|
Tuesday, 31st
October
|
|
Sven-Göran Eriksson is
unhappy with a newspaper report saying he had targeted Newcastle United for his
return to management. His agent
Athole Still said the suggestion was "malicious" in light of the fact Glenn
Roeder was in charge at St James' Park. "I've spoken to Sven and he's not
happy at the article saying he has targeted Newcastle. To say he has
targeted the job of another coach is absolutely unacceptable and is malicious.
To suggest he is looking at a club where there is another professional coach in
situ, it is absolute rubbish to say that. He would never do that." |
|
Monday, 30th
October
|
|
John Hollins has parted company with Crawley
Town. Hollins' had been in charge of the Nationwide Conference side for
less than a year. |
|
Saturday, 28th
October
|
|
Premiership The slum
that once accompanied Wayne Rooney is well and truly over, after his hat-trick
secured a Manchester United victory over Bolton Wanderers, United winning 4-0.
Peter Crouch scored Liverpool's second goal of three, against Aston Villa's
single reply. Frank Lampard scored Chelsea's first of two goals against
Sheffield United. |
|
Friday, 27th
October
|
|
Chris Kirkland has
signed a permanent deal with Wigan Athletic from Liverpool until 2009.
Kirkland, 25, initially joined the Latics on a six-month loan deal in the summer
and has been ever-present for the Premiership outfit this season. Wigan
Athletic boss Paul Jewell said: "It was always our intention to make the deal
permanent. It's great news that we've got it all sorted so quickly." |
|
Steve McClaren is
holding meetings with his England squad to canvas their opinions on what went
wrong in their Euro 2008 qualifiers. McClaren held informal talks with his
northern-based players before organising another meeting in London. The
players are understood to have been enthusiastic about the chance to have their
say about the dismal 2-0 defeat to Croatia and the draw with Macedonia.
McClaren aims to clear the air before the Netherlands friendly on 15 November.
McClaren hopes to shake off the hangover from his first
defeat by meeting his players in a series of feedback meetings. McClaren
has been on the road with assistant manager Terry Venables, psychologist Bill
Beswick and goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence. As well as boosting morale,
the discussions gave the squad a chance to voice their opinions on pre-match
preparation, tactics and formation. McClaren also hopes the series of
feedback meetings will help refocus England's Euro 2008 campaign, which swings
back into action against Israel on 24 March. The players were understood
to have welcomed the chance to meet the management team and McClaren plans to
keep in touch with the squad on a regular basis before they officially meet
again before the Amsterdam friendly next month. He already seen many of
his squad in action since the Croatia defeat and postponed a research trip to
the US, where he planned to study Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren's
training techniques. England remain top of their Group E Euro 2008
qualifying group but have the same number of points as Macedonia and Croatia and
Israel, who also have a game in hand. |
|
Thursday, 26th
October
|
|
Sven-Göran Eriksson's
agent has denied the Swede is being lined up as the next West Ham United boss
after he met two men who are seen as key to a possible buy-out. Eriksson
dined with Eli Papoushado, who wants to finance Kia Joorabchian's bid, and agent
Pini Zahavi in Israel. But Eriksson's agent Athole Still said: "It was an
absolutely private dinner and was not in any way connected with West Ham
Football Club." |
|
David Beckham made his
first start in eight games during Wednesday's 1-1 Spanish Cup draw with lowly
Ecija. Beckham, 31, got his
chance as Real coach Fabio Capello left several big names at home, fielding his
second string against the third division side. Beckham provided the
free-kick which led to Antonio Cassano's opener for Real but Nolito equalised
late on.
|
|
Wednesday,
25th October
|
|
Carling Cup Joe Cole
celebrated his return to the Chelsea starting line-up by scoring the opening
goal, Chelsea beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0. Robbie Fowler and Peter Crouch
were both on Liverpool's scoresheet as they beat Reading 4-3. Jermain
Defoe scored twice in Tottenham Hotspur's 5-0 victory over Milton Keynes Dons. |
|
The Football Association
has been charged by Uefa with improper behaviour over incidents involving
England fans at the recent game against Croatia.
The Croatian Federation also faces the same charge
after police used batons on travelling fans in Zagreb. Uefa will deal with
the matter at a meeting on 9 November. But FA spokesman Adrian Bevington
said: "We will contest this as strongly as we can possibly do so."
