Tag Archives: frontrunners

Brian McDermott sacked by Reading

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McDermott SACKED by Reading with strugglers four points adrift of Premier League safety

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

17:32 GMT, 11 March 2013

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UPDATED:

17:50 GMT, 11 March 2013

Brian McDermott has been sacked as Reading fight to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

The Royals suffered a demoralising 2-1 home defeat against drop rivals Aston Villa on Saturday to push them deeper into trouble.

And McDermott has paid the price as they bid to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Roberto Di Matteo and Paolo Di Canio are among the early frontrunners to take the post.

*Scroll down to watch highlights of McDermott's final match in charge

Sacked: McDermott guided Reading to the npower Championship title last season

Sacked: McDermott guided Reading to the npower Championship title last season

The bottom six of the Premier League

The bottom six of the Premier League

A statement from Reading read: 'Reading Football Club has announced today the departure of Manager Brian McDermott.

'Owner Anton Zingarevich wishes to place on record his thanks to Brian who had achieved great success with the club since taking over as Manager in December 2009.

'Brian gained promotion to the Barclays Premier League last year for only the second time in the club’s history thanks to a remarkable run at the end of last season. However, in our current situation, owner Anton Zingarevich felt that a change was necessary.

Struggling: Reading have lost five games in a row in all competitions

Struggling: Reading have lost five games in a row in all competitions

Ruthless: Zingarevich (left) showed no quarter in sacking McDermott

Ruthless: Zingarevich (left) showed no quarter in sacking McDermott

'The search for a successor will start immediately and it is hoped that a new Manager will be in place as soon as possible to lead the fight against potential relegation.'

Reading are four points from safety with nine matches remaining to secure their top-flight status.

McDermott took Reading up last season as champions but they have struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.

Russian owner Anton Zingarevich has
now acted to save their season – with the new manager set to start with
an away match against title favourites Manchester United on Saturday.

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Lewis Hamilton set for Mercedes life without Norbert Haug as Mercedes chief quits

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Hamilton set for life without ally Haug as Mercedes chief leaves Silver Arrows

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UPDATED:

15:53 GMT, 13 December 2012

Lewis Hamilton will be without the friendly face of close ally Norbert Haug to welcome him to Mercedes after it was announced the 60-year-old is to leave his role as head of motorsport for the German car giant.

Haug has held the role for 22 years but will leave 'by mutual consent' at the end of the month.

His departure comes two months after the appointment of three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda as non-executive director, his principle role being to liaise between the Mercedes' board and their Brackley-based Formula One operation.

Exit: Norbert Haug will leave Mercedes at the end of the month

Exit: Norbert Haug will leave Mercedes at the end of the month

Lauda was instrumental in persuading Hamilton to turn his back on McLaren to accept the challenge of turning Mercedes into Formula One frontrunners.

But Hamilton has a long-standing relationship with Haug and his departure is likely to make his transition from McLaren to Mercedes that little bit more taxing.

Haug was part of the McLaren set-up when Hamilton entered Formula One in 2007 and when he went on to take the drivers' title the following year.

But despite Mercedes managing only one win since return to grand prix racing three years' ago, Haug is adamant Hamilton can look forward to a bright future with his new team.

He said: 'Since 1991, we had tremendous achievements and wins, for which I want to thank all of my colleagues. Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula 1 works team in 2010, we couldn't fulfil our own expectations. However, we have taken the right steps to be successful in the future. Our team and our drivers will do everything to achieve these goals.'

Stewart Downing in Middlesbrough loan return link

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Boro's race against time in loan bid to rescue old boy Downing from Kop hell

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UPDATED:

11:57 GMT, 20 November 2012

Middlesbrough are ready to welcome back Liverpool flop Stewart Downing and rescue the England winger from his Anfield nightmare – but have just 72 hours to seal a shock loan deal.

It has been made clear to Downing that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' plans with the Liverpool manager keen to sell him.

The news has alerted Boro boss Tony Mowbray who is understood to be keen on bringing the 28-year-old back to the Riverside Stadium to boost the high-flying Championship side's promotion bid.

