Weekend Review

 Friday


Doncaster Rovers 0 - 3 Leeds United @ The Keepmoat Stadium


Dean Saunders' unbeaten run as Doncaster Rovers manager came to an abrupt halt on Friday night as Leeds United thumped his side 3-0.

Danny Pugh celebrates the opening goal in a 3-0 win for Leeds United at The Keepmoat Stadium.


Goals from Danny Pugh, Ross McCormack and Tom Lees condemned Rovers to their sixth defeat of the season and halted their progression out of the relegation places in The Championship.




Bristol Rovers 5 - 2 Rotherham United @ The Memorial Stadium


Rotherham's recent miserable run of form continued as Bristol Rovers ran out 5-2 winners at The Memorial Stadium on Friday night. Bristol were 3-0 up after half an hour, but were pegged back by two goals from Rotherham after the break. 

          Scott McGleish sends Bristol Rovers on their way to an emphatic 5-2 win over The Millers.


Guy Branston was making a starting return for The Millers after signing from Bradford City on loan for a second spell with the club. His debut was brought to a swift end in the second half however when he was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge. This led to two more goals for Bristol, who inflicted Rotherham's fourth straight defeat in League Two.






Saturday


Portsmouth 2 - 0 Barnsley @ Fratton Park


A managerless Portsmouth side greeted Keith Hill's Barnsley at Fratton Park, after Steve Cotterill left to take the vacant post at Nottingham Forest on Friday night. 

              Luke Varney grabs a second and ultimately three points for Managerless Portsmouth.


A wonderful strike from David Norris sent Pompey on their way in the second half, before former Sheffield Wednesday striker Luke Varney clinched three points for the home side and inflict Barnsley's first defeat in eight games.






Sunday


Sheffield United 2 - 2 Sheffield Wednesday @ Bramall Lane


It was a tale of two halves at Bramall Lane in the 126th Steel City Derby. United started the brighter of the two sides and were ahead early on afetr Stephen Quinn converted in off the post in front of the Kop. 


The Blades went into half time two goals to the good after Ched Evans latched onto a free kick and headed home into the near post.

                        Ched Evans doubles United's lead at Bramall Lane in the first half.


Sheffiled Wednesday responded in the second half but had to wait until the 84th minute to make a reply. Chris O'Grady getting his first goal for The Owls after heading Rob Jones' flick on in off the bar.


The equalizer came from the League's top goalscorer Gary Madine, who controversially out-jumped United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen to head home a point for Gary Megson's side, who are now five games unbeaten in the league.

                    The Wednesday bench celebrates after Gary Madine's late leveller at The Lane.

Blackpool Boys Join Blades

Blackpool midfielder Matt Phillips and striker Billy Clarke have both joined Sheffield United today on an emergency one month loan deal.

Clarke, 24, has made just four starts this season, whilst Phillips, 20, has hardly featured at all for The Seasiders.

Phillips and Clarke are expected to deputise for United on Sunday against Wednesday.

Manager Ian Holloway was more than happy for his players to seek first-team football at Bramall Lane and told the BBC;


"I want Matt (Phillips) to regain the total confidence he had in himself last year. Wherever I played him he was great.

"He scored from right-back against Blackburn. He played right wing at Manchester City and ripped their left-back apart, but he doesn't look quite the same at the moment.

"As for Billy (Clarke), I believe he needs to regain confidence in his body. He has spent a whole year getting over an injury and he is probably in a worse mental state than all of us because he never even kicked a ball in the Premier League and we are out of it again. 

"I don't think it will take him long to get his sharpness and belief back."

The duo are expected to be thrown straight into the mix in Sunday's Steel City Derby when Sheffiled Wednesday make the short trip across the city to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Millers Land Defensive Duo

Rotherham United today completed the loan signings of Guy Branston and Jon Harley from Bradord city and Notts County respectively.

The pair are eligible to play tonight away at Bristol Rovers and are expected to be included in the starting line-up.

New defensive duo: Branston and Harley join The Millers on emergency short-term loans.

Millers boss Andy Scott opted to bring Guy Branston back to Rotherham United after previously playing under Ronnie Moore between 1999 - 2004. He signs on an emergency three-month loan from fellow League Two outfit, Bradford City, who he joined in the summer.

