McClaren sacked as England coach

Nationality not issue for FA

Aldershot move four points clear

Steve McClaren has been sacked after England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008. Assistant coach Terry Venables has also lost his job. McClaren’s 18-games in charge is the shortest tenure of any England coach but his position was untenable after the 2-3 defeat to Croatia at Wembley last night. FA chairman Geoff Thompson said:

“Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone. Of course we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected. I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer. His commitment to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future. The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job.”

FA chief executive Brian Barwick has confirmed that nationality will not be an issue when selecting the new England coach.

Martin O’Neill is the favourite to succeed McClaren after reports that Jose Mourinho would not be interested in the position.

Former AC Milan, Roma and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has said he would be interested in the England manager’s job.

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has ruled himself out of the running to become the next England manager.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has thrown his support behind a potential revival of home internationals after all four ihome nations failed to qualify for Euro 2008. SFA chief executive Gordon Smith has said he is in favour of the move. This is the first time since 1994 that no home nations have qualified for a major tournament.

Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb will be sidelined for three weeks after damaging a hamstring while staring for Belarus in an impressive 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Holland on Wednesday.

The delay over Steve Bruce’s appointment as manager of Wigan Athletic is believed to be due to a financial dispute between himself and former club Birmingham City. The St Andrews based club claim Bruce owes them over £225,000 over image rights. As a result, Birmingham are now refusing to sanction Bruce’s move to the Latics and are prepared to take legal action to stop it going through.

Former St Johnstone boss Owen Coyle is Burnley’s new manager after agreeing a three-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor.

Leicester City have appointed Ian Holloway as their new manager. Holloway resigned from his job at Plymouth Argyle yesterday and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Walkers Stadium to become the club’s fourth manager of 2007 - succeeding Rob Kelly, Martin Allen and Gary Megson.

Watford have signed Hereford United striker Lionel Ainsworth on loan, with a view to a permanent deal in January. The deal was completed before this evening’s Football League deadline for loan signings. Part of the deal sees Watford youngsters Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga extend their loan deals at Edgar Street until the end of the season. Hereford also have the option to make Diagouraga’s stay permanent.

Luton Town have been placed into administration and have subsequently been docked 10 points. This leaves the club at the bottom of League One on nine points and seven points from safety. The Hatters are looking for prospective buyers to put proposals to the creditors before end December 2007. In the meantime, chairman David Pinkney has agreed to fund trading losses.

Staines Town of the Ryman League beat League Two club Stockport County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time in this rescheduled FA Cup first round replay at Wheatsheaf Park.

In the Blue Square Premier, Aldershot Town extended their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 3-2 home win over Grays Athletic.

Nathan Davies