News: The Scottish Football Association have revealed they have interviewed Walter Smith for the vacant Scotland managerial role. The former Rangers and Everton manager has emerged as the favourite to succeed the departed Berti Vogts, who quit at the start of this month.
Former Coventry and Southampton manager Gordon Strachan is the supporters' favourite to take over the role from the German. Former Scotland international Bruce Rioch has also expressed an interest in the job.
The SFA are hopeful of making an appointment "within 10 days", according to vice-president George Peat.
The experience of Smith may be viewed as the way forward for the national team after a poor start to the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 57-year-old guided Rangers to the record-equalling nine-in-a-row titles in Scotland but has been out of work since leaving his temporary position as assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in the summer.
IORDANESCU RESIGNS: Anghel Iordanescu resigned as Romania coach yesterday after coming under intense criticism for his side's draw against Armenia in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
Romania, depleted by injuries and suspensions, lost top spot in Group One after a 1-1 draw in Yerevan which handed Armenia their first point in five matches.
"I resign as Romania coach after the result in Yerevan," Iordanescu stated. "I assume complete responsibility for my team's poor performance."
ARSENAL SIGN EBOUE: Arsenal have signed Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue from Belgian club Beveren.
Eboue will join Arsenal during the January transfer window after turning out for the Premiership champions during their pre-season training camp in Austria.
"He will certainly join us in January," Arsenal manager Wenger said yesterday. "He's a multi-functional player. He normally plays centre back, but he can play right back or midfield. He has a chance to play."
Arsenal have had a working relationship since 2001 with the Belgian club, whose website said the 21-year-old Eboue had signed a four-and-half-year contract, without giving details of the transfer fee.
Wenger also said he may offer 35-year-old forward Dennis Bergkamp a new one-year contract for next season.
TARICCO MOVES WEST: Argentinian defender Mauricio Taricco has joined West Ham United from Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer. The 31-year-old, who has not played for Spurs this season, is expected to make his debut against Millwall on Sunday.
SOCRATES ARRIVES: Brazilian legend Socrates arrived in England yesterday to resume his playing career at the age of 50 with Garforth Town.
Socrates captained the 1982 Brazil World Cup side which included Zico and will go straight into action today in a Northern Counties East League Division One clash against Tadcaster.
