Football

Hull 1 - 1 Chelsea

2010-02-03T08:35:00.000Z

Hull City produced a manful performance to hold Chelsea to a surprise draw as the title hopefuls missed the chance to take their league lead to four points.

The Londoners were lacklustre to say the least, but that was down in no small part to Hull's brave approach.

And it was the hosts who took the lead when Steven Mouyokolo headed home.

Didier Drogba marked his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with the equaliser from a free-kick, but Hull comfortably held on to a precious draw.

It was no less than the hosts deserved from an all-action display and even though the result was not enough to move them out of the bottom three, it could provide a welcome fillip as they enter the crucial stages of their battle against relegation.

We more than competed - Brown
Chelsea, meanwhile, can comfort themselves with the knowledge they go two points clear of Manchester United and six of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti will surely consider this a missed opportunity, though, especially with a home match against the Gunners to come on Sunday.

The Gunners' comprehensive defeat to United at the weekend looked to have turned the race for the Premier League title into a two-horse race, especially with Chelsea widely expected to move on to 57 points from 24 games with victory at the KC Stadium.

On paper, it looked a straightforward task. Six straight wins in which they have scored 21 goals and conceded only four marked Chelsea out as clear favourites against a Hull side without a win in nine.

But the hosts' disciplined and forceful approach, typified - as so often - by Stephen Hunt, stultified a Chelsea side far from their best.

Your game against Arsenal & your trip to Old Trafford just became a whole lot more important!

scobiedog
The title chasers did have two good efforts in the first half hour; Frank Lampard forced a smart stop from Boaz Myhill with a dipping 20-yarder, while Michael Ballack tamely headed Branislav Ivanovic's superb cross from the right straight at the keeper.

However, they were only the briefest glimpses of the visitors' quality as they failed to get out of first gear in the face of Hull's high-tempo tactics.

It was testament to the hosts' first-half play that it was no great surprise when they took the lead, and even less so that it was from a set-piece.

Of the 19 league goals Chelsea have conceded this season before the game, 14 had come from set-pieces, and the visitors struggled to deal with Hull's dead-ball situations throughout.

And Mouyokolo took full advantage on the half hour as he headed home Hunt's corner unmarked from six yards out.

Ancelotti positive at top spot
It served only to prompt a response from Chelsea, though, as they finally snapped out of their malaise long enough to equalise through Drogba's pin-point free-kick from the edge of the box.

Any expectations that Hull would sink into their shell were wide of the mark, though.

They continued to threaten from set plays, Anthony Gardner and Jozy Altidore both guilty of profligacy in front of goal from well directed Hunt deliveries.

Myhill kept the scores level at the other end, sprawling one way and then the other to stop headers from Drogba and John Terry, booed throughout following press revelations about his private life, in quick succession.

And that meant, with 15 minutes left, the match was finely in the balance.

However, a grand assault from the visitors never even looked like coming, their final ball and incision in front of goal - as it had been all throughout the match - absent.

With the away fans streaming for the exits there was at least a fine effort from substitute Daniel Sturridge, his left-footed shot tipped round the post by Myhill.

But it was too little, too late from Chelsea, who will be desperate for an improved performance against Arsenal knowing the title race once again looks to be a three-horse race.

Manager Irvine sacked by Preston

2009-12-29T16:07:00.001Z

Irvine took charge of Preston in November 2007
Preston manager Alan Irvine has been relieved of his duties after more than two years in charge at Deepdale.

Chairman Derek Shaw made the move following Monday's 1-0 defeat by Sheffield United.

North End, who reached last season's play-offs, have slipped to 16th in the Championship after winning only one of their last 10 games.

The former Everton assistant boss took charge in November 2007, following the sacking of Paul Simpson.

Republic of Ireland ask for extra 2010 World Cup place

2009-11-30T13:53:00.000Z

The Republic players remonstrate with the referee after Gallas's goal

Fifa's Sepp Blatter has revealed the Republic of Ireland have requested a spot in the 2010 World Cup finals as an extra team after their play-off defeat.

The Republic lost to an extra-time goal against France when Thierry Henry handled the ball during the build-up.

"I will bring it to the attention of the Executive Committee," said Blatter.

The president of football's world governing body added that goal-line technology and extra referees would be considered for the South Africa finals.

The executive committee will hold an emergency meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday, two days ahead of the draw for the finals, to assess the idea of extra match officials.

If they recommend the proposal it will go before football's rule-making international board in Zurich in March for a final decision.

"It's possible we will make additional officials for the World Cup but we have to see if it is feasible or realistic," added Blatter. "Something has to be done in terms of match control.

"We have only one man on the field of play who shall intervene in this matter. He has two assistants for the time being, perhaps more in the future. He has to make an immediate decision.

"He has only two eyes. So match control is now is on the agenda. How shall we avoid such situations as we have seen in this very specific match?"

606: DEBATE
Even before the handball incident Ireland were still at 1-1 in extra time so how can they go through to the World Cup on the basis that it was still a draw ?

Chelski-4-life
Regarding the Republic's case, Blatter added that Costa Rica, who also believe they were unfairly denied a place in the finals - this time because of an offside goal from Uruguay - would also have to be acknowledged if extra places are discussed.

The Football Association of Ireland released a statement, confirming Blatter had agreed to a meeting in Zurich last Friday, which lasted for 90 minutes.

"A lot was discussed at the meeting and at one stage the FAI asked if Ireland could be accommodated into the World Cup 2010," read the statement.

"Other suggestions were also made to mitigate against further occurrences of such incidents, including the use of additional goal-line assistant referees for Fifa international matches, further use of video technology for matches at the highest level, stronger provisions to discourage players from engaging in such blatant breaches of the laws of the game and provisions to strengthen referee selection for such important matches."

The Republic originally asked for the play-off to be replayed but that request was turned down by Fifa.

The man at the centre of the storm, former Arsenal striker Henry, released a statement two days after the infamous match in which he said a replay would have been "the fairest solution".

FA to probe Oakwell crowd trouble

2009-10-28T11:21:00.000Z

Riot police line up in front of the supporters at Oakwell on Tuesday night

The Football Association is to investigate the crowd trouble that marred Tuesday's Carling Cup match between Barnsley and Manchester United.

After a number of reported incidents the FA is awaiting the reports of an FA crowd control adviser, present at the game, and from referee Chris Foy.

Eight fans were arrested at the match after trouble flared at half-time and two more later at the railway station.

Fans also broke into a kiosk and stole money and food from the shelves.

Police were hit with bottles and eight staff were forced to hide in a store room for 25 minutes when fans forced themselves into the club's catering area.

Stewards on the pitch also had food thrown at them during the disorder with one police officer suffering a minor facial injury.

United beat the Championship side 2-0 to progress into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

An FA spokesman said: "There is no place for anti-social or violent behaviour in our game.

"Any culprit found to be involved in these disturbances and identified as such by either the police or clubs should be subject to a lengthy ban from attending football matches."

Barnsley are also launching their own investigation into the violence, accusing Manchester United fans of causing "substantial damage" in the stadium's north stand.

