Collins move outrages Dublin
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Article summary
News round-up: Several coaches are making headlines, not least Roddy Collins in the Republic of Ireland.
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Dublin City FC
Shamrock Rovers FC
There has also been a coaching change in Hungary today with Attila Supka assuming control of Debreceni VSC. Supka, who worked at Békéscsabai EFC last season and played for the Debrecen club from 1984-87, replaces Lázár Szentes following his sacking on Tuesday. Supka takes over a side occupying second place in the top flight and faces a testing debut against league leaders Ferencvárosi TC on Sunday. "It's a great honour," said the new man. "The decision surprised me but I'm happy to return."
To the Netherlands where NAC Breda coach Ton Lokhoff has extended his contract for two more years until 2007. "Above all I have to say that I really like it here," said the former Dutch international. "Time has flown by since I came here and that has to be a good sign." The 44-year-old, who lists NAC, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord among his former clubs, was appointed in summer 2003 and guided the team to a ninth-place finish and the Dutch Cup semi-finals last term. NAC are eighth in the current campaign.
Another coach making news is Víctor Fernández, who presides over European champions FC Porto. The Spaniard has been suspended for 15 days after making his displeasure with officials known following the 2-1 Portuguese Cup defeat by Vitória SC. Fernández will therefore be in the stands for Porto's meeting with Sporting Clube de Portugal on Monday. He has also been fined €150.
German Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05 have confirmed that defender Mathias Abel seriously damaged his skull in a collision with VfL Wolfsburg striker Diego Klimowicz last Saturday. The 23-year-old requires further tests in three weeks to determine whether he will be fit to return to full training. Team doctor Klaus Gerlach said: "Mathias is feeling well again and can start jogging soon. The break is needed to prevent the injury from worsening and to speed up the healing process."
Finally to Scotland where Dundee United FC have completed the signing of Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland on a three-year deal, and loaned winger Andy McLaren to Partick Thistle FC until the end of the year. "I will see how it goes and re-evaluate things at the end of December," McLaren said. "I'm 31 now and need to be playing at this time of my career."
