England News
September, 2004
Thursday,
30 September 2004 - A mixed night for English interests in the UEFA Cup.
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough get a draw in FC Banik Ostrava to go through 4-1
on aggregate. A hugely successful night for Alan Shearer too as he scores a
hat-trick for Newcastle United in their 5-1 win (agg 7-1) over Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.
A Dennis Wise goal is not enough to get Millwall through to the second round
against Ferencvaros, losing 4-2 on aggregate.
Michael Owen is hopeful he will keep his place in the
England team, despite being out of favour at Real Madrid.
Jermain Defoe's impressive full
England debut against Poland and
Wayne Rooney's return to fitness has increased competition for places in
attack.
Ex-Manchester United striker Denis Law believes
Wayne Rooney will shatter his
goalscoring records at Old Trafford. Law holds the United scoring record
for a season with 46 goals and also has a club-best 18 hat-tricks.
Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan has insisted that striker Robbie
Fowler still has a future at the club. The former England striker has been
told he will not play for the first team until he improves his fitness.
But Keegan said: "Robbie is too good a player - and too important to us - not to
get back into the starting line-up. This is not a punishment, we just sat
down with him and came up with a programme that can help him get back to where
we know he can be."
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard cannot see an end to their nine-game
unbeaten run under new manager Jose Mourinho. Lying second in the
Premiership, Chelsea are also on course to qualify for the Champions League
knockout stages after beating Porto 3-1. Lampard said: "Last year, we
played some good stuff but this is the best start we've had to a season. We know
we can lose but we have self-belief and it builds up more and more on a winning
run."
Rio Ferdinand has revealed his delight at leading out Manchester United
this week and said he would relish the chance of the role in the long term.
The United defender returned from an eight-month ban two weeks ago and led out
the side against Fenerbahçe. "I would be stupid not to accept the
captaincy if it was offered further down the line," he said. "It was
unbelievable to lead the team out. I was delighted to be asked to follow the
players to have done so."
Celtic's Alan Thompson
may miss both Champions League games against Shaktar Donetsk after picking up an
injury during the 3-1 loss to AC Milan.
Wednesday,
29 September 2004 - Arsenal and Chelsea both feature in the Champion's
League. Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole play out a draw in Rosenborg, while
John Terry is on the scoresheet for Chelsea against FC Porto, which also
featured Frank Lampard.
The Football Association has postponed a decision on
the National Football Centre at Burton until 2005. The FA has to decide
whether to write off the £16m that has already been spent on the centre at
Burton-on-Trent. "It was decided to defer any decision on the future of
the National Football Centre until the spring of 2005," the FA said in a
statement. The centre, which was moth-balled last year due to the FA's financial
problems, would cost £80m to complete.
George Best believes £27m teenager Wayne Rooney
will go on to become one of the all-time legends at his new club Manchester
United. Rooney is already drawing comparisons with Eric Cantona and Best,
another teenage prodigy at Old Trafford, after a hat-trick on his United debut.
Tuesday,
28 September 2004 - A Wayne Rooney hat-trick on his debut for Manchester
United against Fenerbahçe signals his arrival back on the football pitch. A 6-2
Champion's League win was inspired by Rio Ferdinand's captaincy and Gary
Neville's return from injury. An amazing fightback gives Real Madrid a 4-2
win over AS Roma, David Beckham featuring for 90 minutes for Real. Owen
Hargreaves plays for 80 minutes of Bayern München's win over Ajax. Jamie
Carragher is not so lucky as Liverpool lose to Olympiakos.
Championship football: Steve Coppell's Reading remain top
despite only drawing at home to Joe Royle's Ipswich Town, who remain 3rd, Peter
Reid's Coventry City are beaten by Queen's Park Rangers, and a Dion Dublin goal
gives Leicester City a vital win over Gillingham.
Ex-England star Lee Sharpe, 33, has come out of retirement to
play for Garforth Town in the Northern Counties League, reports the Sun
newspaper.
Cash-strapped Leeds United have had to endure a long
wait for £500,000 because of Robbie Fowler's extended absence from the
Manchester City first team. City must pay the next lump sum of Fowler's transfer
fee when the striker has made 60 appearances for the club. But the 29-year-old
is stuck on 59 and has been told by boss Kevin Keegan that he has to get fitter
to win a recall. There is no suggestion that Fowler's current absence has
anything to do with the forthcoming payment. City paid £3m up front at the time
of Fowler's signing, with a further £500,000 for every 15 appearances.
Monday,
27 September 2004 - Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce says he will not
hurry David Dunn back to regular
first-team action after injury. Dunn has made three brief appearances in
recent games and Bruce said this was more than he had intended.
Sunday,
26 September 2004 - David Beckham is a doubt for Real Madrid's Champions
League match against Roma on Tuesday after missing training on Sunday with a
virus. Although Michael Owen should be available.
Nottingham Forest's greatest players have paid homage
to legendary former manager Brian Clough, as part of a series of tributes
following his death. European Cup heroes, including Peter Shilton, John
Robertson and Trevor Francis paraded the six trophies Clough won before Forest's
game with West Ham United. There was also a minute's silence before the
match at the City Ground.
Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan has told Robbie
Fowler to work on his fitness before playing again. But Keegan has denied
his relationship with the striker has broken down after he fined him for
storming out of the Eastlands two weeks ago.
Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate has won the north-east Football Writers'
Association's player of the year award. The 34-year-old England player
fought off competition from the previous two winners, Newcastle's Alan Shearer
and Shay Given, to lift the award.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United's
Wayne Rooney will play some part
against Fenerbahce on Tuesday. "It is very exciting," the United boss told
the Manchester Evening News. "He definitely has a chance of playing on
Tuesday and it is a toss of the coin whether he will be on the bench or he will
start the game. All the players wanted him to play at Tottenham but we
wanted to give him a really good bit of training in order that he does not break
down."
Paul Scholes insists he will not play for England again - despite a plea
from coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson for him to come
out of international retirement. The midfielder, 29, ended his England
career after Euro 2004 to concentrate on playing for Manchester United. He
said: "I have no regrets about my decision and I don't think there is any chance
of me changing my mind. Sven said the door would always be open to come
back but I am not sure I will be taking up his offer."
David Beckham has rubbished suggestions that Real Madrid are in crisis.
The Spanish giants suffered their second league defeat of the season on Saturday
and stand-in boss Mariano Garcia Remon is already under pressure. "We're
just starting the season and have played only once in the Champions League. I
think people are over-reacting," said the England skipper. "When the fans
at Real Madrid see you not playing well they get worried because they've seen
how we can play." Beckham admitted Real's form had slumped during the past
few weeks but inisisted their fortunes would turn around.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger deliberately shielded Sol Campbell as the
30-year-old recovered from injury and the anguish of a Euro 2004 defeat.
Campbell is now fully fit after an Achilles tendon injury but Wenger admitted:
"I was scared. Not just with his injury but also his mental side. "Sol was
100% convinced England would win Euro 2004. It was a big shock for him when they
didn't. The shock of losing was very hard and it has taken him time to
recover." Campbell made his return to the Arsenal side in their 1-0 win
over Manchester City on Saturday.
Saturday,
25 September 2004 - A minute's silence was held in tribute to Brian
Clough in all of today's Premiership matches. An Ashley
Cole goal against Kevin Keegan's Manchester City ensures Arsenal remain top of
the table, Chelsea go 2nd as they beat Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough, Alan
Shearer scores his 349th league goal as Newcastle United beat West
Bromwich Albion, Lee Hendrie equalised for Aston Villa in their draw with
Crystal Palace. In the Championship, Steve Coppell takes his Reading side
top with a win over Watford, Joe Royle's Ipswich Town go 3rd when they beat
Plymouth Argyle, Dennis Wise's Millwall draw away to Rotherham United, as
Coventry City and Peter Reid draw away to Sheffield United, Paul Ince is
on the Wolverhampton Wanderers scoresheet, but still lose to Cardiff City.
League One: Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers are 2nd after beating Torquay United,
Peter Taylor's Hull City are 3rd after a scoreless draw with Stockport County, a
John Salako penalty puts Brentford 4th as they beat Paul Merson's Walsall, Roy
McFarland's Chesterfield are 5th despite losing to Barnsley, Brian Talbot's
Oldham Athletic draw at home to Colchester United and Colin Todd's Bradford City
lose to Swindon Town. League Two: Tony Adam's Wycombe Wanderers are 4th
after drawing away to Cheltenham Town, a draw for Keith Curle's Mansfield Town
takes them 5th, and Graham Rix's Oxford United beat Bury to go 9th. In
this SPL, Terry Butcher and Motherwell go 2nd after beating Livingston.
Real Madrid lost for the second time in three Primera Liga games when they
went down 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao. England captain David Beckham failed to
impose himself on the game and was replaced on the hour while Michael Owen was
again left on the bench.
Friday,
24 September 2004 - Nicky Butt is in line to replace the injured Steven
Gerrard in midfield for England's next World Cup qualifiers. Gerrard is
out with a broken bone in his foot and Butt is favourite to play in against
Wales and Azerbaijan. "It's a shame that Steven Gerrard is out, especially
as he is developing a very good understanding with Frank Lampard," said
Eriksson. "Yet I hope that Nicky Butt can come back in. He could be a very
important player for us in these games." Eriksson is also eager to have Rio
Ferdinand back in his squad after the defender returned on Monday from an eight
month ban for missing a drug test. The Swede added: "I must say that it's very
good that Rio Ferdinand is back. "I spoke to assistant England coach Sammy Lee
and he said that he played very well against Liverpool. This is good news."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says
Shaun Wright-Phillips is
one of the players he has set his sights on as a potential transfer target.
Wenger will get a look at the winger at close quarters when his side play City
on Saturday. "He is getting higher every year. He is a guy we have an eye on and
we follow his progress. He will be a major threat to us," he told the Evening
Standard. "He has a tremendous work rate and tremendous penetrating power."
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will rest Chris Sutton against Dunfermline
Athletic to give the striker more chance of being fit to face AC Milan.
