supported.

Bits and Pieces

Division 2 play-off final will match Bristol City and Brighton, while the Division 3 contest will feature Huddersfield and Mansfield......Alan Smith reported to be close to Man. U. move for £8m......United also being linked with PSG central defender Gabriel Heinze......Jay-Jay Okocha happily extends Reebok stay, signing a new three year deal......Clive Allen out as reserve team boss as Tottenham continue shake-up.....
Cup Finals tomorrow. At Cardiff, Manchester Utd. and Millwall, while at Hampden it's Celtic against Dunfermline......Henrik Larsson's last competitive match in the hoops......Conference side Telford sack entire squad to reduce wage bill.(that would do it)......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 20/04

Just another night at the Garry

The grand ballroom of the Garry was the scene of the social event of the year. Footiemadandy, accompanied by Lady Rhoda, joined the ranks of senior citizens yesterday. Sartorial splendour was the order of the day, ladies sashaying around the floor in ball gowns, gentlemen resplendent in black tie. Notables in attendance included Lord Richard of Putney and Lady Sandra, the Duke and Duchess of Armagh and several stars of the movie firmament. WeeAnnie, the birthday boy's young sister, and Mac flew in for the evening from California. Roman Abramovich could not make an appearance, but was represented by 'Blue Boy'. The guest of honour and his entourage left, slightly before the witching hour, in a horse- drawn carriage for the short journey to his estate.

UEFA Cup snore

Being charitable, it can best be described as a cure for insomnia. Fabien Barthez was given the heave-ho by Pierluigi Collina on the stroke of halftime for a professional foul on Mista and Valencia went to the break a goal to the good from the penalty spot. They added a second after 57 minutes, Mista scoring a nice goal, to effectively end the contest.

Gerrard makes veiled threat

Liverpool skipper Steve Gerrard has demanded that the club sign at least three top players over the summer. With reported interest from Chelsea and Alex Ferguson's recent public assessment of his capabilities, the England international may be inclined to lose patience with the Merseyside outfit.

"If I come back (from Euro 2004) and there are only one or two new faces here then I don't think that will be good enough," said Gerrard. "The next two or three months are going to be very interesting."

The Liverpool board are currently considering whether to accept an offer from Thai Prime Minister Thaskin Shinawatra to buy 30% of the club. At the same time, newspaper reports suggest Houllier could be sacked within the next week with Martin O'Neill and Alan Curbishley among the possible replacements.

The Liverpool captain insists, however, he has been assured the Anfield squad will be strengthened. "Things are going to change and there'll be some money available to invest in the team," he said. "That's nice to know because we need three or four signings to freshen things up on the playing side. There's no doubt the squad needs strengthening if we are to get back up among the top three because they are operating on another level to us at the moment."

Bits and Pieces

Rangers have put Fernando Ricksen on the transfer list, have told Mikel Arteta he can leave......Everton want Joe Cole on a loan deal......Steve Bruce hopeful that Robbie Savage will sign new deal at Birmingham, already agreed with a hand shake......Gareth Barry contract talks with Villa progressing very slowly......Leeds get £7m bid from Everton for Alan Smith. Agent says he wants to go to Old Trafford......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 19/04

A very happy birthday to footiemadandy as the wee man turns 21, again.

UEFA Cup Final

Valencia and Marseille will meet today in Gothenburg, kick-off at 19.45 BST. Valencia have already captured the Spanish crown.

Pleat out, Arnesen in

Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Frank Arnesen, above right, as the club's sports director. The former Danish international, who was technical director of football at PSV Eindhoven, has a three year deal with the London club and will take up the position on July 1. The arrival of the 47 year old has triggered the resignation of David Pleat as director of football.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "He has a proven track record of working successfully alongside some of the world's top managers." Tottenham are yet to appoint a first-team coach and Levy stressed Arnesen's role will be part of a continental-style coaching set-up at White Hart Lane. Arnesen will play a role in the appointment of Spurs' new first-team coach.

Levy said: "We are operating in an international market and it's vital we put in place an appropriate management infrastructure and expeprtise to achieve our aspirations. It's important we have stability and a consistent strategy for first-team and youth development. I firmly believe this can be best served under a new continental structure and that Frank Arnesen is immensely qualified to oversee this for us."

Pleat admitted he was "disappointed" at losing his job at White Hart Lane. He was appointed caretaker manager following Glenn Hoddle's exit last September, and hopes to make a return to the game.

"The chairman has had a major review and feels we need to go in a slightly different direction. I respect that decision and wish them well," Pleat told BBC Radio Four. "I'm not going to say I will be smelling the roses. I've been a workaholic for years and I believe I have something to offer. I hope it will be taken up in time. This has given me the chance to take a breather which is maybe something I need and some may say it's something I've earned."

Liverpool's Thai deal hits snag

Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra's deal to buy into the Anfield club is encountering some glitches. Thaksin's representatives were to have flown to Liverpool to conclude the £60m deal but the trip has been postponed indefinitely, the BBC has learned. Lawyers from both sides will have to thrash out sticking points including how many seats the consortium will have on the Anfield board. Thaksin said on Tuesday that the deal had been accepted "in principle".

It has also emerged that the deal will be funded by a one-off state lottery in Thailand, with the government promising no taxpayers' money would be used. "In principle they agreed and now we are working on details," said Thaksin. A spokesman for Liverpool said nothing had changed from last week, when the bid was being considered.

Thaksin has warned that he has other options - amid rumours he has met chief executives from other Premiership clubs. "By the end of June, we'll own a stake in a Premiership club," he said.

Thailand's cabinet approved a plan to set up a new company to manage the Liverpool investment on Tuesday. The plan is to raise £140m through a state lottery, with the proceeds paying for the Liverpool deal and "long-term sports development" in the south-east Asian country. Thai officials say the new company will be 60% owned by the government and financed with lottery funds. The remaining 40% will be owned by the public, who will own shares through the purchase of the lottery tickets, said Somchainuk Engtrakul, a senior official at the Finance Ministry.

Bits and Pieces

The Division 1 play-off final will be an all London affair between West Ham and Crystal Palace......Liverpool join the chase for Alan Smith. Leeds have turned down two bids from Man. U. of £3.5m and £5.5m....... Fernando Morientes would like a move to England, with both Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly showing interest......Jonathan Woodgate will be out three months, could miss start of next season......Livingston could be out of administration shortly, avoiding 10 point penalty......Rangers and Nuno Capucho agree severance deal......Gerard Houllier will meet with David Moores and Rick Parry in the next few days, as his job is once again under serious threat......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 18/04

Special trophy for special season

The Premier League have commissioned a one-off trophy to commemorate Arsenal's achievement of remaining unbeaten during an entire League season. It will be a replica of the Premiership trophy, which was awarded to Arsenal's championship-winning side on Saturday. However, the composition will be reversed, with gold replacing silver and vice-versa. Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "This award has been under consideration for some time."

Bits and Pieces

Emile Heskey signs five year deal at Birmingham, moving for an initial fee of £3.5m, which could rise to £6.25m........Leicester three may not face charges, forensic tests negative......Arsene Wenger gets League Manager's Association 'Manager of the Year' award for a second time......Doriva signs on for another year at the Riverside......Alex Rae signs two year deal at Ibrox, Gers' release Emerson......Dennis Wise doubtful for Final. Millwall also will be missing Danny Dichio, suspended......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 17/04

England Squad for Euro 2004

Bruce said: "We are close to agreeing a new deal and we hope to complete it within the next 48 hours. Hopefully we will be able to make Emile a Birmingham player within the next two days."

