March 1999

Wednesday 31 In Euro 2000 qualifiers, Scotland lose 2-1 to the Czech Republic, their first home defeat in a competitive match since 1987. "If we win in Prague we'll be back in contention," says the perennially chipper Craig Brown. Sweden's 1-0 win in Poland means England are unlikely to do better than second place in their group. There are disappointing results too for Wales, beaten 2-0 in Switzerland, and Northern Ireland, held to a goalless draw in Moldova. To howls of protest from the clubs battling to finish fifth, Newcastle are guaranteed a European place after it is announced that one of England's three UEFA Cup places must go to one of the last four teams left in the FA Cup. "I wonder if UEFA's attitude would have been the same if Barnsley were one of the semi-finalists," mutters John Gregory. Crystal Palace appoint a new administrator and obtain a High Court order allowing them to remain in business. South≠ampton receive planning permission to build a 32,000 seater stadium on the site of an old gasworks. Alan Little is the new manager of Southend.

 

From WSC 147 May 1999. What was happening this month