SOCCER SHORTS:BLACKPOOL manager Ian Holloway has claimed the Premier League would be glad to see the back of his team if they lose their fight for survival at Manchester United on Sunday.
Holloway is furious at claims United could get fined if Alex Ferguson fields an understrength team and Blackpool survive the drop by becoming the first team this season to win at Old Trafford.
Not only does Holloway feel it undermines his own team, he is also indignant at the suggestion Ferguson is not bothered about finishing the Premier League season on a high note.
And he is coming to the view that the game's authorities do not want him around.
"They will be relieved if we lose and get relegated," said Holloway. "Then I am not badgering them.
"I am so annoyed. Alex Ferguson is a winner. He would never dream of not being interested in winning any match. That man deserves to pick whatever team he wants to pick. No one should question it."
Pirlo on his way from AC Milan
ANDREA Pirlo will leave new Serie A champions AC Milan when his contract expires at the end of the season, the Italy midfielder said yesterday.
“It’s a mutual decision, I’ve had 10 unforgettable years here,” he said.
The playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to fallen giants Juventus. He nearly joined Chelsea two years ago.
Pirlo has suffered a string of injuries and was not a regular under Massimiliano Allegri.
Diouf in talks about staying at Ibrox
EL-HADJI Diouf has revealed he is in talks with Rangers over extending his stay at Ibrox after describing his time at the club as one of the best in his career.
The Blackburn forward’s four-month loan is coming to an end but he has revelled in his time at Rangers, winning Scottish League Cup and Premier League winners’ medals.
The 30-year-old played 21 games for the club, scoring two goals. Although he had to settle for substitute appearances in the last six matches of the season, he earned cult hero status with the Rangers fans.
Diouf said: “We are talking right now with the club to see what will happen after this season but I will tell you now this club is magic, really unbelievable.
“The fans have been great and I have won two trophies and that is why I came here.”
Lehmann could be staying at Arsenal
JENS Lehmann has revealed he could remain at Arsenal beyond the end of the current season.
The former Germany goalkeeper retired at the end of last season but was persuaded to re-join the Gunners in March after they suffered an injury crisis.
Lehmann accepted Wenger's offer to return to the Emirates and, despite only playing once since signing a short-term contract, he told German newspaper Bildhe could surprise everyone by continuing in a playing capacity for a further year.
The 41-year-old said: “It was not really a comeback, but more of a last resort – actually more of a hobby. I took three weeks to get really fit – and then I had to play against Blackpool.
“I thought ‘You can do it still. It is not forgotten’. From my performance I would be able to continue playing. My team-mates are always asking me if I’ll still be here next season.”
Blues celebrate too early for Alex
BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish has admitted he was "disappointed" several Blues players stayed out drinking until 4am on Tuesday morning – describing it as "an error of judgment".
Becky Doyle, wife of goalkeeper Colin Doyle, told of the late night exploits, which followed the club’s end of season gala on Monday night, on Twitter.
“****** off with my husband getting in at 4am with fossy [Foster] and waking me up,” Doyle posted on Twitter.
“Celebrate next week when your [sic] safe. Have some respect.” The comment was later deleted.
The League Cup winners are facing a fight for Premier League survival – they are only outside the bottom three on goal difference ahead of Sunday’s match at Tottenham.
McLeish said: : “It was an error of judgment. They know I was disappointed with that. But there were a lot of players who weren’t out at all, so they shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush.”
