England News
August, 2004
Tuesday, 31 August 2004
- Manchester United have completed the signing of
Wayne Rooney from Everton in a
deal which could be worth £27m. United will pay Everton a guaranteed £20m,
with that rising to as much as £27m according to the 18-year-old's strikers
appearances and achievements. Rooney, passed a medical on Tuesday but the
deal was held up until the two clubs finally reached agreement. Manchester United had informed the Stock Exchange they have reached an
"outline agreement" to sign Wayne Rooney,
after he arrived
at Manchester United's training ground for a medical. Rooney has signed a
six-year contract which will tie him to Old Trafford until June 2010.
A quieter night of football in the Championship sees Steve
Coppell's Reading team beat Sunderland. In League One, Colin Todd defeats Peter
Taylor as Bradford City beat Hull City. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield also
win, against Port Vale. In La Liga, Michael Owen made his official debut in a Real Madrid shirt
in the 23rd minute substituting injured Raúl. Real beat Mallorca 1-0,
which also featured Beckham. They will now both join up with the England
squad at London Colney training camp.
Nicky Butt is a doubt for the World cup qualifiers.
Injuries
Monday, 30 August 2004
- Bank holiday football in the Premiership: Andrew Cole scores as Fulham lose to
Portsmouth. In the Championship, Joe Royle takes his Ipswich
Town side to 2nd place following a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Peter
Reid takes Coventry City up to 5th following a win over West Ham United, Teddy
Sheringham scoring for The Hammers. League One: Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic and Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers
both drew against Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County respectively, whilst
Paul Merson's Walsall beat Barnsley. League Two: Keith Curle's
Mansfield Town beat Yeovil Town, Graham Rix's Oxford United beat Notts County,
as does Tony Adams' Wycombe Wanderers, as they beat Grimsby Town. Paul
Gascoigne starts and inspires a Boston United win over Chester City.
Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has been sacked by the club
after their poor start to the Premiership season. Two points from four
games have left the Magpies 16th in the league. A statement from the
club explained that the directors had informed the 71-year-old Robson that he
was to be replaced as team manager.
Sunday, 29 August 2004
- Hans Krankl announces his replacements to the
Austrian Squad.
FK Austria's Ernst Dospel and Liebherr GAK's Matthias Dollinger.
Michael Owen has made a winning start to his Real Madrid debut,
playing a key role in their 1-0 win over Mallorca. Owen failed to make Real's
starting 11 as coach Jose Antonio Camacho opted to deploy strikers Raul and
Ronaldo. But Owen did not have to wait long to get on to the pitch replacing the
injured Raul on 24 minutes. Early in the second half Owen created Real's opening
goal when he crossed for Ronaldo, who chested the ball home at the far post.
Eriksson has left out Emile Heskey for the World Cup qualifiers
against Austria and Poland. In Heskey's absence, Eriksson kept faith with
Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith, who both played in the recent
friendly against the Ukraine.
Joe Cole has returned after injury, but Phil Neville was still excluded even
though Glen Johnson has dropped back down to the under-21s. Norwich keeper
Robert Green was called up to replace Chris Kirkland.
The squad.
Martin Amerhauser, Austrian's goalscorer in there 3-1 defeat
to Germany, has withdrawn from the
squad against
England and Azerbaijan. The GAK player received an elbow injury playing against
Admira. Roland Kirchler had already withdrawn.
The first Old Firm clash of the season ended in triumph for Glasgow
Celtic after a stunning late strike from midfielder
Alan Thompson.
Wayne Rooney says he is
"disappointed" with the way the club have handled his transfer request, after
fans chanted abuse about him during Saturday's game. "I am absolutely gutted at
what is happening here. It is clear that it's time for me to leave Everton," he
said. "I'm disappointed at some of the things that Everton have said, especially
considering that I know the truth."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he was ready to leave the club in
the summer before new manager Rafael Benitez persuaded him to stay.
Gerrard seemed set to join Chelsea but decided to stay at Anfield. "The
last couple of season were not good enough. I was frustrated being out of the
title race by January," he told the club website. "I think the new manager will
definitely improve things. That was the main factor in me deciding to stay."
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has ruled out making a move
for Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer before the transfer deadline closes
on Tuesday.
Southampton head coach Steve Wigley is confident the club's in-demand
striker James Beattie will not move before the close of Tuesday's transfer
window. Beattie has been linked with moves to Aston Villa and Everton.
"Beattie will be here for the forthcoming season at least," said Wigley after
Beattie scored at both ends in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea. "He's cleared his
mind. He's a special forward who doesn't get the credit he deserves for the
goals he scores."
Sven-Göran Eriksson has told Joe Cole he needs to be a regular for Chelsea
before he can secure a starting place for the national team. Cole is set for a
recall on Sunday when Eriksson names the squad for the World Cup qualifiers
against Austria on 4 September and Poland on 8 September.
Saturday, 28 August 2004
- Everton have confirmed that Manchester United have made a second bid
for England striker Wayne Rooney.
The club say Manchester United's bid is higher than the £23.5m offer from
Newcastle United which was rejected last week. Everton's head of PR Ian
Ross told the club's website: "Manchester United made an offer which is in
excess of the second bid lodged by Newcastle United."
Another programme of League football. The Premiership
has no surprises. Sir Bobby Robson loses as Newcastle United are beaten by Aston
Villa. Gareth Barry grabbing one of Villa's four goals. Alan Smith
yet again scores for Manchester United, in the last minute, as they draw
Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea beat Southampton, James Beattie scoring for both
Southampton and Chelsea, Frank Lampard scoring the winner. Kevin Keegan's
Manchester City thrash Charlton Athletic, Trevor Sinclair and
Shaun
Wright-Phillips scoring, although the winger picked up a back complaint,
endangereing his chances of an England call-up. Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough beat Crystal
Palace. Jermain Defoe is on the scoresheet as Tottenham Hotspur beat
Birmingham City. In the Championship. Dennis Wise and Millwall beat
Steve Coppell's Reading. Peter Reids' Coventry City beat Nottingham
Forest, and Joe Royle's Ipswich Town beat Rotherham United. League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City beat Barnsley, Roy McParland's Chesterfield beats Colin
Todd and Bradford City, Brian Talbot's Oldaham Athletic beat Milton Keynes Dons,
Paul Merson's Walsall manage a scoreless draw away to Torquay United. John
Salako got on the scoresheet for Brentford in their win over Stockport County.
League Two: Keith Curles's Mansfield Town are beaten by Grimsby Town, Tony
Adam's Wycombe Wanderers beat Kidderminster Harriers, and Graham Rix and Oxford
United beat Shrewsbury Town. SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell beat
Hearts.
England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has confirmed in-demand striker
Wayne Rooney will not figure in his squad for September's World Cup qualifiers.
Eriksson will name his squad on Sunday for the games against Austria on 4
September and Poland four days later, but Rooney still has a broken foot. "Wayne
Rooney must at least have a game for Everton first," said Eriksson. "Going into
two qualification games, if you have not played during the season, then he could
get injured again."