If found guilty, the FA could be face anything from a fine to
being forced to play matches behind closed doors. The FA has already
expressed its unhappiness at the treatment of England fans by Croatian police
and how the entry of fans with official tickets into the Maksimir Stadium was
managed. Prior to the game, England fans without tickets were able to
break through a security cordon, sparking concern among security guards.
The closure of turnstiles for two five-minute periods then caused panic.
Supporters with tickets squeezed towards the gates and police reacted by
brandishing batons. Reports said some England fans suffered head injuries.
The FA was disappointed by the security cordon which allowed fans without
tickets to get to the turnstiles, neutralising their efforts to police
supporters who follow the team. It made its concerns known to a Uefa
delegate before and after the match, but Uefa is pressing ahead with the charge
against both associations. A Uefa spokesman said: "The charge is improper
behaviour. The next meeting of the control and disciplinary body is on 9
November." |
|
Tuesday, 24th
October
|
|
Carling Cup Dennis Wise
won't be managing his new side in the fourth round after Leeds United were
knocked out by Southend United. Another Gareth Barry penalty saves Aston
Villa's blushes, although they did need extra time to dispense of Leicester
City, Villa won 3-2. Nick Barmby scored a consolation goal for Peter
Taylor's Hull City, but they still went down 2-1 to Watford. |
|
Dennis Wise has taken over the managerial
hot-seat at Leeds United, the Elland
Road club have confirmed. A statement on the Leeds United website said: "A
compensation package has been agreed between the two clubs. Swindon Town
have placed on record their thanks to Leeds United for the professional manner
they have made their approaches."
Wise will officially take up his post on tomorrow. |
|
Eddie Gray, the former
Leeds United boss has urged the club's fans to back new manager Dennis Wise,
rather than berating him before his arrival. Swindon Town boss Wise was in
talks about the vacancy at Leeds and is set to attend the Carling Cup tie with
Southend United tonight. "The fans want a bit of success - regardless of
who it is. I think they will just be happy to see the team start winning again." |
|
Fabio Capello has
defended his selection policy after David Beckham spoke of his frustration at
not being a first-team regular. Beckham recently said he felt "sad and
frustrated" to be confined to the bench and only made a brief appearance as a
substitute against Barcelona on Sunday. "Each player has to respect my job
because I take decisions based on what is best for the team. You have to
show respect for the club, coach and team-mates." |
|
Monday, 23rd
October
|
|
Swindon Town have given
boss Dennis Wise permission to talk to Championship strugglers Leeds United
about their managerial vacancy. Leeds United have been without a boss
since sacking Kevin Blackwell in September. A clause in the contracts of
Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet allow them to speak to Premiership or
Championship clubs that express an interest. It states that if they move,
Swindon Town will receive the value of one year's salary of both of them in
compensation.
Ex-England midfielder Wise took charge at the County Ground in May
following their relegation to League Two and they won their first six league
games under him. |
|
Paul Ince is set to be
unveiled as the new player-manager of Macclesfield Town
on an initial 14-month contract.
Macclesfield are without a win this season and are currently seven points adrift
at the bottom of League Two. "It's a huge challenge because of the
situation the club's in, but I wouldn't have taken it on if I didn't think we
could get out of it. I wouldn't say it's a gamble - it's a challenge and I
never shirked a challenge as a footballer. It was a gamble to leave
Manchester United for Inter Milan, so you do take chances, but that's the way I
am. I'm excited about it. It's important that you learn what it's like in
the lower leagues and that's what I intend to do. You're putting yourself
up there to be shot at and that's what I like about it. Football's given
me a great life and I'd hate to walk away and not try being a manager and now
I've got the chance." |
|
Sports minister Richard Caborn
wants the FA to examine an incident in which Jermain Defoe appeared to bite
Javier Mascherano. Tottenham Hotspur striker Defoe seemed to bite the
Argentine's arm after he was fouled by the West Ham midfielder on Sunday.
Caborn said: "Any action like this I hope the authorities will decide on.
Players in these positions have a responsibility to set a good example."
But the FA may not take further action because Defoe was booked at the time. |
|
Sunday, 22nd
October
|
|
Premiership Paul
Scholes made his 500th appearance in a Manchester United shirt against
Liverpool, scoring one, Rio Ferdinand added a second in the 2-0 victory.
