Football in brief: Williamson won’t quit after cup agony

BOBBY Williamson insists he will not resign as manager of Uganda after his team agonisingly missed out on yet another African Cup of Nations.

The Cranes, who have not qualified for their continental finals since 1978, lost their play-off tie with champions Zambia 9-8 on penalties. But Williamson said: “I do not see a reason to quit. I have a contract and Ugandans are good to me, the fans are magnificent. I know the fans are disappointed.”

Foot fracture puts Jack on sidelines

Aberdeen defender Ryan Jack is expected to be out until the end of January with a fractured foot, according to the club. The 20-year-old picked up the injury while captaining Scotland under-21s for the first time in Friday’s 2-0 defeat by the United States in a challenge match in Spain. A statement on Aberdeen’s website read: “Ryan Jack has been to see a specialist. It was confirmed the fracture will require surgical repair. Ryan is expected to be out until the end of January.”

UAE nickname slur sparks apology

The Asian Football Confederation has apologised for referring to the United Arab Emirates as the “Sand Monkeys”. The nickname appeared on the AFC’s website and prompted outrage in the Gulf nation, with UAE FA secretary general Yousuf Abdulla threatening legal action. An AFC statement apologised “for an editorial mistake in which the UAE team was referred to by an inaccurate nickname.”

Ranger guilty of assaulting police

Newcastle striker Nile Ranger has been convicted of two counts of assault by beating against two police officers but cleared of two counts of actual bodily harm on two members of the public. Newcastle Crown Court heard Ranger, 21, had been the victim of racial taunts in the city centre in August last year and acted in self-defence. When police tried to detain him, he pushed them away. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £750 to each officer.

Solskjaer rules out interest in Bolton

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial role at npower Championship club Bolton. The former Manchester United striker, who is currently in charge of Norwegian champions Molde, has been linked with the job at the Reebok Stadium following Owen Coyle’s dismissal last week. However, the 39-year-old said: “It’s not for me. Blackburn, Bolton, rumours crop up, but I’m not bothered about them.”