Latest ChampionShip News

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TRIO JAILED OVER RAMS TAKEOVER

Three men involved in the fraudulent takeover of a former Premier League football club were jailed on Monday.

Jeremy Keith, former chief executive of Derby County Football Club, ex-finance director Andrew Mackenzie and former director of football Murdo Mackay were all handed prison sentences at Northampton Crown Court after it was found that they claimed "secret commission" in the deal.

Keith, 41, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was sentenced to 18 months after previously being found guilty of falsifying documents when he and his associates bought the club for just £3 in 2003.

Mackenzie, 55, of Burton Road, Derby, and 53-year-old Mackay, of Fife, Scotland, were each jailed for three years after they were found guilty of fraud.

David Lowe, their legal adviser during the takeover, was convicted of helping to launder £81,895 of the £440,625 the trio tried to claim as a brokerage fee. He was jailed for two years.

Keith, Mackenzie and Mackay were all disqualified from being company directors - Keith for three years, and the other two for five years.

The court heard that the trio claimed "secret commission" of £440,625 after arranging a £15million loan for the cash-strapped club from a Panama-based corporation.

It was claimed they used the loan as a "carrot" for the club, convincing administrators to sanction the takeover.

During the trial, jurors were told that Derby County, nicknamed the Rams, were struggling in 2003 following their relegation from the Premier League the previous year.

The Pride Park club owed more than £35 million and had been put into receivership by the Co-op Bank, the court heard.

 

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RAMS STILL HOPEFUL OF KISNORBO DEAL

Derby are still in talks with Patrick Kisnorbo over the defender's proposed move to Pride Park.

The 28-year-old, a free agent after being released by Leicester this summer, caught the eye as he played just over an hour of the Rams' opening pre-season fixture at Burton 10 days ago.

However, after training with the Rams last week the Australia international was left out of the squad that played Chesterfield in the Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup on Saturday prompting some to suggest that any deal may be dead.

But manager Nigel Clough said: "It's nothing like that. Patrick just felt that there wasn't much point in him playing another game and risking injury if there wasn't a deal agreed.

"It is something we are discussing with him and his representative at the moment and it is ongoing."

 

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PEARCE REJECTED IRON RETURN

Krystian Pearce has revealed he turned down the chance to return to Scunthorpe in order to play for Peterborough next season.

The Birmingham centre-back, 19, has linked up with Darren Ferguson at London Road on a season-long loan deal, making his debut in Saturday 3-0 pre-season defeat to Aston Villa.

Pearce spent last term on loan at Scunthorpe, helping the Iron earn promotion to the Championship via the play-offs and reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Yet he opted to join Posh over a return to Glanford Park when the offers came his way this time around.

He told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph: "I chose to come here over going back to Scunthorpe. I have always had tough games against Peterborough and it is good to be on board now. There are a lot of good young players here and the club is clearly going places with a big future which excites me."

Speaking about the tough competition he will face in trying to dislodge the central defensive pairing of Craig Morgan and Gaby Zakuani, he added: "Fighting for your place is part of the game and I am ready to do that because I have come here to play football.

"The gaffer has told me about the players here. I am well aware of the competition and I am ready for it. Peterborough are a team that like to play football and that should suit me. I definitely don't think I will have a problem fitting in."

 

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ARNASON COMPLETES ARGYLE MOVE

Plymouth have completed the signing of Iceland international Kari Arnason on a one-year deal.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who has impressed boss Paul Sturrock during a trial, passed a medical and signed terms at the club's Scotland training camp to become Argyle's third summer signing.

"To get to England has always been my goal," Arnason told the club's official website. "And that's what I told my agent my objective was."

Arnason, who joins on a free transfer following his release from Danish side Aarhus, is hoping to shed his tag as a defensive-minded player and impress as a box-to-box midfielder.

"It is not like I am stuck as a sitting midfielder. I would like to get into the box and head a few goals in."

 

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FOREST COMPLETE DOUBLE SWOOP

Nottingham Forest have further strengthened their squad by completing the double signing of Chris Gunter and Paul McKenna.

