Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is optimistic about agreeing new contracts with six members of the squad who won the Carling Cup. McClaren announced he is set to open talks with Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu and Mark Schwarzer and confirmed he is in negotiations with Stewart Downing, Joseph Desire Job and Doriva.
"We are planning ahead and we want to keep all our best players at this club," insisted the Boro boss who also said that there will be no decision about the future of loan players Danny Mills and Bolo Zenden, adding: "We will make decisions at the right time, at the end of the season."
Meanwhile, at McClaren's old club Manchester United, there has been the almost unheard of 'vote of confidence' for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. In a week that has seen United's title challenge fade to a whimper, European exit and the news about his pacemaker the board at OT has taken the almost unprecedented action of backing its manager.
Chief executive David Gill said: "It has been difficult and we have been written off but we have got some positive things to look forward to."
Things must be bad as support has also come for United from a slightly unexpected source, David Beckham. As the former OT midfielder, who left United after a protracted row with Fergie, prepares for the Spanish Cup Final he took time off to say of the current situation at his old club: "The manager will be lifting their confidence. It's a tough time now but I know the players there and they'll be back."
Becks' international boss has also been making the headlines, on several fronts. The England coach is fed-up with all the media speculation about his new FA contract. Sven says: "I don't feel any pressure but I do feel annoyed to read about it (the new deal), hear about it and be asked about it every day."
Sven has also gone on the record as saying he hopes Rio Ferdinand is successful in his appeal against his eight-month ban, and able to be a part of Euro 2004 saying: "Of course I hope his ban will be reduced. I don't know what's going to happen but if he could have a lesser punishment I should be happy."
And, on his pet subject of a winter break, the England coach is very optimistic, adding: "I hope it will come through and I'm pretty sure it will because it's agreed on by the players and all the managers." Just his FA bosses left to convince then!
Harry Redknapp has already agreed to a new deal at Fratton Park. The Portsmouth manager has agreed a one-year extension to his current contract that will keep him at Pompey until 2006. Harry says: "There was no rush for me to sign anything but we got round to signing the deal at weekend."
Despite struggling in the Premiership, Portsmouth owner Milan Mandaric, has said: "I still want to be positive and look to the future. This is a tricky, pressurised time for the club and I felt it right at this time I should show support and encouragement."
Nicolas Anelka has opened up the possibility of playing for his country after apologising to French coach Jacques Santini who said he would not pick the Manchester City striker, again, after Anelka snubbed his call-up in Nov 2002.
But, on his website, Anelka, obviously advised by someone else, says: "It looks necessary to me to make a public apology to Santini and the French team. Those who know me know I've always had the greatest of respect for the team."
