Oxford boss Michael Appleton saluted a “magnificent” performance after Kemar Roofe sent Swansea tumbling out of the FA Cup.

DICTIONARY CORNER

Gareth Southgate is the overwhelming bookmakers’ favourite to replace Stuart Pearce as England Under-21s manager.

Football’s attitude to sacking managers is “arrogant” and the statistics on dismissals are “embarrassing”, the League Managers’ Association claimed today.

Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher believes caretaker Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has been thrust into a mission “to save the club” after taking over from the sacked Michael Appleton.

Blackburn and Ireland striker Leon Best is ready to mark his return from an injury nightmare by booking a place at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger sat awkwardly in front of the microphone, squeezing his fingers with frustration like a smoker on a long haul flight.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his team to ignore people writing them off as no-hopers after crashing out of the FA Cup 1-0 to Blackburn and show their true character against European giants Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger offered no excuses after his side crashed out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn.

Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal should have nothing to fear about tackling one of Europe’s heavyweights in Bayern Munich — with history showing on their day his side are a match for anyone.

Ian Holloway would like to sign Peter Odemwingie for Crystal Palace, but feels a move for the unsettled West Brom striker might be out of his club’s reach.

Blackburn will today hold talks with Michael Appleton over becoming their third manager this season after he was granted permission to speak to the Blackpool boss.

Fulham 1 Blackpool 1

Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has revealed Liverpool’s initial offer for Tom Ince is significantly short of his club’s valuation for the England Under-21 winger.

Crystal Palace 2 Blackpool 2

Portsmouth have announced the signing of 10 new players before their opening npower League 1 game against Bournemouth.

Pompey Supporters’ Trust – Portsmouth’s sole hope for survival – have reacted to the news of Portpin’s withdrawal to buy the financially-stricken club by declaring “this is the moment we have been waiting for”.

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton remained downbeat about his side’s chances of npower Championship survival after they relegated Doncaster with a 4-3 win at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

CHELSEA’S progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup was anything but serene, no matter what the scoreline might suggest, and the rewards were most certainly mixed.

Chelsea 4 Portsmouth 0

Roberto Di Matteo has told Chelsea they can launch a “new cycle of success” by winning the FA Cup – just as he did as a player 15 years ago.

Chelsea have failed in their bid to have Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou available for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth.

Portsmouth have confirmed the appointment of Michael Appleton as their new manager.

AS Arsene Wenger relaxed into his seat with this game in its death throes, it was easy to remember that it has been a long time since the Arsenal manager appeared so relaxed.

Portsmouth 3 Nottingham Forest 0

Defender John O’Shea is a major doubt for the Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia.

West Brom striker Shane Long looks like losing his battle to be fit for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off clashes with Estonia.

MICK McCARTHY insists he has done “a great job” at Wolves as he hit back at the “mindless idiots” who called for him to be sacked during Saturday’s home clash with Swansea.

West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has urged the club’s fans to be patient with him as he negotiates a new contract and has insisted he is not angling for a move away from The Hawthorns.

West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans is facing a fight to be fit before the end of the season.

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed assistant head coach Michael Appleton and first team coach Keith Downing will remain part of his backroom staff for the remainder of the season.

West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is battling to be fit for Roy Hodgson’s first match in charge – Sunday’s derby clash with Wolves at The Hawthorns.

AT half-time at The Hawthorns on Saturday, it appeared the Roy Hodgson effect was already being felt. At full-time, however, it was clear the Scott Parker effect had been even stronger, and could yet keep West Ham in the Premier League.

West Brom 3 West Ham 3

NEW West Brom manager Roy Hodgson admits he never intended to return to management so quickly after being sacked by Liverpool last month.

West Brom have no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s Barclays Premier League match against West Ham.

Patrick Vieira has told his Manchester City team-mates to expect a backlash on Saturday as his side bid to prove their Barclays Premier League title credentials with victory at Old Trafford.

WEST BROM may have denied speculation Chris Hughton is poised to become their next manager, but the former Republic of Ireland international is still expected to be confirmed as Roberto Di Matteo’s replacement.

SAM ALLARDYCE will not apply for the managerial vacancy at West Brom, it is understood.

West Brom will make no knee-jerk appointment as they look to replace axed head coach Roberto Di Matteo, it is understood.

WEST BROM yesterday sacked Roberto Di Matteo and placed him on gardening leave following the club’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo has been relieved of his duties following yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Manchester City could have just three fit defenders for Saturday's Premier League crunch with Chelsea.

Steven Reid wants to end his career at West Brom – and believes they can emulate his former club Blackburn and become an established Premier League force.