Sean O"Driscoll is the frontrunner for the Blackpool job

Posted on January 12, 2013 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: O'Driscoll the shock name for Blackpool job

By
John Edwards

PUBLISHED:

21:31 GMT, 11 January 2013

UPDATED:

21:33 GMT, 11 January 2013

Sean O’Driscoll has emerged as a shock frontrunner for the Blackpool job and could be confirmed as Michael Appleton’s successor in the next 24 hours.

After agreeing a compensation package with Blackburn for the loss of Appleton, who watched his new team from the stands against Wolves at Molineux, Blackpool were expected to move for Bradford boss Phil Parkinson.

Heir apparent: Sean O'Driscoll is being lined up for the Blackpool job. He was sacked from Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day after beating Leeds 4-2

But Sportsmail understands they have turned their attention to former Nottingham Forest manager O’Driscoll and are close to striking an agreement to install him as their new manager.

After being controversially sacked by Forest, despite taking them to the fringes of the play-off places, O’Driscoll turned down an approach from Barnsley, after speaking to Oakwell officials but deciding the job was not for him.

Taking the reins at Blackpool is viewed as a different proposition, though, and he looks to be on the verge of a swift return to Championship management, with Parkinson waiting in the wings, should the deal hit a last-minute hitch.

Enlarge

Quick exit: Michael Appleton (pictured) has left to join Blackburn - he was only in charge at Bloomfield Road for just two months

Quick exit: Michael Appleton (pictured) has left to join Blackburn – he was only in charge at Bloomfield Road for just two months

Daniel Sturridge undergoing Liverpool medical

Posted on December 23, 2012 by adminsports

Sturridge undergoing Liverpool medical as Chelsea striker closes in on 12m Anfield switch

UPDATED:

13:07 GMT, 23 December 2012

Daniel Sturridge has been given permission by Chelsea to undergo a medical on Merseyside after Liverpool resolved the cash wrangle that was threatening to scupper his 12million-plus move to Anfield.

Though the transfer window does not open for another week, Sturridge has been allowed to put the finishing touches to his move after travelling to Liverpool for a medical today.

Heading north: Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge looks set to complete a move to Liverpool next month

The deal was in danger of collapsing
after Liverpool took exception to agents' demands over sell-on fees and
threatened to pull out.

But agreement has been reached over
the terms of the 23-year old frontrunner’s departure from Stamford
Bridge, and he will now give manager Brendan Rodgers much-needed extra
options up front after accepting a three-and-a-half year contract.

On the move Sturridge scored in the League Cup win over Man United this season

Sportsmail first revealed at the end
of August that Liverpool wanted Sturridge to reinforce their strike
force and would attempt to lure him away from Chelsea in the New Year.

Olympic experience: Sturridge was involved for Team GB this summer

Alan Shearer in for Ipswich job

Posted on October 26, 2012 by adminsports

Ipswich weigh up Toon hero Shearer as they widen search to replace sacked Jewell

UPDATED:

22:37 GMT, 25 October 2012

Alan Shearer has become one of the frontrunner for the vacant manager’s job at Ipswich.

Alan Curbishley is favourite for the post at Portman Road after the sacking of Paul Jewell on Wednesday.

Ipswich are bottom of the Championship but the club insist they have received plenty of applications. The shortlist also includes Mick McCarthy, Steve Cotterill, Owen Coyle and club legend Terry Butcher.

Fancy Ipswich, Alan Shearer, who is on holiday in Barbados, was interview about the vacant managerial job at Portman Road

Shearer’s only managerial experience was with Newcastle in 2009.

The former England striker was in caretaker charge for the final eight games of the 2008-09 season as Newcastle tried to stay in the Premier League.

He could not manage it, however and they were relegated after losing at Aston Villa.

Shearer almost took the reigns at Portman Road when Roy Keane was sacked in January 2011, before owner Marcus Evans turned to the experience of Jewell.

A team-mate of Shearer’s at Newcastle, Michael Chopra, has already backed his former captain for the job.

He said: 'I would love to see Alan Shearer as manager, such a good person and worked, played under some great managers including Sir Bobby Robson.'

Paul Jewell sacked by Ipswich

Posted on October 24, 2012 by adminsports

Jewell sacked by Ipswich as boss pays price for miserable start to the season

UPDATED:

13:02 GMT, 24 October 2012

Paul Jewell has been sacked as Ipswich manager after winning just one of his first 12 games of the Championship season.

Jewell, who arrived at Portman Road in January 2011, leaves with the club rooted to the foot of the table.

