England News
January, 2005
Monday, 31 January 2005 - League One:
Colin Todd's Bradford City draw away at Barnsley 2-2.
FA Cup fifth
round draw draws together the match of the round - Wayne Rooney's return to
Goodison Park as Manchester United travel to Everton. Elsewhere, Bryan
Robson's West Bromwich Albion must overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth
round replay in order to face Nottingham Forest.
Sunday, 30 January 2005 - FA Cup
fourth round: John Terry scores
Chelsea's 2nd, they beat Birmingham City 2-0. Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athletic fall to Bolton Wanderers - after Talbot is hurt in his car when he is
attacked by Iraqi electors outside a polling station in Manchester.
Arsenal
vice-chairman David Dein has reacted with outrage at reports Chelsea have made
an illegal approach for defender
Ashley Cole. The News of the World newspaper claims Chelsea
boss Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon met the England left-back in
a London hotel this week. "This is a very disturbing matter and we will deal
with it very seriously. We'd be very interested to see the evidence
obtained." The newspaper claims Mourinho and Kenyon joined Cole and
football agent Pini Zahavi at the Royal Park hotel in Lancaster Gate on
Thursday, contravening Premier League rules. It claims to have a sworn
affidavit from a member of the public who witnessed the meeting. But Cole's
agent Jonathan Barnett denied that it took place. He said: "Any suggestion
that Ashley Cole has spoken to anyone at Chelsea is total and utter nonsense.
There is no problem between Ashley and Arsenal. Ashley is extremely happy at
Arsenal - he has neither asked nor considered a move."
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has blamed the club's problems
with Craig Bellamy on former Magpies manager
Sir Bobby Robson. "Graeme Souness
has been unfairly blamed for what has happened. But the seeds of the Craig
Bellamy situation were sown before he arrived at the club. Many of the
problems Graeme is having to deal with are down to the way the previous manager
handled discipline. If Sir Bobby had taken a harder line I am convinced we
wouldn't be facing this situation."
Saturday, 29 January 2005 - The
Football Association has agreed in principle to support
Sven-Göran Eriksson's appeal for a
four-week break before the 2006 World Cup finals. Eriksson wants more time
with his squad if they reach the finals in Germany. A working group will
now investigate a handful of possible ways to find enough time within the hectic
fixture list. The FA might scrap FA Cup sixth round replays or asking the
Football League to do away with the two-legged semi-finals in the Carling Cup.
FA Cup fourth round: Wayne
Rooney scores two sublime goals as Manchester United beat Steve McClaren's
Middlesbrough 3-0. James
Beattie's first goal since his £6m move from Southampton helped Everton into
the fifth round, they beat Sunderland 3-0.
Franny Jeffers scored Charlton
Athletic's second goal in their win over Yeovil Town, it ended 3-2.
Arsenal eased into the next round with a win over
Glenn Hoddle's
Wolverhampton Wanderers. Alan Shearer opened the scoring for Newcastle
United, they beat Coventry City 3-1. Steve Coppell's Reading are beaten at
home by Leicester City, 2-1.
Jermain Defoe's penalty earned Tottenham Hotspur a replay in a dour,
hard-fought draw at Bryan Robson's West Bromwich Albion.
League One: Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers draw with leaders Luton Town and hold
on to third spot. Paul Merson's Walsall beat Huddersfield Town 4-3 from 2-0
down. Merson setting Walsall on their way to a much-needed victory.
League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town are beaten by Lincoln City.
Friday, 28 January 2005 - Defender
Martin Keown has joined Reading after being released by fellow Championship side
Leicester. The former Arsenal centre-half has agreed a contract until the
end of the season at the Madejski Stadium.
Birmingham
City midfielder David Dunn will miss the rest of the season after a hamstring
problem flared up again. Dunn, 26, will undergo surgery next week in a bid
to regain fitness for the start of the new season. The problem, which has
hampered him for the last 12 months, is related to damaged nerves in his back
that affect his hamstrings.
The Football
Association board will meet today to discuss
Sven-Göran Eriksson's appeal for a
four-week break before the 2006 World Cup in Germany. England coach
Eriksson wants more time with his squad and the board is likely to discuss
potential changes to next season's fixuture list. The FA hopes to schedule
the FA Cup at the new Wembley on 20 May 2006. Premier League chief
executive Richard Scudamore has indicated the clubs' are willing to discuss
moving games. But this depends on other spare dates being found in an
already packed calendar. With the Football League apparently unwilling to
abandon the two-legged Carling Cup semi-finals, the FA may therefore have to
consider scrapping FA Cup sixth round replays. This could, however, cause
problems with television deals that have already been agreed.
The Football Association has apologised after a DVD celebrating the best
post-war England internationals failed to feature any black players.
Thousands of copies of "Pride of the Nation" were included in a welcome pack for
the official England fans club. But the FA withdrew all copies after
complaints and will make a new edition including several black players.