The deal would be worth an initial £3.5m, but would go up after the player makes a certain number of club and international appearances. Liverpool paid Leicester City £11m for the services of Heskey in March 2000. He has since made 277 appearances for the Merseysiders, scoring a total of 60 goals in all competitions, but he looks to have fallen out of favour after Liverpool agreed to pay £14m for Djibril Cisse in time for next season.

Heskey is expected to be the first in a number of high-profile signings by Birmingham in the summer. Bruce has already been linked with Heskey's former Leicester team-mate Muzzy Izzet, as well as Chelsea midfielder Jesper Gronkjaer.

Bits and Pieces

David Beckham sent off in Madrid's final game of the season......Arsene Wenger confirms Sylvain Wiltord to leave Highbury, still has decision to make on Kanu......Trotters release Per Frandsen......SPL to hold talks regarding Stadium requirements, but too late for Caley Thistle......Monaco's Fernando Morientes stretchered off, in doubt for Champions League final......Shrewsbury back in Football League after penalty shoot-out win over Aldershot.....

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 16/04

Arsene Wenger and the Miracles, not a Motown group

The unbelievable was accomplished yesterday at Highbury with a 2-1 victory over Leicester. An unbeaten league campaign is a monumental achievement. Now comes the hard part, that being to continue to improve on this year's performance. Wenger will demand it of his squad, the players will demand it of themselves. The feeling was encapsulated by Thierry Henry:

In making the announcement, Blatter said the decision to send the event to Africa was a victory for the entire continent. He said only one round of voting was required to produce a winner.

The South African delegation, including former president Nelson Mandela, erupted in noisy celebrations after finally overcoming the disappointment of losing to Germany by a single vote in the race to host the 2006 World Cup.

Morocco failed in its fourth bid, despite hoping to become both the first African and the first Arab country to host football's showpiece. Libya had earlier been disqualified after insisting on a joint bid with Tunisia who had pulled out of the race the previous day.

Gunner's swan song

Arsenal and England central defender Martin Keown will make his final appearance for the champions this afternoon. He will come off the bench for his 10th game of the season, picking up a Premiership winner's medal for the third time. A part of Arsenal's fabled back four, with Lee Dixon, Tony Adams and Nigel Winterburn, Keown is on his second stint at Highbury, having also played for Aston Villa and Everton.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has decided not to offer the 37-year-old former England defender a new contract. "I think Martin is finished here as a player, but if he wants to go on and play somewhere else, he can and that's what I think he'll do," Wenger said. "I am prepared to offer him a coaching role in the future, but I feel he still has two years to offer someone else. He went out and did extra training yesterday, even though he knows he will only be a substitute on Saturday and that tells you everything about him. You'd pay to coach a player like Keown."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has already indicated he would be keen to sign Keown.

Keown, who has played 43 times for England, has also won three FA Cup winners medals with Arsenal. He has a testimonial at Highbury on Monday against an England XI featuring David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Joe Cole, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Irwin finishes in top flight

Wolves defender Denis Irwin will bring down the curtain on his career after the game with Tottenham today. The former Manchester United star has spent the final two years of his career at Molineux and the club will make a presentation after Saturday's game.

Wolves boss Dave Jones told the club's website: "Denis deserves a standing ovation for what he has achieved. He is a super pro and I'm sure the other players here will have learnt a lot from him in the last two years." Jones added: "Someone said to me this week that Denis looked like he was doing his first-ever week of training not his last. He is that committed."

It is that sort of desire and discipline that has seen Irwin collect every available club honour. The 38-year-old Irishman claimed seven Premiership titles during his 12 years at Old Trafford, as well as the Champions League.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson said: "Denis' career has been one of absolute distinction. His greatest years were here and I was fortunate to get him for what everybody would consider a steal at £625,000. It is great for Denis to be able to look back on the career he has had, and he was never anything less than a fantastic professional."

Woodgate target for big guns

Both Arsenal and Manchester Utd. are reported to be keeping an eye on Jonathan Woodgate and his situation at Newcastle. The central defender is understood to be unhappy at St James' Park after a disappointing season which ended in failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester United have been linked with a bid for the England defender, who will miss Euro 2004 through injury. BBC Sport understands Arsenal are also interested and will battle United if Newcastle are forced to sell.

The 24-year-old, who cost £9m when he moved to Newcastle from Leeds last January, has been one of the bright spots of the season on Tyneside. He has been in outstanding form when he has been able to stay free from a run of injuries.

Woodgate would have rivalled Chelsea's John Terry for a place alongside Sol Campbell in England's defence in Portugal, but he was ruled out after suffering a thigh injury in the 2-1 win against Chelsea on April 25. A partnership with Campbell could be revived at club level if Woodgate makes it clear he wants Champions League football. Kolo Toure has been a success alongside Campbell in Arsenal's title success, but he is a versatile player and Wenger is likely to be tempted if the price is right for Woodgate.

Bits and Pieces

Harry Redknapp will stay as Portsmouth boss, at least until next week......Claudio Ranieri questions Jose Mourinho's credentials......Steve McLaren to replace Brian Kidd at Euro 2004......David Platt quits as England U21 boss, but will still be part of scouting team in Portugal......James Beattie urges Sven-Goran Eriksson to pick him......Jesus Gil, owner of Atletico Madrid, died on Friday after a stroke......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 14/04

First off, many happy returns of the day to a gentleman born in 1973, currently living in Haggisville and close to the heart of a supporter of champions. All the best mate.

Redknapp could lose in Pompey row

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp could be out of a job after a row with chairman Milan Mandaric over plans to dump Jim Smith. He claims Mandaric wants assistant boss Smith to leave, but the Pompey chairman insists it was Redknapp's decision.

Redknapp, speaking to the BBC, said Mandaric was "telling filthy lies" and added: "I've supported Jim and it looks like I'll lose a job I love over it." But Mandaric said: "He said he could do without Jim and said he was useless."

Pompey face Middlesbrough on Saturday in their final game of what has been a successful debut season in the Premiership.

Redknapp added on BBC Radio 4: "It's the last game of the season and the fans have been disappointed with the possibility of Jim leaving. Milan's probably realised support's against him, and when he is backed into a corner he's come out with this. It's incredible. There is not a prayer - not a chance - of me wanting to get rid of Jim and now it looks like I will lose my job because of supporting Jim. It looks like there is only going to be one conclusion. It has got out of hand and has become a bit of a nightmare."

Redknapp will meet Mandaric on Friday, but the manager insists he is unlikely to resign. He said: "I don't see why I should make it easy. I've done nothing wrong. All I have done is a great job for the club. We've had two great years and we deserved to be treated a bit better than we have this week. Jim's disappointed but he saw it coming. He could feel it wasn't right when he came up to the boardroom. We have seen something coming for quite a while."

On the other hand, Mandaric told BBC Radio 4: "I tried to protect Harry and not go public but he said this in an official meeting in the boardroom in front of others, including the chief executive. Harry said he could do without Jim and really didn't need him. He said he would like to keep him for the rest of the season because he was doing this favour for Jim. That is not a good reason to keep somebody."

Mandaric claimed Redknapp suggested Smith should go in December, but added: "He pleaded with me not to make the changes there and then because he was concerned about what Sir Alex Ferguson or some of his friends might say. What has Alex Ferguson ever done for Portsmouth Football Club? What have Harry's friends ever done for us?"

Come on now, girls! You've had a successful season. Why spoil it? Will Harry move to London or Leeds? Who does Mandaric have in mind for the job?

