However, there was a stage when the Arsenal boss believed his striker would not fully recover from the horrific injury he suffered following a tackle by Birmingham's Martin Taylor on 23 February 2008.

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However, BBC Sport understands that Eriksson, whose last involvement in English football was his one-season reign at Manchester City, is not the only big name to be linked with the club, with former England and Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle also in the frame at one stage.

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At that stage the gulf in class between the teams was apparent and Derry boss Stephen Kenny must have been glad to hear the half-time whistle with the game still scoreless.

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The victory was not as simple as predicted by some observers - United boss Sir Alex Ferguson the most notable - but at this stage of the season, style is hardly a top priority.

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In February, Ergen took the stage at AllThingsD to defend himself against a particular story that labeled him the Meanest Boss in America.

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Team boss Stephane Champeter will not be particularly perturbed he failed to win a stage as it was little more than preparation for the Tour de France.

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Apple's marketing boss Phil Schiller, after talking about new lower prices for the iPod, stayed on stage to launch the iPhone 4S. It looks identical to the iPhone 4.

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GPs tend to give their own patients the benefit of the doubt, and a worker who feigns illness and gets a sick-note to wave under the boss's nose is harder to manage than one who has been tackled at an earlier stage.

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Hughton's positive appraisal of the striker was echoed by Fulham boss Mark Hughes, who likewise believes Carroll has the ability to make an impact on the international stage.

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