Jon Harley joins on an emergency one-month loan deal from League One Notts County. The former Chelsea and Sheffield United man is keen to get some games under his belt after losing his place at Notts County under Manager Martin Allen.

Steel City Sunday: The Preview

Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday @ Bramall Lane (Sunday, 12pm KO)

Here it is. The big one.


Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday go head-to-head for the first time this season, and for the first time in the new Millennium when both clubs have been in the third tier of English Football.


A sold out Bramall Lane (and 8,000 watching a special 'Beam Back' at Hillsborough) will play witness to what is predicted to be a real cracker of a game, which is getting harder to call as the week goes on.


There are so many elements to consider in this game. Former Owls player and manager Danny Wilson is now the man in the hot seat at Bramall Lane, who will be experiencing his first game against Wednesday as United boss on Sunday. 


Gary Megson is another former player, now of course, the manager. It is Megson's side who have the upper hand in this fixture in terms of form, but as we all know, form counts for nothing in this local derby.

Last time at the Lane: Jamie Ward gives United the lead at The Lane, as The Blades win 3-2.

Last time at Hillsborough: Darren Potter fires Wednesday into the lead in the 1-1 draw.


Our bloggers:


Paul, Sheffield United;

"It’s the biggest match for the fans and the biggest match League One will ever see. 

"Some of my best friends are Wednesday fans and I’m sure they will give me a right hammering if they win, but it would only be the same the other way round.

"They say that the formbook goes out of the window when it comes to these games; I really hope this is true because we are certainly not in form and they are. 

"I'd like to think that we are at home and that gives us the edge but ask Huddersfield and Charlton about our home form. The Blade in me thinks we will win, the brain says I'd be happy with a draw.

"I’m saying 2-1 to the Blades..."

Read Paul's thoughts on the Sheffield United page: 
http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-united.html

Don, Sheffield Wednesday;

"I genuinely fancy us on Sunday and how could I not based on our start to the season?

"I was speculative about the Owls' start to the season, but ultimately positive and that positive feeling has done nothing but grow!

"Going into the game on Sunday at Bramall Lane is going to be electric! Sheffield literally focuses on nothing else. Everyone talks about if for weeks no matter what the context, whether you're an avid fan or a member of the Emergency Services, the city really does stop for Derby day. 

"I just can't call it and by the looks of things, neither can anyone else. Playing Devil's advocate allows me to be synical and say; 'We are due a defeat' but the Owl on my shoulder says; 'We can continue an unbeaten run'..." 


Read Don's thoughts on the Sheffield Wednesday page: http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-wednesday.html

Key men:

Player: Harry Maguire

Team: Sheffield United   

Position: Defence

Young Harry McGuire will get his first taste of a Steel City derby on Sunday after graduating from United's youth set-up last season. He has been ever-present at the back for The Blades this season and will be thoroughly tested on Sunday against Wednesday's front line.

Player: Rob Jones

Team: Sheffield Wednesday 

Position: Defence

Lifelong Owl Rob Jones was handed the captaincy by Gary Megson in the summer and has helped shape the core of Wednesday's back line this season so far. This is also his first Steel City Derby.

Player: Nick Montgomery      

Team: Sheffield United

Position: Midfield

Despite being rule out due to injury recently, Nick Montgomery is tipped to make an early return to the side for the visit of Wednesday on Sunday. His experience in this particular fixture could prove vital for Wilson's side.

Player: Jose Semedo

Team: Sheffield Wednesday

  

Position: Midfield

Owls midfielder Jose Semedo has been the key man in midfield so far this season, after breaking joining from Charlton in the summer. He could be the key to an Owls win on Sunday.

Player: Ched Evans

Team: Sheffield United

Position: Forward

Ched Evans has had a summer to forget at Sheffield United after relegation to League One and a court case to boot. But his return to the side has proved to be a real source of goals for The Blades which they'll need to overcome their Steel City rivals.

Player: Gary Madine

Team: Sheffield Wednesday

Position: Forward


Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine goes into this game as the League's top goal scorer with ten out of ten games. His ability to hold the ball up and find the back of the net will be crucial for The Owls on Sunday.

