Dutchman Jol appointed new coach of Ajax

Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam have announced that Martin Jol has signed a three-year contract to coach the club, starting from July 1. The 53-year-old Dutchman moves from German side Hamburg, where he had recently secured a European place with a fifth-placed Bundesliga finish — as well as leading the club to the semifinals of this season’s UEFA Cup. Jol has also coached Den Haag and Roda — with whom he won the Dutch Cup — in his homeland.

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Newcastle to discuss Shearer future

The managing director of Newcastle United, Derek Llambias, has told the club’s Web site he will be in talks with manager Alan Shearer this week to see whether the former England striker will continue in the role despite the team being relegated from the English Premier League on Sunday. Llambias said: “Being relegated from the Premier League is a huge disappointment for everyone involved with Newcastle United, but (club owner) Mike Ashley and I will sit down with Alan this week to discuss how to move forward again.” “We are all hurting and I feel desperately sorry for everyone associated with Newcastle United; we hope to be able to say more to our supporters later this week.” Shearer, 38, agreed to takeover temporary control at Newcastle in April for the remaining eight games of the season with the hope that he could turnaround a side struggling with relegation form

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Van Gaal appointed new Bayern Munich coach

German champions Bayern Munich have confirmed the appointment of Dutchman Louis van Gaal as their new head coach. Van Gaal, who led AZ Alkmaar to the Dutch title this season, has been released from his contract with the Eredivisie club and will officially take up the reins as Jurgen Klinsmann’s successor on July 1

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Barca ‘catastrophe’ turns heat on Klinsmann

Bayern Munich coach Juergen Klinsmann is under increased pressure after their 4-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona — described by club legend Franz Beckenbauer as a "catastrophe". The defeat leaves Bayern’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the competition in tatters and comes hard on the heels of a 5-1 thrashing by VfL Wolsburg in the Bundesliga. Reigning champions Bayern slipped to fourth, four points adrift of new leaders Wolfsburg and Saturday’s match against Eintracht Frankfurt is now considered a must-win game for the Munich giants

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Reports: Shearer set to manage Newcastle United

Alan Shearer is to make his keenly awaited return to Newcastle United in a bid to save the Premiership club from being relegated, UK media have reported. An announcement confirming the appointment is expected from St. James’ Park Wednesday, according to reports

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The addictive world of ‘Football Manager’

It’s the phenomenally popular virtual football game that has been accused of taking over players’ lives — even reportedly wrecking relationships and careers. The simple premise behind “Football Manager” is to give armchair fans a chance to play real-life managers at their own game.

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Inter Milan boss Mourinho faces assault claim

British police are investigating an allegation of common assault against Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho following his club’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester United in the Champions League. It has been alleged Mourinho punched a supporter close to the Inter team bus as he left the stadium on Wednesday evening following the match in Manchester, northern England, The British Press Association said Thursday

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