History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

WIGAN CLOSE IN ON FRANCE INTERNATIONAL

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is closing in on Marseille’s France international defender Gaël Givet. Bruce, who would prefer to take the centre-back or left-back on loan initially, faces competition from Belgian giants Anderlecht.

Givet is deemed surplus to requirements at the south France club – and manager Eric Gerets has said he will allow the 27-year-old to leave in the January transfer window.

The former Monaco captain, who has earned 13 caps for Les Bleus, is valued at £1m by Marseille and ready to leave the club he joined 18 months ago.

He said: “I am ready to play elsewhere as this is almost impossible at Marseilles now.”

Bruce is believed to be keen on taking Givet to the JJB Stadium on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.

Labels: Gael Givet, Marseilles, Premier League, Steve Bruce, Wigan

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:33 am | Permalink | Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER CASUALTIES

1. JOSE MOURINHO (Chelsea) - Date parted company: 20th September

The charismatic Portuguese manager had lost only one Premier League game this season before he left Stamford Bridge amid claims that he had fallen out with owner Roman Abramovich over team selection and transfer policy. He won six trophies in his three years and three months at the club.

2. SAMMY LEE (Bolton) - Date parted company: 17th October

A coach under predecessor Sam Allardyce, Sammy Lee failed to impress in his six months in charge at the Reebok Stadium. In nine league games this season he gained only four points from a possible 27 and his defence conceded 14 goals.

3. MARTIN JOL (Tottenham) - Date parted company: 25th October

Dutchman Martin Jol spent £40m in the summer but could not make his team gel. After 10 Premier League games Jol's team had gained only seven points and shipped 21 goals - Spurs' worst start to a Premier League season.

4. CHRIS HUTCHINGS (Wigan Athletic) - Date sacked: 5th November

Former NO.2 to Paul Jewell, Chris Hutchings lasted only five months at the JJB. In 12 Premier League games under Hutchings Wigan won twice and drew twice while leaking 19 goals.

5. STEVE BRUCE (Birmingham City) - Date parted company: 19th November

Steve Bruce had been in charge of Birmingham for one month shy of six years but - despite gaining promotion to the Premier League last season - was beginning to feel pressure. From 13 games the former Manchester United defender won three and lost eight.

6. BILLY DAVIES (Derby County) - Date parted company: 26th November

Scotsman Billy Davies had propelled Derby to promotion earlier this year but after having only £6m to spend in the summer his team were rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. After 14 games Derby had only won one match and drawn three while conceding 33 goals and scoring a measly five.

7. LAWRIE SANCHEZ (Fulham) - Date sacked: 21st December

After taking over from Chris Coleman last season, the former Northern Irish manager lasted only eight months at Craven Cottage. Thirteen summer signings and £14.5m didn't help Fulham - after 17 Premier League games this season they won only twice under Sanchez and conceded 28 times.

Labels: Billy Davies, Chris Hutchings, football, Jose Mourinho, Lawrie Sanchez, Premier League, Sammy Lee, Steve Bruce

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:10 pm | Permalink | Comments