"We regret and apologise for any offence that may have been caused," the FA said
in an official statement. "The FA is in the process of producing a new
DVD, which will include several outstanding black players, who have, of course,
made a huge contribution to the national team and football in this country."
Glenn Hoddle has revealed
his secret role in Arsene Wenger’s move to Arsenal. Highbury
supremo David Dein rang the former England manager to enquire about Wenger eight
years ago. And Hoddle’s glowing reference paved the way for the Gunners to
make the hugely-successful appointment. Hoddle locks horns with his
one-time Monaco mentor tomorrow when Wolves visit Highbury in the FA Cup.
Hoddle said: “I was England manager when I was asked about Arsene Wenger. I said
to David Dein ‘Go get him’. It was a great eye-opener when I first came
across him. Monaco were motorways ahead of English clubs on and off the pitch".
Thursday, 27 January 2005 - Leicester
City have terminated the contract of 38-year-old defender Martin Keown by mutual
consent. The former Arsenal player has made just 18 appearances for the
club since signing a one-year deal last summer. Foxes boss Craig Levein
said: "Younger players are the way forward. Martin has done a fantastic job but
he is not the future and he understands that."
Wednesday, 26 January 2005 - Carling
Cup Semi-final second leg: Frank Lampard sent Chelsea on their way to a 2-1
victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Chelsea will meet
Liverpool in the final next month.
Football pundit Rodney Marsh has been fired by Sky Sports for making a
joke on air about the tsunami disaster. The ex-Manchester City and England
striker, 60, joked David Beckham had turned down a move to Newcastle United
because of trouble with the "Toon Army in Asia". A Sky Sports spokesman
said: "These remarks should never have been made and Sky would like to offer its
apologies to those who were offended." Marsh said: "I am hugely
disappointed in myself for letting them down."
Northern
Ireland's World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford on Saturday, 26
March will kick-off at the original time of 1500 GMT. Approaches from
broadcasters and the Football League were made to the FA to switch to an evening
kick-off. But after lengthy discussions with the Manchester police the FA
decided on an afternoon start. The move will be welcomed by NI fans who
had already booked Saturday evening flights to the next game in Poland.
Ipswich
Town boss Joe Royle has revealed that Portsmouth defender David Unsworth will
join the Championship leaders on loan for the rest of the season. The
31-year-old, who was at Everton when Royle was manager at Goodison Park, will
join Town next week. Royle said: "Our chairman is completing the
paperwork, but the player has agreed to sign for us and Portsmouth are also
happy to go ahead. David will be available for our match at Sheffield
United on Saturday week."
Walsall
player-manager Paul Merson was considering his future after their 5-0 defeat
against Colchester United. Merson said: "I feel sorry for the fans because
they travelled for several hours to come to the game and they let their
frustrations out on me. I went over to take corners and supporters were
saying 'why don't you get lost?' I don't want to finish my career like that.
My aim is to carry on playing but I have to consider my position as boss."
But after a meeting between Merson and the club's chairman Jeff Bonser at the
Bescot Stadium on Wednesday morning, Merson has decided to stay.
Darius Vassell is hoping
to be back in action within four weeks. Vassell had an ankle operation
last Friday after being out for three months. Boss David O’Leary was
worried Vassell could be out for the season — but he has been assured by doctors
that he will be able to make a quick return.
Tuesday, 25 January 2005 - Carling Cup
Semi-final second leg: Steven
Gerrard scored the only goal as Liverpool beat Watford to seal their place
in the final.
League One: Paul Merson's Walsall are thrashed 5-0 by Colchester United.
Nigel
Martyn has signed a one-year extension to his Everton contract to keep him at
Goodison Park until the summer of 2006. The 38-year-old goalkeeper's deal
had been due to expire at the end of the season but he was offered a new one
after impressing in this campaign. He has edged out initial first-choice
keeper Richard Wright since arriving in September 2003.
Jonathan
Woodgate's agent has denied claims that the defender's career is in doubt after
his latest injury setback. He has not played since a £13.4m move to Real
Madrid last summer, and it has been revealed he has a ruptured tendon as well as
a thigh muscle injury. But his agent Simon Bayliff said: "He is on his way
back. When you are out for that amount of time stories grow but he is
confident he will be fit and playing again soon, hopefully by the end of
February."
Steve McMahon has signed a one-year deal to coach Perth
Glory in Australia’s inaugural A-League. The former England and Liverpool
midfielder, 43, quit as Blackpool boss last summer after also having managed
Swindon Town. He said: “I see a move to Australia as a tremendous challenge for
me. Australia is highly regarded around the world in so many different sports,
and I have no doubt that this can also be achieved in football. The
potential is limitless and I’m confident I can play a role in this.”
Keith Curle is taking Mansfield Town to the High Court for ‘wrongful
dismissal’. He was sacked last month for alleged bullying of a trainee.
