BIRMINGHAM have signed former England striker Chris Sutton from Celtic after making an unsuccessful attempt to sign his old Parkhead team-mate Henrik Larsson from Barcelona last week.

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier believes his side can now consolidate fourth place in the Barclaycard Premiership – and insists the fans cannot complain at how the points are earned.

WEST BROM boss Gary Megson is under no illusions about the size of his side’s task as they bid to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals tonight.

LEEDS striker Alan Smith will be hoping the season of goodwill is still in effect when he faces a Football Association disciplinary hearing today.

ALEX FERGUSON has revived an old partnership with Walter Smith and hopes to revive Manchester United's title chase by yesterday appointing the former Rangers and Everton boss as his assistant until the end of the season.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced Ruud van Nistelrooy is the man who will ensure Manchester United complete 'the biggest task' of his 18 years at Old Trafford tonight.

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill insists the club’s new owners are prepared to invest in the team to further the Red Devils’ quest for success.

MARCUS TREGONING sent out the winner of the Letheby & Christopher Predominate Stakes for the second year running yesterday as Manyana improved considerably for the application of a tongue strap.

LEEDS striker Alan Smith has urged his team-mates not to let their standards drop, ahead of a four-game acid test for the troubled Elland Road club.

THE English Football Association yesterday indicated their willingness to work alongside the police in serious cases, although they stressed these are extremely isolated.

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has all but admitted defeat in his bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.

IT’S official. Roy Keane wants to put everyone in the shade — for a very good cause!

MANCHESTER United have ten million reasons for hoping former star midfielder David Beckham brings sustained glory to his new club Real Madrid.

ARGENTINIAN midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is ready to show his best form after admitting his performances have been patchy since arriving Old Trafford.

BLACKBURN manager Graeme Souness could find himself in more hot water with the FA following his verbal blast at Aston Villa defender Ronny Johnsen.

MICK McCARTHY, who stepped down last night as Republic of Ireland manager, said he was not pushed out of the job.

KIERON DYER has said Newcastle’s young guns will have to grow up quickly if they are to cope with the might of Inter Milan tonight.

THE FAI has announced that the Scotland-based sport management consultancy Genesis will conduct the review into the association’s involvement in this summer’s World Cup finals.

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