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United would be as good as his Treble
winning side of 1999 if they can clinch the signing of Wayne Rooney. "If
we do sign him I will be very happy with the squad we have got," he said.
"I believe it will be just as strong as we had in 1999. Both squads have really
good talent, although it is difficult to compare players. But what I will
have again is four top strikers to chose from. It will give us strength and a
lot of options."
Friday, 27 August 2004 -
Wayne Rooney has handed
in a transfer request as Newcastle and Manchester United fight out a £25m battle
for his signature. Manchester United are expected to make an increased bid
before the transfer window shuts after Newcastle's £23.5m bid was rejected.
Everton insisted Rooney make his request to leave Goodison Park formal before
sanctioning his departure. Manchester United are expected to make an increased £25m bid for Everton's on Friday. Sir Alex Ferguson could
offer striker David Bellion as part of the deal, although Everton may want
defender John O'Shea. Newcastle United, however, are not out of the
race as reports suggests they may offer a package involving Shola Ameobi.
Pawal Janas announces his 23-man
Poland squad.
Roland Kirchler had to withdraw from the
Austrian squad to
face England and Azerbaijan because of a bruised rib.
Brian Littles' Tranmere Rovers demolishes Sheffield Wednesday
in a 4-2 win tonight in League One.
Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson has angrily
rejected rumours he may quit the club after their disappointing start to the
Premiership season.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Jacques Santini is set to give
Jermain Defoe a rest for this weekend's clash with Birmingham City. Santini is
looking to guard his young striker from burnout after a busy start to the new
season. Despite scoring two goals in three games Santini may leave
him out for the home clash with Birmingham.
Tottenham Hotspur's Paul Robinson has declared that he wants
to become England's first choice goalkeeper and that he has David James'
position in his sights.
Thursday, 26 August 2004 - Hans
Krankl names his Austrian
squad.
Everton have rejected an increased bid of £23.5m for Wayne Rooney
from Newcastle United as well as turning down Manchester United's initial £20m
offer for the 18-year-old. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had said: "We
will discuss the matter on Thursday. We have made our intentions clear we would
like the boy. Rooney's a fabulous player - he showed that at Euro 2004 -
and is a young player. He's not the finished article yet, but we've got
experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on.
" Everton will not even discuss the possibility
of Rooney leaving the club unless they receive an official cash bid in excess of
£27m - and even then are more likely to demand £30m. Everton chairman
Bill Kenwright insists a decision is down to manager David Moyes.
"Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the
manager," he said. "It's the manager's final decision." He
added: "I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad. I can't
tell you if he will be at Everton next week. We don't need to sell Wayne
Rooney, we do not need to sell him."
Wednesday, 25 August 2004 -
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Wayne
Rooney by offering £20m for the Everton striker. Newcastle United had
made a fresh bid of £22m for the teenage sensation. The Magpies, who had a £20m offer
rejected on Monday, are apparently willing to pay up to £28m for the star of
England's Euro 2004 campaign. Everton manager David Moyes earlier issued a
warning to Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson, insisting Rooney was worth
much more than Chelsea's £24m star Didier Drogba.
Another night of league and cup football. In the
Premiership, Jermain Defoe equalises for Tottenham Hotspur against West Bromwich
Albion in there draw. Francis Jeffers opens his Charlton Athletic account
with a two goals against Aston Villa. Sir Bobby Robson and Newcastle
United can only draw against Norwich City. Steve McClaren gets his first
win of the season, as Middlesbrough beat Fulham. The Champions League:
David Beckham stars for Real Madrid in their Champions League qualifier against
Wisła Kraków. Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate are
ineligible. Alan Smith scores twice as Manchester United progress ahead of
Dinamo Bucuresti. The Carling Cup: Colin Todd and Bradford City fall to
Notts County, presently in extra time. Peter Reid's Coventry City progress
against Torquay United. Steve Coppell's Reading side beat Graham Rix and
Oxford United. Paul Merson also falls at the first attempt as Walsall lose
to Sheffield Wednesday.
With Real Madrid playing a high profile friendly fixture in
Madrid next Tuesday, England head coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has held talks with
the club. This has resulted in an agreement that England's Madrid based
players will only play the first 45 minutes of the match before flying to
England. FA
Head of Media Relations Adrian Bevington said: "Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke
with Real Madrid officials yesterday regarding the England players participation
in Madrid's fixture next Tuesday evening. "It
was agreed that they would play for the first 45 minutes of the match in the
Spanish capital before flying to England on a private jet. We
have enjoyed a very good relationship with the club since David Beckham moved to
Spain before the start of last season and Sven believes it is very important
that this relationship is maintained with sporting director Emilio Butragueño
and coach José Antonio Camacho for the future - particularly with such a
strong English representation at Real. The
England squad will meet at lunch time next Tuesday, with the Madrid based
players arriving later that evening. This falls in line with the FIFA
regulations. Therefore, the Madrid players will be available for all but
the first training session during the build up to our first World Cup qualifying
fixture in Austria on Saturday week."
Michael Carrick says a move to Tottenham Hotspur will
help his England chances. Carrick left West Ham United to move
to White Hart Lane in a £3.5 million deal - in a bid to enhance his career.
After watching former team-mates Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Glen Johnson all
leave Upton Park and go on to play for England - Carrick thought it was time to
do the same.
Paul Robinson is challenging for David James's England
position. England boss Sven-Göran Eriksson has been
impressed with Robinson's start to the season and says that he is pushing for
the number one jersey. Manchester City keeper David James is currently the
number one for England, but new Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper Robinson is
pushing him hard. Eriksson has already backed Liverpool's Chris Kirkland
as the future number one, but the former Coventry City man is struggling to
get regular action at Anfield.
Tuesday, 24 August 2004 - In a
night of league & cup football, Emile Heskey gets his first Birmingham City
league goal against Kevin Keegan's Manchester City. In the Carling Cup,
Joe Royle's Ipswich Town progress against Brentford, as does Brian Talbot's
Oldham Athletic, against Stoke City, and Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers against
Shrewsbury Town. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield are knocked-out by Rotherham
United, as is Tony Adams' Wycombe Wanderers, at the hands of Bristol City.
Steven Gerrard and Liverpool progress into the Champions League following their
defeat against Graz. They advance on aggregate scores.
Everton have hit Newcastle United with a demand for £30m should they press ahead
with their audacious attempt to sign teenage England striker Wayne
Rooney. BBC Sport understands Everton manager David
Moyes would consider quitting if Rooney was sold for less than £30m. But
it is also believed Everton are now resigned to losing Rooney after he held
talks with Moyes on Monday. Newcastle United are ready to increase their bid
after their first £20m offer was rejected. "I don't think this is
all over to be honest," Sir Bobby Robson told BBC Newcastle. "Everton
are short of money and need to sell players and he is a saleable asset at the
moment."
