U21 internationals

Ritchie joins Dundee

Forest Green Rovers of the Blue Square Premier caused a major upset by beating League 2 outfit Rotherham United 0-3 at Milmoor in this FA Cup first round replay. This was Rovers’ first-ever win over a league side, secured by goals from Chris Giles, Simon Clist and Stuart Fleetwood. Hereford United also claimed an impressive scalp as a third minute Lionel Ainsworth strike was enough to eliminate Leeds United at Elland Road. Hereford will now host League One’s Hartlepool in the second round. Barrow also deserve a mention for holding Bournemouth to a 2-2 draw at the Fitness First Stadium. Unfortunately for the non-leaguers, Bournemouth scraped through after extra-time, thanks to a Danny Hollands goal. Hollands ws then sent off for picking up his second yellow card. Bournemouth are now away to Millwall in the second round. Elsewhere, Grimsby Town beat Carlisle United 2-0 at Blundell Park, Northampton Town knocked-out Darlington 2-1 at Sixfields and Brighton & Hove Albion progressed to the second round after beating Cheltenham Town 2-1 at the Withdean Stadium. The tie between Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and will now be played on Tuesday, 27 November.

At Under-21 level, England moved a step closer to next year’s play-offs for the 2009 European Championship by coming from behind to draw 1-1 in Portugal, courtesy of an Adam Johnson strike. Meanwhile, Ched Evans scored a hat-trick as Wales came from behind to beat France 4-2 in Cardiff, Northern Ireland beat Moldova 3-0 at Mourneview Park and the Republic of Ireland beat Bulgaria 1-0 to record their first win in the Uefa Under-21 Championships qualifiers.

In the Blue Square Premier, Farsley Celtic drew 1-1 with visitors Altrincham.

Alan Irvine is the new manager of Preston North End. The 49-year-old, who has been assistant manager to ex-Preston boss David Moyes at Everton since 2002, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal after the two clubs agreed a compensation package.

Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has appeared in court charged with assault after being accused of attacking fellow player Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City’s training ground complex on May 1. Barton appeared at Manchester Crown Court to set a trial date where he will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The earliest date a trial could be held is June 30 2008. If convicted, Barton faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

West Ham United’s Anton Ferdinand has been cleared of assaulting a man outside a nightclub on October 2 last year. The gangly defender admitted punching Emile Walker but told Snaresbrook Crown Court it was in self-defence, as he feared he was about to be mugged. Ferdinand denied a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of affray. The jury took just 90 minutes to accept he was acting in self-defence.

Dirk Kuyt has become the fifth Liverpool footballer to be burgled in less than 18 months after his luxury home in Woolton was targeted last week. Jerzy Dudek, Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger and Peter Crouch have also been recent victims of burglary.

The Football Association have cleared referee Danny McDermid of using foul and/or abusive language towards Leeds United manager Dennis Wise during a 1-1 draw at Gillingham on September 29. Wise had been found guilty of the same offence and received a two-match touchline ban, a suspended one-match ban and £5,000 fine.

Gretna will hear Rowan Alexander’s appeal against his sacking next Tuesday. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Alexander will take the matter to an industrial tribunal.

St Johnstone have rejected an approach from Burnley to talk to Owen Coyle about their managerial vacancy.

Paul Ritchie, the former Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, Dundee United and Manchester City defender, has joined Dundee as a player/coach. The Dens Park club also announced that manager Alex Rae and his assistant David Farrell have signed 12-month rolling contracts.

Nathan Davies

Euro 2008 squad news

McEwan leaves York

Steve Bruce has parted company with Birmingham City and is expected to be named as the new Wigan Athletic manager imminently. Bruce has agreed a three-year deal with the Latics and will earn £2m a year. In addition, Wigan will pay £3m in compensation to Birmingham.

