Boro stay on the edge

Former England defender jailed

—– Italy’s World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro becomes the first defender to be named FIFA World Player of the Year.
The Real Madrid centre-back, who was voted European Footballer of the Year last month, says:
“It’s a great honour for me to be here because it has been an incredible season.
“I can’t ask for anything else, with the World Cup and Golden Ball award - you can’t do any better than that.”
The award polls votes from national team coaches and captains.
He wins the award ahead of three-time winner Zinedine Zidane and reigning champion Ronaldinho.

—– Following tonight’s 1-2 defeat at Fulham, Middlesbrough stay out of the Premiership’s bottom three on goal difference only.
Boro are level on points with West Ham United but manager Gareth Southgate could see plenty of positives: “We created plenty of chances and coming in at half-time I couldn’t believe we were 2-0 down.
“We had enough pressure and enough opportunities and I thought we deserved something from the game. But you can’t give teams a two-goal start.”

—– Former England full-back Gary Charles is jailed after he drunkenly threatened a bouncer while serving a suspended sentence for another assault.
The 36 year-old ex-Nottingham Forest defender admits a public order offence by threatening a doorman with an imaginary knife.
He was jailed for twelve months at Derby Crown Court having been given a suspended sentence for an assault on a woman in 2005. Charles, a known alcoholic, served a four-month prison sentence in 2004 for driving offences.
Judge Andrew Hamilton says: “There really does come a time when the police and everyone else have to have a rest from Gary Charles.”
He won his four England caps under Graham Taylor in 1991 and 1992, and was forced to retire due to a knee injury four years ago.

Hammer blow for United title hopes

Old Firm draw

—– With Chelsea losing at Everton and Manchester United due to visit lowly West Ham United later in the day, the lead at the top of the Premiership seemed set to increase to a possible eight points….until a dramatic change of events.
Twice behind at Goodison Park, Chelsea score twice in the last ten minutes including an amazing long-range winner from Didier Drogba.
United go to West Ham in Alan Curbishley’s first game in charge of the Hammers and, in his 16th attempt as a manager, the former Charlton Athletic boss records his first win against the Manchester giants. Captain Nigel Reo-Coker scores the games’ only goal.
It cuts United’s lead down to only two points but Sir Alex Ferguson is not concerned: “It was a result they have clawed out of nothing, but we have got to show our resolve as well. That is the hallmark of champions. We have proved that many times in the past.”

—– In the day’s other Premiership game, Manchester City lose their unbeaten home record as Tottenham Hotspur win on the road for the first time this term.
In Martin Jol’s 100th game in charge, Tom Huddlestone scores the winner in a 2-1 success with a sublime half-volley.

—– After a week of torrential rain in Scotland, the Old Firm game at Ibrox is played on a heavy pitch that resembles many of an earlier generation.
As they retain their healthy lead at the top of the SPL, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is pleased to come away with a point after a 1-1 draw.
They looked set for a win when Thomas Gravesen put them ahead but Rangers’ Brahim Hemdani equalised in the 88th minute.
Strachan says: “It was a great game played in tough conditions. Both teams had a real go to try and get the win.”

Pompey denied historic Emirates win

Blues strengthen Championship grip

—– Liverpool move in to the top three of the Premiership for the first time this season and heap more misery on lowly Charlton Athletic as they overpower the Addicks with a comfortable 3-0 victory at The Valley.
Portsmouth seem set to become the first visiting team to win at the Emirates Stadium. Pompey lead 2-0 just after the break but Arsenal come back to salvage a 2-2 draw.
Bolton Wanderers clinch a hard-earned but fortunate 1-0 win at Aston Villa via a Gary Speed penalty.
Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers ease their relegation concerns with away wins at Wigan Athletic (1-0) and Reading (2-1), respectively.
Watford remain rooted to the bottom though after a 1-2 setback at Newcastle United.

—– Birmingham City consolidate their three point lead at the top of the Championship with a ruthless 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Derby County stay in touch with a 1-0 win at Pride Park against Crystal Palace.
Cardiff City drop out of the top three for the first time this season after crashing 1-4 at strugglers Hull City. The Tigers’ biggest win of the campaign strengthens caretaker manager Phil Brown’s claims for the permanent post.
Colchester United are up to sixth - their highest-ever position - after a thrilling 3-0 win against in-form Stoke City at Layer Road.
West Bromwich Albion’s promotion ambitions appear to be back on track after a 5-0 mauling of Coventry City at The Hawthorns.

