John Terry Relieved As England Captain

It seems England defender John Terry, 29, will not be wearing the armband while in South Africa.

After the revelations that he had an affair with England teammate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend, manager Fabio Capello has decided that it would be better if someone else captained the side heading into the World Cup. The decision came during a 12-minute meeting at Wembley on Friday.

I can't blame the Italian. The dressing room at Wembley has probably since been divided, with most of the sympathies leaning toward that of Bridge.

The woman he had the affair with, model Vanessa Perroncel, 33, was shocked when she heard the news of Terry's removal.

Knowing the media's preoccupation with England's failures at the World Cup, this was also something that could be a distraction. Removing Terry from the captaincy ensured that at least part of the tabloid firestorm can die down.

Besides, there is no way in hell that you could keep a married, father-of-two as your captain after he had a steamy affair with a teammate's ex! Captains are extensions of the manager on the field and Terry lost all legitimacy after these revelations.

Good job Capello, for the smart and timely decision. Now for the important task of choosing your next field general for South Africa. My money would be on Rio Ferdinand or Wayne Rooney for the position.

Beckham To Star In Comic Book

Just when you thought you've heard of everything...

Don't look now, but AC Milan midfielder David Beckham will soon be found on the shelves of your favorite bookstore. Not as an autobiography, as one would think, but as the main character in a comic book.

It seems that Beckham will be featured in a Fame Biographic Comic from Bluewater Productions. The series, which will feature other celebrities such as 50 Cent and Lady Gaga, looks to profile the lives of the rich and famous.

Don't worry people; Beckham won't be donning a cape and tights while saving the world from oblivion. Instead, the comic book will profile the highs and lows of his career and will have a "gritty and real" feel. Batman or the X-Men shouldn't have to worry about their status as comic book elites because I think this Beckham experiment is going to fail.

And just for the record: I will NOT be picking up a copy. Stick to your soccer, Becks.

Harry Redknapp On Keane's Celtic Move

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp talked with Sky Sports this afternoon regarding the loan deal that sent striker Robbie Keane to his "boyhood dream" club. Check it out below:

Update: English Transfer Link

Here's a great part of ESPN Soccernet that lists all the transfers from all the levels of English soccer. A very comprehensive guide to the winter deadline.

Update: West Ham Signs McCarthy

South African international Benni McCarthy has completed a move to West Ham United from Blackburn Rovers. The 32-year-old striker has signed a deal at Upton Park until 2012.

Update: Barca Starlet Keirrison To Fiorentina

Fiorentina have secured the services of Barcelona striker Keirrison until June 2011. The 21-year-old Brazilian had been on loan at Portuguese side Benfica.

Deadline Day

The European winter transfer window closed as of noon Eastern Time, and with it came a flurry of rumors and deals that still could yet be announced. Here's a link to the minute-by-minute coverage of the deadline at ESPN Soccernet.

So far, here's what I've been hearing:

--Tottenham's Robbie Keane has been linked with Celtic for a loan deal. However the Scottish transfer window closes at 7 p.m. ET so hold on for more information.

-Manchester City has been looking to close a few deals, with names like midfielder Fernando Gago of Real Madrid the most notable. It was also confirmed that winger Adam Johnson has completed a move to the Eastlands from Middlesbrough.

-Inter Milan's Brazilian winger Mancini has joined rivals AC Milan on a six-month loan deal.

-Soccernet is reporting that Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is close to a move to Birmingham.

-Fulham have signed three players in a massive swoop at the deadline.

-Sunderland also has been rumored to have striker James Beattie at the club for a medical, with details still yet to be announced.

It was a lackluster January in terms of transfer movement, but the final day has seen the pace quicken. Check back throughout the day for updates!