THE former international footballer Gianluca Vialli, working as a pundit for BBC TV, described Spain as “awesome” and nobody can really argue with that expert assessment, especially coming from an Italian.

Spain's success at Euro 2012 and their 4-0 thrashing of Italy in Sunday's final was the icing on the cake for a tournament which produced plenty of great football and few examples of ill-discipline either on or off the field. A great way to finally end the 2011-12 season.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

THE financial storm clouds gathering over the world of professional football seem to be growing by the day.

Scottish giants Rangers and Championship team Portsmouth recently went into administration and last week League Two club Port Vale were served with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs over an unpaid tax bill.

IF your team is having a rubbish season, try looking in the dug-out for a clue as to why.

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth reckon that a coach’s appearance could  have an effect on players' impression of their competence.