Scottish League Play-Offs

League to reconsider rules

Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester United played out an uneventful goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. There was little to play for except pride and both managers fielded weakened sides with one eye, no doubt, on the forthcoming FA Cup final.

Stirling Albion and Airdrie United drew 2-2 at Forthbank Stadium in the first-leg of their Scottish Division One play off final while Queens Park beat East Fife 2-4 in the Division Two play-off first-leg at Firhill.

Red seats at the new Wembley have turned pink after fading in the sun. Thousands of seats have had to be replaced. A Wembley Stadium spokesman said:

“The seats faded in colour and they have been replaced. The builder has paid for the replacement. No events will be affected by this and the stadium’s capacity remains unaffected.”

Following the efforts of Leeds United and Boston United to enter administration before the end of the current season in order to avoid a ten-point deduction next season, the Football League confirm that they will be taking a look at their rules surrounding such situations. Speaking at the Soccerex seminar at Wembley, Football League chairman Lord Brian Mawhinney explains:

“Are we going to think about addressing this issue? Yes, we are. Is it allowed for by our rules? Yes, it is. But does it raise a number of questions? Yes, it does. We will start thinking about the administration issue before the annual meeting next month. However, if we think the issue has not been properly discussed by then, we will not be bounced into making a decision at that time. When I came into the Football League [in 2003], the mantra of the clubs was ‘Success’, but I have tried to change that so that clubs seek the correct balance between seeking success and achieving sustainability.”

Play-Offs - Morecambe reach final

Arsenal Ladies lift FA Cup

Tottenham Hotspur win 0-2 at The Valley to confirm Charlton Athletic’s relegation from the Premiership. Ironically, the final nail in their coffin is applied with a 90th minute strike from former Addicks trainee Jermain Defoe. With two home games to come in the final week of the season, the victory strengthens Spurs’ UEFA Cup bid as they move up to sixth. But a year after Alan Curbishley’s long reign came to an end, Charlton drop out of the top flight after seven seasons. As a result, Fulham are safe for another season.

Morecambe beat York City 2-1 in the second-leg of their Conference play-off semi-final at Christie Park after a goalless draw at Kit Kat Crescent. The Shrimps now face either Exeter City or Oxford United in the final at Wembley.

Arsenal Ladies underlined their dominance of the women’s game by lifting the Women’s FA Cup to complete an historic haul of four trophies. The female Gunners beat Charlton Ladies 4-1 at the City Ground, Nottingham - in front of a record crowd of 24,529 - to add the FA Cup to a fourth consecutive Premier League title, the League Cup and UEFA Cup.

Ferguson not planning retirement

Sunderland win Championship

Manchester United are the new Premier League champions after Chelsea are held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The visitors needed a win to keep the title race alive. Disaster struck for Jose Mourinho’s men when Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off just before half-time and Gilberto Silva scored from the resulting spot-kick. Michael Essien’s second-half equaliser was not enough to keep Chelsea’s dream alive.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledges his ninth Premiership title by announcing that he has no plans to reach for the pipe and carpet slippers just yet. The 65-year-old boss threatened to quit in 2002, but it seems that his thirst for success remains unquenchable:

“Why should I give up? I feel invigorated by the young players at the club and players like Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes turning out every week for me. I don’t know how long I will last now but I am enjoying it. It is easy to retire. I did it years ago and regretted it within days.”

It’s also a ninth title for Ryan Giggs so beating the previous record held by Liverpool’s Alan Hansen and Phil Neal.

United have now been named champions of England 16 times, leaving them two behind Liverpool’s record total of 18.

Glenn Roeder has resigned as manager of Newcastle United with immediate effect after only 15 months in charge. Sam Allardyce - who resigned as Bolton Wanderers boss last week - is the clear favourite to take over with bookmakers refusing to take bets.

Sunderland clinch the Championship title with an emphatic 0-5 win at Luton Town on a day where 44 goals are scored throughout this division. Birmingham City, who were in the running for the title before kick-off, lost 0-1 at Preston North End to finish as runners-up. The play-off spots are also confirmed with Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampon all qualifying for the end of season lottery. Derby, who had already secured third place, beat the already relegated Leeds 2-0 at Pride Park, West Bom thrashed Barnsley 7-0, Wolves snatched fifth place after recovering from going a goal down to beat Leicester City 4-1 and Southampton beat relegated Southend United by the same scoreline.

Premier League round-up

Scottish League Play-Offs

Manchester United are within touching distance of clinching the Premier League title after a 0-1 victory at the City of Manchester Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo wins and scores a penalty for the only goal of the game. City miss a late opportunity to draw level when Darius Vassell’s penalty is saved by Edwin Van Der Saar but, in truth, they are comfortable victors in an unusually low key derby. United will be crowned champions tomorrow if Chelsea fail to win at Arsenal.

