You’ve just forked out for a season ticket to watch one of the best teams in Europe, if not the World.

You’re on your way to the ground, Old Trafford as it happens, to watch The Red Devils play Sunderland and have half an eye on the Carling Cup Third Round Draw.

Coming home form the game, in which you have see your side scrape a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Louis Saha in the 71st minute, it becomes apparent that a home tie against Coventry City awaits. Not the most attractive fixture. Then the debate starts. Shall I go, or just stay at home and watch the goals go in on Sky Sports news? Oh, hang on a minute, unfortunately there is no choice in the matter.

There is a new scheme which has been introduced by Manchester United this season. If you wish to purchase a season ticket, you must commit to attending, or at least paying, for every home game, in every cup competition.

The third round game against Coventry City, which for the record, the Championship side won 2-0, against a mainly second string home side, cost a reduced price of £19. On face value, this doesn’t seem to be that bad. After all, you are going to see the team you love so much as to buy a season ticket. However, if United hadn’t lost that Carling Cup fixture, and played the maximum home games possible in the competition, Reds fans would have paid a total of £72. This figure is counting on a reduced price throughout.

The way the scheme works is that a direct debit is set up to the season ticket holders bank account and the charge is taken out a few days before the game.

It is ideal for the hardened supporter, or wealthy, depending on the way you read into it, but is this just another example of the working class fan being priced out of the game?

Neil Stanley, a season ticket holder in the Stretford End said: “I think it absolutely ridiculous. I can’t afford to go to all of the cup games as well as paying for my season ticket which was £570 on its own. I actually had to sell my ticket to a friend for the Coventry game so I could afford the Roma game the week after. I like to go to the Champions League games, but I don’t really want to pay £19 to watch our reserves. Its just the Glaziers way of making sure the stadium is full.”

Maybe it is just a way of filling the stadium. Is that such a band thing? The official attendance for Manchester United’s Carling Cup fixture of 74,055 dwarfed Chelsea’s Champions League game against Rosenborg of 24,973 the week before.

Some may say that if you’re a big enough fan, you should attend all games your side plays at home, and that this is a simple way of doing just that. Or is it just another scheme to price the average fan out of a game that is forever becoming more and more expensive?

Alex Zielski

UEFA fine Celtic

McDonald wins award

Chelsea’s John Terry has been ruled out of England’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia on Saturday due to a knee injury.

UEFA have fined Celtic £25,000 and banned AC Milan goalkeeper Dida for two matches after a fan ran onto Celtic Park and appeared to strike the 34-year-old shot stopper during the recent Champions League clash. Dida collapsed to the ground and had to be stretchered off but has since been accused of overreacting. Celtic were found guilty of a lack of organisation and improper conduct of supporters and will pay half of the fine now, while the rest is deferred over a two-year probationary period. Meanwhile, AC Milan will appeal against the penalty imposed on their goalkeeper.

Dutchman Henk ten Cate has officially joined Chelsea as assistant first-team coach to manager Avram Grant.

Crystal Palace have appointed Neil Warnock as their new manager. The former Sheffield United boss has signed a contract until 2010 and revealed that he will be bringing Mick Jones and Keith Curle to the club as part of his coaching staff.

Celtic striker Scott McDonald has been named the Clydesdale Bank player of the month for September.

Nathan Davies

Hiddink extends Russia contract

Inverness CT star convicted

Chelsea have reached agreement with Ajax for the release of coach Henk Ten Cate and expect to appoint him as Avram Grant’s assistant on Friday. Ajax had already given Chelsea permission to open talks with the 52-year-old Dutchman.

Guus Hiddink has extended his contract as Russia coach until the summer of 2010 and consequently ended speculation linking him to Chelsea.

The shortlist for the FIFA world player of the year award has been announced and there are four England internationals - John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney - among the 30 players in the running. From that list national team coaches and captains will vote for their top three players, to be revealed at Fifa’s world player gala on 17 December. AC Milan’s Kaka is the favourite to win the award.

