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Blackburn appoint John Jensen as assistant manager


Denmark's Jensen had managed in his home country

Blackburn have appointed former Arsenal and Denmark international midfielder John Jensen as the new assistant manager to boss Steve Kean.
Jensen will initially join the coaching staff until the end of the season.
The 45-year-old, who earned 69 caps and made 130 appearances for the Gunners said: "I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job.
"I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit."
Jensen has previously been an assistant to former Danish star Michael Laudrup both with the Denmark national team and Spanish side Getafe.
In his playing days he was famous for scoring in Denmark's 1992 European Championship final win over Germany.
He added: "From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager."
606: DEBATE
He has better credentials than Kean


no_more_longball

Manager Kean, who took over from former boss Sam Allardyce in December, said: "John has a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, and he is very much focused on the development of players.
"His views and philosophies on football dovetail with mine and he has also shown himself to be a very loyal assistant, a massively important factor for me. I am delighted to welcome him aboard."
Although he was jovially mocked by Arsenal fans for his lack of goals, he was a key part of the Gunners side that won the FA Cup and League Cup in his first season at the club in 1992-93 and the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later.
After leaving London Jensen became a player-manager at Danish team Herfolge BK where he led the club to the Danish Superliga title for the first time in their history.
His most recent job before moving to Ewood Park was as manager of Danish side Randers.
Jensen becomes the first appointment at Blackburn since the club was taken over by new owners Venky's in November.
Meanwhile, promising young striker Nick Blackman has signed a new two-and-a-half year deal keeping him at the club until 2013.
The 21-year-old returned to the club this month after a successful loan spell at Motherwell where he scored 10 goals in 18 appearances.
 
Are Newcastle United England's only united United?

Plus: Are Liverpool the only team to sing about Istanbul?; Players trying to get sent off; and the clubs who employ magicians. Send your questions and answers to knowledge@guardian.co.uk and follow us on Twitter


  • Edgar Street, Hereford – home of one of England's relatively few united Uniteds. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images "Apart from Newcastle United how many other clubs using United in their name are actually two teams who merged together to form one?" wonders Keith Gilroy.
    Unsurprisingly, the Magpies aren't the only United formed by the merger of two clubs (in Newcastle's case Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End), though there are surprisingly few in the Football League. Plenty of Uniteds seem to have simply plumped for the name – Lincoln Amateurs, for example, were forced into a name change once they began to pay players in the 1950s. With Lincoln City already taken, United just beat Rangers in the club's vote for a new suffix.
    Some that aren't strictly united Uniteds are: Sheffield (formed from Sheffield United Cricket Club), Leeds (formed following the demise of Leeds City FC in 1919), Manchester (name change from Newton Heath LYR FC), West Ham (formerly Thames Ironworks) and there are plenty more. But here are a few clubs in the pyramid who truly are united Uniteds:
    Scunthorpe United The Iron's website reports, slightly mysteriously that "in 1899 Brumby Hall joined forces with another team to call themselves Scunthorpe United". Who this anonymous other team was is unclear, but in 1910 the new club merged with nearby Lindsey United just to make sure.
    Hereford United According to the club: "Before the formation of Hereford United there were four leading amateur clubs in Hereford and it was believed that a higher class of football could be sustained if they were to amalgamate. After a meeting in the city, both Hereford City and Hereford Thistle decided to remain independent while St Martins and RAOC (Rotherwas) decided to merge, and thus Hereford United was formed in 1924 with Dr E.W. Maples as chairman."
    Torquay United A slightly labyrinthine one this. The original Torquay United merged with Ellacombe in 1910 to become, slightly counter-intuitively, Torquay Town. The new club took Ellacombe's Plainmoor ground, sharing with Babbacombe FC, with whom they then merged in 1921, becoming Torquay United once more.
    Maidenhead United The wonderfully-named Maidenhead Norfolkians joined forces with Maidenhead FC in 1904. Initially Maidenhead Town, they became a United in 1920.
    Sutton United Formed in March 1898 by the amalgamation of two leading junior sides, Sutton Association and Sutton Guild Rovers.
    Ebbsfleet United A United formed of two Uniteds. Gravesend United and Northfleet United merged to form Gravesend & Northfleet FC in 1946, before becoming Ebbsfleet United in May 2007.
    Hayes and Yeading United One of the newest Uniteds, Hayes and Yeading were formed in May 2007 after the merger of Hayes and, yes, Yeading.
    Chesham United The merger of Chesham Town and their neighbours meant the football world was deprived of the brilliantly monikered Chesham Generals from 1917. United are currently flying high in the Zamaretto Premier.
    Aylesbury United The former Conference side "were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge".
    'THAT MAGICAL NIGHT IN ISTANBUL'

    "In the Manchester United v Liverpool live report on Sunday, it was asked whether Liverpool are the only club whose fans sing chants containing the word Istanbul," writes Charlie Masters. "But we never got an answer. So: Are they?"
    It's not clear whether any other football fans reference the Turkish city in song, but its name can be heard in the rather obscure sport of Floorball. In Sweden.
    "A Swedish floorball team in the city of Kalmar have a devoted fanbase who regularly chant Istanbul-Constantinople at the team's matches," writes Kalmar resident Björn Keag. "Although the connection between the team and Istanbul is a tad hazy."
    RED MIST

