Football: Kendall `disappointed' by Johnson criticism

HOWARD KENDALL has hit back at the Everton chairman Peter Johnson - and accused him of a lack of professionalism - for rubbishing his signings when at the club.

Johnson had criticised the former Everton manager for the players he bought, but Kendall said: "It's a big disappointment when you read such matters and are accused of happenings last season. Not only am I disappointed to be seeing this about myself but, no doubt, so are the players who were mentioned at the meeting."

The Aston Villa manager, John Gregory, is considering an approach for Johan Mjallby, the Swede who scored the winning goal against England 10 days ago. Villa would have to pay around pounds 3m to AIK Stockholm to secure his services.

The Football Association has rejected reports that they have set a deadline for Glenn Hoddle to sign a new contract as England coach. "There is no question of any sort of ultimatum," an FA spokesman said.

The 37-year-old former England striker, Chris Waddle, has signed for Torquay United on a month-to-month basis. The former Liverpool goalkeeper, Bruce Grobbelaar, has been appointed caretaker coach of Zimbabwe for a regional cup tie against Zambia on 27 September.

Norwich City's captain, Matt Jackson, will be out of action for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage.