Bruce vows to prove doubters wrong

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has once again insisted he is the right man for the job amid fresh speculation over his future.

Sources on Wearside have dismissed suggestions that Bruce's job is under threat with Martin O'Neill being lined up to replace him at the Stadium of Light. However, there is little doubt results need to improve if the manager is to retain the support he currently enjoys from owner and new chairman Ellis Short.

Bruce, currently in Korea to promote the Black Cats brand around the world, told the Northern Echo: "I hope that people still have faith in me. I know people will be questioning me, of course they are. But I'm a determined, resilient, horrible so-and-so and I will try my utmost to turn it around."

Zinedine Zidane learns the A-ZZ of management

The ex-France, Juventus and Real Madrid superstar has started a two-year university diploma at Limoges to become a manager and is dreaming of coaching Les Bleus. Zizou said: "France manager? Why not? It would not be bad. Anything is possible in life."

Current coach Laurent Blanc is not yet quaking in his boots as Zidane has two years of hard studying ahead.

And it is believed he will first put his new skills to work in his current role as Real Madrid Director of Sport. Zidane enrolled into the Centre of Law and Sports Finances at Limoges with 17 other hopefuls, with former Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt among them.

Pep won't sign long-term deal

Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down to a long-term contract at Barcelona because he needs to feel free to decide his future.

The 40-year-old was promoted from Barcelona's B team in June 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the senior side.

Since then Guardiola has extended his contract with the reigning Spanish and European champions on a year-by-year basis, with his current deal due to expire next June.

Chelsea want long Andre Villas-Boas stay

The 33-year-old former Porto boss took over at Stamford Bridge in June. Buck told BBC Sport: "We do envy Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in terms of longevity, but it shouldn't be longevity for longevity's sake.

"It has to be the right guy in the job for 10 or 15 years and, in light of Andre's age, he may well be that guy." Buck added: "Everyone thinks his age might have been a negative but it's a positive."

Wenger, 61, is celebrating 15 years at Arsenal since his appointment in 1996. Ferguson, 69, arrived at Manchester United a decade earlier and, in November, will mark 25 years as manager at Old Trafford.

Transfer deadline quotes of the day

As transfer deadline day continues, BBC Sport rounds up the best of the quotes from those involved in the day's action.

"I always wanted to go to play abroad. I love football, I love watching it, I love talking about it." Joe Cole after his move from Liverpool to Lille.

"He's a good character, a fantastic person, a proper family man, a real good pro. He'll be great around the place for us." Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is pleased to have secured the signature of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker.

Fulham sign Grygera

Fulham have completed the signing of Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old has been with the Turin giants for the past four seasons and has now penned a deal with the Cottagers, with an option for a further year.

He moves on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Grygera faced Fulham in March 2010 when he come off the bench during Fulham's 4-1 Europa League win against Juventus at Craven Cottage, which he is excited to now call home.

"I am delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham Football Club," he told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"It has always been an ambition for me to play in the Premier League and I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my career with Fulham."

Grygera began his career with Czech side FK Svit Zlin in 1997, before moving to Petra Drnovice and Sparta Prague.

The defender, who has made 52 appearances for his country, joined Ajax in 2003 and then Serie A outfit Juventus in 2007.

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