Exit ahead: Liverpool are keen to raise funds in January and sell Stewart Downing

Exit ahead: Liverpool are keen to raise funds in January and sell Stewart Downing

Football League blog

But Boro, who sold Downing to Aston Villa for 12million in 2009, are running out of time to agree a deal with the Football League's loan transfer window closing on Thursday.

A short-term move for Downing could suit Liverpool. It would put the 10m-rated player in the shop window until the New Year, when boss Rodgers is keen to raise money for his own rebuilding plans by permanently offloading Downing.

Everton and Sunderland are also interested but would have to wait until January 1, making Middlesbrough the frontrunners to re-sign the midfielder.

Back to Boro: Downing has been linked with a loan return to the Riverside

Back to Boro: Downing has been linked with a loan return to the Riverside

Alan Curbishley declares interest in Ipswich Town job

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Curbishley ready to rival Shearer for Ipswich job after declaring interest

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UPDATED:

10:25 GMT, 26 October 2012

Interested: Curbishley

Interested: Curbishley

Alan Curbishley has declared himself available for talks should Ipswich Town want him to take over their vacant managerial post.

The former Charlton boss – who has been out of work since leaving West Ham in 2008 – is among the favourites to succeed Paul Jewell, who departed Portman Road earlier this week.

The 54-year-old told Sky Sports that he is surprised to be among the favourites for the job, but welcomed the news.

'I am amazed when you look at the betting and I am up there with the frontrunners,' Curbishley said.

'Ipswich have been inundated with people who would like that job and I think they have a very important decision to make.

'The last two or three years have been tough as they have been in decline a little bit.

'They have to take their time, sift through the people that are available and come up with the right answer.

'I am available, obviously, and if they want to talk to me, I would talk to them.'

Struggling: Jewell (below) departed after Ipswich's disastrous start to the season

Struggling: Jewell (below) departed after Ipswich's disastrous start to the season

Struggling: Jewell (below) departed after Ipswich's disastrous start to the season

Micky Mellon on Burnley shortlist

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EXCLUSIVE: Mellon joins Pressley and Dyche on shortlist for Burnley job

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UPDATED:

08:51 GMT, 26 October 2012

Micky Mellon is the third name on Burnley’s shortlist of candidates to succeed Eddie Howe at Turf Moor, Sportsmail understands.

Burnley are in no hurry to make an appointment and are happy for Terry Pashley to continue in caretaker charge, as he seeks a third consecutive win at Cardiff this weekend.

But they are closing in on a new manager and whittling down the list of names under closest review to replace Howe, who returned to his former club Bournemouth a few days ago.

In the frame: Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon

In the frame: Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon

Gone: Eddie Howe has taken over at Bournemouth

Gone: Eddie Howe has taken over at Bournemouth

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that ex-Watford boss Sean Dyche and current Falkirk manager Steven Pressley are the top two under consideration. Dyche was a popular figure at Vicarage Road, and led Watford to their highest Championship finish in four years before being sacked to make way for Gianfranco Zola, while Pressley is seen as an up-and-coming young Scottish manager in the same mould as former Turf Moor boss Owen Coyle.

Mellon is next in line, after becoming Fleetwood Town’s first-ever full-time manager, in the Conference North, four years ago, and not only leading them into the Football League but quickly establishing them as one of the frontrunners for promotion from League Two.

As a further point in his favour, he is a former Burnley player and had a brief spell as youth team coach at Turf Moor before leaving to take over at Fleetwood.

St Johnstone’s former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas is another candidate, though Burnley have had to forget any approach for Wigan coach Graeme Jones after being told it would be rebuffed.

‘Graeme is vitally important to what we are doing here, and this is the wrong time to be speaking to individuals about changing roles,’ said Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

‘The summer is the time when that should be done. It is a compliment when there is interest in one of your players or members of staff, but I want to make sure nothing distracts from the job in hand. We are in the middle of an important season, and I would never allow my staff to be divided until we have finished what we set out to achieve.’

Mark Robins named Coventry manager

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Robins returns with lowly Coventry in bid to lift gloom at the Ricoh Arena

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UPDATED:

16:58 GMT, 19 September 2012

Mark Robins has been named as Coventry City’s new manager.