Wales international Gunter, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Forest last season, has joined in a £1.75million move from Tottenham and was desperate to make a permanent return to the City Ground after failing to win regular football at the Premier League club.

"I wasn't interested in moving anywhere else," he told the club's official website. "I was just praying that this move would happen and I'm delighted it has."

Forest have splashed out another hefty amount in bringing in McKenna from Preston after he completed his £750,000 move to the City Ground.

The 31-year-old leaves Deepdale after a 17-year stint with North End and is relishing a reunion with Billy Davies.

"I don't think there's any manager who has got more drive than Billy Davies," he said. "I'm really excited about the challenge ahead."

 

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BAGGIES SNUB NEW GREENING BID

Fulham's improved offer of £3.25million for midfielder Jonathan Greening has been rejected by West Brom.

Greening handed in a transfer request at The Hawthorns earlier this month which was swiftly following by an initial offer from the Cottagers.

The Baggies midfielder has claimed he is eager to have another opportunity to play in the Premier League, but vowed he would not "rock the boat" if an acceptable offer failed to materialise.

Fulham's opening approach was swiftly rejected last week with Albion chairman Jeremy Peace labelling the bid "derisory".

Roy Hodgson was understood to have tabled £2million plus a player, and his latest attempt to prize the 30-year-old away shows he is still keen.

Albion, who do not want or need to sell, value Greening higher than the two bids received and it remains to be seen whether the Cottagers will come back in for a third time.

The former Manchester United and Middlesbrough man still has a year left on his current deal with another 12 months in West Brom's favour, while a new four-year deal is also on the table.

Hodgson, who defended Fulham's opening bid, last week said: "I do know that Jonathan will be very keen to join us and he will be a good addition to our squad with his experience and quality going into the season we're going into."

 

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McMAHON: TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Commercial director Steve McMahon admitted time is running out on the Profitable Group's proposed takeover of Newcastle but is still hopeful the Singapore-based strategic global investment group can acquire the club.

The Profitable Group are among a number of bidders attempting to purchase the troubled north-east outfit from owner Mike Ashley following their relegation to the Championship.

Ashley values United at £100million but while there has also been reported interest from Malaysian and American consortiums, the Magpies still remain in turmoil with no permanent manager, no activity in the transfer market and the start of the season just under three weeks away.

As such, former Liverpool player McMahon underlined the need for a quick sale but insisted the current situation is what attracted the company to bid in the first place.

"The mess is the attraction - that's what makes it viable. If we can clean the mess up and run it properly and run it as a business and get the contracts in hand and be realistic, there lies the issue for us and we think we can do that," he said.

"We've made an offer, we're waiting for Newcastle's response but we're hopeful, we're trying our best to make this happen.

"It's got to be in the near future, I would imagine this week would be crucial. If we don't hear anything back by the end of the week, it doesn't look hopeful.

"It needs something to happen very, very quickly for the Newcastle supporters, for the players and we're trying to make that happen.

"We can only make the offer that we believe is right, we've done our homework, our due diligence, the funds are in place and we've done our best to try and get the club.

"We've made a very serious and genuine offer, we're just hoping we hear something soon.

"We're not looking to steal the club off Mike Ashley. We've offered what we believe is the value of the club. We believe the expertise we have in marketing and the football side of it, we can make this work."

McMahon underlined funds would be in place to overhaul the squad but played down any prospect of a massive spending spree.

"There will be money available, it depends how much we acquire the club for, we've put a certain amount of money aside and if we have to up the bid for Newcastle then that leaves us less money for players," he added.

"We're not saying we're going to be a Manchester City because we're not. We want to run it as a business and whatever money is available we will give to the manager if we're successful and it's all about if we're successful in the bid."

McMahon also again reiterated they would be keen to re-appoint Alan Shearer if their bid was successful.

"We need to get the club first but we would certainly be looking to keep Alan, he would be a major draw for players to the club and for the supporters," he said..

"We understand the situation and Shearer is part of the future for Newcastle - if we acquire it."

The club insisted they have sold almost 25,000 season tickets for the new campaign despite the club's ongoing off-the-field problems.