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Michael
Carrick from West Ham United after he successfully completed a medical.
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has admitted defeat in his bid to land
Southampton striker James Beattie before the transfer window closes. Villa's
£6m bid was rejected and O'Leary said: "That's the way it stands now and
I've moved on from it.
Wes Brown is ready to return to training with Manchester United for the first
time this season. The 24-year-old England defender is now on the road to
recovery after an Achilles tendon injury. Brown told MUTV: "I had a
needle on the injury two weeks ago and ever since it has felt great. I
started to run from the end of last week and have done some football now.
Hopefully I will be back in training at the end of the week." Brown's
career has been dogged by a succession of injuries that have slowed down his
progress. But he remains optimistic about the future, despite this latest
setback. "The injury happened the first few days into training,
" he said. "I carried on thinking it might be because I had not done
anything for a few weeks. Obviously it was not and we had to do something
about it. It has not been that long - only a couple of weeks - that is the
main thing. But it did my head in a bit."
Former Southampton manager and England world cup winner Alan Ball believes
Steve Wigley has the qualities to succeed as head coach at St Mary's.
Wigley replaces Paul Sturrock, who was sacked yesterday.
Monday, 23 August 2004 -
Everton have rejected a £20m offer for England striker Wayne
Rooney from Newcastle United.
Former England Captain Paul Ince scores Wolverhampton
Wanderers' first goal in their 4-2 win over Rochdale in the Carling Cup first
round.
Hull
City have dismissed reports that manager Peter Taylor is to resume a full-time
role as England Under-21 boss next season. Taylor and Hull City chairman
Adam Pearson rejected newspaper suggestions. "It has always been the
intention for Peter and the chairman to review both the Under-21 scenario and
Peter's Hull City contract," said a club statement. At the moment the
relationship is working well with all parties satisfied with the present
arrangements." It added: "The club, its supporters and
players mean a great deal to Peter. Both the club and manager feel sure
that the England Under-21 role can sit alongside these responsibilities
successfully." Taylor's deal with England runs until the end of May
2005, while he is under contract with the Tigers for a further 15 months.
Sunday, 22 August 2004 - Arsenal
boss Arsene Wenger has revealed the club turned down a huge bid from Real Madrid
for Sol Campbell. The Spanish giants, who missed out on Gunners
skipper Patrick Vieira, tried to sign Campbell before signing Jonathan Woodgate
earlier this week. Campbell has reportedly been stalling over signing a
new long-term contract with The Gunners, but Wenger insists the former Tottenham
star is set to sign a new deal at Highbury.
Manager Alan Curbishley has warned Francis Jeffers that he may have to wait
for a starting place at Charlton Athletic. The former Arsenal striker is
currently on the bench as Curbishley sticks with Shaun Bartlett and Kevin Lisbie.
The Addicks boss explained: "He has had a difficult time at Arsenal
breaking through with their world-class players. I don't want Franny
struggling. He needs to have his confidence as high as possible. He needs to be
match fit and then he can have a proper crack at it."
Saturday, 21 August 2004 -
Another full day of League Football. Sir Bobby Robson and Newcastle United
lose 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, as Kevin Keegan and Manchester City lose 2-1 to
Liverpool, Steven Gerrard scoring Liverpool's winner. Other scorers in the
Premiership include Andrew Cole's brace for Fulham against Bolton Wanderers, his
199th and 200th league goals. Alan Smith scores for Manchester United
against Norwich City. Joe Cole scores in Chelsea's win over
Birmingham City. David Unsworth, of Portsmouth, scores an own goal,
gifting a Charlton Athletic win. Kevin Phillips and James Beattie both
score for Southampton as they beat Blackburn Rovers. Championship: Peter
Reid loses out to Dennis Wise as Coventry City lose to Millwall. Joe
Royle's Ipswich Town beat Cardiff City, and Steve Coppell's Reading team beat
Rotherham United. Teddy Sheringham scores two for West Ham United in there
win over Crewe Alexandra. League One: Colin Todd and Bradford City
celebrate their secured League status by winning, a victory over Stockport
County. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield also win, against Colchester
United. Peter Taylor's Hull City overcame Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athletic. Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers draw away against Doncaster
Rovers. As does Paul Merson and Walsall, against Barnsley. League
Two: Keith Curle and Mansfield Town beat Kidderminster Harriers. Graham
Rix's Oxford United side draw away to Leyton Orient, and Tony Adams' Wycombe
Wanderers lose to Rochdale. Outside of the league, player/manager Nigel
Clough scores as his side, Burton Albion, are beaten by Dagenham & Redbridge.
Terry Butcher's Motherwell gets his first win of the season in the SPL against
Dundee.
Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their midfield ranks by securing the signature
of West Ham's Michael Carrick. The 23-year-old, who has twice been capped
by England, has agreed a four-year deal which will be signed after a medical at
White Hart Lane. Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "Michael
is a big English talent and we're very pleased to sign him. Technically he
is very good, a great passer who can go left or right and we have quality
competition for places."
Real Madrid admit new signing Jonathan Woodgate is at least a
month away from making his Spanish debut. Real doctor Juan Carlos
Hernandez acknowledged Woodgate's injury was
stringently examined but concedes it will be a minimum of four weeks before he
is available for selection. "The medical took more than three
hours," Hernandez told Radio Marca. "Apart from a normal
medical, the player arrived with a small injury for which he is still being
treated and we wanted to look at it carefully. We estimate that he will
need another three to four weeks before he can start training with the rest of
the squad. The injury is to the thigh muscle in his left leg and can be
complicated, so we will have to give it a little time to heal."
Friday, 20 August 2004 - The
television rights for England's home and away World Cup qualification matches
have been decided. The BBC will broadcast live coverage of all England's
home games which will all be at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium with
the exception of the match against Azerbaijan, which will be at St. James'
Park. All the away matches will be shown by Sky Sports, with the exception
of the match in Belfast against Northern Ireland, which will be on the BBC.
Wayne Rooney begins running after being given the green light
by a foot specialist this afternoon. The latest set of scans on Rooney's
foot has shown very good signs of healing.
Jonathan Woodgate has signed for Real Madrid from Newcastle United on a
four-year contract worth £13.4m after passing a medical on Friday. There
had been concerns the 24-year-old defender, who has been nursing a thigh injury,
would not pass the rigorous fitness tests at the Bernabeu. But Woodgate
has tied up the deal - with an option to extend it by a further year.
Thursday, 19 August 2004 -
Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate is set to complete his £13.4m move
to Spanish side Real Madrid on Friday, according to his agents SFX. Representatives
for Woodgate will fly to Madrid on Thursday to discuss personal terms for the
24-year-old. He had been strongly linked to
follow Michael Owen to Real Madrid throughout the day. Newspapers reports claim the Spanish
giants were lining up an offer in the region of £12m for Woodgate. Jose Angel
Sanchez - who negotiated David Beckham and Owen's transfers to Real - is
reported to have recently visited Tyneside to try and thrash out the terms of a
deal.
Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer has issued a formal apology to manager
Sir Bobby Robson over their bust-up. He was offered a way out from
his Tyneside problems by Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, according to
reports. Bruce was believed to want to sign the 25-year-old on a
season-long loan deal.
West Ham United have confirmed they are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur
over the sale of Michael Carrick - but insist a fee is yet to be agreed.
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has revealed his determination to sign
striker James Beattie from Southampton. "Beattie to me fits the bill
for us. If we can't get him we go without," admitted O'Leary.
"We don't want to wait but if we had to take the Beattie interest through
to January, we'd look at that. All I can say is that I think there's a
player that definitely wants to join us. He has an opportunity to join a
few people, but I think he sees the way we play is good for strikers and that
he'll get a few goals."
Wednesday, 18 August 2004 - Shaun Wright-Phillips scored a brilliant debut 70th minute goal as England
cruised to a 3-0 victory
against Ukraine. Beckham diverted in John Terry's cross after 28
minutes and Owen headed home a centre from the England captain five minutes
after the interval. Kieron Dyer was booed every time he touched the ball
after coming on as a second-half substitute. Dyer is said to have had a
bust-up with Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson over his desire to play in central
midfield.
Eriksson believes captain David Beckham may have suffered burn-out at Euro 2004.
Beckham admitted he under-performed in Portugal but Eriksson said he may
have been suffering after a heavy schedule. He said: "It is a little
bit sad when you have too many superstars not performing as they should. I
don't think it's fair and it's not good for football. People want to see a
Zidane who is 100% fit and a Beckham who is 100%."
Tottenham Hotspur have failed in their bid to land Bayern Munich's England
midfielder Owen Hargreaves. Spurs looked in pole position to land
Hargreaves, 23, who has two years left on his contract at Bayern but is keen to
play in the Premiership. His agent, Roman Grill, admitted: "Owen had
a good chat with officials from Spurs but he wants to start the season at Bayern.
However, Owen may decide to look at his options again in the new year."
Although Spurs are in talks with West Ham United's Michael Carrick over a £3.5m
transfer to White Hart Lane.
Chester have spoken out to clarify their position over former manager Mark
Wright's shock exit the day before they returned to the Football League.
Tuesday, 17 August 2004 -
Carlton Cole scored twice to hand England
U21 a 3-1 victory over Ukraine U21. Darren Bent scored England's 3rd
in the final minute, to ensure Peter Taylor's return as U21 manager gets off to
a successful start.
Eriksson has handed Manchester United striker Alan Smith a place in the starting
line-up for the friendly against Ukraine. Nicky Butt is recalled to the
midfield.
Emile
Heskey has withdrawn from England's squad for the friendly against Ukraine on
Wednesday. The Birmingham striker has been sidelined with a
hamstring injury. "Heskey woke up on Tuesday with a tight hamstring
and has returned to his club for treatment." says the FA website.
Eriksson will not call-up any replacements for the St James' Park contest.
The Swede must now decide who out of Darius Vassell,
Jermain Defoe and Alan
Smith will partner Michael Owen up front.
Newcastle United & England midfielder Kieron Dyer is staying at St James'
Park, according to the player's agent. Dyer was said to have had a
training ground row with Sir Bobby Robson over his desire to play in central
midfield. But agent Jonathan Barnett said: "There's no situation with
Kieron, it's complete and utter rubbish. There was no big bust-up and he's
not looking for a transfer. There's never been any talk of him leaving, not from
the player or the club." He was also criticised by Newcastle fans for
handing on the captain's armband when Alan Shearer went off against
Middlesbrough last weekend.
Southampton striker James Beattie is rated only 50-50 for
Saturday's encounter with Blackburn at St Mary's because of a thigh strain.
David
Beckham has told his new Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen that he will face a
fight for a regular starting place at the Bernabeu. "It's
always tough going into a team like Madrid," said Beckham. "You've got
to work hard to get into this team. It doesn't matter who you are and what
name you've got. If you don't play well, then you don't get into the team.
Of course Michael is talented enough - he could score goals in any league - but
we'll have to wait and see."
David Beckham admits Sven-Göran Eriksson is
under increasing pressure to succeed after his recent personal problems and a
poor Euro 2004. "If you don't succeed then you're criticised and
that's the way it is, that's football," said captain Beckham.
West Ham United boss Alan Pardew has told Michael Carrick
that he must sign a new long-term deal or consider a transfer. As Portsmouth
manager Harry Redknapp says his attempts to sign Carrick are over.
Redknapp told BBC Radio Five Live: "I think the deal for Carrick has gone.
We more or less agreed it last Thursday and he was due to have his
medical. Then his agent got a call saying Arsenal were interested. But it
didn't happen and I don't think he can get his head around moving anywhere
else."
Monday, 16 August 2004 - England
captain David Beckham has insisted Sven-Göran Eriksson's side are ready to move
on after their disappointing exit from Euro 2004. Beckham said:
"You have to get over it. The future is now all about qualifying for the
2006 World Cup. I had four average games during the tournament, but my
form has been good in pre-season and I'm looking forward to the new season.
Last season, the first six months I played some of the best football of my
career, but after that it dipped. Not winning anything with Real was a big
disappointment for everyone at the club. But the manager Jose Camacho is a
strong character and a strong person." Beckham also believes
Eriksson's affair with FA secretary Faria Alam and the subsequent resignation of
the association's chief executive Mark Palios will not affect the team.
"It's not nice to be any situation like that. As England manager all
the players respect him. We meet up to play football and he comes to manage the
team."
England
coach Sven-Göran Eriksson is set to play John Terry and Ledley King against
Ukraine - in preparation for using them in the World Cup qualifiers.
Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge will not meet up with the
England squad today after picking up a calf strian. There will not be any
replacement called up to fill the gap left by Bridge's withdrawal.
Jonathan Woodgate could miss the start of Newcastle's Uefa Cup campaign
because of his long-term thigh injury. The defender, who has not
played since rupturing a thigh muscle in April, will see a German specialist
this week. "Jonathan will be out for another two to three
weeks," said Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson. "Even though he
did have a 50% rupture of the thigh muscle, he should be recovered by now. We're
concerned at the time it is taking."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has told his team-mates to
keep their chins up over the exit of Michael Owen. The England midfielder
Gerrard admitted that the players were surprised at how quickly the deal went
through.
Newcastle United have rejected reports Kieron Dyer refused to play on the
right of midfield in their Premiership opener against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Dyer was said to have told boss Sir Bobby Robson he wanted to play a more
central role this season. But a Newcastle spokesman told BBC Sport:
"There's no truth in it at all, it's like Sir Bobby said after the match -
it's utter rubbish." The Magpies have also dismissed speculation that
captain Alan Shearer will leave the club after Manchester United and Celtic were
thought to be interested.
