The former Conservative MP who helped smear Liverpool fans after the Hillsborough disaster has died.
Sir Irvine Patnick, who was a source for a Sun story criticising the supporters’ behaviour in the tragedy, died on Sunday aged 83.
There had been calls for him to be stripped of his knighthood since his role in The Sun’s coverage of the disaster was made clear by the Hillsborough Independent Panel in September.
Amid widespread revulsion at the police cover-up which sought to shift the blame for the tragedy to the fans, Sir Irvine said in September he was “deeply sorry” about his role. He said he had passed on police information that was “inaccurate, misleading and plain wrong”.
No Lampard talks
Frank Lampard has held no talks with Chelsea over a new contract and could leave either this month or in the summer unless a new deal is agreed.
The 34-year-old was influential in the Blues’ 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday, netting both goals to move one behind the club’s second-top goalscorer of all time, Kerry Dixon.
Lampard has been linked with Los Angeles Galaxy and London rivals QPR.
Asked whether he would be around long enough to equal or beat Dixon, Lampard said: “I’m only one behind so hopefully I’ll beat that, but you never should count your chickens.”
Wigan profits
Wigan yesterday reported a net profit of £4.3 million for the year ending May 31.
It is the first time in six years that the club have turned in a profit, with the sum considerably different to the £7.2,m net loss they reported 12 months ago.
The figures cover the 2011-12 season which ended with the Latics in 15th place, with turnover up from £50.5m to £52.6m.
Wigan said that while salaries remain their biggest expense, they had trimmed them from £39.9m to £37.7m, with £10.4 million spent on new players.
The sale of Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa meant they brought in £7.9 million of profit on player sales.
Enrique suffers torn hamstring
Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique is set for a spell on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in Sunday’s win over QPR, assistant manager Colin Pascoe said.
The Spaniard limped off after 71 minutes of the 3-0 Premier League win at Loftus Road.
“Unfortunately, it looks like he’s got a tear in his hamstring,” Pascoe, who was standing in for manager Brendan Rodgers who was ill, said.
“He was terrific, absolutely superb, and the way he’s been performing these last couple of months has been a joy to watch. It’s a shame, and hopefully he’s not out for too long.”
Chelsea pursuit of Ba stalls
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Newcastle striker Demba Ba have suffered an early blow after unproductive discussions over his future.
Reports said club officials met the 27-year-old’s representatives on Sunday night, but the deal on the table did not come close to meeting the point where he would consider leaving St James’ Park.
However, while the Ba camp has indicated that the Senegal international does not now expect to be playing his football at Stamford Bridge this month, it is likely that the impasse represents only the initial skirmish in a battle which could run and run.
PSG’s Nene mulls Brazil move
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian striker Nene said he is looking to move back to his homeland after falling out with the Ligue 1 leaders, adding he has received the green light to do so from sporting director Leonardo.
“My intention is to play in Brazil. I have already spoken to Leonardo and they will agree to let me go,” Nene said.
“My idea is to return to Brazil but I also have offers from European clubs, clubs in Sao Paulo and another country. My priority is to head home,” said the forward, who is a reported target for Santos where he played in 2003.
Deportivo sack coach Oltra
Deportivo La Coruna have sacked coach Jose Luis Oltra after the club’s poor start to the season left them bottom of the La Liga standings going into the Christmas break.
“We decided that now was the ideal time for a change,” Depor-tivo president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro said.
Survival is the priority for new coach Domingos Paciencia, who was appointed to replace Oltra yesterday.
“It is important for Depor to stay in the Primera Division and for this we need the commitment of everyone,” Paciencia told a news conference yesterday.
“It is a tough job but I like those, and it is for that reason I am here.”