Denis Irwin plans to make his Manchester United comeback on St Stephen's Day against Everton at Old Trafford. The Republic of Ireland fullback has had his sights set on a Christmas return since he suffered knee ligament damage in a horror tackle by Feyenoord's Paul Bosvelt four weeks ago in a European Champions' League match. United boss Alex Ferguson revealed that Irwin has been making a steady recovery and should return to action in three weeks.
"He should be back for us on Boxing Day against Everton at Old Trafford," said Ferguson. "He's finished his treatment now and is training quite well."
West Bromwich Albion chairman Tony Hale has claimed that Ray Harford, who walked out of the Hawthorns to take charge of Queens Park Rangers this week, "used" the club to rebuild his reputation after unhappy spells at Blackburn Rovers and Wimbledon.
Hale said: "We have been used by Ray Harford. We resurrected his career. He was nowhere when we resurrected him."
Hale's outburst would appear to end any hopes Harford had of being able to quit Albion on amicable terms and the club are now likely to look for compensation from QPR.
Current assistant-manager John Trewick, coach Cyrille Regis David Pleat, former QPR assistant boss Bruce Rioch, Joe Royle, Lou Macari and Birmingham's veteran skipper Steve Bruce have all been mentioned in the speculation over possible successors.
Out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas is thinking over an offer to join Coventry City.
Sky Blues' manager Gordon Strachan yesterday confirmed that he wants to sign Thomas and Liverpool have accepted City's £800,000 bid for the player who denied them the championship in 1989 with his goal for Arsenal on the final day of the season.