A Barnsley spokesman said: "It's a hell of a mess down there. Doors have been kicked in, tills have been damaged and there's food and drink everywhere.

"It looks like a swamp in one of the bars. A complaint has been made to the police and we will be taking a look at CCTV footage of the incident before we can comment further."

Five of the eight people arrested at the ground were Manchester United supporters and three were from Barnsley.

Two further arrests were made at around 2300 GMT after fans jumped onto railway tracks in a bid to stop the Barnsley to Sheffield train.

Le Tissier bet inquiry is dropped

2009-09-22T21:57:00.001+01:00

Le Tissier said he had never tried spread betting since
An investigation into an alleged failed spread betting scam involving Matt Le Tissier in the 1990s has been dropped.
In his autobiography, the ex-Southampton captain said he gambled on the time of the first throw-in in Saints' 2-0 win at Wimbledon in 1995.
Police said discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded an investigation would not be in the public interest.
The matter was taken up by police following extensive media publicity.
Earlier this month, Le Tissier said he had not been contacted by officers and did not want to comment.
Hampshire Constabulary said: "Following discussions with the CPS a decision has been made not to investigate an alleged historic and unsuccessful spread betting incident at a Saints football match in the 1990s.
"Discussions with CPS have led to the conclusion that an investigation into the incident would not be in the public interest and does not represent appropriate use of police resources.
"The incident itself was bought to the attention of the police after it was mentioned in a recently published autobiography."
'Live on television'
In the book, 40-year-old Le Tissier said he tried to kick the ball out of play, but it was kept in by Neil Shipperley, who was unaware of the bet.
As Southampton captain, Le Tissier was able to persuade his Wimbledon counterpart to let the Saints kick off in exchange for letting the Dons kick towards their own fans, he said in the book.
"As it was live on television, I didn't want to make it too obvious, so I tried to hit it just over his head," said Le Tissier.
"But, with so much riding on it, I was a bit nervous and didn't give it enough welly."
Le Tissier, who made more than 500 appearances for the Saints, then explained that the longer the ball remained in play, the more money he stood to lose.
"I have never run so much in my life," said Guernsey-born Le Tissier. "Suddenly it was no longer a question of winning money."
The ball eventually went out of play on 70 seconds, meaning Le Tissier neither won nor lost money.
He added he had never tried spread betting since the incident.

Wenger angry over Eduardo charge

2009-08-28T17:48:00.001+01:00

Eduardo wins a penalty after going down in the penalty area
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has accused Uefa of conducting a "witch-hunt" after it charged Eduardo with diving in the Champions League clash with Celtic.
Striker Eduardo appeared to dive to win a penalty last Wednesday and Uefa could ban him for up to two games when its disciplinary body meets on 1 September.
"I find it a complete disgrace and unacceptable," said Wenger.
"It singles out a player to be a cheat and that is not acceptable. We will not accept the way Uefa has treated this."
If Eduardo is suspended he would miss Standard Liege away on 16 September and the home match with Olympiacos on 29 September.
And Wenger added: "I believe you can debate whether it is a penalty or not. But this charge implies there was intent and a desire to cheat the referee. Having seen again the pictures again, nothing is conclusive.
"It's a witch-hunt that we see and not an objective judgement of a case."
Wenger said the Croat may have taken evasive action in light of the career-threatening broken leg he sustained two seasons ago.

Gunner_For_Real
And the Frenchman added that European football's governing body would have difficulty proving the 26-year-old intended to deceive the referee.
"We will defend our player as far as we can because he is not being treated fairly," said Wenger.
"It's funny in football because you can break the legs of players and it doesn't make a debate for anybody.
"I'm the first to say that it doesn't look like a penalty but it's another thing to say that he went down with intent. I wish good luck in proving that having seen the pictures again."
In charging Eduardo, Wenger claimed Uefa had set off down a dangerous path whereby any decision made by an official can be contested after the match.
He said: "There is completely lack of logic in this case. Why? Because people have reacted emotionally.
"This case has been ruled by the media and emotionally by Scotland, by the Scottish FA and by Scottish people working at Uefa.
"I've fought my whole life against cheating and I've seen some obvious cases where Uefa didn't intervene. On and off the pitch things have happened where no action was taken.
"But now the existing rules of football have been changed just for one case so we will from now on challenge every single decision that is made in Europe by the referees.
"This is the first time since I've been in football that the judgement made by the referee is not accepted by the football bodies."
There appeared to be no contact between Eduardo and Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc but referee Manuel Gonzalez still gave a penalty midway through the first half.
After Eduardo converted the resulting spot kick, the Gunners went on to win 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. They won 5-1 on aggregate to secure a spot in the group stages.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith has called for the Brazil-born Eduardo to be banned.
"Eduardo showed disrespect to the game by his actions," he said.
"We have shown courage to use retrospective punishment when it comes to simulation. I'd urge Uefa to do so."
Uefa president Michel Platini believes additional assistant referees behind each goal line would combat diving.
He said: "One day players will give up simulating because refs will see them. I am convinced that you have referees nearby, then you will stop this."
Celtic had travelled to the Emirates 2-0 down from the first leg in Glasgow, when Arsenal had been the better side but had scored with a deflection and an own goal.
The first goal in London, then, was likely to be crucial and Boruc was incensed when Gonzalez pointed to the spot.
Video evidence can help referees - Benitez
And Boruc's team-mate Danny Fox congratulated Uefa for taking action against Eduardo and said he would welcome a ban for the Gunners player.
"It shows that it doesn't matter who you play for and who you are, if you are going to bring the rules into disrepute you should be made an example of, and fair play to Uefa for doing that," said the Celtic defender.
"You can't do anything about the game but I think a ban to make an example of him would stop other players doing it. No-one likes to be done by cheating.
"If you ask any of the Arsenal players honestly, they will way it wasn't a penalty either."

Sir Bobby's family visit 'shrine'

2009-08-02T20:39:00.000+01:00

Lady Elsie Robson was said to be "overwhelmed" by the reaction
Tributes to gentleman of football
The family of football legend Sir Bobby Robson has visited the shrine created by fans at Newcastle United's stadium.
His widow Lady Elsie Robson paused to read messages left among the tributes to the former England, Ipswich and Newcastle manager at St James' Park.
Onlookers broke into applause as she arrived with sons Andrew, 50, and Paul, 52, and family friends.
County Durham-born Sir Bobby died on Friday at the age of 76 following a long battle against cancer.
Lady Robson is said to have been "overwhelmed" by the show of affection for her husband since his death.
A spokeswoman for the family said: "There must have been thousands of people here and she is very grateful to everybody who has made extremely generous donations to his charity."
Books of condolence
Sir Bobby's son Andrew said his father would have been touched by people's reaction.
"I am sure he would have been very, very appreciative, but I think he would have been overwhelmed and would have wondered where all these people have come from," he said.
Sir Bobby will be missed not only here but at all the other clubs he has managed as well
Alan Barrows
The football club confirmed the Sir John Hall Stand at the north end of the ground would remain open from 0900 to 1700 BST each day this week.
It said about 50,000 people had already turned up at the stadium to pay their respects.
Four books of condolence have been filled and a further six are close to being completed.
One Newcastle supporter, Alan Barrows, from Sunderland, called for a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to Sir Bobby before the two Newcastle versus Ipswich Championship fixtures.
He said: "Sir Bobby will be missed not only here but at all the other clubs he has managed as well."