Saturday, 22 January 2005 -
Premiership: Paul Scholes scores for Manchester United after
Gareth Barry had
equalised for Aston Villa. United won 3-1. Bryan Robson's West
Bromwich Albion gets his first league win, beating
Kevin Keegan's Manchester City 2-0.
An Andrew Cole penalty helps Fulham beat Birmingham City. Steve McClaren's
Middlesbrough draw 4-4 with Norwich City.
Championship: Steve Coppell's Reading score late to draw with Joe Royle's
Ipswich Town. Glenn
Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderer's beat Dennis Wise's Millwall again, despite
a Wise penalty.
League One: Colin Todd's Bradford City draw with Torquay United. Roy
McFarland's Chesterfield lose to Wrexham. Peter Taylor's Hull City lose to
Doncaster Rovers. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic beat Peterborough United.
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers beat Paul Merson's Walsall. League Two:
Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town draw with Southend United.
SPL: A goal from Chris Sutton helps Celtic beat Terry Butcher's Motherwell 2-0.
Friday, 21 January 2005 - Arsenal and
England defender Sol Campbell has put pen to paper on a new contract at
Highbury. His existing deal was due to expire in the summer, but has
signed up for at least another two years.
Thursday, 20 January 2005 - Aston
Villa's Darius Vassell could
miss the rest of the season after learning he needs a second ankle operation.
The England striker broke his ankle in the middle of October and made what
proved to be an abortive comeback for Villa's reserves last week. But the
problem failed to respond and he will undergo a second round of surgery on
Friday. Villa boss David O'Leary said: "Darius will have a clean-up
operation and that will be the end of him for a while."
Newcastle
United's Nicky Butt has broken down in training with a recurrence of the
hamstring injury which has kept him out for the last 11 games. The England
midfielder, who turns 30 on Friday, could be sidelined for months if he requires
surgery. "It is a massive blow to us and Nicky," said Newcastle manager
Graeme Souness. "He is naturally very disappointed to have been hit with
the same problem just as he was on the verge of returning to the side."
Butt will see a specialist next week to assess the extent of the damage.
England
coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson may play
Shaun-Wright Phillips on
the left flank against Netherlands next month - meaning David Beckham's place is
safe. Wright-Phillips was expected to replace Beckham on the right-hand side of
midfield in the friendly at Villa Park. But Eriksson said: "It's not his
best position but I'm sure Shaun could also play on the left. Even if, for
Shaun, it's better to be on the right. The fact is David is our captain
and he will go on being our captain."
Wednesday, 19 January 2005 - FA Cup 3rd Round
replays: Manchester United avoided an FA Cup upset by edging past Exeter City. Wayne Rooney
scored in the 2-0 win. David
Thompson scored twice as Blackburn Rovers beat Cardiff City 3-2.
Real Madrid were knocked out of the Spanish Cup on the away goals rule
after they could only draw 1-1 with Real Valladolid at the Bernebeu.
England striker Michael Owen put the home side ahead when he rifled home in the
66th minute of the second leg.
England coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson says he is likely
to hand Middlesbrough's Stewart
Downing a first senior cap in the friendly with Netherlands in February.
The 20-year-old has been in outstanding form this season and has been touted as
the long-term solution to England's problem on the left side of midfield.
"He's very interesting and he's doing very well and playing better and better.
He will probably be picked but if he starts or not I don't know that yet."
Eriksson has also hinted at the prospect of having Downing on the left and
Manchester City star
Shaun-Wright Phillips on
the right in the Villa Park game. But the Swede is likely to start with an
experienced line-up against the Dutch as England step up their preparations for
World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan in March. "I
think Shaun will be picked - he deserves to be picked because he's playing
better and better and is very consistent, always playing good games. I
don't know who's going to start. First I will pick the squad, 22 players or
maybe 23, and I will see if they are tired or not. But for sure I will try
to start with the best team because it's the only chance we have to play
together before the qualification games in March."
Manchester City
boss Kevin Keegan is close to signing a
defender on loan to cover for the departing Ben Thatcher, but says it will not
be Michael Ball.
England and Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole has been named in Uefa's select
team for 2004, voted for by users of Uefa's website.
Uefa select team 2004:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy), Cafu (AC Milan and Brazil), Ricardo
Carvalho (Chelsea and Portugal), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan and Italy),
Ashley Cole (Arsenal and England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United and
Portugal), Maniche (Porto and Portugal), Ronaldinho (Barcelona and Brazil),
Pavel Nedved (Juventus and Czech Republic), Thierry Henry (Arsenal and France),
Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan and Ukraine). Coach: José Mourinho
(Chelsea).
Tuesday, 18 January 2005 - England duo David
Beckham and Steven Gerrard have been invited to play in the international
benefit match for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. The 'Football
for Hope' match will be played at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium on 15 February at
2000 GMT.
Hull City boss
Peter Taylor says the Football
Association wants him to run England Under-21s on a full-time basis.