Robert Green makes his debut for West Ham United in the clash against Tottenham
Hotspur. |
|
David Beckham has revealed his frustration
at being left on the bench by Real Madrid.
After being left out of the England, Beckham has
found his playing time limited this season under Real coach Fabio Capello.
The 31-year-old midfielder said: "I feel sad and frustrated as a footballer
because I'm not playing for my country or club. Two more years on the
bench would be very difficult for me."
Despite his lack of action, Beckham is in discussions with
Real over a new two-year contract. |
|
Birmingham City
chairman David Gold says the club may struggle to hold on to Matthew Upson in
the January transfer window. Upson, 27, was linked with a move to
Liverpool before he ruptured an Achilles tendon in April. The defender is
set to return in November and Gold said: "If he plays well, clubs will show an
interest and it will be difficult to hold on to him. But it depends who
comes in for him. If it's someone like Liverpool, it's tough to tell the player
he can't go. That is what we found when Jermaine Pennant left Birmingham
for Liverpool. But if it is a Bolton or a Wigan, we can tell Matthew that
we can be as good as they are. For now, though, what a player Upson is for
us to have waiting in the wings. He is a top player and we obviously want all
our best players fit again." |
|
Saturday, 21st
October
|
|
Premiership Gareth
Barry and Kevin Beattie both score penalties for the respective clubs.
Aston Villa draw 1-1 with Fulham, Barry opened the scoring. Everton beat
Sheffield United 2-0 with Beattie grabbing the second. Emile Heskey opened
Wigan Athletic's scoring after 67 seconds, Athletic beat Manchester City 4-0. |
|
Tuesday, 17th
October
|
|
Five English players
have been nominated for the European Footballer of the Year award.
John Terry, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard,
Frank Lampard and Joe Cole have all been shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon
d'or. The winner will be decided by a panel of European journalists and unveiled
on 27 November. |
|
Sir Bobby Robson has been given the
all-clear to resume his consultancy role with the Republic of Ireland.
Robson has missed the
Republic's last four matches following two operations to remove cancerous
growths. But the 73-year-old will see out his two-year deal, starting with
next month's Euro 2008 game with San Marino. "I have been given the
all-clear by the doctors and I am looking forward to getting back to doing the
job I was employed to do. Although I have been in regular contact with
Steve Staunton and John Delaney by telephone, I missed being able to link up
with the squad and attend the games. But the FAI, and in particular John
and Stephen, have been wonderfully supportive in recent weeks. I
desperately want to repay them in the coming months by helping Stephen and the
squad build on the excellent performance against the Czech Rep. and show the
result against Cyprus was a one-off." |
|
Sunday, 15th
October
|
|
Steve McClaren says he
should be judged as England manager at the end of the Euro 2008 qualifying
campaign. McClaren was widely blamed for changing to a 3-5-2 formation as
England's bid to reach the finals faltered after a 2-0 defeat by Croatia.
"The job I have taken on is qualifying for Euro 2008, so I should be judged at
the end of that period. A good manager would qualify with these players.
I'm not contemplating resigning. I feel we will get there." |
|
Paul Ince increased
speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Macclesfield after
watching their 3-2 defeat by Bury from the stands. The ex-England midfielder,
39, recently ended a short playing spell at Swindon Town. Ince left before
the end of the game, apparently to avoid questions about his future - but is
expected back at Moss Rose on Monday for more negotiations. |
|
Saturday, 14th
October
|
|
Premiership Gareth
Barry equalises for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur, result 1-1.
Andrew Cole scores Portsmouth's second goal against West Ham United, result 2-0.