Weekend Preview

Doncaster Rovers vs. Leeds United @ The Keepmoat Stadium (7.45pm KO, Friday)

Rovers boss Dean Saunders has a plethora of new faces to show-off at The Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night, as his Doncaster Rovers team face Leeds United in front of the Sky Sports cameras.


New loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could deputise in goal for Rovers, who could also hand a debut to Pascal Chimbonda in the back four.

Big names: Chimbonda and Kirkland could debutise tomorrow night for Doncaster Rovers against Leeds.




The recent partnership of John Parkin and Billy Sharp looks promising for Doncaster, who will be looking to get one over their Yorkshire rivals after the recent defeat to Leeds in the Carling Cup.

Leeds are currently mid-table in The Championship after going unbeaten in their last three games, winning 1-0 at home to Portsmouth last time out at Elland Road. 




Portsmouth vs. Barnsley @ Fratton Park

Barnsley are in fine form in The Championship recently and will travel to face Portsmouth on Saturday believing they pick up back-to-back wins in the league. Veteran striker Andy Gray has led the line superbly in recent games and the form of young captain Jacob Butterfield seems to be improving with every game. 


The bad news for The Tykes going into the game at Fratton Park is the loss of midfielder David Perkins, who will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Former Colchester midfielder, Perkins, will be missing on Saturday for The Tykes.


One distraction for the home side could be the speculation over the future of their boss Steve Cotterill, who has been linked with the vacant post at Nottingham Forest since Steve McClaren left the club. Former Tykes boss Mark Robins has also been linked with the job at the City Ground.






Bristol Rovers vs. Rotherham United @ Memorial Stadium (7.45pm KO, Friday)

Rotherham United will be looking to finally put an end to their miserable recent run of just one win in their last six league games, scoring only once in the last three. Miller boss Andy Scott is still in the market for loan defenders after publicly critisising the back four in recent matches.


One man who has been in the firing line recently is Millers defender Tom Newey, but he told the Sheffield Star that the team is working hard to put things right;


“We are working very hard in training to put it right. It has not been easy because we have not had a settled back four.

“Saying that, it is not just the back four; it is the team. There were some individual errors we made at Port Vale and against Sheffield United but these things happen. No one means to make a mistake but we have to try and cut them out. I am very confident with the squad that we have got that we can turn the corner quickly.”

Millers defender Tom Newey believes Rotherham can turn the corner away at Bristol Rovers.

Bristol have lost the last two games themselves, but could go level on points with The Millers with a win. Rovers have struggled to adapt to life back in League Two following relegation from League One last season.

Saunders Signs Kirkland

Doncaster Rovers manager, Dean Saunders, clinched another signing coup yesterday when he snapped up former England keeper Chris Kirkland on loan from Wigan Athletic, subject to paperwork being completed and league clearance.

Kirkland was once the most expensive goalkeeper in British transfer history when he joined Liverpool for £6 million at the age of 20 in 2001.

He started his career at Coventry making his first team debut as a teenager and quickly shot to prominence as one of the most promising young keepers in the country.

The 6ft 3in Leicester born shot-stopper, now aged 30, won eight England Under 21 caps and went on to become a regular member of the senior squad making his debut against Greece in 2006.

Kirkland was unlucky with injury problems while at Anfield but joined Wigan permanently in October, 2006 and went on to make over 130 first team appearances.

His loan spell will last until January and he is eligible to play against Leeds United at The Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow night.

Result of the Weekend

Another 3 Goals, Another 3 Points for The Owls

Sheffield Wednesday 3 - 1 Chesterfield @ Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday overcame their local rivals Chesterfield at the weekend with an impressive 3-1 win. It's now six games unbeaten at Hillsborough for Wednesday, who moved up to second place in the league on Saturday.

The Owls started the brightest, and were rewarded after Lewis Buxton headed home from inside the penalty area from a set piece. Then early in the second half, Gary Madine fired home from 20 yards against the run of play, taking his personal tally into double figures, after managing 10 goals so far this season.

Gary Madine celebrates with team mates after his strike made it 2-0 to The Owls.

Chesterfield came back well however, enjoying the majority of possession late on as they looked to claw their way back. The pressured finally paid off, as former Owls striker Leon Clarke volleyed home from inside the box from a Spireites corner. 