George McCartney will miss Northern Ireland’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Spain on Wednesday night with an ankle injury. This is bad news for manager Nigel Worthington who is already attempting to plot a Spanish downfall without suspended pair Jonny Evans and Keith Gillespie.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Freddy Eastwood (knee) is the latest Welsh worry ahead of Wednesday’s final Euro 2008 qualifier in Germany. John Toshack has already lost Jason Koumas through suspension and Carl Robinson with an ankle knock while Rob Earnshaw (flu) and Lewin Nyatanga (groin) are both doubtful. Sam Ricketts is available again after suspension.

Former Norwich City and West Ham United midfielder Graham Paddon has died suddenly at the age of 57. Paddon also played for Coventry City, Millwall and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Welsh international striker Ken Leek, who had spells with Northampton Town, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Montreal Concordia, Birmingham City and Bradford City, has passed away aged 72.

Gillingham first team coach Iffy Onuora has left the club by mutual consent.

John Reid has been confirmed as Celtic’s new chairman at the club’s annual general meeting. The former Health Secretary and Leaders of the House of Commons takes over from Brian Quinn.

The FA Cup first-round replay between Staines Town and Stockport County at Wheatsheaf Park has been postponed 40 minutes before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch. No date has been set for the re-arranged game, with the winner set to host League Two side Peterborough in the second round.

York City manager Billy McEwan has left the Blue Square Premier club.

Nathan Davies

Bruce agrees Wigan deal

Suarez resigns from Ecuador role

Darren Bent has been called up to the England squad to face Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. Bent replaces Michael Owen who suffered a thigh injury in the 1-0 friendly victory in Austria on Friday. Owen Hargreaves is available for selection after missing the Austria game with tendonitis but Michael Owen joins Wayne Rooney (ankle), John Terry (knee) and the suspended Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines. England need a point against Croatia to ensure qualification for Euro 2008.

Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce is close to joining Wigan Athletic after agreeing a contract with the Latics, although nothing is signed as yet. Wigan - who could have to pay up to £3m in compensation to the Blues - hope to unveil Bruce early next week.

In League One, Yeovil Town used home advantage to help them beat Gillingham 2-1 while Bournemouth took a surprise lead at Victoria Park against mid-table Hartlepool United only for Ian Moore to strike a volley to ensure a share of the spoils.

Luis Fernando Suarez resigned yesterday as boss of the Ecuador national side after a 5-1 defeat in Paraguay but the South Americans have acted quickly to appoint replacement coach Sixto Vizuete.

Nathan Davies

Focus on Euro 2008 qualifiers

Wanchope retires

Scotland have failed to qualify for Euro 2008 after Italy beat them 1-2 at Hampden Park. Luca Toni scored for the Italians after only two minutes to leave Alex McLeish’s men a mountain to climb in this must-win game. Hope was restored when Barry Ferguson grabbed an equaliser on 65 minutes but a Christian Panucci header ensured Scottish hearts were broken. France and Italy have subsequently qualified for Euro 2008 from Group B.

Northern Ireland’s dreams of Euro 2008 qualification remain alive after they beat Denmark 2-1 at a near waterlogged Windsor Park. The Danes took the lead through Nicklas Bendtnar but goals from Warren Feeney and David Healy gave Nigel Worthington’s men victory. It was Healy’s 13th goal of the campaign and beats Davor Suker’s previous European Championship qualifying record of 12. Northern Ireland now have to beat Spain - who have already qualified - on Wednesday and need Latvia to take all three points against Sweden if they want to progress from Group F.

England have their Euro 2008 qualifying fate back in their own hands again after Israel beat Russia 2-1 at the Ramat Gan stadium. England are now two points ahead of Russia in Group E and only need a draw against Croatia in their final qualifier on Wednesday to secure an extremely fortunate Euro 2008 place. Israel took the lead through Elyaniv Barda before Diniyar Bilyaletdinov equalised for the Russians. Omer Golan scored the winner for Israel. Croatia have qualified despite losing 2-0 in Macedonia.

