Football news round-up 10-16 May

Sunday 16 May 2010

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack is expected to be fit for the World Cup despite having to leave the field with an ankle injury during the 1-0 win over Portsmouth in The FA Cup Final. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said: "We don't think it's a bad injury. We hope he'll be ready for the World Cup."

Swansea have confirmed that striker Besian Idrizaj has tragically passed away at the age of 22. Idrizaj died in his sleep on Friday night in Austria.

Dundee United won the Scottish Cup in style with a 3-0 victory over First Division Ross County. David Goodwillie and Craig Conway’s late double saw United lift the trophy for only the second time in their history.

Millwall hold a slender advantage over Huddersfield in the League One semi-final play-off after coming away with a 0-0 draw at Galpharm Stadium. Millwall now have home advantage in the second leg on Tuesday night.

Rotherham scored a vital late goal to hand them a strong advantage over Aldershot in the League Two semi-final play-off. The game was heading for a 0-0 draw until Adam le Fondre scored the crucial match-winner with just two minutes left on the clock.

Everton midfielder Dan Gosling has received a major boost after learning his knee injury is not as bad as first feared. Gosling ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Wolves last season. Everton assistant boss Steve Round said: "Dan is doing very good after his surgery. There was less damage than we first thought so that was a positive."

Saturday 15 May 2010

Wayne Rooney has revealed he is taking his coaching badges and considering a career in management when he retires from football. The Manchester United and England striker was speaking as he collected his Footballer of the Year award at the Football Writers' Association's annual dinner.

Cesc Fabregas has said he wants to sort out his future before the Wotld Cup, and admitted he would only leave Arsenal for Barcelona. The Spanish star began his career at Barcelona before joining Arsenal and has been linked regularly with a return to his home city.

Swindon gained the upper hand in their League One play-off against Charlton by winning the first leg 2-1. Charlie Austin and Danny Ward put Swindon 2-0 ahead before Deon Burton scored to give Charlton some hope for next week's second leg at the Valley.

David Beckham says he expects to be fit by September after surgery on the ruptured Achilles' tendon that ended his World Cup hopes. The former England captain delivered England's 2018 World Cup bid book to FIFA in Zurich on Friday.

Wigan have signed Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcarez from Belgian Club Brugge. Alcarez is part of Paraguay's World Cup squad and follows a line of South Americans such as Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia, who have played for Wigan.

Togo have had their ban from the African Cup of Nations overturned. Togo were initially banned from the next three tournaments after withdrawing from this year's event in Angola when their team bus was attacked and three members of their party killed. Now the ban has been lifted and they will be allowed to compete in the next tournament, in two years' time.

Leonardo has confirmed that he has parted company with AC Milan. The former Brazil international had been manager of the Rossoneri since Carlo Ancelotti left to join Chelsea last summer, but with Milan third in Serie A, has left by mutual consent.

Ben Foster is in talks with Birmingham City about a move from Manchester United. The goalkeeper has struggled to play regular football this season and is wanted by Birmingham now that Joe Hart has returned from his loan spell to Manchester City.

Friday 14 May 2010

England Manager Fabio Capello reckons Wayne Rooney is as important to The Three Lions as Spanish star Raul is to Real Madrid. "Rooney is one of the best talents that I have ever coached - he is like Raul in how important he is to a team."

Dimitar Berbatov has retired from international football. The Manchester United striker scored 48 goals in 74 appearances for Bulgaria, making him the nation's all-time leading scorer.

John Terry has dismissed any fears regarding his injured foot. The Chelsea and England defender is now likely to feature in The FA Cup Final on Saturday. "I was delighted when I got the scan results and there was no ligament damage or anything like that. It was just a bit of bruising inside the foot, so no problem at all," he said.

Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to complete the double when Chelsea face Portsmouth at Wembley but he is wary of the threat the 2008 winners pose. "It is the most important game and we have to have respect for Portsmouth. They were relegated but they deserve to play in this Final after beating Tottenham in the Semis. We have to fight against them to win this game," he said.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has told FA Cup Finalists Portsmouth to forget about approaching Gus Poyet regarding a managerial role. Avram Grant is set to leave Pompey after The FA Cup Final but Bloom said: "Gus is on a long term contract - we want him to stay here."

Arsene Wenger says he is intent on maintaining a title challenge next year. Arsenal have not won the title since 2004 and finished third this season. "We have been in the top four for 14 years in a row, but we want more - and we will try absolutely everything next year to get more," he said.

Plymouth's executive director Keith Todd says the club is safe from the threat of administration. The Pilgrims have been relegated to League One but Todd said: "Any business theoretically could [go into administration], but there's no plans to do such a thing at all."

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho says he will manage Real Madrid one day. The former Chelsea boss has been linked with the job at the Bernabeu and he said: "Sooner or later I will coach Real Madrid. I coached a big team in England, I am coaching a big team in Italy, and then I will coach a big team in Spain."

Martin Skrtel insists he is confident that he will be fit in time for Slovakia's World Cup campaign. The defender has not played since February after breaking a metatarsal but said: "I've had great support from the medical staff at Liverpool and my family so I will do everything I can to be fit for the World Cup."

