England News
December, 2004
Friday, 31 December 2004 -
Hull City have withdrawn their claim for
wrongful dismissal in relation to Nick Barmby's sending-off for violent conduct
against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday. Barmby will serve a three-match ban
commencing with immediate effect.
Aston Villa
chairman Doug Ellis has confirmed the club have made a £6m bid for Southampton
striker James Beattie.
Ellis also revealed that Everton have matched the offer and it is now up to the
26-year-old to decide where he wants to go.
Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has revealed
David Dunn could be out for six
months if he requires an operation on his hamstring and back problem.
Manchester City
legend Colin Bell has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
The 58-year-old, who won 48 England caps, received the honour for services to
the community over four decades. Bell has worked tirelessly on behalf of
numerous charities since retiring from playing football at the early age of 29
with a knee injury.
Paul Gascoigne is
one of five Englishmen reportedly in the frame to manage Newcastle Jets in
Australia's inaugural A-League. Newcastle have confirmed former England
midfielder Gascoigne has applied, and reports suggest David Platt, David Pleat
and Ian Porterfield have too. Terry
Venables, who used to manage Gascoigne for Tottenham Hotspur and England,
remains the Jets' first choice. A-League rivals Perth Glory have lined up
Terry Fenwick or John Hollins.
Thursday, 30 December 2004 - Wayne Rooney
has admitted a charge of violent conduct and the associated three-match
suspension. The suspension starts with immediate effect. Rooney will
be suspended for the trip to Middlesbrough and the home games against Tottenham
Hotspur and Exeter City in the Premiership and FA Cup respectively. [See
feature on Rooney]
Nigel Worthington insists Norwich keeper
Robert Green is not up for sale in
the January transfer window. Green, 24, is a product of the Canaries youth
team and signed a new three-year contract at Carrow Road in the summer.
"Robert is under contract here and he is one of the cornerstones we're trying to
build the team around. So unless an outrageous offer comes in during
January, selling him is not something I would consider."
Leeds United's
worst fears have been confirmed with the news that Brian Deane is set for six
weeks on the sidelines. The hit-man damaged a shoulder during Tuesday's
win over Plymouth and was forced off at half-time. Scans have now shown
the injury is as serious as first thought and the 36-year-old will be out of
action for an extended period.
Howard Wilkinson
has joined the board at Notts County as a non-executive director. The
60-year-old returns to Meadow Lane some 25 years after accepting the managerial
post at the club. However, while admitting he will be available to provide
advice to caretaker player-manager Ian Richardson, Wilkinson was keen to point
out he would not be involved in coaching matters.
Gary Neville has
admitted he can understand why some Manchester United fans have an anti-England
bias. As Wayne Rooney faced
a violent conduct charge, there is a perception among the club's fans that
United have had raw deal from the Football Association. Neville said: "I
can understand why some United fans think like they do. Over the last few
years, there have been some bad experiences for United players. Fans feel
they've either been let down or not looked after." Neville avoided any
direct comment on the Rooney charge other than to label the "violent" aspect of
the charge ridiculous. The United defender added: "The fans see what
happened to David Beckham in 1998, my brother in 2000 and Rio Ferdinand last
year. But that is the way it is at Manchester United. There is
nothing you can do about it and deep down, I am sure the vast majority want
England to win even if, like I used to be when I was a kid, they don't go out of
their way to actually support them by being at the games."
Iain Dowie believes Crystal Palace striker
Andy Johnson deserves to be
called into the England squad to face Holland on 9 February at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old has scored 10 goals in the Premiership this season and England
assistant coach Tord Grip has admitted Johnson is being considered.
Wednesday, 29 December 2004 - League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City move within
two points of Luton as they beat neighbours Doncaster Rovers 2-1. Nick
Barmby was sent-off.
Manchester
United's Wayne Rooney has both
been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after clashing
with Bolton Wanderers' Tal Ben Haim. Ben Haim has been charged with
improper conduct over the same incident, which occurred during the game between
the two sides on 26 December. Rooney was caught on video shoving Ben Haim
in the face but Wanderers have accepted their player over-reacted. The
19-year-old United striker faces a three-game ban if found guilty. Rooney
must respond to the charge by 1800 GMT on Thursday and, if he accepts his guilt,
will be suspended for three games starting with the trip to Middlesbrough on 1
January.
Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is facing at least a month out after he
was forced off with a calf injury in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
Martyn, who limped off just before half-time, will have a scan later this week
but is likely to miss all January's games. Toffees physio Mick Rathbone
said: "Nigel has strained his calf muscle and it looks relatively serious.
It may mean him missing maybe several weeks."
Tuesday, 28 December 2004 - Southampton
manager Harry Redknapp says he has received offers for striker
James Beattie after leaving him
on the bench for the game against Liverpool. Redknapp said: "In an ideal
world you would like to keep him, he is a top goalscorer and we'll miss him.
But we are not in an ideal world and we may have to do a bit of business to
bring in a few players, it's the only way forward for us." Everton, Aston
Villa and Newcastle United are rumoured to be the interested parties.
Premiership
football: The match between Kevin Keegan's Manchester City and Bryan Robson's
West Bromwich Albion ends all square, 1-1. West Brom remain bottom.
