Lord Stevens names 39 steps, but no names

Chelsea and Spurs reach Carling semis

Bury kicked out of FA Cup

—— Lord Stevens releases his report on behalf of the Premier League into illegal payments in football.
He makes 39 recommendations to safeguard the game’s integrity but, with regards to the alleged bung culture, names no names.
The inquiry investigates a total of 362 transfers and 17 remain questionable and are subject to further investigation.
Lord Stevens criticises the lack of assistance he had received from “eight major agents” during the course of his Quest team’s nine-month work which has come at a cost of over £600,000.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says: “People will only be named when there is evidence which will lead to a charge.
“The concentration is now on a number of agents and other parties - not clubs and club officials.
“In one sense they (the clubs) are in the clear in that the investigation into them has finished.”
Leading agent Phil Smith - a director of the First Artist Corporation - supports Lord Stevens’ call for an independent body to audit transfers: “The FA cannot cope. It’s all very well (FA chief executive) Brian Barwick increasing the numbers of staff on the compliance unit, but they haven’t been able to handle matters.
“There’s a lot of money going out of the country, not just out of the game because they are unable to complete checks on where it is all going.”

—— There’s a London double as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur make it through to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
Chelsea’s Didier Drogba comes off the bench to see off Newcastle United at St James’ Park with a late free-kick in a 1-0 win.
Newcastle’s long wait for a domestic trophy goes on, and frustrated manager Glenn Roeder isn’t happy with the free-kick: “It was definitely a free-kick but what annoyed me is that, between our players and the referee, the ball was allowed to be moved to open up the angle.
“If it was taken where it was awarded I don’t think he can beat Shay Given.”
Spurs struggle past Southend United at White Hart Lane with the disputed only goal of the game coming deep in to extra time from Jermain Defoe.
Southend are bottom of the Championship but manager Steve Tilson is encouraged by their dogged performance: “Considering the desire and commitment we showed it should have gone to penalties.
“It’s even harder to swallow given that the goal was offside.”

—– Bury are kicked out of the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their 3-1 second-round replay win over Chester City on 12 December.
The case relates to Stephen Turnbull. He is on loan from Hartlepool United but Bury did not seek permission to play him in their FA Cup matches.
Bury appeal against the decision but, if it is turned down, Chester will be reinstated and play Ipswich Town in the Third Round and receive the £24,000 prize money due to second-round winners.
Bury were docked a point by the Football League last season for fielding Colin Marrison against Lincoln City a day after his loan agreement from Sheffield United had expired.

—– There’s yet another managerial change although this time it’s at the departing manger’s own volition.
John Gorman’s resignation is accepted by Northampton Town. The former Wycombe Wanders boss cites personal reasons.
The Cobblers are currently 18th in League Two.
Gorman left Wycombe in May following the death of his wife Myra in February due to cancer.