Bits and Pieces

Villa release Dion Dublin and Ronny Johnsen......Juan Sebastian Veron wants out of Chelsea......Paul Robinson move completed......Bolton hoping to sign Aliou Cisse......Solskjaer denies possible Celtic move......Teddy Sheringham out the door at Portsmouth. Possibly headed for Quatar......Liverpool again say 'No' to Morgan......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 13/04

Following yesterday's result at St. Mary's, Liverpool are all but assured fourth place and the final Champions League spot for next season. For them to miss out now, they would have to lose at home to Newcastle on Saturday and Aston Villa would have to beat Man U. by 12 or 13 goals. Highly unlikely! The Magpies, however, are needing a win plus a Villa loss to make it into the UEFA Cup for next year. A disappointing finish for the Tyneside faithful.

Relegation means bargains to be had

Spurs and Leeds have agreed a £1.5m fee for goalkeeper Paul Robinson to move to White Hart Lane next season, subject to a medical and agreeing terms. It's a done deal. Earlier in the year the clubs had a transfer in place for more money, only to have the league step in and void it.

Robinson, 24, almost moved to the London club for between £2.0 and £2.5m during the January transfer window, but the deal stalled over Premier League rules. Spurs would have allowed him to stay at Elland Road for the rest of the season, but the Premier League did not approve.

"We hope to conclude the deal early next week," said a club statement. "We have agreed a £1.5m deal with Leeds United for goalkeeper Paul Robinson, subject to agreeing personal terms with the player and a medical."

Will Milner go with him?

Tottenham have made a 'fantastic offer' for Leeds teenager James Milner, according to his agent. The 18 year old has always denied he wants to leave Leeds and chairman Gerald Krasner has said he is not for sale.

The youngster's agent Mick McGuire said: "It's true to say Spurs have made a fantastic bid for James, but at no point did we feel that Leeds were trying to push him out. He's totally committed to Leeds and wants to stay and feels that another year will enhance his playing ability."

Magilton rues tantrum

Ipswich skipper Jim Magilton is sorry for his reaction to being substituted during the club's 1-1 draw with Cardiff on Sunday. He threw off his captain's armband and stormed off the field, although he did shake hands with his replacement Martijn Reuser.

The 1-1 result ensured that Ipswich clinched a play-off berth but Magilton admitted: "My reaction was poor. I am the skipper of the team and should lead by example but I have always worn my heart on my sleeve."

The former Northern Ireland international added: "I tend to react without thinking and people who know me know I cannot change. I wish I had not done it but I did and I have to live with that and now I have to be big enough to face whatever retribution comes my way. I was bitterly disappointed with my own performance. The gaffer Joe Royle has just shrugged it off. He has put the rattle back in the pram."

Unfortunate conclusion at Fir Park

Manager Martin O'Neill was furious after Celtic's Ross Wallace was kicked by a fan after the 1-1 draw at Motherwell yesterday.

"Ross Wallace got kicked by someone and I think the police are involved," said O'Neill after game.."I can understand the fans coming on the field at the end because it is Motherwell's last home game and I can understand that enthusiasm. But there is a problem when an opposition player's kicked then it's a different matter all together. I don't want any raging headlines because Ross is okay but he took a fair kick."

Motherwell manager Terry Butcher also condemned the culprit and has vowed to ban the person in question from the ground next season if he is tracked down.

"It was one of the days when we should have been celebrating a good season and draw against Celtic," he said. "I can't condone that behaviour and it is disappointing because the fans have been tremendous throughout our troubles and should have been celebrating staying up and being top six. But the stupidity of one person should not take from the fact that the rest of the crowd have been tremendous this season. We will talk to our people and we will sort that one out but strong action has to be taken."

Bits and Pieces

Dennis Bergkamp agrees new one year deal with Gunners......Skipper Olof Mellberg signs four year deal with Villa......Wales Euro 2004 appeal gets another heave-ho......Bolton sign new £10m five year shirt sponsorship deal with Reebok......John Hartson apologizes to fans after not showing up for trophy party......Manager Chris Coleman and assistant Steve Kean to get new deals at Fulham before Bolton game. Al.Fayed happy with the job they've done......Liverpool weighing offers......Iain Dowie nixes Leeds talk, commits to Palace......Stan Collymore charged with death threat to wife......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 12/04

Spurs dump veterans

Tottenham will release Darren Anderton, above, Christian Ziege and Gus Poyet after Saturday's season finale, as they attempt to rebuild after a lacklustre campaign.

Anderton, 32, joined Spurs from hometown club Portsmouth in 1992 for £1.7m and made 358 appearances despite a series of injuries. Ziege, 32, moved from Liverpool in 2001 while Poyet, 36, joined from London rivals Chelsea for £1.5m also in 2001.

However, club captain Jamie Redknapp has signed a new one-year deal. Redknapp, who has also struggled with injuries, was awarded the new contract after agreeing a contractual issue which entitled him to an extension provided he played a certain number of matches.

In addition, second-choice goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld and promising young keeper Shwan Jalal have also left the club along with defender Danny Foster. The departure of Hirschfeld and Jalal leaves Spurs only have one senior goalkeeper on their books in Kasey Keller, raising the prospects of a renewed bid for Leeds' Paul Robinson.

Morgan back in Anfield frame

Millionaire building magnate and lifelong Liverpool fan Steve Morgan has stepped up to the plate with a new bid to buy into the Merseyside club and prevent Thai P.M. Thaksin Shinawatra (or Thailand) from buying 30% of his favourite team. His £73m attempt to buy into the club could also put some grease under manager Gerard Houllier's feet. He aims to raise £61m with a rights issue and £12m through a share issue.

The 51 year old said of Houllier's record on signings: "Anyone can make mistakes, but we just seem to have made a hell of a lot of them." At a news conference on Wednesday, Morgan said it was "not the time or place" to discuss Houllier, but added that Liverpool had endured a "frustrating and disappointing" season.

Morgan, however, made his displeasure with Houllier's recent record clear. "The manager has managed the club for the last six years and had some very good successes, but every supporter will be disappointed with this season. We are closer to the bottom than the top in terms of points and that has got to change." He added: "The manager's track record for signings over the last few seasons has not been good, but equally he has made some good signings. I'm not going to name names, but we all know who these players are. There are certainly some I would like to see the back of."

Morgan, who also plans to put money into Liverpool's new stadium, refused to rule out a future attempt to become chairman, but he maintained his ambition in that area was not a stipulation of the current bid.

Morgan's show of force already seems to have put off Thaksin, who is in negotiations in Bangkok with Reds chief executive Rick Parry. The Thai PM now says he has only a "50-50" chance of buying in, adding that he will not be drawn into a bidding war and that he has other options.

Thaksin, speaking in Bangkok on Wednesday. said: "Somebody may want to bid higher and expect us to raise the ante. We will not do that. If we can get it, good. If not, never mind. We have to consider what is a suitable price and we will not offer a higher bid. It depends on whether (Liverpool) want to be our partner or not. We still have a 50-50 chance."

At the same time, in Liverpool, Morgan said: "My offer is a counter-bid against the talks taking place with the prime minister of Thailand. I've only one goal in all of this and that is to help Liverpool once again become the number one team in both England and Europe. I believe the future of Liverpool Football Club is best served by the people who love the club the most - its supporters, of whom I am proud to be one."

Thaksin's bid has also been dogged by whether the £60m he has put on the table is coming from his own pocket or Thailand's public funds. "Let's wait until Thailand buys the team before going into details whether we spend Thais' money or the private sector's," Thaksin said. The confusion was not helped when Thai government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair said "most of the money will come from public funds".

Mills won't be back at Leeds

England international Danny Mills will not be returning to Elland Road when his current loan spell at Middlesbrough expires this month. Boro', Newcastle, Birmingham and Spurs have all expressed an interest in the defender, who will still have four years to run on his Leeds contract. He is not keen to play in the First Division..

His agent Neil Featherby told BBC Sport: "You would have to be naive to think under the present circumstances he is likely to remain there." He added: "Of course he would prefer not to play in Division One, just as Leeds United would prefer not to play in Division One."

