Newell stands by bung claims
Charlton stand by Reed
Fitzgerald handed Bees post
—– Mike Newell reiterates his claim that there is corruption in football following yesterday’s publication of Lord Stevens’ report.
The Luton Town manager, who made his claim in January, says: “The game is not clean and Lord Stevens said that yesterday when he was asked the question directly.”
The nine-month investigation looked at 362 Premier League transfers over the last two years, and 17 still require further investigation.
Newell would like much further investigation: “Go back five or 10 years and involve everybody - because people with nothing to hide will fear nothing.
“They keep rolling these agents out who say the game’s clean and only five percent of activity is being questioned - but they’ve only gone into the last two years in the Premier League.
“In those two years clubs are more professional - so it’s not as widespread.
“But a lot of these agents have made their millions in the last five to 10 years.
“There will be a lot of people breathing a sigh of relief on their yachts and in their villas - and I’m not just talking about agents now.”
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—– Charlton Athletic chairman Richard Murray gives his backing to under-fire manager Les Reed, and aims his fire at outgoing boss Iain Dowie.
The Addicks have won one Premiership game in six since the new manager took over who has been subjected to fierce criticism from supporters.
Murray blasts: “Those who watch Charlton regularly will say maybe it was the same under Iain Dowie. Maybe we haven’t got a good enough squad.
“We spent a lot of money in the summer - £11million we didn’t have to spend.
“We backed Iain, they were his signings, but I had never heard of Souleymane Diawara, apparently the best centre-half you’ve never heard of.
“For a club like ours to spend £3.7million on one player like that is a fortune. Some people must not look at Les but at what went on before.”
—– Brentford caretaker manager Scott Fitzgerald is promoted to the position on a permanent basis.
Alan Reeves will continue as assistant to Fitzgerald as the Bees, without a win in 16 league matches, battle against relegation from League One.
37 year-old Fitzgerald, the club’s youth coach, took over as caretaker following the dismissal of Leroy Rosenior on 18 November.
A club statement reads: “In a short period of time they have worked on fitness, organisation and team spirit.”
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