21.   Former French star Platini said he was dead set against timeouts, as was John Toshack, coach of Spanish first division side Deportivo de La Coruna.

22.   Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer was appointed Tuesday as manager of last-place first division side Stockport County.

23.   Francis, who was sacked by Birmingham in October, signed a four-year contract with the first division side.

24.   Former England coach Terry Venables was cleared of any wrongdoing Monday in the signing of three Australian players at English first division side Portsmouth.

25.   Former Liverpool and Denmark star Jan Molby reacted angrily Wednesday after being fired as manager of third division side Swansea.

26.   Former Liverpool star Ian Rush took his first step into management Wednesday by signing a one-year contract to become player-coach at second division side Wrexham.

27.   In another sign of the financial problems in English soccer, division one side Bradford City said Friday that trading in its stock had been suspended.

28.   J-League first division side Vegalta Sendai have signed a provisional contract with Brazilian midfielder Silvinho, team officials said Tuesday.

29.   Keegan, who transformed Newcastle from a struggling lower division side to Premier League giant, resigned as manager Wednesday in a move that shocked English soccer.

30.   Kevin Keegan took over as manager of second division side Fulham on Thursday after Ray Wilkins was fired.