Valencia joins Man Utd from Wigan

2009-07-01T09:47:00.000+01:00

Valencia is Ferguson's first signing since Ronaldo's departure
Manchester United have signed Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international is manager Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a £80m transfer.
"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," said Ferguson.
Valencia's transfer is reported to have cost United as much as £16m.
"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," added Ferguson.

United have been in contact with Wigan over a deal for Valencia over the last "two to three months", according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.
"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here," said Valencia, who scored three goals for Wigan last season.
"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."
Valencia has played 34 times for Ecuador, scoring four goals.
"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.
"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."
Valencia's transfer is a club record for Wigan, but his departure leaves new Latics manager Roberto Martinez with the task of finding a suitable replacement.

Chelsea 2-1 Everton

2009-05-30T21:50:00.000+01:00

Winning the FA Cup crowns Hiddink's four-month spell in charge of Chelsea
A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.
The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history.
But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left.
The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal.
In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia.
Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day.
And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.
Steven Pienaar's cross was only half-cleared by Jon Mikel Obi and Marouane Fellaini headed down for Louis Saha to smash the ball past Petr Cech.
The goal clearly rattled Chelsea and their back-four looked nervous whenever the ball came near them immediately afterwards.
But the complexion of the game changed as soon as Hiddink's side settled and began coming forward themselves, using the width offered by Nicolas Anelka and, in particular, Malouda on the left.
Everton right-back Tony Hibbert was given an early yellow card for clipping Malouda's heels, and he spent the rest of the half trying to keep up with the Frenchman, mostly unsuccessfully.
Hibbert was not the only player at fault - he should have received more support from Leon Osman on that flank - but the amount of space they were leaving invited trouble, and Chelsea took full advantage to equalise after 21 minutes.
Malouda, who was completely unmarked, ran on to Lampard's pass and, from his inviting cross, Drogba rose above Joleon Lescott to power home his header.
By now, Hiddink's side were completely on top, with the Toffees unable to keep hold of the ball, let alone use it constructively.
Everton did at least tighten up at the back, with the exception of the hapless Hibbert who was caught out time and time again before the break.
The closest Chelsea came to punishing him further came when a deflected pass span into Cole's path, but the England defender sliced his shot well wide.

Saha's opening goal, after 25 seconds, is the fastest in FA Cup final history
Unsurprisingly, Toffees boss David Moyes made changes at the break - hauling off Hibbert for Lars Jacobsen and moving Tim Cahill further forward in an attempt to wrestle back the initiative.
Even after his reshuffle, Chelsea were still enjoying the lions share of possession and Anelka should have done better when he lobbed over after running clear, but Everton did threaten too.
They showed their intent when from a short free-kick, Leighton Baines whipped the ball into the Chelsea area and Saha's header flew only inches over the bar.
Indeed, the game was still wide open until Lampard's goal on 72 minutes.
The England midfielder collected Michael Ballack's pass, turned inside Phil Neville, and, despite losing his footing, let fly with a tremendous strike that was still rising as it flew into the top corner.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard got a hand to the ball but could not stop it hitting the net - and from there, there was no way back for Everton.
Malouda could have sealed victory when Lampard slid him through but lashed the ball over, then was wrongly denied after his long-range shot hit the woodwork and bounced in.
But, despite that let-off, Everton could not find a response and Chelsea remained in control of the match in the closing stages to win the Cup for a fifth time.
Chelsea's future looks increasingly likely to be placed in the hands of AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, but the 2009 FA Cup final will be remembered for how the Blues gave Hiddink a fairytale finish.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne.
Booked: Mikel, Lampard.
Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77). Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter.
Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines.
Goals: Saha 1.
Att: 89,391.
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Everton's Louis Saha with 7.96 (on 90 minutes).
Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.

Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000+01:00

Chelsea produced a spirited defensive display to stop Barcelona from scoring in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in the Nou Camp.
The Spanish league leaders enjoyed plenty of possession, but struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
Thierry Henry forced Petr Cech to save and Bojan headed over from two yards, before Cech stopped Alex Hleb's effort.
Chelsea almost nicked a goal as Didier Drogba was foiled by Victor Valdes, while Michael Ballack headed just over.
But Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink will be delighted with his side's defensive fortitude in keeping a clean sheet - a feat not achieved by any visiting side at Barca this season.
It means the Blues will fancy their chances of reaching a second successive Champions League final when they meet in the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.
For long periods Chelsea had to be content with watching Barca knock the ball around as they gave another masterclass in possession.
Chelsea played right into their hands, with Cech among the main protagonists as his long, aimless kicks only served to gift the ball straight back to the home side.
But for a team that this season has scored four goals in a game six times, five goals five times and six goals four times, the hosts were unable to broker many genuine chances.
For all the twinkle-toed approach play of the industrious Andres Iniesta and Henry down the left, they struggled to get close to the Chelsea goal with the regularity their build-up demanded.
Twice in the opening stages Cech flapped at crosses from the left but the Blues survived and they fashioned a half-chance of their own when Florent Malouda's cross found Frank Lampard and he curled wide from 25 yards.
Barca were seeing far more of the ball, but they grew increasingly frustrated by Chelsea's solid rearguard action and were quickly reduced to shooting from outside the area.
Henry twice chanced his arm, once testing Cech with a low drive and then lashing in a fierce shot from 22 yards that the Czech keeper did well to parry behind.
It seemed as though Barca were trying to wear Chelsea down, but they were very close to going in at half-time a goal down.
Rafael Marquez's backpass was woefully short and Drogba fastened on to the loose ball only to see his shot well saved by Valdes, the keeper getting up quickly to deny the Ivorian from the rebound.
Chelsea's spirits were lifted by their sudden involvement in the match and right at the start of the second half they nearly took the lead again, Ballack flashing a header wide from Drogba's free-kick.

Barca's Messi (left) takes on Chelsea's Bosingwa at the Camp Nou
The Barca fans were growing increasingly restless at their team's lack of openings and a serious-looking injury to Marquez and a booking for his replacement Puyol that rules him out of the second leg did little to pacify them.
But Pep Guardiola's side continued to probe away in their usual manner and half-chances came and went as the off-key Lionel Messi volleyed over before Daniel Alves, in typically fiery mood throughout, stung the palms of Cech from out on the right.
Alves went even closer when his 30-yard free-kick brushed the top of Cech's net before Samuel Eto'o, on the day he was linked with a move to Manchester City, raced through only to shoot at Cech's outstretched left leg.
Barcelona's best chances came deep into injury time as Bojan, on for Henry, remarkably headed an Alves cross over from point-blank range, before fellow substitute Alex Hleb was foiled by a fine Cech save.
Chelsea may not have got the away goal Hiddink craved before the game, but their Dutch manager will surely be delighted by the outcome.
Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Marquez (Puyol 52), Pique, Abidal, Xavi, Toure Yaya, Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o (Bojan 82), Henry (Hleb 87).Subs Not Used: Jorquera, Gudjohnsen, Keita, Sylvinho.
Booked: Toure Yaya, Puyol.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Bosingwa, Mikel, Ballack (Anelka 90), Essien, Lampard (Belletti 71), Malouda, Drogba.Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Kalou, Mancienne, Stoch.
Booked: Alex, Ballack.
Att: 95,000.
Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Barcelona's Andres Iniesta on 7.57 (on 90 minutes).
Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.