John Terry may solve the goalkeeping crisis that the media have hyped
onto England, his clean sheet in goal, albeit two minutes, gave Chelsea a
1-0 win over Reading. The two Chelsea goalkeepers, Cech and Cudicni, both
received head injuries that required hospitalisation. |
|
David Beckham had a
rare start for Real Madrid but was unable to prevent Fabio Capello's side from
slipping to their first league defeat of the season. Midfielder Beckham,
who had lost his place to Jose Antonio Reyes, played for 68 minutes before he
was replaced by Robinho in Real's 1-0 defeat at Getafe. |
|
Friday, 13th
October
|
|
Premiership awards for
September go to Reading's manager, Steve Coppell, who picks up the Manager of
the month award, and Andrew Johnson, the inform Everton striker, who picks up
the Player of the month. |
|
Paul Robinson says he
does not understand why he has come in for so much criticism in the media since
England's 2-0 defeat to Croatia. "I look at the incident and it was just a
ridiculous fluke but it was reported as a mistake, as my fault. To be
treated that way saddens me. I'm very disappointed. I was not expecting to wake
up to a barrage of abuse." |
|
Wayne Rooney was
involved in an altercation with an England fan after the 2-0 defeat in Croatia.
Rooney allegedly reacted angrily towards the fan after being singled out for
abuse as he walked to the team bus. "Any gesture Wayne may have made was
directed to one fan, whose behaviour appalled the other England players.
Wayne has total respect for England fans. He accepts and understands their
disappointment at Wednesday's result." |
|
Steve McClaren may
bring in some Under-21 stars to freshen up his squad. England have two
friendlies before their next Group E match in Israel. "There are players
in the Under-21s knocking on the door, we will be looking at them very, very
closely." But McClaren has cancelled a planned fact-finding trip to the
USA to focus on watching Premiership players. |
|
Thursday, 12th
October
|
|
Steve McClaren will not
rule out recalling David Beckham, according to his adviser Max Clifford.
Some England fans called for the Real Madrid player to be brought back following
the 2-0 defeat by Croatia. Clifford said: "If he's in tremendous form, the
chance presents itself and it's best for England, that's all Steve's interested
in. Steve McClaren is not too proud to say 'look, David Beckham is playing
particularly well at the moment'. Personally I don't think if Beckham had
played yesterday it would have made a blind bit of difference, but I'm sure... a
lot of journalists will say that. Because, no matter what anyone does from
a PR perspective, if McClaren is winning, he's popular, if he's losing, he's
dead."
|
|
Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard
are on Fifa's 30-man shortlist for World Player of the Year award. That
trio of players are among 12 Premiership players in contention for the prize,
with Arsenal's Thierry Henry seen as a front-runner for the award. Last
year's winner was Brazilian Ronaldinho, who also won in 2004. This year's
competition is expected to come down to a contest between striker Henry and
Fabio Cannavaro, captain of World Cup winners Italy.
The head coaches and captains of all national teams will now
vote for their best players from the shortlist. The prize will be awarded
in Zurich on 18 December.
|
|
Steve McClaren blamed
England's 2-0 defeat to Croatia on his tactical plan to try to stifle Slaven
Bilic's side. "We lost the game so obviously the tactics didn't work.
We'll look at it more thoroughly and I always believe we do need to change
systems and we do need another one. It was my decision to change and we
lost the game so it's my responsibility." Croatia coach Slaven Bilic
believed England's tactics helped rather than hindered his side. "I hoped
they'd play 3-5-2 as it would give us more room to attack on the wings. I
knew if we could switch the play quickly we'd be two-on-one. I expected
England to come out and pressurise us but it was more a question of whether we'd
get a third."
|
|
Former goalkeepers have
backed Paul Robinson after the England keeper was criticised over Croatia's
second goal. His mis-kick at Gary Neville's backpass gave Croatia a 2-0
win but Pat Jennings said: "There wasn't much he could have done. What
could he do if the ball hits a divot and bounces over his foot?"
Ex-England keeper Dave Beasant added: "It hit a raised divot the other keeper
made for taking his goal-kicks." Robinson was ironically also voted man of
the match for a string of saves that kept England in the game. Another
former England keeper, Peter Shilton, gave his backing to Robinson. "You're
judged more as a keeper on your mistakes than on your saves. He made some
tremendous saves in the game and it would be very unfair to just pint the finger
at him. It's typical of goalkeeping, you tend to be remembered for
mistakes. Obviously, from his point of view to say he was England's best
player is a bit of a detriment to other players because it was not a terrific
team performance by any means."
|
|
Uefa will wait for its
delegate's report before deciding whether to take any action over treatment of
England fans in Croatia. Police used batons on the travelling support at
Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium as confusion spread outside the ground prior to the
game. The FA has expressed its concern at the fans' treatment. A
Uefa spokesman said: "We always wait for the official report before considering
any action to be taken."
