Football news in brief: SPL switch United ties to avoid clash

Published on 26/10/2012 03:53

Dundee United’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League Boxing Day meeting with St Johnstone at Tannadice will now kick- off at noon instead of 3pm.

Meanwhile, the meeting between United and St Mirren at Tannadice scheduled for 29 December has been moved to the following day with a 3pm kick-off. The switches are to avoid a clash with Dundee’s fixtures at Dens Park on the same dates.

Brown unsure of Considine lay-off

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown admits he is uncertain of the extent of defender Andrew Considine’s injury. Considine missed the 1-1 SPL draw at Tannadice last weekend and the duration of his lay-off is unknown. Brown said: “We don’t know how long he will be out for. His foot is in a boot which is inflated and is made of plaster.” On the plus side, fit-again Gary Naysmith is to be included in the squad for the visit of Dundee tomorrow.

England World Cup winner Connelly dies

ENGLAND World Cup-winner John Connelly has died at the age of 74. Former Burnley, Manchester United, Blackburn and Bury right-winger Connelly started the opening game of England’s triumphant 1966 campaign, a goalless draw against Uruguay at Wembley. The match proved to be the last of his 20 caps. At club level he won league titles with Burnley and United.

Chesterfield hand Cook the reins

Chesterfield have confirmed Paul Cook as their new manager. Cook has left npower League Two counterparts Accrington to take over at the Proact Stadium, where he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Chesterfield have been without a manager since John Sheridan was relieved of his duties on 28 August. Cook has previously managed Sligo Rovers in the Irish league.

Powell shortlisted for manager award

Hope Powell, coach of the England and Great Britain Olympic women’s teams, has been shortlisted for FIFA’s coach of the year award for women’s football. Powell is on a list of ten coaches nominated for the award to be announced on 7 January. She is up against Englishman John Herdman, the coach of the Canada team. Pia Sundhage, the Swedish coach of the USA national team that took Olympic gold, is the favourite for the award.