    "Having heard about the Xabi Alonso/Sergio Ramos 'deliberate' red cards in Ajax v Real Madrid, my memories went back to the coverage of FA Cup football in the early 1980s when I was a boy in Holland," wrote Hans Baas just before Christmas. "There was a team captain who got a yellow and desperately tried to get a second one to be able to play the final, but the ref categorically refused to give it. Can you please tell me if this happened, and how and when? It might be to do with the 82-83 Brighton run, but I can't find any information to confirm my memories."
    As Peter Seddon points out, the player in question was indeed Brighton and Hove Albion's England defender Steve Foster. On 30 April 1983, Albion travelled to Meadow Lane to take on their relegation rivals Notts County and Foster, the Brighton captain, picked up a first-half booking for dissent – "You're giving us nothing, referee."
    That took him to 31 disciplinary points for the season and an automatic two-match ban, ruling him out of May's FA Cup final against Manchester United (the ban kicking in from 14 May, meaning Foster would miss the final league game of the season and then the final). A red card, though, would have taken his points tally back down to 29 and, although carrying ban, saved his Cup final appearance.
    After the interval he handled a pass that would have put County through on goal – and didn't even get a reprimand fro referee Wilson. He then flew into a tackle well worthy of a booking and again saw no action taken against him. "The feeling grew that he might be trying to get himself sent off, a device later denied," wrote the Guardian's Jeremy Alexander in his match report. "When the referee again took no action it looked as if he, too, might be wise to the circumstances and was refusing to let Foster outsmart him in the simultaneous equation of wrongs and personal rights."
    Having failed to hack his way into the referee's book, Foster went to the high court, but his appeal was thrown out and he missed the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Wembley. He returned for the replay, though, and had a great impact – the Seagulls slipping to a 4-0 defeat.
    KNOWLEDGE ARCHIVE

    "I recently heard on a football podcast that Arsenal have an official club magician, whose job is to entertain corporate clients on match day," wrote Graham Clayton back in 2007. "Are there any other clubs who employ an official magician? What other unusual non-football persons are employed by football clubs?"
    Marvin Berglas began his association with Arsenal in 1993 when he became the Premier League's first resident magician. Son of the famous illusionist David Berglas, Marvin entertains VIPs and sponsors on match days and even plays in the Gunners' celebrity supporters team. "I am proud of my close association with Arsenal and of the magicians we provide on match days," he explains. Not wishing to be outdone by their old rivals, Spurs also have a magician entering his 10th consecutive season at White Hart Lane. Nicholas Einhorn, who was apparently a conjuring child prodigy, performs in the hospitality suites and private boxes before every home game. "What I enjoy is the moment of pure frozen amazement, the widening eyes and the puzzled lines across the brow," says Einhorn.
    But it doesn't end there. On the other side of London, David Redfearn is an ever-present in all the corporate areas at Chelsea, and last season entertained guests at all the Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Manchester United's card trick guru is Matt Windsor, who claims to be a first-class "magician and pickpocket". A winner of Sky One's TV talent quest - Next! - Matt has mixed humour and sleight of hand at Old Trafford for the past six seasons. Much like John O'Shea.
    As for other non-football employees hanging around at clubs - passing over Sammy Lee at Bolton - many do have the odd bizarre position or two going. Sarah Wardle is Spurs' poet in residence, Ian McMillan assumes the same role at Barnsley, while Attila The Stockbroker gains inspiration from Brighton and Hove Albion. Leicester City have an artist in residence, as do both Middlesbrough and Brentford.
    For thousands more questions and answers, take a trip through the Knowledge archive
    Can you help?

    ""In 1982-83, Dundee United famously won the Scottish League for the first and only time, using a grand total of 14 players all season," writes Craig McLaughlin. "Is this the most efficient championship squad ever?"
    "The World Soccer season review of the Belarus league states that Aleksandr Alumona, the Russian forward, played the first half of the season for the eventual title winners, BATE, before moving to Shakhtyor, who finished second, halfway through the season," begins Alex Brodie. "Nothing amazing here, but he played enough matches for both win a championship and runner-up medal. Has this ever happened in England or elsewhere in the world?"
    "After scoring his first senior goal on his debut for West Ham against Blackburn Rovers in March 2008, Freddie Sears went 72 games before scoring his second, on New Year's Day 2011, against Wolves," writes Sam Carney. "Are there any other examples of players who have made such an impact on their debuts and then had to wait such a long time to repeat their success?"
 
Are Newcastle United England's only united United?

