Big Sam Sacked by Magpies

Newcastle United have parted company with manager Sam Allardyce after coming to a "mutual agreement".

A statement on the club's official website read: "This decision has been reached by mutual agreement.

Newcastle United Chairman Chris Mort said: "Mike and I would like to place on record our thanks for Sam's efforts and wish him well for the future.A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate."

Sam Allardyce said: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the Club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future."

First Team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for Saturday's game at Manchester United.

Sanchez & Fulham Part Company

Lawrie Sanchez has been relieved of his position, a statement from the club has just confirmed.Sanchez left the Northern Ireland job in May to take over at Fulham full time - after saving the club from relegation in his one month stint at the end of last season.However, this season has not gone to plan, and with the risk of relegation very real, the club decided that a change was the only way forward.

Says the club statement:"Fulham Football Club today announced its decision to replace Lawrie Sanchez as Manager of the club with immediate effect.Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay will be in charge of the team whilst a search for a permanent replacement takes place.Following a run of disappointing results the Club is languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League table, and losing its Premiership status is a proposition that simply can not be contemplated at this stage in the Club’s on-going development.The Club is confident that it will find the right replacement to increase its chances of remaining in the Premiership, which is of vital importance.The Club would like to thank Lawrie for helping the Club through a difficult period at the end of last season, and thank him for his service over the last eight months."

Former Fulham favourite John Collins, who quit as Hibs boss yesterday, is said to be among the favourites. He remains a friend of owner Mohamed Al Fayed after playing for the Cottagers from 2000 to 2003.

Derby appoints Jewell as manger

Derby County have appointed former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell as head coach.The Rams parted company with Billy Davies on Monday and chairman Adam Pearson has wasted no time in finding a replacement.

Pearson told reporters: "Paul is a stand-out candidate with regard to management experience and I couldn't think of a better man for the job."

Jewell, who left Wigan after securing their Barclays Premier League safety on the final day of last season, emerged as Derby's prime target on Tuesday.Since leaving the JJB Stadium he has been linked with several jobs, including a return to his former club Wigan.

But Jewell said: "I wanted a rest from football, I've enjoyed my time off, I'm refreshed and I'm absolutely delighted to be here and really looking forward to challenge ahead." Jewell had resigned as Wigan boss at the end of last season declaring himself "physically and mentally drained"

He has been handed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Pride Park and speaking about his appointment, Jewell insisted he would not "wave the white flag" in the club's battle with relegation.Asked if he could keep the side up this season, he said: "Absolutely. If I don't believe it, if the players don't believe it, if the fans don't believe it we have no chance.It's going to be very difficult but I'm not here to wave the white flag. We're not adrift."

McLeish is new Burmingham manager

Alex McLeish has been confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City.The former Rangers and Hibernian boss quit his role as manager of the Scottish national team on Tuesday and less than 24 hours later was unveiled at St Andrews.

McLeish, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, takes over from Steve Bruce who left the club earlier this month and is now at Wigan Athletic.The new role will be McLeish's first in the Barclays Premier League and his aim will be to steer the Blues clear of relegation trouble. They currently sit just one point above the drop zone.

McLeish admitted the lure of the Barclays Premier League and day-to-day management were significant factors in his decision to leave Scotland.He said: "I've always had a desire to come to the Premier League. I'd love to be managing in the Premier League for a considerable time.The Scotland campaign was over and I really thought long and hard about staying on. I knew of some interest in the Premier League and had a desire to get back to day-to-day football.I really enjoyed my time in the Scotland job, it was a good period for me which was not day to day but allowed me to rekindle my appetite for the club scene again.I've come to a club with great tradition in football and with a fervent and fantastic fan base.I look forward to the challenge.''

Coach Roy Aitken, who was part of McLeish's backroom team at Scotland, has also made the move to St Andrews, as has Andy Watson, another member of the Scottish set-up.

Derby part company with Davis

Derby County have parted company with manager Billy Davies after a run of eight matches without a win.Davies led the Rams to promotion from the Championship last season but the club currently sit bottom of the Barclays Premier League after only one win this season.

"I have met with Billy Davies this morning and we have decided mutually in the best interests of both parties that to go our separate ways is the correct decision at this time," Derby Chairman Adam Pearson said in a statement on the club's official website.

"Billy Davies leaves Derby County with our best wishes and our genuine gratitude in achieving a magnificent promotion to the Premier League, where everyone connected with the club wanted to be.We wish Billy all the best for his future career and both parties will now move forward, which I am sure will lead to future success for Billy Davies and Derby County."

Derby have been beaten 5-0 by Arsenal and West Ham United this season and 6-0 by Liverpool. The Rams lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday.Academy manager Kevin Thelwell has been appointed as caretaker manager on a temporary basis.