Thursday 13 May 2010

Fulham’s astonishing run to the Europa League Final ended in an agonising defeat as Diego Forlan’s extra-time winner secured a 2-1 victory for Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan had given the Spanish side a first-half lead, only for Simon Davies to haul Roy Hodgson’s men level. But Forlan guided home Sergio Aguero’s cross with four minutes left to break Fulham’s hearts.

Cardiff will play Blackpool in the Championship Play-Off Final after David Jones’ side won a dramatic semi-final against Leicester on penalty kicks. Leicester won 3-2 on the night at the Cardiff City Stadium to send the tie to spot kicks, but Yann Kermorgant and Martyn Waghorn saw their efforts from 12 yards saved by David Marshall to send the Bluebirds to Wembley.

England centre-back John Terry has not broken a metatarsal in his foot, as was first feared on Wednesday. The Chelsea skipper limped out of training and went to hospital with his foot in a protective cast, but he has reassured Three Lions fans he will be fit for the World Cup in South Africa, and is hoping to be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Portsmouth. "With such an important match coming up the right thing was to put a protective boot on and have a scan," said Terry. "The scan shows there's no break. I aim to train on Thursday, if not Friday, and of course play in The Final."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is to stay at the club after talks with owner Randy Lerner following reports which suggested the Northern Irishman was set to leave Villa Park. "I think next year will be exciting and worthwhile and I look forward to it," explained Lerner.

Burnley have dismissed reports claiming that manager Brian Laws is set to lose his job in the wake of the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League. "On Wednesday [Laws] met the chairman and operational director to plan next season's player recruitment and budget,” read a Burnley statement.

Nottingham Forest have insisted that Billy Davies is to stay at the club despite the Championship side’s loss to Blackpool in Tuesday’s play-off semi-final. "Billy's here for the long-term. We've asked him to build a club and I think he's accepting that challenge,” said Forest chairman Nigel Doughty. "He's done a marvellous job and I think we have a good working relationship."

Lennie Lawrence has left his post as Bristol Rovers’ Director of Football. Lawrence has worked alongside manager Paul Trollope since 2005, but Rovers chairman Nick Higgs says the decision was planned long ago. "When we first appointed Lennie Lawrence we realised that it was an arrangement that would not continue indefinitely," he said.

Hosts South Africa have named four English-based players in their 30-man World Cup training squad. Defender Aaron Mokeona, of Portsmouth, was joined by midfielder’s Kagisho Dikgacoi of Fulham, Everton’s Steven Pienaar and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy in Carlos Alberto Perreira's squad.

Holland skipper Giovanni van Bronckhorst has announced he will retire from football after this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. "I had doubts for months and the decision to quit wasn't easy but now I feel relieved. The World Cup is a beautiful end for my career," said the former Arsenal and Rangers man.

Neil Woods will stay on as Grimsby Town manager despite their relegation from League Two, it has been announced. Chairman John Fenty will also remain with the club after they lost their Football League status due to Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Burton Albion. “I'm delighted to stay on. There's a job that needs to be done and I believe I can do it," said Woods.

Gary Brabin has been appointed as Luton Town’s new Assistant Manager after Richard Money’s side failed to secure promotion back to the Football League. Coach Kevin Watson has left the club, while Brabin will still continue with his duties as chief scout.

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Fabio Capello has named his provisional 30-man England squad for the World Cup. Jamie Carragher has returned after previously retiring from international football and joins Tottenham duo Ledley King and Michael Dawson in defence. Joe Cole and Tom Huddlestone are also recalled in midfield with Darren Bent earning a place amongst the five forwards named in the provisional squad. 
 
Gareth Barry has also been named in the squad, though he will face a late fitness test to see if he can take his place in the final 23. The Manchester City midfielder suffered an ankle injury in their 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham last Wednesday, and was originally thought to have been ruled out of the tournament, but he will now be assessed on 24 May, the same day as the friendly against Mexico at Wembley. 
 
Paul Scholes has ruled himself out of this summer's World Cup squad. The 35-year-old midfielder retired from international football after the European Championships in 2004 but was reportedly considering a return, only for the Manchester United star to opt to stay with his family.
 
Provisional World Cup squads were also announced around the world with a host of Premier League players named. Liverpool's Dutch duo Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are included in a Holland squad missing Ruud Van Nistelrooy after he was left-out. Robin van Persie, Nigel De Jong and John Heitinga are also included. France include Nicholas Anelka, Arsenal defenders Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and William Gallas, as well as Abou Diaby, Florent Malouda and Patrice Evra. Spurs defenders Sebastien Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are called up for Cameroon and Thomas Sorensen features for Denmark. The usual suspects of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien, Nemanja Vidic, Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel are all called-up for their respective countries also.

Gianfranco Zola has been sacked as manager of West Ham United after less than two years in charge of the east London club. Despite the 43-year-old steering the Hammers clear of relegation with a game to spare, and his popularity amongst fans and players, he has been dismissed after overseeing just four wins in the second half of the season.
 