Plus: Are Liverpool the only team to sing about Istanbul?; Players trying to get sent off; and the clubs who employ magicians. Send your questions and answers to knowledge@guardian.co.uk and follow us on Twitter


  • Edgar Street, Hereford – home of one of England's relatively few united Uniteds. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images "Apart from Newcastle United how many other clubs using United in their name are actually two teams who merged together to form one?" wonders Keith Gilroy.
    Unsurprisingly, the Magpies aren't the only United formed by the merger of two clubs (in Newcastle's case Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End), though there are surprisingly few in the Football League. Plenty of Uniteds seem to have simply plumped for the name – Lincoln Amateurs, for example, were forced into a name change once they began to pay players in the 1950s. With Lincoln City already taken, United just beat Rangers in the club's vote for a new suffix.
    Some that aren't strictly united Uniteds are: Sheffield (formed from Sheffield United Cricket Club), Leeds (formed following the demise of Leeds City FC in 1919), Manchester (name change from Newton Heath LYR FC), West Ham (formerly Thames Ironworks) and there are plenty more. But here are a few clubs in the pyramid who truly are united Uniteds:
    Scunthorpe United The Iron's website reports, slightly mysteriously that "in 1899 Brumby Hall joined forces with another team to call themselves Scunthorpe United". Who this anonymous other team was is unclear, but in 1910 the new club merged with nearby Lindsey United just to make sure.
    Hereford United According to the club: "Before the formation of Hereford United there were four leading amateur clubs in Hereford and it was believed that a higher class of football could be sustained if they were to amalgamate. After a meeting in the city, both Hereford City and Hereford Thistle decided to remain independent while St Martins and RAOC (Rotherwas) decided to merge, and thus Hereford United was formed in 1924 with Dr E.W. Maples as chairman."
    Torquay United A slightly labyrinthine one this. The original Torquay United merged with Ellacombe in 1910 to become, slightly counter-intuitively, Torquay Town. The new club took Ellacombe's Plainmoor ground, sharing with Babbacombe FC, with whom they then merged in 1921, becoming Torquay United once more.
    Maidenhead United The wonderfully-named Maidenhead Norfolkians joined forces with Maidenhead FC in 1904. Initially Maidenhead Town, they became a United in 1920.
    Sutton United Formed in March 1898 by the amalgamation of two leading junior sides, Sutton Association and Sutton Guild Rovers.
    Ebbsfleet United A United formed of two Uniteds. Gravesend United and Northfleet United merged to form Gravesend & Northfleet FC in 1946, before becoming Ebbsfleet United in May 2007.
    Hayes and Yeading United One of the newest Uniteds, Hayes and Yeading were formed in May 2007 after the merger of Hayes and, yes, Yeading.
    Chesham United The merger of Chesham Town and their neighbours meant the football world was deprived of the brilliantly monikered Chesham Generals from 1917. United are currently flying high in the Zamaretto Premier.
    Aylesbury United The former Conference side "were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge".
    'THAT MAGICAL NIGHT IN ISTANBUL'

    "In the Manchester United v Liverpool live report on Sunday, it was asked whether Liverpool are the only club whose fans sing chants containing the word Istanbul," writes Charlie Masters. "But we never got an answer. So: Are they?"
    It's not clear whether any other football fans reference the Turkish city in song, but its name can be heard in the rather obscure sport of Floorball. In Sweden.
    "A Swedish floorball team in the city of Kalmar have a devoted fanbase who regularly chant Istanbul-Constantinople at the team's matches," writes Kalmar resident Björn Keag. "Although the connection between the team and Istanbul is a tad hazy."
    RED MIST

    "Having heard about the Xabi Alonso/Sergio Ramos 'deliberate' red cards in Ajax v Real Madrid, my memories went back to the coverage of FA Cup football in the early 1980s when I was a boy in Holland," wrote Hans Baas just before Christmas. "There was a team captain who got a yellow and desperately tried to get a second one to be able to play the final, but the ref categorically refused to give it. Can you please tell me if this happened, and how and when? It might be to do with the 82-83 Brighton run, but I can't find any information to confirm my memories."
    As Peter Seddon points out, the player in question was indeed Brighton and Hove Albion's England defender Steve Foster. On 30 April 1983, Albion travelled to Meadow Lane to take on their relegation rivals Notts County and Foster, the Brighton captain, picked up a first-half booking for dissent – "You're giving us nothing, referee."
    That took him to 31 disciplinary points for the season and an automatic two-match ban, ruling him out of May's FA Cup final against Manchester United (the ban kicking in from 14 May, meaning Foster would miss the final league game of the season and then the final). A red card, though, would have taken his points tally back down to 29 and, although carrying ban, saved his Cup final appearance.
    After the interval he handled a pass that would have put County through on goal – and didn't even get a reprimand fro referee Wilson. He then flew into a tackle well worthy of a booking and again saw no action taken against him. "The feeling grew that he might be trying to get himself sent off, a device later denied," wrote the Guardian's Jeremy Alexander in his match report. "When the referee again took no action it looked as if he, too, might be wise to the circumstances and was refusing to let Foster outsmart him in the simultaneous equation of wrongs and personal rights."
    Having failed to hack his way into the referee's book, Foster went to the high court, but his appeal was thrown out and he missed the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Wembley. He returned for the replay, though, and had a great impact – the Seagulls slipping to a 4-0 defeat.
    KNOWLEDGE ARCHIVE