Middlesbrough would appear to be slight favourites to land the Mills, who turns 27 later in May. Featherby said: "He's been more than happy at Middlesbrough throughout the season, and more to the point he came away with a Carling Cup winners' medal."

Newcastle are known admirers of Spurs right-back Stephen Carr and if they moved for him that could leave the north London club eyeing Mills as a replacement. (According to The Sun, Newcastle have made a £6.5m offer for both Alan Smith and Mills.)

However, Birmingham are already showing ambition with possible moves for Jesper Grokjaer, Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet being discussed and a deal already done to keep Mikael Forssell on loan.

"If, during the course of the next few weeks, he is presented with several options then of course we will obviously look at them all," Mills' agent said. "Certainly from a footballing point of view he is very ambitious and has many years of good football ahead of him. The most important factor here is him and his family, and the determining factor will be whether they want to live in London, the Midlands, the north east of England or staying in Yorkshire where he is now."

Kenyon hasn't pulled the rug, YET

The fate of Claudio Ranieri has not yet been decided, according to Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon. Press speculation has mounted that the popular Italian will be replaced by Porto coach Jose Mourinho when the season ends.

Speaking at a fans' dinner at Stamford Bridge, Kenyon said: "Claudio has got three years on his contract. There's been no decision taken and there's been no one appointed."

In recent weeks even Ranieri, who led Chelsea to second in the league and the semi-finals of the Champions League, has indicated that he did not expect to be kept on. However, club chairman Bruce Buck said a decision on who will manage Chelsea next season will be taken in the next few weeks and denied any deals had been reached with other coaches.

Several supporters heckled Kenyon, accusing him of undermining Ranieri, but the former Manchester United chief executive defended himself, saying: "Through all this period we've conducted discussions on an on-going basis with Claudio."

Kenyon also said the club would buy a few players and lose a few during the summer but would not be drawn on who his targets were nor how much the club had to spend. He did, however, insist that England midfielder Frank Lampard would be staying, despite reports that he may go to Manchester United.

Former chairman Ken Bates, who resigned earlier this year, was given a warm welcome by fans but had some barbed exchanges with his successors.

Bits and Pieces

Paul Merson appointed player-manager at Walsall......Laurent Robert hints at Newcastle exit......Manchester City show Michael Tarnat the door after one season......Frank de Boer leaving Rangers......Craig Short agrees one year extension at Blackburn......Hull manager Peter Taylor nixes possible Spurs move......Bradford's entire playing staff have been told to look for other clubs, as financial crisis deepens......Ian Hollway to remain with QPR, according to chairman......Steve Bruce wants Jesper Gronkjaer at St. Andrew's......BSkyB will not allow rivals to show Premiership games. Bids were too low......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 11/04

Thai deal for Pool isn't staightforward

The Thai government have said P.M. Thaksin Shinawatra has finalized a deal for 30% of Liverpool. He is thought to be buying his shares from David Moores' 51%. This is strange in itself, as the reason given for turning down the bid from Steve Morgan was that Moores did not want his controlling holding diluted. This would mean a profit for Moores, not money into the club.

However, the cash will come from Thai public funds, rather than Thaksin himself, as was previously thought. "We will buy in the name of Thailand," said government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair after a cabinet announcement. "The Thai government is the one that negotiated the deal, not Thaksin and most of the money will come from public funds," Jakrapob added ahead of a formal announcement to be held at an undisclosed time in the future.

Obviously it is not yet clear if the purchase will be publicly or privately funded, if, as and when it happens. "Let's wait until Thailand buys the team before going into details whether we spend Thais' money or the private sector's," Thaksin said.

This would appear to contradict a statement made over the weekend by Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, deputy minister of commerce, who said: "I want to assure you that the money comes from the prime minister himself not from public funds."

Jakrapob added: "It's almost 100 percent. Both sides are confident we will make the announcement. As far as we are concerned, we have finished the process."

Thaksin, who was a telecoms tycoon before he moved into politics, is estimated to be worth $800m (£450m) and hopes to cash in on the Premiership club's popularity in Asia. He revealed that a company formed with other Thai private investors to pump money into the club would receive commercial rights to use the Liverpool brand and that a football academy would be set up in Thailand.

His spokesman, Chakrapot Penkai, believes the deal will be mutually beneficial. "Thailand thinks that the Liverpool team can enhance the standard of the sport's development in Thailand a great deal," he told BBC Radio Four's Today programme. "Why does the prime minister want to invest in Liverpool? Because it is the era of the brand name and with a good quality brand name you can do many things. Liverpool's name is a world-class name - people attach their fantasies, their liking for sports, their enhancement in life, their self-development, along with this kind of team."

Reds chairman David Moores and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry have been in Bangkok working on the deal.

And the Thai fan club's president, Boonchai Mongkolratankorn, said all Liverpool supporters would be happy that marketing merchandise in Asia would help buy new players. "The prime minister shouldn't have anything to do with management of the club but I think he wants a say in buying and selling players," Boonchai said. "I'm not sure if the prime minister is really a Liverpool fan," he added. "He says he is, but when Manchester United were here, he said he supported them."

This one could be a while before we know who owns what.

Owen won't leave Pool (in the lurch)

Michael Owen says he will not play out his contract and leave Anfield on a free transfer after next season.

The striker, who has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid, quashed talk of an early Anfield exit. "We will sort something out amicably next summer," he told BBC Five Live. "I won't just up and leave on a Bosman. I have the rest of this season and all next left on my contract but talks have already started on a new one."

Owen did admit that discussions had been complicated, but said he was not about to cash in on his position. "Inevitably, the talks are complex though and don't get done in just a week. But I certainly see myself at Liverpool next year. Why not? I'm not in football for the money. (He should have said 'solely') And that is largely what it means when players sit out their contracts and go for free. I've got a reasonable collection of trophies already, but I want more and that's the main thing in my mind. I read that the manager [Gerard Houllier] says he expects me to go abroad at some stage and I certainly would not rule anything out. I am very ambitious and want to play at the highest level but there is no reason that can't be with Liverpool."

Owen's pledge came on the day he signed a new kit and boots sponsorship deal with manufacturers Umbro, reportedly worth £15m over 15 years.

Bits and Pieces

Alan Smith says he would consider a move to Old Trafford......Manchester Utd. hope to stage an annual 'Tournament of Champions' in future summers. (If it were this one, could they be in it).......Nationwide crowds up sharply......Roberto Carlos claims Chelsea want him......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 10/04

First division schedule concluded

West Ham, Ipswich and Crystal Palace join Sunderland in the play-offs. Walsall join Wimbledon and Bradford in Division 2 next year.

Henry scoops Football Writer's award

Thierry Henry has won the Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first to win in successive seasons.

The French striker polled 87% of the votes cast in the poll by the English Football Writers' Association. Chelsea's England star Frank Lampard was second, while Henry's Arsenal colleague Patrick Vieira was third. Henry's honour comes two weeks after he was voted the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year for the second successive season.

He has scored 37 goals this term, including 29 in the Premier League, to help Arsenal clinch the title. The Gunners are one game away from completing their campaign unbeaten.

Hendry would like to be beside the seaside

Colin Hendry, the former Blackburn and Scotland international defender, has expressed an interest in the vacant managerial position at Blackpool. The 38-year-old, who ended his playing career with a loan spell at Bloomfield Road last season, is keen to succeed Steve McMahon, who left last week.

"I haven't spoken to anyone about it yet but I'm honoured to be linked with the Blackpool job," Hendry told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "When I was there I struck up a good rapport with the people at the club."

