FOOTBALL SHORTS

ALAN PARDEW has defended his decision to reinstate Jonny Evans as West Brom captain for tomorrow’s match against Huddersfield. Evans was one of four West Brom players accused of stealing a taxi after breaking curfew on a training camp in Barcelona. ‘This weekend he needs to prove to me, the fans and the club that he’s the right man to lead us,’ said Pardew.

ENGLAND’S friendlies against Holland in Amsterdam on March 23 and Italy at Wembley four days later are set to be played under the video assistant referee system in preparation for the World Cup.

FLEETWOOD have appointed John Sheridan, 53, as their new head coach until the end of the season. The League One side parted company with Uwe Rosler following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Doncaster.

WEST HAM defender Jose Fonte, 34, is joining Chinese side Dalian Yifang for £5million. The Portuguese defender has not featured for David Moyes this season.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE clubs have voted to bring forward the deadline for completing permanent deals in the summer transfer window to 5pm on August 9.