what the english papers say

SHEARER TAKES FIGHT TO SPORTING
The Times reports on Newcastle United's 1-0 win over Sporting in the UEFA Cup quarter final first leg at St James' Park, courtesy of the skipper's first-half goal, with a clever reference to last Saturday's punch-up between Dyer and Bowyer (pictured). Amazingly, both players were given a fantastic reception by the Toon faithful.

Hold the back page...

SHEARER'S KNOCKOUT BLOW
'His goal eases pain from Bowyer shame' according to The Mirror, as manager Graeme Souness hailed his talismanic captain.

PEACEMAKERS
The Daily Mail says much the same - 'Shearer's goal helps Newcastle mend rift' - while Souness hails the fans this time for giving the bad boys a second (or third!) chance.

MOUR'S TREBLE TREAT
The Daily Star also leads with Newcastle's win but says Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is 'on a hat-trick high' after it was revealed he will not be investigated for passing 'sneaky messages' to staff on the bench in the Blues' 4-2 victory over Bayern Munich. The other two elements of the 'treble treat' were the news that he is close to signing a new five-year deal and the revelations from a UEFA venue director that Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard DID speak to Anders Frisk at half time in that infamous match.

PYSCHO IS CITY BOSS
'Pearce gets the nod' says The Sun, reporting that Manchester City have told current caretaker manager Stuart Pearce he will be made the permanent successor to Kevin Keegan, having been so impressed with him in the last month.

OUT OF ORDER
The Daily Express says Chelsea are considering launching an official complaint against Barcelona, Frank Rijkaard and certain European officials after yesterday's statement by the venue director, which supported the club's original claims.

FRISK 'ORDERED AWAY' RIJKAARD, SAYS REPORT
The Independent spells it out clearly with this story in a headline as Chelsea examine their options.

Other top stories...

PERRIN AWARE OF THE TASK AHEAD
The unveiling of Portsmouth's new manager Alain Perrin went relatively unnoticed yesterday, but The Times picked up on it as the former Marseille boss spelled out his plans for Pompey.

VIEIRA IN POT SHOT AT SEMIS
The Arsenal skipper claims holding the FA Cup semis and final in Cardiff 'makes the final not so special', as reported by the Daily Mirror. We couldn't agree more Patrick.

POT LESS
The Mirror again, this time on the lack of transfer funds available to Fergie this summer suggesting the United boss will have to sell to generate the revenue to buy.

TERRY: YOU'RE A BUNCH OF DIVERS
It's yesterday's news but the Daily Star gives a double-page spread to John Terry's assessment of the Bayern Munich players.

YOU'RE NOT AS GOOD AS GUNNERS
Bayern Munich hit back through Owen Hargreaves in the The Sun as the England substitute midfielder brands Chelsea long-ball merchants and claims Arsenal play better football.

XABI IS BACK TO FULFIL HIS EURO DREAM
The Daily Express reports that Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso is ready to return to help Liverpool's bid for Champions League glory after 13 weeks out with a broken ankle.

UNITED AND GIGGS AIM TO STRIKE A COMPROMISE
The Times reports that Manchester United and Ryan Giggs will reopen contract negotiations in the next two weeks as the club looks to secure the services of their 31-year-old Welsh winger.

 

Thanks for the headlines Von Billy. I appreciate it! You are up late over there in England!

Cheers!