Merson wants Bescot job

Former Arsenal and England international Paul Merson is hoping to be given the reins at Walsall on a permanent basis. He has been caretaker player-manager with the Midlands club since Colin Lee was fired and wants to remain despite relegation to Division 2.

"I have not played anywhere near as well as I could have done, or we could have had another four or five points," he said after the win over Rotherham. "But I still have some gas left in the tank as a player. I would give my right arm to get the job because it would be a massive opportunity. "And I am sure Walsall will bounce straight back," Merson added.

Thai P.M. still wants piece of Pool pie.

Thailand's Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has confirmed he is looking to buy 30% of Liverpool for a reported £65m. It was revealed on Sunday that Reds chief executive Rick Parry was in Thailand to conclude the deal. Thaksin said he hoped to formally confirm his investment on Friday.

"If Liverpool's chief executive agrees with our proposals he will go back and talk with the club's board and then we will make an announcement." It is believed that Thaksin is ready to invest in the Premiership club in an attempt to cash in on their popularity in Asia.

Businessman and lifelong Liverpool fan Steve Morgan, who is the club's third largest shareholder, had offered to put £50m into the club but was snubbed. It is understood his offer was not accepted because it would have diluted chairman David Moores 51%.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry, in Bangkok to conclude negotiations, said: "I've made it very clear in the past that we are actively evaluating a range of different proposals and when the club has something to say about it, then we shall discuss it fully."

Rangers land Prso

Croatian international striker Dado Prso has agreed a three year deal with Rangers, according to the club. The 29 year old is out of contract with Monaco in the summer. His goals have helped the French side to the Champions League final and they are still in with a shout of winning the French league.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted to have secured a player of his calibre. I have watched Prso many times this season. He is very direct as a striker and he has a great presence, which is just what we need. The fact that he is in the running for the French championship, the Champions League and Euro 2004 tells you that the man has winning quality."

A statement from Rangers read: "The club has shown a real determination to challenge for the honours again after a disappointing season and have done really well in fighting off stiff competition from many major clubs throughout Europe."

The news was greeted with anger, though, by Bolton boss Sam Allardyce who thought the player had already agreed to move to the Reebok Stadium.

"We've been chasing Dado Prso for a while and we managed to keep it quiet for the last eight weeks," Allardyce told his club's website. "I'll be very sad if he didn't join us after he agreed terms six weeks ago. But I suppose, if Rangers have come in for him, and he went to them, I'd be extremely disappointed in more ways than one. I can't believe after what we agreed that he'll turn us down. That might be the measure of the man. We might not be quite big enough for him just yet."

First Rivaldo, now Prso. Sam's luck hasn't been good lately!

Bits and Pieces

Maradona switched to drug rehab clinic in Buenos Aires......Newcastle must win last two games to finish fourth. Potentially sets up a huge game at Anfield on Saturday......Harry Redknapp wants to stay with Pompey and wants Jim Smith and Kevin Bond with him......West Lothian council have invited Dominic Keane, Pearse Flynn and bank representatives to meet tonight in an attempt to proceed with getting Livingston out of administration by month end......Norwich want Arsenal's David Bentley on long-term loan next season......Eddie Gray out as Leeds' manager, but will stay with the club on a consultancy basis with a one year contract. Assistant Kevin Blackwell will be caretaker boss for last Premiership game......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 9/04

Division 2 & 3 schedules complete

Division 2
Champions: Plymouth, Runners-up: QPR, Play-offs: Bristol City, Brighton, Swindon, Hartlepool.
Relegated: Wycombe, Notts County, Rushden & Diamonds, Grimsby

Division 3
Champions: Doncaster, Promoted: Hull, Torquay, Play-offs: Huddersfield, Mansfield, Northampton, Lincoln.

Division 1 winds-up today

Champions: Norwich,: Runners-up: West Brom, Play-offs: Sunderland, with six teams mathematically in with a shot at the other three places. Sheffield United and Reading would need an 'Act of God' while Wigan only need a minor miracle. West Ham, who visit Wigan only need a draw, as do Crystal Palace who visit Coventry. Wigan need a win and hope that Cardiff can come away from Ipswich with a win.
Relegated: Wimbledon, Bradford City. Walsall have to beat Rotherham and hope Gillingham lose at Stoke, or Gillingham draw and they win by three goals to avoid the drop.

Premiership with another week to go

Champions: Arsenal, Runners-up: Chelsea. Third: Manchester Utd.. Fourth: Could go down to the wire depending on Newcastle's game with Wolves today. A win at St. James' Park would bring them within three points of Liverpool, with a game in hand. The Geordies visit Southampton on Wednesday and then finish the season at Anfield.
Relegated: Leicester, Leeds, Wolves.

Bits and Pieces

Werder Bremen clinch Bundesliga crown with a 3-1 win at Bayern Munich......Muzzy Izzet reported to be headed to Birmingham in the summer......Louis van Gaal talking a management team with Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge......Thai P.M. and Liverpool rumours bubbling again......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 8/04

Was this predictable or what?

Did this guy ever intend signing for Bolton? Probably not, despite his British representative saying the deal was as good as done. After Martin O'Neill's admission on Friday that Celtic would have an interest, Rivaldo's Brazilian agent has opened the door for talks with the Scottish champions.

Carlos Arime told the Scottish Sun: "Celtic are free to make their move and speak to us. It would be better for Rivaldo to move to Celtic rather than Bolton because they are a bigger club. Celtic will be playing Champions League next season."

Who's he kidding? Once talks begin in Glasgow, he'll be waiting for a call from Abramovich or Ferguson. Whoever gets him deserves him. The man is trouble and should be treated as such.

Smith admits European interest

Leeds striker Alan Smith would not be averse to a move to Europe over the summer. The 23 year old has stated that he will not be at Elland Road in Division 1, citing the furtherance of his international career as the reason.

"I haven't ruled out playing abroad at some point in my career," Smith told BBC One's Football Focus. "I would love to play in one of the other top leagues in Europe."

Smith, who has been linked with Valencia and Inter Milan, added: "I watch the Spanish football on Saturday and Sunday nights and have often dreamed of playing out there. Italy would be a great place to go, too. There is nothing better than testing yourself against the world's best defenders."

Smith has been one of the stand-out performers for Leeds this season and was in tears after the 4-1 Bolton defeat effectively confirmed their relegation.

"What's happened at Leeds is disappointing but, at the same time, I am excited at where the next move could be," Smith said. "I never thought I would ever leave Leeds. I thought I would spend my whole career there. But if big clubs come in for you, you've got to give it serious thought. Whoever is interested it will be a big decision for me. I'll sit down and talk to my family and friends and we will work out where the best move for me is. And if it's abroad, who knows?"

Bits and Pieces

Jaap Stam will move from Lazio to AC Milan in the summer......Eriksson warns England players against friendlies prior to Euro 2004.......An exception will be Martin Keown's testimonial on May 17, when cameo appearances will receive his blessing......Angry scenes in Dockland as Millwall supporters denied tickets......Last 'Old Firm" game this season today at Parkhead.....Premiership runner-up could be decided at Old Trafford...... Both games at 12.30 BST......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 7/04

UEFA Cup Semi Final 2nd leg

Marseille beat Newcastle 2-0 yesterday to set up a May 19 meeting with Valencia, 1-0 winners over Villarreal.

Toffees want to keep Moyes

Everton are thought to be ready to offer David Moyes a new four year deal. The Scot still has two years to run on his current contract, but the club are keen to ensure their highly rated boss is there for the long term.

Although they have struggled this season, Moyes led the Merseysiders to the brink of European football in his first full season after moving from Preston. He is expected to sign and Everton also hope England teenager Wayne Rooney will agree a five-year contract.