At the other end of the table, Carlos Tevez - whose controversial transfer is the cause of proposed legal action from their fellow strugglers - inspires West Ham United to a 3-1 win against Bolton Wanderers at Upton Park. He scores twice as the Hammers win for the sixth time in eight games and move out of the bottom three for the first time since December. Wigan Athletic fall into the drop zone for the first time this season after losing 01 against Middlebrough at the JJB Stadium. The Latics must now win at Sheffield United on the final day of the season and relegate their opponents. The Blades could have avoided such last-day anxiety but lost 3-0 at Aston Villa. Fulham, under caretaker manager Lawrie Sanchez, are virtually safe after a 1-0 win against Champions League finalists Liverpool at Craven Cottage. Everton are almost certain of UEFA Cup qualification after a 3-0 win against Portsmouth at Goodison Park but Newcastle United supporters protest against the board and manager Glenn Roeder following the 0-2 defeat by Blackburn Rovers at St James’ Park. Even with Michael Owen’s return, the Magpies have now failed to score a home goal in the Premiership for over eight hours playing time - their longest run at home without a league goal since 1956.

Bristol City finally clinch promotion to the Championship with a 3-1 win against Rotherham United at Ashton Gate. Nottingham Forest and Blackpool both started the final day of the season with a chance of piping the Robins to the post. Forest are held to a frustrating goalless draw by Crewe Alexandra in front of over 27,000 at the City Ground while Blackpool kept their end of the bargain with an amazing 6-3 win at Swansea City including four goals from Andy Morrell. This defeat means that the Swans miss out on the play-offs, and Blackpool will now face Oldham Athletic after the Latics beat relegated Chesterfield 1-0 at Boundary Park. Yeovil Town - the other play-off qualifiers - also end the regular season on a high note, winning 0-2 at Gillingham.

In League Two, Walsall win the title with a last-minute equaliser from Dean Keates in a 1-1 draw at Swindon Town.
Both teams are celebratory mood as the point ensures Town’s promotion. Hartlepool are also promoted despite sliping to a 1-2 defeat against Bristol Rovers at Victoria Park. Milton Keynes Dons finish fourth with a 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley, which means last season’s bottom four in League One have finished as this season’s top four in League Two.
Lincoln City reach the Play-Offs for the fifth season in a row as the Imps beat manager-less Chester City 2-0 at Sincil Bank. The other play-off qualifiers are Shrewsbury Town who are held to a 2-2 draw at home by Grimsby Town. The Shrews will now play one more game at Gay Meadow before their summer move to New Meadow. Stockport County miss out on the play-offs on goal difference, despite a 5-0 win at Darlington.

However, the game of th day in League Two came at the Racecourse where Wrexham saved their Football League status at the expense of Boston United after coming from a goal down to beat them 3-1 infront of the 12,374 fans - Wrexham’s largest league gate for 25 years. The home side’s second goal doesn’t come until the 87th minute, at which time - with the Lincolnshire club doomed to relegation - the Boston directors immediately place the club in to administration, in an attempt to ensure that the subsequent ten-point deduction will apply to this season and not next. term. Macclesfield Town were also under threat of relegation before kick-off but secured safety with a 1-1 draw against Notts County. It’s a personal triumph for Paul Ince who took over as manager of the Silkmen in October, when the club were bottom of the league without a win in 15 games and seven points adrift of safety.

Rangers beat Celtic 2-0 at Ibrox to qualify for a place in next season’s Champions League after a goal in each half. Kris Boyd netted his 100th SPL goal in the first-half while Charlie Adam made sure in the second period.

In the second legs of the Scottish Division One play-off semi-finals, Airdrie United beat Brechin City 3-0 to seal a 6-1 aggregate win while Stirling Albion beat Raith Rovers 3-1 after a goalless first leg. In the Second Division games, Stranraer beat East Fife 1-0 but lost 4-2 on aggregate while Queens Park beat Arbroath 1-2 to progress 4-1 on aggregate.

Bates sells relegated Leeds to Bates

Ronaldo wins Football Writers award

—– Premiership strugglers Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic join forces in taking legal advice over the Premier League’s recent decision not to deduct points from West Ham United.
They are angry that the Hammers escaped a deduction for breaking rules in the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
In a joint letter sent to the Premier League, the four clubs say: “You can expect to hear from us in relation to this in the early part of next week. In the meantime, all our rights in that respect are reserved.”
West Ham were fined a massive £5.5million but not deducted points after being accused of acting improperly over the transfers.
Should the four clubs pursue legal action, they will point out that points penalties have been issued by the Premier League before for apparently less serious offences.
Middlesbrough were deducted three points in 1997 for failing to fulfil a fixture as 16 players were either ill or injured. The judgement condemned them to relegation from the Premiership.

