A quick look at what is happening in the world of soccer this morning.
Clubs criticised
Members of the Eircom League's board of control yesterday endorsed a report into incidents at three Dublin derby matches earlier this season in which club officials and supporters of Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne are among those who come in for criticism, writes Emmet Malone.
The three-man committee, led by Des Casey, criticised the way the games - between Bohemians and Shelbourne on May 27th, Shelbourne and Rovers on June 4th and Shelbourne and Bohemians on June 17th - were organised, but it also criticised elements of the clubs' supporters for their behaviour.
It has recommended a new code of ethics for all parties be drawn up, the power of the league's disciplinary committee be considerably enhanced and clubs be required to provide better-trained stewards as part of a requirement that they implement more professional standards of security.
Members of the board said yesterday this would be done and the matter will now be sent forward to the next meeting of the league management committee.
Van der Meyde out
Everton manager David Moyes expects Andy Van der Meyde to be sidelined for another month. The 25-year-old Holland winger has yet to figure since he moved from Inter Milan last month as he has been troubled by a groin injury.
Moyes said: "Andy is probably about a month away. I know he is hoping to be back in two weeks but he needs a lot of practice."
Van der Meyde, who has also had two spells at Ajax as well as playing for FC Twente in his native Holland, has spoken of his annoyance at the timing of the injury: "The injury has left me frustrated as it is a dream to be involved in the Premiership. This is a good chance to prove myself."
Mido seeks hearing
Tottenham Hotspur striker Mido has requested a personal hearing with the Football Association (FA) after denying an improper-conduct charge following his sending-off against Chelsea last month, the FA said yesterday.
Mido was handed a three-match ban after being sent off for serious foul play, when he appeared to elbow Spaniard Asier Del Horno in the face during a 2-0 Premier League defeat by Chelsea on August 27th.
The improper-conduct charge also related to the 22-year-old Egyptian's failure to leave the field promptly. Spurs claimed Mido had been wrongfully dismissed. The FA's Disciplinary Commission will hear the case on September 20th.
Curbishley tipped
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney would not be surprised to see Alan Curbishley eventually take up a coaching role with England. Curbishley (47) celebrated his 600th league game in charge of the south-east London club with a 1-0 win at Birmingham on Saturday, and has long been regarded as one of the most talented English coaches around. Varney admitted: "I'm not surprised Alan's being linked with the England job - and it's a great reflection on him and Charlton."
Norwich swoop
Norwich have signed Tottenham defender Calum Davenport on a three-month loan. The 22-year-old was being chased by a number of clubs, but City manager Nigel Worthington managed to persuade the England under-21 international to move to Carrow Road.
Celtic want Boruc
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will begin talks soon to sign goalkeeper Artur Boruc on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old Pole was signed on a year-long loan during the summer from Legia Warsaw.