A giant photograph of James McFadden’s winning goal for Scotland against France in last month’s Euro 2008 qualifier is to be unveiled at the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park. The photograph will be on permanent display at the entrance to the museum.

West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy has been passed fit for Wales’ Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino. Bellamy had groin surgery last Thursday but has made a quicker recovery that expected.

Nigel Worthington has announced a 19-man squad for Northern Ireland’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden in Stockholm next Wednesday. Glentoran striker Gary Hamilton has been put on standby should Sheffield United’s Keith Gillespie fails to prove his fitness by Friday. Jonny Evans of Manchester United also faces a test on an ankle injury at the end of this week with Accrington Stanley’s Sean Webb waiting in the wings. Luton Town’s Stephen Robinson returns to the squad but Hull City winger Stuart Elliott is left out. Aaron Hughes of Fulham and Tony Capaldi of Championship side Cardiff City return to the squad after overcoming injuries.

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has called up Ipswich Town’s Alex Bruce and Sunderland’s Liam Miller for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus in Dublin. Bruce comes in for Bolton’s Andy O’Brien, who withdrew with a kidney complaint while Miller has been brought in as cover for Charlton Athletic’s Andy Reid, who is doubtful with an ankle problem.

Bolton Wanderers forward El Hadji Diouf has been named in the Senegal squad for a friendly against Guinea despite announcing that he has quit international football.

Acting Coventry chairman Geoffrey Robinson has resigned after the collapse of a takeover by an American consortium. Robinson said he did not have enough time to resurrect another deal and that director Joe Elliot would be the new chairman.

Organisers of the May Day for Nurses appeal, which is a fund a fund administered by the Royal College of Nursing to help nurses afford necessities such as child care or transport to work, have stated that a number of Premiership footballers who agreed to donate a day’s wages to a nurses’ hardship fund have yet to pay-up. More than £750,000 was pledged by 255 top-flight footballers but only £200,000 has so far been collected. Organisers have refused to name those who have yet to pay their contribution.

Hibernian boss John Collins has been named Clydesdale Bank manager of the month for September.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle player Richie Hart has been convicted of possessing cocaine at the Rock Ness music festival in June. As a result, the 29-year-old has also been suspended from playing or training by his club until further notice. Hart admitted a charge of possessing cocaine and was fined £300.

Nathan Davies

Wigan fined by FA

Domestic results

The draw for the group stages of the UEFA Cup has been made. Bolton Wanderers have been drawn in a particularly tough group as they will have to face European giants Bayern Munich, Portuguese side Braga and Red Star Belgrade in Group F. Tottenham Hotspur face a reunion with Anderlecht, the team they beat in the 1984 final, in Group G while Everton’s main threat in Group A is likely to come from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. David Moyes’ men also play Greek side Larissa who knocked-out Blackburn Rovers in the first round. Aberdeen must overcome Greek outfit Panathinaikos, Atletico Madrid, Lokomotiv Moscow and Copenhagen in Group B. Each team will play two matches at home and two away with the group stage starting on 25 October, with the top two going through to the knockout rounds.

Wigan Athletic have been fined £20,000 by the Football Association and warned about their future conduct after failing to control their players during the recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle at St James’ Park. The Latics players were angered following the dismissal of Kevin Kilbane by referee Steve Bennett. Kilbane received his second yellow card of the match following an aerial challenge with Alan Smith. The Premier League outfit pleaded guilty to the charge but submitted mitigating circumstances. Wigan had no right of appeal against Kilbane’s dismissal as it came as a consequence of two yellow cards.

It has been confirmed that West Ham United striker Dean Ashton - who was forced to pull out of the England squad yesterday - has a sprained medial knee ligament, which will see him sidelined for up to six weeks. Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Wes Brown is out of England’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia because of a knee injury.