John Sheridan's men were reduced to shots from outside the area as they tried desperately for the equaliser. But Wednesday always looked a threat on the counter attack, and they grabbed a late goal to seal the three points. Winger Ben Marshall on loan from Stoke claimed his second goal for the club after curling a superb effort into the bottom corner from the left hand side.

Loan midfielder Ben Marshall curled home the clincher late on to seal a 3-1 win.

Owls: Bywater, Buxton, Jones, Batth, Bennett, Lines, O'Connor (J Johnson 53), Semedo, Marshall, Madine (McGoldrick 90), O'Grady (Sedgwick 72).

Unused Subs: O'Donnell, Reynolds

Chesterfield: Fleming, Talbot, Howden, Downes, Grounds, Mendy, Allott (Whitaker 76) Randall, Westcarr (Bowery 46) Clarke, Morgan

Unused Subs: Smith, Clay, Ford

Weekend Preview

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Chesterfield @ Hillsborough

The Owls take on Chesterfield at Hillsborough on Saturday, in the first of two derby games in a row for Gary Megson's team.


Wednesday fans will be especially keeping an eye on the return of three familiar faces to S6. Ex-Owls midfield legend John Sheridan returns to Hillsborough and will, as always, get a good reception from the home crowd. The other two faces might not get such a rousing reception - former Chairman Dave Allen was always a controversial figure at Wednesday during his time there, despite his love for the club and the amounts of cash he injected into it. 


The other name is former Owls striker Leon Clarke, who scored on his final appearance for Wednesday in their final-day relegation battle with Crystal Palace in 2010. Clarke is currently on loan from Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town side, and has managed to notch five goals in his short time with The Spireites.

Spireites loan man Leon Clarke pictured scoring for The Owls in his last game at Hillsborough.

This could prove a potential banana skin tie for Wednesday, who will have one eye on the game against Sheffiled United at Bramall Lane next Sunday in the first Steel City derby of the season. But with an unbeaten record at home this season, Gary Megson's side should be favourites to continue their run and pick up the three points.


Rotherham United vs. Burton Albion @ Don Valley Stadium


The Miller's entertain Paul Peschisolido's Burton Albion at the Don Valley Stadium on Saturday and will be looking to bounce back after a poor run of recent results. The latest of which, was a harsh 2-1 home defeat at the hands of local rivals, Sheffield United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

 Andy Scott will be looking for a positive response after back-to-back league defeats.


Rotherham boss Andy Scott will be fully aware of the potential dangers posed by Burton Albion, who currently sit in 10th place in the league, just one point behind Rotherham in 8th, but will also see this fixture as a chance to distance themselves from the likes of Burton and climb back into the play-off places in League Two.


One danger is the form of League Two's top goalscorer, Justin Richards, The pacey forward already has eight goals to his name this season and poses a real threat up-front for The Millers defence.

Heartbreak for The Millers as Blades Snatch Late Win

Rotherham United 1 - 2 Sheffield United @ Don Valley Stadium


(Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Northern Section, Round 2)


A late goal from Sheffield United striker Ched Evans snatched a dramatic victory for Danny Wilson's men tonight as The Blades defeated local rivals, Rotherham United.


Chris Porter gave United an early lead after just 9 minutes at The Don Valley Stadium, but were pegged back in the second half thanks to Rotherham midfielder, Alex Revell.


It looked like the game would be heading for penalties, until up stepped Ched Evans in the last minute of added on time to slot home a dramatic winner for The Blades who go through to the third round.

BREAKING: Rovers Capture Ilunga

Doncaster Rovers today confirmed the signing of West Ham full back Herita Ilunga on an initial three-month loan deal.

The Congolese defender becomes Dean Saunders' second signing as Rovers boss after the capture of Pascal Chimbonda last week.

Ilunga featured in Sam Allardyce side's first four Championship games of the season, but has not played a league game since.

It is understood that West Ham will pay the majority of Ilunga's £33,000-per-week wages to facilitate the defender's move up north.

More to follow.

