Falkirk manager John Hughes will make sure the diet of Densill Theobald, his new Trinidadian signing, is not allowed to go the same way as former Bairns striker and international teammate Collin Samuel, right. ‘We brought him (Samuel) over and threw him in a flat thinking he could look after himself,’ said Hughes. ‘We weren’t really checking up on him and he was eating all the wrong foods. Now (Densill’s) landlady gets handed all the nutritional stuff on what he should and shouldn’t be eating’
Burley praise for Romanov
Former Hearts manager George Burley has backed Vladimir Romanov despite the much-publicised fall-out that led to Burley being sacked while Hearts were top of the Premierleague. ‘He (Romanov) saved the club financially,’ said Burley. ‘They were selling the stadium, heading for Murrayfield, so credit to him for stopping that and hopefully it works out for him. They have a great squad and I see he is strengthening so I’m sure they’ll keep progressing. He has picked a very good coach in Graham Rix, and that’s how Mr Romanov sees the way forward, a coach rather than a manager’
Spartans set to appeal
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Spartans will decide tomorrow whether to appeal against the SFA’s decision not to allow them to stage their fourth-round Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren at their City Park ground. ‘We’re very angry about it,’ said Jim Murray, secretary of the East of Scotland League side. ‘St Mirren say they will bring 3,000 fans, but I’d question if they get that many at their own Love Street.’ The tie, scheduled for February 4, could be moved to Easter Road, Tynecastle or Meadowbank
Morton chief wants fight clubs to be punished
Morton chairman Douglas Rae has called on the SFA to take action against Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood and Dundee United caretaker boss Billy Dodds after their touchline row at the end of last week’s Scottish Cup tie at Tannadice. In his programme notes for yesterday’s meeting with Gretna, Rae wrote: ‘I hope the the SFA throws the book at the culprits otherwise ill-feeling from dugouts is going to get out of control’
Nelson keeps Stranraer at bay
Brechin remain bottom of the First Division following their 0-0 draw with Stranraer at a boggy Glebe Park yesterday, but had goalkeeper Craig Nelson to thank for keeping the visitors at bay. Nelson twice denied Michael Moore in the first half with fine stops, and saved Bryan Gilfillan’s chip early in the second period
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Thistle close in on leading pair
Partick Thistle kept the pressure on Gretna and Morton at the top of the Second Division with a 2-1 win over Ayr United at Somerset Park. Gareth Wardlaw put the home side ahead, but Scott McCulloch and Mark Roberts scored to move Thistle within five points of second-placed Morton. Alan Brazil’s double helped Arbroath to a 3-2 win over Third Division leaders Stenhousemuir, but the Warrriors hold a six-point lead over Berwick and Cowdenbeath, who drew 1-1 at Central Park
Pressure mounts on Levein
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Leicester City slipped into the Championship relegation zone after a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Richard Stearman gave Craig Levein’s side the lead but goals from Chris Brunt and Graham Coughlan lifted Paul Sturrock’s men away from the bottom three. Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson scored twice on his debut for Cardiff City in the 3-0 victory over Burnley
Wycombe mourn young striker Philo
Wycombe striker Mark Philo died following a car accident in the early hours of yesterday morning. The 21-year-old’s life-support machine was turned off in the afternoon as Wycombe recorded a 2-0 victory over Notts County. ‘The team are absolutely distraught,’ said Wycombe manager John Gorman
The Sunday Times Sport Calendar 2006
If you missed The Sunday Times Sport Calendar 2006, you can obtain a copy by writing to The Sunday Times, Sports Desk (Scottish calendar), 124 Portman Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow G41 1EJ, or e-mail sportletters@sunday-times.co.uk, including your postal address