Owls Tax Deadline Extended by 28 Days

League One side Sheffield Wednesday have been given a boost in their bid to avoid administration and a mandatory 10 point deduction having been granted an extra 28 days to come up with the cash they need for an unpaid tax bill to HMRC. The South Yorkshire club were staring down the barrel of another winding up order from the taxman who is chasing £1.4 in unpaid bills, but the High Court has granted a 4 week extension in what it has called exceptional circumstances. The Owls are desperately seeking a buyer to help clear their total debts that are thought to be in the region of around £27 million, and to inject new cash into the club to buy players that can help launch them back to the upper levels of English football.

Although there have been several interested parties, only Leicester city chairman Milan Mandaric has so far shown proof of funds that were required by the clubs main creditor the Cooperative Bank – but he has now seemingly shied away from the deal having failed to make an arrangement with former Wednesday chairman Dave Allen over a reported £2.4 million pound debt. In spite of such public off the field financial problems Wednesday have made a reasonable start in League One following their relegation from The Championship last season and currently lie in 9th position - just 2 points outside the playoff places.

Geordie Powerhouse Carrol Ready for England Call

Geordie powerhouse Andy Carroll looks likely to receive his first England call up by national team manager Fabio Capello when the Italian selects his next squad for their friendly match with France at Wembley on the 17th of November. The Newcastle United striker has made an excellent transition from Championship football to life in the Premier League and has already netted 6 league goals this season - with his most recent the winner against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. In spite of numerous recent problems in his private life that may have hit the form of some other well known English strikers in recent months (not mentioning any names of course!), Carroll has maintained his excellent start to the season with continuing consistent displays of power and aerial dominance.

Capello may see the 21 year old as an excellent option as a target man for England - and with the striker also banging in the goals at club level it is understandable that the Geordie born star has caught the England manager’s eye. Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been keen to keep Carroll’s feet on the ground, but would not begrudge his young star for making his debut for England in the coming months: "He has still got a long way to go. Andy is working hard on all aspects on his game and he is certainly going in the right direction…For me, being picked for Newcastle United is the most important. Anything which comes from that means he has earned it." If he can keep a lid on his temperament it is almost certain Andy Carroll will be one to watch for the future.