Footiemad news item
November 28, 2004
Henri a nervous wreck
Arsenal superstar striker Thierry Henri admitted that he was a "complete
basketcase" thinking about the upcoming visit to Anfield. "Je
am sooooooooo nervous, I poop all ze time" he says. He's been trying
all sorts of remedies to calm himself down and it's rumoured that he's
been smoking the odd cigarette during training sessions
Footiemad news item
November 25, 2004
Wenger says "getitupyie"
Arsenal struggle a bit with a 1-1 tie in the Champions League. Wenger says
they will still go through but let's face it, the guy doesn't even know
how to give the "vicky" properly.
Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Rangers look set to ease their path to next year's UEFA Cup knockout stages in the third round of group matches.
Newcastle have won their first two matches in Group D and travel to France's
Sochaux while Middlesbrough, confident after beating Italian giants Lazio,
visit Villarreal (bet you a buck that George Boateng and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
will be subject to racist taunts from Spanish fans).
Rangers, fresh from beating rivals Celtic 2-0 at the weekend to blow
the Scottish Premier League title race wide open, host Austrian side
Grazer AK knowing victory would lift them to top spot in Group F.
Where will the excellent Harry Redknapp go now??.................I bet
there's a few directors on Liverpools' Board of Directors wondering if
it's not too early to give Benitez the hump.
Footiemad news item
November 24, 2004
Champions League continues today
Among the games to be played today Chelsea host PSG and Arsenal and Celtic
are at PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona respectively.
Smith leaves Pompey
Portsmouth assistant manager Jim Smith has quit the south coast club. He
was said to be upset by the row between Harry Redknapp and chairman Milan
Mandaric over the arrival of Velimir Zajec as executive director. Pompey
boss Redknapp, who threatened to quit over the row, had earlier urged Smith
to stay at the club.
"It is up to him but I'd be devastated if he did go. We have been a team since day one and it would be difficult to replace what we have," he said. Redknapp said he almost quit over the arrival of Zajec, but agreed to stay when he was told he would keep control of first-team affairs.
Smith, who has been in management for 36 years, joined Portsmouth in 2002
and helped lead the club to Premiership promotion a year later. Last season,
Redknapp clashed with Mandaric again when he thought the chairman was planning
to replace Smith.
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, however, denies the story. "As
far as I'm concerned, at this moment, it is not true that Jim Smith has
left the club," he said .
Hassenthaler resigns as Gills boss
Player-manager Andy Hassenthaler has relinquished the managerial part of
his job with Gillingham, but will continue as a player. He has been invited
to join the club's board of directors. He had been the 9th longest serving
boss of the 92 Premiership and Football League clubs. Assistant boss John
Gorman has taken temporary charge of the team.
Chairman Paul Scally announced in a statement that Hessenthaler "requested
that he be released from his duties as team manager with immediate effect".
Scally added: "He felt he had taken the team as far as he could, and
that a new voice was required with new ideas."
The 39-year-old has made 283 League appearances since joining the Gills from Watford in 1996, and took over as manager in June 2000 when Peter Taylor left to take over at Leicester.
Scally paid tribute to the service that Hessenthaler has given to the Kent
club, who are currently languishing in 23rd place in the Championship.
He explained: "Andy has been an outstanding talent both on and off
the field over the past eight or nine years - he has always given 110%
to every issue, often at the expense of his family life. He felt it was
in the best interests of the club if he stood down. Because of the tremendous
respect I have for him as an individual and as a leader, I have accepted
his request, but have asked him to join my colleagues and me on the board
of directors, which he will consider over the next few days. In any event,
Andy will continue to train with the team and will be available for selection
if required. It is indeed the actions of a big man to step down from a
position of responsibility when the interests of others may be improved
- Andy Hessenthaler is, and will remain as far as I and Gillingham fans
are concerned, a big and brave man."
Bits and Pieces
Phillipe Troussier claims he is on the short list for Scotland job......Arsene
Wenger considering starting Sol Campbell tonight......Leicester City and
Leicester Tigers plan to join forces at Walker's Stadium and turn it into
a 'super-stadium'......The Jags look to be making a concerted effort to
get into the Scottish Division 2......
Footiemad news item
November 23, 2004
Champions League resumes today
Among the eight games on the slate today, Manchester Utd. host Lyon in
a milestone encounter, while Liverpool travel to Monaco.
Ferguson in charge for 1,000th game
Alex Ferguson will celebrate his 1.000th game in charge of Manchester Utd.
when they take on Lyon tonight in the Champions League game at Old Trafford.
He is a man I love to loathe, but his longevity and success cannot be argued
with. Undoubtedly, to this point, the most successful manager in the English
game, he is to be congratulated.
"It's the perfect game for it, the European tie," said Ferguson.
"Some of my greatest moments have been in European matches and hopefully
we'll have another one against Lyon."
During Ferguson's 18-year reign as United manager he has guided them to
Champions League glory in 1999 and a Cup Winners Cup title in 1991. He
has also seen the club win eight Premiership titles.
He has received accolades for his acheivement from friend and foe..
Larsson career could be over
Barcelona's Swedish international striker Henrik Larsson may be forced
to bring down the curtain on his very successful career. The 33 year old
said his future was uncertain after being told the injury, picked up in
the win over Real Madrid, will sideline him for six months.
He said: "I can't say if I will continue or quit before I have all the cards on the table. There are a lot of thoughts moving through my head, I had really hoped it wouldn't be so serious."
Larsson signed a one-year deal with the Catalan giants in the summer after seven seasons with Celtic. The Bhoys travel to the Nou Camp in the Champions' League on Wednesday. The Swede scored against his old club when they met at Celtic Park in the first week of Group F action, with Barca prevailing 3-1.
Larsson was stretchered off in the 72nd minute of Saturday's 3-0 win after
tumbling awkwardly chasing a Xavi pass. His injury again puts the spotlight
on the quality of the Nou Camp pitch as he is the fourth Barca player to
pick up a serious knee problem after Edmilson, Thiago Motta and Gabri.
The Spanish league leaders had changed their warm-up training sessions
after an investigation.
Bits and Pieces
Mark van Bommel is keen to join Spurs at the end of the season......Kasey
Keller would be willing to extend his one month loan arrangement with Southampton......Blackburn
midfielder Stephen Reid faces an improper conduct charge following an incident
involving Birmingham's Jesper Gronkjaer on the weekend......
Footiemad news item
November 22, 2004
McLeish pours oil on troubled waters
While Rangers' boss Alex McLeish praised his side after the 2-0 win over
Celtic, he also refused to condemn some heated post-match reaction.