Celtic pair Paul Hartley and Gary Caldwell will miss Scotland’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine. Hartley suffered a hamstring injury during Celtic’s 2-1 win over Gretna and will be out for three weeks while Caldwell picked up a knee injury in the same game but may recover to face Georgia on Wednesday.

Wigan Athletic’s Jason Koumas is out of Wales’ Euro 2008 qualifiers with Cyprus and San Marino with thigh and hip problems.

Newcastle United defender Stephen Carr has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Cyprus with a hamstring injury. Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has also withdrawn. Bolton Wanderers defender Andy O’Brien and Ipswich Town’s Alex Bruce have been called up as cover.

Norwich City manager Peter Grant has left the club by mutual consent after one year in charge. Jim Duffy will take the reigns while a permanent replacement is found.

Watford striker Darius Henderson has been named as the Championship’s player of the month for September after scoring five goals in five league games. The League One award went to Leeds United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren who only conceded one goal in five league games throughout September. Meanwhile, four goals in five games were enough for much-travelled Hereford United striker Trevor Benjamin to pick up the League Two equivalent. Hereford are the 16th club of Benjamin’s league career.

The Football Association have charged Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton with the use of abusive and/or insulting words following his team’s recent 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, which saw Ipswich squander a two-goal lead. Magilton has until Tuesday, 23 October to respond to the charge.

In the northern section, second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Morecambe of League Two beat League One side Port Vale 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile in the southern section, the pick of the results saw those other League newcomers from Dagenham and Redbridge travel to Leyton Orient and win 0-1.

Aldershot Town move to the top of the Blue Square Premier after beating Ebbsfleet United 2-0 at the Recreation Ground. Second placed Stevenage Borough were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Woking.

In the Scottish League division three, Albion Rovers beat Forfar Athletic 2-1 at Cliftonhill.

Nathan Davies

QPR earn first win

Waddock scoops monthly award

Ajax have given Chelsea permission to open talks with their manager Henk ten Cate about joining Avram Grant’s coaching set-up at Stamford Bridge. An Ajax statement said:

“Ajax have reached agreement with the English club about the immediate transfer of Henk ten Cate to Chelsea. After being approached by Chelsea, Henk ten Cate asked the Ajax management last week for permission to start negotiations with the Premier League side. After internal deliberations, Ajax granted permission.”

In the Championship, Queens Park Rangers won their first game of the season 1-0 against Norwich City at Loftus Road. A second-half Martin Rowlands penalty separated the sides.

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and their goalkeeper Dida after the Champions League game at Celtic Park. Dida collapsed after being struck in the face by a fan near the end of last week’s 2-1 loss in Glasgow. The 34-year-old was stretchered off but has been criticised for overreacting. UEFA have already opened proceedings against Scottish champions Celtic and both cases will be heard by the control and disciplinary body on Thursday.

It has been confirmed that Dean Ashton will miss England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers with Estonia and Russia after picking up a medial knee ligament injury while playing for West Ham United in the weekend defeat by Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Manchester City’s Michael Johnson and Aston Villa’s Craig Gardner are both out of England Under-21s’ Euro 2009 qualifiers against Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland as are Queens Park Rangers’ Dexter Blackstock and Morecambe goalkeeper Joe Lewis.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy has been forced to withdraw from the Wales squad after injuring his hip during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-0 victory over Coventry City at Molineux at the weekend. He will now miss Wales’ two Euro 2008 qualifying games against Cyprus and San Marino. Hennessy’s place between the sticks will be taken by Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Danny Coyne who has recovered from a calf injury

The seedings have been announced ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Cup group stage draw in Switzerland. There are no British clubs included with the top seeds in pot one while Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers are ranked in pot two. Everton are in pool three while Aberdeen are sure of a tough draw after being placed in the pot five. The 40 clubs will be drawn into eight groups of five, with each playing two home and away matches. Clubs from the same country cannot be paired together. The top three in each of the groups will join the teams finishing third in the Champions League groups for the knockout rounds, which start with 32 sides.