Blackpool have reached the Championship Play-Off final after a 4-3 win in the second leg away at Nottingham Forest. DJ Campbell scored a second-half hat-trick as the Tangerines ran out 6-4 winners on aggregate, after a 2-1 win in the first-leg. They will meet either Cardiff City or Leicester City to have a chance at reaching the top-flight for the first time since 1971.

Sunderland have completed the signing of Paraguayan midfielder Cristian Riveros from Cruz Azul on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old is capped 45 times and will play a vital role for his country in this summer's World Cup.

Hull City players have held emergency talks with the PFA after they were asked to take a pay-cut by Adam Pearson, the new head of football operations at the Tigers, who is attempting to reduce the relegated club's wage-bill.

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Roy Hodgson has been voted manager of the year by the League Managers Association after an outstanding season in charge of Fulham. Hodgson steered the west Londoners to the Europa League Final against Atletico Madrid - which will be played in Hamburg this Wednesday - and secured a 12th placed finish in the Premier League.
 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident England striker Wayne Rooney will quickly recover from the groin injury that forced him to be substituted during his side’s 4-0 win over Stoke City on Sunday. “I don't think it's too serious, he'll be okay for England,” said Ferguson.
 
Jamie O’Hara will decide whether to play for Portsmouth against Chelsea in The FA Cup Final on Saturday after talking to manager Avram Grant. The 23-year-old midfielder, on loan from Tottenham, is struggling with two stress fractures in his back. He said: “I have a big decision to make, I could risk longer-term injury.”
 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed the club are close to completing the signing of £11m-rated Germany international Jerome Boateng. “We are quite close to signing him. Boateng is a good player, a young player and strong,” said the Italian.
 
Everton chief executive Robert Elstone has revealed that Australian midfielder Tim Cahill is close to signing a new four-year contract. Elstone said: “We are at an advanced stage of negotiation with Tim and his representatives.”
 
Preston North End have signed Scunthorpe United striker Paul Hayes on a three-year deal. Preston manager Darren Ferguson said: “We're delighted to get Paul on board. We've done it pretty quick which is the best way to do business and he'll be a great free transfer.”
 
MK Dons have appointed Karl Robinson as their new manager on a 12-month rolling contract. Robinson, only 29, becomes the youngest manager in the Football League and replaces the outgoing Paul Ince. “Karl is a young man with enormous ambition who has the talent to build on the momentum our club is building,” said MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has left the club by mutual consent following their relegation from League One on Saturday.

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has been included in the provisional Denmark squad for the World Cup despite suffering a dislocated elbow last month. Nigeria, Japan and New Zealand also named their squads on Monday while England manager Fabio Capello will announce the Three Lions’ provisional 30-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.

Monday 10 May 2010

Chelsea won the Premier League in style as they recorded an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba netted a hat-trick which won him the Golden Boot and saw Chelsea record the biggest victory in the club’s history. Wigan’s misery was compounded when Gary Caldwell was sent-off.
 
Manchester United had to settle for second place even though they came away with a 4-0 win over Stoke at Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, an own goal from Danny Higginbotham and Park Ji-Sung wrapped up a comfortable victory but it was not enough to see United win their fourth successive title and they missed out by just a point.
 
Arsenal managed to finish third and claim an automatic place in the Champions League group stages next season after they thrashed Fulham 4-0. Andrey Arshavin, Robin van Perise, an own goal from Chris Baird and Carlos Vela were among the goals as Fulham rested a number of players ahead of the Europa League Final.
 
Tottenham had to settle for fourth spot after relegated Burnley claimed a 4-2 win at Turf Moor. Tottenham raced into a two-goal lead through Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, but Burnley hit back with strikes from Wade Elliott, Jack Cork, Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson.
 
Liverpool failed to end the season on a winning note after they were held to a goalless draw by Hull at the KC Stadium. Liverpool finished seventh which was their worst position since 1999.
 
Aston Villa secured a top six finish despite being beaten by Blackburn at Villa Park. Richard Dunne’s late own goal ensured Blackburn managed to achieve another top half place.
 
FA Cup Finalists Portsmouth were beaten by a last minute goal from Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Portsmouth finished bottom of the table but will be hoping to end the season on a high note at Wembley next Saturday.
 
Wolves rounded off an impressive season with a 2-1 win over Sunderland who were reduced to nine-men. Kenwyne Jones has put the visitors in front, but Wolves hit back with goals from Kevin Doyle and Adlene Guedioura. Michael Turner and Jack Colback were both sent-off.
 
Manchester City ensured a fifth place finish with a 1-1 draw with West Ham at Upton Park. Luis Boa Morte scored in his first start of the season for the home side but Shaun Wright-Phillips headed an equaliser just minutes later.
 
Bolton finished the season on a high note with a 2-1 win over Birmingham. Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic put them in pole position before James McFadden netted a late consolation.
 
Cardiff are in a strong position to reach the Championship play-off final following their 1-0 away win over Leicester. Peter Whittingham netted a superb free-kick in the semi-final first leg at the Walkers Stadium.