"We would have liked to score more goals once Celtic were down to nine men, but we have continued the momentum and now aim to close the gap," he said. "There were some flailing legs, but I think if you pick out Nacho Novo, you have to look at all 22 players. The fracas after the first goal was a case of a mountain out of a molehill. Rangers substitute Bob Malcolm was escorted up the tunnel by police after making a gesture following the goal.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill had accused Novo of stamping on Stephen Pearson and Peter Lovenkrands of an over-reaction that led to Alan Thompson being sent off.
McLeish claimed: "We took Peter off to calm down and he got a kick coming off the pitch. We decided it was a dead leg and we have got a European game to think about with quality players on the bench." He suggested that it had been just a typically passionate Old Firm encounter when any incident could "trigger things off".
"We got off to a great start with the penalty and capitalised on that with another great goal," he said. "It would have been difficult for Celtic to come back after that, but they are always a threat from set-pieces, even with nine men."
McLeish also backed O'Neill for publicly comforting midfielder Neil Lennon,
who had been the subject of chants from the Rangers support, at the final
whistle. "They are passionate people who want to win for their team,"
he said. "They are no different from everybody at Rangers."
Bits and Pieces
QPR boss Ian Holloway undergoes hospital tests for a stomach problem......Sol
Campbell unlikely to face PSV Eindhoven in the week......Alex Ferguson
speaks out against the Glazer takeover......Jerzy Dudek may not be so ready
to leave Anfield after all......Jambos' boss John Robertson has accused
referee John Rowbotham of lying after 1-0 defeat by Motherwell......Bradford
have indicated they would try to block referee Joe Ross from any of their
games......Arsenal youngster Adam Birchall ends loan spell with Wycombe......Gravesend
and Northfleet have ruled out any possible groundshare agreement with Gillingham
if they move into that area......
Footiemad news item
November 21, 2004
Ill feelings after Ibrox defeat
To say that Celtic boss Martin O'Neill was unhappy after the 2-0 defeat
by Rangers is something of an understatement. He particularly targeted
Gers' Nacho Novo and Peter Lovenkrands.
"Novo was let off a red card, probably rightly, after last weekend, but he lashed out Jackie NcNamara early on," said O'Neill. "The second incident, stamping on Stephen Pearson, was really terrible. Alan Thompson was hard done-by in being sent off as Lovenkrands made a meal of it. The effort we put in with nine men was fantastic."
Thompson moved his head towards Lovenkrands' face and the Danish forward collapsed to the ground.
"I don't think Lovenkrands will be too pleased to have a look at the outcome again," said O'Neill. "I think there are grounds for appeal. I'm quite sure the review panel will be looking at a lot of incidents from this afternoon."
O'Neill did concede that one other incident that is sure to attract the attention of the Scottish FA panel had shown one of his players in a poor light. Striker Henri Camara had been booked for thrusting an arm into Alex Rae's face but somehow escaped further punishment despite kicking Gregory Vignal in front of a linesman. "Henri Camara was very lucky to survive as that was in retaliation." he admitted.
The Celtic manager blamed referee Kenny Clark for letting the game get out of hand. "I was not best pleased to be honest," he said. "I thought he was poor."
O'Neill added to the controversy by parading midfielder Neil Lennon, who had been involved in a verbal bust-up with Rangers manager Alex McLeish, during the game and was booed constantly by the Rangers fans.
"Neil Lennon, for whatever reasons, suffers dogs abuse at every single
away ground and in particular here obviously," he said. "He is
well thought of by the Celtic fans for what he has done for us over the
last four-and-a-half years. It was to show that Neil Lennon is very popular
with our fans and I didn't want anyone to forget that."
And so another Old Firm game is put to bed.
Bits and Pieces
Barca thump Real 3-0 in La Liga to move seven points clear of the Madrid club......Jose Mourinho praises Bolton work on set pieces......Everton's win total, nine, already equals the whole of last season......Walter Smith remains cautious about the Scotland job. (footiemadandy's resume was late arriving, but the SFA will consider it).......
Footiemad news item
November 20, 2004
Pompey to be on the move
After the signing of the planning agreement, Portsmouth are hoping to start
work on the constuction of a new stadium next month. The club, who have
played at Fratton Park, above, since 1898, were granted planning permission
to build a new home by the city council in July.
"With all things ironed out we would like to think that we will make a start in mid-December," chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's website. "Then it will be all systems go towards a state-of-the-art stadium."
Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric added: "I promised when I came here that we would build a Premier League team with a stadium to match. The signing of the 106 agreement is the all-important piece of the jigsaw and when the hard hats go on in what should be mid-December then the face of this football club will change for the better for evermore."
The club have endured a turbulent week, with manager Harry Redknapp initially unhappy with Mandaric's decision to bring in former Panathinaikos director of football Velimir Zajec.
Mandaric hopes the stadium news will give Pompey fans something positive
to focus on. "Surely these are the stories Pompey fans want to read
about because it is such things that unite and strengthen a club,"
he added. "In a week where some have tried to haul us back into the
dark ages we have made a concrete announcement that is the most positive
thing to happen to this club in decades."
Campbell close to Arsenal deal
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says defender Sol Campbell is very close to
signing a new deal with the club. The England regular is out of contract
at the end of the season but is now poised to agree a four-year deal at
Highbury.
Campbell's deal is currently worth around £100,000-a-week because he moved
on a Bosman free transfer from Spurs. He is understood to be ready to take
a drop in wages in exchange for an extra year on his contract.
A confident Wenger said: "If we were judging negotiations with Sol
as a journey from Newcastle to London, we would be past Watford. We can
offer Sol some compensations as we will give him a longer period of contract.
We want to remain generous. If someone offers you a contract worth £500,000
and then bonuses worth £500,000 you would take it. But if a club offers
you £1m straight away you will always take that."
Bits and Pieces
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto could be out for the season with a back problem......The
freezing temperatures in Scotland have caused the postponement of seven
games today......Blackburn boss Mark Hughes reported to be interested in
Birmingham's Robbie Savage......
Footiemad news item
November 19, 2004
Spain-England aftermath
Following Wednesday's friendly in Madrid, the racism issue has dominated all else in the press and continues unabated. To say it was a black day, and to be 'politically correct' a white day, for football is an understatement. While this is not a forum for such issues, footiemad is only a site for all to enjoy and have a bit of fun, it goes without saying it deplores the actions of a certain segment of the crowd at the game. While not believing it is possible to legislate people's thinking, the governing bodies of the sport should ensure that, where such 'behavour' is prevalent, games should be played behind closed doors. Escalating penalties should be in effect, unfortunately punishing the majority for the actions of the vocal minority, until the problem is eradicated. It should be noted that racism is a two-way street and this policy should be adopted globally. Any national association not wishing to adhere to the policy should be expelled from the world game.
Hopefully, we will not feel obliged to comment on this problem again. We really want to get back to ribbing the Jocks.