Wales and the Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 at the Millennium Stadium. Jason Koumas put the Welsh ahead on 23 minutes but Robbie Keane ensured the match was level at half-time. Kevin Doyle put the Irish in charge after an hour but a late penalty from Jason Koumas saved a point for Wales. Germany and the Czech Republic had already qualified from Group D.

Scotland Under-21’s beat Slovenia 0-4 in their Euro 2009 qualifier while Wales also scored four with no reply against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Wrexham.

Brighton & Hove Albion denied Leyton Orient the chance to return to the top of League One after holding the second-placed Londoners to a 2-2 draw at the Matchroom Stadium. Elsewhere, Jermaine Beckford scored twice as Leeds United beat Swindon Town 2-1 to move up to fourth.

In League Two, Milton Keynes Dons remain top after beating Chester City 0-2 at the Deva Stadium, Lionel Ainsworth grabbed a hat-trick for Hereford United as they beat Stockport County 2-3 at Edgeley Park to move second and Lincoln City remain bottom after a 1-0 reverse at Wycombe Wanderers.

Aldershot Town remain top of the Blue Square Premier after beating Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 at the Recreation Ground.

The draw for the area semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been made. In the Northern section, Grimsby Town travel to Stockport County while Morecambe entertain Bury - conquerors of Leeds United in the last round. The Southern ties see Swansea City at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in an all League One clash and Gillingham meet Milton Keynes Dons at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium. Games will be played during the week commencing 7 January.

Costa Rican striker Paulo Wanchope has called time on his career at the age of 31 due to fitness concerns. The former Manchester City, West Ham and Derby striker has played for nine clubs in seven countries in a 12-year career.

Nathan Davies

Under-21’s beat Bulgarians

Ingimarsson retires

A first-half header from Peter Crouch was enough to give England victory over Austria in Vienna. However, this friendly match was soured when Michael Owen limped off with a thigh strain and will be sidelined for a month. Subsequently, the injury-prone striker will miss next Wednesday’s potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia. The importance of this game depends on results tomorrow when Russia play Israel and Croatia visit Macedonia. If Russia draw in Israel then England will need to beat Croatia but a loss for Russia would see England needing a point on Wednesday at Wembley. A loss for Croatia would see England needing to beat them by two goals or more to book a place in next summer’s finals.

England Under-21’s beat their Bulgarian counterparts 2-0 at Stadium MK as Stuart Pearce’s men maintained their 100% Euro 2009 qualification record. Gabriel Agbonlahor and a late James Milner penalty secured the victory.

Swansea City squandered the chance to go top of League One after a 0-1 reverse at home to in-form Huddersfield Town. Malvin Kamara’s second-half strike was enough for the away side to record their fourth straight victory.

UEFA have banned Benfica midfielder Augustin Binya for six matches after his dangerous tackle on Celtic’s Scott Brown during his club’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Celtic Park earlier this month. The Cameroon international will miss Benfica’s remaining Champions League Group D matches against AC Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk. If the Portuegese giants fail to progress in European competition this term then the ban will carry over to future seasons.

Birmingham City have released a statement concerning the kidnapping of Edwin Palacios - brother of the Blues on-loan midfielder Wilson Palacios. It was reported that Edwin had been released safely yesterday but the club now admit that such reports are ‘premature’. The statement read as follows:

“Further to earlier reports, Birmingham City FC now understands that news of the release of Wilson Palacios’ kidnapped brother are premature. The club was told in good faith on Thursday, by both the player himself and his agent, that Wilson’s 15-year-old brother Edwin had been released by his kidnappers. It now appears that, although the situation is close to being resolved, Wilson and his agent had been incorrectly informed themselves. Wilson is currently in Miami with the Honduras national side but, because of the time difference, the club has not yet been able to fully clarify the situation.”

