Southampton

Saints play down Lundekvam fears
Southampton hope captain Claus Lundekvam will be fit to face West Brom on Saturday despite being stretchered off with a head injury at Derby. Lundekvam was taken to hospital after suffering head and ankle injuries in the opening minutes of Sunday's game but the injury is not as bad as feared. \"We need to study the X-rays but initial indications are it's not as bad as we feared,\" said physio Andy Barr. \"He went to hospital as a precaution but there seems to be no major damage.\" Ricardo Fuller was also forced off from Saturday's 2-2 draw with a hamstring injury. He is expected to miss the next two games but the injury is not thought to be a major cause for concern.

Southampton v Coventry
Southampton captain Claus Lundekvam and Ricardo Fuller both miss out after picking up injuries at Derby on the opening day of the season. Bradley Wright-Phillips could make his first start and injuries mean Chris Baird or Martin Cranie will play in a rejigged central defence. Coventy's new signing Colin Cameron is poised for his debut after completing a one-match ban from last season. Adam Virgo, signed on a season-long loan from Celtic, may be in the squad.

Southampton 2-0 Coventry
Teenager Gareth Bale scored his second goal in as many games to set up Southampton's victory. Bale, 17, unleashed an excellent shot from 35 yards in the 61st minute which goalkeeper Andy Marshall got a hand to but could not keep out. Southampton wrapped up the win with four minutes left as Grzegorz Rasiak slotted home a penalty after he was fouled by Elliott Ward. Coventry's best chance came when Dele Adebola's header hit a post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southampton boss George Burley: \"Our hands were tied when Theo Walcott left for Arsenal. There was nothing we could do to keep him but Gareth signed a contract and we want him to stay. \"The big clubs will not be getting him and the chairman will tell you that. \"Gareth and his parents feel he is in the best possible place to develop and that is the most important thing.\" Coventry manager Micky Adams: \"I'm disappointed to lose but there is a way to go down and that is with your boots on and your sleeves rolled up and we did that. \"I felt we dominated the first half and in my opinion all of the best players were wearing blue shirts. \"I was disappointed with the penalty and if a boxer had gone down like that the promoter would not have given him his purse. \"Bale is a very good player and to be playing in the Championship at 17 says a lot. He has great ability and it was a terrific free-kick.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southampton: Davis, Ostlund, Baird, Pele, Bale (Cranie 90), Belmadi, Wright, Viafara, Skacel (Surman 87), Rasiak, Wright-Phillips (Jones 82). Subs Not Used: Poke, Dyer. Goals: Bale 61, Rasiak 86 pen. Coventry: Marshall, McNamee, Heath, Ward, Hall, Birchall (Cameron 73), Doyle, Hughes, McSheffrey (Hutchison 73), Adebola (Virgo 68), John. Subs Not Used: Tabb, Thornton. Booked: Hall, Hutchison. Att: 21,088 Ref: G Hegley (Hertfordshire).

RFU closer to elite post decision
Rob Andrew and Sir Clive Woodward appear to be the leading contenders as the Rugby Football Union moves closer to naming an elite director of rugby. Andrew's chances of taking the new post looked to have increased after his club Newcastle postponed a pre-season media conference scheduled for Monday. Woodward has been one of the favourites since the post was announced in April. A timetable for making the appointment will be drawn up on Monday, with an announcement possible later this week. \"Andrew's come in rather late, but he has huge support from the clubs.\" A four-man panel comprising RFU chief executive Francis Baron, management board chairman Martyn Thomas and former England captains Bill Beaumont and John Spencer will decide on who gets the job. The new elite director of rugby will oversee all aspects of representative rugby in England, from the regional academies to the full senior side. He will also mastermind strategy and selection for the England team, recruit coaches and try to broker a deal with the clubs over player availability. Andrew, a former England fly-half, has been Newcastle director of rugby since 1995 and has previously indicated he feels he has unfinished business with the Falcons. However, Andrew will be seen by some as the ideal man to build bridges between the RFU and English clubs. Woodward, who led England to their 2003 World Cup triumph, left the RFU under a cloud in September 2004 and criticised Baron in his resignation speech. However, the Southampton director of football has been one of the favourites to land the post ever since its creation was announced in April. Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan has reportedly withdrawn from the fray after also being on the original shortlist. Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, ex-Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland and former Australia coach Eddie Jones have all ruled themselves out of the running.