    "I recently heard on a football podcast that Arsenal have an official club magician, whose job is to entertain corporate clients on match day," wrote Graham Clayton back in 2007. "Are there any other clubs who employ an official magician? What other unusual non-football persons are employed by football clubs?"
    Marvin Berglas began his association with Arsenal in 1993 when he became the Premier League's first resident magician. Son of the famous illusionist David Berglas, Marvin entertains VIPs and sponsors on match days and even plays in the Gunners' celebrity supporters team. "I am proud of my close association with Arsenal and of the magicians we provide on match days," he explains. Not wishing to be outdone by their old rivals, Spurs also have a magician entering his 10th consecutive season at White Hart Lane. Nicholas Einhorn, who was apparently a conjuring child prodigy, performs in the hospitality suites and private boxes before every home game. "What I enjoy is the moment of pure frozen amazement, the widening eyes and the puzzled lines across the brow," says Einhorn.
    But it doesn't end there. On the other side of London, David Redfearn is an ever-present in all the corporate areas at Chelsea, and last season entertained guests at all the Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Manchester United's card trick guru is Matt Windsor, who claims to be a first-class "magician and pickpocket". A winner of Sky One's TV talent quest - Next! - Matt has mixed humour and sleight of hand at Old Trafford for the past six seasons. Much like John O'Shea.
    As for other non-football employees hanging around at clubs - passing over Sammy Lee at Bolton - many do have the odd bizarre position or two going. Sarah Wardle is Spurs' poet in residence, Ian McMillan assumes the same role at Barnsley, while Attila The Stockbroker gains inspiration from Brighton and Hove Albion. Leicester City have an artist in residence, as do both Middlesbrough and Brentford.
    For thousands more questions and answers, take a trip through the Knowledge archive
    Can you help?

    ""In 1982-83, Dundee United famously won the Scottish League for the first and only time, using a grand total of 14 players all season," writes Craig McLaughlin. "Is this the most efficient championship squad ever?"
    "The World Soccer season review of the Belarus league states that Aleksandr Alumona, the Russian forward, played the first half of the season for the eventual title winners, BATE, before moving to Shakhtyor, who finished second, halfway through the season," begins Alex Brodie. "Nothing amazing here, but he played enough matches for both win a championship and runner-up medal. Has this ever happened in England or elsewhere in the world?"
    "After scoring his first senior goal on his debut for West Ham against Blackburn Rovers in March 2008, Freddie Sears went 72 games before scoring his second, on New Year's Day 2011, against Wolves," writes Sam Carney. "Are there any other examples of players who have made such an impact on their debuts and then had to wait such a long time to repeat their success?"
 
Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours


TRANSFER GOSSIP
Liverpool have joined Arsenal in the race to sign £10m-rated Southampton teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Genoa are keen to sign Wigan's Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, who has scored only once for the Latics since they broke their club record to bring him to the DW Stadium in a £6m move from Estudiantes in the summer of 2010.
Full story: the Sun
Manchester United are lining up a bid for Lyon's Brazilian wing-back Michel Bastos.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has made a £4m bid for West Ham midfielder Mark Noble and is also keen on Hammers striker Carlton Cole.
Full story: Daily Mirror
West Ham are poised to make a move for Udinese striker Antonio Floro Flores, who is keen to leave the Italian club.
Full story: talkSPORT
West Ham are confident they will complete the loan signing of Manchester City and England left-back Wayne Bridge in time for him to face Arsenal on Saturday.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Bolton are hoping to finalise a deal to sign Argentine defender Santiago Gentiletti from Argentinos Juniors.
Full story: talkSPORT
Chelsea will make a renewed attempt to sign 20-year-old Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who they see as the perfect long-term replacement for Frank Lampard.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Aston Villa are interested in Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko but the Russian striker is expected to sign a new contract at White Hart Lane.
Full story: Daily Mail
Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has pulled off a major coup by persuading Everton striker Yakubu to join the club on loan.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Everton have bluntly told Tottenham that veteran midfielder Phil Neville is going nowhere, despite the London club's willingness to pay up to £2m for the 34-year-old.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aiming to bring in at least one of his three top targets this month - Bolton's Gary Cahill, Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker or Emir Spahic of Montpellier - after defender Thomas Vermaelen suffered another setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.
Full story: metro.co.uk
AC Milan look set to scupper Tottenham and Manchester City's moves for Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel by taking the Dutch international to Italy.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Aston Villa have had a bid rejected for Peterborough's England Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Lewis. (Daily Mail)
Leeds and Leicester are interested in taking midfielder Michael Johnson on loan from Manchester City following his recovery from long-term injury.
Full story: the Sun
Tottenham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, having seen off competition from Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.
Full story: the Guardian
Birmingham still hope to persuade Rangers striker Kenny Miller to move to England, despite him rejecting two deals since the clubs agreed a fee and being close to joining Fiorentina instead. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Fifa vice-president Michel Platini wants Qatar to share hosting 2022 World Cup matches with its Arabian Gulf neighbours. "I hope it will be a World Cup of the Gulf," said the Frenchman. (Associated Press).
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has blamed the rush of managerial sackings on foreign club owners. "I don't think they have the patience of older generations," he said. (Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is determined to make up for what has been an injury-ravaged season so far by scoring the goals to help the club win major silverware.
Full story: talkSPORT
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted ahead of the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg against Ipswich on Wednesday that he is feeling the pressure of having to win a trophy after six years without silverware.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky says he began to study physiotherapy during his 18-month absence with a knee injury in an effort to sort out his own problems.
Full story: the Sun
Chelsea captain John Terry concedes his side's recent poor form has been "unacceptable" and they have to think about winning games before they can think about winning trophies.
Full story: Daily Star
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway says Liverpool caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish was "the skeleton in the closet" who meant former Reds boss Roy Hodgson never stood a chance of success at Anfield.
Full story: Daily Express
Celtic hope Georgios Samaras will stay at Parkhead, despite the striker turning down a 12-month contract offer because he wants a longer deal.
Full story: the Independent
AND FINALLY
There is only one Torres left in this season's FA Cup - and it is not Liverpool's Fernando. Sergio Torres, Crawley Town's match-winner in their shock third round win over Derby, used to stack the shelves at Boots in Basingstoke and worked at his father's brick factory in his native Argentina.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Former Foreign Secretary David Milliband, an Arsenal fan and the MP for South Shields, has been offered a position of vice-chairman at Sunderland.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
12 January 2011 Last updated at 16:26 GMT