Reading’s Ivar Ingimarsson has announced his retirement from the Icelandic national team. The 30-year-old defender has won 26 caps for his country.

Nathan Davies

Fourth man charged in Rams probe

Women’s team criticises FA

The Football Association has issued more than 50 charges in connection with alleged breaches of rules at Luton Town. The charges relate to player transfers and contract renegotiations between July 2004 and February 2007. The Kenilworth Road club has been charged with making alleged payments to agents through a holding company - Jayten Stadium Limited - rather than the club and providing misleading information to the FA. Current directors John Mitchell and Richard Bagehot are charged along with former chairman Bill Tomlins and ex-finance director Derek Peter. Meanwhile, six agents have been charged with accepting payments from Jayten for their services to the club in securing the services of players.

A fourth man has been charged with false accounting and conspiracy to conceal criminal property during the takeover of Derby County in October 2003. Mark Waters, 47, will appear in court later this month. The club’s former finance director Andrew Mackenzie, former chief executive Jeremy Keith and former director of football Murdo Mackay all face the same charges. It is important to note that these allegations are not connected the current Derby board.

Sheffield Wednesday have turned down an approach from Burnley for their manager Brian Laws.

Brian Little is the new manage of Wrexham after signing a deal until the end of the season. Former manager Brian Carey will stay at the club and work alongside the more experienced Little. In addition, backroom staff members Steve Weaver, Joey Jones and Andy O’Boyle all keep their jobs.

The Football Association have fined Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton after he admitted using abusive and/or insulting words to referee Colin Webster after the 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor on October 2.

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas claims he is happy at the club and is not hankering for a move to Spain.

Kidnappers have released Edwin Palacios, 15, brother of Birmingham City’s Wilson Palacios, unharmed after abducting him from his home in Honduras just over two weeks ago.

The Italian policeman who shot dead Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri last weekend is to be charged with murder. Police had claimed the shooting - which occurred while police tried to stop fighting between Lazio and Juventus followers in Tuscany - was a “tragic accident”. Mr Sandri’s death sparked widespread fan riots across Italy; which left 40 policemen injured.

England women’s footballers have criticised the Football Association for paying them the paltry sum of £40 a day for the five-week period that they represented their country at the Women’s World Cup in China. The situation was so bad that some of the squad are still working around the clock to earn wages they lost whilst on international duty.

Nathan Davies

Busby Babe Doherty dies

Jags win at Almondvale

Wigan Athletic have asked Birmingham City for permission to speak to Blues manager Steve Bruce about becoming the new man in charge at the JJB Stadium. Bruce had a brief spell in charge of the Latics in 2001 and could be tempted to leave St Andrews due to the imminent takeover from Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung and subsequent uncertainty over his future.

Former Manchester United player and member of the Busby Babes side, John Doherty has died at the age of 72.

England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals faces new opposition after Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg launched a joint bid. Other countries to have expressed an interest include China, Australia, Mexico, Russia, Spain and the United States. The winning bid will be announced in 2011.

Manchester United’s Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out of England’s friendly with Austria in Vienna on Friday due to a knee injury. Hargreaves will be reassessed ahead of the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from international football.

Sunderland have been dealt a blow after learning that defender Nyron Nosworthy will be out for up to six weeks after tearing his hamstring during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.

Brighton & Hove Albion beat Cheltenham Town 4-1 at the Withdean Stadium to win through to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area semi-final.

Liam Buchanan grabbed a hat-trick as Partick Thistle beat Livingston 0-4 at Almondvale in this evening’s Scottish first division encounter. Mark Roberts was also on the scoresheet for the Jags.

