2-0 defeat to Mexico

.

The result condemned Chris Coleman to defeat in his first game in charge after he took a background role for

February’s Gary Speed memorial match against Costa Rica

.

Ramsey remains confident Wales will be a force to be reckoned with when World Cup qualifying starts in September.

“Everything is still going in the right direction under Chris,” he said.

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“The experience of the heat and the atmosphere of the home fans will help us when we go to places like Croatia and Serbia in the qualifiers”

Aaron Ramsey
Wales captain

“Obviously, we will have to bounce back from this pretty quickly in the next camp but I’m sure we will do so.

“We can take some positives, but there’s a lot more that this team can do because we have shown over the last year what we are capable of doing.”

Goals late in each half from striker Aldo De Nigris gave Mexico victory in New Jersey on a day when Wales struggled with the heat and humidity.

Wales did not force Mexico goalkeeper Jesus Corona to make a single save during the 90 minutes, while opposite number Jason Brown produced a series of crucial saves.

The MetLife Stadium was less than half full for the friendly with the large majority of the 35,000 in attendance being Mexico fans.

Wales will face difficult trips to Croatia and Serbia during the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins against Belgium in September.

And Arsenal midfielder Ramsey believes the experience of being in front of a partisan crowd will help his side when it comes to those competitive fixtures.

“The experience of the heat and the atmosphere of the home fans will help us when we go to places like Croatia and Serbia in the qualifiers,” he said.

“Now we will be more used to that and we realise that we will have to keep hold of the ball much better in periods of the game and get a breather that way.

“We didn’t manage to do that. We ultimately paid the price and we were tired by the end.”

Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer may have acted unlawfully over a multi-million dollar TV rights contract.

Confidential memos obtained by BBC Sport from lawyers acting for Concacaf, the organisation that runs football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, allege that Blazer is attempting to claim more than $7m (£4.5m) in unpaid commissions for TV rights and sponsorship deals.

The Republic of Ireland international defender is yet to meet his new boss as he is away on Euro 2012 duty.

But, on the day Solbakken sits down to talk with his backroom team, Ward is already sold on the appointment.

“It’s probably what we needed. It did need freshening up,” he told

BBC WM.

“Getting relegated was a big wake-up call for a lot of people at the club.

“When Mick McCarthy departed, it was more the timing that shocked everybody. That’s why the latter part of the season was really tough for us all.

“But there’s no better way of freshening things up than bringing in somebody from a different culture and a different background.

“He’ll want his own style, to do things in his own way.”

After seeing out their final winless three months in the Premier League under Terry Connor, McCarthy’s short-term successor, it was always expected that there would be a new name on the manager’s door come the start of next season in August back in the Championship.

But it still took the dressing room by surprise three weeks ago when Solbakken was unveiled.

“It was a bit of a shock to the lads really,” added Ward. “There were other names mentioned, younger managers in and around the leagues looking for a bigger job. And I didn’t know a whole lot about him.

“But, looking at his CV and after hearing what he said to the lads, it looks a good appointment.

“He’s got vast experience and done really well at clubs he’s been at and he’s managed in the Champions League.

“The lads had a brief meeting with him and were really positive about the things he said.”

Although the players are now away for the summer, Solbakken is back at Wolves’ training ground this week for the first time since his appointment, to outline a few plans to his backroom staff.

That chiefly involves the shaping of his squad for next season, which still involves a query over the future of 36-year-old defender Jody Craddock, who has been invited back for pre-season training.

The club’s longest-serving player, signed by Dave Jones in 2003, has not played since early December against his old club Sunderland – Wolves’ last home win – because of a hamstring injury.

The offer was

posted on the club’s website 

shortly after 1330 BST on Tuesday.

Creditors have until midday on 13 June to file a claim, which will be followed by a 28-day cooling off period.

The CVA requires the approval of 75% or more in value of the creditors, and more than 50% in value of the members, voting on the resolution.