"We've agreed mutually to part our ways," said Davies. "It's football. We know the situation.It's time to move on. This is not the time to discuss anymore. It's time to move onto something new. I don't know what there is for the future. I'll wait and see.At this point I'd like to thank very much the staff and players and the fans, who have been magnificent.Everyone's been a pleasure to work with and I've enjoyed the great times I've had at Derby.I'm very, very proud walking out of these gates with what's been achieved. I'm walking out with my head held high.The one thing I can guarantee is that Billy Davies will bounce back and be a much better and stronger manager for this experience."

Steve Bruce join Wigan,Leaves Birmingham

Steve Bruce has left Birmingham City and has been named as the new manager of Wigan Athletic.Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he was "delighted" Bruce had joined the Latics and confirmed that Birmingham would receive £3million in compensation.

Whelan said "When Paul Jewell decided he was not going to come back I was a little bit disappointed but Steve Bruce is the guy we wanted.I'm delighted we've got him, I think he's a big loss for Birmingham and a big signing for Wigan Athletic.He'll be a fantastic signing for Wigan Athletic. He's one of the best young managers in the land, I'm delighted we've got him and he'll bring enthusiasm, knowledge and spirit to our team.We have a good team now, we have some good players. We've had some bad luck with injuries and when Steve comes in he I know he will want a midfield player and maybe a striker - and I will be backing him exactly the same way I did with Paul Jewell."

Whelan confirmed the compensation package for Bruce, adding " We've got to do the right thing for Birmingham and (co-owner) David Sullivan has been a good and honest man all through the dealings."

On Bruce's previous stint with the Latics, at the end of the 2000-01 season, Whelan added: "I was annoyed when he walked away but I didn't give him a contract and he came for the last six weeks of season.He did a super job and got an offer from Crystal Palace which he wanted to take. I was disappointed to lose him but I'm delighted he's come back to us.My message to the fans is 'support your team'. We need every bit of support we can get but we've got a brilliant manager now and together we have to make Wigan what it once was - a fighting team.

"Under Steve Bruce we know Wigan will be a fighting team.What he earns he deserves - he will keep us out of relegation problems and all the fans will be delighted we've got him."

Ramos takes up spurs job

Former Sevilla manager Juande Ramos has been appointed Tottenham Hotspur's head coach on a three year contract.The Spaniard, 53, tendered his resignation with Sevilla on Friday night, clearing the way for him to succeed Martin Jol at White Hart Lane following the Dutchman's dismissal on Thursday night.

Ramos' first game in charge is expected to come against Blackpool in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with development coach Clive Allen and youth team boss Alex Inglethorpe in charge for the Barclays Premier League clash against Blackburn Rovers.

Tottenham also confirmed they have requested permission from Leeds United to speak to assistant manager Gus Poyet in order to invite him to join the club to work with Ramos.Marcos Alvarez, 36, who worked with Ramos at Sevilla, will also join the Tottenham coaching staff.

Ramos said: "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work as head coach at Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a great tradition and history.Ever since I started my coaching career I have wanted to work in England. It is my sincere hope that I can repay the faith the Spurs board has shown in me.I am looking forward to meeting the players. It is a squad any coach would be excited to work with. I genuinely believe that there is the potential to achieve great things together.

"I was hugely impressed with the Spurs fans both home and away when Sevilla played Spurs last season and it will be a privilege to be the coach of this club with the huge support it enjoys both at White Hart Lane and throughout the world."

Ramos moves to White Hart Lane after a successful two years at Sevilla, where he won back-to-back UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.He also took the Andalucian side into the Champions League for the first time in its history.

Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: "Juande's arrival is great news for Tottenham Hotspur.He brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record and a winning pedigree. Now is the time for us to regroup and look to deliver the results and performances that everyone associated with the club wants to see.By making the appointment at this stage of the season, with our current, talented group of players, we have given ourselves the opportunity to compete well in all four competitions.Juande is a highly-respected coach and his agreement to join us is excellent news. I know he is eager to get started."

Gary Megson named bolton Manager

Gary Megson has been confirmed as Bolton Wanderers' new manager, signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the cluAfter leaving Leicester City to move to the Lancashire club he will take charge of the side for the first time on Sunday when they face Aston Villa at home. He takes over from Sammy Lee who left the club with mutual consent.

Trotters chairman Phil Gartside said: "We feel Gary is the right man to take Bolton forward."

Megson, 48, arrives at Bolton after a six-week stint at Championship side Leicester.He will watch his new players for the first time on Thursday when Wanderers take on Braga in the UEFA Cup.

Gartside is convinced Megson has the credentials to take Bolton away from the bottom of the league.He said: "We have been able to interview a number of quality candidates and after due consideration decided to offer the post to Gary Megson.I have paid particular attention to his career and he has demonstrated to me he is prepared to roll his sleeves up.He has the right temperament for a battle, which this season is undoubtedly going to be.''

Gartside insists the players will be committed to the new manager.He said: "We have made decisive decisions over the past few weeks and this is one of them.It is not about me, Gary Megson or any other individual. It is all about Bolton surviving in the Premier League.We have to be fully-focussed on the task ahead to make sure we achieve immediate success.I have spoken to the staff and the players and we are all committed to getting behind Gary and turning our fortunes around.''

