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Manchester United deservedly won the Premier League as their football was consistently of a high standard though the need to find some to take the pressure off Ronaldo in the goalscoring stakes.

Chelsea were their usual consistent self after and early season blip and will now look to the Champions League for some reward for their efforts this season.

Arsenal and Liverpool again flattered to deceive and the close season signings will be interesting to say the least.

As for the rest of the league in my opinion it was more of the same, Everton being the best of an average bunch with Villa showing signs of improvement and Man City for a while showing what they are capable of until imploding towards the end of the season due more to matters off the pitch then on,but Spurs,West Ham and Newcastle again failed to live up to their "big team" potential.

At the bottom end of the league Derby were a disaster from day one and hopefully Paul Jewell can rebuild in the Championship next term, sympathy though for Steve Coppell at Reading and Alex McLeish at Birmingham though the table does not lie they are two good managers who hopefully will be allowed to get their teams back to the Premiership.

Speaking of good managers, i said in one of my BLOGS last weak it is nice to see one of footballs quiet men come good and the job Roy Hodgson has done at the tail end of the season to keep Fulham up deserves an award though he will not get one. Through all Fulham`s problems since he took over he has remained a calm, eloquent gentleman who has never lost faith in his side and i for one was delighted that he and his team survived.

So Season 2007-08 has ended and we now get the calendar out waiting for the new season to start but sadly i feel the outcome at the end of 2008-09 may not be so different as the season just gone, as the good get better and the rest just pick up the crumbs, hopefully in a years time i will look back and say how wrong i was, for footballs sake i hope so.

Hull City boss Phil Brown felt his side could have won the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Watford by more than the eventual 2-0 margin.

Goals from veterans Nick Barmby and Dean Windass gave the Tigers a healthy cushion for the return leg at the KC Stadium, but Brown thought his side could have killed the tie off altogether.
He said: "The most disappointing thing was not to get the third and kill it off.

"To be disappointed with a 2-0 is staggering, but we could have won by three or four.

"It's still all to play for in my opinion. I've unfortunately been involved in losing from 2-0 up and 3-0 up in the play-offs as a player, so I'll take nothing for granted.

"We've got another 90 minutes to play for and it's going to be a hell of a game."

Celtic stretched their lead at the top of the SPL to four points with victory in this pulsating match. Headed goals by Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald separated the sides. As Hibs tired towards the end they also had two players sent off, Martin Canning for a second yellow and Ian Murray received a red card for a bad foul on Aiden McGeady.

Celtic's sixth win in a row ended Hibs' hopes of a UEFA Cup place and kept the pressure on Rangers, who have two games in hand.

Hibs attacked from the start and after Steven Fletcher's headed drifted wide, Dean Shiels powered in a powerful shot which Artur Boruc did well to parry. Play swept from end to end and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink headed past the post from ten yards and, after Andrew McNeil pushed out McGeady's shot, Barry Robson hit the rebound over. Robson should have done better than head Shunsuke Nakamura's corner wide, before Fletcher tested Boruc again with a well-struck shot which took a deflection off Gary Caldwell.

Celtic's pressure paid off when Nakamura's corner was headed home by McManus.
Nakamura went close to adding to Celtic's lead, but his free-kick came back off the post.
The frantic pace continued in the second half, a clever pass from Nakamura put McDonald through, but after rounding the keeper his shot, was cleared off the line by Murray.

With such a slender lead Celtic were always aware that one slip would undo all their good work. Boruc again produced vital saves to deny Guillaume Beuzelin and substitute Clayton Donaldson before Canning was sent off. McDonald sealed Celtic's victory when he was on his own at the back post to head Robson's corner low into the net.

There was still time for Murray to be red-carded for a foul on McGeady as the Bhoys kept up their relentless pursuit of the league title.

Bhoys manager Gordon Strachan said after the win: "It was a good game and a fitting finish to the season at Parkhead. "So I think everyone got their money's worth, although obviously we are more satisfied than Hibs. "But, trust me, it's all about the result. I've heard some rubbish since I've come here about people wanting to see stylish football and all the rest of it, but everybody wants to watch winning football." Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen added: "I felt we were a little bit blunt in front of goal, that's where you must be at you best in order to win matches.
"We are disappointed that we didn't qualify for the UEFA Cup, but when I arrived in January I felt that Motherwell and Dundee United were too far ahead of us.

"All credit to the boys, they fought tremendously hard, but unfortunately we were a little bit short."

Fulham completed the great escape on Sunday afternoon as Danny Murphy's late goal at Fratton Park helped them beat Portsmouth 1-0 and escape relegation on a dramatic final day. The Cottagers went into the last round of matches with their fate still in their own hands, but they looked nervy in the opening stages as Portsmouth played the ball around with greater confidence. However, as the match wore on and results elsewhere made victory essential, the visitors showed greater urgency and found the breakthrough via Murphy. Jimmy Bullard lofted an inviting free-kick into the area and Murphy rose highest to nod home and seal survival.

That meant that Reading needed to beat Derby by more than seven goals to avoid the drop, but they could only find four meaning Steve Coppell's men sunk back into the Championship after two seasons in the top flight. James Harper opened the scoring fifteen minutes in with a superb shot which curled into the top corner. Dave Kitson then converted Leroy Lita's cross to make it two on the hour mark before Kevin Doyle tapped in the third. Lita's powerful header from Stephen Hunt's cross made it four in the closing stages, but Murphy's goal at Fratton Park ensured the Royals are relegated due to Fulham's goal difference superiority of three.

In a similar situation are Birmingham, who finished in nineteenth position despite a commanding 4-1 triumph at home to Blackburn. An error from Brad Friedel gifted David Murphy the opener on the half-hour mark, but Morten Gamst Pedersen found the back of the net four minutes into the second half to level up. With Reading winning at Derby it seemed Birmingham would go down no matter what they did, but showing great character, Alex McLeish's side fought on and went ahead seventeen minutes from time through Cameron Jerome. The second half substitute then found his second a minute from time, before Fabrice Muamba headed the fourth seconds later to secure a fine result from what was nonetheless a desperate day for the Blues.

At the top of the table, Manchester United won the Premier League title for the second successive season thanks to victory at Wigan. Sir Alex Ferguson men started nervously as Wigan bossed the play and looked the more likely to score. However, the decisive moment came midway through the first half when Wayne Rooney was brought down in the area by Emerson Boyce. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and converted from the spot to send United into half-time ahead. A stronger looking United started the second half, but Wigan were still a threat and it wasn't until ten minuets from time that the game were secured as Ryan Giggs, who came off the bench to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record, hit home to claim the title for a jubilant Red Devils.

That meant that Chelsea would have to find the net over twenty times against Bolton to claim glory, but as it turned out they only scored once in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Like United, the hosts started slowly and suffered potentially bad news when John Terry was taken off with a suspected broken arm which could rule him out of the Champions League final. The day briefly seemed to be turning in their favour midway through the second half when substitute Andriy Shevchenko put them ahead, but when news of Giggs' goal filtered through to London, heads dropped and Kevin Davies took advantage, equalising late on to ensure that United won the title by two clear points rather than goal difference.

Everton sealed their UEFA Cup spot with a comfortable 3-1 victory at home to Newcastle United. Needing just a point to finish ahead of Aston Villa, the hosts went ahead on 28 minuets through Yakubu's header, only for Michael Owen to convert from the penalty sport in the early stages of the second half following Joseph Yobo's foul on Charles N'Zogbia. However, Joleon Lescott continued his fine scoring form this season to make it 2-1 not long after with a fine header from Manuel Fernandes's cross, before Yakubu added the third to seal the points and that all-important fifth place.

Everton's win and Blackburn's defeat meant that Aston Villa were secure in sixth spot, but they still played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with West Ham anyway. The Hammers went ahead through Noberto Solano's stunning free-kick on eight minutes, but Ashley Young fired home from Nigel Reo-Coker's set-up shortly after. Gareth Barry set the visitors up for a closing day victory as he converted from Nigel Reo-Coker's parried effort on what could be his final appearance for Martin O'Neill's men, but Dean Ashton ensured the game finished level with a neat finish from just outside the area in the dying seconds.

Manchester City are also in Europe via the Fair Play League but they ended their season (and perhaps Sven-Goran Eriksson's brief reign) with a humiliating 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. Stewart Downing converted early on from the spot following a foul on Tuncay by Richard, for which the defender was sent-off. Boro dominated from then on and Afonso Alves made it two shortly after, before Downing hit his second for the third goal. Alves and Adam Johnson took the score up to five and Fabio Rochemback smashed home a free-kick to add the sixth. Jeremie Aliadiere's sixth goal was accompanied by a consolation from Elano for City, but Alves completed his hat-trick to secure a stunning win for his side.

Finally, Liverpool and Arsenal's final standings were already secured but they still closed their seasons with accomplished victories on their travels. Theo Walcott scored 24 minutes in at Sunderland to help the Gunners edge out a 1-0 win against Roy Keane's side, while Liverpool were 2-0 victors at Tottenham. Andriy Voronin and Fernando Torres found the net in the second half at White Hart Lane, meaning Rafa Benitez ended a turbulent campaign on a high.

Who? - Michael Owen - Speculation Where is he? - Newcastle United Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Manchester United are hoping to sign Michael Owen in the summer, according to reports. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have made informal contact with Newcastle over a deal for the England star. It is thought Ferguson wants to bring in at least one more forward in the close-season and he has been linked with Dutch star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar this week. However, he is now thought to have turned his attention to Owen who he believes he can land for 7million. Owen has yet to sign a new contract at St James' Park.

