UK Roundup

Gregory sues Derby for wrongful dismissal

DERBY, England (AP) -- John Gregory sued first-division side Derby on Thursday, a day after the club upheld his dismissal as manager.

Gregory was fired on May 9, but he and his advisors filed an appeal with the team. Chairman Lionel Pickering rejected it Wednesday night, prompting the legal action.

Gregory is suing for wrongful dismissal and lost wages.

"John Gregory has a clause in his contract which entitles him to substantial compensation from Derby County if his contract were terminated," a statement released by Gregory's lawyers said. "The justification for (Gregory's) dismissal was always a device by Derby to try to avoid honoring their contract with him by paying the compensation."

Gregory was originally suspended by the club on March 21 pending an investigation into unspecified "serious allegations" against him. George Burley was appointed interim manager 10 days later. Gregory was then fired in early May.

The club upheld the decision, it announced on its Web site on Thursday.

Gregory took over at Pride Park in January last year shortly after resigning as Aston Villa manager. The Rams won just 16 of the 55 matches during Gregory's time in charge. The club finished 18th in division one this season, six points above the relegation zone.

Gregory's reign at Pride Park was marred by off-field problems, including a public feud with Craig Burley.

The midfielder and former captain claimed his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury was delayed because Gregory and physiotherapist Stuart Walker ignored the advice of the club's former physio, Alan Watson.

Ferdinand could miss Euro 2004 qualifier

LONDON (AP) -- Defender Rio Ferdinand could miss England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia because of a lingering knee injury, the Football Association said Tuesday.

The England squad is currently training in La Manga, Spain, ahead of Monday's friendly against Serbia-Montenegro in Leicester and the Slovakia match on June 11 in Middlesbrough.

Ferdinand will miss the friendly in a bid to be fit for Slovakia. He'll return to Manchester United for further treatment on Friday.

"Rio Ferdinand worked in the gym today, continuing his rehabilitation from his knee injury with the medical staff," FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said.

Ferdinand was cleared to play in England's 2-1 win over South Africa in Durban last Wednesday but aggravated the injury during the match.

The FA said Matthew Upson is on standby to replace Ferdinand. Defenders Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate are both injured.

England is top of Group 7 in Euro 2004 qualifying with 10 points, one ahead of Turkey.

Blackburn makes move for Amoruso

BLACKBURN, England (Reuters) -- Blackburn Rovers have made an offical bid for Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso, the English premier league club said on Thursday.

"I can confirm that we have made an offer but there is nothing more to say at this stage," Blackburn chief executive John Williams told the club's Web site.

The club said the 31-year-old Italian, who helped Rangers to the Scottish premier league title last Sunday, was one of several players being targeted by manager Graeme Souness.

Rovers finished sixth in the premier league and will play in the UEFA Cup for the second consecutive season.

De Goey and Morris to leave Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) -- Goalkeeper Ed de Goey and midfielder Jody Morris are to leave Chelsea in the close season after reaching the end of their contracts, the premier league club said on its Web site.

De Goey, 36, joined Chelsea from Dutch first division side Feyenoord six years ago and was first-choice goalkeeper until Claudio Ranieri took over as manager in 2000.

Ranieri preferred 29-year-old Italian Carlo Cudicini to De Goey and the Dutchman was forced into a backup role. Last season he made only three appearances.

Morris, 24, leaves the club he joined as a trainee after seven years. Despite 173 appearances, he has failed to secure a regular starting place in the first team.

West Brom set for pay cut

WEST BROMWICH, England (AP) -- West Bromwich Albion manager Gary Megson and his players will be earning less next season.

The Baggies were relegated from the Premier League last season, triggering a paycut, Megson said Thursday.

"The playing staff's wages are all cut as a result of going down and certainly mine drops as well," he said. "It's part of what will happen to us as a result of Albion being a first-division club again next season."

West Brom finished second last in the league after gaining automatic promotion from division one the previous season.

 

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Both the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.