Tottenham have confirmed that Gus Poyet will join the club as one of two first-team coaches. Poyet will leave his current post at Leeds United to work alongside Marcos Alvarez under the new head coach Juande Ramos.
Poyet, 39, has left Leeds with the club's best wishes after they agreed an undisclosed compensation package with Tottenham. Leeds granted Tottenham permission to speak to their assistant manager yesterday morning following an official approach for the Uruguayan.
"The club would like to thank Gus for his efforts over the past 12 months and wishes him every success in his new role," read a Leeds statement. "He leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected with the club."
Poyet arrived at Leeds in October 2006 as No2 to former Chelsea team-mate Dennis Wise. The pair had forged a managerial partnership the previous summer at Swindon where they had steered the club to the top of League Two.
Poyet, who retired as a player after three years at White Hart Lane in 2004, has been an integral part of Leeds' unbeaten start to the season as the Yorkshire club look to challenge for promotion despite being hit by a 15-point deduction for financial irregularities.
27 October 2007
Juande Ramos has admitted it was 'impossible' for him to turn down the opportunity of managing Tottenham.
The Spaniard quit as Sevilla coach on Friday night, paving the way for him to be named as Martin Jol's successor at White Hart Lane.
Ramos has been linked with a move to the Premier League club for much of the season after being pictured meeting with Spurs officials.
He told his personal website: "My heart will remain in Nervion (the area of Seville where the club's ground is located) but for my family and my profession it is impossible not to leave for London. To the red and white family of the Sanchez Pizjuan (Sevilla's stadium) I only say to you that I could go very far away but, Sevillista friend, I assure you, that nobody will ever be closer to you."
Ramos looks set to be working alongside former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet, whose future as Dennis Wise's assistant at Leeds was thrown into doubt on Friday.
Sevilla confirmed Ramos' departure on their official website in a statement which read: "Juande Ramos appeared on the third floor of the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan (stadium) to present a document in which he asked for his contract to be rescinded under clause 1006/85 at 22.35pm (local time). Ramos was accompanied by his physical trainer Marcos Alvarez, who presented the same document to the general director of the club, Jose Maria Cruz, in the presence of Ramon Rodriguez Monchi, the club's sporting director. The now ex-Sevilla coach declined the possibility of giving a press conference at the club's training facilities and has chosen his website www.juanderamos.com as a means of saying goodbye to Sevilla FC."
Ramos, who led Sevilla to two Uefa Cups during his time in charge, added on his website: "Sevilla FC is much bigger than a player or a manager. The greatness of the fans is something innate, it is impossible to comprehend this passion and devotion if you have not shared it with them, therefore I am convinced that the professional nature and honesty of all of the members of this club will take advantage of my farewell to straighten out the course of a season which has begun with doubts. I have just been a part of the machinery which works exceptionally and which will once again obtain the merit of victory this season. The professionals are extraordinary, the perspective is enormous. Sevilla FC will be much greater after I have left."
26 October 2007
Leeds United have denied that Tottenham have shown an interest in taking assistant manager Gus Poyet and have warned the Premier League club off making any approach in the future.
Poyet, who made nearly 100 appearances for Spurs between 2001 and 2004, has been linked with a role in a new-look setup at White Hart Lane following the sacking of manager Martin Jol on Thursday night.
It has been speculated that Poyet could work as assistant to Juande Ramos should the club be successful in their attempts to lure the Sevilla boss – a man they first targeted back in August when Spurs' season started in poor fashion.
However, Leeds are keen to ensure that Poyet continues his fine work alongside manager Dennis Wise as the Yorkshire club are currently unbeaten in League One with 10 wins from their first 12 games.
'Despite the widespread speculation that emerged last night linking Gus Poyet with a potential role at Tottenham Hotspur within a new management team following the departure of Martin Jol, Leeds United can officially confirm that we have neither received an approach from Tottenham for Poyet nor a request from him to be released from his contract with Leeds,' read a statement from chief executive Shaun Harvey.
'Any approach from Tottenham for our assistant manager would not be welcome. The most important matter for everyone at Leeds United is Saturday's fixture against Millwall where we will be looking to extend our unbeaten start to the league season. The club will not be making any further comment at this time.'
26 October 2007
Sam Allardyce is considering giving Joey Barton his first start for Newcastle in Saturday's Barclays Premier League game with Reading at the Madjeski Stadium.
Barton finally pulled on the black and white shirt for the first time when he came on as a substitute in Monday's victory over Tottenham after suffering a metatarsal injury in the close season.
He received a tremendous ovation from the fans at St James' Park and Allardyce believes he has a lot to offer.