Craig Bellamy arrested over Cardiff assault claim

Craig Bellamy has been bailed pending further inquiries, said police
Wales and Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy has been arrested by police investigating an alleged assault in Cardiff city centre.
The incident happened in Caroline Street in Cardiff city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning.
South Wales Police said two men, aged 20 and 26, sustained facial injuries which did not require hospital treatment at the time.
Mr Bellamy, 31, has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Cardiff City FC said it would be inappropriate to comment but the striker would be in the squad for the game at Norwich City on Saturday.
Police have not named Mr Bellamy, who is on loan at Cardiff from Manchester City, but in a statement confirmed a 31-year-old man had been arrested.
 
Scottish Premier League in bold move to win backing for 10-team league

• SPL chairman to fly to Lithuania to win over Hearts owner
• Vladimir Romanov's Hearts one of four clubs who oppose plans



  • Ewan Murray
  • guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 12 January 2011 14.51 GMT <li class="history">Article history Vladimir Romanov, the owner of Hearts, has opposed Scottish Premier League plans for a 10-team league. Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images The Scottish Premier League's chairman and chief executive will take the bold move of flying to Lithuania tomorrow, in a bid to convince the Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov to back controversial plans for a 10-team league.
    Ralph Topping, the SPL's chairman, and the chief executive Neil Doncaster will hold talks with Romanov in his homeland on Friday.
    Hearts are one of four clubs &#8211; Dundee United, Inverness and Kilmarnock the others &#8211; who oppose the SPL's recommendation that the top flight is reduced by two teams for the start of the 2012-13 season. The proposal has also been almost universally criticised by Scottish supporters.
    Doncaster and Topping retain an optimistic belief that a move to 10 clubs could be ratified at a meeting of member clubs on Monday. Their desire to cross Europe in an attempt to placate one key sceptic will, however, be viewed in some quarters as desperation.
    Hearts' rationale for contesting the 10-team plan has finance as a backdrop. Around half of the Edinburgh club's £8m turnover comes from ticket revenue with a maximum of £1.5m from broadcasting deals. Hearts are unwilling to put the larger figure at risk by agreeing to an unpopular set-up, against what is only speculation that broadcasting revenues could increase for a 10-club format.
    Three of the four "rebel" clubs met at the start of this week, where detail relating to a 14-team SPL was discussed. It is possible that such an alternative could formally be put forward on Monday.
    Under the 14-team plan, a top-six and bottom-eight split would occur after two rounds of fixtures. Clubs at the top would play 36 games with the lower section 40; that increase at the bottom would offset some of the money lost from a lack of fixtures against the Old Firm.
 
Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray to stand trial over his death


by Simon Boyle, Daily Mirror 12/01/2011

MICHAEL Jackson's personal doctor will stand trial for the singer's involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled yesterday.
Dr Conrad Murray is accused of giving the King of Pop a lethal dose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol in June 2009.
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A Los Angeles judge decided the 57-year-old will face a jury after listening to six days of evidence during a preliminary hearing.
Superior Court judge Michael Pastor suspended Dr Murray's licence to practice in California saying the move was "in the interest of public safety". Judge Pastor added Murray's lawyers must notify every district in which he practises of the decision within 24 hours.
Dr Conrad Murray, who denies manslaughter, claimed in a police interview he felt pressured into giving the star Propofol in June 2009 after Jackson "begged" him for it and then threatened to cancel gig rehearsals.