Svensson comeback bid put on hold
Southampton defender Michael Svensson was forced to put his latest comeback attempt on hold. Svensson warmed up for Saints reserves game against Wycombe on Tuesday, but failed to appear for the kick-off. The 30-year-old Sweden international has been out for almost two years with a knee problem. Reserve team coach Stuart Henderson told Saints website: \"He had a slight calf strain and for a reserve game it wasn't worth taking the risk.\"

Summer blues melt away for Oakley
Matthew Oakley faced the prospect of having his summer darkened by the clouds of some tough decisions to make. Just as well for the 28-year-old midfielder that a breath of fresh air in the shape of Derby boss Billy Davies came to blow those clouds away. The first tough decision facing Oakley was whether to end his time at Southampton, having been with the Saints man-and-boy for 12 years. Oakley's contract at St Mary's had expired and he was not thrilled skinny by boss George Burley's offer of a new one-year deal. For Burley's part, since his arrival last December, the Saints boss had not seen Oakley in action because of a cruciate ligament injury which cost the midfielder almost two years. Oakley rejected Saints offer and says: \"I suppose I could see why George only wanted to offer me a year as he hadn't seen me, but I had played nearly 300 games in the Premiership for Saints and didn't feel I needed to prove myself. \"Of course it was a wrench to leave, but some people thought I was getting a bit stale and deep down perhaps I did realise that I needed a change to kick-start things again. \"Saints' relegation from the Premiership hit people a lot harder than they first thought, me included. \"They had always been a Premiership club, and it was such a shock to the system when we dropped out. It took a lot of people a long time to recover. \"I had spent 12 years at Saints and thought that I might finish my career there. But you have to move on.\" The former England Under-21 international's pedigree ensured he would not struggle to find a new club and old Saints team-mate Iain Dowie offered Oakley a lifeline back to the Premiership at Charlton. \"I spent the pre-season training with Charlton, and Iain was brilliant. They offered me a year's contract, with another year depending on appearances.\" But it wasn't long before Oakley was faced with another big decision when Derby boss Billy Davies came on to the scene. Davies used his persuasive skills on Oakley \"Billy asked me to come and have a chat with him, and he made it clear from the very first moment that he wanted me at Derby straight away. \"He said he wanted me to be a big part of his plans, he wanted to make me captain and he wanted to give me a different role, which was music to my ears.\" The carrots dangling in front of Oakley were the chance to return to the Premiership, or to be a longer-term part of something at Derby. In the end, it was a no-decision. \"Billy sold the club to me, he is very impressive and I was taken aback by how he is. In many ways he reminds me of Gordon Strachan, they're both very infectious characters. \"I had been out of the game for the best part of two years and like Gordon, Billy re-kindled my enthusiasm for the game.\" Oakley was registered in time for Derby's opener - ironically against Southampton, although as he had not been part of the preparation, he watched from the bench. His Derby debut came against Stoke but sporting that captain's armband, he scored in his second outing, the 2-1 win at Hull. \"At Southampton, I was used in a deeper role, providing the link out of defence. I enjoyed it but it meant I didn't get forward as much as I would have liked to. \"The boss has said he wants me to play in a more advanced role, and that suits me. I've always thought I could score more goals and now he's given me the scope to do it.\" But he admits it was a weird feeling when he walked into the Derby dressing room. \"Since the age of 18, I had only ever pulled on a Southampton shirt in my career and it was really strange pulling on a different club shirt after all that time.\"

Barnsley v Southampton
Barnsley are expected to field an unchanged side as they chase a third straight win. But new midfield signing Colin Healy, a last-minute substitute last week at Colchester, is pushing for a place in the starting line-up. Southampton will add new defender Chris Makin, who signed from Reading, to an otherwise unchanged squad. Michael Svensson recovered from his long-term knee problem only to pick up a calf injury this week.