O'Neill said on Friday: "Chris didn't train today and I suppose that makes him a
bit of a doubt for the game. "I will see how he is tomorrow, but if he didn't
play then he will have a better chance of playing on Wednesday, so it's a matter
of prioritising it." Sutton's hamstring injury prevented him starting against
Barcelona.
Manchester United have said that
Wayne Rooney will not make his
debut against Tottenham, despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson declaring him fit to
play. The 18-year-old, signed from Everton in August, has recovered from a
foot injury and has started full training. But he will be held back from
playing at White Hart Lane after a Thursday scan came back all clear. Ferguson
had previously hinted that the 3 October game against Middlesbrough was a likely
date for Rooney's debut. "Wayne is available to play, what we have to assess is
when we play him" said Ferguson.
Thursday,
23 September 2004 - Raith Rovers assistant boss John Hollins insists that
he knows nothing about the possibility of Claude Anelka standing down as
manager. Anelka bought the First Division club in the summer, but they
have slumped to bottom under his leadership. Hollins, responding to
reports that he was to become manager and of a power struggle, said: "There have
been no developments as far as I am concerned. I will be back at training
tomorrow to carry on trying to win points."
Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt has been
banned for three European games following his Uefa Cup dismissal against Hapoel
Bnei Sakhnin. Butt was sent off when he clashed with Sakhnin captain Abas Suan
two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The 29-year-old will miss the
return leg in Tel Aviv and then the first two games of the potential group
stages.
Ryan Giggs returns to the
Wales squad after
suspension for the World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland. The
Manchester United winger missed the draws against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland
for a ban picked up in the Euro 2004 play-off loss to Russia. Wales face England
at Old Trafford - Giggs' home club ground - on 9 October, then Poland in Cardiff
on 13 October.
The Sun reports that England will play Spain on
November 17 in a friendly, probably at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. England
have owed Spain a return friendly since national coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson's
first match in charge on 28 February 2001, when England won 3-0 at Villa Park.
The Daily Mirror reported that the Football Association will appoint a
part-time manager after Sven-Göran Eriksson. Eriksson earns £4m a year and this had
allegedly led to a rethink of strategy within the FA. "There is a growing
understanding the England job is a part-time one and not a full-time post," the
newspaper quotes an FA source as saying. Eriksson has recently been linked
with the manager's job at Real Madrid, but has denied any interest in taking up
the post. In response to the newspaper article - the FA responded with a
statement this evening:- "The FA would
like to place on record that there are no plans to make the position of England
coach a part-time role at any stage in the future. Additionally, contrary to
unattributed and unhelpful comments in certain recent newspaper reports, The FA
would like to make clear that England Coach Sven-Göran
Eriksson has the full support of the organisation. The team has made a
strong start to its World Cup qualifying campaign and everyone at The FA is
looking forward to Sven and the players building on that as we move towards
Germany 2006."
Wednesday,
22 September 2004 - The Carling Cup third round draw throws together
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough, the holders, against Peter Reid's Coventry City.
Dennis Wise's Millwall face Liverpool and Kevin Keegan's Manchester City face
Arsenal.
In the Championship, Dennis Wise score's as Millwall beat
Derby County. In the second round of the Carling Cup, Darius Vassell
scores for Aston Villa in their defeat of Queen's Park Rangers. Paul
Gascoigne could not prevent Boston United being thrashed by Fulham. Peter
Reid's Coventry City side progress ahead of Sheffield Wednesday. Kevin
Phillips scores for Southampton as they beat Northampton Town.
Jermain Defoe and
Anthony Gardner score for
Tottenham Hotspur as they thrash Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic. Terry
Butcher's Motherwell also progress in the next round of the Scottish League Cup,
beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Wales midfielder Robbie Savage will miss next month's
2006 World Cup qualifier with England at Old Trafford. Savage has been
suspended for one match by Fifa's disciplinary committee for his red card
against Northern Ireland earlier this month. He was found guilty of
"brutal action such as violent or aggressive conduct" after clashing with
Michael Hughes.
Manchester United director Sir Bobby Charlton choked
back tears as he helped unveil a memorial to the Munich air crash victims.
He survived the disaster on 6 February 1958 and he and boss Sir Alex Ferguson,
were among a United delegation to visit Germany on Wednesday. They looked on as
a permanent reminder to the 23 dead was revealed. "You can't help but feel
emotional, it brings back the thought that we had such a fantastic team," said
Charlton. "I'm very happy that it's something that people can come to see.
It's not big but it means a lot to anybody in the football world and is
something that anybody who supports Manchester United can come and pay their
respects to if they are in the area." Charlton, a former England skipper,
was just a teenager breaking into the United first team at the time of the
crash. Eight of his team-mates died, including England star Duncan
Edwards, who many believed would have been one of the finest players of all time
had his life not been cut short at 21.
Millwall have offered manager Dennis Wise and his
assistant Ray Wilkins new one-year contracts with the club. "Dennis and
Ray have both done a great job here and it was a fantastic achievement to reach
the 2004 FA Cup final," said chairman Theo Paphitis. "I would like to
offer them 10-year contracts but that is not realistic." Wilkins took over
with player-boss Wise in October 2003 and he added: "Dennis and I will be
staying for another year after this one."