Jewell had suggested he was close to quitting at the weekend – after losing to Hull – and did not appear for the post-match press conference after Tuesday's home defeat to his former club Derby.

Axed: Manager Paul Jewell has been shown the door at Ipswich

Paul Jewell v Dougie Freedman

Paul Jewell and Dougie Freedman have very similar records, but while Jewell is out of work following his dismissal, former Crystal Palace boss Freedman was courted by Bolton.

Jewell P 85 W 29 D 18 L 38 – win % 34.12

Freedman: P 90 W 32 D 27 L 31 – win % 35.56

Alan Curbishley is the early frontrunner for the job.

Tractor Boys owner Marcus Evans said:
'Since he first walked through the door here, no one has worked harder
to bring success to this Football Club than Paul Jewell.

'Unfortunately his outstanding commitment has not been rewarded by results on the pitch and having spoken with Paul at length, we feel it’s best for him and the club if we go our separate ways.

'I’m bitterly disappointed – as is Paul – that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager 21 months ago and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the club and wish him every success in the future.'

Jewell, who has also had spells in
charge of Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan and Debry, told the
Ipswich website: 'I could not have had any more support than I have done
from Marcus Evans and [chief executive] Simon Clegg. I have enjoyed
working with both of them in my time as Ipswich Town manager.

'We all know that football is a results
business though and I’ve never hidden from the fact that our results
have not been good enough.

Message: Sections of the Ipswich supporters wanted rid of Jewell

Unhappy ending: Derby beat Ipswich 2-1 on Tuesday

'It’s been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the staff and the supporters for the backing they have given me in my time at the club and wish Ipswich Town the best of fortunes ahead.'

Jewell's only two victories this season – against Bristol Rovers in the Capital One Cup and Watford in the Championship – came back in August and Tuesday's defeat against the Rams was a fourth home loss on the bounce.

Clegg added: 'I am bitterly disappointed that we have parted company with Paul, but we accept that this is in our respective best interests.

'Paul has worked tirelessly to try and deliver the levels of success on the pitch which we all aspire to but the recent results and our position in the table required us to make a change.

'The search for a new manager is well underway and I am confident that we will find the right man to get the best out of the players, both individually and collectively, and lead the team to future success.

'The immediate focus is to ensure we secure three points on Saturday and in this regards I have asked Chris Hutchings to take over as caretaker manager.'

Fernando Llorente set to snub Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City and join Juventus

Posted on October 2, 2012 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Llorente set to snub Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City and join Juventus

UPDATED:

08:38 GMT, 2 October 2012

Juventus are convinced they will see
off competition from a host of Barclays Premier League clubs and win the
race to sign Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente in the January
transfer window.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a
confirmed admirer of Llorente's strength and finishing, and Chelsea and
Manchester City are also keen on a frontrunner who was high on
Manchester United's wanted list, prior to their summer acquisition of
Robin Van Persie.

Hot shot: Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente (right)

But signing a proven striker is Juventus' priority for the winter window, and Sportsmail understands behind-the-scenes activity has led to the 27-year old verbally agreeing to join them.

Timing of the move remains the only issue to be resolved, with Llorente due to become a free agent at the end of the season, when his contract runs out. Bilbao could keep Juve waiting, but another training ground bust-up with Marcelo Bielsa earlier this week, when the despairing coach ordered him off the pitch before he session had ended, points to a cut-price deal being thrashed out in the New Year.

Personal terms in Serie A are always discussed in net figures, and Juve's pledge to pay Llorente 4.5million a year works out at close on 200,000 a week gross, given Italy's tax rate.

Missing out: Llorente appears to have turned his back on move to Premier League

With Llorente's contract running down, Juve hope to negotiate a cut-price fee with Bilbao of less than half their original 15million asking price, though they are mindful that Inter Milan may yet enter the race.

Chief executive Beppe Marotta revealed the Turin club's confidence over landing their prime target, and leaving the Spain marksman's Premier League pursuers frustrated, by saying: 'People keep asking if we will sign a top player in January, and we are monitoring that with great attention.'

Their move for Llorente almost certainly rules out any prospect of a January bid for unsettled Manchester United winger Nani. Though there is an interest in Nani, all their energies and resources are concentrated on recruiting a proven finisher to pep up their attack.

Andy Murray fans snap up tickets for ATP Finals in London

Posted on September 11, 2012 by adminsports

Murray mania boosts London finals as fans snap up tickets for homecoming

UPDATED:

11:52 GMT, 11 September 2012

Andy Murray's maiden Grand Slam
victory has sparked a ticket surge from fans hoping to catch a glimpse
of him at the season-ending ATP Finals in London.

