Wednesday's B*l**x
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:59 amTHE BOLLOX
Manchester City now England's worst in Champions League, even beating Blackburn's European disaster. Roberto Mancini claims Manchester City have no need to feel embarassed by their Champions League elimination. But the Italian has now presided over the worst performance by an English club in Europe's elite competition after finishing with just three points. ... hurrah for us ... kinda makes you feel the 'old' City are still about
Roberto Mancini not embarrassed by Man City's European exit
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he is not embarrassed by his side's European campaign.
City were already out of the Champions League before Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund, but a win would have booked a Europa League spot.
Their tally of three points is the lowest ever from an English side in the group stage of the competition.
"It can be embarrassing if you don't play at 100%. But when you do play 100%, you can lose," said Mancini.
Man City crash out with new low
Manchester City's tally of three points from their six group games replaces Blackburn's record in 1995-96 as the worst by an English team in the Champions League.
Rovers finished bottom of a group containing Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw and Rosenborg on four points, with their only victory coming in their final game against Rosenborg when Mike Newell scored a nine-minute hat-trick.
Blackburn previously held the record for the lowest points accumulated by an English side with their four points in 1995.
The Lancashire side managed one victory in their six games but City could not.
It is the second-successive year that Mancini's side have gone out at the group stage of the competition.
Last season they finished third in a group featuring Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal with a much more respectable 10 points that gave them Europa League qualification.
Defeat at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday meant Mancini's side finished bottom of Group D this season with only three points and no wins from their six group games.
A victory would have seen them finish third again, above Ajax, put them in the Europa League and boosted their co-efficient - statistics used for ranking - crucial for their seeding in European competition next season.
But it would also have meant a tiring Thursday-Sunday cycle of up to nine matches were they to have reached this year's Europa League final in Amsterdam.
Despite admitting he wanted to reach Europe's second-tier competition, Mancini believes not qualifying will help them in their bid to retain the Premier League title.
"Clearly this can help us win the Premier League because we don't play in the Europa League," Mancini said.
"But getting into it was our target. We wanted to win.
Mancini's sides in Champions League
•2003-4: Lazio. Out at group stage. Lost home and away to Chelsea
•2004-05: Inter Milan. Beaten in quarter-finals by local rivals AC Milan
•2005-06: Lost on away goals to Villarreal. Quarter-finals
•2006-07 Beaten on away goals by Valencia in last 16
•2007-08 Knocked out by Liverpool. Last 16
•2011-12 Manchester City. Third in group which included eventual finalists Bayern Munich. Group stage
•2012-13. Fourth in group which included Real Madrid. Group stage
"At the moment we cannot think about this. We are not in the Europa League and for this we should be disappointed.
"Last season we did better. This year we had a very difficult group and if you make a mistake in the first two or three games it is very difficult."
Mancini himself has struggled as a manager in Europe's elite competition and has never got past the quarter-final stage having reached the last eight with Inter Milan twice.
However, the Italian remains confident his side will improve on their showing next season - assuming they qualify - and looks to Dortmund as an example of how progress can be made.
"The Champions League can be strange. Last year Borussia Dortmund went out in the first group and were fourth in that group," he said. "This year, for me, they are probably a team that can win the Champions League."
For now, though, the Premier League is City's focus, starting with Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with neighbours Manchester United.
"Tonight we lost the chance to qualify for the Europa League," Mancini continued. "But I think that after that, it is important that we only think about the derby.
"We have five days to recover our strength, and then I don't think there will be a problem."
AC Milan consider Balotelli bid ... Zzzzzzz
AC Milan have added to speculation they are preparing a January bid for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
The former Inter Milan player's future is uncertain in England after starting just one of his club's last eight matches in all competitions, including only making a substitute appearance in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund
City boss Roberto Mancini has been a long-term fan of Balotelli but it appears his trust in the £24million summer 2010 signing is slipping after several negative headline-grabbing incidents.
And Milan could be ready to offer the Italy international a return to his homeland with a bid when the transfer window opens in less than a month.