—– Leyton Orient win (3-1) at Nottingham Forest for the first time since 1956 to stun the League One leaders.
With Scunthorpe United also beaten 1-3 at home by Blackpool last night, Bristol City jump up to second. The only goal against Millwall is scored by Scott Murray after 15 seconds - it’s the second quickest in the Robins history.

—– With Walsall held to a 1-1 draw at Wrexham, their lead at the top of League Two is cut to five points after Swindon Town beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 at the County Ground.

—– Following last night’s 0-1 home defeat to Hartlepool United, Steve Parkin’s second spell in charge at Rochdale comes to an end. Dale are in 22nd position having lost seven of their last eight League Two games.
With Tony Ford also leaving Spotland, director of youth football Keith Hill is placed in temporary charge.

Rangers end on top too

Wenger fined for Pardew bust up

—– Tottenham Hotspur ease to a comfortable victory 3-1 over Dinamo Bucuresti at White Hart Lane to secure top spot in UEFA Cup Group B.
Dimitar Berbatov opens the scoring after 16 minutes before Jermain Defoe strikes a second before half-time.
Defoe sidefoots home his second after the break with Jean-Philippe Mendy adding an injury-time consolation.

—– Rangers beat Partizan Belgrade at Ibrox to win UEFA Cup Group A.
Defender Alan Hutton heads home the only goal after 55 minutes.
The Gers equal their record of 12 successive unbeaten games in Europe as they smoothly progress to the last 32.

—– Arsene Wenger is fined £10,000 and warned about his future conduct by the Football Association following his touchline bust up with Alan Pardew last month.
The Arsenal manager pushed the former West Ham United boss at the end of the Premiership match at Upton Park which the Hammers won 1-0 with a late goal.
Wenger reflects: “I got fined severely. I’m not happy with it but I said I regret it and I was over-reacting, so I accept the fine.”

Drogba keeps Chelsea in hunt

Neill leaves Rovers on top

—– Two days after the sacking of Alan Pardew, Alan Curbishley is unveiled as the new manager of West Ham United.
The former Charlton Athletic boss, who made 85 appearances for the Hammmers between 1975 and 1979, says: “If you’d said to me when I was at West Ham at the age of 16 that one day I’d be manager I would have thought it impossible.
“I’m deeply delighted. It’s a privilege to be here and I’m looking forward to lifting us out of the position we’re in.”
Curbishley will be assisted by Mervyn Day - another former West Ham player.
Chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed that he was shocked by the players’ ‘lack of motivation’ in the recent defeats against Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.

—– Didier Drogba comes off the bench to clinch Chelsea’s late winner against injury-hit Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, and reduce Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Premiership to five points.
The Blues leading scorer also earned the praise of manager Jose Mourinho: “Didier Drogba’s attitude was brilliant. He was injured and there was maybe the risk of a bigger injury if he played, but at a tough time we needed him and he came on and made his contribution with the goal.”
Arsenal move back up to third after a narrow win at Wigan Athletic.
With three minutes left, Emmanuel Adebayor raced clear for the only goal of the game.
Manager Arsene Wenger says: “I can understand if Wigan are frustrated because they gave it absolutely everything, they created chances, and always looked dangerous.
“But the spirit is right. This is the kind of game a year ago we would have lost 1-0, but instead we won it 1-0.”

—– Lucas Neill turns the jeers to cheers as he scores a last gasp winner for Blackburn Rovers as they beat AS Nancy 1-0 at Ewood Park to finish top of UEFA Cup Group E.
The Aussie defender, who is widely tipped to join Liverpool next month, came under fire from a section of Rovers supporters in Saturday’s defeat by Newcastle United.
The win means Blackburn will face a third-placed side in Friday’s draw.

Brazil launch World Cup bid

Forest survive Cup scare

—– Reggina have the penalty for their involvement in Italy’s match-fixing scandal reduced from 15 points to 11.
The decision by the Italian Olympic Committee’s court of arbitration lifts them off the bottom of Serie A to 19th with nine points from 15 games.
Club president Pasquale Foti still isn’t happy though: “I am not satisfied. I don’t recognise the accusations against me and my club - Reggina are innocent.”
Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina had their penalties reduced in October while AC Milan saw their punishment upheld.

