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TAYLOR TAKES MELLOR TO TASK
Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair voicing his anger at the behaviour of Task Force chairman David Mellor.
Taylor wants the controversial former Conservative Cabinet minister replaced at the head of the body, set up by the Labour Government soon after they came to power in May last year.
Mellor, the self-appointed fans' spokesman who also hosts popular phone-in show, Six-O-Six, on Radio Five Live, infuriated Taylor with an article in last Friday's London Evening Standard.
In it he launched a fierce assault on modern-day players, claiming they do not want to take part in the PFA's community programme.
''Today even football's journeymen are paid enough to have a Porsche and yet, for all their superstar money, few if any want to accept an extra ounce of responsibility in return,'' wrote Mellor.
Mellor, who lost his House of Commons seat at the last election, goes on to brand the amount of money players are paid as ''absurd'' and criticises agents, clubs and even fans.
However, PFA chairman Taylor - himself a member of the Task Force - has hit back, accusing Mellor of 'abusing his position' as head of the body by firing a broadside at players.
However, PFA chairman Taylor _ himself a member of the Task Force _ has hit back, accusing Mellor of ''abusing his position'' as head of the body by firing a broadside at players.
Taylor wrote: ''He has falsely accused them (players in the PFA) of not wanting to participate in football's community programme and has made this assumption without reference to the true facts.
''Over the past five years, an average of 50 players have been involved in every project in addition to the private and personal charity work done by many players.
''Bearing such facts in mind, he had no right to write such an article. Having been appointed as chairman of the Task Force, he seems to have forgotten that the chairman has the responsibility of achieving collective responsibility of the membership of his committee and upholding its dignity.
''Such open prejudice against players confirms my initial view that he was not a suitable choice for chairman of a body which should be objective."
COLLYMORE TOLD: SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT
Aston Villa manager John Gregory has warned Stan Collymore that he has reached a crossroads in his life at Villa Park. The �7m England international, under fire after his actions in Paris last week, when he beat up girlfriend Ulrika Jonsson, is now facing a battle to kick-start his career next season.
Gregory has been tipped to sign a new forward this summer and he said: ''Stan will make my mind up whether I need to sign another striker. He has reached a crossroads in his life and has to make a major decision. Either he enjoys being a professional footballer at this level, or ends up going back down through the Nationwide League.
"I only have until the start of the season to sort it out. After that I will be too busy with other matters. He needs to get back in form when the new season starts.''
Meanwhile, former England under-21 internationals Julian Joachim and Lee Hendrie are ready to commit their futures to Villa until the year 2003 by signing new five-year contracts. Striker Joachim and midfielder Hendrie have been involved in talks with Gregory after their impressive form at the end of last season.
DAN'S THE MAN FOR LEEDS
Chelsea defender Danny Granville has joined Leeds for �1.6m. The 23-year-old became George Graham's second signing of the summer, following his capture of Dutch striker Clyde Wijnhard from Willem II last month.
Granville started his career with Cambridge before being signed by Ruud Gullit towards the end of the 1996-97 campaign. But the Blues' signing of England defender Graeme Le Saux limited Granville's first-team opportunities with the Londoners, although he was part of the side which. lifted the European Cup-Winners' Cup when by beating VfB Stuttgart in Stockholm last month.
But he has now taken the opportunity to play regular first-team football at Elland Road and Leeds chairman, Peter Ridsdale, said: ''I'm delighted that we've managed to sign such a good, young, exciting player in a position that we have said for some time we were looking to strengthen for the coming season.''
CARLTON WANTED AS BLADES RUNNER
Southampton have denied reports that midfield star Carlton Palmer is set to leave the club to become the new player-manager of Sheffield United. The First Division club is searching for a new boss following the resignation of Nigel Spackman last season, and Palmer has been interviewed in the last couple of weeks and reports now intimate that he could be offered the job.
Former Middlesbrough skipper Nigel Pearson, who ended his playing career by helping Boro back to the Premier on the final day of last season, is now favourite to get the Bramall Lane job.
Of the Palmer situation, Southampton director Andrew Cowan said: ''We have not received any approach from Sheffield United, which would be the proper route to take since he is still under contract. But if they did want him we would be looking for a substantial transfer fee because he was a key performer for us last season.''
