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

IT'S the season of goodwill but in football that doesn't always mean that there are wise men about.

Take the Aston Villa and England striker Darren Bent for example. He was unavailable to play for his team in their home game against Liverpool because of injury.

Football Diary
by Patrick O’Connor

WITH parts of the country still smouldering from the wreckage of the havoc caused by rioters and looters, it was sad to witness the opening day of the Premier League spoilt by a nasty squabble between two footballers whose priority should have been to set a example of good behaviour to the watching millions.

The actions of these over-pampered prima donnas impacts on impressionable youth but instead of inspiration we got Newcastle’s Joey Barton and Arsenal’s Gervinho in an ugly spat during the 0-0 draw.

I don’t think the powers that be who run Europe’s top football clubs have done themselves a favour by declaring that they are opposed to their players taking part in both the European Championships and the London Olympic Games in 2012.  The Olympic football event is for players aged under 23 and gets underway a month after Euro 2012 takes place in Poland and Ukraine.