The World No 3 can look forward to a
heroes' homecoming reception at the O2 Arena in November on the back of
his Olympic gold medal and US Open triumph over Novak Djokovic.

Happy couple: Andy Murray and girlfriend Kim Sears

Happy couple: Andy Murray and girlfriend Kim Sears with US Open trophy

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There was a rapid rise in ticket sales overnight on the back of his stunning five-set success at Flushing Meadows with ticketing marketplace site Viagogo reporting 107 per cent increase in demand.

'Following his gold medal performance at the Olympics, Murray Mania has never been so strong and this victory is the icing on the cake,' said Viagogo spokesman Edward Parkinson.

'Fans really believe he is going to
continue this sensational form and are already eager to see Andy playing
to the home crowd again in November.'

Murray will take on the likes of Djokovic and Roger Federer in the
capital looking to complete his fairytale year with a fitting victory in
front of British fans.

Home boy: Murray can look forward to a heroes' reception at the O2 Arena

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His win over Djokovic, meanwhile, attracted 1.5million peak viewers on Sky Sports.

And Murray mania resulted in 63 million being traded on the US Open final between Murray and Djokovic, making it the biggest ever market in Betfair’s 12-year history.

Murray traded at a high of 16-5 on the exchange to win the match this morning, while Djokovic was backed at 1-3.

Harry Redknapp forced out of Tottenham

Posted on June 14, 2012 by adminsports

Spurs target Moyes and Martinez with Redknapp set to agree compensation deal

UPDATED:

22:20 GMT, 13 June 2012

Harry Redknapp is expected to leave Tottenham on Thursday after thrashing out a compensation deal.

Everton’s David Moyes and Roberto Martinez of Wigan are strong contenders to take over after Spurs decided not to offer Redknapp a new contract.

Is that the way to the exit: Harry Redknapp will leave Tottenham on Thursday

The tactic was designed to force out the
65-year-old, but Redknapp stood his ground during talks with chairman
Daniel Levy on Wednesday, refusing to resign despite the club’s tough
stance.

However, it is understood the manager accepts his successful spell at
White Hart Lane is coming to an end and the focus has switched to a
severance package for the final 12 months of Redknapp’s 3million-a-year
contract.

Once his departure is sealed, Levy will set his sights on a successor.
Moyes and Martinez top the list, while Frank de Boer of Ajax has also
been linked with the job. Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is in
the running, although as an outsider.

In contention: Moyes (left) and Martinez (right) are favourites for the job

Moyes has established an enviable reputation during his 10 years at
Goodison Park. The Scot, who is due to return from holiday on Thursday and
plans to take in some games at Euro 2012, would be tempted by the
opportunity to manage a club with genuine Champions League credentials.

Martinez’s stock has soared after securing Swansea City’s promotion to
the Championship in 2008 before leaving in 2009 for Wigan, where he
orchestrated an incredible escape from relegation last season.

He was a frontrunner to take over at Liverpool last month but eventually lost out to Brendan Rodgers.

Strained: Redknapp's relationship with chairman Daniel Levy is at breaking point

Strained: Redknapp's relationship with Daniel Levy has reached breaking point

Redknapp has overseen a revival at Tottenham but there appears to have been a serious breakdown in his dealings with Levy.

Theirs was never an easy relationship but the chairman did at least
recognise the job Redknapp had done in rejuvenating a club that was in
danger of relegation when he took charge. He not only guided them into
the Champions League for the first time but also built one of the most
entertaining teams in England.

A poor run of results cost Tottenham third place and with it Champions
League football. There was further friction when Redknapp publicly
asked for a new contract and it appears Levy’s refusal was the breaking
point.

Euro 2012: Harry Redknapp charges England to go for victory and a clean sheet against ageing Sweden

Posted on June 12, 2012 by adminsports

Redknapp charges England to go for victory and a clean sheet against ageing Sweden

UPDATED:

18:30 GMT, 12 June 2012

Harry Redknapp believes nothing short of three points will suffice for England in their second Euro 2012 Group D match with Sweden on Friday.

Redknapp, a frontrunner for the national team job until the Football Association appointed Roy Hodgson last month, believes an ageing Sweden side should pose few problems for England.

The Tottenham boss highlighted Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a threat but believes a lack of talent around the striker means England should not lose too much sleep against a side that began their European Championship campaign with a 2-1 defeat to co-hosts Ukraine.

Permeable: Andriy Shevchenko hit two past Sweden's dodgy defence

'We all know about Zlatan Ibrahimovic but there's not that much quality around him,' Redknapp told Betfair.

