Football: Campbell charged over Derby `assault'

SOL CAMPBELL, the England defender, was yesterday charged with assaulting a steward at Derby County following Tottenham's first match under George Graham.

The steward, Rex Mundy, sustained a sprained thumb and a fractured bone in his right hand during a fracas in the players' tunnel after the final whistle at Pride Park on 3 October last year. Campbell has been released on police bail to appear before Derby City Magistrates on 1 March. Tottenham issued a statement saying that Campbell denied the charge.

The West Ham manager, Harry Redknapp, is giving Rangers' unhappy Italian striker, Marco Negri, the chance to revive his career. The Hammers' manager has also made an offer for Ipswich Town's David Johnson as he tries to spend the pounds 7.5m he will receive for John Hartson. Redknapp is taking Negri on trial with a view to a pounds 2m deal, and has the option of signing him on loan for the rest of the season. Negri has refused to play for Rangers since last term. Redknapp is willing to pay around pounds 3m for Johnson, but that may not be enough.

Redknapp is also having talks with Liverpool's right-back, Rob Jones, after watching him in action against Blackburn Rovers' reserves last night. The former England international is a free agent in the summer.

Alex Ferguson, the second longest-serving manager in the game following John Rudge's dismissal, is to be given a testimonial by Manchester United, which could mean another appearance for Eric Cantona. The match has been pencilled in for Friday 6 August.

Ferguson took his side to his former club, Aberdeen, last night to play a testimonial for Teddy Scott, the Dons' kit man. After a 1-1 draw, with Ronny Johnsen on target for United, the Old Trafford men lost a penalty shoot-out 7-6, but Ferguson will have been more concerned by a groin injury suffered by David Beckham which may rule the England midfielder out of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

Peter Beardsley could be about to move into management after Hartlepool parted company with Mick Tait. However, he insisted last night he was not interested in replacing his friend, who had brought him to Victoria Park at the turn of the year. The player-coach, Paul Baker, and Brian Honour, who runs the reserves, take over as caretaker managers.

Aston Villa are refusing to pay pounds 200,000 compensation to Brighton for Gareth Barry until they receive an explanation of how the figure was reached by an independent tribunal.

Dundee must bring their Dens Park ground up to Scottish Premier League requirements by 13 July or face the prospect of relegation.