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough beat Norwich City to stay 5th. Emile Heskey
scores for Birmingham City in their win over Fulham.
Joe Cole scores for Chelsea
against Portsmouth, ending 2-0.
Jermain Defoe scores for Tottenham Hotspur against Crystal Palace, it ends
1-1. Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town side beat Stoke City and
remain top and 3 points clear. Steve Coppell's Reading are beaten by
Preston North End and are 4th. Dennis Wise's Millwall beat Derby County to
go 6th. A Teddy Sheringham penalty helps West Ham United draw with
Rotherham United and go 7th. Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, climbing to 17th.
Peter Reid's Coventry City are beaten by Gillingham, dropping to 19th spot. Mick
Harford's Nottingham Forest are beaten by Sunderland, Forest are 2nd from
bottom. League One: Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers beat Paul Merson's Walsall to go 3rd,
Walsall are 16th. Colin Todd's Bradford City draw away to Torquay United,
remaining 7th. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield are beaten by Wrexham, and
drop to 11th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic beat Peterborough United to
go 15th. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town beat Southend United
and climb to 14th place.
Monday, 27 December 2004 - Manchester
United's Wayne Rooney will not
discover until Wednesday at the earliest whether he is to be punished for
apparently shoving Tal Ben Haim. Referee Dermot Gallagher missed the
19-year-old pushing Ben Haim during United's 2-0 victory, but could now report
it to the Football Association. The FA will not be able to study it until
Wednesday which means Rooney can play against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce claimed Rooney was lucky not to be sent off.
Manchester City boss
Kevin Keegan defended striker Robbie
Fowler after his goal celebration in the 2-1 defeat against Everton on Boxing
Day. Fowler was booked after racing behind the goal and down the
touchline, smacking his hand on his head. But Keegan said: "If you
don't enjoy scoring goals what is the point?" Ex-Liverpool star Fowler
will not face disciplinary action from City and it seems unlikely that the
Football Association will hold an investigation. Keegan added: "You can
understand Robbie being delighted to have scored at Everton." Fowler, 29,
was fined by the Football Association in 1999 for taunting Everton fans after
scoring against them while playing for Liverpool. The home fans goaded
Fowler for the rest of the game, which deteriorated into a bad-tempered affair
and ended with Christian Negouai being red-carded for a lunge at Bent.
City boss Keegan admitted he had held a conversation with the local police about
the Fowler incident but said they would not be taking any action.
Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has admitted losing
David Dunn is a "huge" blow ahead
of the visit to Fulham. Bruce said: "It's the first time in a year that
he's played six games in a row and you would think he is due a little bit of
luck. To be without him is going to be difficult and the disappointment
has edged through to the supporters. We were just starting to kick-start
our season and now this has given us a huge kick in the teeth again."
Sunday, 26 December 2004 - Premiership
football: A Robbie Fowler goal does not help
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City, they go
down 2-1 to Everton. A Emile Heskey goal helps Birmingham City beat Steve
McClaren's Middlesbrough. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion are thrashed
5-0 by Liverpool, Steven Gerrad scoring Liverpool's third. Newcastle United draw at Blackburn Rovers, with
one of United's two goals from Kieron Dyer. Paul Scholes get's Manchester
United's second goal as they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0. Championship: Joe
Royle's High-flying Ipswich Town are stunned by fellow promotion hopefuls
Millwall, Dennis Wise's side win 3-1. Ipswich Town remain top, Millwall
climb to 8th. Steve Coppell's Reading beat Watford and are 3rd.
Peter Reid's Coventry City side are beaten by Sheffield United.
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
draw away at Cardiff City. Brian Deane scores for Leeds United as they
beat Sunderland. Teddy Sheringham scores twice for West Ham United against
his old club Mick Harford's Nottingham Forest. League One: Roy McFarland's
Chesterfield are beaten by leaders Luton Town.
Peter Taylor's Hull City
beat Blackpool to remain 2nd. Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers draw with
Barnsley, remaining 3rd. Colin Todd's Bradford City draw with Wrexham to
go 6th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic are beaten by Hartlepool United.
Paul Merson's Walsall are beaten by Sheffield Wednesday.
Friday, 24 December 2004 -
Hull City manager Peter Taylor has
agreed a new contract with the club. Taylor has shaken hands on a two-year
extension and will continue in his role as England Under-21 boss, but nothing
will be signed until next month. Tigers chairman Adam Pearson said: "Peter's
definitely happy with the terms we've offered. But it won't be tied-up
until mid-January to allow the Football Association to sort out some things at
their end."
Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King
has warned the club he may leave unless they start to win silverware. The
England defender, who has more than three years left on his contract, has been
linked with moves away from Spurs. "The key to me staying is for the club
to be challenging for trophies. As long as we're moving in the right
direction there won't be a problem but the moment I feel we aren't is the time
when I have to think about my future."
Thursday, 23 December 2004 -
John Hollins is hopeful of landing the vacant manager's position at struggling
League Two side Cambridge United. Hollins, most famous for his spell as
Chelsea boss in the mid 1980s, is said to be one of four names in the running.
