John Toshack, the Wales manager, will use today’s friendly against Scotland in Cardiff as the first step in planning for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign next year. “We seem to be having ‘new starts’ all the time,” Toshack said. “So many changes, injuries and retirements have meant no continuity. But the average age of the side will be 22 this time. These lads have to stand up and start producing.”
Worthington in talks
Nigel Worthington, whose contract as Northern Ireland manager expires in six weeks, has indicated that he wants to extend his stay in charge. He will hold talks with the Irish FA after today’s friendly against Serbia at Windsor Park. “There is plenty of time to sit down in the coming weeks to discuss the situation and hopefully sort something out,” he said. “I want to move things forward.”
Head of German FA calls to end stigmas
The president of the German football federation has called for an end to the stigmas attached to “taboos” such as mental illness and homosexuality after the suicide of Robert Enke, the Germany goalkeeper, who suffered from depression. “If we are true to Robert Enke, then every player should live without fears, with their strengths, weaknesses and preferences,” Theo Zwanziger said.
Cooper takes over at Peterborough
Mark Cooper, the Kettering Town manager, agreed last night to succeed Darren Ferguson at Peterborough United. Ferguson left the Coca-Cola Championship club on Monday and Cooper was quickly installed as favourite to take over from him after Eddie Howe, the Bournemouth manager, ruled himself out of the equation. Cooper is expected to sign a 3½-year contract at London Road.