Taylor, 52, agreed a contract extension last month with the Tigers, who are
currently second in League One. He wants to continue part-time with the
U21s, but says FA director of football development Trevor Brooking is looking
for him to make a bigger commitment. "Trevor would like me there
full-time. He thinks I'm decent at U21 level. I think he'd like to keep me
doing that job. It's up to him to talk to the international committee to
see if they are happy. They need to have a meeting but I'm hoping they will sort
things out."
Aston Villa have
been found guilty and reprimanded by the FA Premier League over a charge of
making an illegal approach for striker
James Beattie. But the
club will not be fined after boss David O'Leary said "there is a player there
who wants to join us" following a match with Southampton. Villa were
beaten by Everton in the race to sign Beattie in January. "We're
disappointed with the guilty verdict, but we had a fair hearing," said Villa
spokesman Phil Mepham. Villa were handed the punishment following a
hearing that lasted almost six hours at the Premier League's headquarters.
Middlesbrough
defender Ugo Ehiogu will be out for "some time" after sustaining knee ligament
damage during their 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday. Ehiogu, starting only
his third league game this season, limped off 17 minutes into the first half
after an accidental clash with Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer. The
former England centre-back had just returned from a niggling calf problem.
Ehiogu's injury leaves captain Gareth Southgate and Colin Cooper as Boro's only
experienced fit centre-backs.
England captain
David Beckham said he will return to Manchester United if he ever leaves Real
Madrid. Beckham left United in July 2003 after falling out with Sir Alex
Ferguson and has been linked with a return to London if he decided to move back
to England. "If I ever leave I would go back to United and work with Sir
Alex again, definitely. Manchester United were the club that I grew up
with and felt that I would always be there my whole career." However, Beckham
insisted he was happy at Real, and said he still had plenty to prove in Spain.
Southampton striker Kevin Phillips faces three weeks on the sidelines
after damaging ankle ligaments. Phillips, 31, missed the closing stages of
Saints' defeat to Newcastle after being hurt while blocking a free-kick.
The striker will miss Saturday's game with Liverpool and faces a race to be fit
for the FA Cup tie with south coast rivals Portsmouth on 29 January.
West Ham United boss Alan Pardew has denied suggestions of a rift between
himself and striker Teddy Sheringham. "The team spirit here has always
been strong" Pardew told the club's website. "There has been no incident
or moment when Teddy and I have crossed swords in any way." He added: "He's been
nothing but a strength for me in terms of the way he has played and his presence
around the training ground."
Monday, 17 January 2005 - FA Cup 3rd round:
Steve Coppell's Reading need extra time to defeat Swansea City, they will play
Leicester City or Blackpool.
Manchester United
striker Wayne Rooney will not
face a Football Association charge for his goal celebration after scoring
against Liverpool on Saturday. The former Everton player ran to the Kop
and cupped his ears in a defiant gesture to the home fans. But Rooney -
who had a mobile phone thrown in his direction - will also escape a police
investigation. Inspector George Dawson said: "It looks like Rooney hasn't
committed a criminal offence so he won't be investigated."
Birmingham City
expect midfielder David Dunn to
return to training this week after another injury lay-off. Dunn has
undergone more injections in a bid to try to cure a back and hamstring-related
problem. "We are hoping he will be available in two or three weeks again,"
said City manager Steve Bruce.
Sunday, 16 January 2005 - Premiership: Bryan
Robson's West Bromwich Albion are beaten in the last-minute by Fulham.
Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough are held by Everton.
SPL: Chris Sutton score's Celtic's only goal in their win over Aberdeen to take
them back to the top of the league.
La Liga: Michael Owen came off the bench to net his seventh goal of the
season last night in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Zaragoza. The England striker
pounced in the 85th-minute with a clever finish after being set up by a David
Beckham header. Beckham said: "It's not like me to win a header but it's
great for Michael to come on and score."
Football Association chiefs will await police reports before deciding
whether to take action after Wayne
Rooney had a mobile phone hurled at him. The phone was thrown as he
celebrated his goal in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Liverpool in front of
the Kop. Police are investigating the incident and the FA did not comment
today. Liverpool fans were furious with the way former Everton hitman
Rooney celebrated his goal, cupping his ears in a defiant gesture. One
spectator was arrested but yesterday a Merseyside Police spokesman said it had
not been confirmed that it was the same person who threw the mobile phone.
Saturday, 15 January 2005 - Premiership:
Frank Lampard scores twice as Premiership leaders Chelsea win 2-0 at Tottenham
Hotspur. Wayne Rooney
scores the winner as Manchester United beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, Wes Brown
was sent-off. Alan Shearer scores the 400th goal of his career as
Newcastle United win against Southampton.
