Just six of the current Premier League clubs would be eligible to qualify for future European competitions after Uefa’s “financial fair play” rules are introduced on Thursday.

The European governing body’s executive committee is expected to approve the regulations which will mean clubs will only be able to enter the Champions League and Europa League from 2012-13 if they break even. In 2008-09, the most recent accounts available, 14 of the Premier League’s 20 clubs made substantial losses.

Uefa president Michel Platini has become increasingly concerned by the financial situation of some of the continent’s clubs and has made it his mission to rein in the “danger to football” of debt, overspending and “rampant commercialism”.

Clubs subsidised by loans from rich owners will also no longer be eligible for Europe under the new rules. Most clubs in the Premier League are funded by benefactors, most notably at Chelsea and Manchester City, whose losses of £47m and £93m were met by Roman Abromovich and Sheikh Mansour respectively.

Other big loss makers, Liverpool (£55m) and Aston Villa (£46m), would also be ineligible due to their present financial circumstances. Manchester United, crippled with bank loans that could top £1bn by 2017, made a profit only because of the £81m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

Owners will still be able to invest directly in their clubs, in return for shares (equity), to build solid infrastructure – such as stadium redevelopment, training grounds or youth academies – but lending money to fund transfers or player wages will be prohibited.

“We are not trying to level the playing field,” said a Uefa spokesman. “We want to make sure the middle-ranked clubs don’t go spending millions which they don’t have as they try to compete with the big clubs. The underlying principle is that clubs cannot repeatedly spend more than their generated revenues.”

The rules will be phased in, with club owners allowed to subsidise £38m (€45m) losses between 2012 and 2015 which will be reduced to £25.5m (€30m) over the following three years.

The Premier League, who has introduced new financial regulations in the light of Portsmouth’s meltdown, argued that clubs should still be allowed to be subsidise players’ wages but was overruled by Uefa’s insistence that the need to curb overspending is vital for the game’s survival.

“I told you it was vital for football and the future of our clubs that they should respect clear rules of the management of their finances,” Platini told Uefa’s congress in March. “I told you we will act because it is a question of ethics, a question of credibility and even a question of survival for our sport.”

On Tuesday, the Premier League admitted that its clubs will find it difficult to adjust to the new rules but acknowledged that clubs will have to reduce their spending in order to fall into line.

“The vast majority of what is being proposed is common sense, and has already [been], or is about to be, incorporated into Premier League rules,” a spokesman said. “If the regulations are to be introduced as reported, we envisage a difficult period of adjustment for our member clubs who play, or aspire to play, in European competitions.”

The Sunderland striker missed last night’s 3-1 win over Mexico at Wembley with a groin strain.

The 26-year-old has been unable to train over the past few days due to the problem and his involvment in England’s second friendly, to be played in Graz this weekend, is looking extremely doubtful.

Bent is widely expected to be the striker who drops out when Fabio Capello announces his final 23-man squad on 1 June with the Italian likely to stick with Wayne Rooney, Jermaine Defoe, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch.

“We only have one injured player in the squad, and that is Darren Bent,” confirmed the England manager.

“He was not fit enough to play, and was not fit enough to be named on the bench.

“We will have to wait and see what happens with him next. We will have to wait and see what the medical reports say. They will decide what happens.”

The UK industry as a whole does not contribute a massive amount of emissions: the equivalent to a town of 54,000 people annually.Yet it is still essential to recognise that an impact is being made.Emily Kay of Julies’ Bicycle, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of the whole music industry agrees. “It is very important” she says;“that habits have to change at a sector-wide level, as only then do we achieve the scale required to support shifts to lower carbon products services and activities.”

And the reasons to change aren’t just moral or environmental. There arethe financial incentives too. “There are a range of options for buildings and venues with insulation and energy use that may sometimes have a cost to start,”Kay explains“but could save a business money over a period of time. Some do not cost anything at all”.Those small spendings now help save large amounts in the future and allow organisations to run more smoothly and efficiently.

Kay suggests it’s also good for the corporate image and that the public prefer companies who are willing to try and make a difference, not one that does nothing or tries to cause more harm.“Consumers are becoming more aware of what they are buying and get involved in,”says Kay;“The music industry has the power to inspire people and that’s why it can play a particularly important role in demonstrating what a climate responsible industry should be doing. This in turn encourages people to think about their own lives and choices.”

