Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

THE Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich must thinking that football is a puzzling sport.

Since taking over the Stamford Bridge club nine years ago, the Russian has coughed up million and millions of pounds and has casually sacked a host of high-profile managers for failing to come up with the present he wants the most – a Champions League trophy.

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.

A selection of headlines from stories in the news. They use English in a way that you might think is intended to confuse but it;s all perfectly clear to the native speaker.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

IT was probably of little consolation to Roberto Martinez, the manager of Wigan Athletic, when referees chief Mike Riley apologised for the appalling mistakes made by officials during their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

Both Chelsea goals were clearly offside and at the time Martinez branded the decisions as “disgusting.”

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

WE are in the era of instant communication but that’s not always a useful tool.

Graham Westley, who has just taken over as manager of League One Club Preston, has apparently not made the best of impressions with his new players.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

FOOTBALLERS can be really weird and do have some strange habits.

The Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who is very much an old school type, has apparently lost his rag over his players following the latest Premier League fad of cutting up their socks!