A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Al Fayed criticises 'flop' Hughes
FULHAM chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has criticised former manager Mark Hughes, labelling him a “strange man” and a “flop”.
The former Manchester City boss was at the Craven Cottage helm last season but left in the summer, with speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa.
Hughes claimed at the weekend he did not quit for the Villa Park post eventually filled by Alex McLeish but because Fulham lacked ambition. In response, Fulham chairman Al Fayed yesterday launched a scathing attack on Hughes.
“What a strange man Mark Hughes is,” he said.
“It was not the club but Mark Hughes who lacked the courage and ambition to take on the task of leadership.
“If people are looking for a flop, they only have to no further than the man who has lost his spark.”
Hernandez rewarded with a new five-year contract
MANCHESTER United striker Javier Hernandez has signed a new five-year contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season.
The Mexico international made a stunning impact after arriving in England last season, with 20 goals in all competitions, and United have responded to both that and recent speculation linking the player with Real Madrid by tying him down to a long-term deal.
Hernandez said: “Playing for Manchester United has been a dream come true for me. I never expected my first year to go so well and I’m delighted to commit my future to United.
“To win a title and appear in a Champions League final was fantastic. I’m looking forward to helping my team-mates as we bid to win more trophies for this great club.
Alex Ferguson added: “His talent for creating space in the box and his finishing ability mark him out as a natural goalscorer. Off the pitch, he is a pleasure to manage.”
Vidic calls time on Serbia career
MANCHESTER United defender Nemanja Vidic has retired from international football with Serbia.
The 30-year-old claims he is tired of criticism from supporters who have questioned his commitment to the national team.
In an open letter to the Serbian Football Federation (FSS) published on fss.rs, Vidic wrote: “I want to inform the public that after long consideration, and with a heavy heart, I have decided to say goodbye to the Serbian national team.
“The main reason for this decision is that for a long time, the media, and therefore the public, have criticised my attitude towards the national team even though I have played when injured and sometimes against the will of my club.
“I feel, after 10 years of playing for my country, it is the right time for me to stand aside and allow the younger players to come through.
“I would like to thank all the managers, coaches and players I have played alongside. I have always been very proud to play for Serbia and would like to wish them well.”
Eriksson leaves Leicester post
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has left his post as Leicester manager following the club’s mediocre start to the season.
A 3-0 defeat at home to lowly Millwall on Saturday was the final straw for the club’s Thailand-based owners Asia Football Investments.
“Leicester City FC has confirmed that, by mutual agreement, Sven-Goran Eriksson has ceased to be the first team manager, with immediate effect,” read a club statement.
Goal difference helps Ireland advance
THE Republic of Ireland Under-17s endured some nervy late moments in yesterday’s concluding Uefa first phase qualifier before finally securing their passage into the elite phase on goal difference.
Defeat to the already-qualified Czech Republic would have eliminated Ireland had mini-group hosts Kazakhstan scored one more in their 8-0 victory over Liechtenstein in the other group game played simultaneously.
But the scores remained unchanged in both games for the final 10 minutes, allowing Ireland take their place in the draw for the elite round of qualifiers on November 29th despite losing 1-0.
The only goal in Almaty arrived after 73 minutes when Daniel Holzer’s strike from the edge of the penalty box flew past Ireland goalkeeper Shane Fagan. Ireland will face another four-nation group in the elite stage next spring when only top spot will suffice to reach the finals in Slovenia (May 4th-16th).
Ameobi ruled out for up to six weeks
NEWCASTLE striker Shola Ameobi will be out of action for four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury at the weekend.
The 30-year-old felt the problem shortly after being introduced as a 68th-minute substitute during Saturdays 1-0 Premier League win over Wigan at St James’ Park.
He played on, but manager Alan Pardew revealed yesterday that he could be sidelined until the start of December.
“Unfortunately we lost Shola on Saturday so he’s going to be out now for, we think, four to six weeks,” Pardew said.
“That’s a blow to us. He felt something after about three mins of coming on, but still played on which just goes to show you what sort of a character he is. He’ll be a loss to us . . .”