—– Brazil’s football confederation (CBF) officially launches its bid to host the World Cup finals in 2014.
The five-time winners have been favourites to stage the tournament since 2003 when the nine other South American nations agreed to back them as the continent’s only candidates.
South America is due to host the 2014 World Cup under a rotation system that starts in South Africa in 2010.
Their bid is opened as Ricardo Teixeira, the president of the CBF, delivers a letter of intent to FIFA’s management at the Club World Championship in Tokyo.
The last time the World Cup was held in South America was in Argentina in 1978.

—– League One leaders and former European champions Nottingham Forest survive a possible FA Cup giantkilling as the beat non-league Salisbury City (2-0) at the City Ground in their Second Round replay.
League Two Bristol Rovers and Torquay United win at League One AFC Bournemouth and Leyton Orient, respectively.
In the last-ever FA Cup game to be played at Belle Vue, Doncaster Rovers beat Mansfield Town (2-0). Rovers are due to move to their new Keepmoat Stadium prior to the Third Round tie with Bolton Wanderers.

Baros denies Blades win

Everton on the move

—– Less than a month after new Icelandic owners arrive at Upton Park, Alan Pardew is sacked as manager of West Ham United.
The Hammers are in 18th place in the Premiership following a run of three straight defeats including Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at Bolton Wanderers.
A club statement reads: “Alan has made an important contribution since joining in September 2003 but this season’s results have been disappointing.
“Chairman Eggert Magnusson and the board feel it is the right time to make a change in the club’s best interests.”
After a difficult start to his reign, Pardew had become a firm favourite amongst United’s supporters as he steered them to promotion to the Premiership in 2005 and then guided them to the FA Cup Final and a UEFA Cup place last season.
This season has proved to be a different story with the injury to top striker Dean Ashton and the controversial signing of Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The departing boss issues his own statement: “The supporters have stood by me and I will always cherish memories of their support and loyalty during the difficulties of this season.
“I am proud most of all of the players, many of whom have developed into top Premiership performers under the tutelage of myself and my backroom staff.”
Former Hammer Alan Curbishley is immediately linked with the vacancy.

—– In an entertaining clash at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United and Aston Villa battle out a 2-2 which lifts the Blades a further place away from the relegation zone.
Villa’s Stilian Petrov scores his first goal for the Birmingham club within two minutes. Stephen Quinn’s volley from a long throw drew United level and Danny Webber hooked in a second before Milan Baros levelled seconds later.

—– In advising shareholders at their 127th AGM, Everton confirm that they are in talks to move out of Liverpool to a new site in neighbouring Knowsley.
The talks involve Knowsley Council and retail giants Tesco.
Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy hails from Liverpool and is a passionate Evertonian.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright says: “I do not want to be the guy who moves Everton away from Goodison Park, but it is not a financial option to remain here.”
The club’s last plan to relocate to a 55,000-seater waterfront stadium at King’s Dock was abandoned in 2003.
Goodison Park has been their home since 1892.

Essien wonder goal saves Chelsea record

Battling Celtic’s fear of losing

—– Chelsea retain their long unbeaten home record but slip eight points behind leaders Manchester United as Michael Essien’s superb long range goal rescues the Blues in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea hit the woodwork twice in added time at the end of the game including an amazing miss from three yards by Essien.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho stresses their title challenge is far from over: “Alex Ferguson must be happy now because we can say we dropped two points but if he thinks it’s over he’s in trouble because it’s not.
“We are here for the fight and I enjoy the fight. It is better to be in front but let’s chase them - we can do it.”

—– Barnsley remain just outside the Championship relegation zone following an entertaining 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at Oakwell.
West Brom’s Jason Koumas opened the scoring after 30 minutes but the Tykes levelled before the break through Paul Hayes.

—– Celtic restore their 16-point lead at the top of the SPL with a 2-1 win at Dunfermline Athletic.
Manager Gordon Strachan has to play down captain Neil Lennon’s on-the-field spats with Artur Boruc and Aiden McGeady though: “Lenny has a fear of getting beat, of goals going in against you and a fear of standards slipping - there’s nothing wrong with that fear.”

