Shock as Seed is sacked

Liverpool DJ Kev Seed was today sacked by Radio City after 11 years at the station.

The decision came after Seed pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge at Lancashire magistrates court last week.

The drive-time presenter had already been suspended from the station following his arrest earlier this month.

Seed said, "I am in a state of total shock. I can't say much more but I hope to be back on air doing what I do best as soon as possible."

Seed's management confirmed that he will be appealing the decision.

Rhys Jones: Murder trial update

The trial of those accused of involvement in the murder of Rhys Jones officially began at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

Sean Mercer, 18, is charged with murdering Rhys on August 22 last year. James Yates, 20, Gary Kays, 25, and Melvin Coy, 25, as well as two 17-year-olds who cannot be identified, are all charged with assisting an offender.

Yates is also charged with possessing a prohibited firearm, a Smith and Wesson .455 revolver. A 16-year-old is charged with assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition. They all deny the charges.

The Scouse Scoop has a live RSS feed to Rhys Jones updates from the Liverpool Echo to keep readers informed of developments in the trial.

City clubs hampered by knee injury woes

Both Liverpool and Everton are facing the prospect of lengthy spells without key players due to knee injuries. 

Red's fear defender Martin Skrtel could be ruled out for the remainder of the year after picking up an injury towards the end of their 3-2 win at Manchester City on Sunday.

The Slovakian damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he fell awkwardly following an important tackle on Ched Evans. 

Meanwhile, blue's midfielder Leon Osman remains no closer to rectifying a long standing knee problem, as Everton have opted to delay surgery.

It was thought the 27-year-old would go under the knife during the international break, but club medics have decided not to operate, instead hoping a period of rehabilitation can solve the problem. 

Slavery museum fury at golly doll sale

Liverpool's International Slavery Museum has hit out after a nearby gift shop was found selling golliwog dolls.

The dolls, banned in the 1980s for being offensive, are on display at novelty retailer Wizzard, situated only a few yards from the museum at the Albert Dock.

Calling for the dolls to be removed from sale, head of the International Slavery Museum, Richard Benjamin said, "These dolls reinforce out-of-date racial stereotypes which are deeply offensive to many people, particularly within the black community.

"That they are still on sale in a supposedly progressive city such as Liverpool, and on the doorstep of the International Slavery Museum, is shocking."

The shop has admitted to receiving complaints about the gollies but denies condoning racism by selling them.

The golly doll was originally a children's literary character created by Florence Upton in the late 19th century. Based on a black-faced minstrel doll, the golliwog was popular throughout most of the 20th century, featuring in books by Enid Blyton and appearing as the mascot for Robertson's jam.

However, the golliwog has become the subject of heated debate. Some argue that it should be considered a cherished cultural artifact and childhood tradition, while opponents argue that it is a relic of a time when racism against black people was blatant.

Moyes close to deal despite UEFA exit

David Moyes looks set to put an end to speculation over his future at Goodison by signing a new contract as early as this weekend.

Despite Everton's 2-1 defeat to Standard Liege lastnight, which saw them exit their second cup competition in as many weeks, manager Moyes has rejected rumours of a walkout, even hinting that a deal could be struck before this weekend's action against Newcastle.

Moyes said, "I don't think there has been any suggestion about [quitting] from me or certainly not from anyone I have spoken to.

"I am here and I will sign a new contract with Everton very shortly, maybe even before the weekend."

Rhys Jones Trial: Mother of accused pleads not guilty

The mother of the teenager accused of killing 11-year-old Rhys Jones has pleaded not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Janette Mercer, whose son Sean, 18, is standing trial for murder, denies misleading the police investigation by giving false information about a bike owned by her son.

49-year-old Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her plea.

Francis Yates, 48, and Marie Yates, 50, are also charged with perverting the course of justice.

Their son James, 20, is one of five people charged with assisting an offender.

Keane nets first as Gerrard becomes centurion

History was made at Anfield last night as Steven Gerrard scored his 100th goal for Liverpool.

The red's win over PSV Eindhoven was also cause for double celebration as Robbie Keane scored his first goal for the club.

Gerrard becomes the 16th member of the elite group of Liverpool centurions, which includes Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan. 

Manager Rafael Benitez said, "He is one of the best offensive midfielders in the world and hopefully he will go on to score many for us in the future."

Commenting on Keane's long-awaited first goal, Benitez said, "Everyone was talking about this so it was important for him and for us that he scored. 

"Robbie has been a very good player in the Premier League with Tottenham and [we] knew it would just be a question of time."

Dirk Kuyt also scored in the 3-1 victory, which puts Liverpool joint top of their Champions League group with Athletico Madrid.

Rhys Jones: Murder trial begins

The trial of Sean Mercer, the 18-year-old accused of murdering Rhys Jones, starts in Liverpool today.

Rhys' parents, Stephen and Melanie Jones, arrived at Liverpool Crown Court this morning accompanied by police liaison officers.

Rhys, 11, was shot dead in Croxteth in August last year. 

Six other people will also stand trial, accused of assisting an offender.

Hamilton's H Bar granted license to reopen

H Bar, the Victoria Street nightclub owned by former Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton, has been allowed to reopen.

The club was shut down on 10 September after two Speke men were stabbed. 

Following an appeal from Hamilton, 26, and business partner, husband Riad Erraji, the council's licensing and gambling committee heard how CCTV footage of the incident was unusable and club staff had been uncooperative.

However, the club was allowed to reopen on the condition that measures should be introduced to exclude undesirable customers, including metal detectors, police maintained CCTV cameras and joining the city's 'Pubwatch' scheme.

Reds title hopes boosted by bounce back

Liverpool FC have finally overcome the confidence crisis that has hampered their title hopes in previous seasons.

Skipper Steven Gerrard says the team's impressive and professional 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday has boosted morale after a disappointing goal-less draw against Stoke.

In past seasons, Liverpool have started well, but early set backs have resulted in a slump, which has left hopes of a title challenge over by Christmas.

Gerrard said, "We were frustrated after not taking maximum points against Stoke, and in the past that could have signaled problems for us.

"But this time we have responded with our best performance of the season so far, and I think that is a real statement of intent."