So while companies like Gibson Guitars are being punished for using illegal smuggled wood for their instruments, there are organisations such as Julie’s Bicycle that have been founded with the intent to do research into the music industry’s carbon footprint, something which has been ignored up until now.“I believe that the industry can and it will change, and it will take steps to do this, and I believe Julie’s Bicycle will be at the fore-front of researching the methods and recommendations, as well as assisting these companies to do so,” Kay says.The reports they release form pioneeringresearch within the industry, their assessments and advice are the forefront of change within the industry.

Both large and small factors can make the difference. The inevitable decline in CD sales and the labels replanting trees for every CD sold means that the impact of their production is falling. But more can be done. Production of CDs and the jewel cases they are held in are the biggest contributors within the music industry, and this is an area where more can be done. “Currently it is still slightly more expensive to use card based packaging than to use a standard plastic jewel case, and it’s because the jewel case is ‘standard’.” Kay says;” By agreeing with the major labels and the biggest independent record label to a reduction of 10% of emissions, the bulk price of cardboard and other sustainable packaging options reduces because it is becoming the new standard, and jewel case prices will raise.”Replacing the plastic cases with the cardboard alternatives almost completely removes waste and emissions from the packaging stage.

And while the transport of the CD will rely on gas guzzling trucks until electric is the norm, the best move is to change the habits of the other major contributor: the fans.Public travel to attend the gigs is the second biggest area for music’s carbon footprint, with 97% of emissions from gigs coming from the fans getting to and from the venue. “I know as a fan when there is a band I want to see, I will travel to see that band any way that is the most efficient to me,” says Kay.

The public don’t like to be told how live their lives, but they have a collective conscience that wants to make the difference. Yet it’s important to try and get them to make the right choices without forcing those decisions upon them. Trying to convince the fans to walk to the shops to buy the music, getting them to car pool or get the bus, these are the keys to reducing the Carbon Footprint. But public opinion can’t be changed overnight, and the calls for change can’t come from one source. Kay explains: “Change is a mysterious and subtle process. People need to feel inspired not forced. For many it is about an imperceptible shift in what is ‘normal behaviour’. This means the examples and impulses need to come from many diverse sources.”

Festivals own a large part of the Carbon footprint. “ [We] want to encourage festivals,”she says, “To encourage major players to recommend and highlight the sustainable methods to fans.” It is a corporate responsibility, and providing coach and ticket packages to festivals, free bus shuttles from local stations is just part of the way to help the change. The Brixton Academy in London has made good headway with making a change. Interviewing the people attending to gain an idea of how they travel and including live public transport feeds on the website is a good start. But more needs to be done. Just one more person in a car can reduce CO2 emissions by 22%.

As with most things to do with the cutting edge of music technology, Radiohead’s name pop up as a shining light that all other bands ignore. Every aspect of their In Rainbows tour was meticulously planned and orchestrated to be eco-friendly: from the venues chosen with good public transport with bicycle parking instead of car and carrying a lighter equipment load by sea to using LED lighting powered by batteries. If it could be done, Radiohead did it.

Touring could soon be more carbon friend due to the work of Julie’s Bicycle: “I’m really happy to say that we are currently researching the Touring Industry as part of our newest research project,” Kay explains.

Meanwhile bands such as U2, who have been involved in many charitable events over the years, are touring the world seemingly oblivious to others efforts. Over the next two years their world tour, featuring the much-hyped ‘Claw’ will generate enough CO2 to have two return trips to Mars. That’s over 10% of the average emissions for the whole of the music industry.

What the future hold no one knows. Maybe new laws will be introduced. Maybe Bono will lose the Claw, maybe even CDs will be change to be made from cardboard. But whatever changes there are, Julies’s Bicycle will be there leading the way.

Dan Swinhoe

As the thrash revival continues along comes Sunderland’s Risen Prophecy, a band with enough scope and musical chops to rival, if not better, the UK’s other leading light Evile.
This four-piece isn’t subtle, they’re metal to bone, with songs like Damned Nation and the title track, denim and leather all the outfit of choice here and the more head banging and air guitar the better.
Opening with Persecutor, you’re hit with a barrage of 80s thrash riffs and it feels familiar without being rehashed or boring, it sounds like a classic track that you’ve only just found.
Throughout the album it’s obvious to see these are a talented bunch, the speed and time changes are really impressive and the vocals on here while not always being prefect, fit the music well, ranging from an angry bark to King Diamond style wail.
Justice… era Metallica is obvious with most of the songs clocking in at over 7 or 8 minutes, and more the most part they need to be to fit all the ideas in. it doesn’t feel rushed nor over stretched, the songs have time to breathe and you have time to enjoy them.
The centre point is Risen Prophecy, an 8 minute epic that encompasses all that the band can do; slow, fast, heavy, moody, it’s a classy song and shows these guys have real potential.
A lot of this album features Iron Maiden-esque chugging and Powerslave era is the easiest reference point, but rather than seeming like a rip off it’s a testament to how good british bands can really be.
It isn’t all retro though, modern Megadeth and Machine Head shine through in parts  and they they can do slow and grinding just as well as full pelt. The balance between old and new is just about right and it is a really enjoyable ride.

