Gigi Delneri has confirmed that Sunday’s match against Napoli will be his last in charge of Juventus after being dismissed by the Turin club.Delneri, 60, joined Juve in May 2010 after guiding Sampdoria to fourth in Serie A, earning the Genoese outfit a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

But the veteran coach’s stay at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino will not extend beyond one disappointing season.

Juve are seventh in the table and must defeat third-placed Napoli in their final match of the season on Sunday, while also hoping Roma lose, if they are to sneak into the Europa League.

Expected to challenge for the Scudetto or at least gain Champions League qualification with a top-four finish, the team’s underwhelming performance led Juve officials to axe Delneri on Wednesday.

“There will be a new coach at Juventus next season,” Delneri said ahead of the visit of Napoli.

“The club informed me of its decision on Wednesday. I accept this choice, even if I’d do everything again.”

“Juve did not have the time to wait for change and gradual improvement. As for me, if a door closes behind me then another can open up”

“I was proud to be given the Juventus job initially, which is why I gave up on the Champions League with Sampdoria.”

“I was happy with the arrival of Fabio Quagliarella and Alberto Aquilani … and Vincenzo Iaquinta’s form. Then the collapse in January changed the season. Injuries affected everything.”

“The club asked me to get the best results we could and I told them the Scudetto was a big ask, especially after so many changes. I did understand that a club like Juve must always push to win.”

Delneri also made no secret of the fact that his impending departure is not a mutual decision.

“Personally, I would’ve confirmed myself for next season, especially as I have a contract for another 12 months,” he said.

“In any case, I can never consider this experience to be a personal defeat. The Bianconeri bench helped me to mature as a coach.”

“The lads were splendid and very easy to lead. I discovered a new environment that helped me to grow. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, so life goes on.”

Siena coach Antonio Conte, a former Juve favourite as a player, is widely tipped to be named as Delneri’s replacement.

Germany coach Joachim Loew was delighted with his side’s 2-1 win over Austria in Vienna on Friday to all but secure a place at Euro 2012.The win lifted the Germans seven points clear of Belgium on top of Group A, with Belgium having played one game more than the leaders.

While Loew acknowledged Germany were not at their best after a long Bundesliga season, the coach said they were happy to overcome a tough test and deal Austria’s qualification hopes a hammer blow.

“I am delighted that we won the match,” Loew said. “It’s good to come to Austria and get the three points even when we haven’t played so well.”

“Some players were clearly at the limit of their strengths – we made mistakes that could have been avoided.”

“Austria brought everything to this game. They were good and fought hard, and perceived this match as their last chance.”

“I am happy because it was fortunate, but also proud because the players wanted to win this game.”

Defender Philipp Lahm said the squad was pleased with the win, and insisted they were looking forward to securing full points against Azerbaijan on Tuesday before taking a well-earned break.

“We should talk again after Tuesday,” Lahm said. “We must win in Azerbaijan, but it is looking good for us.”

“We worked hard today and collected three points. Now after Tuesday we can reassess and then we’ll be able to go on holiday without any worries and I believe that qualification will then be all but assured.”

It could be all change in the left back position at Newcastle for next season. Jose Enrique could be on his way out, with Swansea’s Neil Taylor possibly on his way in on a £1 million deal, but the Welshman would need some competition for a starting place. Could that be provided by Wayne Bridge ?

According to the Express, Newcastle and Aston Villa are interested in former England international Wayne Bridge. Bridge is currently contracted to Manchester City following a loan spell to West Ham United in the 2010/11 campaign, but the player isn’t a part of City’s long-term plans and manager Roberto Mancini is keen to trim his squad.

However, City’s asking price of £5m and Bridge’s £90,000 a week wages are thought to be a stumbling block for both and Newcastle and Villa who aren’t prepared the respective fees. In addition to that, Bridge is a player who I think at 30 years of age is well past his peak and has gone downhill rapidly following a certain off the field incident involving his ex-girlfriend and teammate at the time John Terry.