Speculation at the weekend suggested the Magpies had only managed to persuade around 15,000 fans to pay for the entire campaign up front.

However, the club released a statement on Monday afternoon claiming they are nearing the 25,000 mark, and are hopeful of adding more before their Championship fixtures get under way in less than three weeks' time.

The statement said: "The club can confirm that sales are now closing in on the 25,000 mark with uptake in the expanded family area particularly strong.

"Interest is continuing to grow on a daily basis and with the new season still three weeks away, we expect the number of season ticket holders to further increase."

At the height of Sir Bobby Robson's reign at St James' Park, Newcastle had around 44,000 season ticket holders, ensuring sell-out crowds at the 52,000 capacity stadium for virtually every game.

However, attendances have fallen in recent years, and the effects of relegation, coupled with the continuing uncertainty over the club's ownership and the fact that crowd favourite Shearer is still waiting to hear if he will be appointed manager, could have a significant effect this time around despite a nine per cent decrease in prices.

 

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OWLS STAND FIRM ON TUDGAY

Brian Laws insists Sheffield Wednesday will not be "bullied" into letting Marcus Tudgay secure a move to Burnley.

The Owls have already rejected a bid for the striker and have described the Premier League new-boys' offer as "derisory".

Tudgay is keen on a move to Turf Moor and his agent said last week that his client is considering handing in a transfer request.

However, Laws is adamant that the Championship club will not change their stance, irrespective of whether Tudgay asks to leave.

Laws told the Sheffield Star: "There is no change in our position; whether a transfer request is made or not, it does not change one jot.

"The club will not be bullied.

"It's not just about money; with what we are aiming to achieve next season, we value highly the part that Marcus can play in that."

Despite the player's desire to move on from Hillsborough, the forward's attitude on the Owls' pre-season trip to Malta has been praised by Laws.

He added: "I have a fantastic working relationship with the player - and that has been cemented.

"We shall never fall out about this. He is an ultimate professional, like I am. There has never been any problem between me and Marcus and there never will be.

"He has been absolutely first class (on tour]. He's been doing everything that he should be doing - that's getting on with his football - and Sheffield Wednesday will act professionally and do things how they should be done."

 

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RAMS WAIT ON FIELDING

Derby boss Nigel Clough is waiting for a reply from Blackburn regarding his bid for goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

The 21-year-old is a target of the Rams as they look for cover for first-choice shot-stopper Stephen Bywater.

Clough has made an approach for Fielding, who spent part of last season on loan at Rochdale, and is now hoping Blackburn will accept his offer.

"We see him as a No 2 and he fits into what we are trying to do - groom some young players," Clough told the Derby Telegraph.

"We are just waiting for a decision back from Blackburn."

Clough admits that Fielding's possible arrival would mean Derby would allow Roy Carroll to look for a return to the top flight.

"It is a situation we have been in for the last few months and Roy is aware of it," said Clough.

"Financially, it would be best if he could try and get himself fixed up. I think he and his representatives are trying to do that.

"If one or two experienced keepers in the Premier League got injured or picked up knocks, I think Roy would be absolutely ideal to step in.

"He is probably too experienced and too good to be a No.2 in the Championship."

 

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BLACKPOOL BAG EUELL

Blackpool have snapped up former Southampton forward Jason Euell on a free transfer.

Euell has signed a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months after leaving Southampton earlier this summer.

The former Charlton and Middlesbrough man admits Pool boss Ian Holloway played a big part in persuading him to move to Blackpool.

"I had a meeting with Ian last week and it was a good, funny chat to discuss football as well as other things," Euell told the club's official website.

"It swayed for me to want to be here and be part of what Ian's trying to achieve in moving the club forward. I want to be part of that."

Holloway was delighted to make Euell his second signing of the summer following the capture of Billy Clarke.

"Jason is someone that I have admired for many a year. I think he's a fantastic character and he's one of the fittest 32-year-olds you will find in your life," said Holloway.

"He can play in a variety of roles that I want to use him in and it's absolutely vital that he's chose us.