There remains a doubt about whether the problem comes under
Uefa's jurisdiction because it was not actually inside the stadium.
However, the fact it was in direct relation to the match and in close proximity
to the ground is likely to make it their responsibility. "You have to take
into account where it has happened, whether it was inside the stadium or in the
city because obviously it is only the events that are inside the stadium or in
the very close vicinity that come under our jurisdiction," said the spokesman.
England fans without tickets were able to break through a security cordon,
sparking concern among security guards. The closure of turnstiles for two
five-minute periods then caused panic. Supporters with tickets squeezed
towards the gates and police reacted by brandishing batons. Reports said
some England fans suffered head injuries. The FA is disappointed by the
security cordon which allowed fans without tickets to get to the turnstiles,
neutralising their efforts to police supporters who follow the team.
|
|
Wednesday,
11th October
|
|
Steve McClaren suffers
his first loss as England coach, losing 2-0 in Croatia. A freak Gary
Neville own goal secured the points for Croatia. England still top Group
E. |
|
The FA will make a
formal complaint to Uefa after two England Under-21 players said they suffered
racial abuse in Germany. Micah Richards and Anton Ferdinand claimed they
were called "monkeys" by opposition players. An FA spokesman said: "We
will be formally communicating with Uefa in the next couple of days."
|
|
Owen Hargreaves, who is
recovering from a broken left leg, hopes to return to training by the middle of
November. Hargreaves, 25, is still on crutches after breaking the leg
while playing for Bayern Munich against Arminia Bielefeld on 17 September.
He said: "They say a bone takes six weeks to heal and I'm now in my fourth week.
It's hard to say how long it will take but maybe I'll be back in four weeks.
It's getting there, although it's slow progress. I'm just slowly getting
off the crutches and beginning to walk normally again."
|
|
Tuesday, 10th
October
|
|
Theo Walcott
comes off the substitutes bench to
score twice and send England U21 into the European Championships in Netherlands
next summer. England beat the young Germany side 2-0, 3-0 on aggregate. |
|
Ledley King has withdrawn from the England
squad to face Croatia in the Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb. The Tottenham
Hotspur skipper, 25, has pulled out of Wednesday's match as a precaution to
protect a knee injury. King had surgery on a long-standing problem over
the summer when he was recovering from a broken foot but the knee still flares
up after games.
|
|
Uefa has warned Croatia
they could be kicked out of Euro 2008 if fans direct any racism towards
England's players. Fifa charged the Croatian Football Federation with
bringing the game into disrepute after fans formed a human swastika during a
friendly in Italy. Ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb,
Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "We can impose heavier sanctions if it
happens again. That ultimately could be exclusion from the competition."
Uefa has contacted the Croatian government to spell out their
warning, while their football federation has also implemented measures to ensure
there are no problems against England. Croatia are keen the match goes
ahead without incident because they are making a joint bid with Hungary to host
the 2012 European Championship. The disrepute charge from Fifa followed
the swastika incident, which involved 200 supporters at a friendly against Italy
in Livorno in August. Croatia were fined during Euro 2004 over racist
banners flown at a game against France. Gaillard added: "There are new
rules, which can lead to exclusion from a competition and docking points in
extreme cases. We will monitor events closely. Ourselves and Fifa have
imposed sanctions and the sanctions will be heavier in the future."
|
|
Monday, 9th
October
|
|
Steve McClaren expects
Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King to be fit to play against Croatia. Ferdinand
missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Macedonia with a back spasm, while utility
player King was absent from training on Monday. "Rio has trained and it's
good to have him back with us. Ledley King missed training but is also
expected to train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday." King replaced
Ferdinand in the centre of defence against Macedonia but his absence from
training was precautionary. The Spurs captain had a knee operation in the
summer and still experiences a small reaction to it after some games. King
could have a key part to play on Wednesday if McClaren decides to move him into
the midfield holding position, a role he was occasionally given by Sven-Göran
Eriksson. |
|
Croatia assistant coach
Aljosa Asanovic believes Steve McClaren will not risk altering his formation for
Wednesday's qualifier. McClaren has hinted he will switch from the 4-4-2
formation that was unsuccessful against Macedonia. "The England boss won't
try 3-5-2, not against us, he wouldn't dare. We respect England but we are not
afraid. Our team is good and we can do a great job against England." |
|
Jonathan Woodgate is a
doubt for Saturday's Premiership match against Everton after suffering a leg
injury in training. The 26-year-old has been undergoing treatment for
several days. "Woodgate is doubtful for the game after picking up a leg
injury. He is having treatment but is unlikely to be fit in time." |
|
Steve McClaren has
admitted that striker Wayne Rooney has been "frustrated" after failing to
rediscover his goalscoring touch. The 20-year-old was substituted during
the 0-0 draw against Macedonia but McClaren suggested he is likely to be picked
for Wednesday's game in Croatia. You can't just give up. I've seen him
work extra in training. He's frustrated. Everyone knows what he can do.
