Prostitutes Protest: German sex workers have criticised Energie Cottbus's coach Eduard Geyer for comparing his under-performing players to prostitutes in Hamburg, Bild newspaper has reported.

"There are players whose view of performance is like the whores of St Pauli," Geyer said after a recent loss. "All they do is smoke cigarettes, drink too much and sleep around."

Prostitutes in St Pauli told Bild that Geyer had not only insulted their profession - but he did not have a clue as to how hard they actually work.

"Geyer should send his boys over here to see how hard we work," said Vanessa (21). "They could learn a thing or two from us. I work 12 to 14 hours every day."

She said she doesn't drink alcohol and stays fit through regular weight training - and by eating lots of fruit.

Francis Defiant: Trevor Francis has issued a defiant statement to all connected with Birmingham City - "I'll be back".

Francis parted company with the club he concedes is so close to his heart "by mutual consent" after five-and-a-half years as manager.

Yesterday he effectively issued a "come-and-get-me" plea to any club looking for a boss with a proven track record given he has spent a year at QPR and four years at Sheffield Wednesday prior to returning to the Blues in the summer of 1986.

"Over the last few years I have proved I am a more than capable manager and I am proud of the job I have done at this football club," he said.