Speaking before Milan's Champions League defeat by Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night, boss Massimiliano Allegri said of Balotelli: "He is an important player with extraordinary physical and technical qualities.
"I believe, however, given his qualities, he threw away a few years of his career."
Allegri has also hinted current Milan star Stephan El Shaarawy and Balotelli would make a lethal attacking combination for the club.
"I think they have done good things with the Italian national team," said Allegri. "But I want to talk about AC Milan and the players I have. Then, in January, we will see what happens."
Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has also suggested a move for Balotelli is not just a fantasy after giving a teasing response when asked about the 22-year-old.
Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia when questioned if Balotelli is a dream: "No, it's not a dream. I never dream."
THE DAILY CUNT (FOR CUNTS TOO CUNTY TO BE CUNTS)
At least we don't have to play on Thursdays! Mancini sees positives after Euro exit ahead of Manchester derby
Roberto Mancini is relieved Manchester City won't have to play on Thursdays and insisted the Premier League champions' European failure will not harm his squad's morale ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table derby against rivals United.
City must quickly regroup after their dismal Champions League campaign came to a suitably sorry end against Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Schieber scored the only goal at the Westfalenstadion as City slumped to a loss that left them bottom of Group D and without even the consolation of a place in the Europa League.
Mancini's men now have until Sunday to get the disappointment out of their system before facing rivals United in an eagerly-anticipated Barclays Premier League clash.
Mancini said: 'I don't think there will be a problem with morale.
'We didn't lose the Champions League tonight - it's clear that tonight we lost the chance to qualify for the Europa League.
'But I think that after that, it is important that we only think about the derby.
'We have five days to recover our strength, and then I don't think there will be a problem.'
City already knew they could not reach the knockout stages and there was a feeling their Premier League title defence would be better served by being out of Europe altogether.
Mancini disputed that in the build-up but admitted there could now be benefits.
He said: 'It could be a good thing because we won't be playing on Thursdays.
'But we are playing against a team like United, that is used to playing every week in the Champions league and the Premier League.
'It depends on us now, I think.'
City were unable to find a way through an obstinate German side for whom, having already secured top spot in the group, there was no urgency.
In what proved a slow-paced affair, Edin Dzeko twice forced Roman Weidenfeller to save while Carlos Tevez worked hard but Dortmund were the greater threat, especially in the second half.
Joe Hart saved well from Ivan Perisic and brilliantly from Kevin Grosskreutz before Schieber turned in a Jakub Blaszczykowski cross in the 57th minute.
City could not recover, although Tevez and Sergio Aguero shot straight at Weidenfeller.
It was their third away defeat in the competition and their meagre final haul of three points is the worst by an English side, lower than Blackburn's four points in 1995.
Mancini claimed he was not embarrassed by the situation.
He said: 'It can be embarrassing if, when you play, you don't play at 100 per cent.
'But when you do play 100 per cent, you can lose.
'We wanted to try to get in the Europa League because that would have been another competition for us to try to win.'
If reports coming out of Man City regarding their interest in Barca's brightest young talent are to be believed, then the Premier League champions will have a real gem on their hands. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more on Gerard Deulofeu, the pearl of Barca's B team.
Name: Gerard Deulofeu i Lazaro
Date of birth: 13 March 1994
Birthplace: Riudarenes, Catalonia, Spain
Position: Winger
Club: Barcelona
International appearances: Capped at Spain U19 and U21 level
Honours: European U19 Championship (x2)
What's the latest?
Gerard Deulofeu became something of a cult hero among Barcelona supporters last season, after the winger terrified defenders in his breakthrough year for Barca B, finishing as his team's top scorer. The Catalan followed that up with a starring role in Spain's U19 European Championship win in Estonia in July 2012, notching up three goals and three assists in the tournament. Despite this, Barca boss Tito Vilanova insisted Deulofeu stay with the B team for another season, and though he has made sporadic appearances with the senior side, the manager has insinuated in recent press conferences that he has reservations over the youngster's attitude. However, his eight goals in 11 Second Division appearances this season have been enough to spark interest from England and reports claim Man City are ready to try and tempt the winger by offering to double his current salary.
