FIFA Updates

LONDON, Aug 24 (Reuters) – United States coach Bob Bradley
said on Tuesday he wanted to work in the Premier League and
would be interested in managing Aston Villa.

Bradley’s name has been on a list of possible candidates to
take over since Martin O’Neill quit days before the start of the
Premier League season.

“I would love to have a discussion and hear more,” the
52-year-old American said in an interview with Sky Sports News.

Bradley, who steered the U.S. to the second round at the
World Cup finals in South Africa, said he was keen to test
himself in the Premier League, calling it the best league in the
world.

“The possibility of working in the Premier League at some
point would be a goal for sure,” he said.

However, he said there had been no contact from Villa or the
club’s American owner Randy Lerner.

“Everyone knows that for the moment Kevin MacDonald is the
caretaker manager and the first step is for a decision to be
made with him. He’s a good man,” Bradley said.

“As a manager the first thing you always want to have is
respect for other managers.

“I know the reputation Kevin MacDonald has within the club
and first things first, (there needs to be a) decision in terms
of his future.

“Aston Villa is a tremendous club. They have such a strong
following, so that would be a club that I think anyone would
have an interest in.”

MacDonald, thrust into the Villa Park hot seat, began with a
3-0 defeat of West Ham United and a 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna
in the Europa League but Villa suffered a 6-0 hammering by
promoted Newcastle United on Sunday.

Bradley, whose son Michael plays in Germany with Borussia
Moenchengladbach, has never coached outside the U.S.

“I feel I have the ability to work in Europe and it’s
something I’d like to do in my career,” he said. “I’m excited
about that possibility whenever it comes and wherever it comes.”

No American has ever managed in the top flight of English
football.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Clare Fallon; To query
or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

David Beckham “has no interest” in joining West Ham United and is happy playing for the LA Galaxy, his spokesman has said.

West Ham co-owner David Gold had previously said that Beckham had promised to think about signing for the Hammers, but Beckham’s camp have moved quickly to deny those claims.

“Whilst it’s flattering to hear of interest there has been no contact with or offer from West Ham,” Beckham’s spokesmen told the Press Association.  

“David is happy at the Los Angeles Galaxy and has no interest in leaving, and is looking forward to returning to the team on August 9.”

Beckham, 35, spent part of last season on loan at Italian giants AC Milan is close to completing his recovery from the ruptured achilles that scuppered his chance of making it to a fourth World Cup this summer.

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