P311 CJEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:25/13 1/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Manchester United have a lot to prove after a season of bitter disappointment and internal turmoil. United looked odds-on certs to pick up at least one trophy last term but finished up with nothing as memories of the 1994 'Double' turned to dust. -hj departures of Paul Ince and Mark Hughes upset fans and Alex Ferguson's tenure has seldom been more in question. Eric Cantona will not bj back until October and a healthy start holds the key to perhaps their entire campaign. Preview: John MathewsOMatt Millington Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CJJFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:11/12 ] 2/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Middlesbrough's hopes of avoiding a quick return to the First Division have been given a massive boost by the signing of Nick Barmby from Spurs. Some fans may wonder if £5.25m could have been better spent, but it does at least show the board have real faith in manbgjr Bryan Robson. Phil Whjlan has been brought in from Ipswich while Uwe Fuchs, Tommy Wright and Andy Todd have exited. Jan-Aagj Fjortoft will relish playing in the Premiershp again but there is a question-marks over in-depth strength at the back. 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Round-up Preview +jd Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:16/14 3/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Newcastle fans were furious over the sale of Andy Cole last year but Kevin Keegan has more than fulfilled his promise to invest in new talent. England star Les Ferdinand and French international David Ginola will form the basis of a new-look attack, while Warren Barton has been drafted in to shore up Newcastle's defence. Failure to reach Europe stung Keegan, but his min will at least bj free from distraction as they try to establish themselves as genuine title hopefuls. The cup competitions appear to offer a more realistic chance of success. Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:18/38 4/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Nottingham Forest have lost striker Stan Collymore but manager Frank Clark has bought wisely. Collymore's £8.5m fee allowed Clark to snbp up the talented trio of Kevin Campbell, Chris Bart Williams and Italian Andrea Silenzi. Forest fans will bj delighted that Bryan Roy is around for another season while the retention of Steve Stone and Colin Cooper will also bj welcomed. Clark may not bj able to repeat last year's third place but a place in Europe is certainly on the cards. Footdall 302 General 320 Cricket 340 Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:13/27 5/10 FOOTBALL: PRJMIJRSHIP PREVIEW Queens Park Rbngjrs may find they end up counting the cost of cashing in on star striker Les Ferdinand. The £6 million transfer fie has been used in part to finance rebuilding the squad but how expensive the sale will prove if they fail to escape the drop. Fjrdinbnd's goals have been priceless for QP" in recent seasons and boss Ray Wilkins was desperate for him to stay. Clive Wilson was another summer release and the club record signings of Ned Zelic from Borussia Dortmund and Simon Osborn from Reading will conj under intense scrutiny. 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CJEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:17/26 6/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Sheffield Wjdnjsday have undjrgonj a major transition in the close-season with David Pleat filling the managerial shoes of Trevor Francis. Pleat, installed after a drawn-out compensation wrangle with Luton, wasted no time in the transfer market as hj swooped for Belgian international Marc Degrysj and Derby's Mark Pembridgj. Degrysj claims hj has been given a roving role bz Pleat, who appears to favour a more continental approach. Chris Wbddli has turned down an offer to help with the coaching as hj bids to prolong a glittering playing career. 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:14/41 7/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP I PREVIEW Southampton's survival depends very much on their ability to retain the services of Matthew Lj Sissier. $here are few clubs who could afford to prisj the midfielder away from The Dell but those that could would snap at the chance if it was offered. Alan Ball's departure was greeted with dismay by Saints fans but new boss Dave Merrington has conj from within so should know how to dial with the squad. The cloud hanging over first-choice 'kjepjr Bruce Grobbelaar has not helped matters but Southampton are at least used to the struggle. Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:04/54 8/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP I PREVIEW Tottenham Hotpsur are certainly li6ink in interesting times after a year of intense highs and lows at the club. Jurgjn Klinsmann's departure has been swiftly followed by the arrival of Chris Armstrong, who will be under pressure to produce the goods. Nick Barmbz has left for Middlesbrough in a £5.25m move - leaving manager Gerry Francis with plenty of cash to strengthen his side. Francis is confident hj can iron out the problems and a big plus factor is Darren Andjrton's decision to sign a new contract. 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:08/27 9/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW West Ham rarely start a top-flight campaign without thoughts turning to whjthjr they will manage to stay up. $hj fighting spirit is as strong as ever but consolidation is the watchword for boss Harry Rjdknapp as he sets his sights on a comfortable mid-table slot. $hj acquisition of Dutch striker Marc Boogers is a step in the right direction and hj promises to bring a sharper edge to the Hammers' attack. Away tests at Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in August will do much to outline West Ham's strengths and weaknesses early in the season. Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tionP311 CEEFAX 311 Thu 17 Aug 19:21/34 10/10 FOOTBALL: PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW Wimbledon may find they have problems at the back this season but they are renowned for their battling qualities. Defensive cornjrstonj Warren Barton has left for Newcastle and the Dons also have goalkeeping headaches. First-choice Hans Segers misses the start of the season after a knee operation and his pending court case is another unwanted distraction. Paul Heald has been drafted in from Leyton Orient as cover but Wimbledon are a determined outfit. Championship contenders they are not, but a place in Europe in not beyond them. 5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Round-up Preview Wed Fixs Comp'tion