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Friday 17 May 2013

Headline news...

- Beckham announces retirement
David Beckham has announced that he is to retire at the end of the season. The 38 year old Signed a five month deal at Paris St-Germain in January, donating all of his salary to charity, he has made 13 appearances for the club. Beckham made 115 appearances for England, after making his debut in 1996 and captained his side from 2000 to 2006. He joined Manchester United as a trainee in 1991 making his debut the following year, then signed his professional contract in 1993, making 265 appearances for the club. During his career Beckham has lifted 19 trophies including 10 league titles. He played a significant role in the successful bid to bring the 2012 Olympic Games to London after being invited to become an ambassador for sport in this country. "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love. However, I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back."

- FA introduces new five-match bans for racial abuse
The FA have introduced a new five-match ban for players who racially abuse an opponent, it will start next season. The same punishment is also going to apply with discrimination cases such as religion, sexuality and disability, if a secondary offence happens it will lead to an automatic minimum ban of 10 matches. Clubs could also be charged if any of their employees are sanctioned with discrimination abuse in any 12 month period. The FA chairman David Bernstein, said: "We have consulted far and wide and the new sanction and education package has been agreed by all partners involved in the process, including the Professional Footballers' Association, the League Managers' Association, Premier League, Football League, referees and [anti-racism group] Kick It Out."

- Remy bailed
QPR striker Loic Remy has been bailed after he was arrested on suspicion of rape. He was held with two other men after allegations of a 34 year old woman was raped on 6th May by three men, Remy has been bailed until September. His solicitors said that the player denied the allegation but he could not comment.

- Poyet suspended with coaching staff
Gus Poyet has been suspended alongside his coaching staff, assistant manager Mauricio Taricco and first team coach Charlie Oatway by Brighton pending an internal investigation. It is believed that Poyet has had a series of disagreements with the club's board over his transfer budget for the summer. Poyet has three years remaining on his contract, but there has been speculation that a number of clubs are interested with the Uruguayan. A club statement read: "Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed that it has suspended its manager, assistant manager, and its first team coach from their duties. The club will now follow its internal procedures with regard to this matter and will make no further comment at this time."

- Everton fans reassured
Everton fans have been reassured that the club is in good hands after David Moyes leaves in the summer. Chairman Bill Kenwright and current manager David Moyes spoke at the club's end of season awards, Kenwright said: "Although we will miss him like there is no tomorrow, I promise you David, we will just maintain what you have started and I won't let you down." Moyes added: "I have always wanted to give the players all we can and I told them we would be at the top of the league and keep getting better.

- Vieira becomes head of elite development squad at Man City
Patrick Vieira has become head of the elite development squad at Manchester City replacing Attilio Lombardo who left the club following Roberto Mancini's sacking. The former Arsenal midfielder has been at the club two years as their football development executive, he is looking forward to begin coaching after getting his badges and is hoping to produce homegrown talents. Vieira told the club website: "After spending two years working across a number of areas of the Club and with a particular focus on the Youth Academy, I feel honoured and privileged to have been offered this role. This marks a new chapter both in my career and in my life and I am looking forward to it immensely. My passion for the development of young talent has only grown in my time at City and I am pleased to be able to play my part in helping to shape the footballing future for Manchester City.”