He has signed a three-year contract and is tasked with reviving their poor start to life in League One.

He said: 'This is a great opportunity. Coventry is a club with great tradition and, although we find ourselves in League One, the squad that has been assembled is better than the results so far have shown.

'I am relishing the opportunity to turn things around and bring better times for the Sky Blues supporters. There is a lot to be done and I will get straight to work with the players and backroom staff.'

Sky Blue chance: Mark Robins looks set to be named the new Coventry manager

Sky Blue chance: Mark Robins looks set to be named the new Coventry manager

Football League blog

Coventry’s board have had several
candidates under review since sacking Andy Thorn earlier this season and
were thought to have whittled the list down to three, until Portsmouth
boss Appleton unexpectedly came under review.

Former
Blackburn and MK Dons boss Paul Ince and ex-Derby and Hull manager Phil
Brown were the other two frontrunners, but Robins off all three rivals
after impressing during a series of interviews.

The one-time Manchester United striker
launched his managerial career with Rotherham and further enhanced his
reputation after leaving to take over at Barnsley three years ago.

He led Barnsley to their best Championship finish for five years before quitting in the wake of a disagreement over budget restraints.

He has been out of work since leaving Oakwell in May, 2011 but let it be known he is ready to enter the fray again.

The 42-year old faces a daunting task at Coventry, following their relegation to League One at the end of last season. But he has always backed his ability to build a winning team on limited finances and will begin work on reviving Coventry’s ailing fortunes with immediate effect.

Chelsea target Hulk to have talks with Porto

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Hulk to have showdown talks with Porto as striker plots Premier League move

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UPDATED:

07:20 GMT, 13 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Hulk could move closer to a 38million switch to Chelsea this week after the Porto forward reaffirmed his desire to leave Portugal.

The 26-year-old, who has been in action with Brazil at the London 2012 Olympics, has been linked with several clubs this summer, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

But Chelsea have long been frontrunners for his signature and will be on red alert after he revealed he will have showdown talks with Porto on Monday.

On the move Hulk (left) is keen to leave Porto for England or Spain

On the move Hulk (left) is keen to leave Porto for England or Spain

The Portuguese club have set an asking price of 38million for Hulk despite his 80m release clause.

'I have left a door open for being transferred to another league,' he said.

'I have preference for playing in the Premier League or the Spanish Liga, because they are the two leagues that are the most seen all over the world.

No joy: Hulk (right) was unable to help Brazil to Olympic gold at Wembley

No joy: Hulk (right) was unable to help Brazil to Olympic gold at Wembley

'I didn’t talk too much with my agent about the chance of being transferred, because I have been on duty with the Brazilian national team at the Olympics.

'This could be the time for me to move. I would feel comfortable with moving clubs and the English league is one that appeals to me.

'I am going to talk about my future from Monday. My future is in the hands of God.'

Jim Furyk holds slender lead heading into final round at WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

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Furyk holds slender lead heading into final round at WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

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UPDATED:

22:46 GMT, 4 August 2012

Jim Furyk managed to hold on to the
lead on day three of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but Louis
Oosthuizen is just one shot behind.

Furyk was five strokes clear at one
stage during his round but it was cut to just one at the finish after
only managing to go round the Akron course in level par to remain on 11
under overall.

Hanging on: Jim Furyk

Hanging on: Jim Furyk

Oosthuizen moved into second place with three birdies in his last 10 holes after he had bogeyed the par-four eighth, while Keegan Bradley was a further three shots back in third.

American Furyk, who followed up a magnificent opening round of 63 with a four-under 66 at the Firestone CC (South Course) yesterday to open up a two-stroke lead, was rather more subdued today.

He picked up just the one birdie at the par-five second to move to 12 under but fell back after dropping a shot at the par-three 13th.

His closest challenger overnight had been Rafael Cabrera Bello but the Spaniard saw his chances of victory evaporate after an horrendous seven-over-par 77 that drops him back to two under.

It was therefore left to 2010 Open champion Oosthuizen, who has dropped just three shots in Ohio this week, to close the gap on Furyk.

