Football news round-up 5-11 Oct

Sunday 11 October 2009

The Republic of Ireland confirmed their place in the World Cup play-offs following an entertaining 2-2 draw with Italy.  Giovanni Trapattoni’s men looked set for victory when Sean St.Ledger headed home late on, only for Alberto Gilardino to break Irish hearts with a late equaliser.

Germany sealed their place at the World Cup Finals following an impressive 1-0 win in Russia. Miroslav Klose grabbed the only goal of the game to inflict a rare home defeat on Guus Hiddink’s men.

Serbia cruised into the World Cup Finals following a 5-0 thumping of 10-man Romania. Serbia’s victory means France must go through the lottery of the play-offs if they are to make it through to South Africa next Summer.

Denmark booked their place in South Africa following a hard-fought 1-0 win over arch-rivals Sweden.  Jakob Poulsen’s late strike gave the home side all three points to ensure they will finish top of Group One.

Didier Drogba came off the bench to fire the Ivory Coast into the World Cup Finals.  The Chelsea striker netted a 65th minute equaliser to ensure his side picked up a point from a 1-1 draw in Malawi.

Craig Bellamy continued his hot-streak in front of goal but it wasn’t enough to prevent Wales from slumping to a 2-1 defeat in Finland. The Manchester City striker cancelled out Roni Porokora’s opener but a Niklas Moisander strike won it for the Finns.

Scotland suffered a 2-0 defeat in Yokohama as Japan cruised to a 2-0 victory. An own-goal by Wolves’ Christophe Berra and a late strike from Keisuke Honda gave the home side victory.

Birmingham City chairman David Gold is to leave the club after 16 years at St Andrews following the takeover of the club by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.

Charlton remain second in League One after being held to a goalless draw by Oldham at the Valley. The Addicks are now just a point clear of third placed Colchester, who won 1-0 at Leyton Orient.

League Two leaders AFC Bournemouth suffered their first home defeat of the season after going down 2-1 against Chesterfield. Dagenham and Redbridge are now just a point behind after seeing off Steve Staunton’s Darlington 2-0.

Oxford United are nine points clear at the top of the Conference following their 5-0 demolition of Grays.  Second placed Stevenage hit four on their way to a 4-0 victory over Hayes and Yeading, while AFC Wimbledon pulled off a 5-2 win at Forest Green.

Saturday 10 October 2009

Former England international midfielder John Barnes has been sacked as manager of Tranmere Rovers just eleven matches into the job. His assistant and ex-Liverpool team-mate Jason McAteer was also dismissed. Physio Les Parry will take charge for Monday night’s game against Stockport.

Ex-England Under-21s manager Peter Taylor has parted company with League One Wycombe Wanderers by mutual consent. Wycombe owner Steve Hayes said: “Peter came to me and said he was very disappointed with the way the season has begun and understood that things had to change.”

Southampton remain bottom of League One despite an impressive 3-1 Friday night win at Southend. Elsewhere, Hartlepool and Brentford played out a goalless draw.

Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence will start his first competitive match for the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifier against Italy.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has stated he tried to help find a buyer for his former club Portsmouth. Redknapp said: “I've got a couple of friends who have been interested in buying clubs and I said to them Portsmouth would be a great club to get involved with.”

Former Portsmouth player Sulley Muntari has dismissed reports he might leave Inter Milan and rejoin Redknapp in the Premier League. He said: “I only know that I am an Inter player. Would I enjoy going back to England? I am settled in Italy.”

Nigel Worthington has indicated he is keen to remain as Northern Ireland manager beyond next year’s World Cup. He said: “If my ideas on moving forward are the same as the IFA's, there is no reason why we cannot sort something out. We will sit down and discuss it after the Czech Republic match.”

Boudewijn Zenden is hoping to sign for Sunderland next week after proving his fitness in training with the club. The Dutch winger and former Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool man is a free agent after his contract at Marseille ended. He said: “I will know if I will sign a contract only towards the end of next week.”

Friday 9 October 2009

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is to be questioned by authorities after he failed a doping test. Cannavaro was allegedly stung by a wasp and took a medicine which contained the banned substance cortisone.

LA Galaxy have confirmed that they hope to tie up a loan move for David Beckham to join AC Milan in the next two weeks. Tim Leiweke, chief executive of AEG (Galaxy owners) said: "We want to get it done, for him and for us and I don't want any confusion. We're going to clear that up in the next two weeks because we want the team to be focused."

Fernando Torres suffered an injury scare for Spain when he limped out of training on Thursday. The Liverpool striker pulled up with a groin problem but should be fit to face Armenia in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Nigel Worthington admits he wants to remain as Northern Ireland manager for the European 2012 qualifiers. Worthington, whose contract expires on October 14, said: “If my ideas on moving forward are the same as the IFA’s, there is no reason why we cannot sort something out."

