Newslines

Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond yesterday handed boss Chris Hutchings a stay of execution - but has vowed the axe will fall unless results improve.

Richmond yesterday held a two-hour meeting with Hutchings following Saturday's depressing 2-0 defeat at home to Ipswich, which led to a volley of verbal abuse from the supporters.

Bradford have just six points and one win from their first 10 Premiership games, scoring only four goals and with only Derby below them in the table, Hutchings has managed to hold onto his job, for now.

Hutchings would appear to have a handful of games to save himself, starting with this Sunday's Yorkshire derby at home to Leeds, and swiftly followed by a League Cup third round tie at Newcastle.

Barcelona could be fined by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after plastic bottles, cigarette lighters and two mobile phones were thrown on to the pitch during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Real Madrid.

The RFEF said yesterday they would meet this week to discuss all aspects of the game, which saw fans give a torrid reception to Real's Luis Figo on his return to the Nou Camp.

Peter Taylor intends to give England's rising stars a chance to shine against Italy in Turin next month.

Taylor, who knows many of the nation's up-and-coming stars from his days as England Under-21 boss, will meet his England assistant Steve McClaren later this week to compare lists of possible squads.

Henrik Larsson's superb form since recovering from a broken leg has earned him the Player of the Month award. The Celtic striker scored six times during September to keep the Parkhead side at the top of the table.