Martin O'Neill last night signed a new 12-month rolling contract as manager of Celtic as the club moved to quell increasing speculation over his future. Yet the announcement seems to have done little other than buy the Scottish champions time.
O'Neill pointedly failed to confirm he could see himself at the club in four or five years' time and instead simply said: "Results will determine that. I am very pleased with this deal because we have a lot to get on with, including European football and the domestic prizes, and now I can get back to being involved in football. I couldn't be happier."
Celtic's chief executive Ian McLeod said: "Martin will now be here for an indefinite period and that will give us stability. We no longer have a ticking clock and people wondering if he will stay or go. This is an ongoing 12-month contract which means a year's notice on either side."
It was a determined effort to nail persistent rumours surrounding O'Neill. Manchester United, Leeds United and West Ham have all been linked with him but Celtic clearly feel this will frighten off would-be suitors.
O'Neill, on the face of it, appears content as well. "This can go on for ever and a day and most managers have this arrangement rather than a fixed term of, say, three years. That's what I had when I came to Glasgow and three days into the job there was speculation. Hopefully this will end that kind of thing."
Meanwhile the top 10 clubs outside the Old Firm reached agreement with Rangers and Celtic over a number of issues that had split the game in Scotland wide open.
The most significant immediate result is that Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian, Dunfermline et al will withdraw their letters of resignation, issued last August, from the Scottish Premier League. The Old Firm have given ground and the other 10 have made concessions that leave everyone reasonably satisfied.
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Spat continues
Neil Warnock is likely to join Stephane Henchoz under investigation by the FA after the stormy scenes that overshadowed Liverpool's League Cup semi-final victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday night.
The FA has requested video footage of the ugly altercation between the pair on the final whistle to see whether Warnock's claim that the Swiss international spat at him can be substantiated, though it is also concerned about comments made by the United manager in his post-match assessment which could be deemed racist.
Warnock had shrugged off Henchoz's uncharacteristic behaviour - the defender ran towards the dugout at the end of extra-time to scream abuse at the United manager and, after being shepherded away by the Liverpool coach Sammy Lee, picked up the ball and flung it in Warnock's direction - by saying: "He's not English, is he, so you expect one or two things like that."
The 54-year-old Warnock may also face a disrepute charge after accusing the referee Alan Wiley of bias in not dismissing the home goalkeeper Chris Kirkland in the last minute of normal time for handling outside his area.
Wiley saw neither the spat nor the alleged spit and has not included the incident in his match report, prompting, the FA to ask both Sky and Liverpool for television footage to examine the rumpus.
Though Henchoz denies spitting at Warnock, should he be found guilty of abusive and insulting behaviour the 28-year-old would be handed a three-match ban which could conceivably keep him out of the final at the Millennium Stadium on March 2nd. A hefty fine might result should he be charged with lesser offences.
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Upson leaves Arsenal
Birmingham City yesterday completed the signing of Arsenal central defender Matthew Upson.
Upson, who is seeking regular first-team football, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract in a deal worth up to £2.5 million.
Venables unhappy
Leeds United manager Terry Venables has vowed to do all he can to prevent Jonathan Woodgate from moving to Newcastle.
Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer and Olivier Dacourt have left Elland Road this season as the club look to slash staggering debts and ease their crippling wage bill.
Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has confirmed there has been "communication" with Leeds regarding Woodgate, although there has been no official bid for the England international centre-back, who was 23 yesterday.
Leeds fans have reacted furiously to the news. Simon Jose, co-founder of the Leeds Supporters' Forum, said: "We want a statement from the board because we want answers. It is time they come clean and told the fans just what is going on.
"It is obvious the fans do no want to see Jonathan go, and by all accounts, neither does Terry Venables. Surely the board have to listen."
Venables said: "I find it disconcerting myself, but our fans can rest assured I will do everything I can, and more, to keep him."
With Woodgate seemingly on his way, Leeds - who were turned down by Matthew Upson - are understood to be lining up his replacement in £6-million-rated Gabriel Milito as his club Independiente claim they have received an official faxed offer from Leeds, however Leeds state they have made no bid.
In Brief . . .
Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer will return to full training next week after five months on the sidelines with a hernia problem. Former Wales and Wimbledon manager Bobby Gould will take charge of second division Cheltenham Town until the end of the season. Aston Villa are finally set to complete the loan signing of Real Betis midfielder Joey Gudjonsson. Villa have rejected a bid from Betis to take want-away striker Juan Pablo Angel on loan until the end of the season. Middlesbrough were yesterday still locked in talks with Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson as manager Steve McClaren's rebuilding work gathered pace.
The 23-year-old England international travelled to Teesside yesterday to open negotiations after the two clubs agreed a deal which it is believed could eventually amount to £4 million.
