Leicester City

Hasselbaink baffled by Foxes snub
Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink says he is still looking for a new club after his medical with Leicester fell through. The striker, 35, travelled to Leicester on Monday but Foxes manager Martin Allen withdrew the medical at the last minute, ending any hopes of a deal. "I arrived at the training ground but for some reason he (Martin Allen) said he could not do the medical at that time," explained Hasselbaink. "I'm a free agent and will just keep going," added the former Chelsea ace. "I am training very hard to get fit. Obviously I would love to play in the Premier League but I would not want to play for someone who could be relegated. "I would go to a Championship club who has ability to go up and who is playing for something." Hasselbaink was released by Charlton at the end of last season, following The Addicks's relegation from the Premier League. Allen reportedly pulled the medical because he had requested the Dutchman undertake a month-long trial before signing a deal.

Riordan's Leicester hopes fade
Celtic striker Derek Riordan's hopes of a move to Leicester City appear to have been misplaced. Manager Martin Allen has decided not to make an approach for the 24-year-old Scotland cap, BBC Sport believes. Leicester owner Milan Mandaric had earlier said: "I can confirm there is an interest, although we are miles away from conducting business." Riordan's agent, Jim McArthur, had hoped that Mandaric's words would lead to an offer from the Championship club. "Leicester have been in touch and I'd expect them to step it up," McArthur told The Sun. "I've spoken with their owner, Milan Mandaric, and I would like to think something could move this week." Leicester lost out to Cardiff City in their attempts to sign Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink. "They went in for Hasselbaink and didn't get him and now they've turned their attentions to Derek," said the Scotland international's agent. Riordan joined Celtic from Hibernian last summer. But he has become frustrated after making just 10 starts and has recently been linked with Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Norwich. Discussions with Wednesday failed to produce a move this month. The Scotland international said last month that he would use the month of August to contemplate his future.

Clarke 'improving' after collapse
Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric says defender Clive Clarke is making a good recovery after collapsing at half-time during a game on Tuesday. Clarke, 27, suffered two heart failures during the interval of their Carling Cup tie at Nottingham Forest and spent Tuesday evening "stable" in hospital. Mandaric said: "Encouragingly, Clive is improving and he's quite comfortable. It's important he just gets better." The game was abandoned and it will now take place on Tuesday 18 September. Forest were leading 1-0 at half-time through Junior Agogo, but both clubs decided to call the game off after Clarke was taken ill. He was treated with a defibrillator in the dressing-room and had regained consciousness by the time he was taken to the nearby Queens Medical Centre in an ambulance. Mandaric added: "It's a sad thing when you see a young man collapsing and getting down on the floor. "It wasn't something that anyone can accept easily but I think the most important thing now is that he gets out of hospital and gets on with his football." Foxes boss Martin Allen paid tribute to their medical staff for their quick treatment of Clarke at the City Ground. "I must say head physio Dave Rennie and sports scientist Damien Doyle were absolutely outstanding in coping and dealing with what was a traumatic and difficult situation," said Allen. "We are lucky both members of staff were on hand at such a difficult and testing time." Clarke's agent Gary Mellor told SSB he did not know when the left-back would be released from hospital. "Clive is sitting up and talking and he is going to have more tests at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon," said Mellor. "They won't give us any idea as to when he will be released. They don't want to tell us anymore until they know exactly what happened. "It appears Clive's heart stopped twice and mouth-to-mouth didn't work so the paramedics had to use a defibrillator. "His family are very upset, especially after what happened with the Sevilla player Antonio Puerta dying recently. We just hope he's going to be OK." Leicester chief executive Tim Davies said all the club's thoughts were with the Republic of Ireland international and he also paid tribute to Forest. "When Clive went into the dressing-room he collapsed and was very seriously ill," said Davies. "This is the first time we are aware of anything happening to Clive. He was taken away in an ambulance to hospital and he did offer a few words in the ambulance. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Clive and his family, we hope he makes a speedy recovery. "I would like to say a big thank you to Nottingham Forest for dealing with the matter so fast and to Colin Calderwood, Mark Arthur and Nigel Doughty for calling off the match so quickly. "We want to apologise to the fans who came here but I am sure they understand sometimes serious injuries are more important." Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn and manager Roy Keane also sent their best wishes to Clarke. "The Leicester and Forest officials reacted magnificently in the circumstances," said Quinn. "Our thoughts and prayers are still very much with Clive and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery." Keane added: "He's one of our players and fingers crossed, please God, he'll be OK. We wish him well."