Why now for Shearer and Newcastle?

2009-04-01T21:39:00.000+01:00

A former title-winning manager once insisted you could actually smell a club was in crisis the moment you opened its doors - and it seems the stench of relegation has become too overpowering for Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to bear.
So, to clear the air and avoid the notoriety of being labelled as the man who bundled Newcastle into the Championship, Ashley has taken the latest in a series of managerial gambles.
This time he has to come up with a winner - and in handing the reins to Alan Shearer until the end of the season Ashley may just have hit the jackpot.
Sound footballing logic suggests giving someone with no managerial experience eight games to save Newcastle from relegation is not so much a gamble, more an act of footballing suicide.
Newcastle, however, have rarely operated on the basis of sound footballing logic and parachuting in Shearer may just be the desperate measure that turns into a masterstroke.
Ashley took a punt on the People's Champion before when he gave Kevin Keegan back to the Toon Army. Short-lived and unsuccessful, it was a move doomed to failure once it dawned on Keegan that he was not in full control of footballing matters.
Joe Kinnear's appointment as interim manager had sceptics wondering just how long Ashley's managerial "short list" was before he finally happened on a man who had been operating on football's margins for several years.
Kinnear's heart surgery put a premature end to his tenure this season, and since Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood took charge, there was a growing sense that this was not so much a ship that was rudderless, but one that was heading directly towards the rocks.
I was at Newcastle's home defeat by Manchester United recently, and despite a performance that was heartening, you could almost reach out and touch the mass pessimism among fatalistic fans.
This is why I believe the arrival of Shearer represents Newcastle's best opportunity of navigating a route to Premier League safety from a treacherous group of final fixtures.
Newcastle need inspiration just as much as nous in their dire situation - and while Shearer is tactically aware and very much in touch with the modern game, it is his sheer presence that will make the biggest impact.This is about his stature rather than coaching badges or years of managerial experience. It could be construed as the latest act of Newcastle madness, but there is actually a method to it.Supporters believe in Shearer, as West Ham United's fans did when Sir Trevor Brooking's short reign as caretaker manager almost produced a miraculous escape from relegation.Shearer will be given their full support. Newcastle's fans will forgive him anything, even relegation. He will swiftly act as a unifying force. It is a quick-fix, but this is no long-term job with relegation ready to embrace Newcastle.Hughton and Calderwood are genuine football men, but are they the leaders Newcastle need in their present plight? Sadly not - uninspiring performances and whispers from inside the dressing room that players felt they needed more from the top prove that fact.
Shearer will galvanise supporters, inspire players - and he will certainly not cast a match-winning talent like his good friend Michael Owen to the sidelines, as happened under his predecessors.This is not a guarantee of success, far from it. It does, however, offer a better chance of achieving the short-term goal of staying in the Premier League than what is on offer at present.It also answers a few questions about Shearer himself. He has never hidden his desire to go into management, eventually at Newcastle, but there were suggestions he was waiting until the situation was at its cosiest before entering the fray.No-one can accuse him of this any more. No-one will blame him if Newcastle go down - there might be hundreds of names on that list before you get to Shearer.But make no mistake, there is huge pressure on him to succeed simply because of who he is and he will also be feeling a massive weight of responsibility as an iconic figure on Tyneside.You might say he has nothing to lose, but will Shearer want to be seen as the man in charge of the team on the day Newcastle drop into the Championship? He is a proud man and a proud Geordie so we know the answer to that.The plus for Shearer is that if Newcastle do avoid relegation, and I am convinced they stand a much better chance now he is at the helm, then it will be the perfect start to his managerial career and provide the ideal platform for him to take the job on a long-term basis should he so wish.On this basis, it may just be that Mike Ashley's last gamble could turn out to be his best.

Ferguson cools talk of quintuple

2009-03-02T14:11:00.001Z

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates winning his third League Cup
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to play down talk of his side winning the quintuple after their Carling Cup final win over Spurs.
They have won the Club World Cup as well and are still chasing the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Ferguson said: "I'm not getting carried away with it, only the media will. We will keep our feet on the ground.
"We could go to Fulham in the FA Cup, the ball comes off someone's backside and we are out of that one."
United centre-back Rio Ferdinand echoed his manager's sentiments as he refused to speculate on the Old Trafford club's potential for a historical season.
"We do not speak about that stuff [the quintuple]," he told Radio 5 Live.
"We'll take each game as it comes. We've got an important game on Wednesday [at Newcastle] and fingers crossed we can get a good result there.
"We don't get ahead of ourselves and think of which silverware we are going to win next."
But Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes there is no reason why United cannot win an unprecedented haul of trophies.
"They have got a big chance - they are the team to beat for sure," said Redknapp after their 4-1 defeat on penalties.
"They have a fantastic squad. They have one cup already, it looks as if the league is going their way and you wouldn't bet against them in the Champions League and the FA Cup."
Goalkeeper Ben Foster was the United hero, making two fine saves during the game and then saving Jamie O'Hara's penalty in the shoot-out.
And Ferguson is confident Foster can go on to cement his place as the number one stopper at the club.
"The future is his," added the Scot. "The present belongs to Edwin Van der Sar, that is obvious, but that performance can only strengthen my opinion of Ben's ability and his own self-confidence.
"He is a strong character - he has had to be. He has had to come through two cruciate ligament injuries and you have to have something inside you to do that."
United's assistant manager Mike Phelan paid tribute to Foster and his team-mates for keeping alive the club's hunt for an unprecedented quintuple.
"In the end it came down to the goalkeepers and our one made a great save," said Phelan.
"Ben has been unlucky with the odd injury this season, but we know he's got quality and he can be a Man Utd goalkeeper.
PHIL MCNULTY BLOG
There is no reason why Man Utd cannot make this their greatest campaign
"It is important he gets games for us and what happened can only help us.
"It was a hard game and both sets of players were shattered at the end, they were cramping but they kept going and it's a good feeling when you win on penalties."
Foster, playing in only his seventh game of the season for United, was delighted to play his part in the win.
"I felt good from the start. I haven't played many games which isn't great, but it was great of the gaffer to give me a chance," said Foster.
"All the lads are heroes, they had to knock in the penalties and they looked super-cool, they all looked like they were going to score.
"If they hadn't, we wouldn't have our medals. I'm delighted we managed to win."
In an innovative move, the 26-year-old admitted that watching Spurs players take spot-kicks on goalkeeping coach Eric Steele's iPod after extra-time had helped him during the penalty shoot-out.
"We have done a lot of research into the way each player is going to put their penalty," said Foster.
"We went into the shoot-out as well prepared as possible.
"We have had things to look at over the last couple of days and before the shoot-out, you can see me looking at an iPod with Eric Steele.
"It had actual video on it and showed where players put things."
He added: "Eric brought it when he came to the club. I have never seen anything like it. It is a fantastic tool for us."