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is targeting a first-team return in the near future after being ruled out for the last year with a knee injury. Hargreaves said: "It is difficult to say an exact date but I do feel I can see light at the end of the tunnel now."

Jermain Defoe admits he is gutted to be missing the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus, but wants to ensure he is fit for Tottenham's next league game against Portsmouth on October 17. Defoe was ruled out of England's double header after suffering two dislocated fingers and a fracture in his left hand during the 5-0 win over Burnley on September 26.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will take his time before deciding whether to offer former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Boudewijn Zenden a contract. Zenden is a free agent after leaving Marseille at the end of last season.

Southampton have signed Republic of Ireland international David Connolly on a free transfer. Connolly, 32, left Sunderland in the summer and Saints boss Alan Pardew said: "I believe in him and my staff all feel that we could get one of the bargains of the season - but only if David comes back to what he has achieved and what he could do before, because he is a Premiership player when he is at his best."

Darlington manager Steve Staunton has wasted no time making his first two signings after being appointed this week. Staunton has brought in former Leeds striker Noel Whelan and Liverpool defender Robbie Threlfall on loan.

Thursday 8 October 2009

Avram Grant, the former Chelsea manager, has been welcomed back to the game by England and Pompey goalkeeper David James after he was announced as Portsmouth’s new Director of Football. Grant knows the club well because he was Technical Director at Fratton Park three years ago before moving to Stamford Bridge. James said: “It’s a good move. I’m delighted. Avram’s football knowledge is extensive and on top of that he’s a decent bloke.”

Diego Maradona will hold talks about his future as coach of Argentina at the end of their World Cup qualifying campaign. “If I continue it will be under my conditions,” he said.

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has opened negotiations about a new contract at the club.  He said; “We've started talks but it's a long process. I'm happy here. My family is happy here and I want to stay.”

Scotland have seen ten players pull out of their squad for a friendly in Japan. Alan Hutton and Darren Fletcher are the latest.

Burnley manager, Owen Coyle, played for Burnley Reserves against Liverpool last night and lasted 73 minutes. Liverpool won 1-0.

Barton Rovers won 3-2 at Ilford in an FA Trophy Preliminary Round Replay after drawing 1-1 in the original tie. Harrogate Railway also beat Woodley Sports 2-1 while  in The FA Vase, Saltash United won 2-1 at Bodmin Town.

Chelsea Ladies beat top-of-the-table Millwall Lionesses 3-1 in The FA Tesco Women’s Premier League.

AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Storari has signed a new contract at the San Siro which will keep him at the club until 2012.

Chelsea’s Michael Essien is dreaming of a match against England at South Africa 2010 after Ghana qualified for the World Cup Finals. He said:"Now both teams are at the World Cup, my wish will be for Ghana to play against England either in the group stages or at the knockout stage.

The agent of Brazilian striker Adriano has denied the player is set to move back to Italy from Flamengo and sign for AC Milan.

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Gabriel Agbonlahor is eager to impress Fabio Capello in England's final two World Cup qualifiers. The Aston Villa midfielder last played for the Three Lions against Spain eight months ago but he has been recalled to the squad. Agbonlahor said: "The manager has given me a chance so hopefully I can reward him if I get an opportunity to play in either of the two games coming up."

England hero George Cohen is confident Glen Johnson can cement his place as the first choice right-back for The Three Lions. Cohen, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, also wants the Liverpool defender to attack the opposition more. "He has got to get forward, and he is pretty good at that, he has got good distribution is fast and strong," Cohen said.

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has been ruled out of the crucial World Cup Qualifier against Italy. The Fulham midfielder has a calf injury and Noel Hunt has been chosen to replace him.

Former England international Sol Campbell has spoken to Arsenal about the possibility of training with the club. Campbell left Notts County after just one match in September and the 35-year-old wants to get fit in order to attract a new club in January. "I've spoken to Arsene, hopefully we can get everything right and speak to the right people and get a couple of the physios and fitness guys to help me and train," Campbell said.

Football League Trophy second round: Brave Torquay drew 2-2 with Southampton before losing 5-3 on penalties, while Charlton eased their way into the southern section quarter finals with a 4-1 home win against Barnet. In the northern section, Hereford beat Aldershot 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw, while Swindon won by the same scoreline, again on penalties, against Exeter. Elsewhere, Grimsby beat Hartlepool 2-0 at Victoria Park, Leeds beat Darlington 2-1 and there were wins for Leyton Orient, Norwich, Carlisle, Bury, Bradford, MK Dons, Northampton and Port Vale.