 
Michael Jackson killed himself, says doctor Conrad Murray


By Karen Rockett 9/01/2011

The doctor facing charges over Michael Jackson's death claims that the King of Pop killed himself.
Lawyers for Conrad Murray told a hearing - to decide whether he stands trial for involuntary manslaughter - that it was possible the singer injected himself with the powerful anaesthetic propofol. He had given Jacko the drug to help him sleep.
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Jackson died aged 50 on June 25, 2009, of a drug overdose. The court heard that 12 bottles of propofol were found at his home in Beverly Hills, including several in a bag marked "baby essentials".
Near his bed there was a box of needles and an empty bottle of propofol.
The hearing continues.



 
Michael Jackson threatened to quit tour on day he died


By Paul Martin 12/01/2011
Manslaughter hearing told of singer's threat to doctor
Desperate Michael Jackson signed his own death warrant by demanding on the morning of his death: "Give me my magic milk or I'll quit my tour."
Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray told police the singer threatened to cancel his London O2 Arena gigs unless he was given drugs to help him sleep on the day he died, a Los Angeles court has heard.
Detective Orlando Martinez, who interviewed Murray following Jackson's death in June 2009, was giving evidence in a preliminary hearing to determine whether the doctor should stand trial accused of involuntary manslaughter.
The officer said Murray confirmed to him that on the day he died, Jackson had said he would cancel his London gigs unless he was given a dose of the powerful anaesthetic Propofol.
Martinez said Murray also admitted he had been giving Jackson Propofol six nights a week for two months, but had been trying to wean him off the drug as he feared he was becoming addicted to it.
The singer is said to have referred to the drug as his "milk".
Describing the night's events, Martinez added Jackson had returned to his Los Angeles home at around 1am on June 25 after rehearsing for the scheduled summer gigs.
He then allegedly asked Murray to give him medication to help him sleep.
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The doctor told police he gave Jackson sedatives Lorazepam and Midazolam intravenously, as well as a Valium pill.
Murray gave Jackson a dose of Propofol between 10:40am (PST) and 10:50am on June 25.
Martinez said that after Jackson fell asleep at roughly 11am, the doctor then left the room for "two minutes" to go to the bathroom, but when he returned he found that the singer had stopped breathing.
Prosecutors in the case allege that Murray made a series of phone calls between 11am and midday, but that an ambulance was not called until 12:21pm.
The doctor told police he was busy trying to resuscitate Jackson, with Martinez adding that Murray told him "he did not want to neglect" the singer.
On January 6 members of Jackson's staff said they saw Murray giving him CPR on the day he died, although he allegedly told them it was the first time he had given mouth-to-mouth aid.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
If the preliminary hearing, which could end this week, does go to a trial and Murray is found guilty, he could face four years in prison.


 
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris stumbled in on him as he lay dying and screamed "Daddy!"


by Don Mackay, Daily Mirror 6/01/2011

MICHAEL Jackson's daughter Paris shrieked in horror when she stumbled in on the failed attempts to revive the dying pop star, a hushed court was told yesterday.
The distraught girl, just 11 at the time, apparently fell to her knees, broke down in tears and screamed: "Daddy."
In the few traumatic seconds she was in the bedroom with brother Prince, 12, she witnessed Jacko lying motionless on his bed with his mouth open as Dr Conrad Murray performed chest compressions.
The doctor is said to have yelled at security guard Alberto Alvarez: "Get them out. Don't let them see him like this."
They were promptly escorted away as their dad lay dying in front of their eyes.
Their traumatic experience of Jacko's final moments was revealed yesterday at a hearing in LA to determine if Murray, the singer's personal physician, should be tried on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Alvarez's voice choked in the courtroom as he described the moment Paris saw her dad dying in his mansion.
He revealed: "I said, &#8216;children, don't worry, we'll take care of this'. And I escorted them out and left the door ajar."
Jacko's mum Katherine dabbed her eyes during the hearing as the most detailed public account yet of events surrounding the death of her son were told.
DRUGS
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She came to court with husband Joe and children Randy, Janet and LaToya. They made no eye contact with Dr Murray.
A coroner has ruled Jacko's death was a homicide, mainly caused by the anaesthetic Propofol. A cocktail of sedatives and painkillers were also detected in his body.
Bodyguard Mr Alvarez also told the court yesterday Dr Murray instructed him to bag up medicine bottles before calling emergency services as Jacko lay dying.
The King of Pop was on his bed connected to an IV tube and a urinary catheter as Dr Murray tried to revive him. Alvarez revealed he was "frozen" at the sight.
He recalled: "I said, &#8216;Dr Murray, what happened?' And he said, &#8216;He had a reaction. He had a bad reaction'."
He went on: "He just grabbed a handful of bottles, or vials, and he instructed me to put them in a bag."
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren asked if it was true police had not yet been called. Alvarez replied: "That's true."
Authorities claim Murray gave Jackson a lethal dose of Propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion before he died in June 2009, aged 50.
Mr Walgren said in his opening statement Jackson was already dead when the doctor summoned help and tried to conceal his administering Propofol to the star.
Murray was giving Jackson the drug roughly six times a week since being hired as the singer's personal physician in May 2009 ahead of his comeback concerts. He denies involuntarily manslaughter.