Did you know?
1) Gerard Deulofeu has spent his entire career at Barcelona, arriving at the Catalan club aged nine.
2) Since joining the club's academy in 2003, Deulofeu has been promoted every year until he became a member of the Barca B team in 2011. This year proved to be the exception to the rule, with Vilanova deciding that Deulofeu should instead stay with the B team for a further year, albeit with the opportunity to make sporadic appearances for the senior side and is likely to feature against Benfica in the Champions League.
3) The winger was part of Barcelona's treble-winning Juvenil A (youth) team in 2011, claiming the Copa del Rey, Champions Cup and league title.
4) In keeping with his rapid progression at youth level, Deulofeu made his Barcelona first team debut on October 2011 against Mallorca, and has made four appearances with the senior side in all competitions to date. Only one of those appearances has been in La Liga, however. He recently made a cameo appearance in a Copa del Rey tie against third division side Alaves, despite calls for him to start the game.
5) Deulofeu won back-to-back European U19 Championships with Spain in 2011 and 2012, winning a place in the Team of the Tournament in the 2012 edition. He made his Spain U21 debut in 2012, and has registered two goals in four appearances with the side this year.
What is being said?
They say:
"Deulofeu had a great season last year, and this year too. He's a great player, but he has to improve some things to play with the first team. He's spectacular, but football is much more than producing two moments of flair in a game. Just because in recent years a lot of youngsters have succeeded [here] doesn't mean anyone can get to the first team. In order for another new player to come in you always have to find room for him, and Deulofeu has a lot of talent, but we have to continue demanding improvement from him.”
- Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova on Deulofeu
“He's already demonstrating his ability, but he has to continue on the right path, have both feet on the ground and work hard, with humility.”
- Barca keeper Jose Manuel Pinto on Deulofeu
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Pepe Reina's future at Liverpool is under threat, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering January moves for Birmingham's England goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19, or German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler, 23.
Swansea striker Michu, 26, is a target for Napoli and Genoa after his fine start to the season. Daily Mirror
Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, 27, has paved the way for a move to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool next year by confirming he will leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in the summer. Metro
Chelsea and Liverpool have begun talks over the £15m transfer of Blues striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, who is keen to move to Anfield. London's Evening Standard
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly cooled his interest in Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, 28, which could leave Manchester City free to sign the Netherlands international. Daily Star
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 33, will demand a transfer from Blackburn if Tottenham's Brad Friedel, 41, returns to Ewood Park. Sun
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich will have FC Cluj winger Modou Sougou, 27, watched at Manchester United on Wednesday. DSSC
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is plotting a £5m bid for Southampton midfielder and captain Adam Lallana, 24. Daily Mirror
Brazilian Serie A outfit Sao Paulo are weighing up a January move for out-of-favour Arsenal defender Andre Santos, 29. Metro
West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has laughed off reports of a possible January move from Liverpool for striker and leading scorer Shane Long, 25. Express and Star
Arsenal and Chelsea could be forced to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's midfielder Marco Verratti, 20, after Juventus emerged as serious contenders to sign him. talkShit
Brighton are ready to strike a deal for Matt Sparrow, 31, to rejoin Scunthorpe United in January. The Argus
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho could be the man to succeed him at Old Trafford. Manchester Evening News
Stoke owner Peter Coates believes manager Tony Pulis could be the best defensive coach in the country as his side home in on a clean-sheet record. This is Staffordshire
Norwich chief executive David McNally has pledged to press ahead with plans to develop the next generation of young Canaries after the club's academy was officially granted category one status. Eastern Daily Press
David Beckham has been earmarked as the prospective owner of an emerging Miami-based MLS franchise. dssc
FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer has become a laughing stock among his team-mates after buying his girlfriend a £22,000 pet horse - only to find out she can't keep it as she lives in a block of flats. Metro
QPR players have decided not to hold a Christmas party this year because of their position at the foot of the Premier League table. A club spokesman said: "We won't be holding a Christmas party this year" and when asked why this was the case, added: "Have you seen the league table?" Daily Telegraph
Manchester City now England's worst in Champions League, even beating Blackburn's European disaster. Roberto Mancini claims Manchester City have no need to feel embarassed by their Champions League elimination. But the Italian has now presided over the worst performance by an English club in Europe's elite competition after finishing with just three points. ... hurrah for us ... kinda makes you feel the 'old' City are still about
Roberto Mancini not embarrassed by Man City's European exit
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he is not embarrassed by his side's European campaign.