Who? - Dean Ashton - Speculation Where is he? - West Ham United Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has said the club will not sell their big stars, including Dean Ashton. Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Ashton in recent weeks, but Curbishley insists the Hammers are not a selling club. "Every club outside the top four has this problem every summer," he said. "Even Spurs and people like that are going to come under pressure. But since the new group took over West Ham we have tried to push forward and I don't see selling players as a way of pushing forward. The people who left last summer [Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood, Yossi Benayoun] asked to go and we wanted to have a change around. I want to see certain combinations of players that I haven't had a chance to see. I want to play Craig Bellamy with Dean Ashton. I am enthusiastic about when we join up again."

Who? - Patrik Berger - Speculation Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth

Aston Villa forward Patrik Berger is being linked with a return to Portsmouth this summer. The Czech international will leave Villa Park at the end of the season, and was a target of Harry Redknapp's in January. Berger played at Fratton Park between 2003 and 2005, in which time he scored eight times in 52 games. He said: "I want to spend at least another year in the Premier League before going home."

The maths are simple for Manchester United beat Wigan Athletic on Saturday and they will win their tenth Premier League title.

There is little point in attempting to calculate the scorelines required for Chelsea - who go into the weekend level on points with United - to come top should both clubs win as United have a goal difference of plus 56 to their 39.

Anything other than three points would count as one of the great footballing shocks. Not only are United one of the finest teams when playing under pressure, they are also tasked with beating one of their favourite opponents.

Since Wigan's promotion to the top-flight in 2005, United have won every game with an overall scoreline of 20-3. That includes three 4-0 victories in six games, the latest coming in October of last year. A team of consummate professionals, United will do anything but take their opponents lightly and this week Ryan Giggs spoke words of caution regarding the team managed by former Red Devil Steve Bruce.

"It's going to be a tough game. Wigan have got some decent players. They showed that when they played Chelsea and got a draw," said the veteran winger. That 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge a month ago was followed by draws with Spurs and Reading and, most recently, an impressive 2-0 win away at Aston Villa.Speaking after that match, Bruce said: "It's as good as I've ever done in management, in terms of where we were going into the Blackburn game in mid-December with nine points."To get 31 points since the turn of the year is fantastic for the players. I'm delighted we've managed to do it and do it in some style against Villa who have been playing well." Bruce is likely to stick with the same team that impressed last weekend, including two-goal hero and reported United transfer target Antonio Valencia, as their squad is relatively free of injury and suspension.

United are still waiting on the fitness of central defender Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a concussion after a collision with Didier Drogba two weeks ago, although he is expected to be fit enough to play. His appearance would force Wes Brown to move to right-back, despite impressing recently in the centre, freeing up Owen Hargreaves to replace the suspended Nani in midfield.

Three points against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday may not be enough, but Chelsea intend to fight Manchester United all the way in the race for this season's Premier League title.
This is the fourth time the title race has gone right to the final game of the season and Chelsea know that a victory for them over a Bolton side who secured their own safety last week and a slip up by United at Wigan could see them crowned surprise champions.

Ahead of this titanic final weekend, manager Avram Grant has attempted to up the pressure on the Red Devils after insisting it is they and not his side that need to perform.

Bank Holiday Monday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United - secured courtesy of goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda - kept them level on points with the leaders, albeit with a vastly inferior goal difference."The pressure is on them," said Grant. "I said we will never give up. We have given a good, good battle."Nobody thought about us as a candidate for champions. We will keep on fighting." Grant is likely to recall Frank Lampard and Joe Cole to his midfield after dropping the pair to the bench against Newcastle, while Ricardo Carvalho is expected to be fit despite limping off last weekend with a back injury.

Former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka could return to the bench after scoring just twice in 23 appearances since his £15million move in January. Bolton are not mathematically safe from relegation, but Gary Megson's side would only lose their top-flight status in extraordinary circumstances. The 16th placedTrotters have a much better goal difference that both Fulham and Reading, so even if they moved level on 36 points at the foot of the table with victories, the Reebok Stadium outfit would still survive.Megson's side seemed certain to join Derby County in the Championship next season when they were thrashed 4-0 by Aston Villa in early April.
However, a run of three wins and a draw in their last four matches, culminating in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Sunderland, has almost certainly guaranteed Bolton a place in next season's Premier League.

Nicky Hunt (shoulder) and Jussi Jaaskelainen (back) will take no part in the final weekend of fixtures with long-term injuries, while El Hadji Diouf will make his last appearance in a Bolton shirt after revealing a desire to leave.

Chelsea were 1-0 winners when the sides met at the Reebok Stadium back in October with Salomon Kalou on the mark.

Rangers survived a late rally by Dundee United as they gained another crucial three points in the title race. This victory means the Gers have cut the gap on table-topping Celtic to one point and Walter Smith's side still have a game in hand. The Ibrox team looked to have sewn the game up with two early goals from Nacho Novo.

However, Mark De Vries' header 14 minutes from time led to an anxious few minutes for Rangers until substitute Jean-Claude Darcheville slid home their third goal in the last minute.

Rangers looked jaded in the second half but still managed to grind out an important victory.
United's Noel Hunt missed the target with a header before Rangers took the lead after only seven minutes. Novo was left unmarked and, from six yards, headed home Kevin Thomson's curling free-kick.

Rangers increased their lead 11 minutes later when Novo got behind Michael Kovacevic and hit a wonderful 20-yard left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. Novo and Kirk Broadfoot both went close to scoring a third goal before David Weir cleared David Robertson's net-bound shot from inside his six-yard area with keeper Neil Alexander stranded. The Rangers shot-stopper then made a good save to keep out De Vries' shot.

United were far more positive at the start of the second half and, after Weir's mistake, the centre-back appeared to foul Hunt as he cut across him but the visitors' appeals for a penalty were amazingly waved away by the referee.

Novo wasted a good chance before Christian Dailly's shot came back off the post after Novo's corner had been cleared to him.

United thought they had reduced the deficit when Danny Swanson's shot deflected off Weir past Alexander, but the goal was ruled out for offside with the linesman thinking the ball had come off De Vries.

De Vries finally scored for United with a powerful 12-yard header but Rangers responded well and, after Broadfoot had chipped a left-foot effort just wide, Darcheville slid home a last-minute goal after good work by Novo and Barry Ferguson.

Darlington substitute Ian Miller grabbed a vital last-gasp winner for Dave Penney's side as the Quakers edged out Rochdale 2-1.

But Dale will still fancy their chances of making the League Two play-off final after a blistering display in the north-east heat.

Despite the importance of the game neither side showed any nerves in a busy opening to the match. Darlington attacked from the first whistle, but a cross from defender Ben Parker was too deep.

Rochdale keeper Tommy Lee had to be at his best in the seventh minute when saving a shot from Scott Wiseman and he then denied Rob Purdie three minutes later.

In between those two efforts, Dale striker Chris Dagnall had seized possession from Alan White and from 20 yards saw his curling shot beat keeper David Stockdale and then crash against the crossbar.

The game settled down after the frantic start and, in the 28th minute, the deadlock was broken when Quakers midfielder Jason Kennedy fired a curling right-foot drive into the top corner of the net from the edge of the area.

There were further chances for both sides in a pulsating opening 45 minutes. Darlington defender White headed a corner from Parker narrowly wide in the 33rd minute and then, two minutes later, Dale captain Gary Jones fired well wide from a good position.

Darlington striker Tommy Wright headed over in the 47th minute as the hosts looked to increase their lead and give themselves a cushion going into the second leg at Spotland.
Dagnall again went close in the 54th minute when he burst into the area but failed to hit the target and then Darlington were unfortunate when Wright hobbled off in the 64th minute.
Six minutes later Rochdale were level when Dagnall's shot took a wicked deflection which left Stockdale wrong-footed.

In the final ten minutes Darlington lost two more players when Parker and White went off with leg injuries. However, substitutes Neil Wainwright and Miller combined in stoppage time. Miller headed in Wainwright's free-kick from six yards to give Darlington a narrow advantage.

David Noble scored a superb stoppage-time winner as Bristol City beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Selhurst Park.


After a tight first half, the game really opened up after the interval with Louis Carey turning from hero to villain as he opened the scoring for the Robins before giving away a late penalty from which Neil Warnock's side equalised.


But it was Noble who had the final say and Gary Johnson's side now hold the upper-hand going into the second leg at Ashton Gate on Tuesday. The visitors edged a nervy first period with Palace keeper Julian Speroni forced to make one superb save to keep Dele Adebola's header out.
However, Palace also went close to breaking the deadlock with Scott Sinclair's weak effort being cleared off the line after Adriano Basso had been beaten, while Clinton Morrison also shot straight at the City keeper.


Sinclair almost won a penalty as well but Nick Carle's foul was adjudged to be just outside the area and Danny Butterfield's free-kick was saved by Basso. After the break Ben Watson fired a shot inches wide for Palace before Carey gave the visitors the lead in the 54th minute after a well-worked free-kick.


City's captain scored his first goal of the season after Noble and Carle combined to create the opening for him to curl a fantastic effort past Speroni.


Palace's woes intensified when Warnock brought substitute James Scowcroft on, only for the striker to almost immediately suffer a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last month.


Carey's strike appeared to have won the game for City until the defender brought down Jose Miguel Fonte with only four minutes left and Watson kept his nerve to fire his penalty past Basso.


It seemed certain that the match would end level but, after it was announced that there would be five minutes of stoppage time, former West Ham United trainee Noble hit a perfect 30-yard effort into the net to hand the advantage to the Robins.

Who? - Luis Fabiano - Speculation Where is he? - Sevilla Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano is reportedly Manchester United's main transfer target this summer. United's European scout Martin Ferguson has watched Fabiano in action several times this season. The Old Trafford club are rumoured to be favourites to land him ahead of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Roma. Sevilla have suggested it would cost in excess of 40million to buy him, but sources believe the fee will be closer to just 7million. Fabiano has been on top form this season, scoring 33 goals in 38 games.

