CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS (UPDATED)

CRESSWELL IN SEASON KO

LEEDS UTD are likely to be without Star Striker Richard Cresswell for the rest of the Championship Season. It had been originally thought that he might just miss the next six weeks of the season after undergoing a Knee Operation on Monday (20/02/06). LEEDS Manager Kevin Blackwell had hoped Cresswell could return in a month, but now admits that he will be without the Former PRESTON Player for the rest of the season. The LEEDS Manager, who is allready nursing Robbie Blake, Rob Hulse and david healy through the league games so far, has hinted that cover might have to be brought in to maintain their Promotion Challenge. Blackwell told the Yorkshire Evening Post "Richard's had the operation and he's out for the season. I'll have to look at bringing someone in. We've got one or two options but i dont know how long it will take."

DERBY'S PESCHISOLIDO OFFERED A 1 YEAR EXTENSION TO HELP THE MANAGMENT

DERBY'S veteran striker Paul Peschisolido has been offered a one-year contract extension, after becoming part of the new managerial setup. The Canadian born striker is working alongside Jeff Kenna and the club's Academy Chief Terry Westley who has been put in overall charge since Phil Brown was sacked last month by DERBY COUNTY.

GUDJONNSON TO QUIT LEICESTER

Joey Gudjonnson will quit LEICESTER when his contract expires in the summer after agreeing on a move to Dutch Side AZ ALKMAAR on a Free Transfer. The Icelandic midfielder said "I have enjoyed my time at LEICESTER, and will be doing my utmost over the remaining 14 games to help keep the club up.

KITSON'S IRISH NO

Dave Kitson has taken a stand against FIFA by turning down the chance to play for ireland. The READING striker, who has an irish grandparent, caught new republic boss Steve Staunton's eye after scoring 17 goals for the the championship leaders. But Kitson said "Im flattered but to me my family's not irish. my parents were born in north london and so was i. As far as im concerned, Im english."

WESTLEY STEPS IN

Terry Westley was made DERBY'S caretaker boss on wednesday, as the rams under-fire board stepped up their search for a new manager. Academy chief Westley took charge for wednesday nights game against SHEFF UTD and striker Paul Peschisolido will be his no 2.

WOLVES LEGEND'S SPECIAL MATCH

WOLVES legend Steve Bull, whos scored 306 goals for the club, has been granted a 20th anniversary match to mark his arrival at Molineux in 1986.

COTTERILL URGED TO SPEED UP CONTRACT TALKS

Steve Cotterill has urged BURNLEY to speed up contract talks after chairman Barry Kilby snubbed LEICESTER'S approach for the Turf Moor boss.

WEST HAM'S NOBLE TO GO ON LOAN TO HULL

WEST HAM midfielder Mark Noble will join HULL next week on a month's loan. HULL boss Peter taylor is also weighing up a move for winger Matt Piper, who has been released from his SUNDERLAND contract.

RASIAK TO JOIN SAINT'S

SPUR'S 'Out Of Favour' Grzegorz Rasiak has joined up with SOUTHAMPTON on loan for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent move in the summer. The Polish striker again links up with his former manager George Burley (then of DERBY COUNTY). LEED'S midfielder Jermaine Wright is also joining up with George Burley on loan.