Bolton Wanderers striker El Hadji Diouf has announced he will no longer play international football for Senegal.

Wigan Athletic are demanding the return of nearly £300,000 in charges it paid Greater Manchester Police for policing matches at the JJB Stadium after claiming they have been overcharged. The case, which is being tried at the High Court in London, started today and could last for up to ten days.

Coventry City have announced that American consortium Manhattan Sports Capital Partners Limited have withdrawn their interest in buying the club but insist that takeover talks are still progressing with a number of other parties.

Crystal Palace have sacked manager Peter Taylor after winning only one of their last 10 league and cup outings.

Millwall have sacked manager Willie Donachie after a 4-0 weekend defeat at Carlisle left the club bottom of League One.

Gillingham’s joint caretaker boss Mick Docherty has left the League One club. The assistant manager had been joint caretaker boss with Iffy Onuora since Ronnie Jepson’s resignation as manager in early September.

Mansfield Town chairman James Derry has agreed a deal to buy the club from managing director Keith Haslam who has retained ownership of their Field Mill ground and will lease it to the club.

Aldershot Town boss Gary Waddock has been named as the Blue Square Premier manager of the month for September.

Nathan Davies

Chester beat Shrewsbury

Hartley doubtful for Scotland

Arsenal replace Manchester United at the top of the Premier League after beat Sunderland 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal raced into a two goal lead through Robin Van Persie and Phillippe Senderos before Ross Wallace pulled one back before half time. Early in the second-half, Kenwyne Jones struck for the visitors but after concerted pressure Robin Van Persie sealed all three points for the home side with only ten minutes left. Liverpool are six points behind the leaders in fourth place after only managing a 2-2 draw at against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, thanks to a injury-time header from Fernando Torres but Manchester City underlined their credentials with a 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at Eastlands, to secure third spot. England boss Steve McClaren was at St James’ Park to see Michael Owen return to fitness and score the winner for Newcastle United in a 3-2 victory over Everton. Andrew Johnson scored his first goal for Everton since March but now needs ankle surgery and will miss the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. Elsewhere, Chelsea scored their first Premier League goal for 460 minutes through Salomon Kalou as Avram Grant’s side won 0-1 at Bolton Wanderers. Blackburn Rovers beat Birmingham City 2-1 at Ewood Park, Kevin Doyle scored his first goal of the season as Reading beat visitors Derby County 1-0 and Fulham are in the bottom three after losing 0-2 at home to Portsmouth.

Chester City beat Shrewsbury Town 3-1 at the Deva Stadium to move up to third in the League Two table.

Celtic came from behind to beat Gretna 1-2 at Fir Park and return to the top of the Scottish Premier League. The ‘home’ side took a deserved half time lead after Fabian Yantorno curled in a free-kick but late goals from Chris Killen and Scott McDonald sealed the points for a lacklustre Celtic side. Lee Miller and Scott Severin both scored twice as Aberdeen beat St Mirren 4-0 at Pittodrie.

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley is set to miss Scotland’s Euro 2008 double-header against Ukraine and Georgia with a hamstring injury suffered during this afternoon’s clash with Gretna. Hatley will undergo a scan tomorrow.

Nathan Davies

Ashton doubtful for England

Pele bound for Bramall Lane

Manchester United sit proudly on top of the Premier League this evening after thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 at Old Trafford. All four goals came in the second half. Carlos Tevez scored the opener after 54 minutes before a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Wayne Rooney settled the contest. The day’s other Premier League game saw Aston Villa beat West Ham United at Villa Park. Craig Gardner scored the only goal of the game while England’s preparations for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers were hit after Hammers striker Dean Ashton suffered a knee injury. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said after the match:

“Dean Ashton has hurt his knee and is very doubtful for England. He was just a passenger at the end. He was just walking around near the end and I would imagine he is very doubtful.”