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has said he has been contacted by an abundance of agents since his side secured promotion last weekend. The Baggies will be playing Premier League football next term after beating QPR 2-0 on Sunday, and will be looking to improve their squad in the summer. "Agents are only doing their jobs," he said. "They target certain clubs for certain players. You would be a fool to ignore them. You have to listen to the names and, hopefully, the one you were waiting to hear might be among those they give you. It has been busier since last Sunday than at any other stage of the season.

Who? - Rafa Benitez - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Tottenham Hostpur manager Juande Ramos believes countryman Rafa Benitez is happy at Liverpool and will not be forced out. The Anfield club travel to Spurs on Sunday in the final game of a turbulent season which has seen Benitez linked with the exit door on several occassions. But Ramos has said: "Every day football comes up with a different situation and every club is different. I'm sure Liverpool, with its philosophy, will be able to come out of this. There are always things that crop up that get in the way of the normal running of a club, but I think Rafa is very happy there. It's been a long time since I've seen him. I have a very good relationship with him and we get on very well. I always look forward to seeing Spanish people, especially friends of mine."

Ashley Young has today been announced as the Barclays Player of the Month for April to cap a memorable month for Aston Villa's prodigious talent. The 22-year-old winger scored three goals and continued to play a key role as Villa maintained their push for a top five Barclays Premier League finish.

Young started the month by playing a crucial part in two of his sides goals in the comprehensive 4-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park, before scoring once in the 6-0 demolition of Derby County at Pride Park. Two further strikes followed as Aston Villa defeated local rivals Birmingham City 5-1, before the Stevenage-born England international impressed again in the 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.

Young is the second Aston Villa player to pick up the Barclays Player of the Month award this season after Gabriel Agbonlahor scooped the prize in November 2007; making this the first time since 1999-2000 that two Aston Villa players have won the award in the same campaign.
The end of April saw Young named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year - the only outfield player outside of the top four to be handed the accolade.

Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, has collected his first award in English football after being named the Barclays Manager of the Month for April.

The Blues soared back into Barclays Premier League title contention during an unbeaten month in which they secured ten points from a possible 12. A 2-0 victory against Manchester City at Eastlands was followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Wigan Athletic, before Grant's men reinvigorated their title hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton and a crucial 2-1 home success against rivals, Manchester United.

Grant becomes the first-ever Israeli to scoop the prize and the first Chelsea manager in over a year since Jose Mourinho collected the award in March 2007. The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks and in the case of Sir Alex Ferguson that seems to be the case.



Having played his mind games on such worthy advisaries in the past as Kevin Keegan, Jose Mourino and Arsene Wenger he has started on poor old Avram Grant! As if the Chelsea boss hs not got enough to worry about wondering when or if the P45 is on it`s way Alex has now had a go at Bolton players who he believes will not be in the right frame of mind to play Chelsa as they have celebrated escape from relegation to hard and if Chelsea win it will be a hollow victory!!



To be fair to Avram he has had a go back with his claims against Wigan and in particular United old boy Steve Bruce but you have to wonder just how much effect if any this "gamesmanship" has.



In my opinion very little and as i believe both sides will win their respective matches i can only put it down to the two managers having too much time on their hans in the run up to the big day on Sunday.



The fact that the real Premiership trophy is going to Wigan should be the biggest clue to the final destination, and i dont mean the Wigan trophy cabinet!!!

The race for the last remaining place in next seasons Premiership is now down to 4 sides with Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Hull and Watford all fighting for that one remaining ticket.

Palace entertain Bristol in the 12.15 GMT kick off today and are the form side entering into the play offs. Neil Warnock`s exciting young side have been a revelation and it is hard to think that back in November they were in the drop zone.

Since that time however they have put a great run together and whilst the other 3 sides have stayed in the play off positions thanks to their earlier season form especially in the cases of Watford and Bristol City, Palace have launched a run which brings them into the play offs on a good run, add to that the fearlessness of youth and i feel Palace will be a hard side to beat.

Bristol City on the other hand must be giving manager Gary Johnson many sleepless nights as they were challenging for automatic promotion for so long till the dreaded nerves struck.

I feel it is harder to pick up form especially at this stage of the season then to go into a game like this on a fair run, and provided the Palace side do not freeze in the biggest game of most of their fledglng careers i think they can win today and get a result in the return leg to book their place in the play off final later this month.

Doncaster Rovers will be hoping home advantage will count next Friday in the League One play-off semi-final second leg after holding Southend to a goalless draw despite ending the match with ten men.

Rovers played out the last four minutes with ten men after Paul Heffernan was sent off for head-butting Charlie Mulgrew.

Doncaster shaded the opening exchanges and saw a driven 35-yard effort from James Coppinger fizz inches wide of Darryl Flahavan's right-hand post.

Mark Gower got Southend's first effort on target with a 25-yard effort that veteran Doncaster keeper Neil Sullivan smothered at the near post.

Doncaster went close when skipper Brian Stock's free-kick was headed just wide of the far post by Matt Mills.

Southend then tested Sullivan with a header from skipper Adam Barrett, before Mulgrew's cross-cum-shot from 40 yards was caught by the keeper. Lee Barnard then saw his goalbound shot from 12 yards deflect out for a corner, before Flahavan made a reflex save to deny Paul Green a deflected goal. The Shrimpers had the last say of the half with Simon Francis' effort from a Gower cross being parried by Sullivan. Flahavan kept the Blues in the match minutes later when he palmed Stock's free-kick from the edge of the box out for a corner.

Rovers upped the pressure with a disappointed Heffernan firing wide from Lewis Guy's pass.
The best chance of the night fell to Rovers striker Jason Price, who found himself one-on-one with Flahavan but saw the keeper palm away his effort from 12 yards.

Southend thought they had got a goal advantage to take to the Keepmoat Stadium, but Barrett's goalbound header from a Nicky Bailey cross was deflected to safety.

Who? - Emmanuel Adebayor - Speculation Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor has demanded the club increase his wages or he will leave, if reports are to be believed. The 24-year-old striker only signed a new contract with the Gunners last summer, but earns only 35,000-a-week. Adebayor wants to see that increased to 80,000-a-week to bring him in line with other big-name Premier League stars. The news come as a host of Arsenal players are linked with the exit door. Mathieu Flamini has already signed a contract with AC Milan, while Alexander Hleb is reported to be heading to Inter.

Who? - Luiz Felipe Scolari - Speculation Where is he? - Portugal Who is he linked with? - Manchester City

Luiz Felipe Scolari has distanced himself from reports suggesting he has been approached to take over at Manchester City after hinting he could extend his contract with Portugal. The 59-year-old Brazilian coach is rumoured to be at the top of City owner Thaksin Shinawatra's wanted list after deciding to part company with current boss Sven Goran Eriksson at the end of the season. Scolari is out of contract with Portugal after the European Championship, but the former Brazil national team coach has suggested he could be tempted to extend his five-year reign. "Portugal offers me everything I need," he is quoted as saying. Referring to Manchester City, he added: "I have no agreement with that club."

Who? - Xabi Alonso - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has denied reports suggesting he wants to sign Gareth Barry as a replacement for Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso. Benitez saw a 10million player-plus-cash offer for the Villa captain rejected by the Midlands club last week. The Spaniard is expected to renew his interest in the versatile England midfielder during the close season, but he is not looking to offload Alonso to fund the deal. The 26-year-old joined the Reds from Real Sociedad in 2004 and has been linked with Juventus and Real Madrid after falling down the pecking order this season. He (Alonso) is our player, he has a contract," said Benitez. "Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."

Southend who finished 6th in the league take on Doncaster who finished 3rd in the first of the league one play offs at Roots Hall tonight. 4 points seperated the 2 sides after 46 games of the regular season and tonight`s game should be equally as close.

Southend had a final home record of W12 D6 L5 F35 A20 though Doncaster`s away record for the season compares favourably being: W9 D7 L7 F31 A23. To highlight further the closeness between both these sides the league meeting this season saw Southend win 3-2 at home and Doncaster win 3-1 at their ground.

For head to head followers it is worth mentioning that prior to Southend`s 3-1 win at Roots Hall, Doncaster had won the previous two games played between these two sides in recent times.

The one clue i got when looking at the stats showed that Southend finished the season with 3 wins 2 draws and 1 defeat in their last 6 games whilst Doncaster missed out on automatic promotion on the final day when they lost 2-1 at Cheltenham and their final 6 games saw 2 wins 2 draws and 2 defeats, also you have to go back to early March for Doncaster`s last away win a 1-0 victory at mid table Bristol Rovers and it is that stat which leans me towards Southend tonight.

Ladbrokes are best price 11/8 about a Southend victory and i will we having some of that along with a small stake on the over 2.5 goal market where VCBet are offering 5/4 for this outcome.

As i said earlier i expect a tight affair but feel Doncaster can score so a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Southend would make for a happy night in the Silverfox hole!

Good Luck

Silverfox.

Football: the great leveller. As fans of Premier League teams will find out this weekend, a man can rise from schmuck to king and back again in the course of those ninety short minutes. Rubbish defenders can become goalscoring heroes, beloved strikers can turn into penalty-missing villains, and goalkeepers from lowly Welsh clubs can find themselves mentioned in dispatches at the Houses of Commons, as Montgomery Town stopper Steve Goodwin discovered late last month.

The Welsh side are chasing promotion from the Division 2 JT Hughes Montgomeryshire League at the moment and found themselves 1-0 up on Trewern United, who are also hoping for a top finish, in the closing stages of their crunch match. A free-kick was awarded on the edge of Goodwin's area, fully 78 yards from the opposing goal. The keeper stepped up, smashed it downfield and watched on in delight as the ball glided into the back of the net.