City were already out of the Champions League before Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund, but a win would have booked a Europa League spot.
Their tally of three points is the lowest ever from an English side in the group stage of the competition.
"It can be embarrassing if you don't play at 100%. But when you do play 100%, you can lose," said Mancini.
Man City crash out with new low
Manchester City's tally of three points from their six group games replaces Blackburn's record in 1995-96 as the worst by an English team in the Champions League.
Rovers finished bottom of a group containing Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw and Rosenborg on four points, with their only victory coming in their final game against Rosenborg when Mike Newell scored a nine-minute hat-trick.
Blackburn previously held the record for the lowest points accumulated by an English side with their four points in 1995.
The Lancashire side managed one victory in their six games but City could not.
It is the second-successive year that Mancini's side have gone out at the group stage of the competition.
Last season they finished third in a group featuring Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal with a much more respectable 10 points that gave them Europa League qualification.
Defeat at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday meant Mancini's side finished bottom of Group D this season with only three points and no wins from their six group games.
A victory would have seen them finish third again, above Ajax, put them in the Europa League and boosted their co-efficient - statistics used for ranking - crucial for their seeding in European competition next season.
But it would also have meant a tiring Thursday-Sunday cycle of up to nine matches were they to have reached this year's Europa League final in Amsterdam.
Despite admitting he wanted to reach Europe's second-tier competition, Mancini believes not qualifying will help them in their bid to retain the Premier League title.
"Clearly this can help us win the Premier League because we don't play in the Europa League," Mancini said.
"But getting into it was our target. We wanted to win.
Mancini's sides in Champions League
•2003-4: Lazio. Out at group stage. Lost home and away to Chelsea
•2004-05: Inter Milan. Beaten in quarter-finals by local rivals AC Milan
•2005-06: Lost on away goals to Villarreal. Quarter-finals
•2006-07 Beaten on away goals by Valencia in last 16
•2007-08 Knocked out by Liverpool. Last 16
•2011-12 Manchester City. Third in group which included eventual finalists Bayern Munich. Group stage
•2012-13. Fourth in group which included Real Madrid. Group stage
"At the moment we cannot think about this. We are not in the Europa League and for this we should be disappointed.
"Last season we did better. This year we had a very difficult group and if you make a mistake in the first two or three games it is very difficult."
Mancini himself has struggled as a manager in Europe's elite competition and has never got past the quarter-final stage having reached the last eight with Inter Milan twice.
However, the Italian remains confident his side will improve on their showing next season - assuming they qualify - and looks to Dortmund as an example of how progress can be made.
"The Champions League can be strange. Last year Borussia Dortmund went out in the first group and were fourth in that group," he said. "This year, for me, they are probably a team that can win the Champions League."
For now, though, the Premier League is City's focus, starting with Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with neighbours Manchester United.
"Tonight we lost the chance to qualify for the Europa League," Mancini continued. "But I think that after that, it is important that we only think about the derby.
"We have five days to recover our strength, and then I don't think there will be a problem."
AC Milan consider Balotelli bid ... Zzzzzzz
AC Milan have added to speculation they are preparing a January bid for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
The former Inter Milan player's future is uncertain in England after starting just one of his club's last eight matches in all competitions, including only making a substitute appearance in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund
City boss Roberto Mancini has been a long-term fan of Balotelli but it appears his trust in the £24million summer 2010 signing is slipping after several negative headline-grabbing incidents.
And Milan could be ready to offer the Italy international a return to his homeland with a bid when the transfer window opens in less than a month.
Speaking before Milan's Champions League defeat by Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night, boss Massimiliano Allegri said of Balotelli: "He is an important player with extraordinary physical and technical qualities.
