England lose top seed status
O’Neill out of running
Kaiser suggests Klinsmann
Jewell turns down Irish
Scotland to consider Euro 2016 bid
O’Shea signs extension
Hughes agrees new Rovers deal
Bruce signs Wigan contract
Owls chairman resigns
McIlroy hit by touchline ban
U’s win away
England received more bad news today with the publication of the FIFA world rankings. After failing to qualify for Euro 2008, England have slipped to 12th in the rankings, which means they will not be among the top seeds in the 2010 World Cup qualifying draw. Scotland slipped one place to 14th and will also be amongst the second seeds. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland jump up four places to 32nd while the Republic of Ireland drop three places to 35th, which means both nations are classified as third seeds. Wales are in the fourth set of seeds after maintaining a world ranking of 58th place. The Europeans face a different qualifying format than at previous World Cups, with 53 teams split into nine groups, eight of six teams and one of five. The nine group winners will automatically qualify with the best eight runners up playing off for the last four European places in South Africa. The draw takes place in Durban, South Africa on Sunday.
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England coach’s position as has West Ham United’s Alan Curbishley.
Franz Beckenbauer has suggested that England should turn to former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann as they search to replace Steve McClaren.
Paul Jewell is no longer interested in the vacant manager’s position with the Republic of Ireland, which leaves Terry Venables as the favourite to succeed Steve Staunton. Other managers linked with the post include Graeme Souness, Gerard Houllier, David O’Leary and Philippe Troussier. Meanwhile, Jewell has also turned down the chance to return to management with Birmingham City, largely due to the uncertainty that surrounds the proposed takeover of the club by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.
Scotland could bid to host Euro 2016 depending on the results of a feasibility study, according to First Minister Alex Salmond. Initial talks have already taken place with the SFA. New or significantly upgraded stadia would be needed and further complications could arise if the number of teams involved rises from the current 16.
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Manchester United defender John O’Shea has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has agreed a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2010.
Steve Bruce has signed a contract with Wigan Athletic after resolving his financial dispute with former club Birmingham City. Bruce will officially become Latics boss on Monday. Caretaker boss Frank Barlow will oversee his weekend’s trip to Arsenal.
Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dave Allen has resigned from the board as chairman and as a director with immediate effect.
The Football Association have given Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy a two-match touchline ban and fined him £350 for using improper conduct towards referee Darren Deadman in the game against Rotherham on October 20. The ban will commence on Monday December 3 and McIlroy will be watching from the stands for the games at Brentford and at home to Darlington.
In the Blue Square Premier, Cambridge United picked up three points away from home at Burton Albion.
Nathan Davies