Explains right-back and local pub owner Peter Mills: "It was the type of shot you never think you'll see, and something we'll never see again. Our manager shouted that Trewern's keeper was off his line, and you could see Steve take a couple of steps back and hit the ball. We all piled on him after the goal in celebration, it was such a stunning strike. I don't think Trewern could believe it. Their manager was kicking bottles up and down the side of the pitch."

Added Town boss Clive McNamee: "It's not the longest of pitches and it's on a bit of a slope. We had a free-kick with about 10 minutes to go and Steve's got a good kick anyway and I think he was just going to float it into the box. He was about three or four yards outside his own box and I noticed their keeper was standing on the penalty spot and I shouted, 'Steve he's off his line'. Steve took two further steps back and put it into the top corner."

The goal proved an instant hit on You Tube, and reached the House of Commons courtesy of Montgomeryshire MP and Cheeky Girl-fancier Lembit Opik. Opik congratulated the team with a motion which asked: "That this House considers Steve Goodwin's goal in the match between Montgomery and Trewern on April 26 to be one of the greatest and most spectacular goals scored in the history of British football."

But what does the man himself think of it all? "It was coming towards the end of the game and I was just going to kick the ball into the corner to waste time because we were 1-0 up," said Goddwin, a 28-year-old transport supervisor. "But our manager was shouting on the sidelines that the keeper was off his line. So I looked up and saw where the keeper was standing and thought I'd have a go. I took a few more steps back, lumped it and in it went. It's fantastic that Lembit has raised it in parliament and it' a superb piece of publicity for the football club."

Town followed the victory with three wins on the trot, meaning they are now in second place in their league, eleven points behind leaders Llansanffraid, who have played two games more. Opik concluded: "I look forward to seeing more of the same sublime football playing in the near future from my local team. With inspirational moments like these, who needs Euro 2008? This goal keeps Mont FC's promotion hopes alive and kicking."

FERGIE'S DOUBLE VISION TITLE D-DAY 2 DAYS TO GO, say The Daily Star. Indeed, on the day before the day before the day the Premier League concludes everything's starting to get a bit tense. Not Owen Hargreaves though. He tells the paper, he's perfectly relaxed after experiencing a similar thing while at Bayern Munich. "To be in this position feels comfortable for me. I've been there before," he says.

'BRUCE IN FRAME TO REPLACE SIR ALEX' Latics chairman Dave Whelan reckons Steve Bruce is in line to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. "Another European title and Fergie may decide he's had enough," Whelan tells The Daily Mail. "If Unitec come in for Steve, I couldn't contemplate standing in his way."

MANCHESTER POLICE PUT ON RED ALERT FOR UNITED'S TITLE DECIDER The Times reveal that Greater Manchester Police will double the number of officers at the JJB Stadium for fear of fans getting out of hand.

HLEB WILL QUIT ARSENAL TO JOIN INTER, SAYS AGENT Over to Arsenal now and things aren't looking too great for Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman has vowed to keep Alex Hleb at the club after Mathieu Flamini signed for AC Milan earlier in the week, but The Guardian reveal the Belarussian is on his way to Inter.

PAY UP OR LET ME GO Adding to Wenger's problems is Emmanuel Adebayor, who has told his manager he wants to be paid £80,000-a-week to bring his wages in line with the Premier League's other big stars, accoring to The Daily Mail.

KEV TOLD TO GET IN TOON Kevin Keegan will sit down with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley today, say The Daily Express. King Kev will have his knuckles wrapped for his comments earlier in the week.

INTER IN FOR GERRARD Two Liverpool transfer stories on the back of The Sun. Firstly, Inter Milan have reportedly had a £25million offer for Steven Gerrard turned down. Secondly, Peter Crouch isn't best pleased after Rafa Benitez placed a £15million transfer feee on his head. Crouch doubts that any club will want to pay that much for him. Can't say we disagree.

FAIR KOP More from Liverpool in The Daily Mirror. This time it's over Gareth Barry, and Rafa Benitez is surprised at Martin O'Neill's reaction to the Reds' £10million offer for the midfielder. "I was surprised by part of his comments," says the Spaniard. "I had a private conversation with him 20 days ago."

Other top stories...
SO...WILL GRANT KEEP HIS JOB The Daily Telegraph turn their attention to Chelsea, and ask whether or not Avram Grant will keep his job. Alan Smith reckons he's already done enough to justify staying on, but Clive Tyldesley thinks it would be wise for Grant to pack his bags while he's still in Roman Abramovich's good books.

THIS IS HOW WE'LL STOP CHELSEA Kevin Davies has let The Sun in on how Bolton are going to stop Chelsea winning the title. Apparently, they're going to defend heavily, and The Sun illustrate this by photoshopping Bolton's first eleven in front of a pair of goalposts.

ERIKSSON MAKES BENFICA WAIT WHILE HE EYES CHELSEA JOB The question of Sven-Goran Eriksson's future at Manchester City has taken a fresh twist, according to The Guardian. They report that he's holding off on agreeing a move to Benfica, because he might be offered the Chelsea job.

RAMOS ADMITS SCOUTING FOR BERBATOV REPLACEMENT Juande Ramos has admitted that he's been looking at possible replacements for Dimita Berbatov in The Times. "Obviously we have to cover our back in case the player decides to leave and we have to have options to replace him," he says. "There are great players in Europe that can do just as well as Berbatov."

'KEEGAN IS RIGHT IN A LOT OF WAYS - BUT I'M NOT GOING TO ACCEPT IT' David Moyes says that Kevin Keegan's comments from earlier in the week about the predictability of the Premier League are probably right, but that he wants to change that in The Independent. "I can't turn up at the start of next season believing we can't be up there [in the top four]," he says.
EVEN FERGIE AND JOSE WOULD STRUGGLE TO KEEP BLUES UP The Daily Mirror turn their attention to the relegation battle. Birmingham manager Alax McLeish says that his club were always going to be in a relegation battle and that not even the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourino could have avoided that.

READING PRAY FOR SALVATION Reading are featured in the The Daily Express. The Royals are looking for divine intervention. Club chaplain Steve Prince will pray for a Reading victory over Derby, and ask his Portsmouth counterpart to do the same for a Pompey win over Fulham. Isn't that cheating?

ROY DOES IT BY THE BOOK Meanwhile, The Daily Mail look at Roy Hodgson, who has said that if Fulham survive he won't celebrate. "If we win and stay in the Premier League it would bring me such satisfaction that I would quite happily go home and have a glass of water and read my book," he says.

CAPELLO'S FAVOURITE PLAYERS! Finally, The Sun take a look at Fabio Capello's favourtie Premier League players. The Italian picked out Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabrgeas. What have they all got in common? Yep, they're all not English.

The speculation that for so much of the season that Frank Rijkaard would leave Barcelona in the Summer was confirmed last night when it was announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of June.

Rijkaard was said to have lost the dressing room at Barca and a high profile replacement was expected. Top the list in many peoples opinion was "The Special One" Jose Mourinho.

However it seems Barca are willing to gamble on another trophyless season next time out by appointing reserve team coach and former Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola.

There is no doubting that Guardiola is a highly respected figure at the club but only time will tell if he has the man management skills that Rijkaard was accused of lacking. A clear out of some of the bigger egos at the club may help Guardiola but at this moment in time the decision looks risky to say the least.

Last weekend's results ensured that there's still all to play for at the top, bottom and middle of the Premier League. This means that Sunday's climatic games will be some of the tensest in recent memory and looking at the fixture list, we can only see two ties of the ten that have little relevance to the key areas of the table (Sunderland home match with Arsenal and Liverpool trip to Tottenham). So with that in mind, we've decided to go off the beaten track a little this week and instead of focusing on a couple of matches we're going to look at them all so you will know what it takes for your side to win the title, claim a position in Europe or survive the drop into the Championship.

BIG FOUR The Arsenal and Liverpool games are irrelevant. The Gunners' 1-0 victory over Everton on Sunday means that Liverpool, who have been secure in at least fourth for some weeks now, can not catch the Gunners in third. In turn, Chelsea's 2-0 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park on Bank Holiday Monday means that Avram Grant's side are four points ahead of the Gunners and are guaranteed at least second. Arsenal and Liverpool will therefore have to participate in a two-legged qualification tie to make it through to next season's Champions League proper.

There is, of course, far more on the line for Manchester United and Chelsea. The Blues ensured a tight final day finish with that win at Newcastle, but while they are level on points with United, Chelsea do not have their fate in their own hands. If United beat Wigan, Chelsea will have to beat Bolton and overhaul a massive goal difference of seventeen to snatch the title from Old Trafford. If both teams draw or lose, the title is United's on goal difference. However, if United lose or draw at the JJB and Chelsea win, the Blues will win the title.

So how likely is a Chelsea title win? Certainly with Bolton all-but sealing survival with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday (a massive goal difference switch is the only thing that can relegate them) it seems unlikely that Gary Megson's men will be as fired up for this match as their opponents are. What's more, Chelsea have not lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in December and have only dropped points in five games since then. In contrast, United's 4-1 win at home to West Ham on Saturday was their first impressive league performance in a month, a period which has seen them draw with Blackburn and Middlesbrough and lose at Chelsea.

Grant has already begun the mind games by demanding Wigan put up an honest fight on Sunday and suggesting the pressure is all on United, but he would undoubtedly swap places with Sir Alex Ferguson. Winning at Wigan, who have grown into a tenacious little side under the management of Steve Bruce, certainly won't be easy, regardless of their current league position, but it's difficult to see United's experienced players slipping up at such a crucial moment. A United goal difference win seems the most likely outcome then, and that would seem a fittingly tight finish to what has been one of the most thrilling title races in years.

