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Cole makes double apology
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has apologised to Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton for his high, studs-up challenge in Wednesday night's 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane.
The England defender has also stressed he did not mean to disrespect referee Mike Riley by turning his back on the official while he was trying to book him for the challenge.
'I'd like to apologise to anyone I offended and of course Alan Hutton who I tackled,' Cole said after watching both incidents on television on Thursday morning.
'I didn't mean to go in hard that way. It was high but I tried to read the ball and get the ball first, but he was a little bit too quick for me.
'It wasn't malicious and I'm a little disappointed with what people are saying, that I meant it.
'Of course it was a bad tackle at the time but in the heat of the moment you want to win the game and win every tackle, and as I said I'm sorry for Alan, but it was never meant.'
Cole has been roundly criticised for his conduct towards Riley after the incident but the 27-year-old said everything happened in the heat of the moment and he did not intend to be discourteous.
But he accepted his behaviour was something he had to concentrate on keeping a grip on in the future.
I'm an emotional person, things can happen on the pitch very quickly but I didn't mean to disrespect the referee,' he added on Chelsea TV.
'I recognise this is a part of my game that I need to work on and control.'
Spurs assistant Gus Poyet was angry with the fourth official then confronted Cole at half-time when he walked down the tunnel.
I was angry that everyone jumped on him, including their bench,' said Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
When we do these things people say we are not behaving right.'
The Football Association have this week tried to encourage more respect for officials, and Chelsea have been guilty in the past of surrounding referees.
They received a £40,000 fine for their conduct in the clash against Derby, but Grant added: 'We give a lot of respect to the official, if you see our players they don't have a problem with these things.'
Cole's tackle was one of the main talking points of the thrilling 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, with Riley put in the spotlight as well.
The West Yorkshire official was only just back in middle following a weekend off after being criticised in Blackburn's draw with Fulham.
After the bad-tempered clash at White Hart Lane, Chelsea lost ground in the Premier League title race.
Grant's men host Arsenal at the weekend when they have another chance of changing the look at the top of the table.
'I'm sure there will be a lot of twists and turns in the title race,' said midfielder Joe Cole, who scored twice against Spurs.
'We need to keep plugging away. Arsenal and Manchester United have to come to Stamford Bridge and they play each other as well.
'There are going to be lots of opportunities for us to close the gap. No-one should be written off, it's anyone's title.
We might look back at the end of the season and thank Carlo Cudicini for the cracking saves he made, it might prove crucial.
By Sunday we'll be up and running and looking forward to it.'
England midfielder Cole was Chelsea's creative force but was taken off when Grant wanted to defend their lead.
'We're all in it together,' said the midfielder. 'There are 24 of us and whoever's chosen it's been a long season.'
Milan want Sheva to replace Ronaldo
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has reiterated his desire to take Andriy Shevchenko back to the San Siro this summer, describing him as the 'ideal choice' to replace the injured Ronaldo.
Brazil striker Ronaldo is likely to be sidelined until November after undergoing surgery on ruptured knee ligaments in Paris last month.
And Berlusconi believes Chelsea's former Milan favourite Shevchenko can fill the void.
He said: 'I think regularly about Shevchenko and I often speak to him.
The fans would understand that this would be the ideal choice for us. He is a player who is ready to help and for us that would be the ideal solution.
'I don't think that (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich will have a problem in letting him go.'
Shevchenko became Milan's second all-time leading goalscorer in a glorious seven-year spell which ended in the summer of 2006 when he joined Chelsea for £30million.
However, he has failed to shine at Stamford Bridge, although his record of 20 goals in 68 appearances is still respectable.
Gerrard vents frustration
` Steven Gerrard has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's faltering campaign by declaring even winning the Champions League will not make up for the dismal performance in the Premier League.
The Liverpool skipper accepts that only fourth place now is acceptable as they battle to secure entry into Europe's elite competition next term.
