Monday May 12, 2008
West Brom: Mowbray looking for bargains
Tony Mowbray says is looking to unearth more gems like Robert Koren ahead of the Baggies' return to the Premier League.

The Slovenian midfielder, who joined from Lillestrom in January 2007, starred as the Baggies won promotion.

Boss Mowbray said: "We have seen examples like Koren who has contributed this season and there might be other players who are talented and cost nothing. Don't be surprised if there are a few lost-cost signings who have quality."

Cardiff City: Jimmy wants to stay
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he is keen to extend his stay with Cardiff City beyond Saturday's FA Cup final, saying he wants to end his career at the club.

The Bluebirds have been quiet on the Dutch striker's future, but Hasselbaink said: "As far as know I don't think the cup final is going to be my last game for Cardiff City. I'm hoping to sign a new extended contract.

"I would think Cardiff City would be my last club as a professional footballer."

Leicester: Holloway's job looks safe
Manager Ian Holloway's job appears to be safe following "very productive" talks with chairman Milan Mandaric.

It had been thought that Holloway's future would be decided at the meeting at the Walkers Stadium, but Mandaric had said he would "take his time" over any decision.

After a meeting with the former Plymouth boss, chief scout Gary Penrice and chief executive Paul Aldridge, Mandaric and Holloway have insisted it is "business as usual" at the club.

Cardiff City: Fowler in cup final squad
Manager Dave Jones has given Robbie Fowler until Thursday to prove he is fit to face Portsmouth in the FA Cup final.

A hip problem, which required surgery in the United States, has prevented the 33-year-old from playing in 2008, although the striker is now close to a return to action.

Jones has already ruled out the possibility of the 2001 winner being named in Saturday's starting line-up, but said: "Robbie will be in the squad, definitely. Whether we feel he will be up to playing is another thing."

Crystal Palace: We've everything to play for - Warnock
Neil Warnock insists his side still have everything to play for as they prepare for the second leg of their play-off at Bristol City.

Palace suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat in the home leg on Saturday but Warnock, who has never finished on the losing side in a play-off semi-final, insists the tie is far from over.

"When everyone thinks you are out it's a great challenge to go and pit your wits against 20,000 fans and an opposing team who already think they are there. It's not beyond us," said the Eagles boss.

Sheffield United: Hendrie 'could still have future here'
Lee Hendrie could still have a future Bramall Lane, insists manager Kevin Blackwell.

Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield that Hendrie will return for pre-season training with the slate wiped clean.

"He comes back as a Sheffield United player," he said. "Maybe he'll flourish under a team that's doing well."

Hendrie, who has been critical of his time in Sheffield, moved to Leicester on loan in February but was unable to prevent the Foxes suffering relegation.

Hull City: Brown banking on home form
Boss Phil Brown says his team have got what it takes to reach the Championship play-off final.

The Tigers have never played at Wembley before but are just 90 minutes away after winning 2-0 at Watford in the ay's play-off semi-final first leg.

"The last time we went ahead and lost was against Plymouth in the first game of the season," said Brown. "The KC has been a fortress and we need more of that."

Plymouth: Trio make step up
Three of the FA Youth Cup quarter-final side have been offered 12-month professional deals.

Forward Damien McCrory, goalkeeper Lloyd Saxton and defender Shane White will be staying with the club, while Argyle have released three other top age youth players in Toby Davis, Shane Duggan and Jarred Stevens.

"I have spoken to youth coaches, and taken on board what they have told me, as well as listening to the advice of my own coaches," said Pilgrims boss Paul Sturrock.

Leicester City: Decision on Holloway delayed
Chairman Milan Mandaric is to "take some time" before making a decision over the future of manager Ian Holloway.

It had been expected that the former Plymouth boss would meet Mandaric today to discuss his position after the Foxes were relegated.

But Mandaric says he will not make any hasty moves, adding: "What happens next is probably the most important decision I have to make, and I will be taking some time over it."

Sheffield United: Speed may hang up boots
Gary Speed has hinted that he could hang up his boots at the end of next season.

The 38-year-old former Wales captain quit international football in 2004 to prolong his top-flight club football career where he has played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton.

"It could be my last season, but then again it may not be, we will have to wait and see," said Speed.

Bristol City: Carey keeps his promise!
Bristol City captain Louis Carey said scoring his first goal in 19 months in the 2-1 play-off win at Crystal Palace was an overdue promise to his team-mates.

"We talked about what we're going to give each other in the last 10 games of a season and I wrote down a goal," Carey told BBC Points West. "I thought it was never going to happen but fortunately enough it came in a big game and got us in a decent position."

City are now favourites going into the second leg at Ashton Gate on Tuesday.