RELEGATION Mathematically, there are five teams who still have the threat of relegation hovering over their heads. However, as Bolton are three points above Fulham and Reading and four ahead of Birmingham with a superior goal difference to the former duo, it would take a significant overhaul of eleven in GD for Gary Megson's men to drop into the Championship. Realistically then, the battle is down to Fulham, Reading and Birmingham, and here the permutations get particularly difficult.

Arsene Wenger is determined to keep Aleksandr Hleb at the Emirates Stadium after losing fellow midfielder Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan.

The Gunners boss hit out at France international Flamini earlier in the week following his decision to snub a new contract offer and join the Italian side on a free transfer.

But Wenger has no intention of allowing 27-year-old Hleb to join Milan's city rivals Internazionale. Reports claim the Belarus international will seek to buy himself out of the remaining two years of his contract and join the reigning Serie A champions.

"What people say about the buy-out clause, it is not as simple as it looks," said Wenger.

"It is much more difficult and the clubs are reluctant to do that. "We want to keep Hleb, we want him to be part of our team next year. It is as simple as that. "We have lost one player. We do not want to lose more."

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Rumour suggests that Sir Alex Ferguson will be handed 40million to improve his Manchester United squad in the summer. United spent 54million on Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson at the end of last season. But despite being on the brink of a Premier League and Champions League double, Ferguson will dabble in the market once more this summer. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Karim Benzema, Micah Richards, Jose Bosingwa and Dean Ashton are thought to be targets. "One of Sir Alex's key strength is that he is always looking to improve the squad," said chief executive David Gill. "He doesn't say 'That's good enough' and 'Let's keep with what we have got'. If there are areas he wants to improve, areas he feels we need more cover for, then we will see what we can do."

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jonathan Greening has called on the club's chairman Jeremy Peace to back manager Tony Mowbray in the summer. The Baggies sealed promotion to the Premier League on Sunday by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Loftus Road, and they are expected to strengthen during the close-season period. Says Greening: "The squad that came up before to the Premier League in 2004, I wasn't part of because I signed in that summer from Middlesbrough. But I think we are maybe a bit better prepared for the Premier League with the way we play. It will probably suit our style more playing in the Premier League than the Championship. You saw in the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth how really well [we played] on the day. We know we can do really well against teams in the Premier League. I think the gaffer has probably got his ideas on where he wants to strengthen in the summer and who he wants to bring in but I am sure the nucleus of the squad will be staying the same because the gaffer likes the way we play. He will have in his mind who he wants to bring in. I am sure he will have a few foreign players he is after that maybe people aren't aware of. He has done well in that market already. I think he will probably go for a few experienced players as well. It will be an interesting summer. It will be interesting to see if the chairman backs the gaffer to the full. We hope he does that. Getting to the Premier League, there is only one league to play in. I've had two years of Championship football and it will be nice to get back in the top division and stay there for a few years."

Levante players found a novel way of showing their disaproval over the fact that they have not been paid recently.

As the game last night against Deportivo was about to kick off the Levante players formed an arc around the centre circle.

The Depor team kicked off and very sportingly knocked the ball out for a goal kick allowing the game to start in earnest, unfortunately for the Levante players the result was the same as Depor went on to win 1-0.

Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of making a £55 million for Sergio Ramos.

The Blues are thought to have identified several targets to improve their squad in the summer, and the Real Madrid defender is understood to be one of them.

Ramos can play at right-back and centre-back and became the third most expensive teenager in history when he signed for Real from Sevilla for around £20million in 2005.

He has a contract with Real which runs until 2013, but is rumoured to have grown frustrated with the club's reluctance to improve that deal.

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has reportedly held talks with Benfica over a possible return to the Portuguese club. The Swede, who is expected to be released by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra at the end of the season, has coached Benfica on two previous occasions.

Eriksson won two league titles and a domestic cup before returning in 1989 and leading Benfica to another Portuguese championship and a European Cup Final appearance. Benfica spokesman Ricardo Maia said: "We will not comment on any suggestions of a future coach now.
"Whether someone is or is not in Manchester to try to persuade Eriksson, we have nothing to say about it."

Meanwhile, Shinawatra now appears to have softened his stance on the future of the former England manager. Last month he suggested a major summer shake-up was on the cards at Eastlands despite appointing Eriksson less than 12 months ago, Luiz Felipe Scolari is believed to be the frontrunner to take over, but the Portugal coach has and his representatives have suggested no decision on his future will be taken until after this summer's European Championship. "We have made no decision," said Shinawatra on the future of Eriksson or a potential replacement. "We will do an evaluation at the end of the season."

Rangers' second-half barrage finally paid off 16 minutes from time when Barry Ferguson hooked his volley high into the net.



What a priceless goal this could be for the home team as it reduced Celtic's lead at the top of the table to four points with the Gers still having two games in hand. The noise from the Ibrox crowd was as loud as any top European night and even manager Walter Smith became involved when four minutes were added to normal time, mainly because of Motherwell's earlier time-wasting.


Rangers started brightly and David Weir flicked on a Steven Davis corner, only for keeper Graeme Smith to touch his header onto the bar. Nacho Novo reached the rebound first but pulled his shot wide.


Motherwell then came more and more into the game with Bob Malcolm pulling the strings as he was left unmarked in the middle of the pitch. Ross McCormack flashed over a dangerous cross before Carlos Cuellar dispossessed the Motherwell striker after Steven Whittaker had carelessly given away possession. The visitors wasted their best chance of the half when, from six yards, McCormack shot wide from Stephen Hughes' cutback.


Rangers nearly took the lead just before half-time but Jean-Claude Darcheville's shot found the side-netting after good work by Kris Boyd.


At the start of the second half Rangers surged forward with wave after wave of attacks. Twice Boyd headed over from good positions. Ferguson's pass put Darcheville through but the striker widely slashed his effort over the bar. Kevin Thomson's deflected shot reached Novo in the six-yard box but he was crowded out before he could shoot.


Motherwell could hardly get over the halfway line and it was no surprise when Rangers' pressure finally paid off. Another Davis corner was touched on at the near post and, from beyond the back post, Ferguson shot high into the net from an acute angle.


Rangers went after a second and had a good claim for a penalty turned down when Malcolm pushed Boyd in the back, but the home team gained the three points they so desperately needed.

Who? - Thierry Henry - Speculation Where is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Thierry Henry has said he will stay with Barcelona for at least one more season. The French striker has struggled to settle at the Nou Camp since moving there from Arsenal last summer, and has been linked with a move back to England, with the Gunners and Newcastle United touted as potential destinations. However, Henry has now told Le Parisien: "As for my future, no, I do not want to leave. I still have three years to run on my contract here and I will still be here next year."

Who? - Luis Antonio Valencia - Speculation Where is he? - Wigan Athletic Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

Mancheser United are reportedly set to offer a cash plus Louis Saha deal for Wigan Athletic star Antonio Valencia. The 22-year-old winger has been on impressive form for Latics this season and is thought to be a target of a number of big-name clubs. United face Wigan in the final game of the season on Sunday and the two clubs may talk business after the match. Saha would be thrown in to sweeten the deal as United are apparently looking to offload him. The French striker has been plagued by injury all season and has scored just five times in 24 appearances.

Who? - Steven Sidwell - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Everton

Everton manager David Moyes is rumoured to be targeting Steve Sidwell and American international Michael Bradley as summer signings. Sidwell moved from Reading to Chelsea at the end of last season, but has struggled to find a regular place in the Blues' first eleven. Moyes was linked to Sidwell before he moved to Stamford Bridge last year and is also understood to have considered signing him on loan in January. Meanwhile, midfielder Bradley is also thought to be on Moyes' list. Officials from Everton were rumoured to be watching the Heerenveen star in action against Ajax last night. He has won eighteen caps for his country and could spark a bidding war between the Toffees and Blackburn Rovers, who are also understood to be interested in the highly-rated star.

The 'beautiful game' this certainly isn't and these videos are not for the faint of heart or queasy of stomach! Here are 20 of the most sickening, limb snapping and downright brutal tackles stretching back to 1982 and compiled into one handy, gruesome list. Perhaps it's best not to watch these during your lunch break!

Watch the shocking football tackle videos here

LA Galaxy remain on inconsistent form, but David Beckham's stock in America is on the rise after two stunning goals earned him the MLS Player of the Week award and his side a point in a remarkable recovery from two goals behind at Real Salt Lake over the weekend. Ruud Gullitt's team had won two and lost three of the opening five games of the 2008 campaign and it looked like they were going to waste the momentum they built up during last weeks 5-2 thrashing of FC Chivas as they fell behind early on at Salt Lake.

Exposing their opponents clear defensive frailties, Salt Lake started the brighter and raced into a two goal lead inside the opening eighteen minutes. Argentine striker Fabian Espindola hit the first, knocking home a great first-time shot from Javier Morales long ball into the box seven minutes in, before former Gretna forward Kenny Duechar grabbed the second shortly after, planting an unstoppable header into the top right hand corner of the net from another Morales assist.

Galaxy were being thoroughly outplayed, but against the run of play, Beckham forced them back into the match. The England star received the ball on the far right of the area and he curled a stunner into the top corner to make it 2-1 nine minutes from the break. Shortly after, Becks weaved his magic again, this time with a trademark free-kick which flew into the top corner and drew the game level at 2-2, and thanks to the fact Deucher had a good goal wrongly disallowed for offside in the second half, Galaxy held on to a point.

Beckham two goals were enough to hand him his second Player of the Week award of the season , and two slots in the Goal of the Weekend nominations list, and his team-mates and manager were full of praise at the full-time whistle. "It's what great players do," said defender Chris Klein. "He delivers good balls, and you have to step to him because he can strike a great ball. On the free kick, everyone knows what he can do there. We're going to need a few of those this year, and he's been known to provide them. I think this is a tip of what he can do, and what everyone has been waiting to see."

