Week 28 overview

FA Cup week in the N&R FL.

Stoke won at Crawley 2-0, Stevenage held Spurs, Liverpool put 6 past Brighton with 3 o.g.'s on target! Chelsea were held 1-1 at the Bridge by Brum with AVB under more pressure.

Our boys Everton beat Blackpool 2-0. Bolton came out of their league torper to win 2-0 at The Den, Leicester done what a lot of Prem teams haven't been able to and beat Norwich at Carrow Road and in the round's big shock, or was it, Sunderland bet Arsenal 2-0 at the SoL.

N&R Weekly Bet

Ready collected in week 27. Mind you he was pretty conservative with his selections.

Week 27:
Nobby:
Newcastle v Wolves AWAY - WRONG
Stoke v Swansea AWAY - WRONG
QPR v Fulham HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £137.92. Winnings £0

Ready:
Chelsea v Bolton HOME - CORRECT
Norwich v Man Utd AWAY - CORRECT
Man C v Blackburn HOME - CORRECT

£2 stake. Winning potential £4.58. Winnings £4.58

Running total:
Ready £27.08 (positive)
Nobby £18.24 (negative)

The two most recent weeks. Soon I will join Pompey and Rangers in administration.

Week 26:
Nobby:
DRAW - WRONG
Tottenham v Wolves HOME - WRONG
Newcastle v QPR HOME - CORRECT

£2 stake. Winning potential £21.44. Winnings £0

Ready:
Wigan v Man C AWAY - CORRECT
Man Utd v Bolton HOME - CORRECT
Tottenham v Wolves HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £4.20. Winnings £0

Week 22:
Nobby
Bolton v Liverpool AWAY - WRONG
Arsenal v Man U HOME - WRONG
Everton v Blackburn HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £14.08. Winnings £0

Ready
Norwich v Chelsea AWAY - WRONG
Everton v Blackburn HOME - WRONG
Stoke v WBA HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £9.58. Winnings £0

Running total:
Ready £22.50 (positive)
Nobby £16.24 (negative)

Photograph of the week

Liverpool won their first trophy for 6 years beating a brave Cardiff 3-2 on pens after an exciting finish to extra time when Cardiff equalised to make it 2-1 in the last minute. Cardiff were hoping to be the first Welsh team to win a major trophy since 1927.

Frank Carson RIP

"He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family. We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life. "It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!!" read a family statement.

It's the way I tell 'em.
Telegragh Obituary; The Guardian.

A letter from Europe

From JOHN CLEESE

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent events in Syria and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.

Regards,
John Cleese,
British writer, actor and tall person

And as a final thought - Greece is collapsing, the Iranians are getting aggressive, and Rome is in disarray. Welcome back to 430 BC.

Photograph of the week

Newcastle have played at St James' Park since 1905. In November the club said they planned to change the name of the ground, but only temporarily as it hoped to "showcase" the sponsorship opportunity to "interested parties".

Club owner Mike Ashley has said the new stadium will be called 'The Sports Direct Arena' named after his own company.

The St James' Park sign was removed from Newcastle United's football ground this week to make way for its new name but twice this week 'vandals' have scrawled in the space in the above photograph 'St James' Park.'

Photograph of the week

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says the club's hierarchy should make it clear they back his vision for the Blues' long-term future. Oh dear, this will only end one way.

Perm anyone from six?

N&R Division 1 - week 27 update
The title race looks like it will be between the top 6. I have to include Guinness & eggs because every season since Steve joined the N&R FL he has made a fantastic late run (no pressure buddy).

Boys on tour are in pole position and have been since Christmas. Tanus Terriers are currently 30 odd points adrift in 2nd, and Magnificent Eleven in 3rd.

Bagpuss is having another good season and has transfers in the bank, Woody's Round Up impressed last season too.

Financial Bale Out has a lot of N&R FL expereince and has won titles before (Europa Cup (09/10).

Below these guys lies a host of manangers who could still have a big say in the title race. Harry Houdini is very consistent but I would pick one of Paris Eagles, Hannoi Utd or To Elland Back to make a late springtime charge.

Relegation looks a cert for CHAMP19NS, Ted Striker, ex-champ Sainsbury's Maggotts LMFC and our Tokyo correspondent Asahi Kirin Sapporo Saki Eight. The others are still in with a shout of safety - remember no parachute payments here. Oh no.

Each manager is only ever a timely clever transfer or two away for a couple of big weekly gains.

Promotion the main goal

N&R Division 2 - week 27 update
Dalton Worblers are 20 points ahead of closest rival Dynamo Chicken Kiev, who climb over Pimp my side. 2Infinity & beyond have all the tools of a previous champion and are looking dangerous in 4th place.

Pure Irish, top for so long earlier in the season are still looking good for promotion (over a 100 points head of 12th place) and in 6th is another ex-champ Mrs Soozie Sav.

With 14 weeks left there is still a lot of fantasy points to play for, but I would have to say the Div 2 title looks to be a battle between the Worblers, Kiev, Pimpers, 2Infinity and Irish.

Of course others can make a run, and without a doubt someone will. That person could be someone like Glasgow kiss looking good at present in 8th.