ARSENAL'S FRENCH EXCHANGE
Arsenal have announced a new five-year partnership with French club Saint Etienne, and signed one of their rising stars. The Gunners have paid �500,000 for 18-year-old David Grodin, one of the top young defenders in France. The two clubs will exchange between ten and 20 players in the 14-18 age group at various stages through each season. ''It's a cross fertilisation of ideas, culture and language,'' said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein. ''It will broaden their outlook and education, as well as benefit them from a football point of view.''
KNEESY DOES IT FOR FERGUSON
Everton striker Duncan Ferguson will not need knee surgery this summer and is hopeful that he will be able to report for pre-season training on time. Manager Howard Kendall explained: ''The specialist has had a look at Duncan's knee and he doesn't feel surgery is necessary. He feels rest will cure the problem and we are aiming at Duncan being able to start with the rest of us on 8 July.''
ANDERSSON'S GOAL PLEDGE
Andreas Andersson has vowed to prove his value to Newcastle after admitting: ''I know I have to score goals next season.'' The Swede's place alongside Alan Shearer is under threat following the �3.5m swoop for French striker Stephane Guivarc'h. Andersson said: ''It's no good just playing well when you're a striker at Newcastle - you must be scoring regularly as well.'' The St James' Park club are understood to have pulled out of a �2m deal for Sheffield United wing-back Wayne Quinn on medical grounds.
FOREST'S FRENCH FANCY
Nottingham Forest have signed Rennes striker Jean-Claude Darcheville. They have refused to disclose details of the fee for the 22-year-old Frenchman but it's believed to be around �700,000. Ian Storey-Moore, Forest's chief scout, said: ''We have watched him play a couple of times and are pleased to have secured his services. He's a big strong player with a lot of pace and we are sure he will prove to be a useful addition to our squad''.
LOMAS WANTS SPENDING SPREE
West Ham captain Steve Lomas has urged manager Harry Redknapp to strengthen the squad if they are going to challenge for honours next season. He said: ''We were definitely short of competition for places when we got a few suspensions and injuries. But Harry has been talking about strengthening the side and that will be good for the club and the team.''
FUTURE'S SO BRIGHT
Ian Brightwell has surely had one of the results of the summer. He was released by Manchester City at the end of last season, after the Maine Road's club relegation to Division Two, but has now booked himself a ticket to the Premiership, having agreed a two-year deal with Coventry. The 30-year-old midfielder will say farewell to the City fans at his testimonial match against Sunderland on July 18.
DIVISION ONE NEWS
PORTSMOUTH Former Manchester United and Scotland striker Ted MacDougall has been appointed chief scout at Portsmouth. The 53-year-old, who lives in Canada, has agreed to return to England to join forces with Alan Ball's side as a talent spotter and youth coach.
SUNDERLAND Striker Kevin Phillips has been told he does not require a shin splints operation after all. A specialist has reassured the 24-year-old that rest will cure the problem before the start of next season. But Lee Clark is expected to undergo a hernia operation later this month after playing through the pain barrier towards the end of last season. Meanwhile, manager Peter Reid has made an enquiry for Sheffield United's 29-year-old defender David Holdsworth, but has denied making a �2m bid.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION Manager Denis Smith is resigned to losing the services of strikers Bob Taylor and Andy Hunt this summer. Both are available on free transfers and Smith said: ''It looks like they are leaving.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Former England winger Tony Daley has been offered a short-term contract by Maltese club Birkirkara. The 30-year-old was released on a free transfer by Wolves earlier this summer.
DIVISION TWO NEWS
BRISTOL ROVERS Midfielder Michael Meaker and goalkeeper Sal Bibbo are both considering offers to join Rovers after being given free transfers by Reading. They are having talks with manager Ian Holloway and Meaker said: ''I'd quite like to play for Ian because I know him from my days at QPR, but I've had a few other enquiries and it's just about getting the right terms.''
FULHAM The Cottagers are hopeful that South African international goalkeeper Andre Arendse will be able to stay in London. A club official said: ''There was some doubt about whether he would be able to get the necessary work permit. But now we're optimistic that he will be able to get the documentation through a family connection on his wife's side.''
DIVISION THREE NEWS
BARNET The Bees are still waiting on a decision from defender Lee Howarth as to whether he will agree on a new deal to stay at Underhill. Boss John Still said: ''Lee wants to look at all the offers he can get, and I would like to have it resolved soon.