"I am interested but so are a lot of other people. We shall just have to
wait and see."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated his desire to stay at Anfield
and win trophies with the club. The 24-year-old England midfielder is
determined to see out his contract, despite reported interest from Chelsea.
He said: "I'm signed here for this season and another two so there is no
situation. There's a lot of speculation but that's not down to me. As club
captain all I want to do is help us get back up the table and into the Champions
League again."
Wednesday, 22 December 2004 -
England Under 18's beat Scotland
Under 18's at Hartlepool with a single David Wheater goal.
Chelsea midfielder
Scott Parker
has blamed the newly-laid Stamford Bridge pitch for the broken foot he suffered
during the 4-0 win over Norwich. Parker injured a metatarsal and is facing
three months out of action and he believes the pitch played its part. "The
pitch was pretty poor, I seemed to buckle my foot and I knew straight away
because I felt something pop. I went to a specialist and we've ruled out
it being a stress fracture. We think it is a straight break."
Arsenal's Ashley Cole is ready to
start talks about a new contract, despite reported interest from Real Madrid.
Cole, 24, is under contract until 2007, but Arsenal are said to be keen to offer
him a pay rise to keep him. His agent Jonathan Barnett said: "He has
two-and-a-half years left on his contract and loves Arsenal to bits. If
Arsenal offered him something really good then his first choice would be to stay
at the club. He would rather do that than go anywhere else."
La Liga: David Beckham and Michael Owen were both substituted as Real
Madrid lost 1-0 at home against Sevilla. England captain Beckham failed to
make an impact in the first 45 minutes and was taken off at half-time.
Real coach Mariano Garcia Remon said the change was "tactical" and not as a
result of injury.
Tuesday, 21 December 2004 -
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town beat Wigan Athletic in the top of the
table clash. Ipswich Town take pole position.
Fifa has fined the Spanish Football Federation £44,750 after several England
players were racially abused during last month's friendly in Madrid.
Fifa's disciplinary panel also took into account the racist abuse which surfaced
the previous night at the Under-21 game between the two nations. Spain
were also warned that any repeat would result in heavier punishment. In a
statement, Fifa stated that Spain could face the prospect of playing behind
closed doors or possible expulsion from one or several of their competitions.
But anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out feels the punishment does not
go far enough.
Monday, 20 December 2004 -
Latest FIFA Rankings released.
England drop to 8th place following last month's defeat to Spain.
Chelsea midfielder
Scott Parker
faces an extended spell on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot.
Parker was injured after coming off the bench during Saturday's 4-0 Premiership
win over Norwich at Stamford Bridge. "Scott Parker has suffered an injury
that will keep him out of action into the new year. An x-ray showed he had
suffered a broken metatarsal bone. A likely date for his return is not yet
known." Meanwhile,
Alan Curbishley has ruled out a Charlton Athletic return
for Scott Parker. England
midfielder Parker quit The Valley for Chelsea in a £10million move in January.
But he has struggled to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Stamford
Bridge. Curbishley reckons Parker will get his chance to play again - but
not with the Addicks. The Charlton manager said: “I don’t know if Scott
could come back to us now. Joining Chelsea was the move he craved for and
he got it. He will get the chance to establish himself.”
Fifa will decide on Monday whether the Spanish football federation should
be punished over the racist abuse by fans towards England players last month.
England's Shaun
Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole
were subjected to monkey chants in Madrid, prompting a furious reaction from the
Football Association. Fifa chief Sepp Blatter said fans found guilty
should be made an example of.
FA bosses are heading for a showdown
with
Sven-Göran Eriksson
over England’s 2006 World Cup build-up. Fifa yesterday ruled all European
leagues should finish by May 14 to give players a rest. But they will
allow the FA Cup final to open the new Wembley on May 20. That would infuriate
Eriksson, who is demanding a four-week break for his stars before the finals
kick-off on June 9 in Germany - assuming England qualify.
Southampton manager Harry Redknapp admits he is considering selling
James Beattie to rebuild his
squad. Redknapp said he was reluctant to sell the £6m-rated striker, who
is wanted by Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United. But he has
reconsidered and said: "If it means getting three or four players in for the
sake of selling one to make a better team, that's the way to go. He's a
good lad and has a contract here. We want to keep him to the end of the season
but we need new faces."
Sunday, 19 December 2004 -
Premiership: A Sol Campbell goal sends Arsenal back to 2nd place following a 1-0
win over Portsmouth. Lee Bowyer
was sent off as Newcastle United were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool.
Championship: Dennis Wise's Millwall draw with Leeds United.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists skipper Steven Gerrard has promised him he
wants to stay at Anfield. "I said to Steven that I was sure he wanted to
stay here and he said 'I do. I then said to him 'Look, if you want to win
titles, you want medals and you want Liverpool to have these things then I am
going to need your help'. "I really think he wants to stay so now what we
must do is make the squad stronger for him."
Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Frank Arnesen is confident
Jermain Defoe will stay at Spurs,
despite being linked with a £15m move to Chelsea. Arnesen admitted
"ridiculous money" may tempt Tottenham Hotspur, but does not expect to sell
Defoe.
