Soccer Shorts

Coleman in lineChris Coleman yesterday remained tight-lipped over speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job in Wales.

The Fulham boss was among the first names to be suggested as a possible replacement for Mark Hughes, who was unveiled as Blackburn's new manager and will leave Wales after the World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland.

Hughes outlined the importance of appointing a Welshman for the job, narrowing a possible list of candidates down to the likes of Coleman, John Toshack and perhaps the new Chester manager Ian Rush.

Coleman would seem to fit all the criteria - he is young, highly respected in Wales for whom he played 32 internationals and enjoyed a successful debut full season in management with Fulham last year.

Lowe hits out

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has rubbished suggestions that Glenn Hoddle might be installed as their new manager due to current head coach Steve Wigley lacking the appropriate qualifications.

Reports claimed the former Saints and England boss could be on his way back to St Mary's as Wigley, the assistant coach who stepped into the breach following Paul Sturrock's departure, does not yet hold the UEFA Pro Licence required to manage in the Premiership. However, Lowe dismissed the idea out of hand. "It is complete nonsense to say Glenn Hoddle is coming back," he said.

Of Wigley's status, Lowe added: "We are talking to the Premier League about the issue and those discussions are private but we are very hopeful this matter can be resolved."

Roma inquiry

Roma are facing a UEFA inquiry after referee Anders Frisk was injured by an object thrown from the crowd during Wednesday's Champions League match.

The incident is the latest in a long line of unsavoury incidents involving players and fans alike which have marred games across Europe.

A UEFA statement yesterday, said: "We await the full details from both the referee's and the delegate's reports but it is clear that disciplinary proceedings will be instigated against AS Roma.

"The date set for the meeting of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body to look into this incident is Tuesday, September 21st."

It was the second time this year that a match at the Stadio Olympico has been abandoned. The Rome derby between Roma and Lazio in March also suffered the same fate after fans threatened to invade the pitch.

Gregan joins Leeds

Sean Gregan has completed his £1 million move from West Brom to Leeds United. The versatile 30-year-old, who was placed on the transfer list at his own request a month ago, has signed a three-year deal with the Elland Road club.

Leeds will pay £500,000 up front plus another £250,000 dependent on appearances, while another £250,000 will become due if the Yorkshire club win promotion back to the top flight they exited at the end of last season.

"Sean is a tremendous player and will be a great asset to our squad in terms of leadership, personality and talent; we're delighted he's joined us," said Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell.

Dowie's contract

Iain Dowie has promised to sign his new four-year contract with Crystal Palace after speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Blackburn ended this week.

The Palace boss denied holding official talks with Rovers following the departure of Graeme Souness to Newcastle and reaffirmed his commitment to the Eagles now Mark Hughes has been appointed at Ewood Park.

Dowie claimed there were still outstanding issues to be resolved with his new deal, which has sat unsigned in Palace chairman Simon Jordan's office for weeks, but he insisted these were a mere formality.