The next game may be where it happens." |
|
Sunday, 8th
October
|
|
Rio Ferdinand hopes to
shake off his back injury in time for England's Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia
on Wednesday. Ferdinand missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Macedonia after
suffering a spasm in a back muscle in training on Friday but his condition has
improved. He will be assessed by the England medical team before a
decision is made on whether he can train on Monday. Steven Gerrard is
suspended and will definitely miss the game in Zagreb.
Steve McClaren has decided not to call anyone else into the
squad to replace the Liverpool midfielder so a squad of 23 players will make the
trip if Ferdinand is fit. The squad are scheduled to fly to Croatia on
Tuesday. |
|
Steve McClaren blamed
his side's lack of attacking quality for their failure to break down a stubborn
Macedonia at Old Trafford. "It's a reality check for everybody. We
have to work harder and make sure in the next game we are better. We were
not good enough going forward, our passing, our final ball and our final finish.
It wasn't clinical. If you look at the game overall a draw was probably a
fair result but we are very disappointed. We know that that was not good
enough. We have to play better than that. We are playing Macedonia at home and
we expect to score in our home games. We did well to keep a clean sheet
and get the point but we have to do better than that. We didn't have the
instant drive, pace power and passion going forward that we have had in other
games. I don't know why that is and we will have to look at it." |
|
Steven Gerrard has
revealed his frustration at Markus Merk after speaking to the referee about the
booking he picked up against Macedonia. The yellow card in the 0-0 draw
means Gerrard will miss Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia and leaves
England with a selection dilemma. "I was really disappointed with the
referee's decision. I told him I got the ball and he agreed with me but
said the momentum took me into the player. England against Croatia is a
great fixture. As a player, you want to be involved in all the big games,
so I'm going home really frustrated, not just with not getting three points but
also with missing the Croatia game. I will be cheering the boys on from
home. Hopefully, they will turn in a good performance and get the result."
|
|
Sven-Göran Eriksson's
agent says the former England boss wants to manage a club with "Champions League
potential". "He is very keen to get back," Athole Still said. It has
been claimed that Eriksson is still being paid by the Football Association but
Still would not confirm or deny such reports. Still added: "If he is
receiving money, if at all, from the FA that will not impact on his desire to
get back into football."
Still confirmed that the Swede wants to take over an outfit
with aspirations of making and competing in the Champions League - if he is to
return to managing a club side. |
|
Saturday, 7th
October
|
|
England pull off a drab
draw against FYR Macedonia. The 0-0 draw saw Steven Gerrard receive a
yellow card, thus missing the Croatia match on Wednesday night. Elsewhere,
Russia drew 1-1 with Israel, meaning England remain top of Group E.
