Soccer Shorts

Moyes praises team Everton boss David Moyes insists he would not have been named the League Managers' Association Manager of…

Moyes praises teamEverton boss David Moyes insists he would not have been named the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year without the assistance of the players, staff and fans at Goodison Park.

Moyes has completed an "amazing" turnaround in the last 12 months, from just avoiding relegation to guiding the Everton to fourth place in the Premiership. Moyes' men pipped rivals Liverpool to a Champions League qualifier, giving them the chance of a place among the European elite next season.

While the Scot took the plaudits, he dedicated his award to the people who helped him during the season. "I have won this award but it is an award which should go to everybody at Everton," he told official website www.evertonfc.com.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy won the Championship Manager of the Year award after guiding Sunderland to the title and returning to the Premiership after a two-year exile.

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Norwich let three go

Norwich have begun preparations for a return to the Championship by releasing Marc Edworthy, Graham Stuart and Danny Crow. The Carrow Road club were relegated on Sunday after just one season in the Premiership and manager Nigel Worthington has decided the trio are not in his plans for next season.

"I would like to thank all three players for their different contributions and their professionalism on and off the pitch," he told the club's website, www.canaries.co.uk.

England call-ups

Kieran Richardson and Zat Knight were yesterday called into the England squad to tour the US later this month after Shaun Wright-Phillips and Matthew Upson withdrew with injuries.

It is the first squad call-up for both Manchester United midfielder Richardson (20) who has been on-loan at West Brom since January, and Fulham centre back Knight.

Walker arrested

Des Walker's testimonial match at Nottingham Forest turned into one of the most ignominious nights of his distinguished career when he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Walker, who is taking his coaching badges and talking to Stuart Pearce about a backroom role at Manchester City, spent the night in a police cell after the game at the City Ground. He had been arrested at 5.30am after neighbours in The Park, one of Nottingham's most exclusive areas, rang 999 to complain about his behaviour.

"A 39-year-old man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly," a police spokesman confirmed. His testimonial had attracted a crowd of almost 14,000, with guest appearances from Pearce, Ian Wright, Emile Heskey and Nigel Clough. After the game the players went to a private party in the city centre.

Berger for Villa

Patrik Berger (31) has admitted that David O'Leary's style of football was a major factor in him agreeing to join Aston Villa. The Czech Republic international has agreed to join the midlands club on a two-year deal from July 1st when his current contract with Portsmouth expires.

Ambrosini doubtful

AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini is a major doubt for the Champions League final against Liverpool next week. The Italy international suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's 2-2 Serie A draw at Lecce. "It will be difficult for him to recover," said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti yesterday, adding that he had no other injury problems. His absence would be a setback for Milan who have little quality cover in midfield for the hard-tackling Gennaro Gattuso.

Chelsea parade

Premiership champions Chelsea are to take an open-top bus parade from Stamford Bridge to the New Kings Road in celebration of their season on Sunday. The players, manager Jose Mourinho, along with the Premiership trophy as well the League Cup, won back in February, and all the staff will be on the bus, which will depart from the Britannia Gate at midday.