"I believe, however, given his qualities, he threw away a few years of his career."
Allegri has also hinted current Milan star Stephan El Shaarawy and Balotelli would make a lethal attacking combination for the club.
"I think they have done good things with the Italian national team," said Allegri. "But I want to talk about AC Milan and the players I have. Then, in January, we will see what happens."
Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has also suggested a move for Balotelli is not just a fantasy after giving a teasing response when asked about the 22-year-old.
Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia when questioned if Balotelli is a dream: "No, it's not a dream. I never dream."
THE DAILY CUNT (FOR CUNTS TOO CUNTY TO BE CUNTS)
At least we don't have to play on Thursdays! Mancini sees positives after Euro exit ahead of Manchester derby
Roberto Mancini is relieved Manchester City won't have to play on Thursdays and insisted the Premier League champions' European failure will not harm his squad's morale ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table derby against rivals United.
City must quickly regroup after their dismal Champions League campaign came to a suitably sorry end against Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Schieber scored the only goal at the Westfalenstadion as City slumped to a loss that left them bottom of Group D and without even the consolation of a place in the Europa League.
Mancini's men now have until Sunday to get the disappointment out of their system before facing rivals United in an eagerly-anticipated Barclays Premier League clash.
Mancini said: 'I don't think there will be a problem with morale.
'We didn't lose the Champions League tonight - it's clear that tonight we lost the chance to qualify for the Europa League.
'But I think that after that, it is important that we only think about the derby.
'We have five days to recover our strength, and then I don't think there will be a problem.'
City already knew they could not reach the knockout stages and there was a feeling their Premier League title defence would be better served by being out of Europe altogether.
Mancini disputed that in the build-up but admitted there could now be benefits.
He said: 'It could be a good thing because we won't be playing on Thursdays.
'But we are playing against a team like United, that is used to playing every week in the Champions league and the Premier League.
'It depends on us now, I think.'
City were unable to find a way through an obstinate German side for whom, having already secured top spot in the group, there was no urgency.
In what proved a slow-paced affair, Edin Dzeko twice forced Roman Weidenfeller to save while Carlos Tevez worked hard but Dortmund were the greater threat, especially in the second half.
Joe Hart saved well from Ivan Perisic and brilliantly from Kevin Grosskreutz before Schieber turned in a Jakub Blaszczykowski cross in the 57th minute.
City could not recover, although Tevez and Sergio Aguero shot straight at Weidenfeller.
It was their third away defeat in the competition and their meagre final haul of three points is the worst by an English side, lower than Blackburn's four points in 1995.
Mancini claimed he was not embarrassed by the situation.
He said: 'It can be embarrassing if, when you play, you don't play at 100 per cent.
'But when you do play 100 per cent, you can lose.
'We wanted to try to get in the Europa League because that would have been another competition for us to try to win.'
If reports coming out of Man City regarding their interest in Barca's brightest young talent are to be believed, then the Premier League champions will have a real gem on their hands. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more on Gerard Deulofeu, the pearl of Barca's B team.
Name: Gerard Deulofeu i Lazaro
Date of birth: 13 March 1994
Birthplace: Riudarenes, Catalonia, Spain
Position: Winger
Club: Barcelona
International appearances: Capped at Spain U19 and U21 level
Honours: European U19 Championship (x2)
What's the latest?
Gerard Deulofeu became something of a cult hero among Barcelona supporters last season, after the winger terrified defenders in his breakthrough year for Barca B, finishing as his team's top scorer. The Catalan followed that up with a starring role in Spain's U19 European Championship win in Estonia in July 2012, notching up three goals and three assists in the tournament. Despite this, Barca boss Tito Vilanova insisted Deulofeu stay with the B team for another season, and though he has made sporadic appearances with the senior side, the manager has insinuated in recent press conferences that he has reservations over the youngster's attitude. However, his eight goals in 11 Second Division appearances this season have been enough to spark interest from England and reports claim Man City are ready to try and tempt the winger by offering to double his current salary.
Did you know?