Nathan Davies

Preston sack Simpson

Wilson sacked by Barrow

Fans community website MyFootballClub has agreed, in principle, a takeover deal with Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United (formerly Gravesend and Northsfleet). The fans community website, at www.myfootballclub.co.uk, was launched in April with the express aim of attracting enough paying members to raise enough money to buy a football club. Membership is £35 a year and the fans group have fulfilled their potential by enrolling 20,000 members and raising £700,000 - an attractive amount of money for any lower league club. This is a major landmark in British football as members will have a vote on transfers as well as player selection and all major decisions. The deal will be completed after a due diligence process and the website will purchase a 51% controlling stake, while also having the option to buy the club outright in the future.

Preston North End have sacked manager Paul Simpson. Assistant boss Rob Kelly will take temporary charge of the first team.

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Denmark and Spain after originally being demoted to the U21’s. Evans joins the senior squad to replace West Ham United’s George McCartney who suffered ankle ligament damage at the weekend.

Paul Jewell has ruled out a return to management with his previous club Wigan Athletic after the sacking of Chris Hutchings. Meanwhile, Joe Royle - who has also been linked with the vacant job at Wigan - has withdrawn his interest in filling Leicester City’s managerial vacancy because of “personal reasons”.

Newcastle United’s Joey Barton has apologised for his dangerous tackle on Sunderland’s Dickson Etuhu during last weekend’s 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Cardiff City have released an official statement pledging to stand-by their manager Dave Jones despite recent speculation that he was about to be sacked. However, Jones has been warned that results must improve - and quickly.

In the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter-finals there were plenty of surprises, especially in the Northern section of the competition as League Two clubs beat League One clubs in every game. Bury travelled to Elland Road where they beat Leeds United 1-2 to become the first side to beat Leeds on their own patch this season. Leon Constantine put the home side in front but goals from Ben Futcher and Andy Bishop gave Bury the lead before Leeds debutant Felipe Da Costa was sent off - all before half-time. The 10-men of Leeds failed to restore parity after the break and slumped to an embarrassing defeat. Elsewhere, Morecambe beat Hartlepool United 2-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Victoria Park, Grimsby Town beat visitors Doncaster Rovers 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw while Stockport County scored three second-half goals as they beat Carlisle United 0-3 at Brunton Park. In the Southern section, Milton Keynes Dons progressed to the area semi-finals with a 0-2 win at Bournemouth, Gillingham made the most of home advantage to ease past Dagenham & Redbridge 4-0 and Swansea City beat Yeovil Town 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium. Brighton & Hove Albion face Cheltenham Town in the only outstanding quarter-final tie tomorrow evening.

Phil Wilson has been sacked as manager of Blue Square North club Barrow.

Nathan Davies

West Brom climb to second

Italian Football in turmoil

Arsenal beat Reading 1-3 at the Madjeski Stadium with goals from Mathieu Flamini, Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb. Nicky Shorey grabbed a consolation for the home side. The result means Arsenal top the Premier League table on goal difference from Manchester United.

West Bromwich Albion are second in the Championship table after a resounding 0-4 victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena. The Baggies’ cause was helped after the home side had Michael Mifsud sent off on 10 minutes for leading with his elbow. All the visitors’ goals were scored in the second half by Paul Robinson, two from Andrade Filipe Teixeira and another from Robert Koren.

George McCartney has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Denmark and Spain after suffering ankle ligament damage while playing for West Ham United against Derby County at Pride Park at the weekend.

Gareth Bale has been forced to withdraw from the Wales squad ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff with a foot injury. Jason Koumas is also a doubt after withdrawing from Wigan Athletic’s squad to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with sickness.

The Football Association will not take action against Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton over his awful challenge on Sunderland’s Dickson Etuhu. Barton went in with his studs high and the pair clashed afterwards but referee Martin Atkinson awarded no foul. An FA spokesman said: “Whilst it is clear the officials did not see the full extent of the incident they did see players coming together. To take any further action would be tantamount to re-refereeing the game.”

Plymouth Argyle striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has been released on police bail after being questioned by police about an attack at a Devon nightclub. The 21-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Sunday in Plymouth after a doorman’s head was cut by a bottle. Police said CCTV footage was being studied to find out more about what happened. Ebanks-Blake was released on police bail until 3 January 2008.

