Robson concernedBobby Robson's hopes of reaching a severance settlement with Newcastle United could be jeopardised by the club's ambitious spending plans for the January transfer window which may significantly reduce their cash flow.
Robson's attempts to claim the full compensation he believes he was owed after his sacking in August have so far proved forlorn.
"It's very disappointing," said Frank Clark, of the League Managers' Association, yesterday. "We think the dispute between Sir Bobby and Newcastle may well now end up at our LMA Tribunal of Arbitration." Although Newcastle have been paying Robson his former basic salary of around £100,000 a month since September, Robson is privately concerned that substantial January spending on new players would reduce Newcastle's cash flow to the point where they are unable to pay him the lump sum and bonuses he believes he is entitled to. Robson's contract was due to run until June 2005.
Smith joins up
Jim Smith was reunited with Harry Redknapp yesterday when he became the assistant manager at Southampton and began planning for next month's transfer window. He said the club would bring in experienced players as the club seek to avoid relegation.
Mourinho's subs call
Jose Mourinho yesterday urged the Premier League to change the rules concerning the number of substitutes in order to fit in more of his expensive stars on match days.
The Chelsea boss is unhappy at only being allowed to list five players on the bench for Premiership matches - compared to seven in the Champions League and the rest of Europe.
Mourinho said: "One of the difficult things in England for me is that I can only have five players on the bench. This makes life much more difficult and it's only like this in France and England. In European competition, Spain, Italy and Portugal, you're allowed seven substitutes. "I had to go to Arsenal and leave Joe Cole and Alexei Smertin in the stands. They should be by my side. It would give me more options and help motivate players, as if they are on the bench they feel more involved in the game."
Shearer sidelined
Newcastle captain Alan Shearer will not feature in the glut of games over the next fortnight after a scan revealed his thigh injury has still not healed.
The 34-year-old seems certain to miss the visit to former club Blackburn on St Stephen's Day, the home clash with Arsenal at St James' Park on December 29th and Birmingham's trip north on New Year's Day.
Even the game away to West Brom on January 3rd could come too soon with the FA Cup third-round outing against Ryman League Yeading the following weekend a more likely comeback date. "There is still bit to go on Shearer's injury and he will be out for another couple of weeks," manager Graeme Souness said. "Obviously, that is a massive blow for us."
Gronkjaer deal done
Jesper Gronkjaer has successfully completed his move from Birmingham to Atletico Madrid.
Denmark midfielder Gronkjaer passed a medical in Spain yesterday and will formally join the Primera Liga side when the transfer window reopens on January 1st.
Gronkjaer made just 18 appearances in five months for Birmingham after his £2.2 million summer switch from Chelsea.
"I know Atletico Madrid is one of the best Spanish clubs. It's doing well, and I want to be part of it," said Gronkjaer.
Djorkaeff to depart
Former France international Youri Djorkaeff is to leave Blackburn Rovers after the English Premier League club said it would not extend his short-term contract.
Djorkaeff, who left Bolton Wanderers in the close season, joined Rovers in September on a deal that expires at the end of December.
The 36-year-old forward made three league appearances for Mark Hughes's team in October before sustaining a hamstring injury that has sidelined him ever since.
Wilhelmsson no Spur
Tottenham head coach Martin Jol yesterday insisted that Spurs have not entered into talks with Anderlecht midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson. The Swedish winger declared earlier this week that a move to White Hart Lane would "suit me perfectly", while his agent suggested Tottenham top a list of big clubs chasing the 25-year-old's signature.
However, Jol said: "It's not a surprise (he is interested). If you say Spurs, they are a top club, they all want to come. But we haven't discussed anything." The Dutchman reiterated that Robbie Keane remains central to his plans, despite Jermain Defoe and Fredi Kanoute currently the first-choice strike pairing. "We have a lot of players and there are three or four who are not playing (and their departure might be sanctioned). But Robbie is not going anywhere," Jol said.
Boumsong bid fails
Rangers are understood to have rejected a fresh bid from Newcastle for France international defender Jean-Alain Boumsong. Newcastle, who had a £7.5million bid turned down last week, are believed to have come back with an improved £8million offer.
But Rangers value the 25-year-old, who was signed on a free transfer from Auxerre in the summer, at £10million. The player's agent, Willie McKay, however, remains convinced that his client will move to England sooner or later.