Bits and Pieces
Wayne Rooney has apologized to his team mates for his lack of self discipline
in that game......Argentine defender Mauricio Taricco has moved from Spurs
to West Ham on a free transfer......Rangers' Nacho Novo has had his recent
red card rescinded and can play in the Old Firm match at the weekend......Dennis
Bergkamp is thinking in terms of another season......Crystal Palace defender
Darren Powell is set to join West Ham on loan today......
Footiemad news item
November 18, 2004
Probably the same reaction at two games
England were beaten 1-0 by Spain yesterday, but the ill-tempered game was
marred by racist chants from the crowd at Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium. England
PFA boss Gordon Taylor says the F.A. should have taken the players off
the pitch.
I imagine there was a similar reaction by large numbers of the Tartan Army
at Easter Road to watch Scotland get hammered 4-1 by Sweden, who, incidentally,
did not dress Larsson, Ljungberg or Ibrahimovich. By the 73rd minute, with
the visitors up by four, there must have been many in the crowd wishing
that the Scotland side had been ordered off.
Tractor men talk contract with Royle
Ipswich, currently second in The Championship, have opened talks with manager
Joe Royle about a contract extension through to 2007. Royle joined the
Suffolk club in October 2002
Chairman David Sheepshanks told BBC Radio Suffolk: "It's entirely
right we should consider a new contract for Joe. We're in discussion and
I hope that it will be concluded shortly." He had been speaking at
Ipswich's annual general meeting on Wednesday night.
Burley and Rams talking contract extension
Derby County boss George Burley has opened talks with the club about extending
his stay at Pride Park. He took over in March 2003 and, after a battle
against relegation that season and in the last campaign, he has guided
the Rams to seventh this year.
Chief executive Jeremy Keith said: "George is committed to the club and we are committed to George. He wants to do the job and we want him here because he is the right man with the credentials to take us forward."
Meanwhile, Keith insists German striker Marco Reich will be staying with
the club when his current deal expires at the end of the season. Reich
expressed concerns about his future last week but Keith said: "I sat
down with him a few days ago and am relaxed about the situation. Marco's
initial contract included the option of a year-long extension because it
was important to discover whether he could settle into the English game.
We'll be sorting out his situation but there is no doubt Marco is committed
to the Rams and is the type of player we want."
Bits and Pieces
Thankfully, scans have revealed that Spurs defender Dean Richards does
not have a brain tumour......Ruud van Nistelrooy took a knock on the hip
yesterday, but hopes to be OK for the weekend......Sven-Goran Eriksson
blasts England's undisciplined first half display......Rangers' Nacho Novo
appears set to have his red card rescinded and should be available to face
Celtic on the weekend......Liverpool's Milan Baros aggravates a hamstring
injury in Czech Republic win over Macedonia......38 year old Robert Lee
on trial with Oldham, as he attempts to come out of retirement......Adrian
Mutu has appealed to the Premier League over his sacking by Chelsea......Sheffield
Utd. have put in a bid for Liverpool's Neil Mellor......
Footiemad news item
November 17, 2004
footiemad fantasy football league
The hares are currently out in front, but it's a long haul to May. The
hounds have the scent and are in hot pursuit.
Is Pete in Tring a possible 'White Knight'?
footiemad has learned that a lifelong Watford fan is looking for ways to alleviate
the club's current financial woes, however it may take a while. The Championship
side have just announced a loss of £4.5m for the year ending 30 June, 2004.
The loss was made on a turnover of £8.5m, but is an improvement for the
Vicarage Road club, who had lost £10.3m during the previous financial year.
Ticket sales from the 2-2 FA Cup third round draw with Chelsea at home,
followed by a replay at Stamford Bridge, helped to swell income to £2m.
Season-ticket receipts improved by £100,000 on 2003 to £1.6m.
It's going to take more than a bake-sale, mate.
de Vries looking for the door at Tynecastle?
Hearts Dutch striker Mark de Vries will be looking for a substantial pay
increase, or the door, at the end of the season, according to his agent.
The club's top striker is out of contract at the end of the season.
Armand Doorn, in Edinburgh for talks with Hearts,.said: "He has a
lot of ambition and the possibility that he will leave Hearts this season
is big. His goal is to play in England one day and that is still his dream.
If he stays at Hearts then you would expect that he would make more money."
de Vries is free to talk to other clubs in January and the Scottish Premier
League outfit could even cash in on the striker by selling him during the
transfer window.
Oakley gives Saints a boost
Southampton's Matt Oakley got his first full 90 minutes under his belt
in 14 months, playing for the reserves against Chelsea. It was a further
step on the road to full recovery from a medial ligament injury. It is
unlikely, however, that the influential midfielder will be plunged into
action for the crucial match at Norwich.
Reserve team coach Stuart Henderson told Saints website: "Matt got
himself through the 90 and psychologically that will have done him the
world of good. In my opinion, though, he still needs a game or two to get
himself right before he is ready for the first team."
Saints head coach Steve Wigley received a further boost as striker Peter
Crouch recovered his scoring touch. Crouch, who recently returned after
four weeks out, scored both goals in Saints Reserves' 2-0 win.
Bits and Pieces
Deutsche Bank insists it is not in talks with Malcolm Glazer......Coventry
buy-out bid imminent......Former West Brom assistant boss Frank Burrows
has left the club after turning down a job under Bryan Robson...... Wrexham
looking to go into administration to save the club......Anderlecht's Swedish
international winger Christian Wilhelmsson would like a chance with Celtic......Manchester
City get a boost as Joey Barton comes through reserve team outing......John
Hollins applies for manager role at Kidderminster......
Footiemad news item
November 16, 2004
Glazer won't quit
US tycoon Malcolm Glazer had looked to be dead in the water as far as his
chances of taking over Manchester Utd. were concerned when American bankers
J.P.Morgan dropped him as a client. Sighs of relief were heard among supporters.
It now appears that Glazer has found a new backer and is ready to launch
a new bid.
Newspaper reports claim that Glazer has held talks with Deutsche Bank and
he now appears ready to step up to the plate again. Whether or not he will
be successful is anybody's guess, but while this saga continues, the blood
will be pumping for United and it's supporters.
Diouf in trouble again
Striker El-Hadji Diouf, on loan to Bolton from Liverpool, is once again
front and centre of a spitting allegation. He is under a police investigation
after claims that he spat a mouthful of juice at an 11 year old fan during
the Bolton v Middlesbrough game.
The young supporter told the Daily Mail newspaper: "I was sat behind the Bolton subs who were in the dug-out. Diouf just turned round and spat between the glass of the dug-out. It was orange juice or Lucozade. It just flew through the gap and hit me."