Tottenham Hotspur have insisted they will not be selling 21-year-old
striker Jermain Defoe to Premiership rivals Manchester United. On Sunday,
newspaper reports suggested that Defoe was on his way from White Hart Lane to
Old Trafford.
Sunday, 15 August 2004 - Everton
manager David Moyes has revealed Wayne Rooney is ready to sign a new contract at
Goodison Park. Moyes said: "I am sure something will be
concluded shortly. We've had some very good conversations with Wayne and I think
he'll sign." It is reported terms have been agreed on a five-year
deal and the only stumbling block is a get-out clause. Everton want a
£30m fee if Rooney moves, with Manchester United in the hunt, but a £25m
compromise figure is likely. Moyes also insisted that if Rooney
decided not to sign the deal, worth £50,000-a-week, Everton would insist he
served the final two years of his current contract and take their chances at a
tribunal. Moyes said: "The final fee would then be decided by a
tribunal and I am sure they would look favourably on us. Don't forget we
are talking about the best player in the world here. It would be
great to get it all tied up because it is a saga that needs concluding quickly
for the good of the club. But even then I don't expect all the speculation
to go away. The bottom line, though, is that the final decision over whether
Everton sell Wayne Rooney or not lies with me."
Sol Campbell is set to sign a new four-year contract at
Arsenal. Campbell has only one year left on his current contract
and Arsenal want him to follow Patrick Vieira and pledge his future to the
Highbury club. Manager Arsene Wenger is confident he will stay, saying:
"I am convinced Sol will sort it out soon."
England
captain David Beckham has admitted frenzied speculation over his private life
affected his performances at Euro 2004. The Real Madrid midfielder
failed to find his best form as England bowed out to hosts Portugal in the
quarter-finals. He missed a penalty kick as England lost 2-1 to France in
the opening game and another in the penalty shoot-out defeat against Portugal in
Lisbon. Beckham blamed his poor performances on the low level of fitness
work at his club, and that drew criticism from former Real Madrid manager Carlos
Queiroz. Now Beckham believes there were other factors, and he told BBC
1's Match of the Day: "A lot of things were said about me last season that
were not true. Looking back on it, I can see that maybe I was taking what
was happening on and off the pitch with me onto the pitch in Portugal and that
my performances may have suffered slightly." Beckham has now settled
in Spain with his family. He added: "We are together as a family in
Madrid now and that is wonderful. They were actually out here more last season
than some people thought but we had trouble finding the right school for
Brooklyn. "Now we have got a school for him and a playgroup for
Romeo, while Victoria is working from Madrid."
England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has called for fans to get behind them for
their friendly against the Ukraine. The St James' Park game has
struggled to capture the public's imagination, with thousands of tickets still
unsold. Eriksson, who vowed to put out his strongest available side, said:
"I hope we have a big crowd in Newcastle. This match is not a nothing
game. It is our only get-together before our World Cup qualifiers against
Austria and Poland next month."
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has been reassured over his England future,
despite being left out of Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad to face Ukraine.
Cole, 22, was overlooked for the 24-man party for Wednesday's friendly game
at St James' Park because of injury. "Sven had a conversation with
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and he was told that Joe was carrying an
injury," said a Football Association spokesman. "He was
therefore left out of the squad for that reason and that reason alone."
Torquay chairman Mike Bateson has written to the Football Association to
complain about the staging of England's World Cup qualifier with Wales. The
match is due to kick off on Saturday, 9 October at 3pm. There is a full
programme in League One and Two that day - with the Gulls hosting Huddersfield
at Plainmoor. "This is a kick in the teeth from our governing body -
I'll be interested to hear the rationale (for) the decision," Bateson told
his club's website. The Gulls chief is concerned about the effect
England's afternoon kick-off may have on attendances around the country.
Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell has insisted he would welcome the
arrival of James Beattie from Southampton. Villa boss David O'Leary is
keen on Beattie and Vassell told his club website: "The added competition
will bring out the best in me".
Saturday, 14 August 2004 - Eriksson
named his squad to
face Ukraine. Jermain Defoe and Shaun Wright-Phillips are part of
several young players in the England squad. Glen Johnson, Chris Kirkland,
Matthew Upson and Alan Smith were also selected as Eriksson backs up his plans
to build for the future. Nicky Butt was included as well but Phil Neville,
Joe Cole and Ian Walker were all omitted. Central defenders Sol Campbell
and Jonathan Woodgate are injured and Rio Ferdinand is suspended so Matthew
Upson returns to the squad. But the battle to take over from Scholes in
midfield is the most interesting aspect with Kieron Dyer, Wright-Phillips, Owen
Hargreaves and Jermaine Jenas hoping to impress. In attack, Wayne Rooney
is also out injured so the England coach will cast his eye over Defoe and Smith.
The
big kick-off in the Barclays Premiership. The first game of the day is between Tottenham
Hotspur and Liverpool, ending in a 1-1 draw,
Jermain Defoe scoring for Spurs.
Darius Vassell scores for Aston Villa in Villa's 2-0 win over Southampton.
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City draw 1-1 with Fulham, Robbie Fowler scoring
City's only goal. David Unsworth also scores from the penalty spot for his
new club, Portsmouth. They also drew 1-1, against Birmingham City.
Bobby Robson's Newcastle United side drew Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough
2-2. Alan Shearer scoring United's second. The Coca-Cola Championship has mixed results also, Peter Reid's Coventry City
draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Joe Royle and Ipswich lose away
to Derby County. Dennis Wise's Millwall and Steve Coppell's Reading both
win against Leicester City and Sheffield United. League One:- Colin Todd's
Bradford City side beat Doncaster Rovers, Roy McFarland loses to Brian Little as
Tranmere Rovers beat Chesterfield. Peter Taylor's Hull City lose to Port
Vale, despite a first goal for Nicky Barmby, now playing, and scoring for Hull
City. Brian Talbot outwits Paul Merson as Oldham Athletic beat Walsall
5-3. League Two:- Keith Curle's Mansfield Town beat Chester. Graham Rix
and Oxford United draw Scunthorpe United, as does Tony Adams' Wycombe side,
against Northampton Town. In the Scottish Premier League, Alan Thompson
scores twice for Glasgow Celtic in there 4-2 win over Kilmarnock. Terry
Butcher's Motherwell lose to Hibernian.
Shaun Wright-Phillips has agreed a new four-year contract at Manchester City.
Michael Owen was given the number 11 shirt by Real Madrid
legend Alfredo di Stefano at his unveiling by the Spanish club after his move
from Liverpool.
