Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

THERE can be no denying that the Premier League finale was a fantastic affair, a footballing feast of excitement and thrills as Manchester City tore the title away from neighbours and arch-rivals Manchester United with two injury time goals.

But the result was dreadful news for football in general. A rich man's plaything has suddenly become even more attractive and appealing which means more millions of pounds will be splashed out next season, causing untold damage to the structure and ethos of the game.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

INTERESTING comments to come from Celtic last week after their Glasgow neighbours and arch-rivals Rangers went into administration.

The club launched an attack on Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond after he reportedly claimed Celtic needed Rangers to prosper.

MUCH of the media spotlight this last week has been on Scottish football with the disgraceful scenes at the Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup replay in Glasgow.  But another item which emerged from north of the border was the decision to start next season’s Scottish Premier League on July 23, the competition’s earliest ever start.