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Football mourns Alexander's passing

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 04/03/2010
Football betting

The sudden death of Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander has stunned the world of football.

The League Two club confirmed on its official website that the popular 53-year-old passed away on Tuesday night after returning home from his side's match at Notts County.

Alexander had been in charge at Moss Rose for two years after previous stints at the helm of Lincoln City (twice), Peterborough United and Bury.

It was during his second spell at Lincoln in 2003 that he suffered a brain aneurysm which required life-saving surgery.

"Keith was the perfect manager for a club like ours," explained Macc chairman Mike Rance.

"He was strong, sensible, commanded respect throughout the game and was unique in many ways."

Elsewhere, head coach Fabio Capello fears that money could ruin online betting third favourites England's chances of World Cup glory in South Africa.

The Italian has reminded his players of their responsibility as role models in the build-up to the tournament following a series of scandals which he claims could undermine their bid for success this summer.

Capello had to fend off questions about the mood in the camp in the build-up to Wednesday's friendly with Egypt following the much-publicised problems in the private lives of John Terry and Ashley Cole.

Meanwhile, England will take on Mexico and Japan as they step up their preparations for this summer's World Cup.

The Football Association has confirmed the two friendly games and also a pre-tournament training camp in Austria which will form the backbone of Capello's meticulous preparations.

Will England be crowned world champions in South Africa? - Latest Football Betting

In rugby union, James Haskell has found himself at the centre of an increasingly bitter club-versus-country row involving England and Stade Francais.

The flanker has started all three of England's Six Nations matches so far for but with, Martin Johnson's side not back in action until a clash with Scotland on March 13, the French club have demanded his release.

They want the 24-year-old member of England's Elite Player Squad (EPS) back for their domestic Top 14 match against Toulouse on Saturday.

English clubs have an agreement with the Rugby Football Union to release players during predetermined international breaks but Stade claim they are under no such obligation.

Formula One team principal Colin Kolles has confirmed that Campos Meta will be renamed Hispania Racing F1 for the forthcoming season.

The Romanian-born team boss and managing director has announced the move following Jose Ramon Carabante's acquisition in February.

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