 
Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray due in court


3/01/2011
The doctor who was with Michael Jackson the day the pop star died is heading to court for a preliminary hearing on an involuntary manslaughter charge.
A Los Angeles judge plans to start hearing testimony tomorrow to help him decide if there is enough evidence for Dr Conrad Murray to face trial.
The Houston cardiologist is accused of gross negligence when he administered the powerful anaesthetic Propofol to help Jackson get to sleep. Jackson died on June 25 2009, of Propofol intoxication complicated by other sedatives.
If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Murray could face four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.
Murray has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer says nothing the doctor did should have harmed the superstar.



 
TV bosses pull Michael Jackson autopsy shock doc


By Karen Rockett 2/01/2011

A TV reconstruction of Michael Jackson's autopsy has been shelved amid a legal wrangle.
Discovery Channel bosses pulled the show because a court case involving the star's doctor begins this week.
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They also received complaints from the Jackson family and fans, with more than 9,000 signing an online petition against the "indecent" documentary.
Michael Jackson's Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson was to have been shown in the UK next week.
Jackson was 50 when he died in 2009. His doctor Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to accusations he gave the singer the drug on which he overdosed.


 
Michael Jackson post mortem documentary cancelled by Discovery Channel


1/01/2011

The co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate said the Discovery Channel has heeded their request that they cancel a show purporting to re-enact the dead superstar's post mortem.
John Branca and John McClain said in a statement that the company made the correct decision in choosing to cancel what they called an exploitative programme.
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The co-executors harshly criticised the company for its plans to broadcast the show earlier this week.
But they say reaction from fans also played a part in the programme's cancellation.
The company's decision was first reported by celebrity website TMZ.com.


 
Michael Jackson's fastest-selling album


by Clemmie Moodie, Daily Mirror 20/12/2010
NOT bad for a dead guy. Michael Jackson's, erm, comeback album, Michael, became the fastest selling Jacko studio album of all time yesterday.
HMV's Gennaro Castaldo tells me: "What was particularly evident this week was the large number of younger customers buying Michael's album."


 
Michael Jackson feud erupts between Teddy Riley and Will.i.am over posthumous album


by Sarah Tetteh, Daily Mirror 16/12/2010

A massive feud has broken out in Michael Jackson's camp over the beyond-the-grave album that is hurtling towards Christmas Number One.
Will.i.am, one of the last people to make music with Jacko, has criticised producer Teddy Riley for putting out a posthumous disc, saying he is "disgusted". Now Teddy has hit back in a bonkers phone rant.
I thought I'd share it in full...
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He said: "I think he should have kept it to himself, I'm sorry. You know, if you got something to say that's against my friend, you know, and upholding his legacy, what happens when you die? Should we just stop your music? Let me say this. This album is greater than his best album. Michael's worst day is better than people's best day.
"Because he's such a perfectionist, so when you've got a person who's such a perfectionist, when you got people like, um, Will.I.Am just throws his&#8230; you know, puts two things together, samples together and drop something and copy from so many different artists.
"You know what I'm saying?"
Over to you, Will.
 
Michael Jackson stars in world's largest pop poster - picture


by Wendy Fuller, Daily Mirror 10/12/2010

THIS is the picture that proves Michael Jackson is still a huge star.
The 171ft by 170ft PVC image is the world's largest poster. It has been staked out in a field near Heathrow to mark new album, Michael, out on Monday. A Jackson spokesman said: "He was always larger than life."
Jacko was 50 when he died of a suspected overdose in June last year.



 
Michael Jackson, Willy Wonka and Her Majesty The Queen among bizarre deed poll name changes in record-breaking 2010


By Mirror.co.uk 8/12/2010

A record number of people changed their name by deed poll this year - some to bizarre ones including Her Majesty The Queen, Willy Wonka and Miss Jelly St Tots.
More than 90,000 people swapped their name in 2010, an increase of 80%, figures from the Legal Deed Poll Service revealed.
Among them was David Lennox, 29, an NHS call operator from Aberdeen, who became Her Majesty The Queen after launching an online poll to find a new name to raise funds for the Association for International Cancer Research.
Jelly Tot fanatic Jane Nash from Manchester is now Miss Jelly St Tots after a friend bought her the new name for her 40th birthday.
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John Denton, 33, from Lowestoft in Suffolk has become Willy Wonka to collect £5,000 for Cancer Research, after his mother died from liver cancer in 2003.
Football mad Jack Crookes from Liverpool changed his name to Jack James Steven Gerrard Crookes as a 16th birthday present from his mother.
He said: "I love it. It's the best present I have ever had. He's an inspiration to me, I love having my hero in my name."
Papy Elungu, 33, from Chingford, north-east London, changed his name to Michael Jackson after people began saying he resembled the King of Pop.
A spokeswoman for the Legal Deed Poll Service said: "While many sought to make the alteration due to divorce, boredom or to bring a bit of cheer to their lives, others said that they just fancied a change."


