Wednesday, 31 December 2008

West Brom net Arsenals Simpson

West Brom have secured the signing of young Arsenal striker Jay Simpson on loan until the end of the season.
The Baggies have been desperate to sign a striker since losing Ishmael Miller to a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
Simpson is yet to play a league game for the Gunners despite scoring twice in the Carling Cup.
He said, "If I get chances to score I intend to take them. I'm going try my hardest and try to score as many goals as I can."
The youngster has also spent a spell on loan at League One club Millwall. He scored six goals in 41 appearances for the Lions, winning the League One player of the year.

Parkinson gets Charlton job

Charlton Athletic have today announced that caretaker boss Phil Parkinson is to take charge full-time at the Valley.
Parkinson has been in charge of the Addicks since Alan Pardew left on 22 November. He has seen his side pick up 3 points from a possible 24, and although Charlton are rooted to the bottom of the Championship, chairman Richard Murray believes Parkinson is the man to save the club from relegation.
He said, "The overwhelming feeling was that Phil was the best man to lead us and rescue us from our current plight."
"With 20 matches remaining this season, we were aware that time was an issue, particularly with the January transfer window opening on Thursday," added Murray.

Fuller Appologises for Griffin 'slap'

Ricardo Fuller has spoken for the first time since his bizarre sending off at Upton Park.
Fuller appeared to slap captain Andy Griffin after Carlton Cole netted West Ham's equaliser.
Stoke went on to lose the match to a deflected Carlton Cole shot.
Fuller now faces a spell on the sidelines.
He said, "It happened and that's all - I'm sorry for the fans especially as we didn't get the three points," said Fuller.
"I said to Griff 'clear the ball out' and he was rude and disrespectful. It's all done and dusted now."
Fuller will now miss Citys next three games.

Davies to take charge at Forrest

Representatives of former Derby County manager Billy Davies have confirmed he has agreed to become the manager of Nottigham Forrest.
Forrest have been without a manager since boxing day, when they sacked manager Colin Calderwood after a disappointing 4-2 defeat to fellow strugglers Doncaster.
Davies is seen as the ideal candidate to take the reigns at the City Ground, and could be in charge for Forrests FA cup tie with Manchester City on Saturday.
Forrest are rumoured to have approached Davies over a month ago, after poor results cast doubt over the future of former manager Colin Calderwood.

Doherty expects two new centre halves

Norwichs Gary Doherty expects boss Glen Roeder to sign two new centre halves to partner him in defence.
City were weak on Sunday and lost to a Nottingham Forrest side who two days earlier had sacked their manager and lost 4-2 to Doncaster.
He said, "We probably need two centre halfs at least. We're on our knees with centre halves at the moment, as i'm probably the only one who is an official one".
"I spoke to the gaffer this morning and he's said he's desperate to get someone in, hopefully two".
The question is, who is available for Norwich to sign, because Neil Doncaster has already made clear that there is no money to spend, so surely the linked names such as Alex Bruce and Elliot Ward are out of the picture.

Gorman becomes Magiltons number 2

Ipswich Town have appointed John Gorman as their new assistant manager.
Magilton has worked without an assistant since taking charge in 2006, but has appointed Gorman, who has previously worked at the club as a coach under George Burley.
Magilton has been under growing pressure at Portman Road after a series of poor results and losing to bitter rivals Norwich City in the East Anglian Derby.

Possible signings for championship clubs

With the transfer window about to open tommorow, i thought it would be appropriate to compile a list of players who i think will be available on loan,
1. Leroy Lita- Should the Striker not sign for Norwich, Lita would be a great signing for any Championship club, apart from, of course, Reading.
2. Andy Caroll - Newcastle have high hopes for the young striker, and i believe he would be available on a half season loan.
3. Ched Evans - Spent most of last season on loan at Norwich. May be difficult to persuade Mark Hughes to let the young prodigy leave Eastlands, but with Hughes possibley about to sign Jermaine Defoe, he may allow the youngster to get leave and get some invaluable first team experiences.
4. Jay Simpson - Arsene Wengers young guns certainly showed they are no pushovers when they beat Wigan 3-0 in the League Cup. Jay Simpson grabbed himself two goals that night and would be allowed to leave on loan.
5. Martin Taylor - Large Birmingham centre back who has been unsettled at St Andrews since the Eduardo incident.
6. David Edgar - Young Newcastle defender, would possibley be loaned out for the rest of the season to gain first team experience, despite scoring for Newcastle last weekend.
7. Michael Chopra - New Sunderland boss Ricky S'Bragia was reluctant to let Chopra extend his loan spell at Cardiff, he may however, be tempted should a fee be brought into the picture.
8. David Healy - Another Sunderland striker, this one however would more likely be allowed to make a switch to a championship side either on loan or permanently shhould the fee suit Sunderlands valuation.
9. Elliot Ward - Ward is a fan favourite at the Ricoh but Coventry are in trouble financially, and could be tempted to seel Ward should someone make a decent offer for the attacking minded centre half.
10. Darel Russell - Russell hasn't featured in Glen Roders plans recently so therefore could be available to buy.
11. Arturo Lupoi - Another player that seems surplus to repuirements at Norwich. Would be available to buy from parents club Torino.