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A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Palace deny any plan to appoint Hughton

THE CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish confirmed last night that he would be speaking to Steve Coppell regarding the vacant manager’s position at Selhurst Park after Palace recorded a rare win over fellow strugglers Preston North End.

“Steve’s been to four or five games this season, he lives locally, he comes to see the games,” said Parish of Coppell’s presence yesterday. “I don’t know if he wants to manage. I will absolutely be giving him a ring and just having a chat. If nothing else, I know Steve would be a great sounding board for us in terms of who we should get.”

But Parish denied claims that Chris Hughton was a target for Palace. “I’ve not spoken to Chris, we’ve not had a job application from Chris. He’s a very good young manager, obviously somebody who, if he applied for the job, I’m sure we would consider.”

Ibrox Disaster anniversary marked

RANGERS PLAYERS past and present gathered together today to remember the 66 people who lost their lives in the Ibrox Disaster.

The first team squad and former stars, including John Greig, Colin Stein, Alfie Conn and Derek Johnstone, joined the 5,000 people who gathered at the stadium for a special memorial service to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy.

Footballing rivalries were briefly forgotten, with Celtic represented by manager Neil Lennon, chief executive Peter Lawwell and chairman John Reid.

Liverpool fans also paid tribute in memory of the youngest victim, eight-year-old Nigel Pickup, who had travelled from the English city to Glasgow for the game on January 2, 1971. Sandy Jardine – who was part of the Rangers team that day – and director John McClelland both performed readings, along with survivor Ian Loch, who recited Bill Struth’s famous speech, To be a Ranger.

Speed may turn to Davies and Savage

NEW WALES manager Gary Speed may recall experienced midfield duo Simon Davies and Robbie Savage for his first Euro qualifier against England in March.

Davies and Savage have retired from international football but Speed has had communication with both players.

Asked if he thought Davies would come back, Speed said: “I don’t know but I hope so. He’s going to have a think.”

Speed also said captain Craig Bellamy will miss the game against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations Cup. The former Wales captain succeeded John Toshack as the permanent Welsh manager last month and his first game in charge is the tournament opener with the Irish on February 8th.

Ronaldinho not for Blackburn

BLACKBURN OWNERS Venky’s have moved to dismiss reports linking the club with a move for AC Milan forward Ronaldinho, describing them as “just rumours”. Rovers have been reported to be vying with Gremio for the Brazilian’s signature. However, Venky’s director Venkatesh Rao has rubbished the speculation and told the Lancashire Telegraph: “That is not true. There is no interest at all, they are just rumours.”