Sven Goran Eriksson's future at Manchester City has been called into question yet again, with Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari reported to have been offered the Citizens job.


Scolari has been linked with the City post ever since club owner Thaksin Shinawatra queried Eriksson's efforts in his first season in charge at Eastlands and those rumours are now reaching a crescendo.

However, Eriksson has refused to be drawn into the growing media circus, instead focusing in the last game of the season against Middlesbrough. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I don't know whether the players felt they had a point to prove to the owner or anyone else in the game at Liverpool.


"What I would say is that myself, the coaching staff and everyone who works at the Carrington training ground are a close unit and it has always been like that and I'm very proud of them and what we have achieved. "This is not the toughest time I have had in football. "Speculation in football, whether it is to do with managers, players, business or politics, is always there among fans today. All I want to see is another City win at Middlesbrough next Sunday, then it is the time for talking. I think it is always important in my job to behave in a proper way.

"Maybe people think I haven't always done that, but there are always excuses to behave badly if you choose to and I don't."



Personally i feel the man has down a good job and brought quality players to the City of Manchester Stadium he deserves at least to start next season and if he does go as is more then likely i feel it will be

Cambridge United beat Burton 2-1 last night and 4-3 on aggregate to reach the Blue Square Premier Play Off Final where they will play Exeter who overcame local rivals Torquay on Monday.

The final should be a close fought affair with only 3 points seperating Exeter who finished 5th and Cambridge who finished 3rd.

Both sides went into the play offs in good form and Exeter in particular did well to recover from losing the home leg of their play off to win 4-1 at Torquay in the second leg.

This looks to be the classic encounter between the high scorers (Exeter) and the canny defense (Cambridge).

Exeter had the better of the League encounters with a 1-0 win at Cambridge and a 0-0 at home but i feel Cambridge may just have the edge in the final and join Aldershot in League 2 next season.

It was with great sadness that i read the latest reports concerning Paul Gascoigne. Weather you love him or loathe him one thing has to be said and that he was the most talented footballer of his generation.

It is not for me to comment on his illness but all i wish is that he makes a full recovery as the memories he gave me as a player even in his Spurs days (i am after all a Gooner) will take some replacing.

Genius it seems does not come without a price as demonstrated in the case of George Best to name just one and few could feel comfortable with the way Frank Bruno`s life went.

But i sincerely hope that Paul does make a full recovery in time and we can once again see the fun loving Geordie that won so many hearts that Summer night in 1990 during the World Cup Semi Final against Germany.

As mentioned earlier the Premier League title race will go down to the last day with both Manchester United and Chelsea tied on 84 points.

But is it really that close? I know strange things happen in football and surprise results do happen but i feel Manchester United will be prepared just right for their rip to Wigan. Sir Alex has been in this position 9 times before!! I can believe he will allow complacency to creep into his side and i would not want to be in the Man U dressing room at half time on Sunday is results are going against him!

Chelsea should and in my opinion will beat Bolton on Sunday but they have to rely on Man U slipping up as the goal difference between the two sides is +17 in Man United`s favour.

I feel that both sides will win come Sunday and that for the first time since Arsenal went to Anfield in 1989 and got a 2-0 win that the title will be decided on goal difference.

"Rocket" Ronnie O`Sullivan lived up to his nickname by defeating Ali Carter 18-8 yesterday to lift his 3rd World title at the Crucible yesterday.

In a great display of snooker O`Sullivan dominated his brave opponent from the start and never really looked in trouble throughout the match, making Carter pay for any errors which allowed the Essex potting machine to get his hand on the table.

Altogether Ronnie pocketed just over £328,000 in prize money in his 16 days at Sheffield as he also claimed a share of the highest break prize money with Carter for their 147`s earlier in the tournament.

My maths has never been my strong suit but i make that just over £20,000! Now where did i leave my Snooker cue!!!

Who? - El Hadji Diouf - Speculation Where is he? - Bolton Wanderers Who is he linked with? - Manchester City

Bolton Wanderers midfielder El-Hadji Diouf is thought to be targeting a move to Manchester City. The 27-year-old almost certainly played his last game at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday as Wanderers beat Sunderland 2-0, and it is believed he wants to head to City. However, while City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh is rumoured to have met up with the player's representatives, it is thought the club is not as keen on the deal as Diouf is. Diouf began his career with Sochaux in 1998 and stayed in France until 2002. In that year he moved to Liverpool, but he was loaned out to Bolton in 2004 and joined on a permanent basis in 2005.

Who? - Jose Bosingwa - Speculation Where is he? - Porto Who is he linked with? - Manchester United

The agent of Jose Bosingwa has played down talk linking his player with a move to Manchester United in the summer. The Porto right-back is thought to be a target of the Old Trafford club, but Rui Neno has insisted: "There is not any sort of agreement with Manchester United. However, Neno added that talks could commence if Porto's valuation was met. "If any club bid the 30 million euros set by the club, I believe there might be agreement. In Bosingwa's contract there is not any buyout clause preventing him from negotiating."

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - Stoke City

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has said the club must spend big in the summer to avoid an automatic return to the Championship. A goalless draw with Leicester City on Sunday afternoon promoted the Potters to the top flight, and Pulis has said: "The financial rewards would give us a chance, if we are clever enough. It's about good players and about having the resources. It's knowing where the players are but we'll have to spend more money than this club has ever dreamed of spending before."

Chelsea ensured that the Premier League title race will go right to the wire by securing a clinical 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park.

A polished second half saw goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda confirm that the title will be decided on the final day of the season.

Chelsea end their campaign against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United travel to Wigan Athletic. A win by both sides will see the crown stay at Old Trafford by virtue of their superior goal difference.

As for Newcastle, their eight-match unbeaten run was ended after a promising start and on the day Chelsea were worthy winners. Michael Owen was left with a one-to-one chance after just six minutes when he met a lob over the top from Nicky Butt, but another lob from United's leading scorer sailed well over the bar.

Obafemi Martins was heavily involved in the early Newcastle play and in one darting run beat three defenders before driving weakly at Petr Cech from 30 yards.

Chelsea at this stage appeared content to soak up the pressure and then look for the counter attack to support solitary striker Didier Drogba. Skipper John Terry came to Chelsea's rescue and kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic goal-line clearance after 28 minutes.

Once again it was Martins caused the problems on the left and drove the ball into the area where Cech blocked a Mark Viduka shot and the rebound flew to the edge of the box. It was met by Owen, who placed his shot beyond Cech, only for Terry to prevent a certain goal with his clearance.

Chelsea had to wait until the 35th minute for their first real chance, when the surging Michael Essien stretched the home defence before playing in Ballack on the left, who screwed his shot hopelessly wide with just Steve Harper to beat.

Nicolas Anelka was then given a chance seconds later in the inside-right position, but he too fired well wide.

It was a much more purposeful Chelsea after the break as they appeared to step up a notch and only the woodwork prevented them taking a 53rd minute lead. On a previous visit to the North East this season, Terry grabbed the only goal at Sunderland. The big defender looked to have unlocked the Newcastle defence when he rose to meet a right-wing Malouda corner, only to see his powerful header cannon to safety off the bar.

Chelsea at this stage were in total command as Newcastle struggled to clear the ball and when they did, it was returned straight back to the danger area. And the Chelsea goal that looked like coming, duly arrived on the hour mark. Abdoulaye Faye fouled Malouda on the right of the area and from Drogba's free-kick Ballack was left unmarked and headed in his third league goal in the last two matches.

Newcastle finally got going and a clearance from a Butt free-kick dropped invitingly to Martins on the edge of the area and he turned to see his goalbound effort deflected wide. Then a ball over the top just evaded the lunging Owen as Newcastle searched for the equaliser. But it was Chelsea who wrapped it up with their second goal after 82 minutes and it was superbly created and finished.

It was a five-man move which ended with substitute Frank Lampard threading a superb through ball on for Malouda, who shot under Harper and into the back of the net.

A 2-0 at Q.P.R was enough to see W.B.A. promoted as Champions to the Premier league next season where they will be joined by Stoke City who fought a 0-0 draw with Leicester at the Brittania Stadium a result that condemned Leicester to League 1 for thr first time in their history.

On a dramatic final day the play off positions were finally filled by Hull, Bristol City, Crystal Palace and Watford the latter team making the play offs courtesy of a 1 goal better difference then Wolves who must be rueing the chances they had to improve on their 1-0 scoreline at home to Plymouth.

With only Neil Warnock`s young Palace side showing any kind of form going into the play offs my money is on them to reach the Premiership though how long they will stay there if indeed they do reach the "promised land" depend on Simon Jordan`s willingness to spend and Neil Warnock`s powers of persuasion in keeping a very exciting crop of young players together.

Real Madrid were crowned Champions of Spain with 3 games to go last night after their 2-1 win at Osasuna, goals from Robben and Higuain were enough to sel th title even though Madrid had to play with 10 men after the sending off of Cannavaro.

Earlier in the day Villareal had done thier bit to try to keep the title race alive when they beat Getafe 2-0 but in the end it was to no avail.

Elsewhere Barcelona put the disappointment of their Champions League exit to Man Utd behind them by thrashing a poor Valencia side 6-0 at the Nou Camp. Goals from Messi (pen), Xavi and 2 each from Henry and Bojan gave Barca fans something to cheer but on the other hand there must be real fears that Valencia will be heading out of La Liga on this display, they have Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid at home and Levante away in their final 3 games but need vastly improved perfrmance if they are not to join Levante and Murcia in League 2 next season.

Hibs and Rangers fought out a goalless draw at Easter Road but it was a result that did no favours for either side.

Hibs started with an attacking line-up knowing that a win would put them in pole position in the race for a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Dean Shiels was put through as early as the fourth minute, but was ruled offside in what turned out to be the wrong decision.

