Dokter gets five more years at FAI to keep talent flowing

RUUD DOKTER has signed a five-year extension with the FAI to carry on his work as High Performance Director until the end of 2020. The Dutchman joined the Association three years ago and will continue to oversee the Player Development and Emerging Talent Programmes which were established last year and 2006 respectively. ‘There are many challenges ahead of us and we are focused on continuing to make improvements to the development of players in Ireland,’ he said. ‘We’ve achieved much already including rolling out the first two recommendations of the FAI Player Development Plan, improving the Emerging Talent Programme, and the completion of the Women’s Strategic Plan 2015-18.’

WEST HAM’S final match at Upton Park will now be against Manchester United on Tuesday, May 10. Slaven Bilic’s men were originally due to face Swansea in their farewell game after 112 years at the Boleyn Ground, but the involvement of either the Hammers or United in the FA Cup semi-finals next month has forced the Premier League clash between the two sides to be pushed back.

THE Merseyside derby at Anfield has been rearranged for April 20 — just days before Everton face either Manchester United or West Ham in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. ÷ NEIL LENNON has left Bolton by mutual consent. Lennon had grown increasingly frustrated after winger Liam Feeney was allowed to join Championship rivals Ipswich on loan.

AITOR KARANKA has insisted that he never wanted to leave Middlesbrough after the club announced he would continue as head coach. Karanka left unexpectedly after a team meeting last week but will resume his duties with immediate effect.

SOUTHAMPTON have successfully appealed against the red card shown to Sadio Mane at Stoke on Saturday.