Scott Miller said he would draw inspiration from England manager Roy Hodgson as he looks to get the Newcastle Jets off the bottom of the A-League next season after being appointed coach of the ailing club yesterday.
The Australian worked for nearly a decade in various roles at Fulham and hopes to emulate the galvanising effect Hodgson had when he arrived at Craven Cottage in 2007.
“Someone to note was Roy Hodgson,” Miller said.
“He was an inspiration in my mindset, my professionalism and my respect for football.
“He inspired me the first day he walked into the building. He transformed Fulham from a struggling team to (Europa League) finalists against Atletico Madrid in 2010.”
Gomez set for Liverpool medical
Liverpool hope to finalise a deal for Charlton teenager Joe Gomez later this week with the 18-year-old set to undergo a medical today.
PA Sport reported that the Reds have triggered a £3.5 million release clause in the England U-19 international’s contract which has paved the way for the move to be completed and will meet with club officials on Merseyside today.
Liverpool are currently in discussions with the Championship club over minor details regarding a sell-on fee should the defender subsequently leave Anfield in the future but those talks will not affect the deal going through.
Viola target Sousa quits as Basel coach
Paulo Sousa is now available to become the new head coach of Fiorentina after rescinding his contract with Swiss champions Basel.
The 44-year-old Portuguese, who tasted Swiss Super League glory during his solitary season at St Jakob-Park, is the leading favourite to replace Vincenzo Montella in the Tuscan capital.
A tweet from Basel’s official account on Wednesday night read: “FC Basel and Paulo Sousa have reached a consensus on an immediate separation.”
The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder has also managed QPR, Swansea and Leicester, enjoying a brief spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv before moving to Switzerland in May 2014.
Adriano ponders Barcelona exit
Adriano may seek a move away from Barcelona this summer in search of more playing time, the defender’s agent has revealed.
Adriano, who is under contract with Barca for another two seasons, started in just 14 games in all competitions for the Catalan giants in their treble-winning campaign.
“Adriano is very happy at Barca,” his agent Paulo Afonso said.
“He gets on well with everyone and has had a great history there.
“But he wants to play, he wants more minutes and that is the only thing that makes him ponder a move away from Barca.”
England’s Berahino out of U-21 Euros
England U-21s were rocked just hours before their European Championship opener by the withdrawal of Saido Berahino due to a knee injury.
The West Brom striker played an integral role in getting Gareth Southgate’s side to the Czech Republic, but will play no part in the finals after the complaint picked up in training on the eve of the Group B encounter with Portugal yesterday.
Berahino had the injury scanned on Wednesday evening and the severity has forced him to return home, with Wolves’ Benik Afobe brought in as his replacement.
The former Arsenal striker will only be available for England’s remaining matches against Sweden and Italy.
Koke and Godin will stay – Simeone
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned potential suitors that their star players Koke and Diego Godin are not for sale.
Reports in England claim Chelsea are looking to make a double bid to sign Uruguay defender Godin and Spanish midfielder Koke this summer.
However, when asked which Atletico players are non-transferable, Simeone told Marca: “Koke and Godin, and that’s about it.”
Godin, 29, made 34 starts in the Primera Liga for Atletico last season while Koke scored twice and set up 10 more goals in 34 league appearances.
Swans on verge of signing Tabanou
Swansea expect to complete the signing of St Etienne defender Franck Tabanou in the coming hours.
The former France Under-21 international was having a medical at the Premier League club yesterday and should become Swansea’s second signing of the summer.
It is understood Swansea will pay around £3.5 million for the 26-year-old who will provide competition for Wales left-back Neil Taylor.
Swansea attempted to sign Tabanou last January but the former Toulouse defender chose to stay at St Etienne and helped them finish fifth in Ligue 1.