Evening Times

U.S. Jobs Boost London Shares

London shares racked up large gains after US jobs data boosted confidence in the strength of the global economy. Investors reacted to the best US employment statistics for four years by driving the FTSE 100 Index up 54.9 points to 4465.6.

M&S Warn Up to 1000 Workers Face the Chop

HIGH street retail giant Marks and Spencer has warned that up to 1000 jobs could be axed over the next two years. The news follows a review of its head office and financial service operations based in London, Manchester and Chester. In- store staff numbers will not be affected.

Scots Yards Escape As Bae Axes 760

SHIPYARD workers in Glasgow have escaped job cuts after defence giant BAE Systems axed 760 staff from yards in England. Around 720 staff will go from their yard in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where 3000 workers build mainly submarines.

Books

THE LEMON TABLE, Julian Barnes, Jonathan Cape, (pounds) 16.99 FOR THE Chinese, the lemon is the symbol of death. In Barnes' wonderfully original and imaginative short stories, all the very different characters are near the exit door in the Grim Reaper's waiting room.

Points

Rush to spend highway cash YOU know it's the end of the financial year when the highways department decides to empty its coffers by digging up as many roads as possible at the same time.

Fans Bring Pride Back to Clyde; Clyde May Be Playing in the Spl Next Season...And Their Supporters Can Claim a Lot of the Credit; Bully Wee Supporters Couldn't Allow Their Club to Die...So Now They've Taken It Over

AFFECTIONATELY known as the Bully Wee, Clyde FC has gone from the brink of extinction to SPL hopefuls. Last month, in a strong showing of fan power, the Clyde Supporters' Trust (above) finally took over the club. And, as BARRY MCDONALD discovers from Trust member Cameron Macdonald (above, third from right), their future looks bright. AT 3pm, tens of thousands of football fans around Scotland will cheer on their favourite team.

Dinosaur Detectives

Budding scientists will love Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. It's a place to let young minds run free as they ponder the past, present and future of the planet. The Edinburgh International Science Festival is currently running at the tourist attraction and until Monday April 12 you can delve into the fascinating world of science.

Easter Gets Rolling with Fun Events

It's an easter extravaganza this weekend as top tourist attractions launch a packed programme of fun-filled events. Easter comes early at the Tall Ship - from tomorrow until April 18, there are daily events to delight the kids.

Game Zone

Forbidden Siren, SCEE, PS2 (pounds) 39.99 Web Site: http://www.forbidden- siren.com/ Unfortunately, this is one zombie horror you have to play alone.

It's Club Versus Country and Fifa

The G-14 group of Europe's most powerful football clubs have formally submitted a complaint against Fifa to the Swiss competition commission, arguing that they should be compensated for the absence of their players to national team duty. A preliminary investigation has begun into the rules and regulations of Fifa, world football's governing body, with the clubs - who include Manchester United and Arsenal - hoping that the Swiss authority decide to take the matter further.

I Came Through the Ranks with John...We Will Band Together to Help Him Beat This; Parkhead Update: Awards and Praise Pouring in but New Hero Marsh Is in No Party Mood As His Thoughts Lie with Tragic Team- Mate

DAVID MARSHALL should have been looking forward to the chance of a champion-ship party this weekend. Instead, the Celtic keeper is trapped in the middle of something more akin to a wake.

Ranieri: My Job Is to Win

Claudio Ranieri today toasted his manager of the month award but warned his players not to use speculation over his job as an excuse if they falter in Chelsea's biggest week of the season. Blues boss Ranieri was left stunned last Saturday when newspaper pictures showed Stamford Bridge chief executive Peter Kenyon meeting England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Beware a Gers Bounce Back

PHIL O'Donnell has warned his Motherwell team-mates their top- six dream could be ended by a Rangers backlash. Terry Butcher's side are aiming to boost their chances of finishing in the top half of the SPL by beating the Gers at Fir Park tomorrow.

Hughes so Happy Season Isn't Over; Ibrox Update: It's Been a Tough Term for the Gers, but Stephen's Looking Ahead ...While Mcleish Laments the High Price of National Service to His Men

MOST Rangers fans are already counting down the days to the beginning of next season - as are manager Alex McLeish and his players. With nothing to play for in terms of winning any silverware and city rivals Celtic enjoying another excellent European run, it's not been much fun for anyone connected with the Ibrox club.

Sven's Got It Half Right Over Cap Stars, Insists Mcleish

ALEX McLEISH reckons Sven-Goran Eriksson has the best strategy when it comes to protecting players on international duty. The Rangers boss spoke out after he saw three young stars crocked while away representing their country last midweek.

Jim May Pitch in Jet-Lag Jonay

Injury-hit Dundee may be forced to throw defender Jonay Hernandez straight into their starting line-up against Partick - just hours after his return from international duty in South America. The Venezuelan was part of the side which beat Uruguay 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier, but was not expected back in Scotland until late last night.

We're in with a Shout of Keeping Stars; Jags Don't Fear Exodus

DEREK Whyte believes Partick Thistle have a great chance of holding onto their top players even if they drop down to the First Division. James Grady and David Rowson, who will line up against Dundee at Dens Park today, still have to commit their futures to the club.

United Hit Men Make It a Real Tough Mccall

TWO in-form strikers have given Dundee United manager Ian McCall a welcome selection headache ahead of the game at Aberdeen. Andy McLaren's performances have convinced McCall to extend his contract by a further 18 months and he has forged a productive partnership with Jim McIntyre.

Preston Urges Livi to Beware a Hibee Shake

Livingston coach Allan Preston doesn't think Hibs will be bidding for CIS Cup Final revenge when they arrive at Easter Road today. The Almondvale side beat Bobby Williamson's men last month to claim the club's first piece of silverware.

Uefa Cup Slot Is the Spur for Pars

JIMMY NICHOLL has not given up hope of Dunfermline winning a Uefa Cup place. The Pars fell 10 points behind Hearts last weekend when they drew a blank at Livingston while their rivals recorded a 3-1 win over Dundee in Edinburgh.