Hibernian are the new leaders of the Scottish Premier League after beating Rangers 0-1 at Ibrox, courtesy of a David Murphy header. Elsewhere, Dundee United recorded their fifth home clean sheet in a row while beating Motherwell 1-0, Heart of Midlothian beat Falkirk 4-2 at Tynecastle and Inverness Caledonian Thistle twice came from behind to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw at Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park.

Paul Fletcher claims he quit his position as Coventry City managing director yesterday as the proposed takeover of the club collapsed.

“My resignation is because of the apparent withdrawal of all five potential buyers of Coventry City Football Club. The failure to agree acceptable terms has meant that the club has little prospect of regaining the traditional income streams. Potential investors also seem to have realised this. The football club cannot survive in the current situation, something has to give.”

The Sky Blues are currently around £28million in debt.

Brazilian legend Pele will be Sheffield United’s guest of honour for their Bramall Lane clash against Ipswich on November 6. In addition, Pele will attend Sheffield FC’s 150th anniversary game against Serie A giants Internazionale at Bramall Lane on November 8. United director Simon McCabe told the club’s official website:

“This is fantastic news for Sheffield United, all our fans, the city and, of course, Sheffield FC in their anniversary year. As a club we have made remarkable progress in the last few years and have become a truly international footballing organisation with links in China, Africa, the Caribbean and now South America. Pele’s ears have been twitching about Sheffield United as we have developed our relationship with Sao Paulo. He has heard so much about United that he now wants to see the club first hand and at the same time take time out to visit the first soccer club in the world - Sheffield FC.”

Nathan Davies

Bellamy doubtful for Wales

Wrexham beat Stanley

Steve McClaren has announced his England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia later this month. Newcastle United’s Michael Owen is included despite doubts over his fitness while West Ham United’s Dean Ashton has earned a recall after his injury nightmare. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney is back in the squad after recovering from a broken foot. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is also included, despite missing recent games with a thigh injury.

West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy is likely to miss Wales’ Euro 2008 qualifying games against Cyprus and San Marino after undergoing a hernia operation.

A man who ran onto Celtic Park during Wednesday’s Champions League match between Celtic and AC Milan has admitted breaching the peace. Robert McHendry, 27, from Cambuslang, was arrested on Thursday after handing himself in to police. He invaded the pitch after a last-minute winner by Celtic and appeared to strike AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida. At Glasgow Sheriff Court, sentence on Hendry, was deferred. He will be sentenced on 2 November. Meanwhile, Uefa has opened its investigation into the incident. A disciplinary body will consult reports from the match delegate and referee Markus Merk. Celtic are likely to be punished with a fine but UEFA could impose further penalties for the infringement.

Ajax coach Henk Ten Cate has played down claims that he has agreed a move to become Avram Grant’s assistant at Chelsea despite confirming that the Blues have shown an interest in luring him to Stamford Bridge. Cate said:

“I know that Chelsea are interested in me. But not every story that does the rounds is true. I am coach at Ajax and my position is not up for discussion as far as I know. Last year I came to Amsterdam because becoming champion with Ajax is my great dream. Despite the fact that we are now out of the Champions League and Uefa Cup I still feel secure in my position. I will be, as normal, on the bench when we meet Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.”

AC Milan forward Kaka has been named FIFPro world player of the year. England’s John Terry and Steven Gerrard, were in the World XI with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Football Association has charged Hull City and Charlton Athletic with failing to ensure players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from provocative behaviour. The charges follow the mass brawl which marred the Addicks’ 2-1 victory at the KC Stadium on Tuesday. Hull captain Ian Ashbee and Charlton winger Lloyd Sam were sent off after a first-half bust-up. Meanwhile, Sam lost his appeal to the FA’s disciplinary committee for wrongful dismissal.

Coventry City managing director Paul Fletcher has resigned.

