England start campaign in Andorra
Hicks admits Klinsmann talks
Bangura wins appeal
Cort joins Potters
Wolves confirm Edwards deal
Beckford on target
Bury sack Casper
Calderwood signs new deal
England’s qualifying fixtures for the 2010 World Cup have been released and Fabio Capello will start his reign in earnest in Andorra on September 6 2008 followed by a tricky trip to face Croatia four days later. October 2008 brings the visit of Kazakhstan to Wembley before an away match in Belarus. After a winter break, England entertain Ukraine on April 1 2009 followed by a close season double header in Kazakhstan on June 6 and back at Wembley against Andorra four days later. On September 9, Croatia visit London before England complete their qualifying campaign in October with a match in Ukraine on the 10th and a battle with Belarus on home soil on the 14th.
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks says he held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann in November about taking over as manager in case Rafael Benitez left the club.
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Watford midfielder Al Bangura has been awarded a work permit and subsequently won his appeal to stay in Britain. The 19-year-old was initially refused leave to stay and was to be deported to his native Sierra Leone in December.
Stoke City have signed defender Leon Cort from Crystal Palace for £1.5m and broken their transfer record in the process. The 28-year-old, who has been on loan at the Britannia Stadium since November, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal. The Potters will also pay an additional £200,000 if the club are promoted to the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of David Edwards from Luton Town. The 21-year-old has moved for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £675,000, and has agreed a deal at Molineux until 2010.
Jermaine Beckford scored the only goal of the game as Leeds United beat Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road. Dennis Wise’s men are now third in the League One table.
Bury have sacked manager Chris Casper and director of football Keith Alexander with immediate effect. A statement on the club’s website read:
”The boards of directors at Bury FC have today terminated the contracts of Chris Casper and Keith Alexander with immediate effect. This decision has come at a difficult time for the club but it was felt that the decision had to be taken earlier, rather than later. Unfortunately the management team of Chris Casper and Keith Alexander has lost the confidence of a large majority of the fans, and the directors have taken this decision for the benefit of Bury FC. The board of directors would like to thank Chris Casper and Keith Alexander for their efforts in taking the club forward.”
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has signed a new three-year contract with the club. Assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl and coach Sandy Clark have also pledged their futures for the same period.
Nathan Davies