Bradley has a chance of catching the frontrunners after his three-under-par 67. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy was a shot further back in a tie for fourth overall alongside Steve Stricker of the United States.

Justin Rose's round of 66 put him on five under alongside Bo Van Pelt and John Senden, while world No 1 Luke Donald and Jason Dufner were a further shot adrift.

Lewis Hamilton considering Lotus move as McLaren falter

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Lotus in the mix for Hamilton as concerned McLaren star looks for new deal

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 9 July 2012

Lighting the flame: Hamilton, pictured carrying the Olympic Torch on Monday, could open talks with Lotus

Lighting the flame: Hamilton, pictured carrying the Olympic Torch, could open talks with Lotus

Lewis Hamilton is ready to discuss a move to Lotus after expressing concerns at McLaren's failure to keep pace with Formula One's frontrunners.

After a promising start to the campaign, McLaren have slipped to fourth in the constructors' championship behind Ferrari and Lotus.

And with Hamilton, 27, giving serious thought to where he will spend what should be the best years of his career, Sportsmail understands that the 2008 world champion would consider a move to Lotus now that they have returned to form which propelled Fernando Alonso to two world titles in their former guise as Renault.

Lotus currently employ 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean and moving out big earner Raikkonen halfway through a two-year deal would represent an issue – as would coming close to matching Hamilton's 15million-a-year contract which expires at the end of the season.

Off the pace: Hamilton is ready to open talks with Lotus over a possible move

Off the pace: Hamilton is ready to speak with Lotus over a possible move

But there is no guarantee that McLaren are prepared to match those terms after group executive chairman Ron Dennis stated Hamilton's deal was agreed when the economic climate was very different.

Even so, all the top teams are keeping a very close eye on developments between Hamilton and McLaren.

The Woking-based team are understandably desperate to improve their car for the upcoming races in Germany and Hungary.

Home favourite: But Hamilton could manage only eighth at the British GP

Home favourite: But Hamilton could manage only eighth at the British GP

But after Hamilton's disappointing eighth at the British Grand Prix, team-mate Jenson Button, who finished 10th, said: 'The amazing thing is that my team-mate is 37 points behind (in the drivers' championship) and he was leading it two races ago.

'I don't know what has gone wrong. The problem is that the car doesn't feel bad, so it is amazing to think what the rest of the guys are driving around in.'

Much more of this and Hamilton might decide to find out for himself.

Tottenham could land Nuri Sahin in Luka Modric deal from Real Madrid

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Tottenham could land Sahin in return as Real Madrid prepare 30m swoop for Modric

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UPDATED:

09:58 GMT, 27 June 2012

Tottenham could ease the blow of losing Luka Modric by landing Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin in exchange.

The Spanish giants are the frontrunners to land the Croatian midfielder despite strong interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

But Real boss Jose Mourinho is confident of landing Modric and is ready to offer Sahin as bait in any deal.

On the move Nuri Sahin may form part of a deal for Tottenham

On the move Nuri Sahin may form part of a deal for Tottenham

Tottenham value Modric at 40million, although they are unlikely to receive an offer as high as that.

However, the inclusion of Turkey midfielder Sahin, 23, in a 30m package could ease the pain of losing their main playmaker.

Tottenham are still without a boss but the new man – likely to be former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas – is likely to have to rebuild the team without Modric.

Modric is on holiday after Croatia’s exit from the Euro 2012 group stages but will soon tell Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that he wants to leave.

A move to the Bernabeu would give Spurs funds to move in the transfer market.

Wanted: Luka Modric (right) is a major target for Real Madrid this summer

Wanted: Luka Modric (right) is a major target for Real Madrid this summer

Sahin, born in Germany, has 31 caps for Turkey and only arrived from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Even though he is not desperate to quit Spain, he knows his chances of nailing down a first-team spot under Mourinho are slim.

Spurs could also be offered former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho as part of any deal but his age – the Portuguese is now 34 – could hinder any switch.

Modric came close to leaving White Hart Lane for Chelsea last summer but was convinced to stay by boss Harry Redknapp.