But he said: 'You don't get any prizes in football for finishing in second place, never mind fourth.
'I don't think that the fans would accept fourth as an accomplishment and for me it's not nearly good enough.
'We need to improve dramatically and even if we do finish fourth, it doesn't mean we have had a good season.'
Gerrard accepts Liverpool are now involved in a winner-takes-all battle for fourth spot with neighbours Everton and Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Manchester City.
Having regained fourth place on Saturday by beating Middlesbrough, they saw Everton grab it back on Monday with an impressive demolition of Sven-Goran Eriksson's City.
And the battle will rage on this weekend with Liverpool at Bolton on Sunday while Everton are at home to Pompey later in the day.
Gerrard, in an LFC magazine interview, showed his own frustrations and anger at the club's current fortunes.
He said: 'In the position we find ourselves now, fourth is the least that is acceptable. But we have bigger ambitions than that.
'The only way we can fulfil those ambitions is in the Champions League. And I am not going to pretend that even winning that trophy - and we are a long way away from it at the moment - will make up for the disappointment of the league campaign.
'I'm pretty gutted every time I look at the table and see the gap between us and Arsenal at the top, and even the gap between us and second and third.
'We believed we had the players to challenge for the title, and we wanted that one more than any other trophy available to us. I still believe we have the squad to be a hell of a lot more competitive than we are right now.'
And Gerrard, significantly, claims the time has come for the club to stop looking at their long-term potential. The Reds skipper, who has again been linked recently with a summer move to Real Madrid, said: 'I'm getting tired of saying the same thing over and over again.
'We can't keep talking about next season all the time. There are only so many times you can say it and believe it. Sooner or later we have to make one season the season we make it happen and do the talking on the pitch.
'We need to make people believe it. I'm 27 now, I don't want to be talking about 'next season' for Liverpool when I'm 32.
'We've got the stadium, the fans, the manager and the players to compete for the Premier League. But we have no chance of doing that if we are always well out of it by the first week in January.
'And at the moment we have our work cut out fighting it out with Villa, Everton and Manchester City for fourth.'
And he added: 'Only we can make this season a success now. We'd like to finish fourth and win the European Cup again.
'But the demands of being a Liverpool player, the expectations that come with the privilege of pulling on that jersey mean we've got to improve.
'You make your own luck, shape your own destiny. And now we soon have massive games at Manchester United and Arsenal, knowing we can't win the league.
'We are not bothered about whether we have an impact on the title race we're not in. But winning at both those places would send out a message for next season. That would lay down a marker that no-one would ignore.'
Gerrard also expresses a disappointment that a season of crisis off the pitch has given 'those in the media who don't like Liverpool' the chance to criticise.
'We have made it easy for them,' he said.
'It's not been a good situation (the takeover speculation) for anybody. It's sad so much of the club's business has been conducted in public. The club I have grown up supporting always did its business behind closed doors, and that is what we have to get back to.
'It's been a damaging situation for every single person involved with the club, fans, players, bosses, owners, from top to bottom.'
But Gerrard's theme, which should not be ignored by those 'bosses and owners', is the lack of a real title challenge.
He added: 'If you asked most of our fans, they would rather see the title than the European Cup at Anfield. We've not won it in a long, long time.
'Looking at the league table hurts. This time last year we were third and Arsenal were fourth, and that is the way the season ended. It hurts to see where Arsenal are now.'
Man City owner Thaskin set for Thailand return
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is set to return to his native Thailand tomorrow, according to reports in the Far East.
Thaksin could face arrest after he returns to his homeland for the first time in 17 months, with corruption charges against him still outstanding. He was deposed as prime minister in September 2006 by a military coup.
It is reported that Thaksin expects to be bailed so he can open negotiations about his frozen assets with the government formed by some of his political allies in December.
Sitha Tivaree, who was a spokesman for Thaksin's ruling party, has travelled to Hong Kong to meet Thaksin today.
