Newcastle’s shock decision to appoint Graeme Souness as their new manager is the major talking point in today’s papers.

The Sun claims Souness was on the verge of being sacked by Blackburn while the Daily Express say he has been brought in to end the "Brat Pack" culture at St James’ Park.

According to the Daily Mirror, Souness faces a battle to win over the Newcastle fans.

Fanzine editor Martin Jensen is quoted as saying: "We were turned down by a whole host of big names and so we’ve ended up with Souness as a compromise."

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Mike Newell has emerged as a front-runner to succeed Graeme Souness as manager of Blackburn, according to the Daily Express.

Newell, pictured left playing for Blackburn back in 1991, was named August manager of the month for guiding Luton to six straight wins, won the Premiership in 1995 during five years as a player at Ewood Park.

The list Blackburn chief executive John Williams will consider is thought also to include Gerard Houllier, Paul Jewell, Glenn Hoddle and Terry Venables.

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Peter Taylor believes the solution to England’s age old left-sided problem is just around the corner after helping revive the Under-21 set-up.

Taylor has high hopes for Wigan left-back Leighton Baines and Middlesbrough’s left-sided midfielder Stuart Downing as they both prepare to face Poland in tonight’s European Championship qualifier.

He said: "We have got some good players coming through and I’m sure some of them will go a long way." (Daily Mirror)

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The Daily Mirror report that Didier Drogba is a worry for Chelsea after picking up a foot injury in the Ivory Coast’s World Cup qualifier against Sudan.

The £24m striker is rated doubtful for Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Aston Villa after hobbling off just before half-time.

Chelsea fear Drogba may have aggravated the ankle injury he sustained in their 2-0 win against Crystal Palace last month.

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Middlesbrough defender Michael Reiziger fears he will be crocked until the New Year.

The Dutch right-back aggravated a shoulder injury during last month’s 5-3 defeat at Arsenal. But an operation revealed the damage is more serious than first thought.

Reiziger said: "I don’t think I’ve got any chance of playing this side of Christmas.

"I’m gutted because I made so many sacrifices to make a success of this move." (The Sun)