I'm lucky to be here, says Clarke
Leicester defender Clive Clarke said that he feels lucky to be alive after collapsing at half-time during a game at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. Clarke, 27, was admitted to hospital after collapsing during the interval of the Carling Cup tie. "I know I am extremely fortunate to be here," said Clarke. "In the light of recent events involving footballers who have suffered heart attacks, I am the real lucky one, because I have survived." The match at the City Ground was abandoned and will now be played on Tuesday 18 September. Clarke's agent Gary Mellor said the player was treated with a defibrillator in the dressing-room. Clarke, on loan at Leicester from Sunderland, had regained consciousness by the time he was taken to the nearby Queens Medical Centre in an ambulance. And Clarke added: "I remember feeling a bit lethargic on the field in the first half, and I was involved in a collision with our goalkeeper Paul Henderson, which led to their goal. "I sat quietly in a corner of the dressing room and felt a bit queasy. I can recall Patrick Kisnorbo talking to me, but it wasn't really registering. Then I just passed out. "When I was told what had happened, the blood drained from my body. I just thought I could have been dead, and that I might never have seen my family again. "When you think about Sevilla player Antonio Puerta (who collapsed last Saturday and died on Tuesday), it goes without saying that a day won't pass when I don't cherish every moment in my life."

Swindon deny Leicester approach
Swindon Town insist they have not received an approach for boss Paul Sturrock, who has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City. "Any approach would not be welcome and the club remain committed to League One success under Paul Sturrock?s guidance," a club statement read. Coventry have already dampened speculation linking their manager Iain Dowie with the Walkers Stadium vacancy. Sturrock has managed sides to four promotions in the last six seasons. After spells in charge of Dundee United and St Johnstone, he led Plymouth from Division Three (now League Two) to the Championship, before a brief spell at Southampton when they were in the top flight. Then, the Scot guided Sheffield Wednesday to promotion via the League One play-offs in his first season, and after joining Swindon last November, steered them back into League One at the first time of asking.

Four in frame for Leicester job
Leicester City owner Milan Mandaric revealed he will this week speak to four candidates for the vacant manager's job at the Walkers Stadium. City have been without a manager since Martin Allen was sacked on 1 September, but Mandaric is hopeful he can make an appointment by the end of the week. He told SSB: "We are working hard to bring in a manager and there is a shortlist of four people. "My goal is to make an appointment before Saturday's game against QPR." However, Mandaric added that the supporters may need to show some patience while the interviews are conducted. He added: "I hope the fans understand that our priority must be to make sure we employ the right man, with the right qualifications who will take the club where we want to go. "So, it may take a little bit longer." Peter Reid, Neil Warnock and Gary Megson are three names who have been linked with the Foxes hotseat.

Megson excited by Leicester job
Leicester have confirmed Gary Megson as their new manager. Megson succeeds Martin Allen as Foxes boss, with ex-Leicester defender Gerry Taggart and Frank Burrows to be given roles in his coaching staff. Former West Brom boss Megson, 48, has been out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest in February 2006. Megson told Leicester's website: "I'm delighted to be back in management, and doubly so that it's with a club of Leicester's stature. Megson will be the Foxes' fifth manager in 18 months and the fourth since Milan Mandaric took control of the club in February. Allen was sacked on 29 August just four games into his tenure following a disagreement with Mandaric. Megson twice achieved promotion to the Premier League with West Brom, in 2002 and 2004. He added: "Leicester is a Premiership club in everything but its divisional status. "The stadium and training ground are both of the highest standard whilst the support is both Premiership standard in its quality and quantity. "In coming to Leicester I am not just working at a Championship club that is happy to plod along. "This club has got ambition to get back into the Premiership and that appeals to me greatly." Megson has previously managed Norwich, Blackpool, Stockport and Stoke before arriving at West Brom. Neil Warnock and Peter Reid were also linked with the Leicester post.

Wesolowski injury rocks Leicester
Leicester midfielder James Wesolowski faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. The 20-year-old Australian suffered the problem during Tuesday's 3-2 Carling Cup victory against Nottingham Forest and had to be substituted. Foxes manager Gary Megson said: "He has had a scan and it is a bad pull. It could be four to six weeks. "It's bad news for us and him. His career has been blighted by injuries but he's a tough lad and will be back."

Royle out of Leicester job race
Joe Royle has withdrawn his interest in filling Leicester City's managerial vacancy because of "personal reasons". The former Oldham, Everton, Manchester City and Ipswich manager met City owner Milan Mandaric last week after the exit of Gary Megson, who is now Bolton boss. "I had a chat with Milan last week and we got on great," Royle told the Leicester Mercury. "But I decided towards the end of last week, for personal reasons, it would be best if I withdrew my interest." Royle had been interviewed for the position, along with Peter Reid and Graeme Souness. Leicester have been without a full-time manager since the October when Megson left the club after only six weeks at the helm. Royle's last managerial appointment ended in May 2006 when he left Ipswich by mutual consent. He had been in charge at Portman Road since October 2002.