 
Michael Jackson's new album Michael - exclusive track by track review


by Clemmie Moodie, Daily Mirror 2/12/2010

THE wait is over &#8211; and the biggest and most unlikely album of the decade is here.
I've had the first ever listen to Michael Jackson's new collection of tracks, compiled 17 months after he died.
And the album, called Michael, is not half Bad - even if some of the vocals sound slightly less than Jackson-esque.
MJ's brother Randy has said it's not Michael on the record but after having an earwig myself, I am satisfied it really IS Michael Jackson.
His voice is unmistakable in the majority of tracks, including personal favourites, Monster and Hollywood Tonight. Now the late star, who died aged 50, is odds-on to trounce his rivals from beyond the grave.
Yep, it's game on between Take That and Jacko as the Thriller star is tipped to land the No1 Christmas album slot.
HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: "There's a huge chance Michael will sneak in and get the top spot from Take That.
"Take That have sold over one million copies already, but someone of Michael Jackson's status, with his fanbase, has a massive chance of knocking them off. His fans are so excited &#8211; like Elvis it keeps adding to the MJ momentum."
You just can't Beat It.
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Hold My Hand (feat Akon): The first single is poignant with an eerily prophetic opening - "This life don't last forever." Anthemic track with a clap beat at the end.
Hollywood Tonight: Top tune. A certified Jacko hit. Written during the recording of 2007's Invincible album, but so hot could have come off Bad with its dancefloor feel.
Much Too Soon: A ballad where he croons: "Take away this never ending sorrow, take this lonely feeling from my soul."
Behind The Mask: Here he beat boxes. Yep, beat boxes. Inspired by Can You Feel It and Eric Clapton's Behind The Mask.
Best Of Joy: Soppy ballad time - JLS will be jealous. Cute voice. Tick. Melodies. Tick. Hit. Tick.
Breaking News: "Everyone watching the news: I'm Michael Jackson," he sings, over and over. And he has a right old moan, adding: "All the news today, they say I'm crazy."
I Can't Make It Another Day: Teaming up with Lenny Kravitz, he warbles: "I can't make it another day without your love." Some classic guitar riffs from Kravitz.
Keep Your Head Up: Festive bells chime on this track about a woman's struggle. A children's chorus sings him out.
I Like The Way You Love Me: Originally from 2004's Ultimate Collection, this showcases Michael's voice at its purest.
Monster (feat 50 Cent): A winner. Fiddy's rap brings the tune bang up to date and blends with Jacko's soulful voice.



 
Michael Jackson's new album Michael - exclusive track by track review


by Clemmie Moodie, Daily Mirror 2/12/2010

THE wait is over – and the biggest and most unlikely album of the decade is here.
I’ve had the first ever listen to Michael Jackson’s new collection of tracks, compiled 17 months after he died.
And the album, called Michael, is not half Bad - even if some of the vocals sound slightly less than Jackson-esque.
MJ’s brother Randy has said it’s not Michael on the record but after having an earwig myself, I am satisfied it really IS Michael Jackson.
His voice is unmistakable in the majority of tracks, including personal favourites, Monster and Hollywood Tonight. Now the late star, who died aged 50, is odds-on to trounce his rivals from beyond the grave.
Yep, it’s game on between Take That and Jacko as the Thriller star is tipped to land the No1 Christmas album slot.
HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: “There’s a huge chance Michael will sneak in and get the top spot from Take That.
“Take That have sold over one million copies already, but someone of Michael Jackson’s status, with his fanbase, has a massive chance of knocking them off. His fans are so excited – like Elvis it keeps adding to the MJ momentum.”
You just can’t Beat It.
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Hold My Hand (feat Akon): The first single is poignant with an eerily prophetic opening - "This life don't last forever." Anthemic track with a clap beat at the end.
Hollywood Tonight: Top tune. A certified Jacko hit. Written during the recording of 2007's Invincible album, but so hot could have come off Bad with its dancefloor feel.
Much Too Soon: A ballad where he croons: "Take away this never ending sorrow, take this lonely feeling from my soul."
Behind The Mask: Here he beat boxes. Yep, beat boxes. Inspired by Can You Feel It and Eric Clapton's Behind The Mask.
Best Of Joy: Soppy ballad time - JLS will be jealous. Cute voice. Tick. Melodies. Tick. Hit. Tick.
Breaking News: "Everyone watching the news: I'm Michael Jackson," he sings, over and over. And he has a right old moan, adding: "All the news today, they say I'm crazy."
I Can't Make It Another Day: Teaming up with Lenny Kravitz, he warbles: "I can't make it another day without your love." Some classic guitar riffs from Kravitz.
Keep Your Head Up: Festive bells chime on this track about a woman's struggle. A children's chorus sings him out.
I Like The Way You Love Me: Originally from 2004's Ultimate Collection, this showcases Michael's voice at its purest.
Monster (feat 50 Cent): A winner. Fiddy's rap brings the tune bang up to date and blends with Jacko's soulful voice.



 
Michael Jackson album 'will be Christmas number one'


By Clemmie Moodie; Sarah Tetteh 25/11/2010
Michael Jackson is still trumping other artists from beyond the grave.
The pre-order sales figures of Michael are enough to send chills down rivals' spines.
A source said: "Michael is set to be the No.1 album this Christmas. He looks to be miles ahead of Take That when it comes out on December 13."


 
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