By Chris Kirwan
May 13 2003

Moyes is a winner, Wright's been dumped, the board are off on a jolly to the South of France and more rubbish. It's not only 'desktop Davey' that gets you the latest news...

Wright left out. Well Sven might have ignored Moyes’ request to leave Rooney out of the England squad, but he has given Richard Wright the opportunity to head back to Suffolk for his summer holidays. Wright has been inconsistent form of late, going from being dire against Fulham to fantastic against United. But the real kick in the teeth comes with the news that it is Ian Walker who will replace the bum-chinned goalie. Perhaps the television companies want to keep the interest in Gianfranco Zola going by showing Walker being beaten ‘at the near stick’ at Wembley. More realistically, the fact England will be playing at the Walkers Stadium may have something to do with it.

Moyes voted best by his peers. Moyes was given the accolade by the managers' union the League Managers' Association for his efforts this season. The football writer’s award is announced soon, but I’d give that to Sir Bobby Robson. A lot of people have forgotten that Newcastle were in the title running until back-to-back losses at Goodison and to Manchester United, and that they were only just pipped to a Champions League quarter final spot by Internazionale. I don’t particularly like Newcastle, but Sir Bobby’s worked wonders.

Blues to start Yobo talks and Caldwell to arrive? “Everton fly out for Yobo talks” and “Blues set sights on Caldwell”
Yobo was excellent again in his preferred role in the centre of the defence on Sunday. If the Blues are to build on this season they need to acquire good, young players. We’ve had plenty of good short-term ‘oldies’ in the shape of Gough and Stubbs, but the time has come to try and nurture a centre back to command the side for seasons to come. I don’t know about Caldwell though, why get him in to sit on the sidelines if we have a good prospect in Clarke?

Other gubbins.Rodrigo’s gone back to Brazil. Teamtalk report we’re playing Rochdale in pre-season ("Dale to face Everton"). McLeod has been offered a one-year extension to his contract. Liverpool are on a plateau apparently.