The Football Association has suspended Rushden & Diamonds manager Garry Hill from all football for two weeks after the 1-1 draw at Salisbury City last month. In addition, he will serve a 10-match touchline ban, with five games suspended for a year and was fined £500. A touchline flare-up at the final whistle saw Hill head-butt Salisbury assistant manager Tommy Widdrington. Widdrington was left with a broken nose, while both clubs were also charged by the FA with failing to control the conduct of their players and/or officials. Hill, who pleaded guilty to the charges, said:

”Now that the hearing has taken place I wish to place on record my sincere apologies to the club and fans of Rushden & Diamonds for the distress that this has cause.”

A Neil Roberts double was enough to earn Wrexham all three points at Accrington Stanley and lift them out of the League Two relegation zone.

Nathan Davies

McLeish announces Scotland squad

Rocha has ankle surgery

Celtic put in the performance of the evening to get their Champions League campaign back on track with a dramatic 2-1 win over holder AC Milan at Celtic Park. Scott McDonald netted the 88th minute winner but the Glasgow club could find themselves in trouble with UEFA after a fan ran on to the pitch and appeared to strike the visiting goalkeeper, Dida. The AC Milan shot stopper appeared to chase the culprit as he ran away but then collapsed and was eventually taken away on a stretcher. Elsewhere, Chelsea - who were defiantly led by John Terry sporting a mask on a fractured cheekbone - proved victorious in Valencia. The home side took the lead through David Villa after only nine minutes but strikes from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba finally gave Avram Grant something to smile about. Liverpool were the only British club to lose their Champions League clash this week after being beaten 1-0 by Marseille at Anfield.

In the Championship, Colchester United beat Queens Park Rangers 4-2 at Layer Road while visitors Stoke City held West Bromwich Albion to a 1-1 draw.

Alex McLeish has announced his Scotland squad for the Euro 2008 Group B qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia later this month. Overall, McLeish has stuck with the same squad that took Scotland to the top of Group B last month but there are recalls for West Ham United’s Christian Dailly, Derby County striker Kenny Miller and Sheffield United full-back Gary Naysmith. Russell Anderson and Darren Fletcher miss out through injury.

Fulham are applying to increase the capacity of Craven Cottage by 4,000 to accommodate 30,000 supporters. Fulham are proposing to increase the capacity in the Riverside Stand by removing the executive boxes in addition to opening the riverside walk to the public and restoring the listed turnstiles. If the plans are approved, work will commence at the end of the current season.

The Football Association are to investigate the mass brawl at the KC Stadium last night in the Championship match between Hull City and Charlton Athletic. Hull winger Ian Ashbee and Addicks winger Lloyd Sam were sent off as a result of the first-half bust-up. Ashbee’s tackle on Sam led to the pair grappling before players, substitutes and coaches, including Charlton boss Alan Pardew, got involved. An FA spokesman said: “We will consider the referee’s report on the incident.”

Leeds United manager Denis Wise has been charged by the FA with using abusive language towards a match official after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Gillingham. Referee Danny McDermid is also under investigation after Wise claimed the official swore at him after the game. Leeds finished the game with nine men after Tresor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford were dismissed.

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger, 33, has broke down in training with a recurrence of his hamstring problem in training. The Czech international has yet to start for Villa this campaign and it has yet to be confirmed how long this latest set-back will rule him out for.

Birmingham City midfielder Damien Johnson has developed a fresh hamstring problem and will be out of action for up to a month.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ricardo Rocha expects to be out for up to ten weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.

Nathan Davies

Domestic round-up

Campbell leaves Ross County

All three British clubs in Champion’s League action proved victorious this evening but the limelight belongs to Rangers who beat Lyon 3-0 courtesy of strikes from Lee McCulloch, Daniel Cousin and DaMarcus Beasley. Robin Van Persie scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal won away at Steaua Bucharest while Manchester United also recorded their second Champion’s League victory of the campaign with a 1-0 win over Roma at Old Trafford.

