Football: Robson poised to manage Boro

BRYAN ROBSON is expected to begin a managerial career with Middlesbrough after a 10.30am press conference at Ayresome Park today.

Enthusiasm is already running high in that part of Robson's native North-east, with Boro fans confident the former England captain will emulate Kevin Keegan's success with Newcastle.

Simon Bolton, secretary of the supporters' club, said: 'Every fan I have spoken to regards Robson's arrival as a great move. Robson has the experience to improve the team and the personality to attract better players to the club.'

Mike Marsh looks to have played his last game for West Ham after less than one season with the club, the Hammers reluctantly agreeing to his transfer request yesterday. Marsh, whose wife has been unable to settle since his move from Liverpool, wants to return to the North-west. West Ham are asking pounds 1.5m.

Tony Daley's transfer to Wolves moved closer yesterday when he met his former Aston Villa manager, Graham Taylor, at Molineux. The clubs have agreed a fee of pounds 1.3m and Daley will announce his intentions after Villa's tour of South Africa, which starts tomorrow.

Wales, already without Ryan Giggs and Jeremy Goss for the friendly against Estonia in Tallinn next Monday, learned yesterday that Gary Speed will also be missing. The Leeds midfield player has damaged ankle ligaments.

The Football Association of Wales was in confusion last night after its chief executive, Alun Evans, was said to have resigned. Tommy Forse, a committee member, apparently reported Evans' resignation and said that he had 'done the right thing.' However, another committee member, John Deakin, said that he had spoken to Evans yesterday morning and had not been told that he had resigned.