Man City Santa Cruz bid rejected

2009-01-30T12:24:00.001Z

Hughes brought Santa Cruz to Blackburn from Bayern Munich in 2007
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that his club have had a fresh bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz turned down.
City have been chasing Santa Cruz since the transfer window opened and went back with an increased bid for the Paraguayan international on Thursday.
"Yesterday, we put an improved bid to Blackburn [for Santa Cruz] but it was rejected," said ex-Rovers boss Hughes.
Hughes is now considering whether to continue his pursuit any further.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce also confirmed Manchester City's bid for Santa Cruz had been rejected and was unsure if they would improve their offer for the 27-year-old.

"We have considered it and it's not been accepted. They have been unsuccessful.
"But whether they come back before Monday's (1700 GMT) deadline, I've no idea."
Santa Cruz has also reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham.
Blackburn are reluctant to allow their star asset to leave, especially considering their predicament towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
However, with the expected arrival of Sunderland forward El-Hadji Diouf, Allardyce has strengthened his attacking options.

Scolari silent on Terry dismissal

2008-12-23T11:35:00.001Z

Terry saw red in the 35th minute for this lunge at Osman
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari refused to talk to the media following John Terry's red card against Everton.
Scolari was seen remonstrating with referee Phil Dowd at half-time after the Blues skipper was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Leon Osman.
After the 0-0 draw, a Chelsea spokesman said: "The management had issues with a number of decisions and felt they could get into trouble if they spoke."
Toffees manager David Moyes described the challenge as "reckless".
The Scot added: "I haven't seen it properly yet, and I don't like hiding behind that, but from where I was sitting there was always a chance it would be a sending off in today's game."
Chelsea missed the chance to regain top spot in the Premier League following Monday's stalemate and look set to lose Terry for the Premier League matches against Fulham and West Brom as well as the FA Cup tie against Southend - although he is likely to be available for the crunch match against Manchester United on 11 January.

StephenKingVIII However, Chelsea keeper Petr Cech refused to criticise Dowd's decision and conceded: "It was hard for the ref to see what happened.
"He had a split second - he made a decision and we have to live with that. It happens, sometimes you play with 10 men."
Moyes also refused to argue against the officials' ruling that a Steven Pienaar goal late on was offside.
"I have quickly had a look at the Pienaar goal and I have to say, I think the linesman has got it right and he was offside," stated Moyes. "As well as that, it looks like Cech might have got both hands on the ball before Steven forced it in anyway.
"As managers it is important we come out and say what we see, that's how we will get respect, and I thought that was the right decision, even though it didn't go our way."
The decision ensured Chelsea came away from Goodison Park with a draw, although Cech revealed afterwards that he may have hurt his thumb in the incident.
"The ball was behind me and I caught it in front of the line. With those players sliding in I caught my thumb and I have to see how it is as I couldn't get my gloves off," he said.
"It is a pity because we have already had some chances to be top of the league and we didn't win those games.
"The way things are going, a lot of teams are dropping points and if we had won our home games we could have been top with a gap. But the Premier League is a great competition and everybody is pushing up."

Drogba Inter reports rile Scolari

2008-11-26T20:46:00.000Z

Striker Drogba has been in and out of the Chelsea side this season
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has reacted angrily to reports linking striker Didier Drogba to Inter Milan.
It has been alleged that Drogba met Inter sporting director Marco Branca and Jorge Mendes, agent of the club's manager Jose Mourinho, on Monday.
Responding to the claims, Scolari said: "I do not sleep with Drogba. Where he was? I don't know. I'm not a policeman for my players."
Drogba has declined to comment on whether he attended any meeting.
"I have always said I have a contract with Chelsea until 2010, no comment about the supposed meeting," Drogba told Sky Sports.
Ex-Chelsea and current Inter boss Mourinho insisted he has no plans to sign the 30-year-old.
"I don't know where Branca was, I was at dinner at Cernobbio," Mourinho said on Tuesday. "I know absolutely nothing about this story.

"I know on the other hand that Drogba is part of the history of Chelsea and, from afar, it seems to me that he is and will be a Chelsea player."
When Scolari was asked at a news conference looking ahead to Wednesday's Champions League tie at Bordeaux if Drogba had been given permission to be in the company of Branca, the Brazilian was annoyed.
"Ask Peter Kenyon [chief executive], ask Roman Abramovich [Chelsea owner]," he said.
"I don't know, I am only the coach."

Jagger
Ivory Coast international Drogba, now fit after recently being sidelined for over a month of the season because of a knee injury, was heavily linked with a move from Stamford Bridge in the summer but decided to remain at Chelsea.
Drogba has been banned for three matches by the Football Association for throwing a coin into the crowd towards Burnley supporters earlier this month but he is available to play against Bordeaux as the suspension only applies to domestic football.

Adams holds talks over Pompey job

2008-10-27T16:20:00.001Z

Adams was Wycombe Wanderers manager for 12 months in 2003-04
Assistant manager Tony Adams is in talks with Portsmouth about succeeding Harry Redknapp, BBC Sport understands.
Portsmouth were left managerless after Redknapp's shock move to Tottenham following Juande Ramos's dismissal.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said on Sunday the club would take its time finding a manager after Redknapp left the club late on Saturday.
But BBC Radio Solent believes Adams, who has been at Fratton Park since 2006, is a serious contender.
Former Wycombe Wanderers boss Adams and first-team coach Joe Jordan took charge of the team for Sunday's 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Ex-Arsenal defender Adams, Jordan, former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and ex-Chelsea manager Avram Grant are among the contenders to take the job full time, but Storrie refused to provide any clues.
Redknapp has already put in a good word for Adams and Jordan.
"I spoke to Peter about it and said 'you've got Joe and Tony, and they are both terrific guys'," Redknapp said.

"Joe is very experienced, Tony is up-and-coming in the managerial game and works very hard. I don't think either of them would do any harm, for sure."
Redknapp rejected an approach by Newcastle in January to replace Allardyce.
And Storrie said he wished something similar had happened when Tottenham came calling.
"Nothing would have given me greater pleasure if Harry had rung me on Saturday night and said 'Look Peter, I've thought it over and I want to stay', like he did with Newcastle.
"But on this occasion the lure of Tottenham was too much."
Storrie insisted there were no financial problems at the club and that decisions would continue to be driven by owner Alexandre Gaydamak.
"In the summer we sold Sulley Muntari for a club-record fee and sold Pedro Mendes but used most of that money in bringing in Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul and a couple of loan players," he said.
"If we were to sell players we would re-invest and bring other players in. We've got a very, very good squad here, a quality side and when January comes we'll approach it then.
"Sacha Gaydamak has owned this club for two-and-a-half years and has continued to put finance into the club to bring in players.
"It will be his decision in January whether he wants to continue that growth and expand."
Meanwhile, Jordan expressed his surprise at the speed of Redknapp's departure, while also wishing him the best.
"It was a bit of a shock I must admit, but Harry is a good manager and you expect that good managers will be wanted by big clubs," said Jordan.

