A round-up of today's other soccer stories in brief
Fans final tribute to ‘Big Mal’
HUNDREDS of Manchester City fans paid their respects to Malcolm Allison yesterday when the former manager’s funeral cortege passed by the club’s home stadium. Flamboyant Allison, known as “Big Mal” and remembered off the pitch for his trademark cigar and fedora, died earlier this month at the age of 83.
He enjoyed a long and colourful career as a football player, coach and manager, and is best remembered for his time at City. Working alongside Joe Mercer, Allison helped transform City into one of the most exciting sides in Britain. The cortege stopped briefly at the City of Manchester Stadium before his funeral service at Manchester Crematorium.
Around 300 people had gathered to pay their respects and a round of applause greeted the arrival of the cars. A sky-blue Manchester City scarf was draped over Allison’s coffin and next to it was an ice bucket containing a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne.
Ferdinand’s driving ban
SUNDERLAND’S Anton Ferdinand was yesterday banned from driving for six months. The 25-year-old was convicted of using a mobile phone while driving his white Range Rover on July 13th. Ferdinand was banned because he already had 12 points on his licence from a previous offence. Ferdinand told the police officer who stopped him he was on his way to the airport and that he had needed to take the call, which was from his mother.
Munster and Leinster prevail
THE Munster & Leinster Amateur side, representing the Republic of Ireland have qualified for the Uefa Regions Cup finals with a stunning 3-0 victory over Ligue de Normandie of France at the Tallaght Stadium yesterday.
In the group’s other game, Abruzzo from Italy secured second place in the group with a 1-0 victory over San Marino at the UCD Bowl. Ireland carved out a well deserved victory. In the seventh minute Ray Whelehan was brought down in the area by Ligue de Normandie left back, Loic Bique and captain James Walsh hammered home the spot-kick.
Ireland doubled their advantage in the 79th minute through another Walsh penalty after Crumlin’s Daniel Loughran was upended. Ray Whelehan wrapped up the three points with a stunning close-range strike in the third minute of injury time.
Blackburn bidders’ modest plans
BLACKBURN are expected to have just ¤5.8 million to spend on new players should their proposed takeover be completed. Rovers are set to be taken over by Venkateshwara Hatcheries, better known as Venky’s, a group that will become the first Indian company to own a Premier League club. But fans expecting the Ewood Park outfit to splash the cash if the takeover is completed are likely to be disappointed.
Venky’s chairperson Anuradha J Desai will make just ¤5.8 million available for players, claiming they do not expect to compete in the Premier League’s top five. “We will pump in whatever is needed but the main thing is to get the club back into good shape,” Desai said. “This is an investment and it will grow on its own strength. We won’t need to buy expensive players, we can always lease (loan) them. We don’t expect to be in the top five of the Premier League. We will be happy to be in the top 10-12.”
Owen sidelined again by dreaded hamstring injury
MANCHESTER United striker Michael Owen faces a further few weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury. Owen was expected to start Tuesday night’s League Cup tie against Wolves after recovering from a recent groin complaint.
However, the 30-year-old was a late absentee from the team and has confirmed he has now picked up a fresh muscle problem. “I’ve trained for a week and had a setback with another muscle injury,” said Owen. “I’ve got some damage in my hamstring and will be out for the next few weeks unfortunately.”
The former Liverpool forward has not featured for United since he was replaced at half-time during the 0-0 draw at Sunderland at the start of the month. His outing at the Stadium of Light was his first start in the Premier League this season, although he came off the bench to score the equaliser against Bolton in September. His other competitive start for United this term was in the League Cup when he scored twice in a 5-2 success away to Scunthorpe.