CARLISLE Chairman Michael Knighton has promised fans there will be new signings at the club by next week. He is ready to move for Swindon striker Steve Finney, Hibernian forward Lee Power and Grimsby's central defender Graham Rodger.
PETERBOROUGH UNITED Manager Barry Fry says he is ''a million miles away'' from agreeing a fee for Wimbledon striker Andy Clarke. The 30-year-old, who played for the United boss at Barnet, is believed to be ready to join Posh after agreeing personal terms. Fry said: ''There is a lot of mileage to go and the fee Wimbledon are talking about is way off what we want to pay.''
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TODAY'S TV & RADIO
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PICK OF THE DAY
Fantasy World Cup Live, 10.15pm on ITV After a shaky start, Skinner & Baddiel appear to have got their act together and some of their clips and observations have been very humorous. And they've managed to piss off David Mellor which is never a bad thing.
BBC1
4.15pm, Belgium v Mexico Another chance to see the 'wonderfully entertaining and expressive' Belgians. The most amusing aspect of this game could well be trying to work out exactly what Chris Waddle is saying during his match analysis.
11.20pm, Match of the Day The nightly highlights programme which brings you the best of the day's action from France 98. And all the usual expert comments, of course.
ITV
12.30pm, World Cup 98 Special Jim Rosenthal, complete with grin, presents the weekly show that looks back at all the best action of the previous seven days, and takes a peek ahead at what we can expect for the next seven days.
1.10pm Croatia v Japan Probably the most intriguing game of the day. The Japanese gave the Argentinians a bit of a scare last week, and they'll fancy their chances of causing an upset against Croatia. Of course, if Davor Suker gets going, they can forget it.
7.45pm, Holland v South Korea The Dutch were frustrated by the Belgians last weekend none more so than Patrick Kluivert and now they have the chance to take that out on the South Koreans. They probably will; Kluivert definitely won't.
10.15pm, Fantasy World Cup Live (repeated 3.35am, and at 2.30am on Scottish, and at 4.10am on Anglia, Channel, HTV, Meridian, West Country) See Pick Of The Day.
CHANNEL 4
8am, Transworld Sport Might be some footie on this. Then again there might not. Oh well, you should still be in bed anyway.
SKY SPORTS 1
10pm, World Cup Phone-in (repeated 4.15am) Sky give all those people banned from their local pub something to do on a Saturday night.
10.45pm, Futbol Mundial A world-wide round-up of what's happening in the football world. Apparently there's something or other going on in France we're told.
SKY SPORTS 2
9am, Soccer AM All those of you who got up an hour ago to watch Transworld Sport might as well stay up and watch this now. Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain will host the usual mix of chat, phone-ins and competitions. And if you feel that's worth getting up for, then enjoy.
EUROSPORT
6am, World Cup 98 The latest news from France. Especially provided for insomniacs.
7am, Le Mix All the latest World Cup news can't believe it can have changed much in the last hour! plus a re-run of one of yesterday's games.
10am, Rendezvous France Yesterday's highlights, plus analysis, interviews and previews of the forthcoming games.
4pm, Belgium v Mexico Live action from Bordeaux.
6.30pn, Le Match More highlights of the latest games.
7.30pm, Holland v South Korea Dennis Bergkamp gets some shooting practice against some very small Asians.
10pm, Croatia v Japan A repeat of the game that most people will have watched on ITV at lunchtime.
RTE 2
1.15pm, Croatia v Japan The Irish lads have their say on the action.
4.15pm, Belgium v Mexico Pity it's not the Republic of Ireland v Mexico. Be a bit more entertaining then.
7.30pm, Holland v South Korea The Irish continue their bid to take over the World Cup. Good work lads.
2.15am, France 98 Imagine how much footie would be on this channel if Ireland were actually in it?!
TALK RADIO
1pm, Baker & Kelly Lively chat and comedy with two radio presenters who are actually as big as their appetite for the game.
4.30pmBelgium v Mexico Live commentary.
RADIO FIVE LIVE
12.30pm, French Letters 98 The kick off of another big day of football.
1pm, World Cup Sport on Five Featuring match commentary of both Croatia v Japan, and Belgium v Mexico.
6.30pm, The late Six-0-Six With the unfortunately on time David Mellor.
7.55pm, Holland v South KoreaThe Radio Five team wax lyrical on the latest World Cup encounter.
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News 10 