No1PompeyGav
"The speed of it has surprised a lot of people and it was a shock to me."
Jordan added: "I think it is important that they can get the right man.
"They've got to take a deep breath and take stock of events over the past 24 hours and then take things from there."
Crouch joined Portsmouth from Liverpool in the summer, but the England striker said he did not feel let down by Redknapp's departure.
"He was a big reason why I came to the club, but I'll move on and I wish him all the best," said Crouch, who scored against Fulham.
"It was a complete shock and I would have loved him to remain at Portsmouth.
"But Tottenham are a massive club, I did my YTS there so I know how big a club it is and if he can get them to where they should be that would be fantastic.
"These things happen in football so I am never that surprised. We will carry on regardless and continue our good season."

Portsmouth 2-0 Tottenham

2008-09-28T20:59:00.001+01:00

Defoe (left) and Crouch (right) each scored against their ex-club
Tottenham were left rooted to the bottom of the Premier League after a tame display in a loss at Portsmouth.
Former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe put Pompey ahead when he drove in a penalty after Jermaine Jenas needlessly handled a Glen Little free-kick.
Spurs lacked a goal threat but were denied a penalty after an Aaron Lennon cross struck Lassana Diarra's arm.
Peter Crouch nodded in Pompey's second before Diarra was sent-off late on for two bookable offences.
Spurs now have just two points from six top-flight games and, while it is early in the season, the panic button might be getting nearer to being pushed.

Poyet vented his frustration after the game
The White Hart Lane side, who have made their worst start to a season for 53 years, looked short on confidence and belief, while they also seemed like a set of strangers playing together.
Defoe's opener will only have added to their misery and any regret they may harbour from selling him to Pompey in January.
The England striker made his exit with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov ahead of him in the Spurs pecking order but his rivals have also since left the club.
Keane and Berbatov departed during the summer and Spurs have struggled to adapt and move on, while Defoe has prospered at Pompey.

He thought he had put his side ahead as early as the third minute when he slotted in after a Crouch flick-on only to be ruled offside in a marginal decision.
Spurs saw plenty of the ball early on but it was the home side who were posing the problems in front of goal.
Pompey midfielder Richard Hughes pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a left-foot shot on the stretch which was fended away by keeper Heurelho Gomes.
Gomes again denied Hughes when he saved his far post volley from a corner before Pompey took the lead after 34 minutes.
Jenas was the culprit and his error allowed Defoe to confidently score from the spot for his sixth goal from his last five outings.
Spurs fans could only crave the sort of inspiration Defoe and Pompey possessed and, even when they did go close, they were missing a cutting edge.

Redknapp was pleased with the result
Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko headed wide of the Pompey goal and also steered a David Bentley free-kick high.
Spurs were not helped when their appeals for a penalty after Lennon's cross struck Diarra's arm were turned away and Pompey took advantage by extending their lead.
Armand Traore's powerful shot was only parried by Gomes and ex-Tottenham trainee Crouch was on hand to head in from close range.
Diarra was dismissed after 88 minutes for Pompey but they will welcome the win after conceding 10 goals in their last two games.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp:"It was nice to see Jermain score. He's been very sharp and so has Crouchie who also did well.
"We needed this result and I was delighted with how we went about it.
"We've had two bad defeats but sometimes that happens and the most important thing is to get back as quickly as you can."

England coach Fabio Capello has named Chelsea's John Terry as his captain.

2008-08-20T11:44:00.000+01:00

Defender Terry, 27, who succeeded David Beckham as skipper after the 2006 World Cup, was given the nod ahead of Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand.
The Chelsea skipper, who has won 44 England caps, begins his second stint as captain in Wednesday's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
"I think everybody realises it means the world to me to retain the armband," said Terry.
"To get the armband back is a huge achievement for me.
"I heard about an hour before the news conference, just after training. The manager called the whole squad together and told us as a whole.
The big personality of John was the reason I chose him but Rio is very important to the team
England coach Fabio Capello"For me to get it above the likes of Rio Ferdinand and the other players in the squad is a great honour."
Terry admitted he was a little surprised when Capello selected him ahead of Ferdinand.
"I'd never given up on the armband and never will do," he stated.
"I'd heard the whispers that Rio had got the armband so I was a little bit shocked but I've got to make the most of it."
Terry added: "My target now is to qualify for the World Cup and that's the aim going forward."
Capello revealed Terry's "big personality" was the deciding factor.
"Rio, when he was captain, played very well - the same level as John," said the Italian.
"It was not easy for me to choose because they are very good players.
"The big personality of John was the reason I chose John but Rio is very important to the team."
Ferdinand has been named as vice-captain of the national team.
England's World Cup qualifying campaign begins in September, with ties against Andorra in Barcelona and Croatia in Zagreb.
Terry was the captain under former coach Steve McClaren as England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
The centre-half was an inspirational figure for Chelsea during the 2007-08 campaign, although the season ended in disappointment.
Chelsea finished as runners-up in the battle for the Premier League title and Terry agonisingly missed a penalty in May's Champions League final shoot-out that would have given the Blues the trophy at the expense of eventual winners Manchester United.
Capello has taken his time to choose who will wear the armband on a permanent basis, the decision coming eight months after he was appointed as McClaren's replacement.
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard captained the side in Capello's first friendly against Switzerland, Ferdinand for the defeat in France, Terry for the 2-0 win over the United States and David Beckham for the game against Trinidad and Tobago in June.
The Italian said all along he was trying out the players in the role and would make a permanent choice in time for the World Cup qualifiers.

Bouma could play again this year

2008-07-28T10:48:00.001+01:00

Bouma was treated for several minutes before being carried off
Aston Villa are optimistic defender Wilfred Bouma will return in four to six months after a successful operation on his dislocated right ankle.
The 30-year-old suffered the injury in Villa's Intertoto Cup victory over Odense BK on Saturday.
Bouma had an operation on Sunday, during which the ankle was reset and a plate inserted to stabilise the area.
"The operation went very well. Freddie is in good spirits," manager Martin O'Neill told Villa's website.
"Everybody is very optimistic he will make a rapid recovery.
"It was a bad injury but with the level of treatment he has had and the post-operative prognosis we've been given, we're all hoping to see him back, perhaps sooner than everyone expected on Saturday night."
The injury happened in the first 15 minutes of the match against Danish side Odense at Villa Park.
Bouma's team-mates looked on in shock as the left-back underwent treatment before being replaced by Gareth Barry.
The Dutchman was taken to hospital where an X-ray showed his right ankle was dislocated rather than broken - and Villa boss O'Neill initially feared the worst.
"I am a bit squeamish and the pictures were not so good," said O'Neill after Villa's 1-0 win, which gave the Midlands club a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the final qualifying round of the Uefa Cup.
Bouma joined Villa from PSV Eindhoven for £3.5m in August 2005 and O'Neill added: "It's terrible news because he played every single game last season. He was fantastic but he'll come through it."

Match-winner Fernando Torres said Spain deserved to win Euro 2008

2008-06-30T15:28:00.000+01:00

Torres struck in the first half as Spain beat Germany 1-0 in Vienna to win their first major trophy for 44 years and Torres's first trophy of any kind.
The Liverpool striker said: "I feel a tremendous joy. It still hasn't sunk in what we've achieved with this victory.
"The team that played the best football at Euro 2008 won the title and we have a place in European football history."
He added: "It's just a dream come true. This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many. "Victory in a Euro, it is almost as big as a World Cup. We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won.

Torres was soaked in champagne by his team-mates
"My job is to score goals. I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe and the world."
Coach Luis Aragones, who now steps down after four years in the job, paid tribute to Torres after the final whistle.
"Fernando is a great player for Liverpool and for our team and he can go anywhere because he has really extraordinary speed and he knows how to dribble," said the 69-year-old.
"We always tell him he's a player who is so young that he can learn to do everything and there is no doubt he can be one of the best players in the world."
Aragones, who could barely contain his delight with his side's resounding victory, believes the way they won the tournament may inspire other teams to try and play the same brand of football in the future.
"All those that love football want to see it played that way," he said. "People want players who can pass well and get into the penalty area and score goals.
"They'll look up to Spain as a model of how to play football.
"We've won this tournament brilliantly, it's a happy day for the players, the background staff, me, all Spaniards."
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas hailed his team's triumph as a "victory for beautiful football". The 21-year-old said: "It feels amazing, this is the best day of my life in football, I don't think we've realised yet what we have achieved.
"It's been a long time since a team playing this kind of beautiful football won a tournament like this.
"It is 44 years after Spain last won anything. This is one of the best trophies you can win as a footballer and I did it, we did it.

Fabregas hailed victory as the best day of his life
"We play football on the ground, we try to pass the ball and we won this tournament in style. We gave football the success it deserves.
"You know what a young squad this is, so hopefully we can think about winning the World Cup in two years' time."
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, who came off the bench in the second half, added: "It feels great, of course - so many years without winning anything.
"It was very important for everyone - for the supporters, for the players, for the staff - and now we are absolutely happy and we want to enjoy the moment."

Eriksson deserves better from Thaksin

2008-04-29T20:06:00.000+01:00

Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at Manchester City in July to a fund of goodwill from success-starved fans - now he risks every shred of his sporting reputation by sacking Sven-Goran Eriksson.The mere mention of Eriksson's name is the catalyst for a variety of a emotions after his time of under-achievement and excess personal baggage with England.And yet the Swede now, rightly, finds himself the subject an outpouring of sympathy as Thaksin prepares to make his sacking official.Before outlining the scale of mistake Thaksin is about to make, it is only right to go back to June last year when I wrote a piece insisting the former Thai Prime Minister was wrong to appoint Eriksson.He was right. And I was wrong. Now he is very wrong.I questioned whether Eriksson was a modern team-builder and whether he had the hunger and desire to do the job at Eastlands. It was a view coloured by watching his listless performances at three major tournaments in charge of England.Eriksson has answered those charges emphatically in a first season that has been one of undoubted progression, despite a fade-out in the second half of the campaign.He has also achieved the specific goal set for him by Thaksin - namely a top ten Premier League finish.Eriksson had to work the transfer market quickly and effectively when he took over because he was barely left with enough players after the departure of Stuart Pearce and the clock was ticking on the new season.Martin Petrov and Elano brought class and creativity, while Croatia's Vedran Corluka was another success.He made mistakes, namely the £8m paid for striker Rolando Bianchi, but when a workable squad has to be assembled swiftly from the wreckage of what had greeted him, the odd gamble will fail.If Eriksson made a fatal error, it may have been by blending his new players so quickly and starting the season so spectacularly.This appeared to raise the expectations of Thaksin, a man who appears to have a slender grasp on the realities of football if he feels Eriksson's performance this season warrants the sack.As I have stated, there is a helping of humble pie with these words because I believed Eriksson would be a failure at Eastlands after the England experiences.But he had started to rebuild his own and Manchester City's reputation this season - and this should have only been the start.City have worked hard in recent years to cast aside a name for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.This has been done behind the scenes and Eriksson was in the process of putting matters right on the pitch. Thaksin is now about to throw so much good work away.Eriksson has also shown a willingness to give City's exciting crop of young players their chance and it was clear they had faith in him.Word from City is that Eriksson is a hugely popular figure, revered and respected by everyone at the club - except, it seems, by the man who matters.If Thaksin thinks his sacking of Eriksson is the decisive hands-on action the club's supporters revel in, he is guilty of a desperately bad misjudgement.City's fans, almost unanimously, are outraged by the news and the cynics might even suggest it is rather handy for Thaksin that the axe is falling after City's final home game.This spares him inevitable protests at Eastlands, although City fans will make their voices heard in support of Eriksson at Anfield and The Riverside in the final two games of his reign.Thaksin is apparently lining up Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari - and while the Brazilian is a World Cup winner with his own country, what is his knowledge of the Premier League?Eriksson's departure has reportedly devastated City's squad. What now for them? What of all the players Eriksson brought in?Make no mistake, the law of football dictes that predators will now be circling the likes of Richard Dunne, Micah Richards, Martin Petrov and Elano, ready to make capital of the uncertainty and unrest.Will the new man want Eriksson's signings? Will Thaksin effectively have to start spending again?What will the new man have to spend? When will he be able to spend it? And will he be allowed to spend it on the men he wants?And - crucially - will Thaksin start the sacking game again next term if City fail to achieve what appear to be his farcially unrealistic expectations?Eriksson achieved Thaksin's goal of a top ten finish with something to spare and will still be sacked. Would any manager of consequence be in a rush to join City with that backdrop?Manchester City is a club crying out for stability on the pitch after the wilderness years and Eriksson could have provided it.Sadly, Thaksin has chosen to demonstrate his impatience and sporting naivety in one fell swoop in a move that has alienated fans only too willing to give him a chance.Manchester City's fans do not deserve that. Manchester City as a club does not deserve that. Eriksson does not deserve that either.It remains to be seen whether this is the defining moment of Thaksin's reign - but he is in the process of committing a major error.

Liverpool 6-0 Derby

2007-09-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

Ryan Babel celebrates after scoring Liverpool's second goalLiverpool outclassed Derby to move to the top of the Premier League table for the first time under Rafa Benitez.
Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a 45-yard free-kick that sailed straight into the net before Ryan Babel's turn gave him space for a superb second.
Fernando Torres' cool finish made it 3-0 and Alonso added a fourth with a rasping drive from the edge of the box.
Andrei Voronin tapped home to make it 5-0 and Andy Todd's mistake let in Torres to complete the rout.

It was an utterly dominant performance from the Reds, who have now won five out of their six games in all competitions this season - but none as easily as this.
They always looked like extending their impressive start to the season against a Derby side lacking ambition and devoid of ideas.
There was little to cheer Rams boss Billy Davies with his side merely hanging on from the start.

