The Professional Footballers Association is discussing treatment options with former England full-back Kenny Sansom, who is homeless and battling alcoholism.
The 54-year-old, who made 86 appearances for the Three Lions between 1979 and 1988, spoke last week of the extent of the personal problems as Michael Bennett, the PFA’s head of player welfare, is in contact with Sansom, who is staying at a hotel.
Bennett said: “We’ve discussed quite a few different options and we’re waiting for him to make a decision. Mostly the options are detox and supporting him in terms of getting better.”
Zola upbeat after opening win
Watford manager Gianfranco Zola was in an upbeat mood after the Hornets made a perfect start to the season with an impressive 1-0 away win over Birmingham.
Zola praised the way his players carved out their opening day success on Saturday.
Zola said: “I am pleased with the win. It was a tough test to start the season. This is why I am pleased with result.
“We demonstrated we are working really well, particularly in defence. I am looking forward to see a lot more of this kind of play during the season.”
Rangers manager blasts Green
Rangers manager Ally McCoist has launched a sensational attack on Charles Green, branding the former chief executive “an embarrassment”.
The Light Blues boss hit out after Green – who is set to return to Ibrox in a consultancy role – warned the manager last week that he must win a cup this year.
Hours later, Rangers crashed out of the first round of the League Cup 2-1 after extra-time to Forfar.
When asked for his thoughts on Green’s remarks, McCoist said: “I was appalled by them to be quite honest with you.
“His contempt and total lack of respect for my players, for our football club and Scottish football in general is appalling – and he is an embarrassment.”
Real Madrid beat Everton in LA
Real Madrid defeated Everton in Los Angeles to reach the final of the International Champions Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil got the goals which earned the Spanish giants a clash against either Milan or Chelsea at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium next Wednesday.
Real took the lead in the 17th minute through Ronaldo, who rounded Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and finished calmly.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team doubled their advantage when Ronaldo squared for Ozil to sidefoot home.
Nikica Jelavic was introduced for the second half and pulled a goal back with a snapshot just past the hour mark but Everton were unable to find an equaliser.
Sounders welcome Dempsey with win
The Seattle Sounders celebrated the arrival of striker Clint Dempsey in style with a 3-0 defeat of MLS rivals Dallas.
The signing of the United States captain was confirmed before the game on Saturday and the 30-year-old was paraded in front of the Seattle support.
The Sounders responded once the action started and moved to within a point of their opponents in the Western Conference with a comprehensive success.
Obafemi Martins and Eddie Johnson netted before half-time, as Brad Evans’s late penalty completed the scoring.
Frankfurt boss optimistic
Eintracht Frankfurt chairman Heribert Bruchhagen is optimistic about his side’s prospects in the Bundesliga this season.
Frankfurt finished sixth last season immediately after promotion to the top flight and Bruchhagen sees no reason why they cannot do the same again in the traditionally more difficult second year after promotion.
“Our pre-season has gone well,” he told reporters.
“Of course our results in pre-season say nothing about how our start to the season will go, but we’re still satisfied.”
Eintracht Frankfurt won their first four games of last season and were fourth at the turn of the year.
Barcelona players at the West Bank
Thousands of Palestinians celebrated the arrival of Barcelona in the West Bank during the weekend where Lionel Messi and his team-mates showed off their skills to adoring fans.
Some 25,000 spectators, many clad in Barca shirts, packed every corner of a new stadium in the town of Dura in the southern West Bank as the Barcelona players held an hour-long clinic with some 40 young Palestinian boys and girls.
Hundreds of other fans itching to get in were left stranded outside the packed ground as a large security force secured the perimetre.
Barca are currently making a brief stopover in Israel and the Palestinian territories en-route to a pre-season tour of Asia.