Euro report urges player limit

Spackman is Lions new man and Diamonds take Hart

Altrincham appeal fails

—– A report into European football urges a limit on the number of foreign players across the continent.
The findings of the 160-page Independent European Football Review, which was which has been drawn up by Jose Luis Arnaut, the Portuguese sports minister, and instigated by UK sports minister Richard Caborn, has been presented to EC president Jose Manuel Barroso.
The report also asks for a fairer distribution of money in the game, wage controls in leagues and a wider adoption of UEFA’s club licensing system. This requires clubs to field a minimum number of home-grown players in European competitions.
The report will not be welcomed by the wealthy clubs in the elite group G14 who seemingly aspire to greater power and independence from the football authorities.

—– Nigel Spackman is appointed the new manager of relegated Millwall.
The former Sheffield United and Barnsley boss succeeds David Tuttle after the Lions demotion from the Championship. He becomes their fifth manager within the last year.
Millwall also announce the release of eight players.

—– Another ex-Barnsley boss is back in business as Paul Hart is unveiled as the new manager of relegated Rushden & Diamonds.
The former Nottingham Forest boss has been assisting player / manager Barry Hunter in recent weeks but was unable to avoid their demotion from the Football League.
Hart becomes Rushden’s fifth boss in their 14 year history.

—– Altrincham are relegated from the Conference after their appeal against the deduction of 18 points for fielding an ineligible player is rejected.
The Football Association decision means Alty are demoted to the Conference North.
They lost all the points gained while midfielder James Robinson played for them. He did not have international clearance after playing in Iceland.
Scarborough, who finished bottom of the table, will now stay up if they can satisfy the Conference’s demands regarding ground and financial issues.
Boro chairman Malcolm Reynolds reflects: “It’s a hollow feeling the way it has come about, but we are going to take it and make the most of it.”