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard may take a month longer than the eight weeks
initially predicted for his recovery from a broken bone in his foot. The
midfielder limped off before half-time in the Reds' defeat at Manchester United
on Monday and X-rays confirmed he has broken his fifth metatarsal. It is the
same injury that has now seen
Wayne Rooney sidelined for 13
weeks.
Wales boss Mark Hughes says midfielder Steven
Gerrard's absence for England will help his side's chances in next month's World
Cup qualifier. "It is a shame for Steven Gerrard because I have great
respect for his ability and the impact he can have on games, but putting my
Welsh hat on, if he is not involved that will be a great boost for us."
But Sven-Göran Eriksson will have Rio Ferdinand back after his eight-month ban, while
Wayne Rooney, Sol Campbell and
even Gary Neville could also be back for the game against Wales.
Tuesday,
21 September 2004 - Carling Cup football tonight has mixed results: Keith
Curle's Mansfield Town fall at the first hurdle in their delayed first round tie
against Preston North End, losing 4-0. In the second round, Joe Royle's
Ipswich Town are shocked by League One Doncaster Rovers, losing 2-0. Both
Danny Murphy and Franny Jeffers
score for Charlton Athletic as they beat Grimsby Town. A lone Michael
Ricketts goal helps Leeds United progress ahead of Swindon Town.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is
on the scoresheet as Kevin Keegan's Manchester City thrash Barnsley 7-1.
Steve Coppell's Reading fall to Watford and Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers fall
to Portsmouth.
A stunning David Beckham free-kick helped stand-in Real Madrid coach
Mariano Garcia Remon get off to a winning start against Osasuna. The
under-fire Beckham produced one of his signature efforts from 25 yards out to
give his side a 1-0 home win. The win took Real two points clear at the
top, although they have played an extra game to their rivals. Beckham's
England colleague Michael Owen returned to the bench after his start in the loss
to Espanyol. Owen had only 10 minutes in which to shine after being
brought on as a late substitute.
Steven Gerrard has had an x-ray today, which has
revealed a broken bone in his foot. "We are sure he has broken the fifth
metatarsal of his left foot," said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. Gerrard
will miss England's next two matches against Wales
and Azerbaijan.
Real Madrid star David Beckham has played down reports that
the Spanish club are lining up England boss
Sven-Göran Eriksson as
their next coach. Eriksson has also denied the speculation. Stories in Spain suggest that Eriksson is among the
leading candidates to take over from Jose Antonio Camacho, who surprisingly quit
on Monday. England captain Beckham said: "Sven is a great boss and in the
last couple of years he's been linked with many jobs. But he is England
manager and, as far as I know, he will carry on."
Monday,
20 September 2004 - Rio Ferdinand's first game in 8 months ends in a
Premiership win for Manchester United. They beat Liverpool 2-1.
Steven Gerrard was substituted before the first half ended with an injury.
Sol Campbell played 90 minutes for the Arsenal reserve side
as they beat Coventry City.
Legendary former Nottingham Forest and Derby County
boss Brian Clough has died from stomach cancer at the age of 69. Clough,
who suffered ill-health for many years and had a liver transplant in 2003, died
in Derby City hospital.
"I want no epitaphs of profound history and all that type of thing. I
contributed - I would hope they would say that, and I would hope somebody liked
me."
Brian Clough: A Short
Tribute
Sunday,
19 September 2004 - Premiership football: Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough
lose to Everton. Championship: Dennis Wise's Millwall side lose to Watford.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has given
Wayne Rooney the green light to
play for England in next month's World Cup qualifiers. Ferguson has also
all but confirmed Rio Ferdinand's immediate return to the starting line-up
against Liverpool tomorrow night.
Manchester City have denied that striker Robbie Fowler has been fined two
weeks' wages after an argument with under-pressure manager Kevin Keegan.
Fowler, who was on the bench for the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, is reported to
have had a blazing row with Keegan.
Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not rush Sol Campbell back into
first-team action, despite criticising Arsenal's defence after the 2-2 draw with
Bolton Wanderers. Wenger was unhappy that his side surrendered their 100%
start to the season and labelled the defence "naive and passive" for Bolton's
goals. Wenger confirmed Campbell would play for Arsenal's reserves against
Coventry City on Monday evening as part of his comeback from an Achilles tendon
injury.
Saturday,
18 September 2004 - In the Premiership, Andrew Cole scores for Fulham and
is also sent-off, as his side draw away to West Bromwich Albion. Pressure
on Kevin Keegan is eased as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace. In the
Championship, Steve Coppell's Reading go 2nd as they beat Gillingham, Joe
Royle's Ipswich Town drop to 4th as they draw away to West Ham United, Teddy
Sheringham missing a penalty for the Hammers, Peter Reid's Coventry City draw at
home to Rotherham United. League One: Peter Taylor's Hull City win away at
Peterborough United to go 2nd in the table, Roy McFarland's Chesterfield beat
Paul Merson's Walsall to go 3rd, Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers draw Wrexham to
go 4th, Colin Todd's Bradford City thrash Bristol City, Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athletic draw away to Doncaster Rovers, whilst a John Salako penalty gives
Brentford a win against Port Vale, to take them 5th. League Two: Tony
Adams' Wycombe Wanderers are beaten by Swansea City, and drop to 3rd in the
table, Keith Curle's Mansfield Town beat Rochdale to go 4th, while Graham Rix's
Oxford United are hammered by Yeovil Town. In the SPL, Terry Butcher takes
his Motherwell side to 3rd spot as they beat Dundee United.
