Weekly Football News, April 30, 2012
Redknapp overlooked by England
Experienced manager Roy Hodgson is set to be named as England manager after being approached by the FA to take over the position left vacant by Fabio Capello's resignation in February.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp had been the firm favourite to replace Capello ahead of the European Championships in June after guiding Tottenham to the last eight of the Champions League last season and towards a top four finish in the Premier League this term.
However, Hodgson - who has previous international management experience with Switzerland and Finland as well as a track record of domestic titles across Europe - has also enjoyed a fine season as manager of West Brom after being sacked by Liverpool a little over a year ago.
Crucially, the 64-year-old is out of contract at the Hawthorns at the end of this season, and therefore he would not arrive in the England fold following an expensive compensation payout.
FA chairman David Bernstein said: "Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out."
Tevez looking forward
Carlos Tevez has claimed that his problems with coach Roberto Mancini are "in the past" on the eve of the Premier League decider between Tevez's Manchester City and defending champions Manchester United.
The Argentine walked out on the club in September after a touchline dispute with Mancini in the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.
However, he has started City's last three games, scoring four goals.
"I've felt great since I came back in February, very relaxed and content and just pleased to be back playing football for Manchester City again," Tevez, who has also played for United, told the Manchester Evening News.
"My relationship with the manager is totally fine, he has been as good as gold with me and there have been absolutely no problems. There's been a lot said and written this season but that's in the past."
Around Europe
Elsewhere in Europe, Porto retained the Portuguese championship after nearest challengers Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw at Rio Ave, meaning they win the title thanks to their better head-to-head record against the Lisbon outfit this season.
In Switzerland, Basel finally secured their third straight Super League title after a 3-1 victory over Lausanne Sports.
While, Zenit St Petersburg retained the domestic title in Russia after pulling away at the top with an unassailable 15-point advantage after beating joint second-placed Dynamo Moscow 2-1 on Saturday.
Maradona replacements being discussed: report
Al Wasl are taking coach Diego Maradona’s threat to quit seriously, according to news agency AP, who spoke to a club official on condition of anonymity.
Last week, Maradona publicly stated his intention to walk away from the Dubai club if more transfer funds were not made available.
"I will be ready to leave if I cannot get the players I want," he said last week. "If I can't compete, there is no reason to continue. If the players are too expensive or the club lacks of budget, maybe then my leaving the club will be easier on them. They will be able to keep the funds for the players and then invest it in something else they require."
The official said the club wants Maradona to stay but that they are looking at several "high profile" replacements, according to AP.
Al Wasl are currently floundering in seventh place in the UAE league and with no chance of winning silverware this season.
Compiled by Marc Fox
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