'I have no detail about Khun Thaksin's return on Thursday. But I will definitely travel with him back to Bangkok tomorrow,' he told The Nation, a Thai newspaper.
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Bolton - Anger over fans` treatment in Spain
Bolton have lodged an official complaint with UEFA at what they have branded the 'overzealous and disproportionate' treatment of their fans by Spanish police at last night's UEFA Cup match at Atletico Madrid. In a statement issued by the Premier League club this morning, it is claimed supporters were subjected to 'a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game'.
Its not the first time an incident involving forergn police and our fans have have resulted in harsh treatment, the most recent incident coming last season over in Rome, in the Champions League where Manchester United fans were treated badly.
In a statement issued by the Barclays Premier League club this morning, it is claimed supporters were subjected to 'a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game' at Vicente Calderon, which ended in a goalless draw that sent the Trotters through to the last 16.
It was a fantastic result for Bolton beating one of the finest teams in Spain, but some of the gloss have that victory was ruined by story`s coming out of Spain claiming these incidents.
The alleged behaviour of the police has prompted the club to take action, and they will liaise with Greater Manchester Police and the British Embassy in a bid to establish the precise course of events.
A disappointed Phil Gartside has vowed to get an explination of what went on last night and he will be taking it to the 'highest level' in that persuit.
'I have great sympathy for any of our supporters who have been injured by what is clearly an overreaction by the Spanish police,' he said.
`Our fans gave us magnificent support on the night and this has taken the shine off what has been a momentous evening in the club4s history.
'Bolton Wanderers Football Club will be pursuing the matter at the highest level and seeking an explanation from the Spanish authorities.
'We will also be conducting our own internal investigation and information-gathering process.'
The statement issued by the club read: 'The directors of Bolton Wanderers Football Club are upset and disturbed at the apparent overzealous and disproportionate actions of the Spanish police towards our supporters during Thursday night4s UEFA Cup return-leg at Atletico Madrid.
'The club's fans were subjected to a number of assaults and unprovoked baton charges before, during, and after the game, in addition to the aggressive use of police horses to manoeuvre fans towards the Vicente Calderon stadium.
'Bolton Wanderers has launched an official protest with UEFA and its security delegates, who witnessed the behaviour of the local police force, and the club is currently in liaison with the Greater Manchester Police and the British Embassy to ascertain further information.
'Bolton Wanderers supporters have an impeccable reputation and an excellent record of good behaviour when travelling abroad to European matches, and the club believes the actions of the Madrid police are entirely unacceptable.'
The allegedly heavy-handed treatment of Bolton's fans marred a night on which they progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Atletico.
Last April, a number of Tottenham supporters were injured during their side's UEFA Cup match at Sevilla, when the behaviour of the local police was also called into question.
The next few days will be interesting to see how Uefa react to these allegations and Bolton Wanderers want quick and decisive action taken.
Torres - Rotation not the problem at Anfield
Fernando Torres has come out with a statement saying the Reds have made progress this season and Rafa Benitez rotation policy has not affected Liverpool`s performances this season.
Liverpool go in to tonights clash with Italian giants Inter Milan having just come away from a string of bad results and poor performances, the most recent one came at the weekend where Liverpool failed to overcome Championship side Barnsley at An Field, going down 2-1 to the Yorkshire outfit in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Failure to overcome the Serie A champions over the two legs would leave Liverpool with very little to play for this season other than trying to secure fourth spot in the Premier League. And it would certainly leave Rafa Benitez hanging on to his job by his finger tips.
The seaon has gone from bad to worse for Rafa Benitez and his men after at the begining of the season, looked like they were finally going to mount a genuine title challenge.
But despite that bid long since faltering, Torres - one of the few summer signings to justify the pre-season hype still believes their has been progression this year and believes they can mount a real challenge for the Champions League this season.
'If you look at the stats, this season is better than last season,' he told The Times.
The problem is that people asked us to win the Premier League this year.