Saturday, 18 December 2004 -
Premiership: Chelsea cruise past Norwich 4-0 at Stamford Bridge to move six
points clear in the Premiership, with a goal from Frank Lampard. Steve
McClaren's Middlesbrough beat Aston Villa 3-0.
Wayne Rooney missed a penalty as
Manchester United beat Crystal Palace, thanks to two goals from Paul Scholes and
an Alan Smith goal. Darren Anderton & Emile Heskey help Birmingham City thrash Bryan
Robson's West Bromwich Albion 4-0.
Jermain Defoe scores three as
Tottenham Hotspur thrash Southampton 5-1.
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City beat
Bolton Wanderers 1-0. Championship: Steve Coppell's Reading beat Queens Park Rangers
to remain 4th. Peter Reid's Coventry City beat Watford.
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers
draw with Crewe Alexandra. League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City thrash Brian
Little's Tranmere Rovers 6-1, with one of the goals from Nick Barmby. City
stay 2nd, as Rovers remain 3rd. A John Salako winner sends Brentford 5th
following victory over Colchester United. Colin Todd's Bradford City
beat Huddersfield Town. Roy McFarland's Chesterfied draw with Torquay
United. Paul Merson's Walsall beat Blackpool. Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athetic are beaten by Port Vale. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town beat
Shrewsbury Town. SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell are beaten by Inverness
Caledonian Thistle.
La Liga: Michael Owen kept up his good scoring form to help Real Madrid to
a 3-2 win over Racing Santander. The England striker equalised with a
header to make the scores 1-1 after Santander went ahead. David Beckham
missed out after being dropped by Mariano Garcia Remon, following poor training
sessions.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists he does not want to sell
Joe Cole. The 23-year-old
has been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge,
but Mourinho was quoted by the Independent: "He wants to stay, is ready
to fight for a place here and that's the same feeling that I have. We had
a conversation and I said: 'No chance of leaving. Don't think about it because I
need everybody'."
The Scottish Football Association has denied Lord Coe's claim that
Britain's football associations are discussing a joint Olympic team for 2012.
[see Thursday, 16 December]
Friday, 17 December 2004 -
Championship: Mick Harford's Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Leicester City.
Mansfield Town have sacked manager Keith Curle following an internal inquiry
into his conduct. Curle was suspended from duty by the Stags on 11
November while an internal inquiry into his conduct was carried out by the club.
West Ham United have signed Charlton Athletic defender
Chris Powell on a free
transfer. Powell, 35, has spent the last three months on loan at West Ham
and opted to make the move permanent. The former England defender told
Charlton's official website: "I leave with a heavy heart, every day at the club
was special. I always felt I would finish my career at Charlton but I had
a decision to make and West Ham were able to offer me regular football, which I
wanted."
Nottingham Forest caretaker-manager Mick Harford has admitted he would love the
job on a permanent basis. Harford has taken temporary charge at the City Ground
after Joe Kinnear resigned on Thursday and he will lead the team against
Leicester on Friday. "I would clearly love to manage Forest. It's a magnificent
club and a fantastic opportunity for me," said Harford.
Thursday, 16 December 2004 -
London 2012 bid leader Lord Sebastian Coe has raised the prospect of a Great
Britain football side competing at the Games in eight years' time on a one-off
basis. Coe said the football associations of England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales are examining whether the idea of a 'team GB' would be
feasible. "You can't say there won't be a team to support by then.
The home associations are in detailed discussions now about that, specific to
the 2012 games." The Home Nations need to be satisfied that there will be
no pressure to participate at future World Cup and European Championship
tournaments as a united side.
Manager Joe Royle has pledged his future to Ipswich Town after signing a
two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the summer of
2007. Town are second in the Championship and eyeing a return to the
Premiership. "I love the place, the club and look forward to another
two-and-a-half years here. I'm not really one for contracts and certainly
wasn't pushing for it, but the chairman David Sheepshanks wanted to do it, which
was nice."
Joe Kinnear has resigned as manager of struggling Championship outfit Nottingham
Forest. The City Ground side are languishing in 22nd place in the league
and coach, ex-England forward, Mick Harford has taken temporary charge.
Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe
has urged the club to sign his former West Ham United team-mate
Joe Cole from Chelsea. The
23-year-old England midfielder has not played for Chelsea since a substitute
appearance in the Carling Cup win at Fulham in November. "Joe would fit in
well down here. He can play on the left, on the right or behind the front two.
He is such a good player and, hopefully, he will come to Tottenham." Cole
wants to remain at Chelsea, saying "I'd love to be involved again and will
hopefully be given the chance. The mood is really good in the camp at the
moment and I'm happy to be here."
Wednesday, 15 December 2004 -
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough moved through to the
UEFA Cup knockout stages as group winners with a comfortable victory over
Partizan Belgrade. The game ended 3-0 to the Boro. It means
Middlesbrough will play one of the teams that finished third in another group in
the next round, with the draw taking place on Friday.
Tickets for the
England vs. Netherlands match
on Wednesday 9 February at the 42,000 capacity Villa Park stadium went on sale
at 10am on Sunday, and had all been snapped up by lunchtime on Tuesday.