Neil Lennon gave himself a fighting chance of landing the Celtic job on a permanent basis after his side’s 2-1 victory over Old Firm rival Rangers on Tuesday.

Goals from Lee Naylor and Marc-Antoine Fortune helped Lennon claim a victory in his first ever Old Firm match as the caretaker manager.

Lee Naylor opened the scoring for the Hoops after 8 minutes after his freekick was deflected in by Rangers captain David Weir.

After Allan McGregor the Rangers keepers was injured defending a Naylor corner and left the pitch on a stretcher.

Celtic dominated most of the first half which was becoming a fiery incounter after Kevin Thompson and Lee McCulloch picked up yellow cards for late tackles.

Rangers however equalised three minutes from the break when ex Hoops Striker Kenny Miller nodded in a Whittaker cross.

Celtic were back in front just before half-time when Fortune met Naylor’s cross and Alexander allowed his header to slip through his hands.

Rangers could have been back on level terms when Miller cut inside however he dragged his shot wide.

Celtic were forced in to changing keepers after Arthur Boruc was forced off with a hand injury and was replaced Lukasz Zaluska who came to the rescue again with a great save to deny Davis then Miller’s shot crashed off the post.

The match ended in a sour note when McCulloch was dismissed in the last minute late again and collected a second yellow for a foul on McGeady.

Batting star, Kevin Peitersen looking to continue his good form

An unbeaten 73 from Pietersen eased England to victory over defending champions Pakistan on Thursday and put England in touching distance of reaching the semi-finals.

But Pietersen is confident England have the strength in depth to topple the South Africans and progress further in the competition.

Strong Squad

The South African-born star said: “One more victory and maybe we can go into the semi-finals. I’ve played in the team for five or six years now, and to have a batting line-up like we’ve got at the moment is incredible.

“Every single bloke from one down to nine or 10 can hit sixes. That’s brilliant, a great improvement and great for English cricket.”

However, the Hampshire player played down reports he had injured his ankle early in the England innings. Pietersen, who missed most of England’s Ashes campaign, required treatment after smashing his bat into his ankle.

“The ankle is fine. When you win you don’t worry about your injuires,” he added.

England skipper Paul Collingwood hailed Pietersen’s knock against Pakistan as ‘exceptional’ and hopes he can continue to steer England through to victory.

“We all know what KP can do and when he’s in that kind of form he’s very dangerous. It was an exceptional innings,” he added.

Improvement

But Collingwood admitted there are certain areas England need to improve on if they are to advance into the next stages of the tournament.

Speaking on his sides recent victory, the England captain said: “I thought there were times we didn’t bowl to well at the start, gave them to much width, and we were very sloppy at the end of the innings.

“If you’ve got a team down you need to kill them off. So if we improve on a few areas that will be good.”

South Africa beat New Zealand in the other match in the group, suggesting the winners of Saturday’s game will make it through to the semi-finals.

Wolves and Sunderland can afford to relax and enjoy their last game of the season without the worry of relegation.

Wolves avoided being sent straight back down to the Championship and have enjoyed a successful season.

Mick McCarthy’s men may have assured top-flight football next term, but they haven’t won in any of their last six games.

Sunderland still have the chance to finish in the top ten should they beat Wolves and Fulham, Blackburn and Stoke suffer defeats too. Considering all three teams face gruelling away matches at Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively, Sunderland have a realistic hope of achieving a tenth place finish.

However, Steve Bruce’s men have struggled on the road all season, acquiring only two wins, though they did beat Hull 0-1 in their last away game.

Those who are expecting a blockbuster finale could be left disappointed, Wolves have only scored twice in their last six games while Sunderland have only managed 15 goals in 18 away trips.

The Black Cats have never won a Premier League game on the last day of the season in their previous eight years in the top flight.

Team News

Wolves welcome Matt Jarvis back into the fold after two games out with a thigh strain. The winger is poised to come straight back into the staring line up at the expense of loan signing Geoffrey Mujangi Bia.

