Woodward calls it quits
Sir Clive Woodward stepped down from his full-time role as technical support director at Southampton yesterday. However, the club said that Woodward, 50, would continue in a consultancy role. “Clive’s new agreement will allow him to undertake work for other football clubs and sporting organisations while continuing to offer technical support to Southampton,” an official said.
Woodward was head coach to the England rugby union team when they won the World Cup in 2003 but resigned in September 2004 after seven years in charge, having guided England to 59 wins in 83 internationals. He switched codes last year when given a role by Rupert Lowe, the Southampton chairman at the time, at the south coast club, who were in the Barclays Premiership. They have since been relegated.
Davids warning
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Edgar Davids has urged Tottenham Hotspur’s younger players to get their act together after the club’s poor start to the season. “We have to help each other in this situation and we have to grow up very quickly,” the Holland player, 33, said. “It is not a disaster because we have only played three matches, but we do need to start putting on more of a show. Last year was difficult, but it has been even harder this season because opponents see us as a big scalp for them and they know all about our strengths.”
Kenny faces race
Paddy Kenny may not be fit in time for Sheffield United’s home match with Blackburn Rovers tomorrow week after learning that he had a blood clot in his leg. Kenny has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifying games.
“Paddy wouldn’t have been able to play on Saturday, so perhaps the break isn’t such a bad thing,” Neil Warnock, the United manager, said.
Davies ban upheld
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Kevin Davies, the Bolton Wanderers striker, will face a three-match ban after losing his appeal against unfair dismissal. Davies was sent off during last weekend’s defeat away to Charlton Athletic, after his elbow connected with Amdy Faye. The decision of Mike Dean, the referee, to send off the forward was upheld when Davies’s case was heard by an FA disciplinary panel.
Egypt tragedy
Mohammed Abdelwahab, the Egypt defender, died after collapsing on the field while practising with his club, Al Ahly. The 23-year-old helped Egypt to win their fifth African Cup of Nations title earlier this year. Abdelwahab was taken to hospital after a suspected heart attack.