'There is a progression, I don't think it's a bad season. We started wanting to win everything, but, as it progresses, you are forced to change your targets.'
Torres does not believe Benitez's preference for chopping and changing his side has been a factor in the stalling of the Reds' season.
'When things don't go the way one wishes, people look for things to blame,' he added.
We have a manager with a philosophy that people knew before he came and one that has succeeded.
'It is very opportunistic to blame rotation for everything that goes wrong. It is not a problem for us. Liverpool have won a Champions League, FA Cup and so on with rotation.
It is normal to rest. We players never want to, but if the manager says so, you have to. If everybody accepts that is the way forward, the atmosphere doesn't suffer.'
Aussies block proposed 39th game
The proposed international round of Premier League matches has received a further blow with Football Federation Australia (FFA) joining in the chorus saying they would not support the concept.
It comes as huge disappointment for the FA as both the United States and the Asian Federatian are both against the proposal.
If the Premire League play the games in Australia it will be seen as an intrution on the local product in Australia.
A number of cities where the Premier League would like to base the extra games, North America, Australia and Asia are all the prefered destinations it seems.
Fifa are the latest Govening body to voice there concerns at the proposal with Chairman Frank Lowy saying he sees no great benefit playing the Premier League matches in Australia as there priorities are with the continuing development of the A-League.
`We said when the issue first arose last week that our overwhelming priorities is to promote the hyundai A-League and to continue to invest, and grow the game in Australia; Lowy said.
Capello off to winning start
Fabio Capello`s reign got of to the best possible start in England`s friendly match against Switzerland at Wembley but it wasn`t always plain sailing for England.
In the first Half an hour England looked dis-organised a team that looked like they have never played together and it looked like it was same old England, they were finding it hard to pass to each other.
It didnt look like it was going to happen but Joe cole showed his quality when he took on the Swiss full-back and laid it on a plate to Tottenham midfielder Jamaine Jenas for a simple tap in. It was the only highlight of the first half for England as they struggled to a 1-0 first half lead.
The second half began much better for Capello`s men as they started to pass the ball around and move for each other instead of playing the obvious long ball up field. Capello obviously wants them to pass the ball more and be more organised at the back, but he wouldn`t have been happy with the mistakes England were making through out the game.
Switzerland equalised with a well worked goal that had david james diving for the ball but didnt stand much of a chance of keeping it out.
That goal only lasted four minutes as England did turn for a moment in the match witha long kick up field from David James that found the head of substitute Peter Crouch who flicked on to Wayne Rooney who skillfully placed the ball in to the path of Steven Gerrard who got in behind the defence and placed it across the box for a tap in for Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Even at the end of the game Switzerland gave England a scare, but England managed to hold on for a much needed confidence boosting win. Next month England will be in France for a friendly, a game that will give England a much tougher challenge.
Capello however warned England players that caps will have to be earned by good performances rather than based on there names. The statement comes after David Beckham was dropped from the team completely and Michael Owen was a un-used substitute.
McClaren believes Beckham will win 100th cap
Former England manager Steve McClaren believes David Beckham will win his 100th cap for England but thinks tha tplaying in Major League soccer over in the States it may well have a suffering affect on his International career.
Beckham who is currently on 99 caps swapped Real Madrid for MLS side LA Galaxy in the summer of 2007 and they currently play in a much lower standard League. The 32 year old`s future has been in doubt since leaving Spain for the USA.
McClaren himself dropped the Galaxy midfielder and brought him back in to the squad once England`s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign began to falter. McClaren said "Beckham`s international future under new England boss Fabio Capello, Its going to be difficult"
'He`s gone from the top, top team in Eurobe to basically America and MLS where its really at the beginning and nurturing and flourishing and coming through, but not at the standard he is used to, and definatly not at the standard what international football requires.
'So its going to be difficult, but David i know prides himself on playing for England we`ve seen that in the past and he will keep fit.
