Football news

Colin Calderwood was appointed the new manager of Hibernian on a three-year contract ending his period as assistant coach at Newcastle United.

The 45-year-old has previous managerial experience at North-ampton and Nottingham Forest before agreeing to join Newcastle as Chris Hughton’s assistant in January 2009.

However, the former Scottish international defender said the pull of a top job in his homeland had proved too much.

“The opportunity to manage a top-flight side in my home country was hard for me to turn down,” Calderwood said.

Australia’s Jets bid to lure Becks’ LA

Australia’s Newcastle Jets revealed an ambitious bid to lure David Beckham for an exhibition game with his club LA Galaxy. The Jets said they were in talks with Galaxy.

“The Newcastle Jets can confirm that the club is in negotiation with LA Galaxy to stage a match at Energy Australia Stadium,” a statement said.

Bringing Beckham “would be a wonderful boost for football and the entire community,” it added.

Jets chief Ken Edwards said Beckham could be playing in Newcastle’s modest, 26,000-capacity stadium as early as next month after the Major League Soccer season wraps up.

United make new UNICEF pledge

They may feel under siege due to the Wayne Rooney saga but Manchester United were still able to put their best foot forward on behalf of children’s charity UNICEF.

Extending a link that dates back to 1999, on Monday United have pledged to raise at least £1m, to help save the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children.

“Our first trip to Thailand in 1999 was a real eye-opener,” Alex Ferguson said. “We met children as young as six who had been rescued from street prostitution. It shocked many of my players and made them realise what the real world was like.”

One of the first countries to receive funding will be Senegal. The partnership will equip child centres with everything needed to ensure children survive their first five years.

Rangers chief Bain making no promises

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admits he cannot promise any new signings in the January transfer window.

The Scottish champions were able to buy players for the first time in two years in the summer, with the arrival of Nikica Jelavic and James Beattie from Stoke. Addressing shareholders this week, Bain explained that any further acquisitions were likely to depend on the club’s success in Europe.

He said: “As we have seen in the last two years, it is the success on the field that has underpinned the operational financial performance of the club. I would like to say that we will sign more players in January but it would be irresponsible of me to do so at this stage.”

Gibson begins manager search

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson yesterday launched his search for a new manager after Gordon Strachan tore up his contract with the struggling club.

The 53-year-old Scot, who succeeded Gareth Southgate last year, offered his resignation after a spell on Teesside which brought only 13 victories in 46 attempts.

Gibson, a fan himself, promised he would do all within his power to forge a recovery at a club which barely four years ago played in the UEFA Cup final.

The name of Tony Mowbray has been on the lips of Strachan’s sternest critics for some time, but Gibson is considering a list of potential candidates, the likes of Paul Ince, Paul Jewell and Alan Curbishley.

World Cup 2018 race turns ugly

Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid leader has highlighted London’s “high crime rate” and youth alcohol problems in an interview which appears to contravene FIFA’s bidding rules prohibiting comments about rival bidders.

Alexei Sorokin first insisted that the Russian bid did not want to get in public squabbles with England before going on to denigrate their 2018 bid rivals.

Sorokin, chief executive of the bid, said: “We do not enter into squabbles, although we have much to say. It’s no secret, for example, that in London they have the highest crime rate compared with other European cities, and the highest level of alcohol consumption among young people.”

Chelsea to headline 2011 Asia Trophy

Chelsea will headline next year’s Asia Trophy in Hong Kong alongside Aston Villa and Blackburn. The English Premier League-sanctioned tournament will also feature the Hong Kong First Division League champions in a four-way knockout event.

Semi-finals will take place at the Hong Kong Stadium on July 27 with the final and third place matches on Saturday July 30. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said the fixtures will be key components of the Blues’ pre-season plans.

Chelsea are also due to play in Malaysia and Thailand during their Asian tour.

“Games against two Premier League sides and the Hong Kong champions will provide excellent preparation for the team,” Ancelotti said.