Shaun-Wright Phillips (2)
and Robbie Fowler got the goals as Kevin
Keegan's Manchester City secured a hard-earned win over Crystal Palace.
Danny Murphy was on the
scoresheet for Charlton Athletic as they beat Birmingham City. Lee Hendrie
scored for Aston Villa as they beat Norwich City.
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town remain top following victory over
Coventry City. Steve Coppell's Reading manage to stay 4th despite a
goalless draw with Burnley. Dennis Wise's Millwall climb to 6th following
a win over Nottingham Forest. Glenn
Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers dent West Ham United's hopes with a 4-2
victory. Paul Ince grabbing Wolves' 3rd goal.
League One: Promotion-chasing Hull City are unable to extend their eight-match
winning league against Peterborough, a 2-2 draw ensures
Peter Taylor's side drop to 2nd, Nick
Barmby equalised for City. Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers are 3rd
following a 5-1 thrashing of Wrexham. Colin Todd's Bradford City drop to
9th after a scoreless draw with Bristol City. Paul Merson's Walsall
overcome Roy McFarland's Chesterfield with a 3-0 win. Brian Talbot's
Oldham Athletic lose to Doncaster Rovers. League Two: Carlton Palmer's
Mansfield Town draw 1-1 with Rochdale.
SPL: Terry Butcher's Motherwell lose to Kilmarnock.
Friday, 14 January 2005 - Liverpool
midfielder Steven Gerrard has been named Barclay's Player of the Month for
December. The midfield dynamo recovered from a broken metatarsal to
inspire Liverpool to fifth place in the Premiership. During the month
24-year-old Gerrard doubled his goal tally for the season and sparked Liverpool
to three successive wins.
Aston Villa striker
Darius Vassell made a successful
comeback from injury in a reserve match on Thursday. Vassell came on for
the final half hour and scored in the 4-4 draw against Manchester United
reserves. The England striker, who has missed Villa's last 14 games after
breaking his ankle against Fulham in October, scored with a close-range volley.
New Liverpool signing Fernando Morientes has revealed it was the arrival
of Michael Owen at Real Madrid that made him decide to leave Spain. Owen
joined Madrid for £8m in August, a move which left Morientes, 28, fourth choice
at the Bernabeu behind the England striker, Raul and Ronaldo.
England have charged to
the top of the TV ratings table - as fans helped Sven's men to the top of the
TV ratings figures for 2004.
The Euro 2004 opener against France
attracted a whopping 17.8 million viewers, but 11 days later that huge figure
was beaten as football mania swept the country for the quarter-final clash
against Portugal. Almost 21 million people tuned in to
watch the agony of England's penalty
shoot-out defeat, following the thrilling 2-2 draw after extra-time.
Thursday, 13 January 2005 - Fifa and Uefa
have announced details of an international benefit match for the victims of the
Asian tsunami disaster. The 'Football for Hope' match will be played at
Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium on 15 February at 2000 GMT. A host of stars
will make up the teams, to be led by world player of the year Ronaldinho and
European footballer of the year Andriy Shevchenko. One side will be
coached by Carlos Parreira and Frank Rijkaard, the other by Marcello Lippi and
Arsene Wenger. Full line-ups for the teams will be announced at a later
date.
The Netherlands will wear a special anti-racism kit for the friendly
against England on 9 February.
Marco van Basten's side will wear a shirt with black and white halves plus black
shorts and white socks for the Villa Park contest. The gesture was made by
the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to support Thierry Henry's anti-racism
initiative called Stand Up Speak Up.
Tuesday, 11 January 2005 - Carling (League)
Cup: Steven Gerrard scores to hand Liverpool a Carling Cup semi-final first leg
lead over Watford. League Two: Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town earn a
scoreless draw against Cambridge United.
Fifa is set to
announce details of a proposed international benefit match for the victims of
the Asian tsunami disaster later on Tuesday. The game, possibly in London
on 16 February, could be between a team chosen by Fifa chief executive Sepp
Blatter and a 'Rest of the World' XI. England coach
Sven-Göran Eriksson has indicated he
would be willing to coach one of the teams. Eriksson said: "If they want
me to do that, I'm more than happy to do it."
Birmingham City's Darren Anderton has signed a contract extension keeping
him at the club until the end of next season. The former Tottenham Hotspur
player, 32, was on a pay-as-you-play deal until the end of the season but will
now stay for next term, provided Birmingham stay up. He has scored three
goals in 16 appearances for Birmingham City, including a late winner at
Liverpool. Anderton won 30 England caps in a career blighted by injury but
Blues now feel he has proved his fitness.
Monday, 10 January 2005 - League One: Brian
Little's Tranmere Rovers are beaten by Bristol City.
Sven-Göran Eriksson has repeated his
appeal to the Football Association to give his squad enough preparation time
before the 2006 World Cup finals. The Swede, who has completed four years
in charge of England, wants a four-week break before the competition begins.