Moyes remains a hugely popular figure among Everton's support, but has been touted as a possible successor to Martin O'Neill if he left Celtic. He replaced Walter Smith in March 2002 and immediately led Everton to safety. After Everton's performances last season, when they missed out on Uefa Cup qualification on the final day, Moyes was named manager of the year by the League Managers' Association. He has had to work withing a small transfer budget, and he has called on Everton's board to invest in the squad this summer.

Wiltord Werder bound?

Arsenal's French international striker Sylvain Wiltord is believed to be considering a summer move to Bundesliga leaders Werder Bremen. The 29-year-old is a free agent in June when his contract expires.

The arrival of Juan Antonio Reyes and Robin van Persie has pushed him further down the pecking order behind Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, plus youngsters Jeremie Aliadiere and David Bentley. Bremen are confident of clinching a deal and director of sport Klaus Allofs said: "There is a lot of interest in the move from both sides."

Reid takes over at Coventry

Peter Reid has been appointed manager at Division 1 Coventry. Reid, who was fired by Leeds in November, has also had spells with the reins at Manchester City and Sunderland. Adrian Heath will be his assistant at Highfield Road as the Midlands side have ambitions of a return to the Premiership.

He takes over from Eric Black who had been promoted from assistant boss to manager in January after player-boss Gary McAllister stood down. Coventry fans were upset at Black's dismissal. He was told his services were no longer required when he phoned up chairman Mike McGinnity to question reports in Sunday's papers that he was to be sacked. McGinnity then told Black of his and the board's decision to change the manager and approached Reid on Monday.

McGinnity said: "We have a man here who I believe is the only option me and the board had of taking this club forward with a positive attitude. We only want Premier League football. I believe with his record Peter will give us a great chance of achieving that. We all know in football there are no guarantees but it's a gamble I'm taking - I'm not afraid to take a gamble when it's in the best interests of our supporters and the club."

Coventry are said to be hoping that Reid can reinvigorate the club's fortunes in time for their move to a new stadium in the 2005-06 season.

McMahon quits Blackpool

Manager Steve McMahon and Division 2 Blackpool have parted company by mutual consent. The former Liverpool midfielder, who had been in charge since January 2000, is leaving to pursue a fresh challenge. Assistant coach Mark Seagraves has also left, with no decision yet taken on who will be in charge for Saturday's game.

"It is a sad day for me, but I am going to enjoy a break, recharge my batteries before looking forward to the future challenges," he told the club website. He has been linked with Division 1 Burnley, who have dismissed Stan Ternent, effective at the end of the season. During McMahon's reign, Blackpool were promoted to Division Two and won the LDV Vans Trophy twice..

Chairman Karl Oyston said: "I would like to place on record the gratitude for all Steve's efforts over the last four years. I feel the club have come a long way both on and off the field during this period and, following amicable discussions, we felt it was in the club's best interests for any change to be made with immediate effect. This will leave Steve free to pursue other options in the close season."

Bits and Pieces

Rangers looking to sign Monaco's Dado Prso for next season......Mourinho ready for Chelsea, although no deal yet. This is getting to be a snore......O'Leary dismisses Bowyer talk......Mark Fish signs on for another year at the Valley......Real and Ruud rumours keep on building. ....Ferguson reported to covet Steve Gerrard......Livi crisis meeting called by West Lothian council......Glory be, England have a song for Euro 2004......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 6/04

Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg

Monaco came back from a two goal deficit to get a 2-2 draw yesterday at the Bridge and win with a 5-3 aggregate. They now meet Porto in the final on May 26

UEFA Cup Semi Final 2nd leg

Newcastle visit Marseille and Villarreal travel to Valencia today after goalless draws in both 1st leg matches. The Tyneside squad will be missing Bellamy, Dyer, Jenas, Woodgate and Griffin, although little used Lee Bowyer could be ready. The French side expect to have Steve Marlet back in their line-up. Pablo Aimar will return for Valencia, after being out for six weeks, but defender Carboni is suspended, Rufete is out and Angulo is doubtful. The visitors are at full strength.

LuaLua makes a point

Lomana LuaLua, on loan to Portsmouth from Newcastle, has rejected a call from the Magpies to rejoin them for the UEFA Cup game against Marseille. Portsmouth had agreed to release the Congo striker, although they are keen to sign him on a permanent basis. Injury hit United had wanted cover for today's match, but the player has opted to stay with Pompey.

"He does realise it's a big game," said LuaLua's agent Tony Finnigan. "But he wants to show Pompey's he committed to them - he's happy where he is and wants to show what he can do. Lomana took a gamble going to Pompey but he is happy to stay. The fans there have really taken to him and although three other teams are interested in him, Lomana is keen to stay at Pompey and play first-team football each week." Portsmouth had been willing to allow the on-loan LuaLua to join up with Newcastle in order to smooth the way for his anticipated £2m move to the south coast in the summer. He has scored four important goals, including one against Newcastle, since joining Pompey during the January transfer window and been an integral part of the team's survival effort in the Premiership.

When asked about LuaLua's refusal play in the Uefa Cup semi-final, Magpies boss Bobby Robson said: "I don't really want to talk about LuaLua. He's not here and I have no interest in him as far as this game is concerned."

Fracas results in charges

Leicester and Manchester City face F.A. charges of failing to control their players. Foxes midfielder Steffen Freund has been given a separate charge of improper conduct.

The charges relate to an incident during the Premiership encounter on 24 April when Leicester's Muzzy Izzet was awarded a penalty. City's players believed the midfielder had handled the ball before the foul, prompting a melee on the pitch. Freund, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to join in the confrontation.

All parties have until 19 May to respond.

City keeper David James went on to save the controversial spot-kick and the game ended 1-1.

Nationwide Players of the Year

In Division 1 the award goes to Norwich striker Darren Huckerby. The former Newcastle and Manchester City star inspired the Canaries to the title, scoring 13 goals along the way.

"Darren has had a major part to play in Norwich's hugely successful season," League spokesman Ian Christon said. "His pace and dribbling ability have caused havoc and he will be looking forward to pitting his wits against Premiership defences next season."


The Division 2 choice is Plymouth defender Graham Coughlan. The 29-year-old has been a defensive rock in Argyle's title-winning campaign and also contributed seven goals.

League spokesman Ian Christon said: "He has made a huge contribution in almost every game, whether that be scoring goals or snuffing out the opposition. Every successful team has a strong base and Coughlan has provided the foundation for Argyle to build on."


Doncaster midfielder Michael McIndoe gets the nod in Division 3. The 24-year-old was the creative influence behind Rovers' march to the title, and he has scored 10 goals.

"Michael is recognised in many quarters as the best player in Division Three and he has proved that this season," League spokesman Ian Christon said. "He has provided a constant threat with his pace and skill, and has played a major part in Doncaster's success."

The recipients are picked by the Football League.

Hibs youngster's knee injury feared serious

Hibs midfielder Kevin Thomson, whose knee was injured in yesterday's loss to Partick Thistle, fears it could be serious. The 19-year-old told BBC Sport he heard the ligaments in his right knee snap before coming off after 10 minutes of the 2-1 defeat at Easter Road.

Hibs joint-caretaker boss Jim Clark said: "It's a bit early to say how serious it is. But he's going for a scan and it looks like it will be months rather than weeks he will be out." Thomson will have a scan on Thursday and expects to be treated by the same surgeon who helped Scotland rugby international Simon Taylor return from serious injury.

Clark added: "I'm more disappointed with the injury to Kevin Thomson, because it looks a serious one. Kevin was fouled once in the build-up and the referee played on before he was fouled again. But it was in between the fouls that Kevin has done the damage and, if the ref had blown for the first offence, it wouldn't have happened."