Wolves’ only other injury worry is left-back Stephen Ward who is recovering from Knee surgery but will be fit for pre-season.

Sunderland have been hit hard with injuries this week as David Meyler ruptured knee ligaments against Manchester United last weekend and Lee Cattermole suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder in training, brining both of their seasons to an end prematurely.

Sunday will be the last game for loan signings John Mensah and Alan Hutton, though boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring them both back to the Stadium of Light next season.

Possible Starting XI’s

Wolves: Hahnemann, Stearman, Craddock, Berra, Zubar, Jarvis, Mancienne, Henry, Mujangi Bia, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.

Sunderland: Gordon, Hutton, Ferdinand, Turner, Richardson, Malbranque, Cana, Henderson, Campbell, Jones, Bent

Score prediction: Wolves 1-2 Sunderland

Midfielder Gary Liddle played in April’s 2-0 win over Brighton when he should have been serving the first of a two match suspension after picking up 10 bookings.

The Football Disciplinary Commission imposed the points deduction as well as a suspended fine of £10,000 that wil come into force should the offence be repeated within the next 12 months.

The Victoria Park club, who must pay the costs of the commission, have also been handed a £3,500 by the Football Association while Liddle must serve an additional one-match ban, which will begin in 14 days.

Hatlepool have hit out at the punishments imposed by the Football League and Football Association and confirmed they will be lodging an appeal.

As statement on the club’s official website said: “The club can today confirm that an appeal has been lodged with the Football League in response to the three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

“The club and its owners, while fully recognising that we play under two sets of Rules (FA and FL), are amazed that the club and the player have been tried and punished for the same offence on two different occasions – something that does not even happen under English Law.

“This is the club’s first offence of this kind. Other recent offences for clubs fielding ineligible players have not had such severe punishments and it appears clubs playing under just one set of rules – as in the Premier League under the FA – only get punished once for an offence.

“The club strongly suggests that the Football League and Football Association need to review the rules for punishments of all nature and ensure that a double punishment to any club for any offence is prevented in the future.

“The club and its owners are currently considering its position and are aware that the club have up to 28 days in which to lodge an appeal to the Football League with regards to the points deduction.”

Pools now find themselves back in the relegation scrap, with the penalty leaving them one point above the drop zone. Although they have their fates in their own hands ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford, they will be playing League Two football next season if they are beaten at Griffin Park and other results go against them.

Exeter and Tranmere, who now lie just one point below Pools in the table, play Huddersfield at home and Stockport away respectively on the final day of the League One season on Saturday.

Where did it all go wrong at Darlington? In February 2009 they sat in 7th place in League Two until they were condemned to administration. Ten points were taken away along with their chances of climbing out of the division and now a year later, with a game to go Darlington are heading out of the division but this time through the trap door.

Its been one hell of a season for the ‘Quakers’ with three managers, 30 points from a possible 135 and now certain relegation from the Football League. It must be heart breaking for Darlo’s small gathering as every saturday they have to watch their team slip to another defeat inside the quietist  25,000 seater stadium in England. But looking on the bright side for Darlo at least they don’t have to worry about facing Pools for a while.

They started pre-season with just a handful of players on the books and took 13 games to notch their first league win of the season. The terrible start backfired on Colin Todd who was sacked without a league win under his belt. Former Rep of Ireland Manager Steve Staunton then tried to turn around Darlo’s fortunes but only succeeded in dragging them closer to inevitable relegation.

Results have improved since the turn of the year after a glut of January signings tried to inspire a last ditch attempt to rescue the Quakers but they only succeeded in confirming relegation. A final change in manager showed again you cant get blood from a stone as Steve Staunton’s replacement Simon Davey still can’t get the team to produce week in week out.

However on the other hand the club can start early on plans for next season and hope not to follow in the footsteps of other relegated clubs; Luton, Boston, Wrexham and Mansfield who have all failed to return to the Football League. The fans can certainly look forward to getting a few more home wins and the excitement of qualifying for the FA Cup.

Whether Darlington will return the Football League is yet to be seen but Manager Simon Davey remains positive,  he said: “I’m excited about the prospect of taking this club forward. The chairman is giving me the tools that will enable us to compete at the top of the division next season, and hopefully this time next year we’ll be celebrating a promotion.” However if Darlington are to bounce straight back the Chairman must have a pretty big tool box if he’s going to fix this sinking ship.