For the others promotion to the big time has to be the goal now but anyone down to Jason Syrett in 22nd has a chance of the top 12.

Week 27 overview

Spurs drubbed sorry Newcastle 5-0 as the noise for 'Arry for England got louder. Norwich had a terrific win at Swansea, Arsenal won late at Sunderland. King Henry scoring in injury time.

Fulham beat Stoke, who are in a bad run of form, Everton disposed of Chelsea putting pressure on AVB, Wigan won at Bolton, who were booed off, Blackburn had a big win at home to QPR and apparently there was a game of football at Old Trafford and United beat Liverpool 2-1!

On Sunday City won at Villa Park and West Brom thrashed Black Country rivals Wolves 5-1 and it's goodbye Mick.

Sav, Sav, Saveloy

Manager of the Week - week 27
Sav's first MoW after collecting 68 points in week 27. Close behind was Ryan's old mucker Ready with 60 and in 3rd wa Brett Davey with 59.

Wardy managed a 58, the same as Steve Black, who will no doubt make his annual late bid for the title. On form Daniel Weeks and Rosie Dalton both hit 52 and Tim Harris 50.

Other notables worth mentioning in week 27 were Andrew Shepherd 49, Kate Chillman 45, Daniel Duboux 37, Davor 33, Tim & Dennis 32, Pk 28, Oakers 21 and the two bottom feeders John Hardiman and Ginger Rabbit both with 13. Unlucky for some.

Famous old football kits

I haven't done one of these for a while, but just as a refresher to all you Arsenal fans. This was the 1997/8 double winning top worn by such greats as Wright, Adams, Merson, Bergkamp and Keown. Not a 17-year old Frenchman amongst them.

The 2012 N&R Cup 1st Round Proper Draw

Here we go. The draw has been made in the office of Simon J Newport for this year's Nobby & Ready Cup 1st Round with ties to be played over this weekend (week 29).

The draw is as follows:

Asahi Kirin Sapporo Saki Eight v Kiwi fantastic
FFC 4 Ever v Morgan's Machines
Wheelers Warriors v Goonersmoan
Lazarus United v Nobby Junior
Non-Calculated Risk v Pure Irish
Keep the faith v Gooner win the league
SAF v Californication
Financial Bale Out v Chillers Champions
Gooner go up v Dan's Dribblers
The No Hopers v Frank & Beans
Sainsbury's Maggotts LMFC v Hammer Nation
Dynamo Chicken Kiev v Woody's Round Up
Pimp my side v Bingo FC
Muddy's Mavericks v Conan's Destroyers
Kings of Leon Osman v Harry Houdini
2Infinity & beyond v Paris Eagles
Magnificent Eleven v Boys on tour
Glasgow kiss v Alchees Lubes
Two points, two flats and a packet of gravel v Guinness & eggs
Bagpuss XI v Room with a view
Standard Ginger v Full Metal Jacket
A Whitened Smut v We are all Keith Lemon!
Socceroos v Planet Kilpo
Bobby Z is World Class v Barceloner
ThE DrEaM FacTorY v Sons of pitches
Brox Banditos v How's about bollocks
Buy, Buy, Buy, Arsene Wenger v Brighton Blues
Luis & Carroll's Adventures in Wonderland v Megan & Hannah's Teddy Bears
Super Super Sav, Super Savlyuchenko v To Elland Back
Hannoi Utd v Travelodge kettles
Tanus Terriers v Good on paper XI
Loads of Roubles v Dalton's Worblers

Some cracking ties there. The game between Graham and Simon Ward will have the family divided right down the middle. Then two Eagle Barry's Paull and Plummer play off for a place in the 2nd Round also.

Top v 3rd in the Div 1 play after Greg and Ken got drawn together and old friends Ready and Huw will also meet in the 1st Round.

Another anticipated match up will be high flyers Daniel Weeks and Ricky Wood. Chicagoan's Michael Stout and the duo of Dennis and Tim cross swords as do Chartis' Dewbs and Chillers.

The in-form Kirsty and Brett were tied together (probably on Romford Station! Sorry in joke.) And Aon Benfield team mates Merchant and Morgan also go head to head.

The results will be based on week 29 scores. Good luck to all.

Road to Wembley - Two early goals kills off Tangerines

Two early goals helped our Road to Wembley boys Everton comfortably beat Blackpool to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the second time in nine years.

The party started early at Goodison when ROYSTON DRENTHE scored after just 49 seconds from hair-bear Marouane Fellaini's pass.

DENIS STRACQUALURSI then made it a dream start for the hosts on six minutes when he tapped in a second - game over.

Stracqualursi could have added to his total as Everton had chances to put the tie out of sight, while Kevin Phillips blazed over a penalty late on.

The veteran Tangerines striker also hit the bar from a free-kick with Lomana LuaLua also hitting the post, but they were isolated efforts for the visitors, who also lost Gary Taylor-Fletcher as a result of a first-half collision with Everton keeper Tim Howard.

Everton boss David Moyes: "I think when you play Blackpool you are never in control. They score lots of goals in the last five minutes of games. Our goalkeeper Tim Howard made a brilliant save and they missed a penalty kick, so they had opportunities.

