Neck injury puts an end to Kidd's career

Preston's Ryan Kidd has been forced to retire because of a neck injury that could have left him crippled. Kidd was sent to see a neurologist yesterday after feeling a recurrence of the problem in last week's game with Barnsley.

The defender felt pins and needles in his arm when he headed a ball and immediately came off. Kidd, who needed to have a disc removed from his back two seasons ago, has been told to hang up his boots rather than risk serious damage.

Manchester City have completed the £1.5m signing of the French midfielder Christian Négouai. The 23-year-old, who had two years of his contract with Belgian side Charleroi to run, at 6ft 4in adds much needed height to City's diminutive midfield. He is set to make his debut at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Willie Donachie is poised to leave Manchester City's management team and become the No 2 at Sheffield Wednesday when Terry Yorath officially takes over at Hillsborough.

The former Walsall manager Chris Nicholl has returned to the club to take over as first-team coach.