Leicester target Holloway as boss
Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has made Plymouth boss Ian Holloway his top target to take the reins at the Walkers Stadium, SSB understands. The Foxes have been looking for a new manager since October when Gary Megson left after six weeks to take charge at Premier League Bolton Wanderers. Joe Royle, Graeme Souness and Peter Reid have been interviewed, but Mandaric has now turned to Holloway. The 44-year-old became Plymouth manager in June 2006 after five years at QPR. The Pilgrims have been in excellent form in the Championship and lie just outside the play-offs.

Leeds extend Kishishev loan spell
Midfielder Radostin Kishishev has had his loan period extended by two months, keeping him at Leeds until January. The Bulgarian international was set to return to Leicester City after next Sunday's game against Cheltenham. After shaking off a hamstring injury, he made his first appearance as a substitute during United's 2-1 victory against Swindon last Saturday. "I'm here for around 12 games now and I'll try and be at my best and try and help," he said.

Foxes begin talks with Holloway
Leicester have started negotiations with Ian Holloway over the vacant manager's role at the club. Holloway handed in his resignation at Plymouth on Wednesday and the Home Park club appear to have accepted it to allow him to talk with the Foxes. A Leicester spokesman said: "He has arrived and is holding talks." The Foxes are searching for their fourth permanent manager of 2007 following spells under Rob Kelly, Martin Allen and Gary Megson. Nigel Worthington also had a spell in charge as caretaker manager. Frank Burrows and Gerry Taggart are currently in temporary charge. Chairman Milan Mandaric wants to unveil a new boss before the club's next game - which is away to Bristol City on 24 November. "We need to sort it out quickly - over the next week or 10 days during this (international) break," Mandaric told the club website. "We need a manager to come in and sort us out and get us on a winning streak and that must happen immediately. "I will keep working on the shortlist to get someone on board who can do that." Out-of-work trio Joe Royle, Peter Reid and Graeme Souness have already been interviewed for the position.

Holloway defends Leicester move
New Leicester manager Ian Holloway has defended his decision to walk out on former club Plymouth. Pilgrims fans are angry at what they see as a betrayal but Holloway insisted he had done everything by the book. He told SSB: "My chairman wouldn't give me permission to talk to Leicester, so I resigned. "It was a massive gamble but it would have been a bigger gamble to lie to Plymouth and tell them my heart was still in it and take a new contract." Holloway was unveiled as Leicester's new manager on Thursday and admitted he was stunned by events over the last few days. "I'm still a bit shell-shocked, but that's life," he said. "It all happened very quickly but there was a lot of dialogue before that between myself and my chairman which hasn't been documented. "He spoke to me and said: 'I've just had someone ring up from Leicester asking if they could speak to you - how do you feel about it?' "So I got off the phone, went home to think about it, rang him back and told him how I felt. "I felt I'd like the opportunity to meet Milan and have a chat, which caused a rift, and it was never going to be the same after that because that's not the answer my chairman wanted. "My feeling was that I wanted to do it and I wanted to talk, whether I got it or not. It was a risk but what I didn't want to do was not be as committed to Plymouth as I have been. "I'm driven by ambition. I'm not being disloyal, but my ambition didn't match Plymouth's. "Unfortunately there's been a lot of stick flying about - 'Hollowhead' and that. I meant all the things I said about Plymouth at the time, but sometimes in life things change. "As a football manager you've got a briefcase and you've got your family and you're going to drag them around on your backside. "We're going to have to all move up to Leicestershire now because my wife was abused in Morrisons supermarket on Thursday. They said 'what's it like living with a liar?' - and I'm not putting up with that. "The only lies were that we weren't allowed to say I'd had permission turned down. "It's nobody's fault. I love Plymouth and I love the chairman and he's going to go on and do a brilliant job but now I'm just trying to build a team, not a ground and a training ground as well, and I hope people will see it that way."

Trio join Leicester backroom team
Leicester manager Ian Holloway has added Tim Breacker, Des Bulpin and Gary Penrice to his backroom staff at the Walkers Stadium. Breacker and Bulpin have been appointed as Holloway's assistants, while Penrice will be head of recruitment. Penrice became Holloway's number two at Bristol Rovers in 2000 and has followed him to QPR, Plymouth and now Leicester. Bulpin has coached at Tottenham and had spells at Stockport and QPR and worked with Uzbekistan's national team.

Holloway eager for a fresh start
Leicester boss Ian Holloway has said he is confident he will make his mark at the Walkers Stadium in the New Year. The Foxes slipped into the Championship relegation zone despite a creditable away draw against Wolves. But Holloway told SSB: "I've looked at everybody and I've made some decisions and I'm going have a clearout and we're going to move on. "We've got some dead men walking who aren't wanted and I've got to get rid of them. I'm just telling the truth." He added: "I've had to assess the situation mid-season which isn't good." "These people need to move on and I've got to help them - I can't possibly play 41. "Then I've got to bring in people that I think will take us forward cos I'm gonna stand and fall by my judgement. "Everybody had us written off because of our last few results - rubbish. "I'm using that to generate a feeling and atmosphere and it will grow."

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