 

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JONES REJECTS RIFT RUMOURS

Dave Jones has played down talk of a rift between himself and chairman Peter Ridsdale over Cardiff's summer transfer policy.

Jones was last week quoted as saying "I don't want to lose the three (players) I have asked for. Does the chairman have the courage to go for it?", while also stressing the club have to stop selling their best players at some stage as rumours persist over the futures of Joe Ledley and Ross McCormack.

But Jones insists he is not on a minor collision course with Ridsdale, who has said players need to move on to balance the books before others can be signed.

"There's no rift with me and the chairman which was put out, there's nothing like that," Jones told BBC Sport. "There's no problem. I know the parameters that I have to work with at this football club.

"I've said many times we don't want to lose our best players but sometimes due to circumstances that has to happen. Am I happy about it? Of course I'm not, nobody in the football club is but I know that's the way we have to work.

"There are three players that I feel that if we get can will make us a lot stronger. We might have to lose one or two out the squad to get the three in. But I haven't said anything different to what I've been saying since the day I walked in this football club."

 

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LYNCH CLOSE TO FOREST MOVE

Brighton defender Joel Lynch looks set to join Nottingham Forest for an initial £200,000.

The 21-year-old, who spent much of last season on loan at the City Ground after putting in a transfer request at Albion, is poised to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on Wednesday.

Forest midfielder Matt Thornhill, 20, is moving in the opposite direction, joining the Seagulls on loan until January.

"He's a young midfielder who has huge potential and Forest rate him very highly," said Brighton boss Russell Slade.

He added: "As a club we wish Joel all the best. Forest retained their interest through the close season and we have agreed a deal which is right for the club."

 

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BASSO HANDS IN TRANSFER REQUEST

Adriano Basso has rocked Bristol City's preparations for the new season by submitting a transfer request.

The 34-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper has rejected the offer of a new deal at Ashton Gate and has subsequently been asked for his name to be circulated to other clubs.

"The club feels it has done everything possible to keep him, offering an excellent new deal," said a statement from the Robins. "Adriano has decided to reject it, and has subsequently submitted a written transfer request."

Basso has made 161 appearances for the club since joining from Woking in 2005. He is currently on manager Gary Johnson's injured list, along with fellow keepers Dean Gerken and Stephen Henderson.

As a result of the trio's injuries, Johnson is weighing up a move for free agent Peter Brezovan.

 

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MIDO BACK AT BORO

Middlesbrough striker Mido has finally returned to pre-season training.

The Egypt international was fined two weeks' wages when he failed to turn up back at the club's Rockliffe Park headquarters with the rest of his team-mates on July 6.

Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed at the weekend Mido would continue to be hit in the pocket until he did return, and coach Steve Agnew has confirmed that has now happened.

He told the club's official website: "Mido returned yesterday and has been disciplined by the club.

"He's back with us now, but not yet part of the group as he's now following the programme the other players have gone through over the last 10 days or so.

"He will follow that programme until he's on a level with the others, but that won't happen for a few more days at least because he was late he has to catch-up on everything, including all the fitness testing."

 

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BUTT TO MISS START OF NEW SEASON

Managerless Newcastle have been dealt yet another blow with the news influential midfielder Nicky Butt will miss the start of the new season.

The 34-year-old needs surgery to repair the hand injury he suffered in last weekend's friendly at Darlington and will not be available for four weeks.

A club statement said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Nicky Butt requires an operation on the hand injury sustained during Saturday's 7-2 victory at Darlington."

Caretaker boss Chris Hughton revealed after Saturday's game that Butt had suffered a partial dislocation of his thumb.

The Magpies open their Championship campaign at West Brom on Saturday, August 8.

 

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MAGNIFICENT SEVEN FOR ARSENAL

Arsenal secured their first victory of pre-season with an emphatic 7-1 win over Austrian minnows SC Columbia.

Nicklas Bendtner, Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey all grabbed braces, while William Gallas also got on the scoresheet.

The Gunners did suffer a minor embarrassment when a freakish goal from Patrick Lehner gave the amateurs a shock first-half lead after Manuel Almunia's clearance cannoned off him into the net.

