Fulham Goalkeeper Antti Niemi Retires

Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has announced his retirement from professional football. The goalkeeper underwent surgery to correct a wrist injury in late June but began to experience discomfort again in early August. As a result, he had further surgery and was due to be out of action until November. However this appears to be an injury too far for the 36-year old.

He told the club's official website: "My plan was always to finish my career after this contract, which runs out next summer. Due to my wrist injury it would be another two months before I could start training again. I asked the club for their views. I was very grateful that they understood where I was coming from and thankfully we settled the contract so that the club would gain something and I would be happy with the terms. So it's come a little bit earlier than I expected."

After joining the Cottagers in January 2005, the Finland international made 62 appearances for the club. Prior to his arrival at Craven Cottage, Niemi enjoyed successful spells in the Premier League and Scottish Premier League with Southampton, Heart of Midlothian and Glasgow Rangers.

With 67 caps, he is widely regarded as Finland's best ever goalkeeper and held the number one jersey for his nation for more than 10 years.

Ashley Timms Admitted Blackmailing the Players

A former Manchester City youth team goalkeeper has admitted blackmailing a top Premier League footballer over sexual images. Goalkeeper Ashley Timms, 22, of Middleton, Greater Manchester, admitted a charge of making unwarranted demands with menaces. He admitted blackmailing the player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, between March 1 and April 3 this year.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC warned Timms that a prison sentence was inevitable. He had previously pleaded not guilty to demanding £15,000 from the player.

Judge Gilbart said: "This case carries inevitably a prison sentence, no doubt about it. I am going to grant him bail but it must be on the clear understanding what the sentence will be."

Manchester Crown Court heard how the blackmail victim, known only as Witness A, received a number of threats over the sexual images.

David Friesner, prosecuting, said: "There was a long protracted series of text messages that culminated in the offence. It is a series of messages followed by a series of threats."

The Manchester-born goalkeeper, who is currently without a club was bailed until 5 September for sentencing. He played with Manchester City's under-19 side and had spells at Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley as well as a number of non-league clubs. He has also had trials at Norwich City, Bolton Wanderers, Fulham, Oldham and Macclesfield. He joined Cambridge City in January on non-contract terms but has since left.