D Thursday, January 7, 2010 SPORT 31 Darren Ferguson has admitted there is additional pressure on him to succeed at Preston because of his fathers huge success at Manchester United. The 37-year-old, who was sacked by Peterborough in november despite guiding them to successive promotions, was yesterday given a three-and-a-half-year contract. and he admitted comparisons would always be made with his father, saying: Im very, very ambitious and with my name I cannot afford to fail. Pressure is there in any walk of life but youve got to try and be successful. Ferguson driven by Alex factor SOCCER PREMIER LEAGUE ArsenAls game with Bolton last night fell foul of the wintry weather. The fixture was called off despite the fact the pitch at the emirates was playable because there were safety issues affecting fans and concerns about transport in the english capital. It was the latest postponement after both this weeks Carling Cup semi- final games were also called off. Weather 1 Arsenal 0 as snow hits North London For the latest football news go to metro.co.uk/football Picture:ActionImages Joe GaMble has told Cork City fans that he had no option but to leave Turners Cross. The midfielder completed a free transfer to league one Hartlepool United on Tuesday having impressed on trial before Christmas. Gamble, 27, said: The league of Ireland is going through a very rough time and for myself, it was the right time for a move. I wasnt paid for the last two months which was enough for me. Meanwhile, St Patricks athletic have signed Ireland Under-21 full- back Ian bermingham from Shamrock rovers. I had to go, Gamble tells fans InTer MIlan coach Jose Mourinho believes Manchester City target Patrick Vieira has certainly played his last game for the Italian champions. The former arsenal midfielder and captain has featured just 16 times this season, but Mourinho said: I should give a special mention to Vieira, who certainly played his last game with us. I dont know where he will go, maybe to england, which he likes a lot. The club decided not to renew his contract but I will miss him. Vieira earns Jose tribute Unwanted Babel may give Blues a chance By Paul Murphy Brum deal? liverpools Babel RYAN BABELS agent admits the Liverpool winger would consider a switch to Birmingham City if the clubs could agree a fee. Blues boss Alex McLeish is under- stood to have had a 9million offer rejected by the Reds for the 23-year- old, who is very much on the periph- ery at Anfield. The Holland international has start- ed just three Premier League games this season and been primarily used as a substitute. Although Liverpool boss Rafael Be- nitez is eager to raise funds for his own transfer targets this month, Bir- mingham will need to get closer to the 11.5million he paid to Ajax for Ba- bel in 2007. Babels representative Winnie Haat- recht told a Dutch newspaper: We know Liverpool are seriously thinking about the offer from Birmingham and we would consider a deal if both clubs come to an agreement. In general, Ryan wants to succeed at Liverpool but if the people at An- field conclude its better he leaves, we have to think about the next chapter in his career. We will then look to the team as well as a meeting with the manager. With new Blues owner CarsonYeung apparently providing a transfer kitty of 40m, City boss Alex McLeish has been linked with a clutch of players. McLeish is also believed to have failed with a 10m offer for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady and is ru- moured to be chasing Rangers striker Kris Boyd. McLeish, meanwhile, is moving ever closer to landing long-term target Michel from Sporting Gijon. The Spanish club have authorised a 3m sale for the midfielder as they are desperate for funds. Sporting president Manuel Vega Arango said: We have convinced the technical staff this is for the best as we have to improve the financial situation at the club. I understand [coach] Manuel Precia- do was keen to limit the damage to the squad, but this is what we have to do. Transfer talk VETERAN Argentine schemer Juan Sebastian Veron has rejected a return to the Premier League with Manchester City. Veron, now at Estudiantes, spent three seasons in England with Manchester United and Chelsea and had been linked with a move to the Uniteds local rivals, now managed by his former Sampdoria and Lazio team-mate Roberto Mancini. However, the 34-year-old (pictured) said: I talked to Mancini but its not possible. This is the place in which Im comfortable. PorTsmouTh striker Frederic Piquionne is unlikely to leave Fratton Park this month, according to his agent. The 31-year-old, on a season-long loan from lyon, has been linked with liverpool and everton but agent stephane Courbis said: All the reports you have heard recently are unfounded. Agent Frederic staying on coast owen Coyle will make a double swoop for Celtic duo Aiden mcGeady and scott Brown when he becomes Boltons new boss this week. Coyle already has a shortlist of targets and Bolton could be the first to make a major move for two players often linked with english clubs. In- demand defender Gary Cahill could have to be sold to finance the deal. o LEEDS striker Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request, according to reports last night. Newcastle are keen to land the striker but face competition from Premier League clubs. o PORTSMOUTH have failed to meet another deadline to pay their players. The Professional Footballers Association yesterday confirmed the latest deadline had been missed but it is believed the club will provide the funds today. The magnitude of the financial crisis at Fratton Park has been highlighted by players not being paid on the correct day three times this season. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: Further to talks we are confident the wages will be paid this week to resolve the short-term position but the long- term position still needs to be resolved. This is a serious situation that involves the Premier League and the PFA, as well as the concerns of supporters of the club and the players. Portsmouth fail to pay up again index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html28.html29.html30.html31.html