Stoke drew 1-1 with Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv in Austria.

City boss Tony Pulis named a strong side and they went ahead just after the half-hour through Salif Diao.

Hapoel sealed a draw as Douglas da Silva levelled just after the break.

In South Africa, Manchester City opened the Vodacom Challenge tournament with a 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs.

The only goal of the game arrived just before the interval when Stephen Ireland scored.

Tottenham continued their excellent pre-season form with a third clean-sheet as they eased to a 4-0 win at Peterborough.

Darren Bent (35) opened the scoring for Spurs, before second-half goals from Jermain Defoe (66), Luka Modric (68) and Roman Pavlyuchenko (75) sealed the win.

Fulham's first pre-season clash back in Britain, after their trip to Australia, ended in a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth.

Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw at League One Colchester, but they had to battle back from 2-0 down.

The home side took the lead just before half-hour when Scott Vernon headed home, and then ten minutes into the second-half Ashley Vincent doubled Colchester's lead.

Villa pulled one back almost immediately through Steve Sidwell and then just moments Adam McGurk was on hand to fire home an equaliser for Martin O'Neil's men.

Hull came from behind to seal a 2-1 win at Carlisle.

Matt Robson opened the scoring for the hosts after just 12 minutes, and they held their lead until just after the break when Daniel Cousin volleyed home.

Peter Halmosi then gave Hull the victory with a well placed shot.

Portsmouth were held to a 2-2 draw by local non-league rivals Havant & Waterlooville.

Trialist Eugene Bopp was the star of the show as he grabbed a brace to put Pompey 2-0 ahead.

But a mistake from Bopp then allowed Mustafa Tiryaki to pounce and then late on Manny Williams struck to seal a draw for the home side.

Birmingham lost 2-0 against Stuttgart as Elson and Julian Schieber scored for the Bundesliga outfit.

Lee Clark lost out to his old club Newcastle as the Magpies claimed a 1-0 win over Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium.

Wolves claimed victory at Walsall with a 1-0 win at The Banks's Stadium.

The only goal of the game arrived after 16 minutes and it was new signing Andrew Surman who drove the ball home.

Bristol City claimed a 4-0 win at non-league Weymouth, while Barnsley fielded two sides in games at Gainsborough and Frickley, which ended in 1-0 and 3-1 wins respectively.

Derby emerged 2-0 winners from their clash at Huish Park against Yeovil, but Leicester were held to a 0-0 draw at Mansfield.

Sheffield Wednesday claimed a 2-0 win at Hartlepool as Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw at League Two Grimsby.

Preston could only grab a 1-1 draw at non-league Wrexham, and Crystal Palace were also held to a draw as they drew 2-2 with Brentford at Griffin Park.

Queens Park Rangers came through their test at Forest Green Rovers with a 2-0 win.

Brighton impressed at AFC Wimbledon as they claimed a 2-0 victory, and Oldham grabbed a 2-1 win at Moss Rose over Macclesfield.

Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham played out a 2-2 draw at Whaddon Road, as Millwall defeated Irish side Shelbourne 1-0.

Non-league Kidderminster claimed a 3-2 win over League Two Hereford, but Morecambe easily overcame Kendal Town 4-1.

Another non-league scalp saw Ebbsfleet claim a 3-2 win over Leyton Orient.

 

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NO GRUDGES FOR NOVAK

Geordie Lee Novak insists he will bear no grudge with Fabricio Coloccini after a stormy encounter between Huddersfield and Newcastle on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old Town striker got more than he bargained for when he turned out for a 'friendly' against the club he supported as a boy when he was left needing stitches in his chin following a clash with the Argentinian.

However, the former Gateshead frontman had few complaints.

He said: "It was a feisty game. What happened was just part and parcel of football.

"You are always going to get knocks and stuff like that. There were handshakes at the end of the game still as normal.

"I didn't see Fabricio Coloccini at the end of the game, but if I saw him, I would shake his hand, I have no problem with that.

"I wouldn't hold a grudge against anybody over that."

