Landon Donovan, one goal shy of becoming the all-time United States scoring leader, leads a young group of 26 players that will begin training camp Thursday ahead of a January 19 friendly with Sweden.

Special to PA SportsTicker

Francis Gillot has been appointed coach of French first division strugglers Sochaux, the club announced on Monday.

Although West Ham United put the
brakes on Manchester United’s title charge, the Londoners could
be back on Alex Ferguson’s Christmas card list if they do the
same to Arsenal on Tuesday (1500 GMT).

Chelsea manager Avram Grant urged
Michael Ballack on Monday to take added responsibility in the
absence of England internationals John Terry and Frank
Lampard.

Roy Hodgson, the new manager of Fulham, insisted Monday he had nothing to prove in English football after spending the bulk of his coaching career abroad.

New Fulham manager Roy Hodgson
said on Monday he felt no pressure to prove himself to the
club’s fans or English soccer as a whole as he prepared for a
daunting first game in charge against Chelsea on Tuesday.

Wednesday's Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death last weekend of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) announced here on Monday.

The Scottish Premier League match Wednesday between Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers was postponed Monday following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell over the weekend. Motherwell’s next two games had already been called off, but Celtic asked for Wednesday’s match to be rescheduled out of respect for its former player.

By Gavin McCafferty Special to PA SportsTicker