Carson Yeung gained control of Birmingham City on Tuesday. The Hong Kong businessman took his shareholding beyond the 90% mark and Birmingham manager Alex McLeish said: "We are looking forward to a new era. There is a buzz about the place and the fans and they are anticipating another step forward."

Alberto Aquilani is set for his Liverpool debut later this month. The Italian midfielder signed from Roma for £20million in the summer but has been sidelined through injury. But Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes to have Aquilani back soon. "Alberto is progressing all the time. It could be two to three weeks before he is back," Benitez said.

Jim Harvey is the new manager of Chester City. The former Forest Green manager succeeds Mick Wadsworth, who was sacked last week. Harvey is Chester City's eleventh manager in eight years.

Bolo Zenden is training at Sunderland. The former Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder is looking for a club since his release from Marseille. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said: "He's joined us for a while and will train at the academy for a few weeks as he looks for a new club."

Didier Drogba wants Chelsea to sign Patrick Vieira, if they can get their transfer ban overturned. Chelsea will appeal their two-year transfer embargo and if they are successful, Drogba wants Vieira at Stamford Bridge. The Ivorian said: "Vieira? We'd take him anytime. He will be a good addition to our squad, if we can recruit."

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie is confident the club will have money to spend in January. Sulaiman Al-Fahim sold 90% of the club to Ali Al-Faraj and Storrie is pleased with the direction the club is going. Storrie said: "There will be money to spend in January to make sure we do not lose our coveted place in the top flight."

Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain has denied claims that Cristiano Ronaldo's absence led to the team losing the 100 per cent La Liga record at the weekend. Ronaldo was missing with an ankle injury and Madrid lost 2-1 to Sevilla. Higuain said: "Cristiano is a very important player for us but that's not to say that we suffer when he doesn't play. This is precisely why we have such a range of quality players. The problem was that we played a great opponent."

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Aston Villa and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw at Villa Park on Monday evening. Richard Dunne gave Villa the lead against his former club, but Craig Bellamy equalised in the 67th minute to secure a point for City.

A consortium led by Saudi property magnate, Ali Al Faraj, has taken control of Portsmouth Football Club after agreeing a deal with previous owner, Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Former Republic of Ireland manager, Steve Staunton, has taken charge of Darlington until the end of the season. Staunton has brought in Kevin Richardson as assistant. The club are currently bottom of League Two.

Meanwhile, Northampton Town also unveiled a new manager on Monday, in the shape of former club captain, Ian Sampson.

Hull City midfielder, Jimmy Bullard, is readying himself to play for the Tigers' reserve side tonight as he launches his comeback from the cruciate ligament damage he suffered on his Hull debut. Hull's reserve side face Bolton.

Coventry City forward, Leon Best, has been named September's Championship Player of the Month after scoring five in five.

18-year-old Blackburn Rovers midfielder, Aaron Dorran, has joined MK Dons on a one-month loan deal.

Monday 5 October 2009

Chelsea restored their position at the top of the Premier League after goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda helped them record a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal produced a masterful display as they cruised to a 6-2 win over Blackburn to make it a memorable anniversary for manager Arsene Wenger. Cesc Fabregas was instrumental as he set up four goals and scored a wonder goal himself. England forward Theo Walcott was also among the scorers as he made his first appearance of the season.

Junior Stanislas fired an injury time equaliser to help West Ham record a 2-2 draw against Fulham. Carlton Cole had put the home side into the lead and Fulham’s woes continued when Kagisho Dikgacoi was sent off. But the west London club forced their way back into the game through a Danny Murphy penalty and took the lead through Zoltan Gera. But Stanislas came to the rescue of West Ham in dramatic style when he fired home two minutes into stoppage time.

Everton had to settle for a point after coming from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Stoke. Robert Huth had put Stoke into the lead with a close-range header, but Leon Osman quickly put the home side level with a curling 25-year drive.

Kenny Miller fired two first half goals to help Rangers record a 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox. Aiden McGeady scored from the penalty spot for Celtic but they failed to find an equaliser and are now just one point above their arch rivals in the league.

Portsmouth are set to be taken over again after current owner Sulaiman al-Fahim entered talks to sell his majority shareholding in the south coast club to a consortium led by Saudi property entrepreneur Ali al-Faraj.

David Beckham is holding talks with LA Galaxy over a possible return to AC Milan on loan. Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said: “He's in conversation with the LA Galaxy about doing a loan again and discussing coming back. It hasn't been finalised yet but I know he's interested in joining Milan."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill believes Manchester City can break into the top four this season as he prepares his side for a tough game at Villa Park on Monday night. O’Neill said: "You can draw comparisons with Chelsea a few years ago. They won two Premier League titles on the bounce. Now Manchester City have been able to accumulate players by spending big. City are a very big threat to the top four.”