NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson yesterday launched a fightback after chairman Freddy Shepherd's criticism of the under-achieving Magpies players.

SCOTLAND manager Berti Vogts is hoping that the money generated from a full house Hampden Park in the Euro 2004 play-offs will be ploughed into youth development.

HARRY KEWELL turned down the chance to join Manchester United because he wanted to join a club that was “on the up.”

MANCHESTER UNITED skipper Roy Keane reckons the Red Devils might look back on Sunday’s ‘average’ display against Newcastle and feel it was the one which won them another Premiership title.

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have joined the chorus of condemnation at the shocking attack on the ambulance transporting Alan Smith from Anfield on Saturday - but urged supporters of both sides to keep the incident in perspective.

ARSENE WENGER insisted playing with style was as important to him as trophies, as he declared ahead of the FA Cup final that Arsenal are one of only four great entertainers in the whole of Europe.

AS Manchester United and Juventus consolidated their places at the top of Group D, the shock of the night was recorded by Swiss champions FC Basel who edged out Deportivo Coruna 1-0 to earn their first win in the second phase of the Champions League.

BRYAN ROBSON is the bookies' firm favourite to take over as manager of Ireland's soccer squad.

RUSSIA will introduce to international football a player said to be quicker than Michael Owen when they play Ireland today in the opening match of the European Under-21 Championship in Moscow.

CHELSEA have revealed that they would be prepared to spend £60million on Ruud van Nistelrooy if the Dutchman became available – and up to £100m on a single player if the need arose.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson is under investigation by South African police following a complaint of indecent assault.

ALEX FERGUSON has stressed the importance of a successful Christmas period as Manchester United aim to crank up the pressure on title favourites Chelsea.

FINANCIAL expert Keith Harris last night warned the banks which funded the Glazer family’s Old Trafford takeover will be “sharpening their knives” following Manchester United’s shock Champions League exit.

ARSENAL are prepared to break their transfer record to ensure Arsene Wenger keeps one step ahead of Manchester United after posting their best ever financial results.

A LEADING football business analyst has rubbished claims Peter Kenyon can turn Chelsea into a "normal business" inside five years.

DAVID BECKHAM is set to wear the No 11 jersey at Real Madrid – after it was revealed he has agreed to fall in with the club’s policy on player sponsorship contracts.

GEORGE BEST was tonight back in the pub where he was said to have begun drinking again less than a year after his life-saving liver transplant.