Everton's veteran former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is to be offered
a new one-year contract. The 38-year-old has kept eight clean sheets in 17
Premiership games this season as Everton lie second in the table behind leaders
Chelsea.
Former England and Arsenal captain, Tony
Adams, married for a second time today. Adams, 38, tied the knot with
Poppy Teacher, 31, at a church in Tudeley, near Tonbridge in Kent.
Manchester City have reportedly slapped a £25m price tag on playmaker
Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The club, whose debts have spiralled to £62m, are willing to part company with
their star player, but only if clubs smash their transfer records.
Manchester City chairman John Wardle said: "I have no intention of selling
Shaun. But, if someone comes with a silly bid I'll have to discuss it. But
it would have to be stupid money and I hope the day never comes."
Tuesday, 14 December 2004 -
Premiership: A Steven Gerrard goal for Liverpool was not enough to ensure
victory against Portsmouth, the game ended 1-1.
Keith Curle should find out later this week whether he is to continue as
Mansfield boss after being suspended. A disciplinary hearing took place on
Monday to investigate his suspension by the club on 11 November, over
allegations he had bullied a trainee. Carlton Palmer has taken temporary
charge of the team in Curle's absence, but their form has dipped alarmingly.
Cambridge United have refused to comment on reports they want former
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United defender Neil Ruddock as their next boss
after Herve Renard was axed. Renard left after a poor start left them
second from bottom of the table and chairman Gary Harwood says several people
are interested in the vacancy. "It's not something I can comment on now,"
he said when asked about Ruddock. "We've had a mixed bag of applications
and have arranged a board meeting for next weekend to review them." Former
Cambridge United player Dion Dublin has also been linked with a return to the
Abbey Stadium but Harwood insisted the board would not be rushed into a
decision. We will form a shortlist from the list of applicants and it will
take us as long as it takes," he said.
Monday, 13 December 2004 -
Premiership: An Alan Smith goal
for Manchester United does not help United beat Fulham. It ended 1-1,
United remain 4th.
England coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson said Middlesbrough's
Stewart Downing will make
his international debut next year - if he maintains his impressive form.
The 20-year-old has been tipped to fill in on England's problematic left side.
"If he goes on like this then we should give him a chance, certainly in the
friendly game against [Netherlands] in February," Eriksson told Sky Sports.
"I think he deserves that but it's December. We will see what happens in
February. But he is very impressive." Eriksson was at St Mary's to watch Boro's 2-2 draw with Southampton on Saturday, where Downing scored a spectacular
last-minute equaliser. "I didn't know Sven was there watching but
hopefully I impressed him in some way," Downing told the Evening Gazette.
Manchester United striker Wayne
Rooney has won the 'Golden Boy' prize for the best young player in Europe.
The England forward received the prize from Italian newspaper Tuttosport after
topping a journalists' poll to find the outstanding footballer under 21. Rooney
finished ahead of team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Arjen Robben and
Obafemi Martins. "As far as I am aware, this is the first international trophy I
have won," said a delighted Rooney. Ajax forward Rafael van der Vaart was
last year's winner of an award Tuttosport hope will become regarded as the young
player's equivalent of the European Footballer of the Year.
Cambridge United chairman Gary Harwood has admitted he would
like to bring U's legend Dion Dublin to the club as their new manager.
Dublin is still regarded in the highest of esteem at The Abbey Stadium after
scoring 73 goals in a four-year spell at the club before being sold to
Manchester United in 1992. The 35-year-old is currently at Leicester City,
but he looks surplus to requirements under new boss Craig Levein.
Cambridge dispensed with the services of Herve Renard on Sunday and now Harwood
is keen on approaching Dublin.
Sunday, 12 December 2004 -
Premiership: A John Terry
goal gives Chelsea a share of the points, as they draw Arsenal 2-2. A
David Dunn goal gives Birmingham
City the points against rivals Aston Villa. SPL: Celtic go back top
following a Chris Sutton goal, beating Dunfermline 2-0. La Liga:
David Beckham's Real Madrid were drawing 1-1 with Real Sociedad before a bomb
scare brought the game to a premature end, with two minutes remaining, Michael
Owen also played the final 13 minutes.
Everton boss David Moyes has admitted the sale of
Wayne Rooney may have been the
catalyst to his side's success. The Merseysiders were predicted to
struggle after selling Rooney to Manchester United, but have enjoyed a memorable
season to date.
New Southampton manager Harry Redknapp says it would be "a disaster" to
sell striker James Beattie in
January. The England international has been linked with a £6m move
to Aston Villa or Everton in the transfer window.
Saturday, 11 December 2004 -
Premiership: Lee Bowyer scores
for Newcastle United, as Steve Stone equalises for Portsmouth, ending 1-1.
David Thompson is sent off in
the scoreless draw between Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers.
Kevin
Keegan's Manchester City are beaten by Tottenham Hotspur. Kevin Phillips
scores for Southampton, and Stewart Downing scores a last-minute equaliser for
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough to stake his claim for an England call-up, the
game ends 2-2. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion are defeated by
Charlton Athletic, leaving The Baggies 3 points adrift at the bottom.