Michael Owen admitted Real Madrid are still looking for the right balance
after they lost 1-0 at Espanyol in a bad-tempered game on Saturday. With
David Beckham left on the bench, Owen started his first La Liga match.
England striker
Wayne Rooney may be named on the
Manchester United bench for Monday's showdown with Liverpool. The
18-year-old is making rapid progress since breaking a bone in his foot at Euro
2004. "Rooney is training," said Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"But we can't do anything until he goes before the medics on Monday morning."
Ferguson may be tempted to give Rooney his first taste of Old Trafford from the
bench. Despite the fact the youngster is far from being fully fit, his
appearance among the substitutes may take some of the pressure off Rio
Ferdinand. The England defender is due to make his first start for United
in eight months after completing his ban for missing a drugs test.
Ferdinand's return to the United line-up will provide a welcome boost for
Ferguson's struggling side and will add some much-needed stability to a creaking
defence.
Friday,
17 September 2004 - Kevin Keegan insists he is not feeling any extra
pressure, despite claims that he faces the sack if Manchester City do not beat
Crystal Palace on Saturday. Widespread media reports have suggested that
the City board have lost faith with their manager but Keegan said: "It is all
hypothetical."
Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt is facing up to the possibility of
a European three-match ban. The 29-year-old was sent off during Newcastle
United's 2-0 UEFA Cup win against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin for grabbing Abas Suan by
the throat.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is counting
down the minutes to the end of his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.
Ferdinand, 25, is available for the first time since 17 January when United face
Liverpool at home on Monday. "I cannot tell you how much I've been looking
forward to this day. Whether or not I'm picked to play against Liverpool it is a
big moment. I'm available for selection again,". Sir Alex Ferguson is
certain the return of Ferdinand will help end his side's recent defensive
problems. "You will see the results will change. Until Rio went away, the
back four never changed and we got the results that justifies that continuity."
Thursday,
16 September 2004 - UEFA Cup football witnesses European debuts for Steve
McClaren's Middlesbrough side, last seasons Carling Cup Winners, and Dennis
Wise's Millwall side, FA Cup finalists last season. Wise gets on the
scoresheet as Millwall draw at home to Ferencváros of Hungary, whilst
Middlesbrough overcame FC Banik Ostrava of the Czech Republic. Nicky Butt
is sent off as Newcastle United beat Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin. Midfielder
Kieron Dyer faces several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring
strain in the second half.
Southampton have dismissed reports that former boss
Glenn Hoddle is set to return to the club. It was claimed that Hoddle is
being lined up as Saints head coach because Steve Wigley does not possess the
necessary coaching qualification.
Wednesday,
15 September 2004 - League One football sees Peter Reid's Coventry City side
draw with Gillingham.
Blackburn Rovers have named former player Mark Hughes as
their new boss. A statement said: "Blackburn announce that Mark Hughes has
been appointed manager with immediate effect." Hughes is expected to stay
in charge of the Welsh side for their Group Six World Cup qualifiers against
England and Poland on 9 and 13 October.
Sir Bobby Robson has emerged as a possible candidate for the
Wales manager as Mark Hughes leaves to take over at Blackburn
Rovers. "I don't want to nail my name to just one candidate but we could
do with having someone like Robson," said FA of Wales councillor Alun Evans. "He
would be an ideal choice with a huge amount of experience. He could be asked to
step in as a caretaker for these next two games with Gary Speed assisting him.
They worked together at Newcastle United and Speed is considered by some people as a
possible long-term candidate to manage Wales. I know that the first game
is against England and that would create an interesting situation if we did ask
Sir Bobby, but it is worth people thinking about."
Danny Mills has dismissed reports of a training
ground bust-up with Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan. Newspaper
reports claimed defender Mills had a blazing row with Keegan, which almost came
to blows, over the club's match preparations.
Tuesday,
14 September 2004 - UEFA Champions League returns: Chris Sutton scores
for Glasgow Celtic in their defeat to Barcelona and John Terry scores one of
Chelsea's three goals against Paris St.Germain. In the Championship, Joe
Royle's Ipswich lose to Stoke City, Steve Coppell's Reading beat Preston North
End, and Jason Wilcox is on the scoresheet for Leicester City as they beat
Sheffield United. In League One, Brian Little and Tranmere Rovers beat
Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic.
Michael Carrick will have to wait to make his
Tottenham Hotspur debut after suffering a sprained ankle. The 23-year-old
signing from West Ham United will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the
damage. Spurs physio Geoff Brown said: "Michael has been a bit unlucky in
that he has also had a bit of knee tendinitis. He got back into training and
unfortunately rolled his ankle, has sustained a sprain and will be out for a
period of time."
Manchester City have scotched speculation that boss
Kevin Keegan's position is under immediate threat. Reports suggested that
Keegan had been summoned to a board meeting today to be given a final warning.