The flashpoint was one of two which marred the Magpies 1-0 win at the Galpharm Stadium with the first seeing 20 players and coaches from both clubs involved after Senegal international Habib Beye and Huddersfield skipper Peter Clarke clashed at half-time.

Caretaker Newcastle boss Chris Hughton, who withdrew Beye soon afterwards, but not at the request of referee Jon Moss, insisted the incident showed his players care about the club.

Opposite number Lee Clark, another Geordie who played for the Magpies and launched his coaching career at St James' Park, was not too concerned either.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "It showed that both teams were committed and they did their utmost for both clubs.

"The one in the first half, I missed because I was back in the dressing room. Then I heard there was a bit of an incident going on.

"When I came out of the dressing room, the players were just ushering each other away.

"The one at the end, there was commotion and a coming together. I didn't see the incident again.

"But when Lee Novak came towards the line, my lad indicated he had been punched.

"It's hard for me to comment. All I know is my player has a cut chin. I don't know what happened before or after and it's difficult.

"It was very competitive for a friendly, but I was delighted with my side's competitiveness on the night."

 

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FOREST SIGN BLACKSTOCK AND LYNCH

Dexter Blackstock has completed his move from QPR to Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old striker, who had a spell on loan at the City Ground last season, has signed a four-year contract after Rangers allowed him to leave for an undisclosed fee.

"I'm very happy to be back. It's nice to see the lads, the manager and the staff again and I can't wait to get back in the swing of things," he told the club's official website.

"I enjoyed everything about my time with Forest last season. We were in the relegation zone and ended up surviving quite comfortably in the end and didn't lose in my time at the club.

"I was really happy with the way things went. I've had a taste of what this club is all about and now I want more."

Meanwhile, Forest have also completed the permanent signing of Brighton defender Joel Lynch.

Forest have paid £200,000 for the 21-year-old, who has put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Lynch spent most of last season on loan at the City Ground, making 23 appearances, after starting his career at Brighton in October 2004.

 

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BANGURA EYES NEW CHALLENGE

Al Bangura is looking for a fresh challenge after he left Watford by mutual consent.

The Sierra Leone-born midfielder has spent his whole career with Watford after being spotted playing in a local park.

He made his first-team debut aged just 17, and he has gone on to make over 60 first-team appearances for the Hornets.

Bangura was part of Watford's midfield that climbed into the Premier League in 2006.

But now Bangura and Watford have decided to part company, and he will officially leave Vicarage Road later this week.

Bangura's personal advisor Tony Finnigan confirmed that the two parties had reached agreement.

"Al and Watford have agreed to go their own ways," he told skysports.com.

"The whole thing is extremely amicable; Al has loved his time at Watford and will never forget what they have done for him."

Bangura had faced a deportation order in 2007 before a huge battle led by Watford saw him win his fight to remain in England.

"Everyone connected with Watford, but particularly the fans, fought very hard for him, and he will always remember that," Finnigan continued.

"But now he is looking to the future and wants a fresh challenge, he is only 21 and we know there is interest in him.

"Al has a great deal of experience despite his young years, including a season in the Premier League."

 

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BLUES BOSS NOT IN STEPHEN HUNT

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has played down speculation that he is to make a bid for Reading's £4million rated winger Stephen Hunt.

McLeish is still aiming to strengthen his squad despite having already signed eight new players this summer.

But, although acknowledging Hunt's qualities, the former Scotland boss insisted he was not uppermost in his thoughts.

He said: "It's not true. I am not about to sign anybody at the moment. We've got to count our pennies.

"I don't really want to talk about players who are with other teams or I might get into trouble with the authorities. But Hunt is a good player."

McLeish has made it clear he wants to add to his midfield department despite acquiring experienced duo Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer.

Meanwhile, Blues are hoping winger Keith Fahey's abductor injury, suffered in the defeat against VFB Stuttgart last night, is not serious.

Fahey was substituted in the second half of the 2-0 reversal.

McLeish admitted: "We were going to take Keith off at half-time but thought we couldn't take everybody off and Keith is one of those who has got great energy.

"But when he flagged to the side that he had a slight abductor problem, we whipped him off right away."