'He`s working out with Arsenal already, and i believe he will get his 100th cap. And then its up to him, the work that he does, performances that he puts in, whether he`ll get anymore.'
McClaren was sacked in November 2007 after failing to qualify for Euro 2008 but the former Middlesbrough manager believes that it was still the best part of his career so far.
`McClaren said it was an honour, and a proud day when i got the job, and it was the saddest day of my life when i lost it.
McClaren thinks England will do well in there World cup campaign. Capello will anounce his first squad in the friendly match against Switzerland on January the 31st and the game is to be played on February 6th.
Harry rejects Toon offer and pockets £1m pay rise
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp turned his back on Mike Ashley`s Newcastle to pocket a £1million-a-year pay rise by Portsmouth..
Portsmouth had to break the bank to keep Redkapp as manager of Pompey. The Portsmouth fans are delighted that they managed to keep Harry Redknapp at the club because he has been superb to get Portsmouth where they are.
Redknapp met Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie at 9.30am and yesterday and was told they would double his £1 million-a-year salary if he stayed - and Redknapp had little hesitation in agreeing, he says he feels comfortable with everything at Portsmouth and doesn`t want to leave.
Newcastle United are back to square one after failing to secure the services of Redknapp and its emerged that Toon hero Alan Shearer and Blackburn manager Mark Hughes are the Bookies favourites to be in the hot seat at St James` Park. But with the lack of experience that Alan Shearer has, it would be some what of a risk to take that chance. Mark Hughes on the other hand has done brilliant with Blackburn Rovers and maybe desrves a shot at managing a club like Newcastle.
Newcastle are in turmoil at the minute with a defeat yesterday at Old Trafford, where the Toon went down to a shocking 6-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United which just puts more pressure on Mike Ashley and Chris Mort to get someone at the helm as quick as possible
Redknapp odds on favourite but he`s staying silent
Newcastle today were closing in on a deal to lure Harry Redknapp to St James` Park. Redknapp didn`t attend Portsmouth`s pre-match press conference as the media gathered mounting speculation over the magpies interest in him.
The Tyneside club are expected to make an official approch to pompey for permission to speak to Harry Redknapp. Back when Harry Redknapp took over Portsmouth for the second time, he was adamant that this job at Portsmouth would be his last.
Neither club was either conferming or denying that contact had been made this afternoon.
Chairman Chris Mort was away from his desk and club owner Mike Ashley was in Hong Kong added fuel to the fire that Harry Redknapp was backed down as overwhelming favourite with Ladbrokes as he was 1/7 to become Newcastle`s next manager.
There are already strong speculation in the South Coast that Harry Redknapp`s days are numbered as Portsmouth`s manager as rumours are already going around Fratton Park that talks over a Compensation package are already under way.
Grant wants Anelka in place for Spurs clash
Chelsea are set to speed up the process of signing Nicolas Anelka from Bolton Wanderers because they want the Frenchman in place for the Spurs showdown at the weekend.
Chelsea need to strengthen their attcking options as the striker crisis at the Bridge has been hit again because Andriy has suffered an ankle injury while Didier Drogba ans Saloman Kalou are on international duty with the Ivory Coast preparing for the start of the African Nations Cup.
The Blues initial bid was rejected by bolton, who are thought to be holding out for around £15 million. Grant was hoping to seal the deal in time for the semi final of the League Cup but now hopes the negotiations will quicken in time for Anelka to make his debut against Tottenham.
Grant said: we have confirmed our interest in Anelka and we wanted him for yesterday and i hope we will now get him for Saturday.
`If not we will continue with the players we have, we are missing three strikers so it is important to do it quickly'.
Nicolas Anelka hasen`t hidden away the fact his desire to play in the Champians League and with Chelsea`s interest looking more and more likely, it is more a matter of "when" the deal will go through than "if".