"Tuesday's board meeting was purely a routine monthly get-together, which the
manager attended. His position at the club was not discussed and it is
business as usual at Manchester City." said a City spokesman.
England striker
Wayne Rooney is set to provide a
boost to Manchester United's injury-riddled squad following his return to full
training. Rooney has kicked a ball for the first time since breaking a bone in
his foot at Euro 2004. He showed no reaction to the foot injury that has
sidelined him since his £27.5m summer move from Everton. Reports suggest he is
slightly ahead of schedule and could be available for United's game with
Liverpool on Monday.
New Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness may try to persuade Alan
Shearer not to retire at the end of the season. The 34-year-old ex-England
striker is set to retire when his contract expires at the end of the current
campaign.
Norwich City and England reserve goalkeeper Robert Green admits he fears
the first time he makes a high-profile mistake. Green was on the bench
during England's draw with Austria when David James allowed a shot to go under
his body, prompting heavy criticism by the media. He told the Daily
Mirror: "I've never been slaughtered and it will be a real test of character
when it comes along. "That is when you prove yourself to be a real quality
keeper - when you come back from it."
Oxford United manager Graham Rix is set to undergo surgery after rupturing
his Achilles while training with his squad. "There was no-one near me and
it was my own fault, but I'm looking at an operation again on it. I've
done this four times before so I knew what it was immediately. Now I'll have to
have a fifth operation on it, which is far from ideal."
Monday,
13 September 2004 - Leicester City's Ian Walker could require surgery to
cure a long-standing knee injury which flared up again last week. The
goalkeeper was forced out of the game at Rotherham United last week and has been
told not to train for four weeks. Boss Micky Adams said: "We are trying to
settle it down. We need to look at a loan keeper in if we can't do that. We have
given him four weeks off in terms of the work he is doing to see if we can
settle it down. If that doesn't happen he will need an operation."
Manchester United's Gary Neville has been ruled out
for four weeks after suffering a hairline fracture of his kneecap on England
duty in Poland. Neville limped off in the first half in Chorzow and will
now almost certainly miss October's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and
Azerbaijan. The 29-year-old will also be out of league games against
Liverpool, Tottenham and Middlesbrough. It is a blow as United start their
Champions League campaign against Lyon.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Rio Ferdinand's
dedication during the defender's eight-month ban. Ferguson said: "Rio has
been fantastic. I couldn't have any more praise and admiration for him. He
has had to come in and train with guys who have played in the European
Championships or the Champions League when he has been missing it. For a
young lad, how he has handled the situation is phenomenal." Ferdinand's
suspension will end on Monday 20 September and the 26-year-old is expected to be
part of the squad for the match against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
However, Ferguson admits that Ferdinand will require some reserve matches to get
fully fit before returning to first-team action. The England international
has not been able to play at all since the 1-0 defeat at Wolves last January.
Ferguson added: "In their wisdom, the FA have prevented him playing in
closed-door matches, so effectively it has been a nine-month ban. "But Rio has
come through it well." Ferdinand is likely to be involved when United's
second string take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside on 28 September and against
Burnley on 4 October.
Sunday,
12 September 2004 - Championship Football: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town beat
Dennis Wise's Millwall 2-0, to go top of the Championship table.
Sir Trevor Brooking said England coach Sven-Göran
Eriksson has the full backing of the Football Association. FA director of
development Brooking denied Eriksson's position was ever under threat after the
2-2 draw in a World Cup qualifier against Austria.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted at
a move for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The Spanish giants failed to
tempt Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira to the Bernabeu during the summer. But
it appears they may now turn to Gerrard, who admitted being close to a move from
Anfield in the close season. Perez told the Sunday Mirror: "Steven Gerrard is a
player I really like, he is the type of player who would suit the famous shirt
of Real Madrid."
Saturday,
11 September 2004 - In the Premiership, Kevin Keegan's Manchester City
lose to Everton and Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough side beat Birmingham City,
despite a goal from Emile Heskey for City. Another last minute goal
from Alan Smith gives Manchester United a draw against Bolton Wanderers, who had
Les Ferdinand on the scoresheet. Steven Gerrard scores one of Liverpool's
3 goals against West Bromwich Albion. Alan Shearer, too, scores for
Newcastle United as they beat Blackburn Rovers. In the Championship, Peter
Reid's Coventry City lose to Leeds United, so does Steve Coppell's Reading side,
losing to Derby County. Teddy Sheringham scores West Ham United's winner
as they beat Sheffield United, and Leicester City's Dion Dublin score's in
City's win over Rotherham United. In League One, Colin Todd and
Bradford City lose to Wrexham, Roy McFarland's Chesterfield lose to Luton Town,
Peter Taylor's Hull City beat Blackpool, Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic beat
Hartlepool United, Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers draw away to Barnsley and Paul
Merson's Walsall draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday. League Two,
Keith Curle's Mansfield Town draw away to Cambridge United, Graham Rix's Oxford
United draw at home to Rushden & Diamonds and Tony Adams' Wycombe Wanderers win
away at Southend United. In the SPL, Terry Butcher's Motherwell draw away
to Dunfermline.