Gillingham striker Luke Freeman has become the youngest player ever to appear in the FA Cup proper at 15 years and 233 days after coming on as a substitute during the Gills 2-1 defeat against Barnet at Underhill. Freeman breaks the record of Derby’s Lee Holmes by 44 days. In addition, Freeman is now Gillingham’s youngest ever player, beating Billy Hughes’ record by 26 days.

The fall-out from one of Italy’s worst days of football-related violence began in ernest today after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) suspended next week’s Serie B and C matches. There are no Serie A matches scheduled next week due to the international break. This decision was made following the death of 26-year-old Gabriele Sandri, who was hit by a bullet in the neck as he sat in a car while police tried to stop fighting between Lazio and Juventus supporters. The incident triggered nationwide disorder as fans and police clashed across Italy.

Nathan Davies

Premier League round-up

FA Cup second round draw

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two first-half goals as Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Old Trafford to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Blackburn’s misery was complete when David Dunn was dismissed after picking up his second yellow card early in the second half. Chelsea and Everton drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba put Chelsea ahead after 70 minutes but a 90th minute overhead kick from Tim Cahill ensured a share of the spoils for the visitors. The result ends Chelsea’s run of four straight Premier League wins. In the Second City derby, Aston Villa made the short trip to St Andrews where they beat Birmingham City 1-2 thanks to an own goal from Blues defender Liam Ridgewell and a late header from Gabriel Agbonlahor. In between Mikael Forssell had equalised. This was the first time Villa had won away from home since April 28 when they won at Manchester City. At White Hart Lane, two goals from Jermaine Jenas, an Aaron Lennon volley and a Darren Bent effort secured a resounding 4-0 victory for Tottenham Hotspur against a woeful Wigan Athletic. The games between Portsmouth and Manchester City at Fratton Park and Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough at the Reebok Stadium both finished goalless.

There were three FA Cup first round ties played this afternoon. Torquay United of the Blue Square Premier swept aside Yeovil Town of League One 4-1 at Plainmoor. Rotherham United came from two goals down to earn a replay with Blue Square Premier opponents Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn. Chris O’Grady scored for the Millers with just six minutes remaining as the match finished 2-2. Meanwhile, Hartlepool United thrashed Gainsborough Trinity of the Blue Square North 0-6 at Northolme.

In Scotland, Heart of Midlothian beat visitors Aberdeen 4-1 to leapfrog the Dons to sixth in the Scottish Premier League table. In the Scottish first division, Clyde beat Dundee 0-1 at Dens Park.

The draw for the second round of the FA Cup has been made. Blue Square Premier side Torquay United’s reward for beating Yeovil Town this afternoon is a home tie against Cheltenham Town or Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, fellow non-leaguers Rushden & Diamonds, who also beat league opposition in the shape of Macclesfield Town, will be away to Leyton Orient or Bristol Rovers. The lowest ranked team left in the competition is Chasetown who face a trip to Port Vale. Elsewhere, Harrogate Railway will be at home to Mansfield Town and there will definitely be a non-league club in the third round after Cambridge United and Weymouth drew each other. The matches are to be played on November 30 and December 1 & 2.

A Lazio fan has been shot dead by police at a motorway restaurant near Arezzo in Tuscany after fighting between Lazio and Juventus fans, officials say. The Lazio fans were travelling to a match against Inter Milan, which was postponed following the death. Other games were starting 10 minutes late with players and officials wearing black armbands. The man killed has been named as Gabriele Sandri from Rome. He was 26 years of age. According to reports it is thought the victim was shot while in a car outside the restaurant. The exact details of the shooting are unclear and an investigation is underway. This violence also triggered clashes between in Bergamo, where Atalanta were playing AC Milan. This match was also suspended.

Nathan Davies