"It was one of the reasons why we only had a quarter-final in Portugal in Euro
2004 and Japan in the 2002 World Cup. Three weeks was too little. That's
why I'm fighting for more." Despite his hopes, Eriksson may find that the
FA Cup final disrupts his plans if two leading clubs are involved.
FA Cup fourth round is drawn today. Should Steve Perryman's Exeter
City overcome Manchester United, they will play against Steve McClaren's
Middlesbrough. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic face Bolton Wanderers.
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers must travel to Arsenal. Steve
Coppell's Reading will face Leicester City or Blackpool, providing they beat
Swansea City in their replay next week. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich
Albion face fellow Premiership rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Veteran striker Les Ferdinand insists he will retire after his six-month
deal with Reading expires in the summer. The 38-year-old former England
star moved to the Madejski Stadium last week after being released by Bolton
Wanderers. "I will call it a day at the end of the season. I said that
last season, but I mean it this time, Reading are well-placed for promotion and
I'd like to help them get there. It would be a nice way to end my career."
Aston Villa's problems have increased after it emerged midfielder
Gavin McCann will be out for six weeks due to a
knee injury. The former Sunderland and England player, who has a history
of knee trouble, picked up the cartilage injury in Saturday's FA Cup defeat at
Sheffield United. "Losing Gavin is a big blow, because he has been such a
key player since he came here," said manager David O'Leary. "He's the kind
of player who'd play on one leg if it was possible."
Sunday, 9 January 2005 - Newcastle United
survive a scare in their 3rd round FA Cup tie with non-league Yeading.
Lee Bowyer opened the scoring in
their 2-0 win. Chris Sutton set Celtic on the way against Rangers in the
3rd round of the Scottish Cup. Celtic won 2-1.
Saturday, 8 January 2005 - The magic of the
FA Cup continues as the big clubs join, and the big clubs fall. The third
round of the competition throws together 58 of the 64 clubs today. Steve
Perryman's (Director of Football) Exeter City hold Manchester United at Old Trafford. Brian
Talbot's Oldham Athletic beat Kevin Keegan's
Manchester City 1-0. A Gareth Barry goal cannot prevent Aston Villa being
beaten by Sheffield United.
Peter Taylor's Hull City are beaten
2-0 by Colchester United. Bryan Robson gets his first win with West
Bromwich Albion after they beat Preston North End 2-0.
Glenn Hoddle too, gets his first win
with Wolverhampton Wanderers, they beat Dennis Wise's Millwall 2-0. Joe
Royle's Ipswich Town are beaten at home by Bolton Wanderers 3-1. Steve
McClaren's Middlesbrough came from behind to beat Notts County 2-1. Mick
Harford's Nottingham Forest beat Queens Park Rangers 3-0. Steve Coppell's
Reading drew with Swansea City. Emile Heskey scores Birmingham City's
opener as City beat Leeds United 3-0.
Danny Murphy scores Charlton
Athletics 4th against Rochdale, it ended 4-1. Kevin Phillips and Jamie
Redknapp score for Southampton as they beat Northampton Town 3-1, and
Ledley King scored Tottenham
Hotspur's opener as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1.
Terry Butcher's Motherwell fall to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup 3rd
round.
Friday, 7 January 2005 -
Dennis Wise fears his mystery back
injury could end his career. The Millwall player-boss is out of tomorrow’s
FA Cup clash against Wolves with the problem, which leaves him with no feeling
in his legs. Wise, who led the Lions to the final last year, could not get
up off the ground against Rotherham on Monday. The former Chelsea star,
38, said: “It’s a strange feeling. My legs just go numb and then, when the
feeling comes back, all tingly. We have to find out what the problem is. I
don’t know if it is career-threatening but I’m old in football terms. At my age
my health is the most-important thing. I won’t play against Wolves and I
should get some test results back on Monday.”
Thursday, 6 January 2005 - Coventry City have
parted company with manager Peter Reid by mutual consent after only eight
months. The Sky Blues have won only 10 out of 31 games under former
Manchester City, Sunderland and Leeds boss Reid, who took over at the end of
last season.
Reading have completed the signing of 38-year-old former England
international Les Ferdinand. The striker has signed until the end of the
season and will be eligible for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Swansea.
Reading boss Steve Coppell said Ferdinand, who left Bolton by mutual consent on
2 January, would boost his team's promotion bid. Ferdinand snubbed
Southampton to join Reading.
Hull City manager
Peter Taylor has been named League One
manager of the month for December. Taylor steered his side to five wins on
the trot during the month, beating Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester United,
Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers. That run was enough to
see his side replace long-time leaders Luton Town at the top of the table.
City have now won nine games in succession in all competitions since losing to
Swindon Town in November.
Wednesday, 5 January 2005 - Premiership:
Jamie Redknapp debuts for Southampton and earns a caution in a thrilling 3-3
draw with Fulham. Kevin Phillips scoring two for Southampton.