Championship: Glenn Hoddle's first game
in charge saw Wolverhampton Wanderers look second-best at Watford, but still
come out with a point, ending 1-1. Joe Royle's Ipswich Town remain 2nd
despite beating Queen's Park Rangers 4-2. Steve Coppell's Reading beat
Leicester City 2-0, to go 4th. Dennis Wise's Millwall beat Brighton & Hove
Albion, and Peter Reid's Coventry City are beaten by Stoke City. League
One: Peter Taylor's Hull City beat
Colchester United to go 2nd. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield beat
Peterborough United to go 6th. Colin Todd's Bradford City draw with Paul
Merson's Walsall, City go 7th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic beat
Huddersfield Town. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town earn a
scoreless draw with Rushden & Diamonds. SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell
beat Livingston.
Charlton Athletic defender
Chris Powell has rejected a
move to West Ham United because they are only offering him “peanuts”. The
former England full-back, 35, wants to make his loan switch permanent but has
turned down a two-year deal. Hammers boss Alan Pardew is desperate to sign him
on a free but Powell’s wages are a stumbling block. His agent Tony Finnigan
said: “If you pay peanuts you get monkeys. Powell’s played for England and he’s
coming from Charlton, not Northampton. Pardew says he wants it done but it
won’t happen unless Chris gets the deal he wants. He’s prepared to take a
pay cut for first-team football but he’s turned down their initial offer and is
prepared to go back to Charlton.”
Friday, 10 December 2004 -
League One: Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers moved to within eight points of
leaders Luton Town with a hard-earned win over promotion rivals Bournemouth.
Joint assistant boss Stuart Pearce has admitted he would like to succeed
Kevin Keegan as manager at Manchester
City. Keegan has decided to step down as City manager when his contract
comes to an end in 18 months. "You don't have to be Einstein to realise
there will be a manager's job available at a really good club. I will
certainly be applying for it, although whether the board deem me good enough to
take it, I do not know."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insists the club will never sell Steven
Gerrard amid reports Chelsea will renew their bid to lure him from Anfield.
Gerrard reiterated his desire to win trophies with the Reds after his superb
Champions League winner on Wednesday. And Parry has moved to scotch claims
that Chelsea could launch a £35m bid. "There is no chance of Stevie going
in January," said Parry. "That just won't happen. Our intention is that we will
never let him go."
Wednesday, 8 December 2004 -
UEFA Champions League: Steven Gerrard scored a stunning late goal as Liverpool
came from behind to beat Olympiakos and go into the next stage of the Champions
League. Chris Kirkland and Jamie Carragher also featured. Phil
Neville and Wes Brown played a part in Manchester United's defeat to Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid also progressed after beating Roma, starring David Beckham, then
Michael Owen for 6 minutes. Owen Hargreaves played for Bayern Munich in
there draw with Ajax.
League One: A Nick Barmby brace helps Peter Taylor's Hull City beat
Sheffield Wednesday away from home, to go 2nd in the table.
Tuesday, 7 December 2004 -
UEFA Champions League: Ashley Cole
& Sol Campbell star in Arsenal's thrashing of Rosenburg.
John Terry,
Scott Parker,
Wayne Bridge & Frank Lampard all
feature in Chelsea's fist European defeat of the season, to Porto. Celtic
endure a scoreless draw with AC Milan,
Alan Thompson & Chris Sutton
unable to take Celtic into the UEFA Cup.
Glenn Hoddle has been unveiled as the
new Wolves manager. The ex-England coach has been given a six-month
contract to succeed Dave Jones, who was sacked after the club's poor start to
the season. Wolves chairman Rick Hayward said: "We're delighted Glenn is
here. He has a six-month contract so we can test each other out and see if it
works." Hoddle, who was sacked by Tottenham in September 2003, will work
alongside former caretaker boss Stuart Gray. Gray, Hoddle's assistant when
the pair formed the management team at Southampton, took charge of Wolves for
their Championship encounter with Dennis Wise's Millwall, and lost 2-1.
Hoddle's first game in charge will be at Watford on Saturday.
League One: Colin Todd's Bradford City lose at Bournemouth, dropping to
5th. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic thrash Roy McFarland's Chesterfield.
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers are beaten by Port Vale, but stay 2nd. Paul
Merson's Walsall beat Hartlepool United. League Two: Carlton Palmer's
Mansfield Town beaten by Darlington.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he will not accept failure to reach
the Champions League knockout stage on Wednesday night. The Reds need to
beat Olympiakos 1-0 or by two goals to progress and Gerrard insisted: "Everyone
at the club wants to stay in the Champions League. It is a massive game.
We don't want to be thinking about the Uefa Cup draw at the end of the week.
We do not want to settle for second best, we want to be involved in the
Champions League." Gerrard added: "This club belongs in the top
competition, and that's the Champions League, and we want to stay in it as long
as possible, so this is a cup final for us."
Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie has been warned about his future conduct at an
FA Disciplinary Commission hearing after his red card at Manchester City.
He was charged because he failed to leave the pitch promptly when he was sent
off for a head-butting incident with
Danny Mills. Hendrie is currently serving a three-match ban for violent
conduct.