Hibs continued to play in the fashion we have come to expect from them, with lots of neat interplay being let down by the lack of a killer pass, which would breach the Gers defence.
Nacho Novo went close for the Gers early on but, just when it looked like he would get his shot away, Kevin McCann made an excellent block to deny the midweek hero.

The first real opportunity of the match came in the 38th minute, Carlos Cuellar rose to head the ball down at goal but, in what seemed like slow motion, Andy McNeil still had time to turn the ball round the post.

Three minutes later Rangers had another opportunity. Kirk Broadfoot did well to get to the byline and his cut-back found Novo, but the little Spaniard's shot was blocked well by Rob Jones.
Hibs had their first chance just before half-time. Shiels cross was punched by Neil Alexander straight on to the head of Ross Campbell, but his instinctive effort looped over.

Rangers started the second half the better side and had the ball in the net in the 54th minute. Cuellar sent a header towards goal, but Daniel Cousin's final touch came from an offside position and the goal was rightly ruled out.

By now the visitors were well on top and only a fine save by McNeil prevented them from taking the lead. McCann's clearance came back off a Rangers player to set up Barry Ferguson and it was his shot that was saved.

Hibs had their first shot on target in the 62nd minute and it was almost a decisive one. Filipe Morais found space just outside the box and his great effort was turned over the bar by Alexander.

With 12 minutes to go Rangers threw on Kris Boyd in place of Sasa Papac as they looked for a vital three points in the race for the title. Minutes later, Kevin Thomson was almost an unlikely hero, but his free-kick flew just wide.

With just moments to go, David Weir sent a header over the crossbar as the two teams shared the points in what was a poor match.

Who? - Lionel Messi - Speculation Where is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - Chelsea

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly on the verge of offering 80million for Lionel Messi in his continuing bid to inspire his side to play attacking football. The Barcelona superstar has been a long-time target for the Blues and it is thought only an offer of such magnitude would lure him from the Nou Camp. "Roman is convinced Messi could change the whole face of Chelsea and is willing to spend what it takes to get him," a source told the News of the World. "He has always wanted that type of player. Under Jose Mourinho he accepted the football because it was bringing in the trophies but he got bored. [Avram] Grant wants to change things but has explained it takes time and a lot of money to alter the style. Now is the time for Roman to finance that change. Chelsea are attractive because of the wages on offer and they are in the Champions League Final." Should the move go ahead, it would shatter the previous world record for a transfer fee, which is the 48million which Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

Who? - Niko Kranjcar - Speculation Where is he? - Portsmouth Who is he linked with? - Arsenal

The father of Portsmouth star Niko Kranjcar has revealed Arsene Wenger is a fan of his son and may try to sign him in the summer. Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini's futures at Arsenal are currently uncertain and the Croatian star is considered a possible replacement by Wenger. "Wenger likes players with a sense of the game," Zlatko Kranjcar told Croatian TV station Index. "Arsenal plays creative football and Wenger recognises this in Niko and he would be a logical replacement for Hleb. Wenger was interested in Niko in the Croatian League and he has tracked him for sometime."

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - Sunderland

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has said he will take his time when deciding who to buy in the transfer window. Keane is expected to be handed a 50million transfer kitty by chairman Niall Quinn, but does not want to rush in after struggling in the market last time round. I won't make the same mistake I did last year by getting bogged down by transfer targets just yet," he said. "I think most transfer business will not be done for another month or two, because the European Championships are on this summer. One or two of our targets may be involved, and anyone in that tournament will be wanting to wait until it is over before making any decisions about their future. Last summer I tried to do a lot of deals soon after the season had ended and it just didn't happen. We have already set the ball rolling, but it's not a case of making 50 or 60 phone calls every day. Even when you agree fees, you still have personal terms to sort out and medicals and what have you."

Nottingham Forest returned to the Championship yesterday by recording a 3-2 win at home to Yeovil where they will be joined by Champions Swansea.

The play offs see Doncaster take on Southend and Carlisle take on Leeds to see who joins them next season.

Common sense i believe won the day when Leeds appeal against their 15 point penalty was over ruled. Apart from being unfair on the sides above them Leeds had the penalty imposed on them for a reason.

I believe they are still good enough to win the play offs anyway which will be a just reward for the tremendous fans they have who have again had to pay the price for money men interfering in a great club.

A few weeks ago after i had seen Liverpool win 2-0 at Craven Cottage i wrote something along the lines of "Fulham are as good as down" since then they have gone on a run tht takes them within a whisker of survival.

They have to go to Portsmouth on the final day of the season knowing a win will keep them up and with Portsmouth having one eye on the Cup Final it has to be an achieveable result.

I will be delighted for Fulham if they pull of this great escape as in Roy Hodgson they have not only a nice man as manager but a most knowledgeable footballing man and genuinely nice guy.

With all the super ego`s flying aroung the Premiership i hopr Roy strikes a blow for the quiet nice men of the game and keeps the Cottager`s up.

Who? - Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini - Speculation Where is he? - Arsenal Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will not break the bank to keep star players at the club in the summer. Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini have been linked with the exit door in recent months, with Hleb attracting the interest of Inter Milan and Flamini able to leave for free. The club still has massive debts to pay from their move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, and Wenger has said they must bear this in mind when establishing player wages. "We have 360million debt and we have to respect the wages structure or we will go bust, it is as simple as that," Wenger said. "It is not that you cannot respect the wages structure, we cannot afford not to do it. We want to respect what is planned. The numbers are the numbers. I feel always when we make a decision in the club the same decision is valid in 10 years. That means in 10 years it still should work, that the club works with its income and not with somebody who comes in by parachute into your court, and brings you a huge amount of money. For me that's not workable and not morally right.

Who? - Kaspar Schmeichel - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester City Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Kaspar Schmeichel will leave Manchester City in the summer, according to his father Peter. The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful start to this season, putting in a number of impressive performances. However, he has since lost his place to Joe Hart and been loaned out to Championship sides Cardiff and Coventry. City will embark upon an end-of-season tour in Thailand in May, and Schmeichel will take part. But his father said: "It's one of the last things he's going to do as a Manchester City player. He's leaving this season."

Who? - Players - Speculation Where is he? - Anywhere Who is he linked with? - Portsmouth

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has played down talk linking him with a number of players in the forthcoming transfer window. Pompey are rumoured to be interested in Benfica defender Luisao, as well as Tottenham duo Pascal Chimbonda and Paul Robinson. However, Redknapp has said he has no need for those players. "Luisao - who? Sorry, don't know him," he told The News. "Chimbonda, no, he's a right-back and I've got the best right-back in England in Glen Johnson. I don't need another. I don't need Paul Robinson either, no. He's a good little player, but no."

Manchester United put the pressure back on Chelsea in this season's thrilling title race by beating West Ham 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Buoyed by their European success in mid-week, the hosts started brightly and took the lead after only three minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage of a defensive error from Lucas Neill to fire into the back of the net. The Hammers settled after that, but were beaten by Ronaldo again on 23 minutes, before former hero Carlos Tevez lashed in a long-range stunner to make it three two minutes later.

Dean Ashton then scored a barnstormer of his own with a cracking overhead kick which made it 3-1, and Nani was sent-off for headbutting Neill shortly after, unsettling a previously confident United. However, any fears Sir Alex Ferguson's men were going to choke were put to rest midway through the second half when Michael Carrick drilled home from long range to make it four. The match petered out into a rather dour affair after that, but it will matter little to the hosts. All they need to do now is beat Wigan on the final day and they will seal their second successive Premier League title.

At the bottom, Fulham beat Birmingham 2-0 at Craven Cottage to lift themselves out of the relegation zone and leave City knowing that even victory on the final day may not be enough to safe themselves. Following last weekend's astonishing 3-2 comeback at Manchester City, Roy Hodgson's side were in confident mood and played much the better football against a Birmingham side who were downbeat and uninspired after squandering what looked like three sure-fire points against Liverpool.

Despite this the teams went into half-time level, but the Cottagers' superiority told soon after the restart. Jimmy Bullard whipped a cracking free-kick in from the left and Brian McBride headed home at the far post to give the hosts the advantage, despite visiting claims of offside. Alex McLeish's men were galvanised by that goal and came close to finding the equaliser in the closing stages when Radhi Jaidi headed inches wide. But just seconds later a defensive error from Franck Queredrue let Erik Nevland slip through and the former Manchester United man made no mistake to continue his side's remarkable recent recovery.

Reading have now replaced the Cottagers in the bottom three following a limp 1-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, which came courtesy of an early goal from Robbie Keane at the Madejski Stadium, but Bolton are now on the brink of safety thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Sunderland. The deadlock in this tight and tense match was broken on the stroke of half-time when El-Hadji Diouf controlled Kevin Nolan's cross and curled wonderfully into the back of Craig Gordon's net. Sunderland fought back in the second period, but never really looked likely to score and the hosts sealed victory in the dying moments through Daryl Murphy's own goal. It will now take a huge reversal in goal difference for Bolton to be relegated.

Middlesbrough's Premier League survival is now secure as well thanks to a 2-0 victory of their own at home to Portsmouth. The breakthrough came at the end of a first half that the hosts had dominated. Fabio Rochemback swung a well-flighted corner into the Pompey box and Chris Riggott, who has only just been recalled from a loan spell at Stoke City, rose highest to head home. The second strike was scored in similar circumstances, with Stewart Downing this time hitting the corner for Tuncay Sanli to nod in. Now seemingly concentrating solely on the FA Cup final, Pompey never posed a threat meaning Boro will still be playing top-flight football next year.