La Liga: David
Beckham played the 6 minutes and 40 seconds of Real Madrid's conclusion of a
match against Real Sociedad which was abandoned last month. Madrid scored
and won the match 2-1 to go 3rd.
Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan
has admitted they could be tempted to sell star winger Shaun
Wright-Phillips. Keegan is keen for Wright-Phillips, who has been
linked with a move to Arsenal, to stay for the remaining 18 months he is in
charge of the club. But the City boss said: "Every club wants Shaun, we
know that. It may be that an offer comes in that's so big we can't turn it down.
But I'd fight it all the way. I hope he stays to help build something here."
Everton's £6m new boy
James Beattie has set his sights
on an England recall. Beattie admitted he was upset at receiving no
explanation from England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for his exclusion from the
Euro 2004 squad. He said: "England is still very much in my thoughts. It's
been a disappointment that I seem to have drifted away from that scene in recent
times. But what disappointed me the most was that there was no explanation
for being left out of the Euro 2004 squad." Beattie revealed as he was
paraded after his move from Southampton: "That really set me back and
disappointed me a lot. It would only have taken a couple of minutes to give me a
ring and be told why. To be told what I had done and what it needed for me
to get back into the squad, being out of the squad was bad enough but that was
really bad for me. But I am sure that if I get into the team here and
score goals then I will be back in Mr Eriksson's thoughts again."
Liverpool's
injury problems have grown after reports that goalkeeper
Chris Kirkland faces a back
operation that could sideline him for three months. Kirkland, 23, who
recently lost his first-team place, will undergo keyhole surgery on Friday.
He is unlikely to return before the end of March.
The nightmare of Jonathan Woodgate
at Real Madrid plumbed new depths last night when the England defender was told
he is unlikely to play all season amid fears that his career is in doubt.
Woodgate had been hoping to get the all-clear to make his belated debut
following his £14.9million move to Spain later this month. But when Woodgate
went for an MRI scan on the thigh injury that has plagued him all season he was
told that the soft tissue following surgery has not healed. The 24-year-old now
has been ordered not to return to training until March at the earliest,
effectively ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.
Ledley King
has been given a major boost after being handed the Tottenham captaincy.
The England defender will become the club’s official skipper following Jamie
Redknapp’s switch to Southampton. King, 24, had been wearing the captain’s
armband during Redknapp’s spell on the substitutes’ bench. But White Hart Lane
boss Martin Jol has been so impressed by King’s leadership qualities that he has
given him the job full-time. King’s consistency has played a major part in
Tottenham’s impressive recent form.
Tuesday, 4 January 2005 - Premiership:
Arsenal slipped further behind Chelsea in the Premiership race after coming from
behind at home to Kevin Keegan's
Manchester City. They were made to pay for a lacklustre opening when Shaun
Wright-Phillips scored with a stunning strike from 25 yards in the first
half. Chelsea had beaten Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough.
Matthew Upson was on the
scoresheet for Birmingham City, but still lost to Bolton Wanderers.
Championship: Two goals from Wigan Athletic is enough to beat
Glenn Hoddle's Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wigan climb to 2nd place.
Everton have
completed the £6m signing of Southampton striker
James Beattie. The
26-year-old, who rejected a move to Aston Villa, the Toffees' record signing
after a four-and-a-half-year deal and passing a medical. Beattie is set to
make his debut at Plymouth Argyle in Saturday's FA Cup third- round tie. The
England international scored 76 goals in 233 appearances for Saints after
joining in 1998 from Blackburn Rovers, who will get a percentage of the fee.
Jamie Redknapp has
signed a six-month contract with Southampton after Tottenham allowed the
midfielder to leave on a free transfer. The 31-year-old passed a medical
on Monday and will now link up with father Harry at St Mary's. "I am so
excited about this - it's a great club to come to and a big challenge for me.
The fact that I am helping my Dad out comes into it a little bit but the main
thing for me is to be playing again."
Monday, 3 January 2005 - Southampton striker
James Beattie is expected to
complete his £6m transfer to Everton on Tuesday. Beattie could not
complete his medical on Monday but when he does, the 26-year-old will sign a
four-and-a-half year contract. Boss David Moyes said: "We are a long way
down the road with the medical. But I am sure everyone can understand that
because of the size of such medicals we have to make sure absolutely everything
is okay." Moyes also revealed that he tried to sign Beattie in August, but
could not afford him. "We made an offer on deadline day at the beginning
of the season after we lost Wayne
Rooney, but Southampton's price was much higher than it is now and frankly
they did not want to sell then." Beattie, who will become Everton's record
signing, will be paraded before the club's supporters ahead of the home game
against Portsmouth on Tuesday.
