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

COULD football be set to get its first female manager?

The subject cropped up following a BBC TV documentary entitled Sexism In Football which looked at the role of women in the game.

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.