Football news

Everton released six players including Scotland midfielder James McFadden and US goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

McFadden, 29, made only eight appearances during his second spell with the Premier League club after joining on a free transfer in October.

Hahnemann, 39, failed to make a single first-team appearance for David Moyes’s side, meanwhile, having agreed a short-term deal in September.

On-loan striker Denis Stracqualursi returned to Argentine club Tigres, while winger Royston Drenthe, who did not play during the final month of the season after falling out with Moyes, is looking for a new club as his contract with Real Madrid expires shortly.

Luhukay takes over at Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin, who were relegated from the Bundesliga this season, have appointed former Augsburg boss Jos Luhukay as their new coach.

Luhukay left Augsburg after managing to keep them in the top flight at the end of their first ever season in the Bundesliga and he has swiftly found a new employer, even if it means dropping down a division.

Hertha were coached by Otto Rehhagel for the final three months of the season.

Luhukay, 48, has a reputation for leading clubs to promotion from the second division having done so both with Borussia Moenchengladbach and Augsburg.

Xavi welcomes new coach Vilanova

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes the decision to name Tito Vilanova as Pep Guardiola’s replacement means any disruption caused by the departure of the record-breaking coach will be kept to a minimum.

“It was a surprise for everyone that Pep decided not to continue but Tito is well qualified.

“He’s somebody who is very well respected in the changing room and he understands very well the philosophy of this club.

“We have to adapt quickly to the circumstances,” Xavi said.

Guardiola’s last game will be next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Vermezovic to replace Grant

Partizan Belgrade have appointed Vladimir Vermezovic as their new head coach following former Chelsea boss Avram Grant’s decision to stand down.

The Israeli guided Partizan to their fifth consecutive Serbian SuperLiga after taking the reins in January.

Yet despite being at the Partizan Stadium for just five months, the 57-year-old has decided to go.

Grant refused to speculate on the reasons for his departure, saying: “I would like to keep the details to myself, I planned to stay longer but life is often unpredictable.”

O’Neill ends keeper Gordon’s misery

Scottish international Craig Gordon’s nightmare spell at Sunderland ended yes-terday when he was released by Martin O’Neill just five years after being signed for a British record fee for a goalkeeper.

The 29-year-old – who was signed by then Sunderland manager Roy Keane for £9m in 2007 – has had an injury-plagued time with the club and made just one appearance for them last season.

Gordon – included in Craig Levein’s recent squad for an upcoming friendly with the US – played just 95 times for the ‘Black Cats’ during a spell where he broke his arm twice among other injuries.

Pioli committed to Bologna

Bologna have announced that coach Stefano Pioli has extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2014 season.

Pioli guided the Rossoblu to a ninth-place finish in Serie A and had been linked with the vacant manager’s job at Lazio following Edy Reja’s resignation.

But Pioli has agreed to extend his stay by a further year with the Dall’Ara outfit.

“I’ve read the reports, but I’ve had no contact with them (Lazio) or any other club,” the 46-year-old said.

“I can exclude the possibility of leaving Bologna. My staff and I want to give a bit of consistency to the work we have done this year. It’s normal that there are rumours, but I am happy at Bologna who have put me in the best situation to work.”

Rafael replaces Alves in Selecao

Manchester United right-back Rafael was called up by Brazil to take the place of injured Barcelona defender Daniel Alves.

Rafael was included in coach Mano Menezes’s squad for four friendlies taking place this month and next. His inclusion brings to 18 the number of players in the 23-man squad within the under-23 age limit for the London Olympic Games, where Brazil will attempt to win the gold medal for the first time.

Alves fractured his right collar bone during training with Barcelona on Wednesday and will be out of action for eight weeks.