Premiership Football: Andy Johnson did his chances of selection for
the England side next month no harm by scoring a brace for Crystal Palace
against Aston Villa and record a rare Palace win. Bryan Robson's West
Bromwich Albion are still bottom following their 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
Championship: Joe Royle's Ipswich Town go 5 points clear at the top after beating Plymouth Argyle.
Steve Coppell's Reading lost to Derby County, remaining 4th. Peter
Reid's Coventry City lose to Leeds United. Dennis Wise's Millwall are
beaten by bottom club Rotherham United.
League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City beat
Stockport County to record their eighth successive win and go top of League One.
Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers claimed a ninth home victory thanks to an
impressive second-half display against Torquay, winning 4-1, and remaining 3rd.
7th placed Colin Todd's Bradford City lose to Swindon Town. Roy
McFarland's Chesterfield draw with Barnsley. Brian Talbot's Oldham
Athletic draw at Colchester United. Paul Merson's Walsall lose at
Brentford. League Two: A goal from Carlton Palmer's Mansfield Town
secures a shock win at Field Mill over Scunthorpe United.
Sunday, 2
January 2005 - Southampton striker
James Beattie has opted to join
Everton rather than Aston Villa and is now set to complete a £6.5m transfer to
Goodison Park. The Saints had accepted bids from both Everton and Villa,
but Beattie has chosen to join fourth-placed Everton as they chase a place in
Europe. The transfer represents a coup for manager David Moyes as he looks
to strengthen his squad. The England international striker, 26, is due to
undergo a medical on Monday.
Former England striker Les Ferdinand has left Bolton
Wanderers by mutual consent. The 38-year-old made use of a clause in his
contract that allowed him to leave Wanderers if he could not agree an extension
on his initial deal. Ferdinand started just one game for the club since
joining in July but also made 11 substitute appearances. Bolton boss Sam
Allardyce said: "Les has had limited opportunities at first-team level and we
agreed he could leave the club for a fresh start." London-based Ferdinand
had been commuting to Bolton from the capital by helicopter. Allardyce
added: "He is keen to move closer to home and I am sure that is what he will do
now. I would like to thank him for his service to Bolton Wanderers."
Ferdinand has been linked with a return to his first professional club, Queen's
Park Rangers.
Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne is in hospital
suffering from pneumonia - but his agent has denied that he is seriously ill.
The 37-year-old went to a London hospital on New Year's Eve, where he is
expected to stay for several days. A newspaper report suggested that he
was "gravely ill" and was also being treated for a possible collapsed lung.
But his agent Alex Armitage has said this is not the case. Armitage was earlier
quoted by the News of the World as saying: "Paul began feeling very unwell two
or three days ago. They're testing for other problems. He's serious. It's a
possibility he's got 101 thing wrongs with him."
Saturday, 1
January 2005 - Premiership football:
Joe Cole's late winner gives
Premiership leaders Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Liverpool. A superb
first-half display by Shaun
Wright-Phillips helped Kevin Keegan's
Manchester City triumph against a battling Southampton side.
Wright-Phillips earned the corner that led to City going ahead, and then the
England winger scored his side's second goal himself with a thumping 30-yard
shot. Southampton improved after the break and pulled a goal back from the
penalty spot late on through Kevin Phillips. Bryan Robson's West Bromwich
Albion remain bottom of the Premiership following their 1-1 draw with Bolton
Wanderers. Elsewhere - Emile Heskey scores Birmingham City's only goal at
Newcastle United, but still lost 2-1, who had
Lee Bowyer on the scoresheet.
Andrew Cole scored twice to help Fulham ease to victory against Crystal Palace.
Championship football: Joe Royle and his Ipswich Town side lose their
unbeaten home run following defeat to West Ham United. Town lost 2-0, and
stay 2 points ahead at the top. Steve Coppell's Reading drew with
Gillingham 0-0 to remain 4th. Peter Reid's Coventry City came from behind
to defeat relegation-threatened Rotherham United. Dennis Wise's Millwall
lost at Watford. Wolverhampton Wanderers boss
Glenn Hoddle was condemned to yet
another 1-1 draw as Plymouth Argyle scored early in the second half to earn a
point for the visitors. Hoddle, without a victory since taking
charge, has been frustrated by five consecutive 1-1 draws. Strugglers
Nottingham Forest secured their first win under acting boss Mick Harford with
victory over Stoke City. League One:
Peter Taylor's Hull City come from
behind to beat local rivals Huddersfield Town and record their seventh win in a
row, they are 2nd on goal difference. Brian Talbot's Oldham Athletic
rescues a point as they earn a draw against Brian Little's Tranmere Rovers, who
are 3rd. Colin Todd's Bradford City are 5th following victory over Port
Vale. Roy McFarland's Chesterfield came from behind to rescue a point
against Milton Keynes Dons. Paul Merson's Walsall dominated against
Doncaster but had to settle for a point. League Two: Carlton
Palmer's Mansfield Town lose at Northampton Town.
___________________
CG
England Football Online