Robbo packs Brom bags
Becks rules out Prem return
Fry stands down at Posh
—– It seems unlikely that young striker Matt Harrold would have thought he would have a devastating effect on the career of one of the greats of English football, but that appears to be the case after manager Bryan Robson’s reign at West Bromwich Albion comes to an abrupt end after 22 months.
Following relegation from the Premiership last season, chairman Jeremy Peace announces: “In view of the results since early 2006, it’s been decided a change is necessary if the club is to achieve its aims.”
The aims would appear to be exceptionally ambitious as, but for Harrold’s late equaliser for Southend United at The Hawthorns on Saturday, the Baggies would be level on points with third-placed Burnley and only three points behind the top two in the Championship after eight games.
Robson’s assistant Nigel Pearson is placed in temporary charge.
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—– David Beckham rules out a return to the Premiership but confirms his desire to return to the England team.
Speaking to BBC Radio, 31 year-old Becks says: “I played for Manchester United for many years and they’re the team I support and love.
“I don’t think I could put another shirt on and play against United at Old Trafford. I’m happy playing my football in Spain with Real Madrid.
“I still hope I will play for England again - that’s why I’ve not retired from international football because I want to play again.
“If I was a betting man then I wouldn’t bet on me playing again, but I really want to.”
—– Peterborough United owner Barry Fry stands down as chairman to be replaced by Darragh MacAnthony.
Fry, who will revert to director of football at London Road, explains: “I have taken the club as far as I can and have no more resources to put money into this club.
“There is no doubt Darragh can take this club forward and his expertise in the business world will help hugely.”
The 30 year-old Dubliner becomes the Football League’s youngest chairman. He is the owner of MacAnthony Realty International - an overseas property company that has a reported annual turnover of £100million.
It is anticipated that MacAnthony will complete a takeover of the League Two club in due course.
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