Today's other stories in brief

Kenny likely to appeal against ban

SHEFFIELD United's Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Paddy Kenny may appeal against his nine-month suspension, according to lawyer Stephen Taylor Heath.

The 31-year-old has been banned until April by the English Football Association after he tested positive for banned substance ephedrine in May.

Heath, of Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett, told the Sheffield Star: “One of the bases of mitigation is that it did not find its way into his system to enhance performance.

“Paddy was having trouble with his chest and took a remedy which his partner had previously used and had worked.

“The commission accepted he did not know what he was taking. The words of their response, however, make it quite clear they are looking to send a message to others.

“Paddy Kenny is an honest guy, and we have a legal system of proportionality. Nine months seems excessive.”

Blatter wants stiffer punishments

SEPP BLATTER last night said clubs found guilty of poaching players should be docked points in future to discourage a repeat of the Gael Kakuta affair.

The Fifa president, who was speaking publicly for the first time since Chelsea were banned from signing new players until 2011 for illegally inducing Kakuta to break his contract with Lens, also urged national associations to use the same level of punishment to stamp out hooliganism and racism.

There is no chance of Chelsea – who have appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport following Fifa’s ruling last week – being deducted points.

But Blatter said he would like to see the world governing body’s disciplinary committee widen their range of sanctions to include that punishment, with financial penalties seen as little deterrent to the wealthiest clubs.

Reid leaves Thailand to join Stoke

PETER REID has had his contract with the Thailand national team terminated by mutual consent in order to take up the position of assistant manager at Stoke.

Football Association of Thailand (FAT) chairman Worawi Makudi confirmed in a statement yesterday that the decision was made after he spoke on Tuesday with Reid, who expressed his desire to return to England. The former Sunderland boss signed a four-year contract with the South East Asians in September 2008 and had suggested continuing his role as Thailand coach alongside his work with the Potters, but Makudi rejected the proposal.

“After receiving a clear explanation, both parties agreed amicably to terminate the contract,” the FAT said. Assistant coach Steve Darby will take temporary charge of Thailand’s team until a new coach is found.

Staunton eyes Rotherham job

FORMER Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has expressed his interest in replacing Mark Robins as the manager of English League Two side, Rotherham.

The 40-year-old former Aston Villa and Liverpool defender was last employed as Gary McAllister’s assistant at Leeds United, but the pair were sacked in December last year.

He is now looking to make a return to full-time coaching and is keen to replace Robins at the Don Valley Stadium after the former Manchester United striker joined Barnsley yesterday.

“Of course I’d be interested in the Rotherham job, they’ve got a strong squad of good players, and are riding high at the moment. They’ve got a very strong chance of going up,” said Staunton.

Robins replaces Simon Davey at Oakwell as Barnsley boss.

Liverpool fan Shields is released

LIVERPOOL fan Michael Shields, who was jailed for 15 years in Bulgaria for the attempted murder of a barman, smiled and gave a thumbs-up as he was freed yesterday.

Shields (22) was convicted after a disturbance following Liverpool’s Champions League victory in Turkey in 2005. He was later transferred to a prison in England.

He was picked up from Thorn Cross Young Offender Institution in Warrington, Cheshire, yesterday by his parents, Marie and Michael.

He smiled and gestured to waiting journalists at the gate as he was driven away by supporter Joe Anderson.

His pardon by Justice Secretary Jack Straw follows a campaign by his family, MPs, clergymen, Liverpool players and many others, who believe he is innocent. Straw had met with Shields’ parents in August, when they presented new evidence which convinced him of their son’s innocence.

Hughes stands by Cook despite Dunne's criticism

MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes has defended executive chairman Garry Cook in the wake of Richard Dunne’s exit to Aston Villa.

The popular Republic of Ireland star accused Cook of trying to sell him behind his back and claimed he was ignorant of the “core loyalty” in football. However, Hughes sees a different side to Cook’s character and questions Dunnes assessment.

“It is a little bit unfair to highlight Garry and his perceived role in discussions,” said the City chief.

“It wasn’t as if Richard was forced out of the club. He was the only one who signed a piece of paper to change from being a City player to an Aston Villa player.”

Hughes, meanwhile, has tipped Stephen Ireland as a future Manchester City captain.

“Stevie really enjoyed having the armband back in pre-season and I am sure in future he will be a Manchester City captain.”

However Hughes confirmed summer signing from Arsenal Kolo Toure will lead the side this season.

Fiorentina target United over deal

ITALIAN club Fiorentina are considering a formal complaint to Fifa over the signing of teenage defender Michele Fornasier by Manchester United.

The club have made initial contact with Fifa but no investigation has yet been launched.

United are confident of their legal position – players aged under 18 are not legally permitted to sign contracts in Italy and Fornasier was not contracted to Fiorentina when he was signed by the Manchester club this year.

Fiorentina are furious at losing out on the 16-year-old, however, and have written to Fifa.

A Fifa spokesman said: “Fifa can confirm that we were contacted by Fiorentina with regard to the potential transfer of the player, Michele Fornasier, to Manchester United.

“However, so far no formal investigation was opened since the relevant documentation still needs to be completed. Only then will we be in a position to evaluate possible future steps to be taken.”