A spokesman for Cleveland police said: "We are investigating a complaint made by this family into the alleged actions of a Bolton footballer at the Middlesbrough against Bolton game."
Diouf was fined £5,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court in September last year
after pleading guilty to assault under provocation for spitting at Celtic
fans in a Uefa Cup tie.
Bits and Pieces
Michael Reiziger is due to return with an outing for Middlesbrough reserves
against Birmingham tonight...... A further blast, this time from Mikael
Silvestre, aimed at France coach Raymond Domenech. Earlier Robert Pires
had voiced the same view as the Man. U. defender......JLloyd Samuel is
happy with his current contract at Villa Park. He has parted company with
agent John Mac, who had espoused the opposite opinion......Roy Keane praises
Wayne Rooney after comments by Ivan Helguera. That and a quarter!......Freddie Ljungberg wins Sweden's midfielder of the year award......Steve
Gerrard had successful outing with Liverpool reserves last night......All
is peaceful again at Fratton Park. Manager Harry Redknapp agrees to the
appointment of a director of football......
Footiemad news item
November 15, 2004
Smith ready for Scotland talks
The SFA and Walter Smith will discuss the vacant Scotland post after the
friendly against Sweden on Wednesday. The former Glasgow Rangers and Everton
boss has now been contacted by the Scottish Football Association about
the job, according to BBC Sport.
Smith is hot favourite to succeed Berti Vogts, who resigned after a poor start to Scotland's World Cup campaign. Vogts' assistant Tommy Burns is in temporary charge for the game against Sweden at Easter Road.
The SFA's move confirms Smith is first-choice to take over from Vogts and rebuild the country's international reputation. He is likely to want to take his long-time assistant Archie Knox with him to work within the international set-up if talks go well.
Smith already has the backing of many pundits and fans, including former Scotland manager Craig Brown and Newcastle boss Graeme Souness.
Brown said: "Walter is an outstanding candidate without doubt. He would be admirable choice. I spoke to him on Sunday and I got the impression he would take it. He was asking me about it and I was positive."
Souness told BBC Sport: "He fits the bill because of his knowledge
and understanding of the Scotland team and football. He is experienced
and has been successful. Walter is a real football person, as I know from
working with him at Ibrox. On top of all that he is a proper human being
who would command the instant respect of the players and everyone involved
in Scottish football."
That he met with huge success in Glasgow is without question, but I don't
recall his stint at Goodison being an unmitigated 'win all round'
Bits and Pieces
Spain's Ivan Helguera not yet convinced by Wayne Rooney......Manchester
City defender Danny Mills gets a one match ban after being sent off against
Blackburn......George Best backs Harry Redknapp over director of football
issue at Pompey......More bad news for Manchester City. Claudio Reyna out
with recurrence of thigh injury......Hibs Craig Rocastle would back a Rangers
appeal over red card to Nacho Novo...... Alan Shearer blasts penalty decision
for Manchester Utd......John Terry will fight to regain England spot......
Footiemad news item
November 14, 2004
F.A. Cup Second round draw
Northampton v Bury
Halifax Town v Chester City
Stockport County v Swansea City
Blackpool v Port Vale
Rushden & Diamonds v Mansfield Town or Colchester
Forest Green or Bournemouth v Bristol Rovers or Carlisle
Hinckley United v Bristol City or Brentford
Cambridge City v Milton Keynes Dons
Swindon Town v Notts County
Hull City v Alfreton or Macclesfield
Wycombe Wanderers v Luton Town
Slough Town v Yeading
Scunthorpe United v Wrexham
Histon v Darlington or Yeovil Town
Stevenage Borough v Rochdale
Hartlepool United v Aldershot Town
Oldham Athletic v Leyton Orient
Hereford United v Boston United
Peterborough United v Bath City
Exeter City v Doncaster Rovers
Giggs not happy with Utd. contract offer
Welsh international Ryan Giggs was less than ecstatic about a one year
contract extension offered to him by Manchester Utd. Now 30, Giggs has
played in more than 500 games for United and has won a host of honours
with the club. He has spent his entire career at United, but his contract
is due to run out at the end of next season.
He told the News of the World: "I have been offered a one-year extension
to my current deal but I turned it down. I hope that they come back to
me with a longer deal. For the moment, I'll just have to wait and see."
Chief executive David Gill has indicated there will be changes at Old Trafford,
including pay cuts and appearance based salaries. He also said players
will have to be moved before the club can invest further. The purchase
of Wayne Rooney took care of next year's Budget.
Gerrard close to ready
Steve Gerrard is scheduled to begin his comeback from a broken bone in
the foot with a reserve team outing against Wolves on Monday. The club
skipper has not played since breaking a metatarsal in his foot on September
20 at Manchester United.
After Liverpool's win against Crystal Palace on Saturday, manager Rafael Benitez said: "Steven will play for the reserve team (against Wolves) on Monday. We are hoping that he can play with us this week."
Gerrard is hopeful of making his first-team return against Middlesbrough
on November. 20.
Dudek contemplates a move
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek will look at leaving Anfield unless he
is the club #1 at Christmas.
The 31 year old told the News of the World: "It will not be easy to leave Liverpool but I might have to. I have to think of my situation. If I don't play for Liverpool, the national coach won't pick me for Poland. It is very important I know what my future is here, or else I have to look for another club. I will wait until Christmas and then see the manager."
However, Dudek insisted he is happier under the management of Rafael Benitez than he was working for previous Anfield chief, Gerard Houllier.
He added: "Benitez is not a bad manager. Gerard Houllier, last year,
was a bad manager. I always got the feeling that he was waiting for a mistake
from me so he could put Chris Kirkland in goal. So I was very happy when
Houllier was sacked."
Bits and Pieces
Spurs defender Dean Richards is waiting for the results of a scan to find out if he has a brain tumour...... David Beckham is reported to be ending his international career after the 2006 World Cup finals......An appeal to the Takeover Panel is apparently on the cards for Manchester Utd. regarding the club's position relative to Malcolm Glazer......A Ryman Division 1 draw with Bromley enabled AFC Wimbledon to set an English senior unbeaten streak of 76 games. Arsenal, who are they?......
Footiemad news item
November 13, 2004
What a day in Old Trafford boardroom
American tycoon Malcolm Glazer won one and lost one yesterday.
Three United directors lost their seats on the Old Trafford board in a
bitter twist to the takeover saga. Legal adviser Maurice Watkins, new commercial
director Andy Anson and non-executive director Philip Yea all had their
appointments blocked. Glazer cast his 28.11% stake against their re-election
at the club's AGM.
