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Monday's gossip column
ENGLAND
Fabio Capello has blamed the tactical ineptitude of Steve McClaren and the psychological weakness of his players for the England's failure to reach Euro 2008. "How can players of such calibre perform so differently when they play for their country?" (The Times)
Meanwhile, former Brazil boss Carlos Alberto Parreira reckons the crisis in English football would be solved if more of our top players plied their trade abroad. (The Sun)
The FA managed to take seven of its "top brass" to the 2010 World Cup qualification group draw in Durban, one of whom - Sir Dave Richards - was wheeled out at a 'legends' presentation ceremony alongside Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer. (Various)
Sam Allardyce is ready to be talked into becoming England manager, one of his biggest supporters - League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell - told the FA. (Daily Mail)
Howard Wilkinson has criticised the FA for failing to complete the National Football Centre in Burton upon Trent. (The Times)
Jurgen Klinsmann has signalled his potential interest in becoming England manager - although it is thought that he would want control over the selection of his backroom team.
Michael Owen has kick-started preparations for 2010 World Cup qualification in earnest by insisting none of the Croatian team would get into the England side. (The Sun)
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TRANSFERS/OTHER GOSSIP
Derby County have lost patience with manager Billy Davies and are expected to sack him in the next 24 hours. (Daily Mail)
Rafael Benitez - now a "dead man walking" as Liverpool manager - would pocket £6m in compensation if he is asked to leave at any time during his contract. (Various)
Liverpool supporters, however, are considering staging a protest against co-chairmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett during the must-win Champions League match against Porto. (The Guardian)
Terry Venables is expected to meet officials from the Football Association of Ireland (FIA) this week to discuss the leading the country towards the 2010 World Cup. (The Times)
Benjani will snub an offer from Juventus to extend his contract at Portsmouth. The Italian giants have tabled a £7m bid for the Zimbabwean striker. (Daily Mirror)
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has warned that future World Cups could be overrun by teams full of naturalised Brazilians - such as Croatia's Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva. "If we don't take care about the invaders from Brazil, then we could have problems at the 2014 and 2018 finals." (The Independent)
Kaka has apparently been named European Footballer of the Year. It's not official, but we know this because France Football - the magazine that awards the prize - has set about organising the customary photo shoot with the AC Milan playmaker. (The Times)
Tell us your transfer rumours
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AND FINALLY
Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe hopes the possible revival of home internationals could lead to a British team playing at the 2012 Olympics. (Daily Express)
Busy new Leicester City manager Ian Holloway has made a open plea to help his family settle in the East Midlands after moving up from Plymouth. "I'm begging anyone in Leicester to help get my kids into the schools they need to get into - I can't do it by myself." (The Guardian)
Currently injured Wayne Rooney has gone back to studying for his GCSEs. (Daily Mail)
ENGLAND
Fabio Capello has blamed the tactical ineptitude of Steve McClaren and the psychological weakness of his players for the England's failure to reach Euro 2008. "How can players of such calibre perform so differently when they play for their country?" (The Times)
Meanwhile, former Brazil boss Carlos Alberto Parreira reckons the crisis in English football would be solved if more of our top players plied their trade abroad. (The Sun)
The FA managed to take seven of its "top brass" to the 2010 World Cup qualification group draw in Durban, one of whom - Sir Dave Richards - was wheeled out at a 'legends' presentation ceremony alongside Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer. (Various)
Sam Allardyce is ready to be talked into becoming England manager, one of his biggest supporters - League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell - told the FA. (Daily Mail)
Howard Wilkinson has criticised the FA for failing to complete the National Football Centre in Burton upon Trent. (The Times)
Jurgen Klinsmann has signalled his potential interest in becoming England manager - although it is thought that he would want control over the selection of his backroom team.
Michael Owen has kick-started preparations for 2010 World Cup qualification in earnest by insisting none of the Croatian team would get into the England side. (The Sun)
Back to top
TRANSFERS/OTHER GOSSIP
Derby County have lost patience with manager Billy Davies and are expected to sack him in the next 24 hours. (Daily Mail)
Rafael Benitez - now a "dead man walking" as Liverpool manager - would pocket £6m in compensation if he is asked to leave at any time during his contract. (Various)
Liverpool supporters, however, are considering staging a protest against co-chairmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett during the must-win Champions League match against Porto. (The Guardian)
Terry Venables is expected to meet officials from the Football Association of Ireland (FIA) this week to discuss the leading the country towards the 2010 World Cup. (The Times)
Benjani will snub an offer from Juventus to extend his contract at Portsmouth. The Italian giants have tabled a £7m bid for the Zimbabwean striker. (Daily Mirror)
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has warned that future World Cups could be overrun by teams full of naturalised Brazilians - such as Croatia's Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva. "If we don't take care about the invaders from Brazil, then we could have problems at the 2014 and 2018 finals." (The Independent)
Kaka has apparently been named European Footballer of the Year. It's not official, but we know this because France Football - the magazine that awards the prize - has set about organising the customary photo shoot with the AC Milan playmaker. (The Times)
Tell us your transfer rumours
Back to top
AND FINALLY
Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe hopes the possible revival of home internationals could lead to a British team playing at the 2012 Olympics. (Daily Express)
Busy new Leicester City manager Ian Holloway has made a open plea to help his family settle in the East Midlands after moving up from Plymouth. "I'm begging anyone in Leicester to help get my kids into the schools they need to get into - I can't do it by myself." (The Guardian)
Currently injured Wayne Rooney has gone back to studying for his GCSEs. (Daily Mail)
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