Anders Svensson played for me at Southampton and he's 35 now! He came on for half an hour last night, while Olof Mellberg, 34, played all 90 minutes.

I'm not sure what Jonas Olsson was doing on the bench, he's a player I really like for West Brom and I don't think he'd have been caught out like Mellberg was for Ukraine's first goal.

Enigmatic: England must deal with the mercurial talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic

'There's not enough talent in the Swedish line-up and I think England have to go for the win from the second game in Group D.'

Redknapp also was also full of praise for England's performance in their 1-1 draw against France in Donetsk last night.

'I particularly liked what I saw at the back, especially Glen Johnson, who got forward plenty of times and looked a real danger,' added the 65-year-old.

'The five are a good unit and I back them to keep a clean sheet against the Swedish attack.'

Michael Laudrup favourite for Swansea job

Posted on June 9, 2012 by adminsports

Laudrup favourite for Swansea role after Jones switch fails to materialise

UPDATED:

00:44 GMT, 9 June 2012

Michael Laudrup is the new frontrunner for the Swansea City manager's post.

The former Real Mallorca boss has been in contention for the position since Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool but, contrary to reports, was ranked below Wigan No 2 Graeme Jones on the Swansea wishlist.

However, with hopes of persuading Jones fading, a move for Laudrup is expected.

Swan song: Laudrup is favourite to land role with Welsh side

Chris Hughton set for Norwich job

Posted on June 6, 2012 by adminsports

Hughton set for Carrow Road after Norwich agree fee for Birmingham boss

UPDATED:

08:18 GMT, 6 June 2012

On his way: Chris Hughton is set to take charge of Norwich

Chris Hughton is set to take charge of Norwich after the Barclays Premier League club agreed a compensation package with Birmingham.

The news comes on the day that Paul Lambert, who resigned from the Carrow Road hotseat last week, will be unveiled as Aston Villa's new manager.

Norwich have wasted no time in their search to replace the Scot. They ruled out frontrunner and Cardiff boss Malky Mackay earlier this week after chief executive David McNally insisted they were only looking for a boss with top-flight experience.

Instead Hughton, who lead Newcastle
to promotion from the Championship before he was dismissed only months
later at St James' Park in December 2010, has been swiftly identified as
the man to fit that bill and is understood to have agreed terms over
the Jubilee weekend.

The former Spurs No 2 was linked with the vacant West Bromwich Albion post.

But
the 53-year will take his trusted St Andrew's back-room staff to East
Anglia with assistant Colin Calderwood, coach Paul Trollope and England
goalkeeper coach Dave Watsonm who recently worked with John Ruddy on international duty in Manchester, all joining him.

Experience: Hughton has bossed in the top-flight previously with Newcastle

Hughton leaves Birmingham after just 12 months in charge. He guided them to fourth in the Championship last term, missing out on the play-off final after losing the semi-final to Blackpool.

Staying together: Hughton's trusted assistant Colin Calderwood will join him along with goalkeeper coach Dave Watson

Staying together: Hughton's trusted assistant Colin Calderwood will join him along with goalkeeper coach Dave Watson (R)

His reputation was enhanced, however, after impressing on a fine Europa League run despite behind-the-scenes financial uncertainty at the Midlands club.

Blues’ chief scout Ewan Chester could also join Hughton and has already served a spell at Carrow Road.

On the up: Hughton guided Newcastle to the Premier League as champions in 2010

Hughton can expect to be handed a considerable resources to improve the Canaries this summer after McNally revealed the club intend to invest heavilly in new recruits.

Hughton will have a task of convincing wantaway star striker Grant Holt to stay at the club, although the promise of new arrivals could well help him.

McNally said recently: 'We are looking to improve the squad this year, we are looking to invest heavily in new players.

Uncertain future: Hughton will have to persuade wantaway Grant Holt to stay at Carrow Road

'We are under no pressure to sell any players – if we do sell any players then the extra money goes to the football manager, so I think we are in a terrific place.'

Norwich finished in 12th place following their promotion to top-flight last season and Hughton will hope to improve on that next term.

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Tag Archives: frontrunner

Sean O"Driscoll is the frontrunner for the Blackpool job

Daniel Sturridge undergoing Liverpool medical

Alan Shearer in for Ipswich job

Paul Jewell sacked by Ipswich

Fernando Llorente set to snub Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City and join Juventus

Andy Murray fans snap up tickets for ATP Finals in London

Harry Redknapp forced out of Tottenham

Euro 2012: Harry Redknapp charges England to go for victory and a clean sheet against ageing Sweden

Michael Laudrup favourite for Swansea job

Chris Hughton set for Norwich job