Allardyce said: "One of the things about midfield today is the all-round ability to do a bit of everything that is needed to be the complete midfield player. I think that Joey has a little bit of everything in his make-up to be a highly competitive midfield player in hopefully what is going to be a top-class Premier League football club in the future. His energy levels are fantastic. He achieves a huge amount of output both in and out of possession. He can tackle - although he can be erratic at times - he can head a ball, he can certainly pass the ball and to boot he also scores goals. I think he's got the lot and hopefully if he gets the opportunity to put the Newcastle shirt on from the start he keeps it. In fact I hope soon that every Newcastle player who has the shirt is looking over his shoulder and knowing if they do not perform to their best they will have that shirt taken off them."
Barton's fitness, the return from suspension of Alan Smith and the fact that James Milner came off the bench to score a stunner against Spurs give Allardyce plenty to ponder in midfield.
He said: "I have not made my mind up whether Joey Barton will start against Reading or not. In fact I haven't made my mind up on the team yet."
Smith can play in either midfield or up front and, in the continued absence of Mark Viduka, the former Leeds and Manchester United man provides an alternative option to the Michael Owen-Obafemi Martins strike partnership.
26 October 2007
Juande Ramos is firm favourite to succeed Martin Jol at White Hart Lane.
The Tottenham board ended Jol's reign on Thursday - before the Uefa Cup defeat to Getafe.
Spurs now look set to turn to Ramos - who they unsuccessfully attempted to lure earlier this season - in a move which unsettled Jol and one which he never seemed to recover from.
Uefa Cup holders Sevilla are desperate to keep Ramos, until next summer at least, but reports in Spain claim that a deal with Spurs is close to being agreed after talks began on Thursday.
It is also reported that former Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet, currently assistant to Dennis Wise at Leeds, will be brought in to work alongside Ramos.
Former Spurs idol Jurgen Klinsmann is also being suggested as a possible contender, but Ramos is very much seemingly the man being targeted by the North London club.
26 October 2007
Tottenham confirmed after Thursday's 2-1 UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe at White Hart Lane that manager Martin Jol and first-team coach Chris Hughton had been sacked.
Development coach Clive Allen and youth team manager Alex Inglethorpe have been placed in caretaker charge, but reports suggest current Sevilla coach Juande Ramos will eventually succeed Jol.
Chairman Daniel Levy told the club's official website: "For me, Martin and Chris' departure is regrettable. Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favour and for there to be no need for change. We feel honoured that Martin has been manager at our club, having seen us qualify twice for Europe. Chris has been with us since 1977, bar a three-year period, both as player and coach and he has been an excellent ambassador for the club. They have been professional, popular and respected members of the coaching staff and there will always be a warm welcome for them both at the Lane."
Jol added: "I can understand the position of the club in light of the results. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham Hotspur is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players. For me the fans were always amazing with their support so I would also like to say thank you - I shall never forget them."
Jol had been under pressure since August and his expensively-assembled side is currently in the Premier League's bottom three after winning only one game so far this season - against Derby County.
Speculation about Jol's future intensified earlier this season when members of the Spurs board allegedly travelled to Seville to speak to Ramos.
Gus Poyet, the former Tottenham and Chelsea midfield player who is currently at Leeds United, is believed to have been approached to become the assistant manager.
Jol replaced Jacques Santini as manager at White Hart Lane in November 2004 and guided the club to successive fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League and to the quarter-finals of last season's UEFA Cup.
19 October 2007
New loan signing Phil Bardsley will make his debut for Sheffield United in Saturday's Championship clash at home to Preston.
The 22-year-old Manchester United defender completed his switch for an initial three months and will start at full-back for the Blades at Bramall Lane.
But manager Bryan Robson has doubts over midfielder Lee Hendrie and defender Gary Naysmith, who are hoping to shake off knocks.
Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie is another player struggling to shake off a minor niggle, but he is expected to make the squad.
Defender Derek Geary remains a long-term absentee following knee surgery and although Rob Hulse returned to action for the reserves this week, the former Leeds striker is at least a month away from first-team action.
Midfielder Nick Montgomery (pleurisy) looks almost certain to miss out.
Preston midfielder Paul McKenna is in contention to make his first appearance for eight months.
McKenna has not played for the first team since February because of a groin injury, but proved his return to fitness by coming though 90 minutes of a reserve game unscathed last week.
But goalkeeper Wayne Henderson is expected to be out for three months after undergoing surgery on his back, meaning Andy Lonergan will continue between the sticks.
Back-up stopper Chris Neal is fit to take his place on the bench after recovering from conjunctivitis.
Defender Matt Hill is also fit again after missing the defeat to Ipswich with a hamstring injury, while Callum Davidson twisted a knee
in that game, but should be okay to face the Blades.
Striker Neil Mellor meanwhile strengthened his claims for a starting place by bagging a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek.