Rangers entered administration on 14 February and await the outcome of a First Tier Tax tribunal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh over unpaid taxes – the so-called “Big Tax Case”.

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“The consortium I am leading can only do so much to heal the wounds of the past, but we can do something about the future and that is where our main focus must lie.”

Charles Green
Preferred bidder for Rangers FC

A consortium fronted by businessman Charles Green has been afforded preferred bidder status as the Ibrox club attempts to exit administration via the CVA. If approved, the club would exit administration on 12 July.

A CVA enables companies to reach an agreement with creditors about how debts could be repaid and provides for partial or full repayment depending on what the company can reasonably afford to pay. Often, the alternative is for the company to be liquidated and the creditors may receive nothing.

“Today is an extremely important milestone for Rangers to begin the journey back to where the club belongs,” said Green in a statement issued by the club.

“As a leading sporting institution that can hold its head high both on the field and off it.

“I have great sympathy with creditors, particularly small local businesses in the community around Ibrox, who have suffered in the lead up to administration.

“However, I fervently hope that creditors will form the view that the best interests of everyone will be served by Rangers continuing as the successful club it is and recovering as a business in the forthcoming seasons.

“The consortium I am leading can only do so much to heal the wounds of the past, but we can do something about the future and that is where our main focus must lie. I hope creditors will approve this proposal and we can begin the task of rebuilding Rangers in earnest.”

The joint administrators believe that the CVA will ensure the continuation of the club “in its current corporate entity providing the maximum opportunity to avoid additional football regulatory sanctions”.

Crucially, the CVA document does not list a “pence in the pound” offer to creditors, which is the norm for a proposal of its kind – although BBC Scotland has established that the CVA offers unsecured creditors between 8-9p in the pound in a best case scenario, which does not take into account and potential liability arising from the “Big Tax Case”.

Although, the document makes it clear that there is a great deal of uncertainty as to when creditors would know the exact figure they would be offered.

“The final amount available to creditors could be in excess of £25m, depending on the outcome of litigation. The precise amount will not be known for some months,” it said.

Duff Phelps claim the income to cover the CVA will come from £8.5m pledged by Green’s consortium, income from litigation, and debts owed to Rangers from player transfers. The club is currently suing the law firm Collyer Bristow, which represented the current Ibrox owner Craig Whyte during his takeover last May.

Whyte’s company, The Rangers FC Group Ltd is listed as holding a fixed charge over the club’s current assets, but the amount due is unconfirmed.

Administrators Duff Phelps have accrued operating charges and legal fees of over £5.5m and hold secure creditor status. The finance firm Ticketus is owed £26.7m, while HMRC is owed £21.5m in unpaid PAYE tax and National Insurance.

Green’s pledge of £8.5m and the income Rangers claim they are owed would raise the potential CVA pot to just over £10.5m, which would be used to pay the administrators’ bill and pay off the creditors.

However, the CVA document makes it clear the money pledged by Green is a loan to be repaid with interest by the end of 2020.

The total amount of money owed to unsecured creditors is listed as over £55m. The Glasgow club also owes football debts totalling £3.5m to 14 different clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea, Celtic, Dundee United, Orebro and Rapid Vienna.

Fees are also due to the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football League and the SFA amounting to £37,448.

Among the other amounts listed in the 60-page document include £8,341 to St Andrew’s First Aid and £17.28 to the Sports Turf Research Institute. Strathclyde Police is owed £51,882 and £238 is due to Glasgow Taxis Ltd.

The document posted on the Rangers website lists among the club’s current assets as Ibrox stadium, the training ground at Murray Park, player contracts, membership of the Scottish Football Association, the company’s share in the Scottish Premier League, intellectual property rights, stock, plant and equipment and cash at bank, amounts owed to the club and outstanding player transfer fees.

Three scenarios are presented in the proposal, which include exiting administration via CVA; liquidation; and the formation of a “newco”.