1) Gerard Deulofeu has spent his entire career at Barcelona, arriving at the Catalan club aged nine.
2) Since joining the club's academy in 2003, Deulofeu has been promoted every year until he became a member of the Barca B team in 2011. This year proved to be the exception to the rule, with Vilanova deciding that Deulofeu should instead stay with the B team for a further year, albeit with the opportunity to make sporadic appearances for the senior side and is likely to feature against Benfica in the Champions League.
3) The winger was part of Barcelona's treble-winning Juvenil A (youth) team in 2011, claiming the Copa del Rey, Champions Cup and league title.
4) In keeping with his rapid progression at youth level, Deulofeu made his Barcelona first team debut on October 2011 against Mallorca, and has made four appearances with the senior side in all competitions to date. Only one of those appearances has been in La Liga, however. He recently made a cameo appearance in a Copa del Rey tie against third division side Alaves, despite calls for him to start the game.
5) Deulofeu won back-to-back European U19 Championships with Spain in 2011 and 2012, winning a place in the Team of the Tournament in the 2012 edition. He made his Spain U21 debut in 2012, and has registered two goals in four appearances with the side this year.
What is being said?
They say:
"Deulofeu had a great season last year, and this year too. He's a great player, but he has to improve some things to play with the first team. He's spectacular, but football is much more than producing two moments of flair in a game. Just because in recent years a lot of youngsters have succeeded [here] doesn't mean anyone can get to the first team. In order for another new player to come in you always have to find room for him, and Deulofeu has a lot of talent, but we have to continue demanding improvement from him.”
- Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova on Deulofeu
“He's already demonstrating his ability, but he has to continue on the right path, have both feet on the ground and work hard, with humility.”
- Barca keeper Jose Manuel Pinto on Deulofeu
[spoiler]
[/spoiler] Pepe Reina's future at Liverpool is under threat, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering January moves for Birmingham's England goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19, or German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler, 23.
Swansea striker Michu, 26, is a target for Napoli and Genoa after his fine start to the season. Daily Mirror
Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, 27, has paved the way for a move to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool next year by confirming he will leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in the summer. Metro
Chelsea and Liverpool have begun talks over the £15m transfer of Blues striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, who is keen to move to Anfield. London's Evening Standard
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly cooled his interest in Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, 28, which could leave Manchester City free to sign the Netherlands international. Daily Star
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 33, will demand a transfer from Blackburn if Tottenham's Brad Friedel, 41, returns to Ewood Park. Sun
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich will have FC Cluj winger Modou Sougou, 27, watched at Manchester United on Wednesday. DSSC
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is plotting a £5m bid for Southampton midfielder and captain Adam Lallana, 24. Daily Mirror
Brazilian Serie A outfit Sao Paulo are weighing up a January move for out-of-favour Arsenal defender Andre Santos, 29. Metro
West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has laughed off reports of a possible January move from Liverpool for striker and leading scorer Shane Long, 25. Express and Star
Arsenal and Chelsea could be forced to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's midfielder Marco Verratti, 20, after Juventus emerged as serious contenders to sign him. talkShit
Brighton are ready to strike a deal for Matt Sparrow, 31, to rejoin Scunthorpe United in January. The Argus
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho could be the man to succeed him at Old Trafford. Manchester Evening News
Stoke owner Peter Coates believes manager Tony Pulis could be the best defensive coach in the country as his side home in on a clean-sheet record. This is Staffordshire
Norwich chief executive David McNally has pledged to press ahead with plans to develop the next generation of young Canaries after the club's academy was officially granted category one status. Eastern Daily Press
David Beckham has been earmarked as the prospective owner of an emerging Miami-based MLS franchise. dssc
FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer has become a laughing stock among his team-mates after buying his girlfriend a £22,000 pet horse - only to find out she can't keep it as she lives in a block of flats. Metro
QPR players have decided not to hold a Christmas party this year because of their position at the foot of the Premier League table. A club spokesman said: "We won't be holding a Christmas party this year" and when asked why this was the case, added: "Have you seen the league table?" Daily Telegraph