Chalk one up for the Yankee doodle dandy
Glazer's bid to takeover the club was, however, dealt a serious blow when
his banker, J.P. Morgan, dropped him as a client. The bank, who were thought
to be crucial to the US tycoon's takeover bid, are said to be unhappy at
Glazer's boardroom coup. The tycoon's actions at the AGM were aided by
the abstention of majority shareholders Cubic Expression, with most City
institutions following suit. Chief executive David Gill had recommended
that all three men should remain in position.
Commentators said earlier developments could mean Glazer
is preparing a hostile takeover bid and the club is now asking Mr
Glazer to clarify his intentions.
Now that would pose a problem.
Elland Road ownership changes hands
Leeds have been forced to sell their Elland Road ground after a takeover
bid, thought to be a done deal, led by Sebastian Sainsbury failed to materialize.
Sainsbury, backed by Nova Financial Partners, failed to transfer £25m by
the 1300 GMT Friday deadline. A local consortium is now in advanced talks
with Leeds and chairman Gerald Krasner is confident of "finalising
a deal over the next few weeks".
"We have the right to buy it back at any time at a pre-arranged formula," said Krasner.
Leeds' board set the deadline for Sainsbury and American-based Nova Financial Partners as it needed to pay the latest instalment on a loan to Aston Villa shareholder Jack Petchey by close of business on Friday or trigger a £2m penalty clause. With the funds not transferred in time, Leeds had no alternative but to use their most bankable asset, Elland Road, on a 25-year deal to raise the funds.
"I am hopeful that in a few years we will have re-established the
club, have got some more backing and be able to buy the ground back,"
said Krasner. "The individual [who now owns the ground] wants his
rent paid, that is all he is interested in. It was most important that
this re-organisation took place."
Bits and Pieces
Wales have announced that John Toshack has been given a five year contract
to manage the national side, 10 years after walking out of the job, as
a part-timer, with one game under his belt......Jean Tigana has won his
court battle with Fulham......FIFA has made Adrian Mutu's seven month ban
effective worldwide......Ex Blackburn coach Tony Parkes, understandably,
a trifle ticked off learning of his dismissal by his daughter hearing it
on the radio......Southampton have signed Spurs USA international goalkeeper
Kasey Keller on a one month loan deal......Birmingham will pay up to re-sign
central defender Matthew Upson......
Footiemad news item
November 12, 2004
Everton extends Moyes' contract
Merseyside's master illusionist, David Moyes, has agreed a contract extension
with the blue half of Liverpool until 2009. The 41 year old Scot has performed
a near miracle at Goodison Park and has Everton, cosidered by many to be
toast after the departure of Wayne Rooney, sitting in third place a third
of the way into the season. He joined the club, moving from Preston, in
March 2002,
Everton have been in talks with Moyes over a new deal, but he insisted he wanted assurances about future transfer funds before signing the contract. He said: "I'm delighted and extremely humbled to receive it. I'm ever so pleased. The opportunity to sign a second contract at Everton doesn't come around very often, whoever you are. I realise a big part in me getting this is because the players have performed so well. I also feel that we have made progress in the past two-and-a-half, three years and I know see a much better future for Everton. That is making me think that it is certainly the right place for me to put my name to."
Everton chairman Kenwright said: "I am thrilled that David has decided
to pledge his future to Everton and am absolutely certain that Evertonians
all over the world will be similarly excited. Since his arrival at Goodison
Park, David has proved himself to be one of the most gifted young managers
of his generation."
The travelling Haligonian, Joe Hawkins, may be a little disappointed, however,
as he was hoping to be the one to return the Toffees to past glory.
Tigana ruling set for today
The bitter legal dispute between Fulham and former manager Jean Tigana
will be the subject of a ruling today by a high court judge.
Tigana, who left in June 2003, has been criticised for his conduct in deals for Edwin Van Der Sar and Steve Marlet and his attempts to sign John Carew. The club has claimed he was in breach of his contract. Tigana has counterclaimed for unfair dismissal and is seeking payment for the unpaid money he says is due to him from the Cottagers.
"Mr Tigana's career at Fulham began in hope and optimism but ended in deceit and dishonesty," the club's QC, David Phillips, told Mr Justice Elias. "We say that he not only acted in a manner contrary to the club's interests but subsequently deliberately concealed what he had done from Fulham."
The club claims he was in breach of the express obligations of his April 2000 contract, the implied obligations of fidelity, good faith, trust and confidence and the fiduciary duties owed by virtue of being a director.
Tigana said in evidence: "I believe that I always acted in the best interests of the team and the club as a whole. I carried out my duties to the best of my ability and experience and exercised the necessary care and skill required of me. I always acted within my own powers and my motives were honest and always intended to benefit Fulham. Any actions that I took as the club's manager and/or a director were calculated to benefit the club."
After his summary dismissal, Tigana took Fulham to an employment tribunal.
He claimed unlawful deductions from wages, and was awarded £455,000, which
is held by lawyers pending the determination of Fulham's claim for unspecified
damages in the current action. Tigana's counterclaim involves the money
he claims is due to him which was not covered by the employment tribunal
hearing.
One side or the other will end the day being a tad miffed.
Bits and Pieces
Blackburn coach Tony Parkes is out after 34 years at the club......Sunderland
midfielder Julio Arca signs a two year contract extension with the club......Leeds
takeover is back in doubt and today is D-day to meet certain obligations......Birmingham
tried to sign Michael Owen on loan after his move to Madrid......Man U's
AGM is likely to be somewhat stormy......Wales expected to name John Toshack
as the replacement for Mark Hughes......Kenny Dalglish would be willing
to talk to the SFA re the vacant national team managerial post.....Dion
Dublin move to Coventry collapses over disagreement on personal terms......
Martin O'Neill not worried about next week's Old Firm clash in the SPL
after midweek defeat in CIS Cup game......
Footiemad news item
November 11, 2004
Let us remember the fallen
Robert wants a move
Newcastle's French winger Laurent Robert would like a move from St. James'
Park as he feels he doesn't have the confidence of new boss Graeme Souness.
The 29 year old says he is keen to return to former club Paris St Germain.
He told the Sun newspaper: "I am often a sub. (Former manager) Bobby Robson placed his confidence in me. That's no longer the case under the new manager. It would interest me to play for PSG and I have heard talk of interest from Valencia, that would be equally good."
Robert almost made the move from St James' Park to French club Marseille last summer but the Frenchman admitted "talks broke down on a salary level". But it seems that PSG may be willing to meet Robert's demands.
Robert said: "Everything is possible if Paris meet my salary. Especially
as it is the club where I made my breakthrough. I had Francis Graille (PSG
chairman) on the phone the other day, he is someone I appreciate."
Huckerby extends deal with the Canaries
Striker Darren Huckerby has signed a one year contract extension with Norwich.
The 28 year old top scorer, with four goals, will now stay with the East
Anglia club until June 2007.