The striker, 22, scored 21 goals for the Clarets last season.

A host of Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Everton, Wigan and Norwich, are still hopeful of signing the forward, who has also been the subject of a bid from Cardiff.

The Clarets have refused to comment but BBC Radio Lancashire reports that the Southampton bid has been accepted.

Rodriguez, who was named in the Championship team of the year by the Professional Footballers’ Association last month, is currently on holiday and a deal is not thought to be imminent.

Last month Southampton manager Nigel Adkins said he was

already looking for players to improve his squad after they were promoted to the Premier League.

Burnley-born Rodriguez started his career at his hometown club, scoring 41 goals in 128 appearances overall. He has made one appearance for the England under-21 side.

Garry Cook resigned as chief executive in September

over claims he emailed Nedum Onuoha’s cancer-suffering mother mocking her illness.

American Glick will leave Pride Park to take up the role with the Premier League champions in August.

City hope Glick will help the club “rapidly realise its ever-increasing commercial opportunities”.

Glick worked in minor league baseball and the NBA in his homeland before joining the Rams in 2008.

He said: “This is an exciting time for all connected with City, and I am looking forward to joining and helping to drive the club’s off-field development on its future journey.”

Garry Cook resigned as chief executive in September

over claims he emailed Nedum Onuoha’s cancer-suffering mother mocking her illness.

American Glick will leave Pride Park to take up the role with the Premier League champions in August.

City hope Glick will help the club “rapidly realise its ever-increasing commercial opportunities”.

Glick worked in minor league baseball and the NBA in his homeland before joining the Rams in 2008.

He said: “This is an exciting time for all connected with City, and I am looking forward to joining and helping to drive the club’s off-field development on its future journey.”

The deal,

revealed four months ago by chairman Sir John Madejski,

sees Thames Sports Investment, owned by Zingarevich, acquire 51% of the club.

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“A 51% acquisition by Thames Sports Investment has now been completed, complying with all Premier League and Football League requirements”

Reading FC

Initially, the takeover was predicted to be completed soon after the January announcement, but

the Royals’ Premier League promotion

delayed the procedure.

“We now enter another bright new era,” read a statement from the club.

The deal is concluded exactly six weeks to the day since Reading manager Brian McDermott guided his side to automatic promotion from the Championship.

Playing in the top division of English football for at least the 2012/13 campaign will increase the Royals’ revenues.

By reaching the top flight, Reading’s takeover

required additional Premier League approval,

which has only just been forthcoming.

“A 51% acquisition by Thames Sports Investment has now been completed, complying with all Premier League and Football League requirements,” read a club statement.

As well as the change in ownership, Reading also announced a reshuffle in the boardroom.

“Four additional directors have been added to the Reading Football Club board chaired by Sir John Madejski, namely Anton Zingarevich, Christopher Samuelson, Andrew Obolensky and chief executive Nigel Howe. Ian Wood-Smith also remains a director.”

The offer was

posted on the club’s website 

shortly after 1330 BST on Tuesday.

Creditors have until midday on 13 June to file a claim, which will be followed by a 28-day cooling off period.

The CVA requires the approval of 75% or more in value of the creditors, and more than 50% in value of the members, voting on the resolution.

Rangers entered administration on 14 February and await the outcome of a First Tier Tax tribunal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh over unpaid taxes – the so-called “Big Tax Case”.

Continue reading the main story

“The consortium I am leading can only do so much to heal the wounds of the past, but we can do something about the future and that is where our main focus must lie.”

Charles Green
Preferred bidder for Rangers FC

A consortium fronted by businessman Charles Green has been afforded preferred bidder status as the Ibrox club attempts to exit administration via the CVA. If approved, the club would exit administration on 12 July.

A CVA enables companies to reach an agreement with creditors about how debts could be repaid and provides for partial or full repayment depending on what the company can reasonably afford to pay. Often, the alternative is for the company to be liquidated and the creditors may receive nothing.