Sven-Göran Eriksson says the controversy over his private
life will not force him to stand down. "I will never throw in
the towel because of the media intrusion into my private life. I regret
the mess and the soap opera which has been going on but I believe private
business is private business. I doubt that English people have that
interest in anyone's private life, even if it is the private life of the England
manager. What I can never understand is that there is a sick
interest in people's private lives. Sometimes I feel in this job that you
should be a saint, at least a monk, you shouldn't earn much money and you should
win every football game. I love the job and if I don't resign after the
last month then it shows how much I love it. I trust everyone at FA
headquarters. If there are people who want me to stop the job and do other
things, they should tell me. I am not worried about my future, no one has
told me anything and I have no intention to stop. What we have to do now
is qualify for the World Cup. England must play in Germany. I should be judged
after that. I have always hoped in this country that I am judged on
football results and that's it. I can quit if we don't qualify for the World Cup
but that's football."
Friday, 13 August 2004 - Michael
Owen has completed his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid after passing a
medical. Owen, 24, is to sign a four-year deal with Real in a move
which is expected to net Liverpool £8m plus midfielder Antonio Nunez. Liverpool
manager Rafael Benitez had confirmed Owen would move to Real . Real
confirmed: "Michael Owen will undergo a medical at the Zarzuela clinic in
Madrid prior to signing." Michael Owen was already in Spain to
undergo a medical and to seal his move to Real Madrid from Liverpool. The
England striker had flown to Madrid with his girlfriend Louise Bonsall and a
legal representative to complete his move.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren will remain as an England coach for the
2006 World Cup qualifying campaign after deputising for Brian Kidd at Euro 2004.
England
coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has put Nicky Butt and Kieron Dyer in the frame to
replace Paul Scholes in next week's friendly against Ukraine. "I'm
delighted Nicky joined Newcastle as he didn't play enough at Manchester United
last season," said Eriksson. "And Kieron's been in every
squad I've selected when fit. That's how important he is to our squad."
Eriksson is set to hand Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi
his England debut in next week's friendly. Ameobi can expect to be
called in to the senior squad for the first time when Eriksson unveils his party
on Saturday. The gangly forward has been a regular in the Under-21s but
his selection for the full side will be a surprise. He has yet to command
a regular spot in the Newcastle team but he will be thrust in to the limelight
in front of the fans at his home ground next Wednesday. "Shola's
progression from the Under-21s was bound to come this season at some
stage," Eriksson told The Evening Chronicle. "It is time. Shola has
always been in my thoughts. I like him. He's a very interesting player the way
he performs. He's tall but has good skills."
David Dein has lost his position as vice-chairman of the
Football Association after the post was scrapped as part of restructuring. Dein, Arsenal's vice-chairman, held the post since February 2000 but
remains on the FA board, international committee and professional game board.
James Beattie's agent has revealed his client is keen to leave Southampton
with Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa all keen to sign the
26-year-old. The striker, worth a reported £8m to the Saints, is said to
be keen to leave Paul Sturrock's side to try to win his England place back.
Motherwell manager Terry Butcher has agreed to extend his contract with
the Fir Park club until 2006. He guided the young Motherwell squad to
sixth place last season, with the club in administration. "[I've]
agreed a new contract now. [I am] here until 2006 now and ... delighted with
that," said Butcher. "[I am] near to signing, but it's just a
case of carrying on now until [I] get a moment to do it."
Thursday, 12 August 2004 - Liverpool
striker Michael Owen will join Real Madrid in an £8m (€12 million) plus player deal according
to a source close to the club, BBC Five Live has reported. As well
as the fee, it is believed Liverpool will also receive right-sided midfielder
Carlos Nunez and/or Juanfran. Liverpool could receive additional payments
for Owen depending on Real's success in the future. So far there has no been no official confirmation from
either club. Highly-respected Spanish newspaper AS claims that Owen could
be presented as early as Friday or Saturday by Real.
West
Bromwich Albion are on the verge of agreeing a fee with West Ham United for
Michael Carrick and are set to open talks with him. "There is a bit
of negotiating to be done to see if Michael wants to join," said Baggies
boss Gary Megson. "We've spoken with West Ham. That's as far as we've
gone but I think we are close to agreeing a fee."
Bayern
Munich's England midfielder Owen Hargreaves could be set to sign for a
Premiership club next week. Hargreaves' agent Roman Grill told BBC
Sport talks have taken place between Bayern and an unnamed English club, with
Tottenham Hotspur believed to be keen.
Striker Michael Owen's potential move from Liverpool to Real Madrid has run
into problems. Owen was expected to move to Real after being left on the
bench for Liverpool's Champions League game against Graz AK. But Real
coach Jose Antonio Camacho has knocked Liverpool's hopes of a swap deal
involving Fernando Morientes.
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary fears he could miss out on James Beattie
if they fail to increase their £6m bid, which was rejected by Southampton. Saints want £8m for the England striker and O'Leary told Villa's
official website: "They've rejected a bid but I'd like to have the player. I don't control these things but I think we've made a bid and that will
be the end of it. That's the price the chairman has set and that's it and
it is not a bluff." In turn, O'Leary was forced to dismiss
speculation that England striker Darius Vassell was set for an eve-of-season
switch to Manchester United.
Wednesday, 11 August 2004 - Manchester
United begin their Champions League quest with a 2-1 win in a qualifying match against Dinamo
Bucharest in Romania. Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Alan Smith all play. Phil Neville
gets 9 minutes from the bench. Scholes and Smith are cautioned, and the
former Leeds United player, Alan Smith also had a goal disallowed. Ipswich Town and Joe Royle
play out a draw in the Championship against Nottingham Forest. Graham Rix's Oxford
United side overcome Keith Curle's Mansfield Town in League Two.
England
coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has hinted at the arrival of new players in next
week's friendly against Ukraine. "There may be new faces in
the squad - we will have to see," Eriksson told the FA's official website.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' captain Paul Ince has been fined £5,000 by the
Football Association. The ex-England Captain Ince has been charged
with bringing the game into disrepute following comments he made after being
sent off at Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of last season. The
midfielder was dismissed by referee Steve Bennett in the second half when Ince
received a second caution for fouling Jamie Redknapp. Ince plans to await
official notification of the punishment before deciding whether to appeal.
Manchester City have opened a fresh round of talks to try and extend Shaun
Wright-Phillips' contract at the club. The 22-year-old winger still
has two years left on his deal but City want to warn off other clubs after
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool showed an interest.
Boston
United player-coach Paul Gascoigne says he is on the road to recovery from a
perforated ulcer and hopes to turn out for his new side soon.
Walsall player-boss Paul Merson admits he was wrong to substitute himself in
their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. Merson went off after 66 minutes
with the Saddlers leading 2-0, and he said: "I'll be honest, it's the first
ricket I've made as a manager".
Tuesday, 10 August 2004 - The
Coca-Cola League again holds mixed fortunes for former England players.
Both Dennis Wise and Peter Reid lose with Millwall and Coventry City in the
Championship. In League One, Paul Merson's Walsall, Colin Todd's Bradford
City and Roy McFarland's Chesterfield all draw, Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic
lose, whilst Under 21 manager Peter Taylor and his Hull City team win. As
does Tony Adams' Wycombe Wanderers in League Two.
