Derbyshire 'hopeful' of Olympiacos switch

Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire hopes to seal a permanent switch to Greek double winners Olympiacos.

The 22-year-old striker, who moved to Greece in January on a six-month loan deal, was a pivotal figure in the Greek Cup final on Saturday, netting twice for Olympiacos as they won 15-14 on penalties against AEK Athens to take the double - the 14th in the club's trophy-laden history.

"If you're asking me if I'd like to stay here then yes, of course," the England Under-21 international told PA Sport when asked where he would like to continue his career next season. "But it isn't down to me it's down to Blackburn Rovers and Olympiacos. I'm hopeful that something will happen."
He added: "There haven't been any talks at all at the moment.

"Obviously I will have to wait until the end of the English season to see what happens with Blackburn and negotiations will hopefully start then."

Derbyshire also revealed that Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, whose team are still not safe from relegation after Saturday's 3-1 loss at Manchester City, had not been in contact at all with the striker since he moved to Greece.

"There's been no contact whatsoever," he said. "It doesn't bother me though to be honest because he's going through a difficult period where he's fighting relegation.

"He has to concentrate on everything he has to do at Blackburn and I appreciate that."

Chelsea reveal wings of desire

Chelsea's wing wonders have revealed how the heartache of losing last year's Champions League final is driving them on to win the trophy this season.

Florent Malouda, who scored one of the goals in their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, has flourished under Guus Hiddink's managerial tenure and Salomon Kalou, who popped up with the winner against West Ham the previous week, has finally begun to realise his full potential.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," said former Lyon winger Malouda. "We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before."
He added: "This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player."

The pair hope to be tormenting the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

But after a majestic attacking display from Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba against Fulham, one of them may well lose out.

Anelka and Drogba both got on the score sheet while Kalou had to be content with a place on the bench and that is where the Ivorian may remain when the team is announced for return clash with the Spanish giants.

Chelsea have a slight advantage going into the second leg after their goalless draw in Spain, but Malouda and Kalou are in unison when it comes to revealing the impetus behind the team's desire to win the Champions League.

Malouda added: "For me, my emotion started at Lyon because we tried to win it but never passed the quarter-finals and now at Chelsea, we have a very good chance because our team is strong.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."

Chelsea reveal wings of desire

Chelsea's wing wonders have revealed how the heartache of losing last year's Champions League final is driving them on to win the trophy this season.

Florent Malouda, who scored one of the goals in their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, has flourished under Guus Hiddink's managerial tenure and Salomon Kalou, who popped up with the winner against West Ham the previous week, has finally begun to realise his full potential.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," said former Lyon winger Malouda. "We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before."
He added: "This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player."

The pair hope to be tormenting the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

But after a majestic attacking display from Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba against Fulham, one of them may well lose out.

Anelka and Drogba both got on the score sheet while Kalou had to be content with a place on the bench and that is where the Ivorian may remain when the team is announced for return clash with the Spanish giants.

Chelsea have a slight advantage going into the second leg after their goalless draw in Spain, but Malouda and Kalou are in unison when it comes to revealing the impetus behind the team's desire to win the Champions League.

Malouda added: "For me, my emotion started at Lyon because we tried to win it but never passed the quarter-finals and now at Chelsea, we have a very good chance because our team is strong.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."

Phillips fires Blues to promotion

Birmingham clinched automatic promotion to the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 win over Reading, condemning their hosts to the play-offs.

Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann gifted the visitors the lead in the 19th minute when Keith Fahey's curled effort from outside the box squirmed through his grasp and over the line.

Kevin Phillips doubled their lead on the hour but seconds later Marek Matejovsky reduced the deficit.
The result ended Sheffield United's hopes of sneaking into the automatic promotion places as their goalless draw at Crystal Palace had little effect on the standings.

Burnley join them in the play-offs following a 4-0 win over Bristol City, thanks to two Graham Alexander penalties either side of Wade Elliott's thunderous volley and a late fourth from Joey Gudjonsson.

Preston beat QPR 2-1 to grab the last play-off spot by virtue of having scored one more goal than promotion-rivals Cardiff.

Sean St Ledger scored the crucial 74th-minute winner after Patrick Agyemang had levelled matters following Jon Parkin's first-half strike.

That ensured final day heartbreak for Cardiff, who lost 1-0 at Sheffield United with Jermaine Johnson's stunning half-volley putting an end to their Premier League dreams.

Champions Wolves wrapped up their campaign with a 1-0 home win over Doncaster, with Richard Stearman's stoppage-time winner ensuring they take the title by seven points.

Reds cruise past Magpies

Liverpool pushed 10-man Newcastle closer towards the Coca-Cola Championship while keeping their own title hopes alive with a 3-0 win at Anfield.

Newcastle were outplayed as the Reds kept the pressure on leaders Manchester United with first-half goals from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt, and a late header from Lucas.

Newcastle's plight worsened when Joey Barton was sent off for a bad tackle on Xabi Alonso with 11 minutes left.