—– At 3.15pm today, Leeds United were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.
Needing a miraculous set of results on the final day of the Championship season on Sunday to avoid relegation, the Whites are deducted ten points immediately by the Football League upon the announcement that they have gone into administration.
The move means they will not lose any points for the start of their first season in League One in August.
To add to the controversy, within minutes, administrators KPMG agree to sell the club to a newly-formed company - Leeds United Football Club Limited - that is led by current Leeds chairman and major shareholder Ken Bates.
KPMG reveal the Yorkshire club had debts of £35million and could have been forced into liquidation on 25 June due to a winding-up order issued by HM Revenue & Customs. They are said to be owed £5million.
Although their finances have been restructured and start next season on a level playing field, it is not the end of the story as the sale of the club is subject to approval by its creditors by way of a Company Voluntary Arrangement.
The creditors’ meeting will be held before the end of May.
The Football League will also need to approve the sale.

—– Cristiano Ronaldo is named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.
The Manchester United star completes a notable double having also won this season’s PFA award.
Chelsea’s Didier Drogra is the runner-up with Ronaldo’s United team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes coming in at third and fourth, respectively.

—– FIFA order Andy Webster to pay Heart of Midlothian £625,000 after the Scotland defender terminated his contract with the Edinburgh club before joining Wigan Athletic.
The world players’ union FIFPRO insist it as a victory for the player though as he is the first to use a new clause to leave in the third year of a four-year deal.
Fraser Wishart of the Scottish PFA says Webster could be the first of many: “The way FIFA put this out, it was as if Andy did something wrong, but he has been completely vindicated.”

Rossoneri deny All-England CL Final

Leeds quash move rumours

—– With a conclusive 3-0 win in the semi-final second leg at the San Siro, AC Milan end the possibility of the first All-England Champions League Final as Manchester United go out on a 3-5 aggregate.
The Rossoneri now have the opportunity to avenge their Final defeat by Liverpool in Istanbul two years ago.
In weather conditions that are familiar to Manchester, Milan quickly cancel out the one goal deficit from the first leg through Kaka.
It gave the home team all the encouragement they needed and deservedly added a second on the half-hour from Clarence Seedorf.
Although United improved after the break, they rarely threatened and the tie was settled on 78 minutes when Alberto Gilardino raced clear for the third.
United still have a domestic double to chase but, having missed out of the big one, manager Sir Alex Ferguson remained remarkably gracious in defeat: “They were sharper and quicker to the ball and I think they’ve been good winners. We were on the back foot all the time and found it difficult.
“In fairness, we never looked like we were going to score.”

—– In the wake of their imminent relegation from the Championship, chairman Ken Bates vehemently denies press reports that Leeds United will be leaving Elland Road.
Only a highly unlikely set of results on the last day of season will save the Whites from the drop to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.
The Daily Mail has suggested that the club are in talks with Leeds City Council about a move to the South Leeds Stadium.
Mr Bates strongly denies the speculation and issues a writ against the newspaper: “I want to reassure all Leeds fans that we have no intention of moving anywhere and intend to stay at Elland Road, certainly as long as I’m chairman.”

Liverpool win All-England semi

City suspend Barton

—– Pepe Reina is the hero in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win in the Semi-Final second leg at Anfield as Liverpool reach the Champions League Final at the expense of Chelsea.
The Spanish keeper saves spot-kicks from Arjen Robben and Geremi before Dirk Kuyt converted the crucial kick for a 4-1 shoot-out win.
Daniel Agger’s first-half goal cancelled out Chelsea’s first-leg lead.
Despite the added 30 minutes of extra-time, the drama of penalties was required to decide who will meet Manchester United or AC Milan in Athens later this month.
With Liverpool repeating their Champions League elimination of Chelsea from two years ago, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard savours another remarkable Anfield occasion: “The first time round was special but to do it again after being a goal down to a magnificent team like Chelsea is unbelievable.
“Together we achieved it. The atmosphere helped, the manager’s tactics, everything was spot on. But we crossed the line and we stuck together.”
Chelsea’s failure to reach the Final again will inevitably cast doubt on the future of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
His fulsome praise of the Blues’ performance would appear somewhat over-stated to most neutral observers: “My players have a lot of reasons to be proud. We were the best team today, even against a team only playing for the Champions League.
“In extra-time, we were the only team who tried to win.”

—– Controversial midfielder Joey Barton is suspended by Manchester City for the rest of the season for allegedly punching team-mate Ousmane Dabo during training.
Dabo had to be sent to hospital.
Although City refuse to confirm the identity of the suspended player, a club statement reads: “We can confirm that a player has been suspended pending an internal investigation.”
Barton’s agent Willie McKay confirms the rumours: As far as I’ve heard, Joey was defending himself. But because it is Joey it makes headlines.”
Only last week, the England midfielder labelled City’s season a failure: “If I was a fan I wouldn’t have paid to watch us at home this season.”