Bywater did well to keep out Agger's 25-yard shot after it clipped off Derby defender Robert Malcolm and had to dive to stop a Torres header soon after.
Liverpool then spent an unsuccessful spell trying their luck from distance but, when Alonso did break the deadlock on 27 minutes, it was also from long range.
The Spanish midfielder was not trying to find the net when he curled in a free-kick but Kuyt ran across Bywater's line of sight and the keeper could not react in time to keep the ball out.
Derby could probably count themselves slightly unlucky in the manner in which they conceded but they could not argue that Liverpool deserved their lead.
And there was nothing fortuitous about the way Babel made it 2-0 before the break with his first goal since his £11.5m summer move from Ajax.
The Dutchman collected the ball from Alvaro Arbeloa's pullback, bamboozled Andy Griffin and Claude Davis with his first touch and then buried the ball past Bywater for a goal of genuine class.
Things continued in the same vein after half-time and Alonso should have added to Liverpool's advantage when Arbeloa, Torres and Kuyt combined to tee him up with only Bywater to beat.

Torres celebrates after scoring Liverpool's third goal
A third goal duly arrived when Javier Mascherano fed Torres and the Spanish striker made for goal before slotting coolly home.
Derby simply had no answer to Liverpool's pace and movement going forward and, when another attack was not properly cleared, Alonso notched again with a precise shot into the bottom corner.
Torres was clearly enjoying himself too and he played a part in Liverpool's next goal, exchanging passes with Kuyt who saw his shot saved before substitute Voronin followed up to score.
And it was apt that Torres rounded off the scoring, nipping in when Todd failed to deal with Voronin's lobbed through ball and sliding the ball home.
A miserable day for Derby was summed up late on when Craig Fagan failed to make contact with the ball with only Jose Reina to beat and Davies will have few positives to take away from such a demoralising defeat.

Red carpet rolled out for Beckham

2007-07-13T21:37:00.001+01:00

The Galaxy turned on the style to welcome Beckham to LADavid Beckham has been officially unveiled as an LA Galaxy player to an audience of media and supporters at the club's Home Depot Stadium.
In a ceremony rich in American razzmatazz, several MLS and Galaxy figures praised Beckham.
The 32-year-old midfielder, wearing a grey suit, then rose from his seat as ticker tape flew into the sky.
He then held an LA Galaxy shirt and posed for photographs while the assembled fans chanted his name.

I think that potentially in the US soccer could be as big as everywhere else in the world
David Beckham
"I'm looking forward to starting training next week and my first game," said Beckham.
"I would like to say how honoured I am to be presented. It is nice to see so many fans.
"I have always looked for challenges and something exciting in my life.
"I think that potentially in the US soccer could be as big as everywhere else in the world."
But when Beckham made his first reference to the game he plays he said "foot.." before correcting himself and saying "soccer", adding "I'll get used to that at some point, I'm sorry".
Beckham's wife Victoria appeared before her husband and posed for photographers wearing a fuchsia pink dress and trademark black sunglasses.
Prior to Beckham's arrival a large video screen replayed highlights of Beckham's career.
As Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas stood to address the gathered media and supporters, he was initially drowned out by the crowd chanting "Beckham, Beckham".

Supporters turned out in force to welcome Beckham
When the crowd calmed down, Lalas said the arrival of Beckham was an historic moment "not just for the Galaxy but for soccer and for the sport of soccer in the United States".
MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "Here in Los Angeles we have one of the world's most recognised athletes, most recognised players coming here to our league, our city, our team."
After Beckham spoke the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, was introduced to the crowd, who welcomed him by booing loudly.
Villaraigosa then put on a Galaxy shirt and presented Beckham with a framed picture.
Beckham's first appearance for the Galaxy is scheduled to be a friendly against Premier League side Chelsea on 21 July.
The England midfielder has a five-year contract with Galaxy, who are currently struggling in second-bottom place in the MLS Western Division after 12 matches.

The club play at the 27,000-capacity Home Depot Center stadium in the south Los Angeles suburb of Carson.
Beckham will be paid $6.5m (£3.2m) by Galaxy this season, according to figures posted on the league's players' union website, and could make $250m (£123m) over the life of the contract in profit-sharing and sponsorship deals.
Beckham arrived in Los Angeles late on Thursday with his wife Victoria and three children - Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo - but did not answer questions from the waiting media.
A series of media interviews and photo-shoots preceded their arrival, while a television programme documenting the family's move is set to air on US television on Monday.
The Beckhams will make their new home in a reported $22m (£10.8m), 13,000-square-foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbours include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Beckham assured of England future

2007-06-15T09:58:00.000+01:00

Beckham needs to maintain his form to impress McClarenDavid Beckham says England coach Steve McClaren has given him assurances about his international future.
Beckham, 32, will join LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in the summer but has been told by McClaren that he can keep his England place.
The former England skipper said: "Without a doubt, the manager has already made me aware of that.
"As long as my fitness is right, and I'm playing like I have been for the last six months, there's no problem."
Beckham has starred in his recall to the England colours, after his international career appeared to be on the rocks following England's exit from last summer's World Cup.
Some people think I'm going into semi-retirement, I don't see it as that
David Beckham
The Real Madrid midfielder set up John Terry's goal in his comeback match against Brazil, and then set up two more in England's Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.
Many thought Beckham's move to America's MLS would make it difficult for McClaren to pick the midfielder.
But Beckham said: "Some people think I'm going into semi-retirement, I don't see it as that.
"My fitness will be the same as it is now, if not better. I don't think that's going to be a worry.
"There's some people who think I can play for another two or three years at the top, and I'm one of those people."
Beckham confirmed that Sunday's clash with Real Mallorca will be his last for Madrid, who made a vain attempt to buy the England midfielder out of his contract.
Victory for Real will guarantee their first La Liga title since 2003, and will see Beckham end his time in Spain on a high note, with his first major honour for Madrid.

McClaren tight-lipped on Beckham

2007-05-25T14:00:00.000+01:00

David Beckham has been in impressive form for Real MadridEngland coach Steve McClaren has refused to play down growing speculation that former captain David Beckham is in line for a recall.
McClaren names the England squad for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia at noon on Saturday.
Beckham, 32, has not played for England since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal in June.
McClaren said: "Is the door open for Beckham? I never said it was closed."
Beckham, who will move to Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy in the summer, has been an influential member of the Real Madrid side that is closing in on La Liga.

McClaren added: "Does Beckham enter my mind? There are quite a few who do that and you will see on Saturday what the intentions are.
"Is there a more in-form midfielder than Beckham? We are talking about issues which aren't here yet and we will deal with them on Saturday if they come up.
"I keep my eye on everyone and David is one I said from day one that his form will be monitored."
McClaren will also monitor the fitness of striker Michael Owen on his international comeback at Turf Moor on Friday, when he captains England B against Albania.
Owen is on his way back after a serious knee injury suffered in the World Cup last summer.
He said: "Michael looks fit and sharp but lets not put too much pressure on him.
"He needs games and training sessions. He looks stronger and fitter and he has worked on that on his year out.
"It is a boost for everyone that he is involved. You do miss your best players."