Pompey up to third

‘Elvis’ leaves the Hearts building

—– Manchester United’s derby win against Manchester City takes them nine points clear at the top of the Premiership.
City end their Old Trafford visit with a 1-3 defeat and with only ten men. Bernardo Corradi receives a second yellow card for diving and no sympathy from enraged manager Stuart Pearce: “Bernardo went down a little bit too easily and I am not like the other 19 managers, who would sit here and give you a load of cock and bull about it.”
If only there were more managers like him!
A year after he returned to Fratton Park, Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth are third following a 2-0 win against Everton. Matthew Taylor scores the opener with a fantastic 45-yard volley.
Liverpool score four for the second week in a row to move up to fourth. Fulham are the 4-0 victims at Anfield.
The day’s biggest win comes at White Hart Lane where Tottenham Hotspur thump hapless Charlton Athletic 5-1.
West Ham United’s woes continue as they limply succumb to Bolton Wanderers 0-4 at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton’s Gary Speed becomes the first player to make 500 Premiership appearances.

—– A hat-trick from Gary McSheffrey hands Birmingham City a 3-1 win against promotion rivals Preston North End at St Andrews and a three points lead at the top of the Championship.
Derby County’s first win at Leeds United (1-0) since 1974 lifts the Rams in to second place but leaves United in the bottom three.
Cardiff City drop out of the top two for the first time since mid-August after they are held to a 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town at Ninian Park.

—– Following their midweek defeat, League One leaders Nottingham Forest bounce back in style with a 4-1 win at Crewe Alexandra. Nathan Tyson nets a 8-minute first-half hat-trick.
On his second debut for AFC Bournemouth, 40 year-old striker Steve Claridge makes his 1,000th senior appearance but the landmark day sees a disappointing 0-4 home defeat by Port Vale.
The Cherries drop back into the bottom four following Millwall’s 2-0 win against Bradford City at the New Den.

—– League Two leaders Walsall lose their unbeaten home record as promotion contenders Swindon Town win 2-0 at the Bescot Stadium. It’s the Robins’ fifth win in six games under new boss Paul Sturrock.
Milton Keynes Dons are up to third after a thrilling 4-3 in front of only 1,384 at Accrington Stanley.
Having waited 20 games for their first league win of the season, Macclesfield Town do it again with a 2-1 success at Notts County.
Crisis club Boston United put their worries to one side with a 4-0 win against Wrexham at York Street to lift themselves out of the bottom two.

—– Heart of Midlothian, with five Lithuanians in their starting line-up, beat Motherwell 4-1 but the headline news from Tynecastle is that centre-back Steven Pressley has left the Edinburgh club after they come to an ‘amicable agreement’.
The Hearts captain spoke publicly in October regarding dressing-room unrest under majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

Iron appoint Adkins

Klinsmann says no to USA

—— Hot on the heels of West Ham United and Liverpool, Manchester City are the latest Premiership club to reveal they are the subject of a takeover talks with new investors.
At the club’s AGM, chairman John Wardle admits: “We are currently in talks with an investor that may lead to potential investment.
“The board is aware that we need further investment to maintain our challenge in an increasingly competitive and high-finance Premier League.
“We have identified a series of leads regarding possible investment in the club.
“Talks are at a very early stage and accordingly we are not yet in a position to disclose the identity of the possible investor.
“Hopefully, something comes of these talks because I would be prepared to pass the baton on if it allowed the club to get back into the honours.”

—— League One promotion hopefuls Scunthorpe United confirm 41 year-old Nigel Adkins as their new manager.
The former Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic keeper was promoted from physio when Brian Laws left to take over at Sheffield Wednesday a month ago.
He has maintained the Iron’s challenge as they are now second-in-the-table behind Nottingham Forest.
Adkins has previous managerial experience having guided Bangor City to the League of Wales title in 1994 and 1995.

—— Jurgen Klinsmann pulls out of negotiations with the United States Soccer Federation about becoming the USA’s new national team coach.
Klinsmann says: “I have concluded our discussions about the US men’s national team programme, and I have withdrawn my name from consideration. I’m not going to go into details about our conversations.”
He took Germany to the World Cup semi-final before resigning and, as he lives in California, was among the favourites to succeed former coach Bruce Arena.