Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

NO doubt Manchester City fans are still wallowing in the glory of their Premier League title success – but it has come at a price.

According to the latest figures, last year City made a loss of £197m – the greatest financial deficit in the history of football.

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

THE collapse of Fabrice Muamba on the pitch at Tottenham last week has captured plenty of headlines, both on the front and back pages of newspapers.

There has also been an enormous amount of goodwill generated towards the Bolton player from supporters of all colours.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

THE English political scene is currently awash with rows over bankers' bonuses and tax-avoidance schemes for public servants.

Money certainly does make the world go around but there seems to be tiny chink of common sense appearing in professional football.

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!

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

LIKE many people I thoroughly enjoyed watching Spain again demonstrate the art of possession football in their European Championship win over Scotland.

But Neil Warnock, the outspoken manager of Premier League side QPR, isn't a fan of what he describes as 'tippy-tappy football.'