Fredrikstad make Piiroja permanent

Fredrikstad FK

Enosis Neon Paralimni FC have dismissed Antonis Kleftis and appointed a new coach in Eli Gutman. The Israeli, who was previously at Hapoel Beer-Sheeva FC, arrived in Cyprus yesterday for talks with club chairman Demetris Tsisios and agreed an 18-month deal. Paralimni finished eighth last season but have made a mixed start to the new term, and lost 3-2 to Apollon Limassol FC last weekend in what proved to be Kleftis's final match.

In Germany, newly promoted 1. FSV Mainz 05 will be without central defender Tamás Bodog for longer than expected because of the fractured cheekbone he sustained in training last week. The Hungarian will not be able to train for at least two months. There is a similar prognosis for Aston Villa FC midfield player Gareth Barry, after he damaged knee ligaments at Arsenal FC last weekend. Scans have revealed the injury is worst than first thought.

Aberdeen FC centre-back Zander Diamond has signed a new contract, which ties him to the Scottish Premier League side until the summer of 2008. The 19-year-old, who broke into the first team last season, is currently out of action with a knee ligament injury. Diamond captained the Scotland Under-21 side earlier this season.