The circus has packed up – now the real football can begin…

World Cups always outstay their welcome, especially since the number of participating teams was upped to 32. The group stages are always great (three games in one day = nirvana), but after that the tournament fizzles out. Who really could be bothered to watch Germany v Portugal for FIFA’s coveted bronze medal? (Okay, I admit I watched a bit of it in the pub.)
In the final days of Germany 06 I longed for the start of the wonderful soap opera that is the English league season. So many questions need to be answered: Who’ll have a World Cup hangover? Which of the also-rans will top the league for one glorious Saturday before Chelsea’s Sunday game (my money’s on West Ham, btw)? Which foreign player will be the first to be seen wearing gloves? Has Jose Mourinho bought himself a new coat in the summer sales? Bring it on…
Ollie Irish

















Do Arsenal Artificially Enhance The Emirates Atmosphere? – OTP
Big Cup Bullshit – The FCF
Guess UEFA Cup Finalists From Their Shirt – Three Match Ban
20 Damning Steve Kean Quotes – Mirror Football
'Abandon All Hope…' – Sunshine Room
Leaked Blackburn Letter Shows Extent Of Turmoil – EPL Talk
Genius Who Couldn't Exist Today: Dragan Stojkovic – LBITCR
German Philosopher Reflects On Jose Mourinho – Futfanatico
Rule Changes That Could Hand Title To Man Utd – FourFourTwo
Welcome To Posh – Danny Last for IBWM