“Today is an extremely important milestone for Rangers to begin the journey back to where the club belongs,” said Green in a statement issued by the club.

“As a leading sporting institution that can hold its head high both on the field and off it.

“I have great sympathy with creditors, particularly small local businesses in the community around Ibrox, who have suffered in the lead up to administration.

“However, I fervently hope that creditors will form the view that the best interests of everyone will be served by Rangers continuing as the successful club it is and recovering as a business in the forthcoming seasons.

“The consortium I am leading can only do so much to heal the wounds of the past, but we can do something about the future and that is where our main focus must lie. I hope creditors will approve this proposal and we can begin the task of rebuilding Rangers in earnest.”

The joint administrators believe that the CVA will ensure the continuation of the club “in its current corporate entity providing the maximum opportunity to avoid additional football regulatory sanctions”.

Crucially, the CVA document does not list a “pence in the pound” offer to creditors, which is the norm for a proposal of its kind – although BBC Scotland has established that the CVA offers unsecured creditors between 8-9p in the pound in a best case scenario, which does not take into account and potential liability arising from the “Big Tax Case”.

Although, the document makes it clear that there is a great deal of uncertainty as to when creditors would know the exact figure they would be offered.

“The final amount available to creditors could be in excess of £25m, depending on the outcome of litigation. The precise amount will not be known for some months,” it said.

Duff Phelps claim the income to cover the CVA will come from £8.5m pledged by Green’s consortium, income from litigation, and debts owed to Rangers from player transfers. The club is currently suing the law firm Collyer Bristow, which represented the current Ibrox owner Craig Whyte during his takeover last May.

Whyte’s company, The Rangers FC Group Ltd is listed as holding a fixed charge over the club’s current assets, but the amount due is unconfirmed.

Administrators Duff Phelps have accrued operating charges and legal fees of over £5.5m and hold secure creditor status. The finance firm Ticketus is owed £26.7m, while HMRC is owed £21.5m in unpaid PAYE tax and National Insurance.

Green’s pledge of £8.5m and the income Rangers claim they are owed would raise the potential CVA pot to just over £10.5m, which would be used to pay the administrators’ bill and pay off the creditors.

However, the CVA document makes it clear the money pledged by Green is a loan to be repaid with interest by the end of 2020.

The total amount of money owed to unsecured creditors is listed as over £55m. The Glasgow club also owes football debts totalling £3.5m to 14 different clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea, Celtic, Dundee United, Orebro and Rapid Vienna.

Fees are also due to the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football League and the SFA amounting to £37,448.

Among the other amounts listed in the 60-page document include £8,341 to St Andrew’s First Aid and £17.28 to the Sports Turf Research Institute. Strathclyde Police is owed £51,882 and £238 is due to Glasgow Taxis Ltd.

The document posted on the Rangers website lists among the club’s current assets as Ibrox stadium, the training ground at Murray Park, player contracts, membership of the Scottish Football Association, the company’s share in the Scottish Premier League, intellectual property rights, stock, plant and equipment and cash at bank, amounts owed to the club and outstanding player transfer fees.

Three scenarios are presented in the proposal, which include exiting administration via CVA; liquidation; and the formation of a “newco”.

Lions’ striker Josh McQuoid, a former Bournemouth player, will return to the Seward Stadium as part of the player plus cash deal worth around £750,000.

The Cherries signed Malone, 21, from Premier League Wolves for £150,000 last December following a loan spell.

The 22-year-old McQuoid scored ten goals in 69 appearances for Bournemouth during his first period with the club.

However he has has made just 12 appearances since joining Millwall for £550,000 in January 2011, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley.

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett

told the club’s website: 

“Scott will give us an option and some freshness down the left-hand side.

“He can play wide left and left-back, has a good assist record as well as the goals he scores.”