Former Chelsea striker Kerry Dixon
has been sacked from his post as manager of non-league Hitchin Town - because he
opted for watching Chelsea on Saturdays rather than his own team. Dixon
coached Southern League Premier Division side Hitchin during the week but spent
Saturday afternoons commentating at Stamford Bridge for the Premiership
table-toppers' pay-per-view channel. Hard-up Hitchin could not afford to
pay Dixon - who played for Chelsea between 1983-92 - enough money to convince
him to attend his side's matches and give up his media commitments. So
they were left without managerial direction for their league games while Dixon
was sat in the press box commentating on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's team
of millionaires. With Hitchin struggling to balance the books, managing
director Andy Melvin took the decision to axe Dixon, who now appears to be fully
focused on a media career rather than a move to management.
Monday, 6 December 2004 - Premiership: A
Robbie Fowler goal cannot prevent Kevin Keegan's Manchester City being beaten by
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough.
Sol Campbell has
revealed he has agreed to sign new deal with Arsenal. Campbell's current
deal runs out at the end of this season and he could have left the London club
on a free transfer next summer. But he said: "It's all agreed. There are
just a few things left to sort out. Most of them are already sorted out, it's
just the legal technicalities. Most things are done. There's just a little
bit of organising to do. I'm here and it's fine, I'm happy with it."
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has admitted a charge of improper
conduct and requested a personal hearing with the Football Association.
McClaren confronted referee Phil Dowd at half-time during the recent 2-0 defeat
by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Glenn Hoddle's agent insists he
has had "no contact" with Southampton regarding a possible return to the club as
boss. The Saints are reportedly set to offer Hoddle a second chance at the
club he left to take over at Tottenham Hotspur in 2001. But Hoddle's agent
Dennis Roach said: "At this time Glenn is not going to Southampton - there have
been no talks or negotiations whatsoever."
Southampton's
James Beattie faces two further
weeks on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a calf strain in the
defeat at Manchester United. The 26-year-old England striker came off only
21 minutes into the game. Saints boss Steve Wigley said: "He had a scan to check
the injury had healed. We felt he would be okay so it was a blow when he
had to go off. We are hoping he will not be out too long - a week or two but no
longer."
Sunday, 5 December 2004 - FA Cup 2nd rd: A
John Salako missed penalty ensured that both Brentford, and non-league opponents
Hinckley United, make the third round draw. FA Cup 3rd rd draw: In
the draw made at FA headquarters by Gary Pallister and Tony Cascarino, Steve
McClaren's Middlesbrough are drawn away to Swindon Town or Notts County.
Dennis Wise take's his Millwall side to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Peter
Taylor's Hull City entertain Colchester United. Steve Coppell's Reading
face Stockport County or Swansea City. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic face
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion travel
away to Preston North End. Peter Reid's Coventry City entertain Crewe Alexandra,
and Joe Royle's Ipswich Town entertain Bolton Wanderers.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has warned off other clubs from
trying to sign midfielder Steven Gerrard amid uncertainty over the club's
ownership. Parry said: "They can knock on the door but it will not
be opening, that's for sure."
Sir Bobby Robson says his case with Newcastle United over his pay-off
after being sacked as Magpies boss in August is still ongoing. The
71-year-old is being represented by the League Managers' Association.
Robson, in his Mail on Sunday column, said: "The case is still ongoing at the
moment and until it is resolved it continues to be my number one priority.
"Of course I hope it is resolved sooner rather than later and I hope I have more
news in the future." Robson could request that the issue be decided by a
tribunal if a deal cannot be reached.
Saturday, 4 December 2004 - Premiership: A
Frank Lampard goal among Chelsea's 4 against Newcastle United ensures Chelsea
5-point lead at the top. A Paul Scholes and
Wayne Rooney goal gives
Manchester United a win over Southampton to consolidate 4th spot. Bryan
Robson's West Bromwich Albion are beaten by Portsmouth. An Andrew Cole
goal helps Fulham to a win over Norwich City. Championship: A late
equaliser for Joe Royle's Ipswich Town ensure they stay top following a 2-2 draw
away to Crewe Alexandra. Steve Coppell's Reading are thrashed by
Wolverhampton Wanderers. Peter Reid's Coventry City lose a lead in the
last minute to be drawn by Derby County. Dennis Wise's Millwall lose to
Sheffield United in a hot-tempered match. Teddy Sheringham scores West Ham
United's second against Sunderland. FA Cup Second Round:
Peter
Taylor's
Hull City thrash Macclesfield Town, as does Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic,
against Leyton Orient. SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell beat Dundee United.
Southampton striker James Beattie
has hinted he may be ready to leave Saints. Beattie's future has been the
subject of speculation, with Everton and Aston Villa linked with the England
striker. He said: "If the chairman is prepared to sell me then I've got to
have a look at it, although I've had six great years here. I've been good
for the club and the club has been good for me and it would be a very amicable
split if we were to go our separate ways."