Chelsea are set to speed up the process of signing Nicolas Anelka from Bolton Wanderers because they want the Frenchman in place for the Spurs showdown at the weekend.
Chelsea need to strengthen their attcking options as the striker crisis at the Bridge has been hit again because Andriy has suffered an ankle injury while Didier Drogba ans Saloman Kalou are on international duty with the Ivory Coast preparing for the start of the African Nations Cup.
The Blues initial bid was rejected by bolton, who are thought to be holding out for around £15 million. Grant was hoping to seal the deal in time for the semi final of the League Cup but now hopes the negotiations will quicken in time for Anelka to make his debut against Tottenham.
Grant said: we have confirmed our interest in Anelka and we wanted him for yesterday and i hope we will now get him for Saturday.
`If not we will continue with the players we have, we are missing three strikers so it is important to do it quickly'.
Nicolas Anelka hasen`t hidden away the fact his desire to play in the Champians League and with Chelsea`s interest looking more and more likely, it is more a matter of "when" the deal will go through than "if".
Rafa expects to get the chop
Rafa Benitez has shocked everyone connected with Liverpool by sensationally admitting he epects to be sacked by Liverpool`s American owners.It is thought that Benitez could be sacked as early as next month if Liverpool crash out of the Champians League.
George Gillett and Tom Hicks refused to discuss a contract with the Spaniard and yet again Benitez is not on good terms with the American owners after not for the first time criticising Liverpool`s lack of spending power.
A close friend to Benitez said:There was no talk of a new contract when Rafa met with the owners last month.
Rafa also knows that there will be know money to spend this month on a centre- half he believes he needs.
Also with other clubs interested in the Argentinian Midfielder Javier Mascherano, Benitez wants to turn his loan into a permanent deal but the £17 million asking price is likely to be out of the American owners price tag of the player they may loose his services to a top European club with the likes of Juventus after his services.
Benitez wants to stay at Liverpool but with the rift between him and his bosses the pressure for him to hold on to his job is mounting and believes he will be sacked because the owners have not shown they will back him.
Mort expects more from existing squad
Newcastle United chairman Chis Mort has revealed he expects his current crop of players to improve performances soon and start getting the right results.It is revealed under-pressure boss Sam Allardyce will be bringing some new faces to the club this January transfer window Chris Mort & owner Mike Ashley have made it clear big Sam will have limited cash available this month.
Owner Mike Ashley has invested a figure of around £10 million in players to date, but has ploughed £75 million in addressing the clubs debts.
As the African Nations Cup is on the horizon Sam allardyce will be loosing key players in Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Baye, Geremi & Obafemi Martins.
Agent:Berbatov ready to quit Spurs
Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Tottenham claims the Bulgarian stars agent.It is thought that if i suitable offer comes in for the striker in the January transfer window which matches his ambition he will be more than happy to leave the North-London club.This comes as speculation about his future was there for all to see under former manager Martin Jol.
This comes as Berbatov has rediscovered his brilliant form for Spurs scoring Four goals in a thrilling game at White Hart Lane when Tottenham beat Reading 6-4 on Boxing day.
However, Berbatov`s agent Emil Dantchev claims the Bulgarian is keen to join a club with greater trophy-winning potential than Spurs.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy insists Tottenham are not a selling club but Berbatov`s agent claims he has already spoken to Daniel Levy and he said if a club come in that matches Berbatov`s class and ambition and comes in that suits his current club in January he would like to be allowed to go.
Wenger not worried as Man Utd go top
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he is not worried at the prospect of trailing Man Utd in the race for the Premier League title whan they failed to over come a stubborn Portsmouth side at Fratton Park,while Manchester United swept aside a poor Sunderland side 4-0 at the Stadium Of Light.
At the weekend Manchester United have to travel to upton Park who have only won 2 home games all season and Arsene Wengers side have to go to in-form Everton knowing a win will be the only result that will give arsenal a chance to top the table at the start of 2008.
