Safe Job: Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce's job is safe for the foreseeable future despite a humiliating 7-0 home FA Cup defeat by Liverpool, co-owner David Sullivan said yesterday. "What can you say about the match?" Sullivan told the Birmingham Evening Mail. "It was appalling and we, the board, are as gutted as everybody else." Bruce was already under pressure before the quarter-final defeat because the Midlands club are in dire danger of relegation. Sullivan said there would be no point in trying to change things at this stage of the season.

Bayern: Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath does not want any "Beckham types" in his squad to replace Michael Ballack next season. Asked what would happen after Ballack's expected exit, Magath said: "Our style of play will change. Without him we have less of a fixed point in attack and we must see that we reach the goal a different way. We do not need Beckham types. What is important is that a new player wants to lead the team, that he integrates, and of course has footballing quality." Bayern appear likely to bring in Germany striker Lukas Podolski from Cologne.

Warnock: Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has been charged with improper conduct after making a V-sign at Norwich coach Nigel Worthington after Saturday's second division game. Warnock, whose team were beaten 2-1 at Carrow Road, was quoted as telling the Yorkshire Post: "I won't deny that I flipped my fingers in his direction, but only because I was so frustrated at being humiliated by a fellow manager."

Soccer Murder: Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a fan of Uruguay first division club Cerro following a match 10 days ago. Judge Julio Olivera Negrin said the three men were suspected of being accomplices in the incident. He told reporters that police were still searching for the main culprits. The Uruguayan championship has been indefinitely suspended following the attack outside the Centenario stadium, where Cerro were playing Penarol, on March 11.

Romario: Former Brazil striker Romario missed training with Vasco da Gama for the fourth time in a row this week, increasing speculation that he is set to leave the club. The 40-year-old, who last year finished as the Brazilian championship's top-scorer with 22 goals, last appeared for his team during the 2-0 defeat by underdogs Cabofriense in the Carioca championship one week ago.

Frankfurt party: Officials from Frankfurt, where England play their first match in the 2006 World Cup, expect a giant party to take over the city and urged England fans to behave and enjoy the atmosphere. Achim Vandreike, the city's Mayor, told reporters in London yesterday he was confident the June 9 to July 9 tournament would pass off smoothly but said police were prepared to handle any trouble that should develop. "All supporters from England who want to come to Frankfurt are most welcome, we want to make sure they feel welcome in Frankfurt," he said.