Midweek Preview

Tuesday: Rotherham United vs. Sheffield United @ Don Valley Stadium
(Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Round 2, Northern Section)

A South Yorkshire derby was drawn for the second round of the Football League Trophy as Sheffield United make the short trip across town to face Andy Scott's Rotherham United side.

Classic encounter: Neil Warnock's Sheffield United were victorious at Millmoor after a 2-1 win over The Millers in the 2002/2003 season in front of the Sky Cameras.


Millers boss Andy Scott said on Monday that he would ring the changes against The Blades after back-to-back defeats in the league. Blades manager Danny Wilson will most likely do the same, after suffering the same recent form as The Millers in League 1.

Result of the Weekend

Peterborough United 1 - 2 Doncaster Rovers @ London Road

Dean Saunders' third game in charge took place at London Road on Saturday as he and his Doncaster Rovers side went in search of some much needed points away from home.


Rovers have developed an unwelcome reputation as a side which struggle away from home in recent years and the start to this season has been no different.


However, Doncaster have clawed back some self belief and momentum after picking up four points from Saunders' first two games in charge against Crystal Palace and Hull City at The Keepmoat last week.

Saunders has steered Rovers to 7 points from three league games.




Things got off to what you might say is a typical start for Rovers though on Saturday, after going behind to an early goal from Posh midfielder, Grant McCann.


Peterborough had many chances, but failed to take them, which was soon to be their downfall.


In the second half, Rovers looked rejuvenated, and equalized through midfielder Brian Stock's 25 yard+ effort in front of the travelling support.


Then came the winner. Former Bury striker Kyle Bennett grabbing the headlines with a superbly taken individual goal, twisting and turning inside the box, before firing a shot into the bottom corner of the near post.


This first away win of the season takes Rovers out of the relegation places and up to 20th in the Championship table, a result which they may look back on as vital towards the end of the season.

3 wins, 2 defeats

Barnsley 2 - 0 Coventry City @ Oakwell

Barnsley were always looking like the favourites to win against Coventry City on Saturday and didn’t disappoint after a 2-0 victory. Andy Gray has been in fine goal scoring form recently for The Tykes, and it was he who managed to continue his run of form with two goals on Saturday to earn Barnsley their first home win of the season.

Keith Hill’s team are now unbeaten in seven league games and find themselves within touching distance of the play-off places in mid-table.

Andy Gray's brace grants Barnsley their first win at Oakwell this season.




Peterborough United 1 - 2 Doncaster Rovers @ London Road

The arrival of new boss Dean Saunders seems to have worked wonders for Doncaster Rovers, as they picked up their first away win of the season after coming from behind at London Road on Saturday.

Club captain Brian Stock levelled the scores, before former Bury striker Kyle Bennett sealed a memorable win with a clever finish late in the second half.

Rovers now have 7 points from 9 in the league and climb out of the early relegation places, moving up to 20th in The Championship.

Rovers pick up their first three points away from home at London Road.






Hartlepool United 0 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday @ Victoria Park

Sheffield Wednesday made it three wins on the bounce on Saturday, with an impressive 1-0 victory over the previously unbeaten, Hartlepool United.

Not only that, but it was also back-to-back away wins for Gary Megson’s side, who have struggled for points away from home in recent matches.

Defender Reda Johnson headed home the only goal of the game in the first half, which was eventually enough to move Wednesday up to 4^th in the league.

Reda Johnson's header gave Wednesday their third league win in a row.





Sheffield United 0 - 2 Charlton Athletic @ Bramall Lane

Sheffield United faced Charlton Athletic on Saturday in what was billed as a ‘Clash of the Titans’ in League 1, as both teams have become the eatly pace setters for promotion.

It ended in disappointment for The Blades however, as the London side ran out 2-0 winners at the Lane. Two goals in the second half killed off United, who failed to take their chances in the game, something which has been a problem in recent weeks.

This was the second league defeat on the spin for The Blades, who next face Rotherham United in the Johnstone’s Paint trophy, followed by Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby.

Bradley Wright-Phillips' 7th goal of the season condemned United to a 2-0 defeat.





Port Vale 2 - 0 Rotherham United @ Vale Park

Rotherham suffered another defeat on Saturday away at Port Vale. Former Barnsley striker Marc Richards did the damage as Vale ran out 2-0 winners. The Millers are now without a win in three games, and have slipped outside the play-off places into 8^th in League 2.