Owen Hargreaves has spoken about the England team's
decision to snub the media after the 2-1 win in Poland. "We made a
decision. We felt some of the things were a bit too much. Maybe sometimes
you have got to draw a line under what is okay and what isn't. That is what we
tried to do."
Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate says he hopes to return to
first-team action before the end of the month. Woodgate has been sidelined
since rupturing a thigh muscle in April and is yet to play for Madrid since his
summer transfer from Newcastle United.
Friday,
10 September 2004 - Alan Shearer has revealed that he was never
approached to succeed Sir Bobby Robson as manager of Newcastle United. "I
saw my name mentioned in the days after Bobby's departure. I felt it was right I
went to see the chairman and we had a frank and open discussion about the
situation. What went on in the meeting is private but I've made public my
views on why I wasn't ready to take the job, not that it was ever offered to
me."
Jermain
Defoe has finally explained his joy at scoring his first England goal on his
full debut against Poland. Defoe is the first England player to speak out
after the squad elected to boycott the media in protest at criticism of several
players. "It was great to get my chance and to score - it's hard to
explain the buzz I feel, I've been waiting for all my life and when it happened
it was a dream come true. It was a goal I'll never forget." Defoe, who was
selected ahead of Alan Smith for his first start, said he was still coming to
terms with his achievement. "I've seen the goal about 10 times now and it
gets better every time," he told Tottenham Hotspur's official website.
"Last night I was at home with all the family, mum and my girlfriend, and the
goal came on television. Suddenly my mum was getting all emotional, crying
and she said to me 'that's what you've worked for'. Watching it time and time
again, it's starting to sink in."
Wayne
Rooney will be out of action for at least another three weeks as he recovers
from a broken foot. The 18-year-old is not now expected to make his
Manchester United debut until 3 October, six days before England play Wales in a
World Cup qualifier. "Wayne is coming along fine, but after the injury he
has had, he is still working with the remedial department," said United boss Sir
Alex Ferguson. "He is training on his own and he should be ready in maybe three
weeks." Rooney was hoping to make his England comeback against Wales at
Old Trafford, and then travel to Azerbaijan for the second of a World Cup
double-header. However, United may prefer not to rush their £27m striker back
into action, and could hold him back for the visit to Birmingham City on 16 October,
missing the England games altogether.
West Ham United have signed Charlton Athletic's former England defender
Chris Powell on a one-month loan deal. The 34-year-old left back, capped
five times by England, has not player a first team game this season.
Coventry City boss Peter Reid says he is happy at
Highfield Road despite reports indicating he may move to take the vacant
managerial position at Blackburn Rovers. Reid only took over as Sky Blues
boss in the final week of last season after Eric Black was sacked. "I'm happy as
Coventry boss and I don't want to comment on speculation, which is all these
stories are," said Reid
Thursday,
9 September 2004 - Dropped England goalkeeper David James will battle to
regain his place in the team says his agent, Colin Gordon. James was
replaced by Paul Robinson for the match against Poland after the Manchester City
player gifted Austria an equaliser on Saturday. But Gordon insisted: "He is
taking it well. He had made a mistake, but you take the rough with the smooth.
The Football Association has revealed England's
players refused to talk to the media after their win in Poland in protest at
criticism they claim was over-the-top and abusive. England's players were angry at coming under fire
after drawing in Austria. FA head of media Adrian Bevington said: "They
feel they have been treated very unfairly in a number of areas."
Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks has not ruled out the possibility
of Sir Bobby Robson one day returning to work at the club after a 22-year
absence. Sheepshanks admitted Robson, who was sacked as Newcastle United
boss last month, could return to work in some capacity at the club he managed
between 1969-82.
Wednesday,
8 September 2004 - Jermain
Defoe repaid Sven-Göran Eriksson's faith with a goal as England sealed a
crucial World Cup victory. Defoe was one of two changes, with David James
dropped for Paul Robinson and Alan Smith also axed. England beat Poland 2
goals to 1.
Group 6 World Cup
qualifying: Austria 2 Azerbaijan 0, Wales 2 Northern Ireland 2
Manchester City's Steve McManaman will miss the next
three games as he fights back from an Achilles injury.
Midfielder Darren Anderton helped his chances of breaking
into the Birmingham City first-team frame by coming through a reserve match.
Tuesday,
7 September 2004 - Peter Taylor makes it 3 wins out of 3 as England U21
beat Poland U21 3-1, two goals from Darren Bent and a Carlton Cole goal seal the
points. West Ham central defender Anton Ferdinand suffered a suspected
cracked fibula.
England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson is confident captain
David Beckham will be fit to face Poland in their World Cup qualifier in
Katowice on Wednesday. "He had a scan yesterday and there is nothing
broken so he will try to train today," Eriksson said. "I can't say I'm
sure he will play because I am not sure but I think he will play."
Monday,
6 September 2004 - Captain David Beckham is an
injury worry for England's World Cup qualifier with Poland on Wednesday
after leaving training early on Monday. The Real Madrid midfielder
suffered a rib injury in the draw with Austria and is undergoing a medical
assessment.
Terry Venables will not be taking over as Newcastle
United manager. The job has been given to former Scotland international,
Graeme Souness.
