A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Maradona says he will hold talks with English club
DIEGO Maradona has claimed he will hold talks with an English club next month over becoming their manager. The Argentina legend, who stepped down as boss of his country, has already had discussions with Blackburn and his revelation will doubtless lead to speculation it is Rovers he plans to see.
“In February, I am going to England to listen to a firm offer,” Maradona was quoted as saying at a press conference by La Nacion.
“If they convince me, I may take it up. I am not desperate, I know that someday I will coach another team,” he added.
Blackburn have been without a permanent manager since sacking Sam Allardyce last month and have placed Steve Kean in charge until the end of the season.
Owners Venky’s, who bought Rovers in November, admitted their interest in Maradona shortly after dismissing Allardyce.
Maradona was also in London in November to watch Fulham’s Premier League match against Manchester City.
Hoolahan signs new Norwich deal
WES Hoolahan has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with promotion-chasing English Championship outfit Norwich City, reports Emmet Malone.
The deal follows a fine spell of form by the Irishman, who has one senior Republic of Ireland cap to his name to date.
The 28-year-old Dubliner, who won three league titles at home with Shelbourne at the start of his career, moved to Norwich City from Blackpool in the summer of 2008 and has scored eight times in 25 appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United over the Christmas period.
Norwich City are in joint second place in the table, level on points with Cardiff City and Swansea and five behind leaders QPR.
Henry back training with Arsenal
ARSENAL great Thierry Henry has begun a training stint with the club in order to keep fit during the Major League Soccer off-season.
Henry, who plays for the New York Red Bulls in MLS, remains a favourite with Gunners fans after scoring 226 goals in a highly successful spell with the club between 1999 and 2007.
The 33-year-old left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2007 before signing for New York in July of last year. A statement on Arsenal’s official website read: “Thierry Henry is back at Arsenal. The Gunners legend returned to London Colney on Monday to train with Arsene Wenger’s squad. The short-term arrangement will help Henry maintain his fitness ahead of the new MLS campaign, which begins in March.”
NEWCASTLE are to appeal Cheik Tiote’s sending-off in their 3-1 defeat by Stevenage in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. The midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner for a lunging tackle on Jon Ashton in the 71st minute at Broadhall Way.
Tiote is currently set to miss Premier League matches against Sunderland, Tottenham and Fulham.
Blackburn Rovers to stand by Diouf
BLACKBURN Rovers are to stand by El Hadji Diouf after the striker was widely castigated for his alleged behaviour during the FA Cup meeting with Queen’s Park Rangers on Saturday.
Diouf stands accused of abusing and taunting Jamie Mackie while the QPR forward was lying on the turf with a broken leg. Blackburn officials will hold further talks with the player today and are of a mind to issue a statement in his defence.
A senior Blackburn figure said the club have a “duty of care” to Diouf, who could himself offer a direct response to Mackie’s claims.
The English FA are looking into the events of Saturday including Diouf’s conduct and allegations of a tunnel brawl. On separate occasions when playing for English clubs, Diouf has been accused of spitting at supporters or opponents.
A QPR spokesman said yesterday the club had no further comment to make about Saturday’s events.
Blackburn, meanwhile, have held talks with former Arsenal midfielder John Jensen with a view to appointing him as assistant to the Rovers manager, Steve Kean.
Babel charged by English FA
LIVERPOOL forward Ryan Babel has been charged with improper conduct by the English FA for posting a picture of referee Howard Webb on Twitter.
The Dutch international sent out a mocked-up picture of the World Cup final referee wearing a Manchester United shirt following his side’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat at Old Trafford. Babel has until 4pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.
Jewell sets his sights on promotion
PAUL Jewell set his sights on promotion back to the Premier League after taking over at Ipswich yesterday.
The former Wigan boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Portman Road to replace Roy Keane and will take charge after tomorrow’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
“I’ve had a few opportunities to come back in but this one ticked all the boxes and I can’t wait to get started,” said Jewell.
“I have what it takes to get sides promoted.
“There are no guarantees but I can promise that there will be no stone unturned in guiding this club to promotion.”