West Bromwich Albion manager Bryan Robson has revealed how he feared he
was being frozen out of football after being sacked by Middlesbrough. He
said he was stunned when he did not even receive replies after applying for
several jobs. He said: "I would write out my CV, list my achievements as a
player and manager at Middlesbrough then hear nothing. A couple of them didn't
even write back." He finally returned at Bradford City but admitted: "To
be honest it shocked me." Robson's reputation was also tainted when Paul
Merson allegedly claimed there was a drinking culture at Middlesbrough after he
left the club. But he said the claim was "a real insult to the majority of
the lads who were there". He added: "I took a year out after leaving
Middlesbrough because I wanted to spend some time with my family. After
that I let it be known I wanted to come back but there were no real offers
coming in, apart from abroad and from lower league clubs."
Sven-Göran Eriksson says he would
like to coach Brazil or Sweden after his England contract ends in 2008.
"After my contract ends I will be 60 but I would like to be a manager for a club
once more," Eriksson said. "But there are lots of jobs I can take - maybe
manager of Sweden or Brazil. Those are two jobs that I would like very much."
Eriksson is also confident England can better their last-eight appearances at
the 2006 World Cup finals. Eriksson added: "This team can do better than
the quarter-finals. We can reach a final - maybe in one-and-a-half years from
now. We have to believe we can win it but must have more time training
together before internationals. We must be together for at least a month
before a big tournament and the reason I am still in this job is I believe
England can do it."
Thursday, 2 December 2004 - England
will face Denmark in a friendly next August to warm-up for their World Cup
qualifiers the following month.
Sven-Göran Eriksson's men travel to
Copenhagen on 17 August ahead of their Group Six trips to Wales and Northern
Ireland in September.
Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt will be sidelined until the New
Year with tendinitis in his hamstring. A scan diagnosed the problem, which has
dogged Butt since his £2.5m summer move from Manchester United. Magpies
boss Graeme Souness said: "He has been told he must rest for between four and
six weeks. It's an enormous blow for us. "I think he arrived with the
injury. It's been niggling him for a while and it's not had a chance to settle
down."
Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle has been named Championship manager of the
month for November after steering his side to the top of the division.
Phil
Neville insists he wants to stay at Manchester United despite a lack of
first-team opportunities this season. The England international, 27, made
only his fifth start of the campaign when he skippered United in the Carling Cup
win over Arsenal on Wednesday. "I want to play more games but the bigger
challenge is to stay and fight for my place," Neville said. "The easy way
out is to look elsewhere but the boss wants me to play for him and he's the man
I should listen to. There are some great players here and the boss has
made sure I've contributed. I've not played the amount of games I should
have but as long as I feel good enough I'll stay and fight for my place."
Wednesday, 1
December 2004 -
Carling Cup: A Jermain Defoe
extra-time goal for Tottenham Hotspur cannot stop Liverpool from progressing
into the semi-finals, although they did need a penalty shoot-out to complete the
task.
Luis Aragonés said his family asked him to quit as Spain's coach because of the
reaction in the English press over remarks about Thierry Henry. Aragonés'
controversial remarks were followed by abuse of England's black players in
November's international. "I have been insulted by being called racist and
nobody had called me that before," Aragonés told Spanish radio. "I have
suffered a lot in the past few days. I never thought about resigning but my
family have asked me to leave." Aragonés has refused to condemn the
insults aimed at England's black players after the friendly on 17 November, and
remained unrepentant over his comments on Henry. "You are a slave to your
words but, when I said what I said, I was in a private environment," he said.
"Then in places such as the English press, they have insulted me by calling me a
racist. I think it is wrong that they have been saying Spain is racist and that
I am too." The 66-year-old has revealed he had received the support of
Angel Maria Villar, who was re-elected as president of the Spanish FA (RFEF)
last Friday. The RFEF still have to decide on a punishment for Aragonés,
following recommendations from Spain's Anti-Violence Commission, but it appears
that whatever happens, they will not ask him to resign. "I put my position
in Villar's hands, although he was the same person who hired me. If
someone else had won the elections, I would have done the same thing, although I
have heard they also counted on me," he said. RFEF president Angel Maria
Villar will appear before the Anti-Violence Commission next week. Villar
will attempt to explain the comments made by Aragones in the build-up to Spain's
friendly with England last month.
Newcastle United's Nicky Butt has seen a specialist in a bid to cure a
niggling hamstring problem. The 29-year-old England midfield man has been
troubled by the injury for much of the time since his £2.5m summer move from
Manchester United. Manager Graeme Souness now wants to get to the bottom
of the problem.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has been charged with improper conduct
by the Football Association following an incident against Tottenham Hotspur on
Sunday. McClaren confronted referee Phil Dowd at half-time to question his
decision to give Franck Queudrue a red card for a two-footed challenge on Noe
Pamarot.
Adrian Mutu will be personally mentored by Tony Adams when he undergoes
rehabilitation in January. Mutu must spend two weeks with the Sporting
Chance clinic to comply with the terms of his seven-month drugs ban.
David Beckham remains Britain's wealthiest footballer in a list of the sport's
richest people. But the England midfielder is only 41st overall in the
list of football's money men, published by FourFourTwo magazine.
Michael Owen is third among the players on the list - who are either British or
British-based - while Robbie Fowler is fourth, the Manchester City striker
having built on his fortune through property investment. Alan Shearer is
fifth. Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand are joint sixth.
___________________
CG
England Football Online