SOCCER SHORTS: Paul Lambert is poised to become manager of Aston Villa after resigning from Norwich City yesterday when haggling between the clubs over compensation reached an impasse.
His decision to quit before formally accepting a new job has left Villa privately confident that Norwich are now no longer entitled to a settlement but senior figures at Carrow Road see things very differently and will probably now look to take the matter to a tribunal.
Lambert had originally been reluctant to walk out on the club he had steered from League One to mid-table Premier League security in just three years, but, once he became aware that Villa were no longer pursuing Wigan Athletic’s Roberto Martinez, the Scot submitted his notice.
Despite a statement from Norwich saying that they had rejected Lambert’s resignation, they tacitly accept he will leave. Malky Mackay, the Cardiff City manager, and Steve Bruce are early frontrunners to replace him. Guardian Service
Prandelli vows to back Balotelli
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has declared he and his team will stand up for Mario Balotelli should the Manchester City forward be subjected to racism during Euro 2012.
There has been a worldwide campaign to combat racism in football over the last few years yet there are fears that some players might be targeted during the tournament that will be held in Poland and Ukraine next month.
“In the case that Balotelli is a target of racial boos, we will all step out on the pitch from the bench,” Prandelli said in yesterday’s press conference.
“We will do something for Mario should that case arise.”
The 21-year-old Balotelli experienced racism while playing for former club Inter Milan in Serie A and recently stated that he would “not accept racism at all”.
Italy’s base for the tournament is in Krakow and they are in Group C alongside defending European and World champions Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
Terry banned for a further two matches
Chelsea’s John Terry has been banned for three matches for his dismissal in the Champions League semi-final.
UEFA have confirmed the Blues captain will miss Chelsea’s next two European matches following his red card in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona. The defender sat out Chelsea’s victory over Bayern Munich in the final, as he served a mandatory one-match ban.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have agreed a fee of €47m for the Porto striker Hulk and the deal is ready to be closed. The figure has been brokered by facilitators and, with the Brazil international’s personal terms not expected to be an obstacle, it merely remains for directors on both sides to sign the paperwork.
Ireland again hit by late concession
Another late goal at the Uefa elite stage qualifiers in Portugal last night cost the Republic of Ireland under-19s, as they could only draw 1-1 with basement side Israel.
The concession of a last-gasp Portugal winner in the opening game on Sunday put a severe dent in Ireland’s qualification hopes and defeat against Ukraine on Monday ended them. Last night’s concluding tie in Ferreira began well for Paul Doolin’s side, and they eventually took the lead five minutes into the second half, with Millwall striker Aidan O’Brien on hand to supply Ireland with their first goal in 225 minutes of action.
George Smith and John O’Sullivan spurned chances to extend the lead and that caught up with them a minute from time when Shahar Hirsh equalised following a corner.
REP OF IRELAND: S McDermott (Arsenal); M Barker (Bohemians), N Byrne (Rochdale), T Hoban (Watford), D Williams (Aston Villa); J O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), F Sutherland (QPR), B Garmston (West Brom); G Smith (Southend), A O’Brien (Millwall), A Forde (Wolves). Subs: L Byrne (Bohemians) for Williams (59 mins), C Morrissey (Trieste) for Smith (87 mins).
Abidal could make a return after liver transplant
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal could return to play football again after his liver transplant, the surgeon who carried out the operation has said. The France international, 32, had surgery to remove a tumour from his liver last year, but after returning to play again, was forced to undergo a transplant on April 10th with part of an organ donated by his cousin.
“It’s up to him. I wouldn’t stop him. Time will tell,” Dr Juan Carlos Garcia-Valdecasas was quoted as telling Spanish television station TV3 yesterday. “If Eric responds well, there is no reason why he shouldn’t.
“The liver is an organ that regenerates in three months. Abidal has to recover little by little, but between three and six months, or up to a year after the intervention, the patient is able to have a normal life.”
Barcelona players draped a shirt with his name on it over the trophy when they celebrated winning the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao last Friday.
