Briefs

Kinnear: Joe Kinnear will remain interim manager of Newcastle United until at least Christmas, he said yesterday. The 61-year-old, appointed on a short-term basis in September after the resignation of Kevin Keegan, has steadied the ship at the north east club. "The deal was to be in charge until the club was sold and nothing has changed since then to be honest," Kinnear said. "But I have been informed I am here for another month and that will bring us up to the transfer window."

Pardew: Alan Pardew has left his role as Charlton manager by mutual consent last night. The board at The Valley finally lost patience with the 47-year-old following yesterday afternoon's 5-2 defeat at home to Sheffield United.

Pirlo: Andrea Pirlo is back in the Milan squad after a two-month lay-off for today's Serie A match against Torino, coach Carlo Ancelotti said. The Milan midfielder has been out of action since picking up a thigh strain on September 16. "He could even be in the starting XI," Ancelotti said.

Ligue 1: Caen vs Auxerre 1-0; Lorient vs Toulouse 1-0; Bordeaux vs S. Rennes 1-1; Grenoble vs Le Havre 0-0; Paris SG vs Lyon 1-0; St Etienne vs Nice 0-1; Valenciennes vs Sochaux 2-2.

Primera Liga: R. Madrid vs R. Huelva 1-0; Villarreal vs R. Valladolid 0-3.