Former Barnsley striker, Marc Richards puts Port Vale ahead in their 2-0 win over The Millers.

Weekend Preview

We take a brief look at this weekend's games for our local sides;

Barnsley vs. Coventry City @ Oakwell

After 5 straight draws for Barnsley, Keith Hill's men will be looking for their first three points since winning away at Reading in August. The Tykes are yet to win at home this season, but will fancy their chances against the struggling Coventry City, who sit just outside the relegation places in The Championship.

                                    Barnsley are without a win at home so far this season.

Peterborough United vs. Doncaster Rovers @ London Road 

This looks like the first real test for Dean Saunders since taking charge at Doncaster Rovers, as he takes his side to newly-promoted, Peterborough United. Darren Ferguson's Posh team are notoriously tough to beat at home and are currently placed just outside the play-off places in the league. Rovers haven't won away on the road yet this season, but they will be buoyed after taking four points out of six in their last two games against Hull City and Crystal Palace at The Keepmoat.

                  Rovers have taken four points from their last two in The Championship.

Sheffield United vs. Charlton Athletic @ Bramall Lane

This a real clash of the titans at the top of League 1 this weekend as Sheffield United face table topping Charlton Athletic. It's difficult to pick a favourite for this game, as both teams have hit the ground running at the start of the season. Chris Powell's Charlton side have brought in many players over the summer and have gelled together remarkably quickly, whilst despite last week's defeat at Wycombe, Danny Wilson's first season in charge of The Blades has got off to the best of starts. One thing is for certain, whoever comes on top after 90 minutes will cement their position as real title contenders and favourites for promotion to The Championship.

    The Blades will be looking to bounce back from their defeat at Wycombe last week.

Hartlepool United vs. Sheffield Wednesday @ Victoria Park

Wednesday's away form will once again be at the forefront of Manager Gary Megson's mind as he takes his side to the North-East to face an unbeaten Hartlepool United side so far this season. The Owls picked up a 3-2 win over Yeovil last time on the road, their first away from Hillsborough this season, and will be looking to repeat the feat at Victoria Park. Keep in mind however, that in the same fixture last season, Wednesday thrashed Hartlepool 5-0. 

       Last time out, The Owls recorded a 5-0 win over Hartlepool at Victoria Park.

Port Vale vs. Rotherham United @ Vale Park

The Millers will be looking to get back on track in the league at Vale Park, after being hammered 4-0 at Don Valley by Southend United last weekend. Micky Adam's Port Vale side have only two wins at home this season so far, so Andy Scott's Rotherham will fancy their chances. Rotherham currently lie in the play-off places in League 2, just outside the automatic promotion places, whilst Port Vale sit in mid-table. The last time these teams faced off, The Millers ran out 5-0 winners at Don Valley on New Years' day back in January.

      The Millers will be looking to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat to Southend last week.

Rovers sign Chimbonda

Doncaster Rovers today completed the signing of former Spurs and Wigan defender, Pascal Chimbonda.


The French full back has signed a short-term deal with Rovers until January and goes straight into the squad to face Peterborough United at London Road on Saturday.


The 32-year-old ex-Premier League star played for about an hour at left back in the 3-2 win over a Chesterfield XI. He can also play centre back, but prefers the right back position.

             Chimbonda signs for Rovers as a Free Agent, after leaving QPR in April.


Chimbonda was born in Guadeloupe and began his career at Le Havre in France before transferring to Bastia.

He moved to Wigan in 2005 and was one of the stars of the Latics’ first season in the Premier League, missing only one league match.

At the end of the season he was named in the PFA team of the year for being the outstanding right back in the Premiership and also played in the League Cup Final where Wigan lost out to Manchester United.

Chimbonda joined Tottenham for £4.5 million in August 2006 and clinched a League Cup winners medal after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the 2008 final.

He returned to Tottenham following a spell at Sunderland and then joined Blackburn Rovers for a £2.5 million fee in August 2009.

His last club was Queens Park Rangers where he became a free agent after being released in April this year.

Chimbonda was selected for the French 2006 World Cup squad and has gained one cap for his country.