Bits and Pieces

Ferguson could rest van Nistelrooy until Cup Final......O'Leary interested in bringing Lee Bowyer to Villa Park......Stuart Pearce keen to manage again......Andy Todd out on his ear after bust-up with Graeme Souness at Blackburn......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 5/04

Champions League Semi-Final 2nd leg

Porto scored a second half penalty to beat Deportivo 1-0 and advance to the Final. They now await the winner of the game between Chelsea and Monaco, being played today.

Norwich are Division 1 champs

Despite a 1-0 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light yesterday, Norwich clinched the championship of the First Division. West Brom, already with a promotion spot tied-up, lost 4-1 at Stoke. Manager Nigel Worthington, above, was jubilant as the East Anglian side won the title.

"We don't like getting beaten, but at the end of the day we are champions. It is a wonderful feeling," the Canaries boss told BBC Radio Norfolk. "The medals are for the players and the trophy is for the supporters. I am absolutely delighted. It's been everybody working together as a strong team and that is what it is going to be like next season."

Majority shareholder Delia Smith added: "Winning promotion to the Premiership was the icing on the cake. Winning the championship is the icing on the icing.(redundant, even for a cook) There are going to be a few parties now - and after that some hangovers."

Norwich's player of the year Craig Fleming said: "Even when we got promoted we did not slack off. We were working harder in training because we were desperate to win it and all wanted a medal."

The win ensured the Black Cats a play-off berth.

McLeish unhappy with Moore

Rangers captain Craig Moore has incurred the displeasure of Ibrox boss Alex McLeish, after his negative comments on the state of things in the blue half of Glasgow. The Australian defender has said he will quit the club if he is unimpressed by their summer signings.

"It doesn't help for the team captain to come out with this stuff when he is recovering from an operation," McLeish told the Daily Express. "I would rather he focused his energy on returning 100% fit and ready to play at a very high standard for us."

28-year-old Moore is currently recovering from a knee operation in Australia and questioned the club's ambition during a recent television interview. The centre half, who has a year to run on his contract, was repeating the fears he first expressed publicly in March.

McLeish is aiming to bring a number of new faces to Glasgow, following a disappointing season and has already secured the services of defenders Alain Boumsong and Marvin Andrews.

The 'Memory Man' subject of Parliamentary inquiry

The F.A. has been called upon to explain why Rio Ferdinand is being paid in full while serving his eight month suspension for missing a drug test. His pay was queried at a Parliamentary inquiry into drugs in sport.

"He put himself in a position where he cannot fulfil his contract, yet is paid his usual wages," said Frank Doran MP. "It doesn't send out the right message about the consequences." Manchester United have changed their doping procedures since the incident, but Mr Doran was critical of the whole way the affair had been handled. "There doesn't seem to be any responsibility on the club to deliver the player for testing," he said. "I realise it has had a devastating effect on Ferdinand's career but the fact that he is still being paid his massive salary needs investigating."

The FA's Nic Coward refused to be drawn on the matter, saying it was not appropriate for him to comment.

"Each professional footballer is employed on the basis of a collective bargaining agreement drawn up with the agreement of the clubs and the PFA. It would not be right to comment on only one individual case," he said.

This is total rubbish. If a player is suspended, his wages should be as well, particularly in this type of case. To take the argument to a ludicrous extreme, if a player gets a lifetime ban from the game, would a club pay him until he dies?

Bits and Pieces

Maradona back in hospital a week after discharging himself......36 down, 2 to go......Pompey would like Martin Keown on the south coast......Ronald de Boer and Michael Mols keen to make it for a final 'Old Firm' encounter on Saturday......Gary Naysmith undergoes operation, will miss Everton's last two games......Mateja Kezman now being linked with Fulham......Brentford happy to look at Egyptian takeover......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



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May 4/04

Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg

Porto travel to Coruna for the first of the games to play Deportivo. Chelsea entertain Monaco tomorrow.

Milner to stay at Elland Road

Leeds have pledged that James Milner will remain with the club despite their Division 1 status next season. A board meeting takes place tonight and up for discussion are a possible new takeover proposal, the future of caretaker manager Eddie Gray and the sale of players in order to reduce the wage bill.

Several big names are expected to leave but Leeds managing director David Richmond assured fans that Milner, 18, would be staying. "I can categorically tell you James Milner is not for sale," he said.."James Milner is part and parcel of the affordable future of Leeds football club. He is a young player with a fantastic future."

Leeds were effectively relegated when they lost 4-1 to Bolton on Sunday and Alan Smith and Mark Viduka are among the star players expected to leave Elland Road. Viduka has been strongly linked with a switch to Middlesbrough and his representatives have reportedly held talks with Riverside club boss Steve McClaren.

"We will be selling some of the players that our fans may want us to keep, but those players want to move on anyway - they are too good to play in the First Division," admitted Richmond. (On this season's performance, he can't be talking about too many of them.) "Quite clearly we will be keeping who we can at the football club, but this football club has got a £38m wage bill. The average Division 1 wage bill is £9.5m. We will not be doing any panic sales. We will not be going into administration. We are not wealthy, but we are financially secure."

Blues bid for Samuel

Chelsea have reportedly made a 'huge' bid for Roma defender Walter Samuel.He is under contract with the Italian club until 2006. However, although Roma are in second place in Serie A, the sale of some big names is inevitable in order to reduce the massive debt load. He is seen as a replacement for an ageing Marcel Desailly.

"Chelsea have made a big offer that Roma are considering," Samuel's advisor Abel Balbo told The Guardian. The Argentine's agent Raul Oliveros added: "Chelsea's offer is huge and will be impossible for both the player and Roma to refuse."

Some guys get all the luck, other's none

Eddie Forrest is out in the cold again after being told he would not be offered a new contract at Firhill. He is one of six players being let go by Partick Thistle.

The defender was at Airdrieonians when they were went into provisional liquidation and was one of 19 players axed by Motherwell's administrator. He then left Arbroath thinking he was signing for Raith Rovers, only to find he was the victim of a hoax call. Thistle stepped in last July, but he has made only three first-team starts. His return to the Scottish Premier League with the Glasgow club was not without drama, when he was one of a group of players who got lost on a pre-season training exercise.

Midfielders Tom English and Joe Boyle, defender Paul Kaczan and youngsters Martin McBride and Kevin Montgomery are the others who will leave in the summer.

Bits and Pieces

F.A. Cup Semi Finals will be two weeks later next year, to avoid congestion with Champions League Quarter Finals......PSV's Mateja Kezman keen on Anfield move......Pool also interested in Alan Smith......Juan Pablo Angel and Gareth Barry both talking about new contracts with Villa......Peter Reid being touted as new Coventry boss......Stan Ternent finished at Turf Moor......Hernan Crespo says 'No' to being the makeweight in a deal for David Trezeguet......Christian Nerlinger takes Rangers pay-off......Hearts will play at Tynecastle next season, except UEFA games......

Stories from BBC Sports site



Footiemad news item

May 3/04

Coming down to the wire

In the Premiership, Arsenal are champions, Chelsea and Manchester Utd. will finish second and third, probably in that order after Utd went down at Blackburn and are four points adrift of the Blues with two games to go. Fourth and last Champions League spot is a three horse race, with Liverpool currently in the driver's seat ahead of Aston Villa and Newcastle, although the Tyneside club have a game in hand.

At the other end Leicester are relegated, while Leeds and Wolves would need a major miracle for one of them to avoid the drop. Their goal difference is so inferior to that of Manchester City that, even if City lose their remaining games, either of the two below them would have to win both games by high double figures. A point by City ends it.

In Division 1, a Norwich draw effectively makes the East Anglia side champions by virtue of their superior goal difference, with West Brom assured of promotion. The play-off spots are still open, although Wigan, Sheffield Utd. and Reading need divine intervention to make it.

