Soccer Shorts

Today's other stories in brief

Award for Doolin

Paul Doolin was last night named as the Eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Personality of the Year for 2007 following Drogheda United's League of Ireland successes. Former Cork City manager Damien Richardson, Longford striker Dave Mooney and Drogheda United defender Brian Shelley were on the shortlist.

The goalkeeper award went to Brian Murphy with the Bohemians player beating off competition from Drogheda's Dan Connor and Barry Murphy of Shamrock Rovers.

Lehmann staying

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has decided against a move from Arsenal to Borussia Dortmund, despite his lack of action at the Premier League club. "I've taken this decision for personal reasons," Lehmann said yesterday.

Lehmann (38) had been considering a move back to the Bundesliga after losing his status as first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal to the Spaniard Manuel Almunia. Germany coach Joachim Loew had been keen to see Lehmann playing more regularly in the build-up to Euro 2008 but he said the decision to stay on in London would not mean him losing his place in the national side.

Worthington deal

Nigel Worthington insists Northern Ireland can expect "commitment in abundance" as he inches closer to signing a new two-year deal with the Irish Football Association.

The former Norwich manager is thought to have agreed terms on a deal which would make him the most highly-paid manager in Northern Irish history and he believes he can provide value for money.

"I'm delighted - with some good results and a little bit of luck I may even extend my stay."

Iraq midfielder signs

Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram claims he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been training with City this week, said he will join Sven-Goran Eriksson's side after finalising terms with previous club Al Ain in Abu Dhabi and when a work permit is issued. "I've signed a contract with Manchester City for two years and a half after finishing the medical tests," Akram said.

Setanta Cup move

The organisers of the Setanta Sports Cup have confirmed that this year's competition will be played in two stages to accommodate Northern clubs, several of whom have previously struggled to cope with having to play in the competition as their league is drawing towards its end.

The competition will now get under way on February 26th and run for six weeks with three rounds of games in each four team group. It will resume in September when there will be a further three rounds of group games followed immediately by the event's semi-finals and final - which has been provisionally pencilled in for October 18th.

Fred offers accepted

Lyon have accepted two offers for wantaway striker Fred, according to their president Jean-Michel Aulas. The Brazil striker recently signalled his intention to leave the French champions after losing his place in the starting line-up to Karim Benzema.

Aulas is ready to sell with Paris St Germain known to be one of the interested parties.

He told L'Equipe: "We have accepted two offers, one of which is from PSG, and it is now up to Fred to decide. "Both offers were financially satisfactory." Portsmouth, Tottenham and Middlesbrough have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

In brief . ..

Derby have completed the loan signing of Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly . . . Motherwell will rename the main stand at Fir Park the Phil O'Donnell Stand in honour of their club captain who died last month . . . Martin O'Neill has confirmed Juventus' interest in signing Olof Mellberg - but the Aston Villa manager has not given up hope of the defender signing a new contract . . . Wigan have signed Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Deportivo Olimpia . . . Kevin Blackwell and his Luton management team have tendered their resignations at Kenilworth Road. Effective following the February 9th League One clash with Bournemouth, Blackwell, his assistant Sam Ellis and head coach John Carver will walk away from the cash-strapped club after losing patience with administrators.