A has-been, or someone who could resurrect his career at Newcastle? I’ll let you decide…

Article courtesy of the Gallowgate Gob at the NEW ‘Nothing But Newcastle’

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Theo Walcott is gunning for a berth in the Arsenal forward line next season after five years on the wing at the north London club.Walcott, 22, joined English Premier League side Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006.

He has made 114 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, the majority of them coming in a wide role.

Now set to embark on his fifth full season in the Arsenal first team, the England international has his sights set on a centre-forward spot.

“I was signed as a striker – I want to play up front. I think I have done my trade out on the wing,” Walcott said.

“I think a lot of people forget I’m not a winger. I see myself as a striker, but if I get played up front it will take me a few games to get used to playing there again because I haven’t played there for about five years.”

“I think I have done a fairly good job on the wing for Arsenal. For this team I will play anywhere, but hopefully the fans will start seeing me up front a bit more.”

Walcott could be set to follow the path of former team-mate Thierry Henry, who made the transition from an unproductive wide role at Juventus to starring as a striker for Arsenal.

“I’ve been practicing my finishing after training,” Walcott said.

“This season, 15-20 is my target.”

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“I know I’m not going to play every single game. I always work at a high intensity so I’m not going to be able to do every single game.”

“The boss will know that as well. Hopefully I will be given a bit more of a free role as well. I’m intrigued to see what happens.”

Arsenal finished fourth in the English Premier League last season, losing in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City and bowing out of the Champions League and FA Cup to Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Sergio Batista has been sacked as coach of Argentina’s national football team, it was announced on Monday.Batista took over the reins at the South American powerhouse from legendary player Diego Maradona 12 months ago – initially in a caretaker position, before being handed the role proper.

The Argentine Football Association’s executive committee met on Monday, and made the decision to move on the 48-year-old former Argentina international.

The move comes swiftly following Argentina’s failure to fire at their hosting of the Copa America, registering just one victory and bowing out in the quarter-finals, despite holding aces such as Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.

Lasting in the job just under one year (he was hired on July 27, 2010, and fired on July 25), Batista most memorably steered Argentina to a 4-1 win over World Cup holders Spain and also to a 1-0 win over Brazil.

His luck ran out at the recent Copa, which Uruguay won for the 15th time in their history, when pressure on his star-studded side saw Messi struggle to enforce his influence, and resulted in Tevez missing the decisive penalty in the shootout against the eventual champions.

QPR have completed the signing of forward DJ Campbell from Blackpool on a two-year deal.Campbell, who joined for a fee believed to be worth about 1.25 million pouds, will once again ply his trade in the English Premier League, having scored 13 goals last campaign for the relegated Blackpool.

The 29-year-old joins a club he supported as a boy and he was delighted to be at Loftus Road, having knocked back interest from other clubs in the top flight.

“It’s a massive club and it means a lot to me to be back here where it all began,” Campbell told the club’s official website.

“There were other clubs in the Premier League that showed an interest but when I heard QPR were in for me it was an offer I couldn’t refuse – this is my club.”

Manager Neil Warnock said he was excited by what Campbell could bring to the club, including pace up front.

“He is someone I have admired for a while now and he had a fabulous season in the Premier League with Blackpool last year,” Warnock said.

“He is a QPR fan and you can tell he has a great desire to do well for the club he supports. That shone through when I met up with him – he can’t wait to play for us.”

“He also gives us that extra element of pace which we need and I am sure he will prove to be a big hit with the fans at Loftus Road this season.”

Harry Redknapp revealed that he would be happy to see David Beckham at Tottenham, when the player’s contract expires at the LA Galaxy. Harry says he is still a quality Premier League player and would welcome him with open arms should he wish to move to North London.

Elsewhere in the papers the Everton board hits out at protest; Villas-Boas reveals he won’t be afraid to wield the axe, while Roberto Martinez believes that Manchester City are unplayable.