"We are hopefully going in the right direction and I want the fans to know I'm fully committed to helping the team to get better," said Huckerby. Norwich manager Nigel Worthington added: "It's great news for everyone at the club."
Huckerby joined Norwich for £750,000 from Manchester City on Boxing Day last year after a successful loan spell.
Bits and Pieces
Gerard Houllier has apparently withdrawn his candidacy for the Wales post......Rangers
stopped a run of seven defeats against Celtic with a 2-1 victory in the
CIS Insurance Cup game last night.....Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher
is ruled out for three months with complications after a recent operation
on an ankle injury......Sunderland winger Matt Piper set to make comeback
with reserve team outing this week. He has been sidelined since April......Charlie
Miller could be moving from Norway to Aberdeen in January......New West
Brom boss Bryan Robson denies Kanu up for sale......
Footiemad news item
November 10, 2004
Not a great day at Hampden
Scotland have plummeted to a new low of 77th in the FIFA world rankings.
The news comes nine days after the resignation of national manager Berti
Vogts following a poor start to the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Scotland's fall of nine places puts them behind the likes of Congo, Estonia,
Ghana, Angola and Thailand. England are unchanged in seventh, with the
Republic of Ireland also static in 14th, Wales are down six places to 63rd
and Northern Ireland up three to 107th. Brazil remain top of the rankings
ahead of France and Argentina.
footiemadandy remains ready to lace up the boots and don the jersey to turn this situation
around. The tartaned techie is devastated by the slump in fortune of Bonnie
Scotland and, until he gets the call, will turn to women's curling as his
sport of choice.
Terry happy with new deal at the Bridge
Chelsea skipper and central defender John Terry has signed a new deal with
the club that will keep him there until 2009. The 23-year-old only signed
his previous contract in July 2003.
"It was a mutual decision," Terry told the club's website. "Talks have been ongoing but it is finally all done and all sorted and I'm very happy. I have been here since I was 14 and I would love to stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career and hopefully I'll do that because I love playing here."
Terry is an ever-present in the Premiership under Jose Mourinho, during
which time Chelsea have conceded just three goals in 12 games. And the
defender said the manager was a major factor in his decision. "He's
been a key figure in it," he added. He's come in, he's made me the
club captain this year so on the pitch things are going really well."
Bits and Pieces
Arsenal's Brazilian international Edu suffered a broken bone in his foot
during the Carling Cup win over Everton......Wayne Rooney was unhurt after
a 23 ton truck hit his car. These Caddy's are well built......Man U's American
goalkeeper Tim Howard feels he has been made the scapegoat for the club's
poor start to the season......Rangers are looking to break a run of seven
Celtic wins when the two meet in the CIS Insurance Cup tonight at Ibrox......Tony
Adams has resigned as manager of Wycombe Wanderers...... David Beckham
hopes to play for England against Spain in next week's friendly......Steve
Wigley's tenure at St. Mary's could be short-lived after 5 - 2 loss to
Watford in the Carling Cup......
Footiemad news item
November 9, 2004
Emlyn Hughes dies
Anfield legend Emlyn Hughes has died from a brain tumour. The former Liverpool
and England skipper was 57. He played 62 times for the national team and
led Liverpool to many honours during the late 70's when they were, without
doubt, the best team in the country.
Hughes was a midfielder who converted to centre-back and was signed for
Liverpool by Bill Shankly for £65,000 from Blackpool in 1967. He helped
the club to four league titles, two European Cups, an FA Cup victory and
two Uefa Cup titles and was the first player to lift the European Cup for
Liverpool after the victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach in 1977. Hughes,
nicknamed 'Crazy Horse', left Liverpool for Wolves in 1979 for £90,000
and also went on to play for Rotherham, Hull City, Mansfield Town and Swansea
City. He was awarded an OBE in 1980 for his services to sport.
Hughes had been battling a brain tumour for the last 15 months but his
condition deteriorated in the last few days. Liverpool will hold a minute's
silence in rememberance before their Carling Cup match against Middlesbrough
on Wednesday.
"Those lucky enough to see him play will recall his boundless enthusiasm,
100% commitment to the cause and unrelenting passion for the club whenever
he had the Liver Bird close to his chest," Liverpool said on their
website. "He was to be one of the most inspirational signings this
club ever made and in a glittering career with the Reds he won almost every
honour in the game. He will be sadly missed by all."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry added: "Our deepest sympathies go out to wife Barbara, children Emma and Emlyn junior, and the rest of the family at this sad time."
Amen to that.
Robson to be named Baggies boss
West Brom will announce Bryan Robson as their new boss at a news conference
at 3.00 pm today. The 47 year old is expected to sign a two and a half
year deal at The Hawthorns, with Nigel Pearson lined up as his #2.
The ex-England skipper, began his playing career at the Midlands club before joining Manchester United, where he enjoyed a glittering career, winning 90 caps for England, before moving into management with Middlesbrough and Bradford.
As a manager, he twice took Boro into the Premiership during seven years on Teesside. A short stint with the Bantams last season did little to enhance his reputation, but he looks set to be a popular choice with the Albion faithful.
Viv Anderson, assistant to Robson at Middlesbrough, said he was surprised
the ex-England skipper had not returned to top-level management sooner.
"He's learnt from his time at Bradford and Middlesbrough and I think
he'll go on to be really successful at West Brom," he told BBC Radio
Five Live. "I think he's got all the attributes to go all the way."
Bits and Pieces
Arsene Wenger has been given until November 23 to respond to an F.A. charge
relating to his alleged comments regarding Man. U. striker Ruud van Nistelrooy......November
23 is also the date for Graeme Souness to answer an F.A. charge of improper
conduct following his dismissal from the Newxastle v Fulham game......Sebastian
Sainsbury's Anglo-American consortium is apparently very close to a deal
with Leeds. They have until Friday to conclude the transaction, to satisfy
a prior club creditor......Millwall have signed Scotland striker Scott
Dobie from West Brom in a deal that could rise to £750,000......
Footiemad news item
November 8, 2004
Jol new Spurs boss
Martin Jol has been named Spurs new head coach, replacing Jacques Santini
who resigned on Friday. The Dutchman had been working under Santini since
the summer. Jol took temporary charge of Spurs for Saturday's 3-2 loss
against Charlton, and was hot favourite for the post.
Spurs announced Jol will take over at their Annual General Meeting on Monday
and he is their ninth full-time manager or head coach in the last 13 years.
The former Holland international left RKC Waalwijk, where he twice won
manager of the year awards, to join the club.
The Dons show Murdoch the door
Manager Stuart Murdoch has been fired by Milton Keynes Dons after two and
a half years at the helm of the struggling club. Murdoch was relieved of
his duties after a meeting at the weekend with chairman Pete Winkelman.