Panathinaikos beat Artmedia Bratislava 3-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate to progress to the group stage of the Uefa Cup.

Watford remain top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory against strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at Vicarage Road. Charlton Athletic stretched their unbeaten run to seven games by beating Hull City 1-2 at the KC Stadium. Alan Pardew’s side are now second while Barnsley are up to fourth after beating visitors Bristol City 3-0. At the other end of the table, Norwich City are now in the relegation zone after a goalless draw against Scunthorpe United at Carrow Road but Preston North End doubled their goal tally with a 5-1 home savaging of Southampton. Elsewhere, Sheffield United scored twice in the last five minutes to salvage a 3-3 draw against Cardiff City at Bramall Lane.

Gillingham hosted leaders Leyton Orient but failed to lay down the red carpet and promptly beat them 3-1. Swansea City were the only team in the top six to record all three points after beating Swindon Town 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

In League Two, the top four all won away from home. Milton Keynes Dons beat bottom of the league Mansfield Town 1-2, Chesterfield thrashed Wrexham 0-4, Hereford United won 2-3 at Notts County and Chester City escaped from Grimsby Town’s Blundell Park with a 1-2 victory.

In the Blue Square Premier, Aldershot moved to within a point of leaders Torquay United with a 2-0 home victory over Exeter City. Northwich Victoria earned only their second point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster Harriers at Victoria Stadium while Halifax Town beat Burton Albion 2-1.

St Johnstone beat Morton 1-3 at Cappielow to reach the Scottish Challenge Cup final where they will play Dunfermline Athletic who beat Ayr United 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out of England’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia because of a knee injury. The Manchester United midfielder will be on the sidelines for up to four weeks after having an injection to cure a tendonitis problem.

Carlisle United have appointed Cheltenham Town manager John Ward as their new boss after the two clubs agreed a “substantial” compensation payment. Ward will replace caretaker Greg Abbott, who has been in charge since Neil McDonald was sacked in August. Assistant manager Keith Downing will take charge at Cheltenham.

The Football Association is to introduce a pilot scheme at grass-roots level in a bid to stem levels of bad behaviour in the game. The three main components of the pilot scheme to be launched in nine regions from next January are only allowing team captains to speak with the referee, introducing roped-off areas at junior matches to prevent parents from abusing match officials and forcing all players and club officials to sign a ‘memorandum of understanding’ noting the standards of behaviour that will be expected. FA chief executive Brian Barwick added that the FA is still pushing strongly for goal-line technology.

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has confirmed that he eventually wants to buy Arsenal. Usmanov recently raised his stake in Arsenal to 23% but stressed that his plans would not happen in the immediate future. Usmanov said: “We don’t have the capacity today, but this is business and life is changing. Something that you can’t do today, maybe you can do tomorrow.”

Reading winger Glen Little will be out of action for up to six months after an operation on an Achilles tendon tomorrow.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has named a 25-man squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers later this month against Germany and Cyprus. Stephen Ireland has retained his place despite admitting that he lied to Staunton last month. The midfielder missed the game against the Czech Republic after claiming that his grandmother had died but later revealed that he withdrew from the squad after his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage. Bolton midfielder Joey O’Brien is recalled but there is still no place for his club-mate Andy O’Brien despite fellow defender Paul McShane’s suspension for the game against Germany.

Dick Campbell has left Ross County after less than five months in charge at Victoria Park - despite having led the Highland club to the top of Division Two. It is thought Campbell’s shock departure is the result of a damaging split between Campbell and director of football George Adams. An official club statement read: “Following a Board meeting of Ross County FC this morning, the Chairman, Roy MacGregor had a meeting with the Manager, Dick Campbell and it was mutually agreed that his Contract be terminated with immediate effect. We would like to thank Dick for his time and effort at the club and wish him every success in the future.”

Nathan Davies