steve coppell

Dwight Yorke, interviewed in these pages recently, wished for a management break as promising as Gareth Southgate's at then-Premier League Middlesbrough. The League Managers Association's celebration this week of the elite band to have overseen 1,000 matches should have made him reconsider. Of the 18 men to have achieved that mark only one began in the top flight, Sir Matt Busby, at a war-ravaged Old Trafford.  

Casper Ankergren is hoping to bite the hand that once fed him when Leeds take on Brighton on Saturday. United's Danish keeper was signed at Elland Road by the partnership of Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet, who has recently taken over as manager at Brighton. Ankergren promised no favours to his former mentor but said: "Gus is a great character.

They are a good side, better than their league position suggests. I watched them play Southampton and they won 3-1, which was a great result.   -Casper Ankergren

 

The Manchester United manager admits the first half of the season has been more competitive than in recent years and would not be surprised if the Big Four's monopoly of the Champions League places is challenged, but come May he clearly believes United and Chelsea - currently five points clear - will be battling for the big prize. Ferguson, who has won 11 Premier League titles in his 23 years at Old Trafford, said: "I had a feeling about there being a change last season. The top teams are losing games an  

Brazil coach Dunga has called up AC Milan defender Thiago Silva for Saturday's friendly against England in Doha after Benfica's Luisao underwent surgery for appendicitis.  

Peterborough United hope to have their new manager in place by Sunday, despite being denied permission to speak to Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe. Previous manager Darren Ferguson left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday.  

German football is in a state of mourning following the death of national team goalkeeper, Robert Enke. Enke, who played for his country eight times, died on Tuesday after being hit by a train. Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff said: "We are in a state of shock. It is beyond words." Tottenham have released their financial accounts up to the year ending June 2009.

We are in a state of shock. It is beyond words.   -Oliver Bierhoff

 

Darren Ferguson's reign as Peterborough United manager looks set to be over following a disappointing start to the season.  

Poyet, 41, was assistant manager at Swindon Town and Leeds United before joining another of his former clubs, Tottenham, to aid Juande Ramos during his short reign at White Hart Lane. He left Spurs in October of last year and has since been working as a commentator for ESPN and Sky Sports.  

FORMER Wanderers boss Peter Taylor has been installed as join favourite to replace Darren Ferguson at Peterborough United. Taylor, who was sacked by Wycombe last month after managing just one win all season, is joint favourite alongside Steve Coppell to take over at the struggling Championship club.