Basic Football Talk

[El Peligroso]

Anyone catch the Boro - Bristol match last night?

couldn't belive they were celebrating beating them on pens myself

[Toon]

Former Arsenal star Jose Reyes says the time is right for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to join him at Real Madrid. (The Sun)

Real could have signed Ronaldo in 2003 when he was recommended to them by a youth coach at the winger's former club Sporting Lisbon. (Daily Telegraph)

Barcelona will sell Ronaldinho or Samuel Eto'o to persuade Ronaldo to join the club. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough are tracking Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi. (Daily Mirror)

John Hartson is set to stay at West Brom - despite several clubs wanting him on loan. (The Sun)

Real Zaragoza are keen to secure on loan Manchester United defender Gerard Pique on a permanent deal. (Daily Mail)

Real Madrid striker Robinho says he will not be going to Tottenham because he will only move to "another big club". (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth are giving Nigerian striker Chinedu Ogbuke a second trial with a view to a £2m summer move. (Daily Star)

[Toon]

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will take disciplinary action and fine any player who breached club rules during their training camp in Portugal.

It follows newspaper allegations of a fracas between Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise on the trip.

"I've made it clear to them the responsibilities that come with playing for this club and how they are expected to conduct themselves," said Benitez.

Liverpool play Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Benitez added: "The players worked extremely hard at last week's training camp but we will take disciplinary action and fine any of them who are found to have breached club rules during our stay in Portugal.

READ MORE>>

[Toon]

Coventry City have unveiled Iain Dowie as their new manager.

The 42-year-old, who will be assisted by Tim Flowers, has been out of work since leaving Charlton in November after just 12 league games in charge.

Adrian Heath had been in charge at the Ricoh Arena in a caretaker role since Micky Adams was sacked on 17 January but he left the club on Sunday.

Dowie's first game at the helm is Tuesday's home encounter with Southampton, one of his former clubs.

[Toon]

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will avoid each other if they all reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The winner of the replay between United and Reading will travel to Middlesbrough or West Bromwich Albion.

Chelsea will face Tottenham at home while Arsenal or Blackburn will host Manchester City in the ties to be played on 10 and 11 March.

Ian Holloway's Plymouth meet Watford at Home Park in a repeat of the 1984 semi-final, won by the Hornets.

[Toon]

Uefa is investigating the crush scare involving Manchester United fans at the Champions League tie against Lille.

United supporters appeared to be pushed against a 10-foot high metal fence and at least two people had to be lifted over the barriers to safety.

Riot police then fired tear gas and swung truncheons at those who were trying to climb over the fence.

The Old Trafford club are appealing for eye-witness reports to the incidents at Lens' Stade Felix-Bollaert.

READ MORE>>

[Toon]

Arsenal and Chelsea are braced for Football Association action after the Carling Cup final ended in a brawl.

The Gunners had Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor sent off, while Chelsea's Mikel Jon Obi also saw red.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho both ran on to the pitch to try to calm the players.

Wenger said: "I am sure the players will be punished. Will it be once or twice? With the FA you always have a good chance to worry."

[El Peligroso]

I can't belive they sent Adebayor off and not Fabregas, he was the main person involved...

glad to see Chelsea do the business though, man i hate Arsenal

[Toon]

2nd in line...

Ryan Giggs can continue playing for Manchester United for at least another two or three seasons, according to assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.

Saturday's trip to Liverpool will mark his 700th appearance in a United shirt and his 16th year in the top flight.

Giggs, 33, says he does not know if he can play on beyond the end of his contract in 2008.

But Queiroz told BBC Sport: "We expect his contribution to be another two or three years without any problems."

Former United player Steve Bruce said Giggs could play until he was 37.

[Toon]

Got to feel a little sorry for the ammers & curbs?

BBC Sport understands West Ham manager Alan Curbishley will not be sacked, even if the club are relegated.

The Hammers lost to Tottenham on Sunday and are bottom of the Premiership, with only one win in 12 games since Curbishley took over in mid-December.

He admitted after the weekend defeat he would not be surprised if he was axed.