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Review of the day
Pick up and drop off service
Notts County have paid what they say is a “significant undisclosed fee” for striker Christian Dennis from Chesterfield. They have also signed free agent Andy Kellett on loan from Wigan Athletic, who also played for the Spireites last season.
Rochdale have completed the signing of midfielder Stephen Dooley from Northern Ireland Premier League club Coleraine.
Cheltenham Town captaincy lost to local rivals Forest Green Rovers. Midfielder Carl Winchester, 25, has agreed a two-year move to the Vegan Club on a free transfer.
Will Wood has signed for Accrington Stanley after being released from Southampton.
Midfielder Josh Wright has left Southend United on a free transfer to join Bradford City on a two-year deal.
Despite losing their manager, Livingston, new to the Scottish Premiership, have signed Steven Saunders from Wales’ New Saints.
Getafe have been busy, releasing former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini while also bringing in five players. Jaime Mata joined on a free from Real Valladolid, while Leandro Chichizola also signed on a free, this time from Las Palmas. Their other free agent is Markel Vergala from Real Sociedad. Vitorino Antunes of Ukraine’s Dynamo Kyiv and Mauro Arambari of Uruguay’s Boston River have also signed.
Roma have completed the signing of Spanish defender Ivan Marcano from Porto on a free transfer.
Celtic youngster Sam Wardorp has moved to Dundee United. The Celtic Academy product has agreed a two-year deal.
Southampton are set to release Jeremy Peede when his contract expires next month. Injuries have limited his opportunities since joining in 2016. Romanian centre-back Florin Galdos is also set to leave Saints.
Thistle appoints new CEO
Former Partick Thistle player and coach Gerry Britton will take up his fifth role at the club after being appointed as the new chief executive. Brittain replaces Ian Maxwell who left the Scottish Football Association to take up the same role. Britton told the club’s website: “Patick Thistle has meant so much to me and played a major part in my life as a player, coach, assistant manager, head coach and academy director. To say I am delighted to take over as the new chief executive would be an understatement. “I have always been proud to be part of this club and, even in these testing times, there is no place I would rather be than the Phils.
hopkin leaves levi
After guiding Livingston to successive promotions from League One to the SPFL, David Hopkin has decided to leave the club despite being offered a new contract. The 47-year-old is now considering his options. Hopkins said: “After three and a half wonderful seasons at Livingston FC, after much consideration, I feel that now is the time for me to seek a new challenge in football. The players are improving every season and they are open to new information and believe in my football philosophy. It is very satisfying when I see the players continue to improve and instill the winning mentality that I have always had as a player and coach.
Xhaka suffers injury scare
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka fears his World Cup may be over before kick-off after a clash with teammates in training resulted in a suspected knee ligament injury. The Arsenal player was taken to hospital and was said to be “very relieved” after tests revealed he had only sustained bruising and was fit for the World Cup. However, he will miss Sunday’s friendly against Spain.
Ramsey gets new contract
Wales international Aaron Ramsey has signed a new contract with Arsenal. The Gunners midfielder has just one year left on his current deal and the club are keen to keep him at the club long-term.
Guerrero gets World Cup reprieve
Peru’s talismanic captain Paulo Guerrero has been cleared to play at the World Cup, although he is currently suspended for failing a drugs test. A Swiss court temporarily lifted his 14-month ban while it considers his appeal. This is the first time Peru has participated in the World Cup since 1982.
Lampard gets Derby County job
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard began his coaching career at Championship side Derby County. The 39-year-old replaces Gary Rowett, who left to take over at Stoke City. Lampard said: “Last week went by very quickly and was a bit of a whirlwind. Last year the club sold itself to me and the players were very close to promotion. I had a good year in the media. It was great because I had one foot in and one foot out and I needed to do that after games. But the appeal of management has always been strong for me and it was only a matter of time before I found the right opportunity. It felt good and the rest of my resume I didn’t work on.”
Grob backs Karius
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar has offered his support to current goalkeeper Loris Karius after his mistake handed the Champions League to Real Madrid. Grobbelaar told the BBC: “They gave me a second chance for two years, so why can’t they give him a second chance after one game? They should put him in the spotlight from next season. First game back, get him back as soon as possible.”
Silva finally announced as Everton manager
After more than six months of waiting, Everton have finally announced the appointment of Marco Silva as head coach. The Toffees tried to bring him in from Watford after Ronald Koeman was sacked, but a messy public feud with Wasps led to them turning to Sam Allardyce. They finally found their man of choice when Allardyce was sacked at the end of the season. Silva said: “I know what our fans expect – they expect results, but not just results. I want our fans to feel proud when they see our team on the pitch. We want to create a good connection between the team and the fans and I believe that with the attitude and commitment we demand, our style of play will deliver that. “Everton are a very ambitious club and that’s what I want. What we’re seeing now is what I want from the club. Good change.
Chelsea postpone stadium plans
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has recently been struggling to renew his UK visa due to tensions between the UK and Russia. This sparked a reaction and his football club Chelsea have now shelved plans for a £1bn stadium. Chelsea’s statement read: “No further pre-construction design and planning work will be carried out. The club has not set a timetable for reconsidering its decision.” It also cited the “current unfavorable investment climate” as the reason for the delay.
Whistleblower claims Russia World Cup players are drug cheats
Grigory Rodchenkov, who fled to the United States in 2016 and exposed the full extent of Russia’s doping program, claimed that a footballer named to Russia’s World Cup squad was among a list of 34 players he helped cover up positive drug tests. Last week, FIFA announced it had closed a doping investigation into Russian football players due to insufficient evidence.
Madrid shocked after Zidane exits
Real Madrid have been rocked by the news that coach Zinedine Zidane has resigned just days after guiding the club to a third successive Champions League title. Zidane said: “I love this club. I think this team needs to keep winning, but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another approach. This is the right moment for everyone involved – for me, for the team, for the club.”
Hammers announces new airline partners
West Ham United have announced a partnership agreement with an airline called EVA Air. EVA Air is an independent (of what?) Taiwanese airline that offers daily flights to and from London. EVA Air President Clay Sun said: “EVA Air is a proud supporter of sports and we are delighted to partner with West Ham United. Over the years, we have actively supported and sponsored sports such as golf, tennis, badminton and baseball, and our partnership with the Premier League football club further extends this cooperation to our route network.”
Written by Tris Burke June 1, 2018 06:33:33