[10 MAY 00] COVENTRY CITY NEWS
McAllister Gets It In The Neck
Double
award winner Gary McAllister could have played his last game for
Coventry City.
The
club captain is confined to bed with a neck injury and is doubtful for
Sunday's final match of the season at Watford.
It
prevented him attending the club's first annual awards dinner last
night at which he was due to collect the player of the year award and
could destroy his aim to be ever-present in the Coventry side this
season.
It
could mean that Saturday's match against Sheffield Wednesday, in which
he scored two goals to become the top scorer in the club, was his
last.
He
is out of contract next month and speculation is strong that Liverpool
is keen to sign him.
Gerard
Houllier, Liverpool's manager, is said to be a McAllister fan and has
monitored his progress closely throughout the season.
Coventry
has made a new contract offer to the Scot, who is now 35, and he is
thinking it over. He says he will make his decision in the two weeks after the
season's end.
He
said recently that Coventry were favourites to sign him because he
knew the club and the players and was comfortable in the environment.
But
if Liverpool offers him megabucks he could be temped by one last big
payday before hanging up his boots.
His
award as player of the year, voted by the fans, was collected on his
behalf by Steve Ogrizovic at last night's awards dinner at the Hotel
Metropole.
McAllister's
second award for leading scorer in the club was collected for him by
Robbie Keane, who lies second in the scoring stakes and needs two
goals at Watford to overtake his captain.
The
players' player of the year, voted by the club's own players, went to
the Moroccan midfielder Youssef Chippo and he also won the goal of the
year award.
The
most improved player of the year was John Eustace.
Former
Sky Blues favourite Phil Babb could be on his way back to Highfield
Road at the end of the season.
The
out-of-favour Liverpool defender will be out of contract and available
on a free transfer.
The
centre-back left Coventry six years ago, and manager Gordon Strachan
has been alerted to the fact that the Republic of Ireland
international is available.
Babb
has been out of Liverpool boss Gérard Houllier's plans all
season. The only games he has played have been for Tranmere Rovers
during a loan spell.
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