Today's other stories in brief
European door fairly closes on Burnley
BURNLEY'S hopes of earning a place in next season's Europa League have been dashed after England slipped down the Uefa Fair Play League.
It emerged last month the club were in line for a place in Europe’s second competition despite their relegation from the Premier League because of their good disciplinary record.
All the teams ranked above them domestically were already guaranteed a European place next season except Fulham, and victory in the Europa League final over Atletico Madrid this week would see the Cottagers book their spot as well.
But Burnley’s hopes relied on England holding on to third place in the Fair Play League but publication of the final table showed they fell to seventh.
McClaren takes Wolfsburg job
STEVE McClaren yesterday called time on “two fantastic years” in the Netherlands to join Wolfsburg.
The former England boss has successfully rebuilt his reputation at FC Twente, leading the previously unheralded club to their first Eredivisie title in the recently-completed season.
McClaren yesterday signed a two-year deal at the Volkswagen Arena which starts on July 1st but admitted he was leaving the Netherlands with a heavy heart.
Sunderland confirm Munster match
SUNDERLAND have announced they will play a Munster XI selection in a challenge game at Thomond Park on July 13th in aid of the Shane Geoghegan Trust, the charity set up in memory of the former Garryowen rugby player shot dead in Limerick in November 2008.
The game, which will kick-off at 7.45pm, will be the centre piece of “A Day For Shane” which will include a range of other sporting events.
Organisers hope to attract a number of international footballers with links to Munster, with the remainder of the side comprised of players from League of Ireland and senior club sides in the province.
Former Republic of Ireland striker and Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn was in Limerick yesterday for the launch of the event and said he was confident the day will be a big success.
Day tickets are priced at €20 for adults and €5 for children.
Inter deny approach made to Benitez
INTER Milan have denied reports they have approached Rafael Benitez or any other coach as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho. Italy’s media claimed yesterday Inter had joined Juventus in the race to lure the Liverpool manager to Serie A this summer.
Mourinho has yet to confirm if he will remain in charge of Inter next season, with the Portuguese tactician a reported target of Real Madrid.
A statement from Inter read: “With regards to what has been reported today by several Italian media, FC Internazionale underlines that absolutely no contact has been made with coaches – of other clubs or national teams – given that the club has a contract with Jose Mourinho until 2012, and that everybody is focused exclusively on the teams important upcoming commitments.
Mourinho later dismissed speculation he had been in contact with another other club.
Gazidis insists Wenger free to buy
ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis insists a takeover of the club is not imminent and that coach Arsene Wenger will have funds in the summer to boost his squad.
Wenger is set to strengthen his squad with at least three new additions and Gazidis is keen to point out the cash will be there when the Frenchman requires it.
Arsenal finished third in the Premier League this season but Wenger’s desire to rebuild will be backed by the board.
“I am often asked what our financial resources are,” said Gazidis. “Arsene has done a terrific job in managing responsibly through a period of dramatic change for the club and the English game.
“With Highbury Square coming to completion and some of our other property developments bearing fruit, we’re now coming to a period where the financial health of the club is secure.
“That does not mean we have unlimited resources but it does mean we have sufficient funds to invest,” said Gazidis.
West Ham want to meet Grant over manager's job
WEST Ham United want to talk to Avram Grant after Saturday’s FA Cup final with a view to installing him as the managerial successor to Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked yesterday morning and faces an acrimonious battle to secure a payout, reports David Hytner.
The east London club have placed Grant, the Portsmouth manager, at the top of their shortlist, which also includes former England coach Glenn Hoddle, whose last post was at Wolves four years ago.
West Ham’s joint chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, will have to wait until after Saturday’s Cup final, in which Portsmouth take on Chelsea, to sound out Grant as the Israeli is focused only on the game.
West Ham have proposed no payout to Zola, who was under contract until 2013 and earned €2.2 million a year, as they allege he put himself in breach of the terms of his deal by criticising Sullivan. An aggrieved Zola has enlisted the League Managers Association to fight his case.
