Allardyce accused in BBC bung probe

Ellis era ends at Villa

Wigan in Carling Cup shock

—– In a programme delving in to alleged bungs in football, BBC TV’s Panorama accuses Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce of being involved in illegal payments.
Two agents claim they made the payments to secure transfer deals.
Teni Yerima says he bribed the Bolton boss while Peter Harrison says he paid Allardyce’s son Craig to secure deals with Wanderers.
Similar accusations involving Craig Allardyce were published in the national media in March, and believed to have counted against his father when he applied for the vacant England head coach post.
Sam Allardyce strenuously denies the allegations and quickly confirms he will proceed with legal action.
Harrry Redknapp, Kevin Bond, Frank Arnesen and Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside are also implicated by the programme, as are the actions of another agent Charles Collymore.
The findings in the Premier League’s probe into alleged transfer bungs, headed by Lord Stevens, are due to be published on 2 October.

—– Having increased his shareholding to 89.69%, Randy Lerner officially becomes the new chairman of Aston Villa after Doug Ellis vacates the role.
The American billionaire needs 90% of shares to allow him to compulsorily acquire the remaining 10%.
82 year-old Mr Ellis was chairman from 1968 to 1975 and then again from 1982 until today.

—– Wigan Athletic - finalists in last season’s competition - are the shock victims in the Second Round of the Carling Cup. The Premiership Latics lose 0-2 at League One Crewe Alexandra.
There are also narrow squeaks for Premiership new boys Reading and Watford. Although both are at home, they have to rely on penalties against League Two opposition (Darlington and Accrington Stanley, respectively).