Our police on duty in Russia

THE 2018 World Cup in Russia is set to have British police officers on duty. Authorities in the UK expect the Russian police to make a formal request for help within the next three weeks. The idea will be for Britain to send a team of officers who are already familiar with the behaviour of English fans. Britain’s senior football officer, deputy chief constable Mark Roberts, warned before Christmas: ‘There is an active hooligan issue in Russia and it generally operates at a pretty extreme level of violence.’ Roberts also said England fans will be seen as laying down a challenge if they sing nationalistic songs. Once Russia have sent their request to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office will be expected to give the green light. These football-specific officers are called spotters. The size of the team sent will be kept secret for security reasons.

DERBY boss Gary Rowett has signed a new contract, ending the uncertainty over his future. The 43-year-old was linked with the Stoke job after Mark Hughes was sacked on Saturday. However, Rowett yesterday signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal, just 10 months after he was appointed. He said: ‘I am looking forward to the future and helping guide Derby back to the Premier League.’