Croatia put seven past Andorra to take third spot. |
|
Friday, 6th
October
|
|
England have no injury
problems ahead of tomorrow's Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia at Old
Trafford. Steve McClaren confirmed on Friday that he had a fully-fit squad
to choose from for the match. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas
missed training on Wednesday because of a knee problem, but the 23-year-old has
been passed fit to play. McClaren is considering changing his system,
which could mean a place for the recalled Scott Parker. |
|
Football Association of Ireland
chief executive John Delaney is to meet with Steve Staunton's assistant Sir
Bobby Robson next week to discuss his future. Robson will have missed four
of the Republic's games following surgery for a brain tumour and minor
complications. "Any future Bobby has with us will be completely based on
medical advice. The human side of this is that he is such a smashing
person. He's one of the nicest people I've met in the game. I've been
speaking to him twice a week since his latest setback. We always knew he
wouldn't be coming to Cyprus and that he would not be in for the Czech Republic
game because of recent health matters. But I felt it was best to wait
until after the Czech match, and after he returned home, to sit down and have a
chat about future plans and the current medical advice." |
|
Thursday, 5th
October
|
|
Sven-Göran Eriksson could return to football with Benfica. Businessman Carlos
Alberto Quaresma is in the running for the Lisbon club's presidential elections
this month and has pledged to appoint the 58-year-old. Eriksson has had
two spells at Benfica, who are in the same Champions League group as Manchester
United and Celtic and who are managed by Fernando Santos. "I will win and
Eriksson will be my coach. It is a place where he has some great friends." |
|
Wednesday, 4th
October
|
|
Jermaine Jenas was
missing as England trained ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against
Macedonia at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old has suffered a knock to his
knee but is expected to return to training on Thursday. Jenas was the only
absentee as the squad were put through their paces at the Carrington training
complex. |
|
David Beckham denies he will quit football in two
years' time after he signs a final contract at Real Madrid.
The 31-year-old former England captain has not been
a regular this season but club
president Ramon Calderon is
confident he will extend his contract, which runs out next year. "As
far as I know he has decided to retire in two years' time. It would be
fantastic if he would stay with us for the next two years." |
|
Stan Collymore claims he is ready to make a
bid to return to the Premiership after five years out of football.
The 35-year-old striker has not played
since walking out on Spanish side Real Oviedo in March 2001. But he said:
"I've had physical tests and I'm confident I will come back faster, stronger and
fitter than I ever was. A month from today I guarantee I will be able to
stand side by side with any striker in the country." |
|
Tuesday, 3rd
October
|
|
Chris Sutton has signed
for Aston Villa until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who became a
free agent after Birmingham City released him at the end of last season, becomes
Martin O'Neill's third Villa signing.
|
|
Steve McClaren insists
he will not be afraid to alter his system during the Euro 2008 campaign.
England play Macedonia on Saturday but, with Owen Hargreaves injured, McClaren
may abandon the 4-4-2 formation used in his first three games in charge.
"I'm not averse to changing systems. I firmly believe that you can't just
have one system and be rigid in that. We're thinking long and hard about
what we play now Owen is out. I haven't decided who it will be but I have
something in my mind for the two games. I was very flexible at club level,
playing 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, to adapt to any situation and to adapt the
players within that. You have to have different themes on one system, or
different systems on one theme. But with England we play in a certain way
- the England way. There's no way we can adapt and play the Brazil way or
the Argentina way, we have to play to our strengths."
|
|
Monday, 2nd
October
|
|
Darren Bent has been called into the
England squad after Everton's
Andrew Johnson was
forced to pull out. Striker Johnson will miss Saturday's game against
Macedonia at Old Trafford and the 11 October trip to Croatia because of a
hamstring injury. Steve McClaren said: "It's a real blow as he has made a
massive impact with Everton this season. He was certainly knocking very
hard on the door for a place in the team. We are fortunate that we are
able to call up Darren from the under-21's. He has already got experience
of being involved in several senior squads and he is a player with excellent
ability and is a real goal threat." Johnson suffered his injury in the
last minute of Everton's 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Saturday.
McClaren has revealed that Jonathan Woodgate is
close to a recall. The 26-year-old defender won the last of his five
England caps in March 2004 but has caught the eye again since moving from
Real Madrid to Middlesbrough on loan. "He is one we are
looking at. He is playing well but his games have been limited and
he has to build up that kind of fitness over a season."
|
|
Sunday, 1st
October
|
|
Premiership:
Emile Heskey scores after 2 minutes for Wigan Athletic, but still end up
losing 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers. Danny Murphy and Jermain Defoe
both score as Tottenham Hotspur beat Portsmouth 2-1. Thankfully
for Steve McClaren, there are no injury concerns going into next
weekends international matches. |
|
Steve McClaren
has revealed he has twice asked Manchester United midfielder Paul
Scholes to come out of international retirement. Scholes quit the
international scene in 2004 but McClaren wants the 31-year-old to change
his mind. "I asked in the summer and he declined and he declined
again last week. I don't expect to be asking him again but the
door is always open and I would never close it on Paul Scholes." |
England Football Online