Liverpool
striker Michael Owen is considering a move to Real Madrid after contract talks
with the Reds broke down, according to newspaper reports. Real, who
are said to be willing to pay £10m and throw in Fernando Morientes or Samuel
Eto'o, refused to comment. Owen's contract at Liverpool runs out at
the end of this season and he would be able to leave on a free transfer. The 24-year-old England forward had
said he was close to signing a new contract, but reports say the two parties
have been unable to come to an agreement.
Liverpool avoid using Owen in their Champions League game against Graz AK to
avoid him being cup-tied in Europe. Steven Gerrard scores a brace in Liverpool's
2-0 win which also features Jamie Carragher.
Charlton Athletic have signed Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy for £2.5m on
a four-year contract. Addicks boss Alan Curbishley stepped in to
sign Murphy after a proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur broke down.
Arsenal
striker Francis Jeffers has also signed a two-year contract with Charlton
Athletic in a £2.6m deal.
Birmingham City have completed the signing of former Tottenham Hotspur
star Darren Anderton. The former England midfielder has penned a one-year
deal at St Andrews.
West Bromwich Albion have joined a list of Premiership clubs
interested in signing West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick. But the London
Evening Standard newspaper report that Arsenal are no longer interested.
Southampton have confirmed that Aston Villa made a bid for England striker
James Beattie, which was turned down. Saints chairman Rupert Lowe told BBC
Sport: "Aston Villa made a bid last Friday, which was immediately rejected
by the club." It is believed that Villa's offer was around £6m - at
least £2m below Saints' valuation of Beattie.
The Football Association is to meet on Tuesday to begin their structural
review in the light of the fall-out from the Sven-Göran Eriksson
affair. The FA's board will hold a full day's meeting at Soho Square to
discuss changes to the governing body. The board is expected to agree to
more decision-making powers being given to the professional side of the game.
It will also discuss the next step regarding the search for a successor to chief
executive Mark Palios.
Monday, 9 August 2004 - Ukraine's
20-man squad for next week's England game is released by Oleh
Blokhin.
Tottenham Hotspur have pulled out of a £3m deal to sign Danny Murphy from
Liverpool because they could not guarantee him first-team football. A
statement on the Tottenham website confirmed: "The club has been in
negotiations with Liverpool. We have now withdrawn from these negotiations
following a meeting with the player.
Chelsea
midfielder Joe Cole could miss the start of the Premiership season after injuring
ankle ligaments in training on Friday according to reports today
Sunday, 8 August 2004 - The
FA Community Shield finishes with Arsenal beating Manchester United 3-1 at the
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. The Chief Guest is world cup winner Sir Geoff
Hurst. Ashley Cole features for Arsenal. Gary Neville, Alan Smith
and Paul Scholes feature for United, with Phil Neville appearing from the
bench. Alan Smith scored United's consolation.
Terry Butcher's Motherwell kick-off the SPL season in defeat
to Glasgow Celtic.
Liverpool have accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Danny Murphy. Spurs
have offered in the region of £3m for the services of the 27-year-old England
international. Liverpool head of press Ian Cotton said: "I can
confirm that Liverpool have accepted an offer ... for Danny Murphy."
Everton and Charlton have also expressed interest in Murphy,
Saturday, 7 August 2004 - Real
Madrid are reported to be planning a shock raid on Everton for star striker
Wayne Rooney. Reports emanating from Spain suggest that Real are
lining up a lucrative offer to try and tempt Everton into selling Rooney.
Rooney's future at Goodison Park remains uncertain as he has still to sign the
new deal on offer to him from Everton. Spanish radio are claiming that
Real are now waiting in the wings to see if Rooney signs his new deal and are
ready to offer him the chance to move to El Santiago Bernabeu. Real are
searching for a major signing and with their move for Arsenal captain Patrick
Vieira stalling they could switch their attention to Rooney. Any move to
Real seems unlikely as Rooney is out of action until September and a move to
Spain may not be in his thoughts as yet at such a young age.
Opening
day of the Coca-Cola Football League Championship, League One and League
Two. It has mixed results for the former England players now plying their
trade as clubs managers. Peter Reid's Coventry City beat Sunderland. Joe Royle's Ipswich Town beat Gillingham. Dennis Wise's Millwall,
assisted by Ray Wilkins, draw away to Plymouth Argyle. Steve Coppell's Reading beat Brighton &
Hove Albion. Colin Todd's Bradford City lose to Hartlepool United.
Roy McFarland's Chesterfield beat Brentford. Peter Taylor's Hull City beat
Bournemouth. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic lose to Luton Town.
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers lose to Peterborough United. Paul Merson's
Walsall draw at home to Port Vale. Keith Curle's Mansfield Town lose to
Bristol Rovers. Graham Rix's Oxford United lose to Boston United. And Tony
Adam's Wycombe Wanderers beat Cambridge United. Of the day's expulsions,
Leicester City's debutant Dion Dublin manages 18 minutes on the pitch against
West Ham United.
Friday, 6 August 2004 - Wayne
Rooney is understood to be close to agreeing a new five-year contract worth £50,000-a-week
at Everton. Everton are believed to
regard the development as a major breakthrough in their campaign to keep
England's hottest talent at Goodison Park. His
injured foot is also making progress.
Portsmouth are facing competition from Arsenal in the chase
for Michael Carrick's signature. Crystal Palace have also made an
unsuccessful £2.5m bid for the 23-year-old and Everton boss David Moyes has
made it clear he wants to sign him.
Manager Mark Wright has left Coca-Cola League Two newcomers Chester City
after two-and-a-half years in charge - just a day before the start of the new
season. The former England international defender confirmed his departure,
but would not make any further comment.
Middlesbrough captain Gareth Southgate has signed a two-year
contract extension, committing himself to the Riverside Stadium until 2007.
Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce is hoping to complete the signing of
former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Darren Anderton in the next 48
hours. The 32-year-old, who was released by Spurs at the end of
last season, is set to sign a one-year deal.
The Football Association has launched an urgent review into
"deficiencies" that led to the debate on coach Sven-Göran
Eriksson's future
Thursday, 5 August 2004 - Sven-Göran
Eriksson remains as England coach after a meeting of the Football Association
board at a hotel in central London. The
Football Association panel meeting to decide the fate of
Eriksson had been reduced to 11 men [Geoff Thompson, David Henson, Ray Kiddell,
Phil Gartside, David Dein, Roger Burden, Dave Richards, Mike Rawding, David
Sheepshanks, Peter Hough, Peter Heard, Barry Bright] after Rupert Lowe left.
The Southampton chairman left the hotel, where the FA board was hearing evidence gathered by solicitor Peter
Norbury, since 2 o'clock this afternoon. The FA announces that it has
accepted Colin Gibson’s resignation.
West
Ham have received a second offer for their midfielder Michael Carrick. The
Upton Park club turned down Portsmouth's bid of £2.5m on Tuesday and now have
an improved offer, which is believed to be from Everton.