Assistant manager Jimmy Gilligan has taken temporary charge, and will be
assisted by player-coach Steve Palmer.
"This has been one of the most difficult parts of the adventure to bring football to Milton Keynes so far," Winkelman said.
Murdoch was promoted from goalkeeping coach to manager at Wimbledon after Terry Burton was sacked in April 2002. He led the Dons to 10th place in Division One in 2002/03, despite the sale of many experienced players. However, the move to the National Hockey Stadium last season could not prevent relegation as they finished bottom of the table with just 29 points. .
The club changed its name from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes Dons during the
summer, and also finally came out of administration. But Murdoch's men
have continued to struggle - taking 14 points from 17 games, leaving them
in the League One relegation zone.
Bits and Pieces
West Brom delay naming new boss, although Bryan Robson remains the favourite.
Glenn Hoddle apparently no longer in the picture......Bolton will appeal
Jussi Jaaskelainen's sending off against Middlesbrough...... York, in the
Conference, have fired Chris Brass as manager, although he will continue
as a player with the club......Arsene Wenger is confident Sol Campbell
will sign a new contract with Arsenal before his existing deal runs out
at the end of the season......New Hearts boss John Robertson has been named
SPL manager of the month for October for his work with Inverness CT......
Footiemad news item
Whiner Lucky with a Draw
Arsene Whiner's team were tres lucky to escape with a draw yesterday at
Selhurst Park.
Ian Dowie's team stuck to their game plan and almost came up with a winner.
.
Alba was supposed to be back in the Holy Land today.watching Queens Park
vs Stenhousemuir yesterday (4-3 for the Spiders) and off to St James's
today to see the mighty Fulham thump the skunks.
Needless to say, he's not too happy sitting here typing this.
ALLEZ LES BLANCS
November 6, 2004
New Scottish Manager
Rumours continue to fly about who the latest Scotland manager might be.
Front runner is still happy go lucky Walter Smith who's astonishing track
record as a complete an utter numptie make him almost a shoe in for the
job. Out of work since being fired by a 3rd rate English team, he looks
to be the ideal candidate.
Most Scottish fans won't be happy with a manager with a poofy sounding
name like Walter although. They would much rather have a Boabby or even
a Virgil (see below)
Another possible name being bandied about is golfer Kenny Dalgleish
but, I mean, why on earth would he want the job??. I think we have to be
realistic here in that it's not the most prestigious job available in football
so maybe we should be looking at a few names which would be more fitting
for that particular appointment.
Sooty and Sweep are definitive "possibles" according to a close FOOTIEMAD source.
Although somewhat controversial in that they almost constantly question
each others decisions.... this dynamic managerial duo might be just the
ticket to get the boys going, especially if they decide to issue the old
"do you want to swop places?" challenge to players.
Another possible outsider is Virgil Tracy.
The unhappy Thunderbird pilot is said to be totally fed up at number 2
and is looking for a new challenge, one where he would be pulling the strings
for a change (ahem).His International Rescue group is just what Scotland
needs.
November 5, 2004
footiemad Fantasy League
Keep those registrations coming. Remember the last character in the password
is an O, NOT a zero.
Mutu gets seven month ban
The F.A. have handed Adrian Mutu a seven month ban after he admitted taking drugs. It seems a very light sentence. An FA statement said Mutu was suspended "subject to completing a
programme of education and rehabilitation" and the punishment was
backdated to October 25. The striker, sacked by Chelsea, was also fined
£20,000 and will be subject to target testing throughout the period of
the suspension. Mutu, 25, was at Soho Square for the FA hearing and will
not launch an appeal.
A prohibited substance was found following a random drugs test in September. However, the ban is a month less than Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was given for failing to attend a drugs test. That's apples and oranges
Mutu's ban will end on 18 May - meaning he will not return to action before
next season at the earliest. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich was
banned for nine months last year for cocaine use. The commission said it
took into account Mutu's admission of guilt and the fact that he had already
booked into a rehabilitation programme was also expected to go in his favour.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes the sentence is far too lenient.
Bits and Pieces
Malcolm Glazer will renew his bid to takeover Manchester Utd.......West
Brom deny they will move to get Paul Jewell......Kevin Davies has signed
a new three year deal with Bolton......Wes Brown has agreed a four year
deal at Old Trafford......Mick Harford has joined Nottingham Forest as
a coach. The club deny he will be replacing Joe Kinnear as manager......Leeds
will take Sunderland defender John Oster on a one month loan......David
Beckham targets November 14 as comeback date for Real Madrid......
Footiemad news item
November 4, 2004
footiemad Fantasy League
Keep those registrations coming. Remember the last character in the password
is an O, NOT a zero.
UEFA Cup action today
The group stage of the UEFA Cup continues today. Among the games on tap,
we have Hearts, Middlesbrough and Newcastle all at home to Schalke 04,
Lazio and Dinamo Tbilisi respectively.
McManaman at a crossroad?
Steve McManaman apparently faces the prospect of not being offered a new
contract by Manchester City when his current deal expires at the end of
the season. The ex-England midfielder has struggled since joining City
in August 2003, and is yet to score in 22 full appearances. City boss Kevin
Keegan is reportedly keen to offload the 32-year-old, rumoured to be earning
£30,000 a week.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid player made 36 appearances for England,
scoring three times. He was part of the Spanish club's 2002 Champions League
triumph, scoring in their semi-final win over Barcelona.
It would be difficult to believe that there aren't a few clubs in the EPL
or Championship that he could really help.
Jaidi content at the Reebok
In a really refreshing statement, in this day and age of malcontents, Bolton
defender Radhi Jaidi says he would be happy to finish his career with the
club.
"I still haven't proved myself here at Bolton yet, and I love the
club," the 29-year-old told the club's website. "I want to give
back to the club that have shown faith in me, and as I am in the latter
stages of my career, I don't see why I can't end my career here. I am not
thinking about other clubs. Above all I'm here to learn. I've learnt a
lot since I've been here."
Wigan hope Jewell stays put
Wigan manager Paul Jewell cools reports linking him with the vacant post
at The Hawthorns. The 40 year old emerged as a contender after reports
on Thursday that West Brom had lost patience waiting for a response from
ex-Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle.
"I don't know much about it. I have not had any contact with West
Bromwich Albion," Jewell told BBC Sport. A Wigan spokesman said: "Paul's
said on many occasions he's happy here. As far as we're concerned he's
going nowhere."
Jewell has taken Wigan to the top of the Championship after an unbeaten
start to the season which has so far lasted 17 games. He is regarded as
one of the brightest prospects in English management, having already guided
Bradford to the Premiership in 1999 and ensured their survival the following
season.
Besides Jewell and Hoddle, the two Robsons, Bobby and Bryan, continue to
be mentioned in connection to the West Brom job.