Wigan Athletic are also safe as they too picked up a comfortable 2-0 win, this time at Aston Villa. Perhaps put off by rumours surrounding the future of Gareth Barry, the home side looked nervy and unsure of themselves and fell behind early in the second half when Antonio Valencia's 20-yard effort flew into the back of Scott Carson's net via a cruel deflection off Wilfered Bouma. Ten minutes later, the impressive Ecuadorian underlined why he is thought to be a target of a handful of top Premier League sides by controlling Emile Heskey's flick-on and hitting beautifully into the back of the net for the second. Chris Kirkland had to make a handful of fine saves from the hosts, but Wigan always looked the stronger side, meaning they are safe but that Villa's hopes of fifth place are slim.

Finally, Blackburn came back from behind to beat Derby 3-1 in an entertaining clash at Ewood Park. The visitors took a shock lead 18 minutes in thanks to Kenny Miller's tidy finish from Roy Carroll's long goalkick. Rovers took some time to get back into the game, but they did so thanks to two goals either side of half-time. Roque Santa Cruz scored the first on the brink of the break, before Jason Roberts found the second a minute into the restart. Santa Cruz then made it three in the dying moments to ensure that Derby will not be able to avoid being lumped with the worst points total in Premier League history.

Ronnie O`Sullivan was in devastating form as he completed a 17-6 semi final win over his great rival Stephen Hendry.

Hendry who up till this point was playing some fine snooker himself had no answer to the Rocket`s power and his face told the story as he was continually forced to sit in his chair as Ronnie went on a potting spree.

The other semi final is still finely balanced and sees Ali Carter hold a 9-7 lead against Joe Perry. Again both players have been playing great snooker but with neither prepared to give an inch and the prospect of this match going to the wire, just how much will the winner have when he comes to take on O`Sullivan in the final that starts on Sunday and continues Bank Holiday Monday.

For me unless O`Sullivan has another one of his self destruct sessions the 3rd World title of his career is there for the taking.

The 2,000 Guinea`s takes place at Newmarket today and though their is no doubt hot favourite New Approach is going to be the one to beat, it`s the 2nd favourite Raven`s Pass who i have my eye on.

He is currently best priced 22/5 with Sporting Bet and there is no doubt that he is a class act. As long as the ground stays good this fast ground lover will give New Approach a good run for his money and though some feel that there are doubts about his staying ability i am prepared to take that gamble.

According to one of the daily tabloids the following joke was enough to see "Le Sulk" break out into a cheesy grin!

A man is working in a bar when a Kangeroo comes in.

What can i get you? says the man,
I`ll have a coke please says the Kangeroo,
Certainly, that will be £10 says the barman.
You know we don`t get many Kangeroo`s in here said the barman by way of conversation,
I`m not suprised at your prices replied the Kangeroo!!!!

If only we knew it was that simple to make the great man laugh all along!

Who? - Dimitar Berbatov - Speculation Where is he? - Tottenham Hotspur Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker believes Dimitar Berbatov would be difficult to replace should he leave the club in the summer. The Bulgarian has been linked with the White Hart Lane exit door all season, and last weekend Juande Ramos admitted he may move on. But Lineker hopes Spurs can cling on to him. "Berbatov is a wonderful footballer and it would be a real shame if Spurs were to lose him," he said. "They might get plenty of money for him but it is hard to replace that sort of talent - he is a top-class performer."

Who? - Kerimoglu Tugay - Speculation Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Veteran Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay will have to wait until the end of the season to discover whether he will be offered a new contract. The 37-year-old is out of contract in the summer but is keen to end his career with Rovers after seven years at Ewood Park despite struggling for first-team opportunities during the second half of the campaign. "We'll probably wait until the end of the season now," said Mark Hughes. "We are very close to where we want to be points wise so our focus is on that. Any housekeeping we need to tidy up at the end of the season will be done then."

Who? - El Hadji Diouf - Speculation Where is he? - Bolton Wanderers Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson has conceded Saturday's home game against Sunderland is likely to be El Hadji Diouf's last appearance at the Reebok Stadum. The 27-year-old Senegal international is out of contract at the end of the season and revealed earlier in the year that he would seek a transfer in the summer. Diouf has spent four years with the Trotters after originally joining on a season-long loan from Liverpool before a permanent transfer in 2005. But despite his impending departure, Megson has no qualms about using the forward in a vital match in the club's battle to avoid relegation. He said: "Diouf will be involved. He has already said he will be leaving in the summer, so if that transpires, this becomes his last home game for Bolton. I am sure he wants to go out on a real high. Diouf does have an ability to change games just by a move on the ball or seeing a pass and he gives you something out of the ordinary. It is a rare talent."

It would seem even success now cannot guarantee a manager his job.

The examples of Sven Goran-Eriksson and Avram Grant is a case in point. What have these to men done to deserve the threat of dismissal? In Ericksson`s case he has had the nerve to put together a team that actually looked like they could compete this season and gave them their first double over Man Utd in over 30 years.

In Grant`s case he has managed to have a record just as good as Jose ever did and succeeded in getting his team to a Champions League final which is something the "special one" could never do in his time at Chelsea, also Grant has had the nerve to take Chelsea to within a whisker of the Premier league after looking seriously off the pace in the early part of the season.

Understandably these to men`s record deserves such treatment!!! The common factor with both clubs is that they have Chairmen with ego`s bigger than their wallets (which in Roman`s case is a major achievement!).

Is it a coincidence that the 2 most successful clubs over the last decade Arsenal and Man U have had their managers in place for 10 years plus in my opinion no it is not.

So come on Thaksin and Roman surprise us all and reward success not punish it!

Who? - Gareth Barry - Speculation Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - The exit door

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies says he would understand if Gareth Barry chooses to leave the club in the summer. The talented midfielder is being linked with a move to one of the Big Four in an attempt to advance his career and cement his place in Fabio Capello's England set-up. Said Davies: "I was captain of West Brom last season and chose to move on to progress my career. I obviously want him to stay. He's a terrific example on the pitch to all our players. But if Gareth decided he wanted to play in the Champions League next season, I wouldn't hold it against him. After what I've done, I'd be a hypocrite to say otherwise."

Who? - Hendry Thomas - Speculation Where is he? - Olimpia Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has revealed the club is close to completing the signing of a third Honduran player. Latics general manager John Benson is currently in Central America discussing the potential transfer of 23-year-old defensive midfielder Hendry Thomas with his club side Olimpia. Wigan already have Honduran international pair Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa at the JJB Stadium. Palacios joined on a permanent basis in a 1million deal in January, while Figueroa, who Bruce hopes to sign, is on loan at the JJB Stadium until the end of the campaign. Speaking to the Wigan Observer, he revealed: "John Benson is in Honduras at the moment trying to tie someone else up for us. We've got an iron in the fire. "We're also trying to do a permanent deal for Figueroa." Meanwhile, Luis Antonio Valencia is attracting interest from a host of leading English clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, according to the player's agent. The Ecuador international midfielder would cost any potential buyer at least 5million.

Two of the saddest things for me last night whilst i watched the 2 UEFA Cup semis was to see 2 once great players going through the motions.

At one time Oliver Kahn could rightly claim to be the world`s best keeper and he was outstanding in Germany's run to the 2002 World Cup Final, but last night he was a shadow of that player. He was playing with a back injury but he still declared himself fit and played.

Anyone who saw his performance last night would know that was the wrong decision he was static on to many occasions and on one free kick in particular he stood so still he could of been doing a mime!! He has decided to retire at the end of this season but in my opinion it is a season to late.

Another player who i feel should quit while he still is remembered kindly is Christian Vieri, he can on last night with 10 minutes to go and proceeded to miss a hatful of chances which in his prime he would have swallowed up. This is a man who has scored 9 goals at World Cup Finals a record comparable with the likes of Gerd Muller and Paolo Rossi but last night he looked slow and lumbering and in one incident i remember he was in the box and turned to shot, now i am not saying he was slow but oil tankers at sea have moved faster!!!! Finally his miserable night was completed with a penalty in the shoot out that would have gone down better at Twickenham

I an fully understand that these great players want to make their careers last as long as possible but when two such great players perform in the way they did in the semi finals of a major competition it is time someone told them the party is over.

Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg will contest the UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium in just under 2 weeks times as both teams came through their respective semi`s.

Zenit showed in their 4-0 thrashing of Bayern Munich that they will be a serious match for any side who plays them in next seasons Champions League. The only down side of the night for them was the booking of striker Pogrebnyak who will now miss the final, but on last night`s performance they will go into the final as worthy favourites.

Rangers came through on penalties after 3 and a half hours of football against Fiorentina could not produce a goal, again Rangers used the game plan that has proved so successful in Europe this season, playing Darcheville as the lone striker and the man must run on Duracell batteries as he ran himself into the ground for his teams cause.

Fiorentina had plenty of chances to win the game but were wasteful in front of goal and Rangers defended stoically especially after the sending off of Cousin in extra time.

Weather Rangers game plan will work in the final is up for debate but at this stage i will be backing Zenit for the final, however i was on Fiorentina yesterday!

Poor old Ronaldo, back in Brazil recovering from his latest injury, it seems that the operation he had has had serious side effects on his eyesight!!!

He has been very publicly humiliation by his illicit liaison with three prostitutes who turned out to be men, we've been reminded that the worlds of football and sex are never very far apart. Just think of Gary Neville celebrating a winning goal against Liverpool. The hapless Ronaldo had dropped his girlfriend off at her house in Rio, where he is recovering from surgery, on Monday before picking up three prostitutes and taking them to a motel room, where he discovered - we can only imagine how - that they were not entirely of the female variety.

Looking at one of the 'ladyboys of the night', it seems hard to understand how poor Ronaldo could possibly have mistaken him for a her, particularly given how attractive most of the AC Milan striker's female companions tend to be. But of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder (how could could you explain the popularity of the chubby Brazilian star with the ladies?).

The UEFA Cup semi final 2