16 October 2007
Ex-Leeds United and Sunderland hitman Michael Bridges has agreed to move to Sydney FC.
The 29 year-old Hull City striker was due to join former club Carlisle United but changed his mind after talking to Sunderland's Sydney old boy Dwight Yorke.
"I've spoken to Dwight Yorke about life there and he said I won't want to come back after sampling the lifestyle," Bridges told the UK's Sunderland Echo.
"I was all set to rejoin Carlisle, but the manager said he needed to take a closer look at the players already there before making his mind up. With Sydney waiting for an answer, I couldn't afford to wait."
According to reports, Bridges will spend six-months with the 2006 A-League champions.
"This is a big adventure and playing with someone like Juninho will be fantastic. My wife Kate and the twins will join me in Sydney in a few weeks and we're looking forward to spending Christmas on the beach!"
Bridges still wants to play in England again however."I plan to come back. English football hasn't seen the last of me," he said.
16 October 2007
Sam Allardyce last night admitted that Damien Duff's current foot injury had been serious enough to jeopardise the Newcastle midfielder's career.
But with the Republic of Ireland international now just two months away from a first-team return, the Magpies manager is looking forward to working with a player he regards as one of the finest wingers in the Premier League.
Duff, who has been sidelined since he broke his foot in April's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth, has struggled to make an impact since completing a £5m move from Chelsea in July 2006.
He arrived at St James' Park with a reputation as one of English football's most exciting performers, but scored just one goal in his first 33 games as he failed to find his feet on Tyneside.
Things got even worse when he collapsed in a heap at Fratton Park, and there were times when Newcastle's medical staff feared the severity of his foot problem would prevent him making a full recovery.
Thankfully, Duff's rehabilitation has proved successful, and with the Magpies' midfield having lacked a creative spark for the majority of the campaign, Allardyce is eagerly awaiting his return to the first-team picture.
"Damien has been working extremely hard, but the injury he had was a career-threatening one," said the Newcastle boss.
"It was a really nasty injury and a very serious one. It has been a long and difficult recovery for him, but he is desperate to get back. He had a frustrating time last season with injury even before he broke his foot, and he wants to show people the real Damien Duff. There are not many better wide players in the Premier League than Damien and it's up to us to get him back to the level he was at a couple of years ago. If Damien Duff is playing to his full potential, he would be an asset to any club in the Premier League. He was a wonderful player at Blackburn and Chelsea, and he wants to show people what he is capable of at Newcastle."
While he is currently building up his fitness with some light running, Duff is yet to resume full training with the rest of the Newcastle squad.
He is expected to join in group training within the next two weeks but, given the complexity of his foot injury, a first-team return could be postponed until the turn of the year.
"We couldn't have asked any more from him in terms of the work he has put in during his rehabilitation," Allardyce added.
"But, having worked so hard for so long to make sure he can play football again, we don't want to waste all that good work by rushing him into things too quickly. We hope that Damien will be able to join in with group training later this month, but in terms of him playing competitive football in the Premier League, we're going to have to be patient. It might not be until the end of the year. We know Damien will add something to our side when he is available, but we have to make sure he is fit enough to do that."
Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has been sent home from the England Under-19 squad after a breach of discipline.
Carroll, who is currently on loan at Championship club Preston, broke a curfew after Friday night's European Championships qualifier with Iceland and was instructed to leave the squad's training base in Leeds along with Chelsea duo Scott Sinclair and Ryan Bertrand.
12 October 2007
Harry Kewell is expected to return to full training at Liverpool next week.
The Australia midfielder has not kicked a ball for the Anfield club this season after picking up a groin injury while playing for his country in the Asian Cup in the summer.
It was the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the former Leeds player, but manager Rafael Benitez is now hoping Kewell can prove his fitness and press for a place in the first team squad.
Benitez told Liverpool's official website: "Harry has been working really hard with the physios and next week he could be training or running with the rest of the first team. Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always going to be important."
This could well be the last chance Kewell gets to extend his stay at Liverpool. Several teams were interested in his services during the summer, but Benitez wanted to give the former Leeds winger every chance to prove his value to the club.
But if Kewell fails to establish himself in the squad this time, he is likely to be surplus to requirements at the end of the season.
Despite heavy spending on bringing new wide midfielders to the club in Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun, Benitez insists Kewell still has a role to play at Anfield.
He said: "It's clear he's someone with great quality and experience and we need these kind of players for the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed that Fernando Torres does not aggravate an ankle injury when he plays for Spain this weekend.
The Liverpool striker was restricted to just a light training session with his international team-mates earlier in the week, but he is expected to figure in Spain's crucial clash with Denmark on Saturday.
Benitez, who wants the player fit for his first Mersey derby at Everton on Saturday week, added: "It is a risk but I know he wants to play because they have such an important game for Spain."