Barwick says English bosses are not good enough
Chief Executive of the Football Association Brian Barwick said he would have preferred to have an English Coach in charge of the national team but insists there isn`t any of the current crop good enough to take charge of England.
Explaining the process that eventually led to Fabio Capello`s appointment Barwick quoted " I wrote out a template and put it out against our current crop of English managers and not one of them ticked all the boxes" .
`So the reality is we cant find any suitable English managers at present.
`It has to be our ambition to have an English boss,but we have to be realistic`.
Benites says talks are 'positive'
Despite losing 1-0 to Manchester United at the weekend and finding themselves lagging behind in the title race, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has today declared that the results of his showdown talks with the American owners were "positive".
Rumour has been rife recently with the prospect of Benitez walking out of Liverpool or being sacked by the owners after recent outbursts in the press. However, the owners clearly believe that Benitez can deliver the title in the long-term, despite the huge blow to this season's chances after a home defeat to rivals Manchester United.
Arsenal's win against Chelsea has effectively made the Premiership into a two-horse race, with Liverpool, Chelsea and manchester City starting to lag behind due to the top two's awesome form.
F.A secures Capello
FABIO CAPELLO is expected to be named England manager today after the Football Association board approved the Italian`s appointment.
Capello will sign a four-and-a-half year contract worth £6.5 Million a year which will net the Italian around £30 Million. It is understood Capello Wants to bring in his own coaching staff, including trusted aide Franco Baldini as assistant. Capello has won major honours in both Spain & Italy and the FA believe he is the right man to take England to International success for the first time since 1966. Capello`s contract runs until 2010 and if the deal goes ahead like widley expected, the England fans can only pray that the FA have finally got the right man to take England to World Cup glory in 2010.
England bow out, McClaren Finally Walks
At SleepFootball, we have a simple rule regarding football predictions. Whoever the editor bets his money on at the weekend, we bet on the opposite. This week, the editors curse has affected the England team. Initially writing off England's chances, he decided following Russia's defeat to Israel that we were certain to go through with only one home fixture left.
Enter the Croatian team: a talented bunch who may be dark horses for Euro 2008. They played England off the park, and showed a technical brilliance under pressure that English footballers can only dream off.
McClaren's team selection and tactics left a lot to be desired - as usual - but fault also has to rest with our team. None of our starting 11 performed, and the only saving grace was David beckham's performance in what was his 99th and final game. The F.A. should look in to organising a game to allow Beckham to achieve his century, as English football will not be seeing the likes of his talent again for a while.
Worried Russia Look to Wembley
Not for the first time, the editor has been in the office admitting he was wrong. No wonder he loses so much money in the bookies. For, just when his country needed him to believe, he decided that the defeat to Russia meant that England had "no chance" of making Euro 2008 (see article 'England are doomed" on news page).
Now, Russia, beaten by Israel at the weekend, go into their final game against Andorra with little chance of making the finals, as England need only a draw against the table-topping Croats at Wembley.
Hiddink, however, has not given up hope just yet:
'I expect Croatia to show their commitment and fighting spirit at Wembley just like Israel did against us,' he told reporters after Saturday's match.
Maybe they will, but this time, the editor even feels optimistic about England's chances. Let's hope he doesn't curse the team though, he put a bet on it at the bookies!
Jol turns down Birmingham
martin Jol today has turned down the chance to manage Birmingham City, however, the chairman still feels that he will be able to attract a big name to the Blues following the likely exit of Wigan-bound Bruce
Sullivan told The Guardian: 'The usual suspects will be on everyone's lips but this could be a fresh start for Birmingham City.
'We are looking at candidates of a certain level. It is a difficult one to try and get someone in who the dressing room will respect.
'Do you take a chance on an unproven coach at this level with a group of young players who need guidance and inspiration? Or do you go for a more experienced voice, someone respected in the world of football?