Barnsley 2-2 Southampton
Two dubious handball decisions by referee Mike Reid ensured it was honours even at Oakwell. Marc Richards swept home Martin Devaney's cross to give Barnsley a half-time lead, but the unmarked Grzegorz Rasiak volleyed home to level. Reid's first controversial call was to award a spot kick after adjudging Ostlund to have handled a cross. Paul Hayes tucked away the penalty. He then awarded another penalty for a dubious handball that Rasiak converted. Barnsley assistant manager Rick Holden: \"Their penalty was absolutely not a penalty because he smashed it into a crowd of people. \"I though we did more, in the first half particularly, to win the game and I'm a bit miffed we didn't. \"They came on quite strongly, but the aftertaste is we should have won.\" Southampton manager George Burley: \"The referee said he didn't know what player it was but it was a yellow hand. \"Then we've got a penalty, which has hit Barnsley's player. But whether it was intentional is a question mark.\" \"We've got a number of new players getting used to each other and getting used to this league.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnsley: Colgan, Hassell, Reid, Williams, Kay, Devaney, Togwell (Tonge 82), Howard (Healy 71), McIndoe, Richards (Wright 67), Hayes. Subs Not Used: Mannone, Atkinson. Booked: Devaney. Goals: Richards 45, Hayes 71 pen. Southampton: Davis, Ostlund, Baird, Pele, Bale (Makin 45), Surman, Wright, Rasiak, Viafara, Wright-Phillips (Jones 82), Dyer (Skacel 45). Subs Not Used: Miller, Lallana. Booked: Surman, Pele. Goals: Rasiak 47, 74 pen. Att: 11,306 Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

No grudge against Woodward - RFU
Rugby Football Union boss Francis Baron insists there was no grudge against Sir Clive Woodward in the selection process for their elite director of rugby role. Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory in 2003, was highly critical of the RFU when he resigned a year later. And he lost out to Rob Andrew in the race to land the new role, in a battle Baron described as \"very close\". \"There were no grudges held against Woody,\" RFU chief executive Baron told Sir Stanley. Woodward was an early favourite to land the role, which oversees all aspects of representative rugby in England, having brought home the Webb Ellis Trophy three years ago. He is now working as director of football at Championship side Southampton. But many believed Woodward's scathing criticism of the RFU during his resignation press conference in 2004 counted against him. \"What happened, happened,\" said Baron. \"It was in the heat of the moment. \"We decided right at the outset that if Clive wanted to throw his hat into the ring, he would be treated exactly the same as all the other candidates. \"I worked with Woody for six years and we exchanged words throughout that time. \"If every time you have a bit of a row with somebody you hold it against them, you don't go forward in life.\" After interviewing 17 candidates, the RFU decided to go for Andrew and Baron believes that the outspoken former Newcastle rugby director will work well with England head coach Andy Robinson. Baron says Andrew, who has been critical of the Robinson regime, will not have the final say over team selection. \"Rob will be a member of the selection group but he does not have a casting vote,\" Baron said. \"Andy Robinson is totally on board and very supportive. He is delighted with Rob's appointment. \"He thinks he will have an excellent working relationship with Rob and Rob feels the same way.\"

Southampton v Yeovil
Defender Chris Makin is set to make his full debut as Southampton rest several players struggling with injuries. Young striker Adam Lallana could be offered a chance, while Kevin Miller, Martin Cranie, Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller should all feature. Defender Mark Lynch will go straight into Yeovil's squad after signing on a one-month loan from Hull. Yeovil are also waiting permission from Nottingham Forest to field on-loan midfielder Kevin James.