Bits and Pieces
Adrian Mutu is at F.A. headquarters waiting to learn his fate......David
O'Leary is confident he'll sign a new three and a half year deal with Aston
Villa......Paul Sturrock puts Owls squad, in effect, on trial......
Footiemad news item
November 3, 2004
footiemad Fantasy League
Keep those registrations coming. Remember the last character in the password
is an O, NOT a zero.
Champions League continues
Among the eight games on tap today, Manchester Utd. host Sparta Prague
while Liverpool are in Spain to play Deportivo.
Robertson is new Hearts boss
Former Inverness Caley Thistle boss John Robertson has been confirmed as
the new manager of Hearts. The 40 year old former striker spent most of
his playing career with the Edinburgh club, scoring 215 league goals in
more than 16 seasons at Tynecastle.
Robertson was present at Hearts' training ground on Wednesday morning,
24 hours after a compensation deal was agreed with Inverness Caley Thistle.
Two previous approaches had been rebuffed as Inverness wanted guarantees
they would be properly compensated. He takes over from former team-mate
Craig Levein, who moved to Leicester City on Friday and immediately recommended
Robertson for the job.
Inverness director of football Graeme Bennett said: "We reluctantly
agreed permission for John Robertson to speak to Hearts. We had no option
but to give them permission to speak to John. He knows what a good job
this is and how much we think of him."
Hearts were keen to install Robertson as Levein's successor before Thursday's Uefa Cup tie against Schalke 04.
Robertson cut his coaching teeth at Livingston before moving to Caledonian
Stadium, guiding Inverness into the Scottish Premier League for the first
time in their history. They currently lie ninth and were naturally reluctant
to lose their highly-rated manager at a crucial time. The Highland club
will now start to draw up a shortlist of their own, with speculation linking
them with, among others, Livingston assistant Alan Kernaghan.
Bassett shown the door at Leicester
New Leicester manager Craig Levein has confirmed that director of football
Dave Bassett will leave the club. Bassett had taken temporary charge of
the Foxes following Micky Adams' departure four weeks ago.
Former Hearts boss Levein said: "I've never worked with a director
of football before. The way I've been working for the past six years is
all I know, it's worked for me and it makes sense for me to continue to
do that." He installed his number two at Hearts, Peter Houston, as
part of his Walker's Stadium managerment team. But he is keen to appoint
somebody with knowledge of the Championship as his number two.
Levein added: "Dave did a magnificent job here and I think everyone
at the club is grateful to him for that. But that's football and people
move on."
Bits and Pieces
Berti Vogts vows never to return to management. The Scotland experience
has soured him completely in that regard......Newcastle boss Graeme Souness
has interest in Chelsea defender Robert Huth......Steve Bruce praises Jesper
Gronkjaer's recent performances......Kevin Davies keen to sign new deal
with Bolton..... French coach Phillipe Troussier wants to succeed Mark
Hughes as Wales boss......
Footiemad news item
November 2, 2004
footiemad fantasy league
How to register.
Just hit 'REGISTER HERE' on the Home Page
Register your team
Join mini league
Name of mini league (surprise, surprise) footiemad
Password is FJ84O This is the capital O NOT zero.
The fun commences on Saturday, so it's an even playing field for all. The
more, the merrier. I intend to show the Jocks, most particularly that smug
Pollock lad alba, that it's not only their national squad that leaves much
to be desired.
Champions League resumes
Among today's games, Arsenal host Panathinaikos and Celtic are at home
to Shakhtar Donetsk, while Chelsea travel to Moscow to play CSKA, knowing
a point would advance them to the knock-out stage.
Vogts vacates Hampden hot seat
While most would agree that he has had the least talented squad in memory
to work with, there is almost a national joy that Berti Vogts has agreed
to step down as Scotland boss. After 30 months in one of the most thankless
jobs, currently, in football, the German and the SFA have mutually agreed
to part company. The under-fire coach tendered his resignation yesterday.
Vogts blamed the criticism he has received recently after a series of poor
displays for his decision. He said: "The major factor in this decision
has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered." In an emotional
statement released by the SFA, he continued: "It has degenerated into
a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where I have been spat
upon. This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised society and I know
that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my disgust at this act
by a very tiny minority."
Walter Smith appears to have the inside lane to replace Vogts, however,
the ingredients to make a reasonable team will not change overnight, so
whoever does take the post will not have an easy ride.
Villa in trouble with EPL
The English Premier League have charged Aston Villa with making an illegal
pre-season approach to Southampton striker James Beattie.
The Saints lodged an official complaint against Villa following public
comments from their manager David O'Leary. He revealed his belief that
Beattie wanted to move to Villa after a £6m bid was rejected. Villa deny
the charge, but could face a warning, fine or points deduction if they
are found guilty.
Bits and Pieces
Jose Mourinho admits two trophies are beyond Chelsea, in his opinion......Trevor
Birch has withdrawn from the race to become F.A. chief executive......Manchester
City defender Ben Thatcher may need ankle surgery......Gary Megson, although
on 'gardening leave', is in the running for the vacant post at Molineux......
The consortium bidding for Leeds insist they have provided proof of the
availability of the cash......Bradford claim the red card shown to Dean
Windass has been rescinded. No comment from the F.A.......
Footiemad news item
November 1, 2004
Jones fired by Wolves
Wolves have fired Dave Jones after the 1-0 loss to 10 man Gillingham on
Saturday. His departure comes after a poor start to the season that has
left the club lying in 19th place and hopes of an instant return to the
Premiership - after last season's relegation - looking dim.
Jones took over the Molineux club in January 2001 and guided them to promotion into the Premiership after a 3-0 play-off final victory over Sheffield United at the end of the 2002-2003 campaign. However, they finished bottom of the top-flight table last season as they lost their survival battle and were relegated along with Leeds and Leicester.
"We will always be grateful to Dave for the success he achieved in
winning promotion to the Premiership - something several managers before
him had failed to do," said chairman Rick Hayward. "However,
having been relegated after just one season in the top flight, the board
has been disappointed by the poor start to this campaign."
Ex-Leicester boss Micky Adams and ex-West Brom boss Gary Megson, themselves
both early seaon casualties, are reportedly among the front runners for
the job.
Bits and Pieces
Alex Ferguson has really lost the plot. He now wants the F.A. to investigate
Dennis Bergkamp. He makes US Senator Joe McCarthy, back in the 50's, famous
for his notorious witchhunts, seem like a choirboy......Stan Collymore
alleges he was assaulted over the weekend in Dublin by a group of Bath
rugby players......Ex England boss Terry Venables looks set to coach Newcastle
in the new Australian A-League, according to the club owner Con Constantine......George
Best is likely to become permanently involved with Portsmouth, in all probability
at the youth level......