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.

STRUGGLING Championship club Preston North End learnt a harsh lesson this week – don’t mess with the football institution that is the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson is one of the most revered men in the game, a manager with an almost unmatched honours list and a tough, powerful Scot with a demeanour that at times can be fearsome.