Football News: Review Of The Day 16th November 2019

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Review of the Day

Transfers

Injured former Everton youngster Jose Baxter has been released by Plymouth Argyle. The 27 year old had a short term injury and so the south coast club agreed a deal to pay it up early.

Fishy People No Longer Jolley

Grimsby Town have sacked manager Michael Jolley after 7 games without a win. Jolley had worked as an investment banker before moving into coaching and the 42 year old got his first chance in management with Swedish top-flight side Eskilstuna in June 2017. He was unable to rescue the club from relegation and left, taking over in March 2018 at Blundell Park. He leaves the Mariners with them in 18th in League Two, six points ahead of bottom placed Morecambe.

Silkmen Saga Goes On

The players at Macclesfield Town have refused to train and have announced that they will not play on Saturday, in their League Two fixture against Mansfield Town, if they are not paid by Friday evening. The players went on strike last week over their unpaid salaries and it was reported that Macclesfield had begun to pay players and staff this week, but it is believed only a small number were paid. On top of all the other financial problems at the club, Cheshire Police have revealed that a financial matter at the club has been reported to them, separate from the EFL misconduct charge the club is facing already and winding up order HMRC have placed on the club.

Championship Clubs Fined

Both Cardiff City and Birmingham City have been fined by the Football Association for a brawl between their players. The two Championship clubs admitted failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and Birmingham were fined £7,500, Cardiff £5,000. An appeal against Birmingham defender Harlee Dean's red card, the incident which sparked off the melee, has been rejected by the FA.

Etuhu Sentence To Be Appealed

Both the prosecution and the defence are set to appeal Dickson Etuhu's sentence for attempted match-fixing. The former Nigerian international's lawyers had immediately said they would appeal but now the prosecution are unhappy with the sentence. Prosecutor Johan Lindmark said: "I think it is important that the case is tried in a higher instance. There are important questions, we need to look at the seriousness of the crime, and the punishment. The Supreme Court has to decide how seriously to look at match fixing."

Killie Appoint Fowler

Kilmarnock have appointed their former midfielder James Fowler as head of football operations. Fowler had been working with Jack Ross at Sunderland, having previously assisted him at St Mirren. Killie director Billy Bowie said: "We're delighted to welcome James back to Killie. James's experience for the role is second to none and we're all looking forward to working with him going forward."

Hibs Turn To Ross

Former Sunderland manager Jack Ross has not had to wait long to get a new job. The 43 year old has been appointed as Hibernian's new head coach on a 3 and a half year deal. Ross, who has also managed Alloa and St Mirren, was sacked by the Mackems in October and replaces Paul Heckingbottom who was sacked on 4th November. Ross said: "I think we all consider Hibernian to be one of the leading clubs in Scottish football - in terms of the history and passion of the supporters. It's up to all of us to help the squad live up to that. We have some talented players, underpinned by a successful academy, and I'll do everything I can to make sure we're able to help every player fulfil his potential."

Speeding Benteke Banned

A man known for doing very little moving on the pitch has been banned from driving after repeatedly being caught driving at more than twice the speed limit. Crystal Palace's lamppost, er I mean striker, Christian Benteke was puilled over twice while driving his Bentley at more than 80 mph in London. Benteke was clocked driving 80mph in a 50mph zone, then caught at 89mph in a 40mph stretch of the same road a couple of months later. The Belgian was also caught doing 64mph in a 30mph zone a couple of months after that and has been caught previously driving at very high speeds according to the magistrates. Benteke, who already had 9 points on his license, was awarded 3 more points for each of the offences and ordered to pay £2,780 in fines, coasts and surcharges. If only he showed such pace on the football pitch these days he might be able to hold down a place in the Palace team and score some goals.

Lippi Quits China - Again

Italian legend Marcello Lippi has resigned as China manager for the second time this year after Syria beat his team 2-1 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in Dubai. Lippi quit in January after China exited the Asian Cup but was reappointed in May. Lippi led Italy to the 2006 World Cup triumph and said: "I was well paid and I take the full responsibility. I am now announcing my resignation and I will be no longer be the coach of Team China."

Court Blocks La Liga's USA Game Plan

La Liga's attempt to play a Spanish league game in the USA has once more been blocked. A Spanish court has decided not to grant "interim measures" which would allow the game between Villareal and Atletico Madrid to have been played on 6th December in Miami. The Spanish league said: "La Liga respects this decision, which does not prejudge the substance of the matter, which will be permanently settled in February 2020. We hope that from February forth La Liga will be able to organise an official match beyond Spanish borders."

Sterling Unhappy With England Fans Booing Gomez

Raheem Sterling has criticised those England fans who booed Joe Gomez when he was brought on as a substitute for England during the 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Montenegro at Wembley. Manchester City forward Sterling and Liverpool defender Gomez had a set-to in training as the aftermath of Liverpool's 3-1 Premier League victory over their Mancunian rivals left some ill-feeling. Sterling was excluded for the match and was seen to be applauding Gomez as the defender came on to jeers from the crowd. Sterling said: "It was hard for me to see my team-mate get booed for something that was my fault. Joe hasn't done anything wrong and for me to see someone who keeps his head down and works hard, especially after a difficult week for him, to be booed when he came on tonight was wrong. I've taken full responsibility and accepted the consequence." England head coach Gareth Southgate, whose terrible handling of the matter has been largely responsible for the reaction, said: "I am hugely disappointed for Joe. Joe had done nothing wrong and no England player should be booed like that when they are wearing the shirt. All the players are particularly disappointed with that."

City Fail In Attempt To Block Investigation

Manchester City's bid to have UEFA's investigation into their finances over a potential breach of Financial Fair Play rules has failed. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that their appeal was "inadmissible" as they have not been handed any punishment.

MLS Side Appoint Schuster

Vancouver Whitecaps have appointed Axel Schuster as the club's new sporting director. Schuster was senior director of professional football at Schalke 04 until June and before that he was head of football operations at FSV Mainz 05. Whitecaps owner Jeff Mallett said: "We worked with a leading global sports recruitment firm, conducted an extensive search, interviewed numerous highly-qualified candidates, and hired our top choice in Axel. Axel brings great vision and a wealth of knowledge and passion. His addition is a monumental step forward for our club. Axel will lead vice-president of soccer operations Greg Anderson, head coach Marc Dos Santos, and the entire technical team towards a clear objective. Everyone is committed to bringing our club to the next level."

Kean's Dad Tells Him To Leave England

Everton's summer coup Moise Kean is not seeming such a good deal for the Toffees at the moment, as the teenage striker has struggled to make an impression in English football. Now his father has criticised the move and said he should move back to Italy saying: "Sending my son to England was a mistake because he's still a young boy, he's not feeling good at Everton, I didn't like this transfer. I hope he can get back to Italy right away. I hope Roma are interested, the important thing is that he comes back here. At Everton where he plays today, he is not doing well; he had to wait a few years and then try an experience abroad. If there is a possibility of sending him back to Italy, I hope he can come back, so as not to ruin him. I did not understand why Juventus sold him; I think it was only for economic reasons. I heard that Sarri didn't want him after Allegri instead valued him. If my son were to tell me that Rome is interested in him, I would give my blessing to this move. I send a message to my son Moise: listen to me well, I am your biological father, return to Italy to play, you will become a great soccer player, come and play in Rome, alongside your dear friend Nicolò Zaniolo. Don't think about money, but your career."

Written by Tris Burke November 15 2019 21:25:11