With his double-winners and World Cup heroes wandering past, the very idea seemed ludicrous, but the champions’ failure to sign Patrick Kluivert because of a refusal to meet his personal terms has brought back memories of George Graham’s failure to build on the championships of 1989 and ‘91. IT WAS put to Arsene Wenger this week, as he relaxed in the Hertfordshire sunshine after taking training, that Arsenal had not progressed in seven years. Kozminski said the clubs had dropped their demand that Dziurowicz quit, and were instead demanding he recognise the new league.. He offered to compromise by agreeing not to stand for re-election in November – but this failed to satisfy the clubs, who will strike again this weekend.The strike only covers First Division games, with Polish teams still playing in European matches. Many Polish clubs rely on selling players abroad to keep themselves from bankruptcy.The clubs also want to supervise the work of referees, after media charges that officials were accepting bribes to influence results.Most First Division clubs refused to play last weekend in a bid to force Dziurowicz’s resignation. The lawyers from both sides are working on the details of the contract to set up this league.” Kozminski has been appointed temporary vice-president of the new body.It was reported that the clubs are demanding the right to schedule fixtures, negotiate sponsorship and television deals and keep most of the money earned from transfers The PZPN currently keeps a large slice of transfer earnings.

The new league has to be established with the agreement of the PZPN, as an outright rebellion would draw the wrath of world football authorities, who would ban clubs and players from both European club and international competitions.Zbigniew Kozminski, the president of Wislaw Krakow said: “The issue for us now is to create a league independent of the PZPN and to get as much power in our hands as possible. POLAND’S LEADING clubs have set up a breakaway league in a bid to win greater financial freedom from their football federation, the PZPN, a top club official said yesterday. The Independent Polish League – which will still be under the auspices of the PZPN – is being created by 15 of the 16 clubs in the First Division in order to marginalise the PZPN president, Marian Dziurowicz, who is locked in dispute with the government.
They were joined by 18 of the 29 Second Division clubs in a sweeping revolt against Dziurowicz’s autocratic management style and the tight grip PZPN holds over the finances of Polish football. “There are never any easy games and it’s wrong to talk as if there is,” Todd said.”The players at this club have the ability but we can’t afford to take our foot off the accelerator and get dragged down to other teams levels.”Grimsby’s record signing Lee Ashcroft, who joined for pounds 500,000 from Preston, is set to make his debut in their opening away fixture.and could partner Jack Lester in attack.The Barnsley striker Ashley Ward makes a return to Gresty Road after spending more than two seasons with Crewe.. Darren Williams replaces injured Lee Clark in midfield.Scott Sellars is struggling to make Bolton’s game against Grimsby at the Reebok Stadium because the midfielder has a thigh strain.Per Frandsen and Andy Todd return after suspension as their manager, Colin Todd, urged caution among his ranks. For Sunderland, striker Danny Dichio will revert to the substitutes’ bench now that Niall Quinn has recovered from a back problem.

We played well at Sheffield United in the second half and if we can that again then we have a chance.”Hall faces a late fitness test on a leg injury while striker Chris Hay is struggling with a groin strain. “But I have no regrets at leaving and I feel confident we can do something. The 21-year- old followed the example of his captain, David Holdsworth, after he also signed a four-year contract this week as Bruce bids to build a squad capable of reaching the Premier League.
“I’m obviously delighted that he has committed himself to me and the club,” Bruce said.”Wayne is undoubtedly one of the brightest young prospects around, and it is great to have him – and David Holdsworth – committed to long-term deals.”United will keep the same side which beat both Swindon and Darlington in their last two games.The Italian midfielder Mario Bortolazzi is set to be on the West Bromwich Albion bench after joining this week on a free transfer from Genoa.The Swindon defender Gareth Hall is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances when former club Sunderland visit the County Ground.”It will be strange to play against my old team-mates,” Hall said. The left wing-back Wayne Quinn has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at Bramall Lane to end speculation about his future. A proposed pounds 3.5m move to Middlesbrough broke down during the summer, when he failed a medical because of the problem with his ankle His replacement in the squad will be named on Monday..