Soccer Shorts

A roundup of today's other soccer news

Boyd breaks Larsson’s record

RANGERS 7 DUNDEE UNITED 1: Kris Boyd smashed Henrik Larsson’s record as the Scottish Premier League’s top goalscorer after netting an incredible five goals as Dundee United crashed to a 7-1 defeat at Ibrox.

Not content to simply level the Celtic legend’s tally of 158, he ended the match having taken his own tally to 160 goals in Scottish football’s top flight.

Damien Casalinuovo pulled a goal back for United and Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra were also on the scoresheet but the night belonged to Boyd, with new Scotland boss Craig Levein given plenty of food for thought .

The Scottish champions now boast a seven point lead at the summit ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby, with the only sour point a red card for Kenny Miller.

Hodgson signs rolling contract

MANAGER ROY Hodgson has signed a new 12-month rolling contract with Fulham after consolidating last season’s improvement with a strong start to this campaign.

The London club are currently ninth in the table with wins over Manchester United and Liverpool to their credit and have also qualified for the knockout stage of the Europa League.

Last season’s seventh-place finish was their highest in the top flight.

Portsmouth deny winding-up report

PORTSMOUTH HAVE been ordered by Britain’s tax authorities to pay money owed to them or face a court case in the New Year.

However, Portsmouth said that contrary to media reports, they had not been served with a winding-up petition, and were working with the authorities to pay their debts.

“Portsmouth Football Club has not been formally served with a winding-up petition and is shocked and surprised this action has been taken in respect of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance Contributions which either have been, or are about to be paid, or are disputed,” the club said in a statement.

“The club is disputing the VAT amount outstanding and has formally notified HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue Customs) of this. We expect HMRC to withdraw their demands forthwith.”

If it does not, the club said it anticipates “a hearing being held in early January 2010 during which we will request that the High Court order HMRC to withdraw their demands”.

Bolton’s descent into drop zone signals end for Megson

BOLTON WANDERERS sacked Gary Megson yesterday following Tuesday’s 2-2 home draw with Hull City which left the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

“Gary Megson has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement on their website (www.bwfc.co.uk).

“The decision has been taken in the light of the position the club finds itself in the Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

“Assistant manager Chris Evans and first-team coach Steve Wigley will take charge of first team matters for the interim period.”

Megson was an unpopular choice with Bolton fans when he took over from Sammy Lee in October 2007. A local opinion poll at the time found less than two percent who were happy with the appointment.

The team were booed off after Tuesday’s game when they lost a 2-0 lead even though they are unbeaten in four games. Mark Hughes, Paul Jewell, Peter Reid, Darren Ferguson and Alan Shearer are contenders to succeed him.