Wimbledon and Bradford City are down, with Walsall and Gillingham the only candidates for the other relegation spot. The Midlands side have to be the favourites.

Plymouth are Division 2 champions. Second place will be decided next weekend with QPR and Bristol City a point apart. Four other sides are still in the race for a play-off berth.

Wycombe and Notts County are down, with one of four mathematically able to join them.

Doncaster are Division 3 champions and Hull are assured of promotion. The third place and play-off spots have to wait a week.

York and Carlisle are relegated to the Coference. Chester plus the play-off winner in that league will replace them.

Black gets Highfield heave-ho

After four months on the job at Highfield Road, Eric Black has been given a pink slip by Coventry. The Scot took over from Gary McAllister in January and has led the Sky Blues to 12th in Division One.

"We feel inconsistency has been a major issue for the team recently and that we need a new face to drive the club forward," said chairman Mike McGinnity. "However, we would like to thank Eric for his contribution to Coventry and wish him the best for the future."

Assistant manager Archie Knox and goalkeeping coach Alan Hodgkinson have also left the club, just two days after a resounding 5-2 win away at Gillingham. Academy manager Steve Ogrizovic will take temporary charge of team affairs.

Bits and Pieces

Alan Smith confirms he is leaving Elland Road......Bolton still waiting on Rivaldo. Why?......Celtic drop second home game, but too late for the others......Domenic Keane may throw spanner in the works for Livi......2nd leg of Conference play-offs today to decide who advances to final......

Stories frojm BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 2/04

Amidst all the rumours

With the speculation on David Beckham's future continuing, Real Madrid have said they want to keep him, according to the Observer. (this is the current crop of 'wheels' in the Spanish capital. Keep in mind there is an election looming for the top job at the Bernabeu and it was the challenger who suggested England's skipper would be shown the door.)

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano said "nothing has changed" since club president Florentino Perez backed Beckham in a meeting two weeks ago. He said: "Real Madrid prefer to distance themselves from all this talk. Beckham has a five-year contract and there is a buy-out clause [180m euros] that anybody interested must pay." The buy-out figure, which equates to £126m, is thought to be too much even for Chelsea to pay.

The view that Beckham will stay in Madrid is backed up by comments from the midfielder's personal assistant Terry Byrne. He told The People newspaper: "Unless Real want to sell him, he's staying. The truth is, we don't know where the stories about him leaving are coming from, but it's not us. Real told me they don't want to sell him. The situation remains the same because we always said we would review the situation after two years and he hasn't even finished his first season. Obviously we have talked about what would happen if he came home but there are only a few clubs he could go to. We will sit down with Real at the end of the season and discuss his future, but the bottom line is that David loves playing for Real Madrid."

The Observer adds that Madrid may attempt to offload Ronaldo rather than Beckham in order to finance bids for Roma's Francesco Totti and Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy in the summer. Ronaldo has a buy-out figure of 180m euros and Valdano told the Observer, "To us Ronaldo has a huge strategic importance - but so does 180 million."

Anyone lobbing out £126m to get a player, plus the outrageously ridiculous weekly stipend being bandied about, is beyond lunacy. The Sunday Express has Chelsea offering Beckham £200,000 a week as bait. Even if Abramovich knows nothing about football, as Ranieri has reportedly suggested, he's obviously a fairly astute businessman.

Lampard unhappy with lot

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is looking for a raise as he believes he is being underpaid at the Bridge. I don't suppose he thought that to be the case when he signed a long term deal that still has two years to run.

He told the News of the World: "It riles me because all I'm asking for is parity with other players here. I think I'm a top player and I'm not asking for outrageous wages. I just want fair reward for my hard work. I don't know if chief executive Peter Kenyon is messing me about but I really hope we can sort something out before the end of the season."

The 25-year-old England international, who has two years left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, has been in outstanding form this season. He has scored some crucial goals from midfield, including in the Champions League quarter-final win over Arsenal.

In December, Chelsea dismissed reports they were set to offer Lampard a new improved £80,000-a-week contract. The club said the situation would be reviewed in the summer.

He gets no sympathy from this corner. If a player wants a raise every time someone comes in on a better deal, let him sign only a one year contract and hope he has a good season. If he wants the security of a longer deal, then see it through and quit whining.

Leicester's task is huge

Leicester are relegated following yesterday's 2-2 draw with Charlton at the Valley. The Foxes' boss Micky Adams acknowledges the task of getting the club back into the Premiership will be Herculean.

He said: "I fear for the club, trying to get back onto this stage. There is a massive rebuilding job ahead. I am sure there will be clubs out there wanting my players. I won't stand in anybody's way, if they are good enough they will be on this stage again next season - I can't say who will be here in pre-season."

Adams was left disappointed with referee Rob Styles' decision to send off Nikos Dabizas for his challenge on Jonatan Johansson, and the award of a penalty. "When you are at the bottom things just seem to go against you." he said. "I have just seen it on the TV and it was not a penalty and did not merit a sending off. I think Mr Styles, who had an indifferent game, will be disappointed with that decision. If he is an honest man he will look at that video and reverse his decision."

Bits and Pieces

England assistant coach Brian Kidd has undergone prostate cancer surgery and is in a race to be able to travel to Portugal. We wish him a speedy recovery......Jonathan Woodgate ruled out of Euro 2004 with a torn thigh muscle....Contrary to yesterday's story, it seems manager David Hay is almost certain to leave Livi......Paolo di Canio would like to stay with Charlton, but will let club approach him......Scottish Football Writers vote Celtic's Jackie McNamara Player of the Year......Doncaster are Division 3 champions......Airdrie Utd. win promotion from Scottish Division 2......

Stories from BBC Sports site.



Footiemad news item

May 1/04

Livi rescue around the corner

Pearse Flynn, the leader of the consortium looking to takeover Livingston, expects the deal to be finalised in the next few weeks. The Irish businessman says he has a five-year business plan that will guarantee the club's future.

Flynn also wants a fans' representative on the board, and is keen that current manager Davie Hay remains in position. Hay has been linked with the vacant job at Hibs, but Flynn says he is a crucial part of Livingston's future.

"The new owners spoke to the staff and the players and told us that we should be in a position in a fortnight's time to offer contracts to those who are looking for new deals," said coach Allan Preston. "Obviously they can't do it right away because legally they are not in a position to do so at the moment. So it's really putting the whole thing off two weeks and we just need to hope that none of the players sign pre-contracts with other clubs. But of course time is of the essence here because we don't want to start next season with minus 10 points if we are still in administration by the end of May."

SFA nets more cash

The Scottish F.A. has extended its television deal with IMG for an additional £33m. The deal now runs until 2010 and is worth at least £60m to the SFA. IMG, who handle the affairs of Tiger Woods, have acquired the rights to sell coverage of the national team's games and Scottish Cup ties.

"The national team is still a strong brand and a lot of people want to see how it is doing," said SFA commercial manager Bill Wilson. "IMG are probably the biggest agency we could have gone to. They sell things like the Open golf and Wimbledon and handle the Williams sisters and Tiger Woods. It would be great to see the national team winning all the time, and maybe three or four years down the line we will be reaping the benefits from the tough time we are having now. But it has never been sold on results. We have no influence on that."

Bits and Pieces

Arsene Wenger will rest Sol Campbell, if necessary, so he'll be ready for Euro 2004......Kieron Dyer says Newcastle prefer UEFA Cup win over Champions League place......Alex Ferguson insists he's happy with Roy Keane playing for Ireland......Neil Warnock says the season is over after Blades draw with Ipswich......Danny Wallace, battling MS, will get a benefit at St. Mary's on May 17......

Stories from BBC Sports site.