It is believed negotiations over his contract at Stamford Bridge faltered over his concerns about a lack of playing time.

Rafael Benitez admitted he has taken on a “massive” challenge in agreeing to lead Newcastle’s desperate fight for Premier League survival.

A man from Gateshead in England who murdered a two-month-old baby after a series of attacks has been jailed for life today.

SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has revealed his rejection at Manchester City as a youngster fuels his desire to be the best.

Sunderland keeper Keiren Westwood will set about the task of establishing himself as first-choice for both club and country fuelled by the pain of his rejection by Manchester City.

Two men appeared in court in Britain today accused of being part of fugitive gunman Raoul Moat’s conspiracy to hunt down and kill policemen.

Preston have announced assistant manager Robert Kelly is to take temporary charge of the Coca-Cola Championship club following the sacking of Alan Irvine.

Middlesbrough defender Sean St Ledger returns to the scene of his greatest embarrassment tomorrow still coming to terms with his greatest disappointment in the game.

Preston have agreed a compensation package with Everton for the release of Toffees assistant manager Alan Irvine.

Paul Jewell has admitted holding talks with former Republic of Ireland international Johnny Giles about the national team’s managerial vacancy but insists the meeting was not a formal interview.

Preston have sacked manager Paul Simpson following the club’s disastrous start to their Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

Chris Hutchings’ busy summer has continued after Carlo Nash completed his £300,000 (€446,500) transfer to Wigan yesterday.

MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that United States international DaMarcus Beasley will be sent back to PSV Eindhoven this summer having completed his year-long loan.

Stuart Pearce believes he was starved of cash and treated like a caretaker manager at Manchester City but does not regret taking charge at the Eastlands club.

Highly-rated Preston striker David Nugent has admitted that he would welcome a “dream” move to Everton.

Cardiff 4 Preston 1

Preston 1 Manchester City 3

Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver returns for this FA Cup fifth-round tie at Deepdale today.

Bottom club Leeds boosted their survival chances with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road but manager Dennis Wise claims one of the team ’will never play for the club again’ after news of his line-up was leaked to their opponents.

A chef who attacked his former boss with a kitchen knife and another man with a hammer following an evening of drinking will be sentenced next month by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Preston goalkeeper Carlo Nash has urged the club to make a decision over his future after Barclays Premiership side Fulham expressed an interest in signing him.

Sunderland have accepted bids for strikers Jon Stead and Chris Brown from unnamed clubs.

Birmingham climbed to the Coca-Cola Championship summit with a 3-0 win over Plymouth at St Andrews.

Sunderland begin life in the Coca-Cola Championship with an opening-day fixture at Coventry on August 5.

Carlisle have confirmed Paul Simpson has been appointed full-time manager at Brunton Park.

Carlisle have today parted company with manager Roddy Collins after a dismal start to the new Division Three campaign.