Football news

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has criticised Chelsea's transfer policy.

The former Manchester City boss has accused the Stamford Bridge side of buying many of the Premier League's leading players only to leave them rot in the reserves.

"If a lad rang me and said 'I'm 16, playing at Crewe and Chelsea have come in for me, what do you think I should do?' I would reply 'stay where you are and play some football with the club you are at'," Pearce said.

"I watched Chelsea train last year. I saw Steve Sidwell, Reading's best player from the previous season, and Tal Ben Haim, Bolton's best player from the year before. But neither was in the first team.

"So Chelsea have cherry-picked the best players from elsewhere and stockpiled them. That is not right."

Under-fire Ramos calm over future

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos insists his job is not under threat after the club's worst start to a season for 53 years. But following his side's 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth, which has left them with just two points from six games, Ramos admitted he faces an uncertain future.

When asked if he had the confidence of his employers, Ramos said: "Absolutely, we speak regularly and everyone is aware of our delicate position.

"Whether I survive is something for the chairman and the board to decide but I'm not hurt (by the fans' abuse). What hurts is not winning matches," Ramos added.

Everton appeal Cahill red card

Everton have submitted an appeal to the Football Association after Tim Cahill was sent off in Saturday's derby defeat by Liverpool.

Cahill was shown a red card by referee Mike Riley in the closing stages of the 2-0 loss after a challenge on Xabi Alonso.

Everton manager David Moyes was unhappy with Riley's decision, believing the midfielder's tackle only warranted a yellow card.

"I have had a chance to look at it and I don't see a red card tackle, I really don't," said Moyes. "I see a yellow card and I don't think it was the worst tackle in the game. I think we were all really surprised it was a sending off."

The club have confirmed that an appeal has been lodged with the FA, with a hearing due to take place later this week.

Tristan handed West Ham trial

West Ham have handed a trial to former Spain striker Diego Tristan, who is a free agent after leaving Livorno last season.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to England in the past and is now hoping to impress new West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola.

Zola is believed to be keen to bolster his attacking options after losing striker Dean Ashton until the New Year through injury.

Berlusconi savours perfect birthday gift

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has lauded his players for delivering the perfect birthday gift after their 1-0 derby victory over Inter on Sunday night.

Brazilian striker Ronaldinho struck the winner for the Rossoneri in a 1-0 win in the Derby della Madonnina to erase memories of their stuttering start to the campaign. The win had a special significance for Berlusconi, who turned 72 yesterday.

"It was really a great gift," he said.

"It wasn't just a present from Ronaldinho but from the whole team who honoured me with this great win.

"It wasn't a bad result was it? I want to congratulate all my players for the way they played with heart, strength and great determination."

Arrigoni not facing the sack

Bologna president Renzo Menarini dismissed reports saying that coach Daniele Arrigoni will be replaced following Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to Napoli.

The newly-promoted side are struggling for form at the moment after suffering four successive defeats and Italian media said that Luigi De Canio was being lined up as a likely replacement for Arrigoni.

However, Menarini has a different view. "The coach won't be going anywhere," Menarini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We all trust him and the result of the game against Inter next weekend won't affect our strategy. We believe that our team has the ability to climb the table without making any changes and so we aren't worried."

Ronaldo is best player for Eusebio

Portuguese legend Eusebio is certain Cristiano Ronaldo will scoop the FIFA world player of the year prize in December.

The 23-year-old has only just returned from ankle surgery but already he has shot to the top of United's goalscoring charts, netting against Middlesbrough in the League Cup and Bolton in the Premier League last weekend.

Eusebio believes his fellow countryman is the favourite to be crowned world number one later in the year.

"Officially, the best player is Kaka," Eusebio told uefa.com.

"However, I believe today that Cristiano is the best without any doubt.

"I have always said that he has everything it takes to become the best player in the world."