Tim Sherwood insists Liverpool are lucky to have under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers — and he could have managed Real Madrid.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge’s recovery programme has been stepped up with the England international set to complete a full week of training.

Gary McAllister has been appointed as Liverpool’s first-team coach, the club have announced.

Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool defender Jim Beglin believes Raheem Sterling is doing the team a favour by missing training.

Leeds great Johnny Giles has told club owner Massimo Cellino to put himself in charge of the team after the man known as the ’manager eater’ struck again.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

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Gordon Strachan will be named as new Scotland boss within 24 hours, Press Association Sport understands.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has warned boss Brendan Rodgers against pinning all his faith in youth as he attempts to map out an Anfield revolution.

Simon Grayson was yesterday sacked from his position as Leeds manager after just over three years in charge.

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has been sacked after more than three years in charge.

Northern Ireland supporters’ chief Gary McAllister has called for the Green and White Army to throw their support behind new national boss Michael O’Neill.

FIVE months ago, Aidan White was at the crossroads of domestic and international football.

There were emotional scenes inside and outside Elland Road today as thousands of fans remembered Leeds favourite Gary Speed.

THE family of Wales manager Gary Speed said last night they had been “overwhelmed” with messages of support and condolence.

The family of Gary Speed expressed their thanks for the "overwhelming support" they have received following the death of the Wales manager yesterday.

Former Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier admits to feeling a sense of “unfinished business” after his departure from the club but admits his health issues might prevent him returning to management.

Birmingham are stepping up their attempts to appoint a quickfire replacement for Alex McLeish, who will be unveiled as Aston Villa’s new manager today.

ASTON VILLA last night confirmed the departure of Gerard Houllier as manager after nine months in charge of the midlands club.

Stewart Downing insists his decision whether to remain at Aston Villa this summer will not be influenced by manager Gerard Houllier’s future.

STEWART DOWNING has praised the contribution of Gerard Houllier but insists Aston Villa will not influence decisions regarding his own future.

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier’s future will be decided in the next 24 hours, it is understood.

Aston Villa winger and player of the year Stewart Downing is refusing to commit to a new contract with the midlands club.

KENNY DALGLISH has barely put a foot wrong since he was re-crowned the king of Anfield.

Aston Villa caretaker manager Gary McAllister has no fresh injury worries for the Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left to count the cost of more poor defending as boos rang around the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners’ final home game of another bitterly disappointing campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

Defender Ciaran Clark is out of Aston Villa’s penultimate Barclays Premier League clash of the season with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey will face no disciplinary action in relation to his behaviour during Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan.

ASHLEY YOUNG has jumped to the defence of Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey after he barged referee Mike Jones during the 1-1 home draw with Wigan.

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey must wait to find out whether he will face further disciplinary action after his behaviour in yesterday’s home clash with Wigan.

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Aston Villa have opened initial talks with representatives of winger Stewart Downing regarding a new contract.

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is fit to face his former club Wigan in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash at Villa Park.

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has recovered from a knee problem and will be fit to face his former club Wigan at Villa Park on Saturday.

MISSION accomplished — now for the future.

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Caretaker manager Gary McAllister admits Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland has to gain full fitness before his “real talent” can blossom.

Gary McAllister insists Aston Villa already have contingency plans in place to cope with manager Gerard Houllier’s absence from the club while he recovers from a heart problem.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier will be discharged from hospital in the next 24 hours, the club have confirmed.

Gerard Houllier has been advised to walk away from football by Chelsea’s cardiologist.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has thanked fans of the club as well as people throughout the footballing world for their messages of support during his time in hospital.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is likely to be discharged from hospital in the next ’three to four days’ following his admission last week after complaining of chest pains.