'For example we did speak to Martin Jol over the weekend. Martin thanked us for our interest but said it was too early for him to consider coming back into football such a short time after leaving Spurs.
'That is the type of coach we are looking at; someone with a pedigree that will excite the supporters.'
Sven wants Mascherano
Sven Gorran Eriksson has today been linked with Liverpool midfielder Mascherano, but may have to fight off both Liverpool and Spanish giants Barcelona if he is to snap up the in-form Argentinian.
Eriksson has been linked with many names lately, and is expected to spend big money in the january transfer window in order to ensure that City's astonishing start to the season continues until next May. Backed by billionaire owner Thaksin Shinawatra, City look like they will be able to hold there own in a possible transfer war with Barcelona, who are definately interested in the midfielder.
Mascherano is only on loan at Liverpool, and despite his impressive form for the Reds, Benitez has no shortage of central midfielders and may not be too keen on attempting to outbid any potential suitors.
Eduardo: England are Doomed
Arsenal hitman Eduardo da Silva has written off England's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008.
Though England still have a slim hope of getting through, to do so they will need to achieve a win against Eduardo's table-topping Croatia, and still hope that Israel can get a result against the Russians.
'Things are looking really complicated for England,' he said.
'Croatia are not there yet. We still need a draw against Macedonia. But we are definitely in the best position and I reckon it looks like Russia and Croatia will qualify.'
His words seem to point towards common sense, but, as ever, England will be fighting to the death and seem to have a knack for pulling off the unexpected, one may look back to Beckham's last minute free kick against the Greeks to qualify last time around. [ed. no chance!]
If England are to go out, it will surely be a shock in what many predicted would be a straight-forward group i which the Russian's would be too weak.
Doubt lingers over Lampard's future
Frank lampard is still stalling on signing a new contract at Chelsea, speculating rumours that he may want to seek pastures new following the loss of Jose Mourinho. Many teams have shown interest in the midfielder, particularly in Italy's Serie A. Grant remained elusive on the subject:
'Frank is very important for the team. He likes to do things to a high level that is his target and our target.
'I am not involved in the money situation. They are negotiating and at the end of the day they will find a solution. Frank wants to stay at Chelsea and Chelsea wants Frank.
'Frank says it all the time. It is only negotiating. It is not a football matter.'
Lampard has so far rejected all attempts by Chelsea to persuade him to sign a new contract and time is running out.
Ferguson: Arsenal are our main rivals
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson believes that his side will be fighting it out with Arsenal to see who wins the league this year. This observation comes after Arsenal reserves thrashed Sheffield United in the Carling Cup whilst looking like they were strolling in a park. The result confirmed to Ferguson that Arsenal indeed have the strength-in-depth needed to challenge for honours.
In an interview on the League Managers Association website ahead of the clash between the two teams on Saturday, Ferguson said: 'At the moment I think it's looking between Arsenal and ourselves at the top but you know football changes.
'When you come to January and it really does start, then you expect to see Liverpool and Chelsea.'
Drogba to leave Chelsea?
Didier Drogba's Chelsea future is under the spotlight again after French champions Lyon admitted an interest in the Ivorian striker.
Drogba caused a storm at Stamford Bridge last week when he announced, in an interview with France Football magazine, that he wanted to follow former manager Jose Mourinho out of the club.
Drogba later insisted he was committed to the Blues but would sit down and discuss his future at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old is contracted to Chelsea until 2010 but a return to France could be an option for the striker after Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admitted an admiration for his talents.
However, Aulas also made it clear that the sale of Florent Malouda to Chelsea in the summer has left Lyon short of an `asset' to chase someone of Drogba's calibre.
Lyon may not be alone in their enquiries over Drogba, as disgraced Italian giants Juventus are reported to be showing an interest. Juventus are currently managed by ex Chelsea Tinkerman Claudio Ranieri, and consequently are being linked with numerous Chelsea players, including Frank Lampard. Both men are seen as viable targets now that Mourinho has left the club.