Jol sacked by Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the departure of manager Martin Jol following the UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: "For me, Martin and Chris' departure is regrettable. Our greatest wish was to see results turn in our favour and for there to be no need for change."

A statement from the club read: "We can confirm that the board has this evening asked Martin Jol, club manager and Chris Hughton, first-team coach to stand down from their positions with immediate effect."

Jol added: "I can understand the position of the club in light of the results. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham Hotspur is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players.For me the fans were always amazing with their support so I would also like to say thank you - I shall never forget them."

Development coach Clive Allen and youth team manager Alex Inglethorpe will take charge of the first team for the time being.

Lee parts company with Bolton

Bolton Wanderers have parted company with manager Sammy Lee by mutual consent. Lee took over at the end of last season after Sam Allardyce left the club for Newcastle United. The Lancashire outfit have taken just five points from their first nine Barclays Premier League matches, with only goal difference keeping them off the bottom of the table. General manager Frank McParland has also left the club.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: "This has been a difficult decision for all parties but we have agreed that the time is right.Sammy has played an important role in the club's recent history. We wish Sammy and Frank well for the future.Our efforts will now be to look for a replacement manager and to concentrate on the future."

Under Lee Bolton have progressed to the group stages of the UEFA Cup but their league form has been a major cause for concern.

Former manager Allardyce returned to the club on the opening day of the season as Newcastle won 3-1. Defeats at Fulham and Portsmouth followed before a 3-0 home victory over Reading briefly eased the pressure.However, further losses to Everton, Birmingham City and Chelsea, and a home draw with bottom side Derby County left Bolton in the relegation zone.

Murinho Quits Chelsea (or was he sacked)....

Jose Mourinho's three-year reign at Chelsea came to an abrupt end on Thursday as the
Special One's fraught relationship with the club's Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, finally reached breaking point.An announcement that will send shockwaves through English and European football came in the early hours of Thursday morning with Chelsea claiming that Mourinho had left "by mutual consent."

A terse statement posted on the London club's website stated: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."Mourinho had reportedly informed Frank Lampard and other senior players that he was on his way out on Wednesday evening and late-night talks at Stamford Bridge concluded with confirmation of his departure.

If he wants to go straight into another job, Mourinho will not be short of offers.The Portuguese manager, who made his reputation by guiding FC Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, has transformed the English football landscape since taking over at Stamford Bridge in June 2004, winning two Premier League titles in his first two years in charge, the FA Cup last season and the League Cup in 2005 and 2007.

Of the 185 games he has been in charge, Chelsea have won 124, drawn 40 and lost 21, a record that includes a 60-match unbeaten run in Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.The statistics go some way towards justifying Mourinho's famous description of himself as "A Special One."

That comment was made in his first press conference in England and it is a judgment that few Chelsea fans would dispute after three years which saw the club end its 50-year wait to be crowned champions and establish itself as one of the most feared teams in Europe.

But the success has failed to seduce Abramovich and the Russian's relationship with his most outspoken employee turned sour last season when he refused to come up with the funds Mourinho required to land his January transfer targets -- a stance the Portuguese believes contributed to Chelsea conceding the Premier League title to Manchester United.On the other side of the feud, Abramovich has grown increasingly impatient with the fact that, after investing nearly 500 million pounds (one billion dollars) in the club, Chelsea have failed to conquer Europe and continue to lag behind the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of entertainment value.

Tuesday's disappointing 1-1 Champions League draw with Norwegian side Rosenberg -- watched by fewer than 25,000 fans -- appears to have brought simmering tensions to the boil, and, with hindsight, Mourinho's pre-match comments about the need to buy the best eggs to make the best omelette offered a hint that things were not going smoothly behind the scenes.

Mourinho and Abramovich appeared to have agreed to bury their differences over the summer and the manager had started this campaign pledging that he would be a much more "chilled" figure than in his first two seasons in England.But the strain of Chelsea's poor recent form was evident on Saturday, when Mourinho tossed a flat-screen television set to the ground in frustration over a disallowed goal in his side's 0-0 draw with Blackburn.

The manager has also made no attempt to disguise his frustration with Chelsea's misfiring striker Andriy Shevchenko, whose 30-million-pound signing from AC Milan is widely believed to have been ordered by Abramovich. Mourinho has also clashed with the Russian owner over backroom appointments, notably the May 2005 recruitment of Dutchman Frank Arnesen as the club's youth/scouting supremo and the appointment of Avram Grant as director of football.

Grant is likely to be in charge of Chelsea for Sunday's trip to rivals Manchester United but it is thought likely that Abramovich will be looking to bring in a high-profile successor to Mourinho. Russia coach Guus Hiddink and former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann are likely to top the speculative short-list, which may also include Sevilla's highly-rated Juande Ramos.