Tim Sherwood is determined to fight the effects of his leg injury as he
prepares for the season opener with new club Coventry against Sunderland.
The 35-year-old is still haunted by the double leg-break he suffered whilst with
Portsmouth on Boxing Day and has not played a competitive game since.
Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has revealed he may sign a new
contract with the Premiership club before the season begins on 14 August.
The 24-year-old striker, who has one year left on his current deal, has been
offered a two year extension and has had talks with the Anfield club. Owen
said: "There is no rush but there was a meeting in New York last week and
there will be another one next week. There's no agreement but it's close.
Next week will iron more things out."
Wednesday, 4 August 2004 - England
coach Sven-Göran Eriksson will not be present at the Football Association board
meeting on Thursday which will decide his fate. The FA board will gather
at a secret London location to hear evidence gathered by solicitor Peter Norbury.
Also David Davies has denied reports he is quitting as the FA's acting chief
executive after two days in the job.
Liverpool
manager Rafael Benitez remains hopeful captain Steven Gerrard will make a speedy
recovery from the injury he picked up against AS Roma. Gerrard went off
early in the club's final game of their north American tour after taking a knock
to his thigh. Benitez added that he substituted Gerrard simply as a
precaution so as to prevent the midfielder aggravating the injury.
Portsmouth's £2.5m club record bid for midfielder Michael
Carrick has been turned down, but West Ham have stressed the door is still open
on negotiations. But the south coast club may have to fend off a challenge
from Everton, who are also keen to sign the 23-year-old.
Newly-promoted Spanish side Levante say they are interested in signing Alan
Shearer on a two-year contract. Former England Captain Shearer, 33, has
one year left on his Newcastle deal. "His arrival is by no
means impossible," said a spokesman for the Valencia-based club.
England climb one place in the FIFA
rankings to 7th.
Tuesday, 3 August 2004 - England
coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has spoken to the Football Association
about his affair with Faria Alam. The Swede held secret talks with an
independent lawyer hired by the FA to investigate the damaging events of the
past couple of weeks. The discussion took place today, away from
the FA's Soho headquarters. Eriksson is thought to have maintained his
innocence of any charges of deliberately misleading the FA over his relationship
with secretary Alam.
Sir Trevor Brooking believes the Football Association will find it hard to
replace Mark Palios. Palios made Brooking director of football development
at the FA in 2003. Brooking said: "I was saddened and shocked when I
heard [Palios] resigned. He made a big contribution in his short time and
it won't be easy finding the right person to succeed him." He told
BBC Sport today.
Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson insists he wants to stay in
management even after completing his final season at St James' Park. "I'm
not thinking about retiring. No way. As long as I can do this job I will do it.
I'm not going into this season thinking this will be my last. I like what I'm
doing and feel fit." He added: "I'm as excited and positive as
ever and I still have a bright and alert mind. I still have ambitions and
one of those burning ambitions is to bring silverware to Newcastle."
England's Paul Scholes has retired from international football. The
29-year-old played 66 times for his country, scoring 14 goals, but he has
decided to concentrate on his club football with Manchester United.
"This is a decision I have not taken lightly," he told United's
website today. "I have been considering retiring from international
football for a while."
Portsmouth have offered what they describe as "a club record
bid" for West Ham and former England midfielder Michael Carrick. Pompey's
bid may fall short of Hammers' £3m valuation, but will exceed their current
record £1.9m paid for defender Dejan Stefanovic.
Glasgow Rangers have decided today against signing former Tottenham
Hotspur and England midfielder Darren Anderton. A club website statement
said: "Rangers Football Club can confirm that Darren Anderton and his
representatives had preliminary discussions with us. However, at the
present time, both parties have decided not to take the discussions any
further."
Monday, 2 August 2004 - Acting
FA Chief Executive David Davies has said the organisation will "deal with
the problems" facing The FA following Chief Executive Mark Palios' decision
to resign. Early this morning Executive Director Davies, who is now in
temporary charge, said: "No one person is more important than the game we
seek to serve." Davies has also hinted that Sven-Göran Eriksson's
job may be safe. An independent lawyer will lead an
inquiry which starts on today, with Eriksson due to give his evidence on
Tuesday. The lawyer will give his observations to the 12-man FA board on
Thursday, leaving Eriksson's future in their hands.
World Cup winner Jack Charlton says top
coaches run a mile from being England manager because of the scrutiny into their
private lives, as reported in today's Mirror
newspaper.
Players' union chief Gordon Taylor has claimed there is a
campaign within the Football Association to remove coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson from power. "There
has been for some time a non-stop campaign against him. There were people
in the FA not happy about his contract and the money he was given," Taylor
told BBC Five Live.
England will play the Netherlands in a friendly international next February.
The match was announced by the Dutch Football Federation
director Henk Kesler at the official unveiling of new coach Marco van Basten on
Monday. A return match is planned for November 2006.
Sunday, 1 August 2004 -
"Svengate" continues as several Sunday tabloids reveal the extent of
the scandal now disrupting the headquarters of the Football Association.
Throughout the past week, an alleged deal between the FA, through Colin Gibson, the FA's
Director of Communications, and The
News of the World newspaper, to save the name of Chief Executive Mark Palios,
and to destroy Eriksson's name in the process. The deal fell through, so
both Palios' and Eriksson's name are dragged through the usual tabloid dirt.
As a result, at 6 o'clock Sunday evening, Mark Palios quits
his post and Colin Gibson offers his
resignation. It is not yet known if FA chairman Geoff Thompson has
accepted Gibson's resignation.
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has insisted the
club would not be prepared to pay £30m for England and Everton star Wayne
Rooney. The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since
he starred for England at Euro 2004. "It's
right to say that the transfer figures being quoted - £30m to £50m - would be
too much for this club to pay," Gill told The News of the World. "One
of the strengths of this club is that it has been run sensibly."
Rooney has been offered a new five-year deal by Everton but has yet to provide
an indication of his intentions.
Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has admitted that the
former England left-back Michael Ball will have to be sold along with former
captain Craig Moore. McLeish has reluctantly confirmed the club cannot
afford to keep Ball.
New Boston United player-coach Paul Gascoigne is out of
hospital today after being rushed in with suspected food poisoning. Gascoigne
was due to be guest of honour at St James' Park as Newcastle United beat Glasgow
Rangers 4-2 on Saturday. But Gascoigne, 37, was taken ill before the
kick-off and admitted to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Sir Bobby Robson wants to talk with Newcastle chairman Freddy
Shepherd over his managerial future at the club. His
contract runs out at the end of the season and Shepherd has confirmed he would
not be offered a new deal. "All I can
tell you is that I'm unaware of anything that's been written about me or
anything that's been said about me," said Robson. The former England
manager was speaking after watching his side lose 1-0 to Sporting Lisbon in the
final of the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup at St James' Park.
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CG
England Football Online