Sunday,
5 September 2004 - Real Madrid have made Liverpool midfielder Steven
Gerrard their number one 2005 transfer target, according to reports in Spain.
"Gerrard is the target for Real," stated Spanish sports daily AS.
Coca-Cola Football see's Peter Taylor's Hull City thrashed by
Huddersfield Town in League One. Keith Curle's Mansfield Town in League
Two thrash Northampton Town.
Sven-Göran Eriksson has insisted he has no plans to
quit as England coach, despite criticism of his management style after the 2-2
draw with Austria. It comes as goalkeeper David James accepts the blame for
Austria's second goal in the 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw. Eriksson said:
"It happens in football, but he has saved us so many times before, so it's not a
problem."
Wayne Rooney is targeting England's World Cup qualifier with Wales to make
his return to international action. The Manchester United striker is three
weeks away from a full recovery after breaking a bone in his foot but could play
at Old Trafford on October 9.
Terry Venables has revealed he has held talks with Freddy Shepherd over
the vacant Newcastle United manager's job.
Saturday,
4 September 2004 - England squander a two-goal lead to draw with Austria
in their World Cup qualifier. Steven Gerrard starts, to give England a major boost by
recovering from a groin injury in time to play in Vienna.
Group 6 World Cup
qualifying: Northern Ireland 0 Poland 3, Azerbaijan 1 Wales 1.
League One Action: Colin Todd's Bradford City lose to Port
Vale, Roy McFarland's Chesterfield draw with Milton Keynes Dons, Paul Merson's
Walsall lose to Doncaster Rovers. League Two: Paul Gascoigne helped Boston
to a 2-1 win over Cambridge United.
Liverpool and England reserve goalkeeper Chris Kirkland says
he does not want to return to his former club Coventry City on loan.
Friday,
3 September 2004
- Carlton Cole scored his third goal in his last two games for England
Under-21s as they beat Austria 2-0 in their European Championship qualifier.
Darren Bent scored the other.
Ex-England and Arsenal football players turned mangers face
off in the Coca Cola League Two. Tony Adams' Wycombe Wanderers draw 1-1
with Graham Rix's Oxford United.
England midfielder Steven Gerrard is doubtful for Saturday's World Cup
qualifier against Austria because of a groin strain. See
Injuries.
Austria's third-choice keeper, Graz
AK's Andreas Schranz, has pulled out of the squad for their World Cup qualifier
against England on Saturday with an ankle injury.
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has moved to quash growing
speculation that Terry Venables is being lined up to take over from Sir Bobby
Robson. The former England coach was believed to be holding talks with
Shepherd over the vacant manager's position. But Shepherd said: "Terry
Venables has not been here. I have not spoken to him and I cannot even remember
the last time I saw him." Magpies striker Alan Shearer has also ruled
himself out of the running.
Thursday,
2 September 2004
- Former England coach Terry Venables is believed to be speaking with Newcastle United about
the vacant managerial position. Venables is the bookmakers' favourite to
succeed Sir Bobby Robson after talks with Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.
Venables' role would likely be to groom Magpies striker and former England
captain Alan Shearer to take
over at the start of next season.
Steven Gerrard was troubled by a groin problem in training, but the
England coaching staff are confident he will be back on Friday. Gerrard is
still expected to be fit for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Austria
despite missing the end of Thursday's training. England were handed a boost when the
22-man squad trained in London ahead of
the World Cup qualifier in Austria.
Shaun Wright-Phillips missed the
session on Wednesday with an ankle knock but he joined his team-mates at
Arsenal's London Colney Complex. David Beckham and Michael Owen were also
involved after linking up with the squad following a Real Madrid friendly. Austria coach Hans Krankl said he knows the team he will play
against England, but is not revealing any details.
Real Madrid midfielder Guti insists Michael Owen remains a
unknown quantity and must show he is good enough before he can get the chance to
replace Raul.
Manchester United's new signing
Wayne Rooney will have a scan on
Thursday to determine when he will make his debut. A target for the 18-year-old
may be the September 20 match against Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wanted to sign Jonathan Woodgate from
Newcastle United but could not afford the defender, who has since joined Real
Madrid. Benitez said: "The reports on him were excellent. We wanted to
sign him but he was too expensive for our budget. What's more, he was
injured for a long time and that made us think a bit. By the time we had
decided to go for him, Madrid had already made an offer that we could not match.
He is a phenomenal central defender."
Coventry City have offered Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland the chance
to return to his former club on loan. Sky Blues chairman Mike McGinnity
said: "We'd get a quality keeper and if we can get him playing regularly he's
more likely to get a call-up for England."
Wednesday,
1 September 2004
- FIFA release its latest
Rankings: England remain in 7th spot despite a
3-0 win over
Ukraine last month.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has ruled himself out of the running to
replace the departed Sir Bobby Robson as manager of Newcastle United.
McClaren has been tipped to succeed Robson, who was sacked after five years in
charge at St James' Park. But the Middlesbrough boss, who is also part of
the England coaching set-up, said: "Naturally I'm flattered that my name has
been linked with such a job. But I'm very happy at Middlesbrough and am not
interested in leaving."
___________________
CG
England Football Online