Harry open to Beckham return – Sky Sports

I could drop both Torres and Lampard, admits Villas-Boas – Guardian

Dalglish backs Carroll after criticism – Guardian

Pardew frustrated over failure to buy a striker – Guardian

Pearce wants to get his Phil for kid Lions – Sun

De Gea keeping the faith despite mistakes – Daily Telegraph

Everton board hit back at angry fans in row over sale of cash-strapped Toffees – Daily Mail

Martinez: Manchester City are ‘unplayable’ title contenders – Sun

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Arsenal scouts keeping tabs on Anderlecht’s midfield anchor Biglia – Daily Mail

QPR manager Warnock hits out at ‘pathetic’ internationals – Daily Mail

AC Milan join Liverpool in chase for Ajax teen sensation – Talksport

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Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas has refused to comment on Fernando Torres’ red card against Swansea on Saturday, and instead preferred to discuss the manner of his side’s victory.

The Stamford Bridge outfit ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, with the Spaniard scoring the opener before being dismissed.

When asked about the Spain international’s first half lunge on Mark Gower that saw him sent from the pitch, the Portuguese coach refused to be drawn on an opinion.

“Well, this is for the referee to decide, according to the rules and he decided like that, so nothing to say,” he told Sky Sports.

Villas Boas was sighted speaking to the fourth official after the incident, but explains that he just wanted some clarity on the decision.

“I was just beginning to try to understand the situation but I think the referee’s decision was the most important at this time,” he stated.

A Ramires strike and a brace from Didier Drogba sealed the win, and the man in charge is happy with the three points.

“Yes, it was a good win for us and an important win after what happened at Old Trafford.

“Eventually we got the goal which was important but things became even more difficult for us with ten men but we didn’t stop trying to take our opportunities and we came up with a fantastic result so it’s really good to come back and show our resilience not only from a defeat but also what happened on Wednesday,” he concluded.

With Manchester United dropping points at Stoke, Chelsea are now just three points off the pace.

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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has dismissed England’s chances of winning Euro 2012, stating that the core of the team is not as strong as other nations.

The 2-2 draw with Montenegro in Podgorica on Friday night assured that Fabio Capello’s men will take their place in Poland and Ukraine next year.

Despite an unbeaten qualifying campaign, the 85-times capped full-back is not convinced by The Three Lions’ chances.

“It’s as though we think one world class player might be able to propel us to a major trophy,” he stated in the Mail on Sunday.

“And now we are talking about Rooney possibly missing two games at Euro 2012 when what we should be talking about is the spine of a team that has no mobility and can’t keep the ball.

“When I look at it coldly, a team that has John Terry, Gary Cahill, Scott Parker, Gareth Barry, Darren Bent and Rooney in its central positions is nowhere near good enough to take on the major nations such as Spain.

“I’m not having a go at individuals; there are some very good players among those names. Collectively, Rooney aside, there is hardly any pace, very little invention and hardly any rotation of positions.

“The real issue is that the spine of the team is not good enough, as it stands, to take on Spain, Italy, France or Germany at Euro 2012,” he stated.

Neville picked the world champions out as a particular team of strength, that England may not be able to compete against, but will come head-to-head with on November 12th in an international friendly.

“Compare England with the spine of Spain: Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Villa and Fernando Llorente. That’s the issue Fabio Capello now has to resolve and why the Wembley friendly is so much more than a practice.

“Never has a friendly been more important.

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“It’s like a Cup final. Somehow, Capello has to do something that no England manager has done in 15 years, and that is make the England players believe that this next match could be the most important of their life,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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Melwood was the scene as four stars of Liverpool FC took part in an exclusive skills challenge set up by the club’s official betting partner 188BET.

Stuart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Jonjo Shelvey were put through their paces in a crossbar challenge, a test of speed with extreme keepy-ups, then finished off with a test of shooting accuracy by trying to score through small target holes in a covered goalmouth.

The lads were joined by a certain £35m Geordie striker. Andy Carroll was originally only a spectator but wanted to join in the fun… and showed a couple of reasons why he commands such a massive transfer fee.

The crew from LFC TV were on hand to capture it all and 188BET have uploaded the video for you to enjoy.

[youtube tNR7MhO9SfY]

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188BET are also giving Reds fans everywhere the chance to meet and quiz star fullback Glen Johnson as part of a fantastic prize package, along with a signed shirt, signed football and VIP tickets to Liverpool FC v Norwich.

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