Burley delighted with Saints form
Southampton manager George Burley is pleased with the way his side is shaping up after their thumping win over Yeovil in the Carling Cup. The Saints won 5-2 and Burley said: \"The whole team worked hard and we got our reward. \"I made one or two changes for the game and the lads that came in did exactly what I expected of them. \"I am left with a real selection headache for the game against Preston on Saturday.\"

Southampton 1-1 Preston
An error by Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis gifted Preston a point as his side had to settle for a fourth Championship draw of the season. The home side had taken a deserved lead when a Rudi Skacel corner was flicked on by Andrew Surman and Grzegorz Rasiak netted with a diving header. But Davis allowed Simon Whaley's tame free-kick to creep under his body and into the net as Preston levelled. Rasiak had a late penalty shout denied but Preston held on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southampton manager George Burley: \"Unfortunately mistakes like that are part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. \"That's the first mistake he's made for us but that doesn't lose us two points in my opinion. \"At home we should be dominating but we were a bit of a mixed bag, so there is no blame on the goalkeeper for the draw.\" Preston manager Paul Simpson: \"It was a scruffy goal but we'll take it. \"I felt if we kept pushing we'd have opportunities. If you get a chance to shoot you never know what might happen. \"Our performance deserved something from the game and we are going home very happy with a point because this is a difficult place to come.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southampton: Davis, Makin, Baird, Pele, Bale, Lallana (Wright 45), Viafara, Surman (Dyer 77), Skacel, Wright-Phillips, Rasiak (Jones 72). Subs Not Used: Miller, Fuller. Goals: Rasiak 43. Preston: Nash, Wilson, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Alexander, Sedgwick, McKenna, Pugh, Whaley, Nugent (Lewis Neal 89), Dichio (Agyemang 77). Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Hill, McCormack. Booked: Nugent, St. Ledger, Pugh. Goals: Whaley 50. Att: 20,712. Ref: P Miller (Bedfordshire).

Stoke close in on Saints' Fuller
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is closing in on a deal to sign Southampton striker Ricardo Fuller. Sir Stanley reports that Fuller was at the Britannia Stadium to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. The Potters will pay around £100,000 for the 26-year-old Jamaica international who joined Saints from Portsmouth for £90,000 in August 2005. Fuller, who went on loan to Ipswich last season, has also played for Preston, Hearts and Crystal Palace.

Woodward set for Southampton exit
Sir Clive Woodward is poised to leave his post as technical support director at Southampton, Sir Stanley understands. The 50-year-old moved into football last July after previously working in rugby union, where he led England to the World Cup in 2003. But Woodward has become increasingly marginalised at St Mary's since chairman Rupert Lowe left in June. An announcement from Saints is expected imminently, freeing up Woodward to start a sporting consultancy business. Woodward missed out on a return to rugby earlier this month, when the Rugby Football Union overlooked him for the key elite director of rugby role in favour of Rob Andrew. \"The man who brought Woodward into football, former chairman Rupert Lowe, resigned from the board in the summer. \"There's a feeling that Woodward's time at St Mary's has run its course after just 13 months.\" Woodward surprised the football world when he joined Southampton - under the chairmanship of his friend Lowe - in July 2005, having previously worked in rugby. Appointed as a technical director, Woodward - who admitted his ultimate aim was to become a manager - soon had to deny reports of an uneasy relationship with Saints manager Harry Redknapp and coach Dave Bassett. But not long after Redknapp and Woodward held a joint press conference to insist there were no problems between them, the veteran manager walked out to take over at Portsmouth. Woodward's position was also weakened by the acrimonious departure of head of sports science Simon Clifford, a key figure in Woodward's vision for the club. Appointed to a director of football role when George Burley arrived as manager, Woodward then became embroiled in disputes with investors - some of whom openly questioned whether he should be working in football - looking to take over at St Mary's. In rugby, Woodward won 21 caps for England and played for the Lions before embarking on a coaching career which was characterised by his willingness to experiment with new methods. He coached Henley, London Irish and Bath, and took over as England coach in 1997, eventually winning the World Cup in 2003. His final coaching job in rugby was to preside over the Lions' disastrous tour of New Zealand in 2005.

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