"We had six or seven great chances to put the game to bed and we didn't get the third goal. While it was still 2-0, Blackpool kept going."

Everton team: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Heitinga, Distin, Neville, Gibson, (Barkley), Drenthe, Fellaini, Stracqualursi (Vellios), Gueye (Coleman).
Substitutes: Hahnemann, Coleman, Barkley, Forshaw, Vellios, Joao Silva, Baxter.

Attendance: 38,347

The quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of 18-19 March.

FA Cup quarter-finals draw
Liverpool v Stoke City
Chelsea/Birmingham City v Leicester City
Stevenage/Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers
Everton v Sunderland

N&R League Cups Semi Final Results

So we now know who the two finalists will be in each Division. The Finals will be in a few weeks time

Light & Bitter (Div 1) Semi-Final Draw
Travelodge Kettles 15-47 Loads of Roubles
Brox Banditos 19-47 The Magnificent Eleven

Ken will take on Johnny Mc in the Light & Bitter Final after both won on the road at. Both Huw and Chris being beaten convincingly.

Light & Lager (Div 2) Semi-Final Results
The No Hopers 38-52 Dynamo Chicken Kiev
Glasgow kiss 30-52 Dalton Worblers

Daniel and Rosie will contest the Light & Lager Final (current 1st v 2nd) in a few weeks time after both eased through their semis. Daniel won on Michael's home turf and in the all-girl semi, it was a bit one-way unfortunately as Rosie beat Kirsty quite comfortably.

New Man United kit leaked

Eeugh!

In the media

The Daily Mirror's Oliver Holt talks to John Barnes and it poses plenty of questions.

“In terms of overt racism, the situation at football matches has improved in the last 20 years, because we don’t hear it,” Read more.

O M Godd

Manager of the Week - week 26
What a week! 21 teams bettered the previous season best with Pete Godfrey topping out at 109 points. Woody claimed 108 and Barry Paull, Mark Gregory and Sooozie 105.

Alastair parked a 104 with Rob and Plumms all in the 100 club.

Interestingly Rosie scored 91 after a 9 in week 25 and Neil Addington 82 after an 8 in the previous week.

There were many best scores of the season with 62 managers scoring 50 points plus even Danny Rose and Kate Chillman hit a 65, almost double her previous best score.

Daniel Duboux scored 59 points than he did the week before and it was left to Tim & Dennis and Muddy to bring up the rear with a hardly bad 33.

1,000 point barrier

The 1,000 point barrier was broken in the bumper week 26. Leading the way was Greg's Boys on tour then Lee's Tanus Terriers and Andy's Bagpuss.

In Div 2 Rosie's Worblers continues her fantastic virgin season and moved to 1,006 points last week.

Last season it was also week 26 when our managers first reached the 1,000 point mark with Rob Munden, Mark Gregory, Simon Ward, Steve Merchant and Ken Cobbett attaining it at the same time. The season before it took until week 29.

Boys on road to title

N&R Division 1 - week 26 update
Boys on tour are on point to win their first ever N&R FL trophy. Greg leads nearest rival Tanus Terriers by 47 points with Bagpuss 3rd and Woody 4th.

The Magnificent Eleven are up to 5th and Guinness & eggs, Paris Eagles and Room with a view join Harry Houdini in a tie for 8th.

Below this little assortment of some of the markets best looking me lie current champ To Elland Back and Good on paper.

Two of the teams with the longest names to type Super Super Sav, Super Savlyuchenko and Two points, two flats and a packet of gravel hover above the relegation zone.

And inside it Nobby Junior and Non Calculated risk improved their positions, whereas CHAMP19Ns remain bottom.

Just worbling

N&R Division 2 - week 26 update
Despite some big scores the top 5 remains unaltered in Div 2. Dalton Worblers burst through the 1,000 point mark and lead Pimp my side by 7 points with Dynamo Chicken Kiev and 2Infinity & beyond in close proximity.

A little gap to 5th and long time leader Pure Irish with Gooner go up in 6th. Brighton Blues are back in the promotion hunt but Kings of Leon Osman drop out.

Lower down we saw Kiwi Fantastic move up to 18th and Goonersmoan climbed a couple of places.

Deep down Chillers Champions climbed to a heady 33rd with Arsene Knows now occupying the Penultimate Place position and Stocky is still rock bottom.

Best weekly scores - Godders jumps ahead

Peter Godfrey. Remember him? Fantasy football league manager extraordinaire.... in the 90's. He was N&R FL's Liverpool back in the day. But, what is this. A comeback Paul Scholes style.

Peter walloped 109 points in week 26's congestive fixture list, which now totally dominates the list putting Greg Foulger's previous best of 82 in the shade, Godders now sits proudly on top of the Best Weekly Score pack.

The revised Top 12 best weekly score's looks like this:

1. Peter Godfrey, week 26, 109 points
2. Ricky Wood, week 26, 108 points
3= Barry Paull, week 26, 105 points
3= Soozie Saveall, week 26, 105 points
3= Mark Gregory, week 26, 105 points
6. Alastair Bigg, week 26, 104 points
7. Barry Plummer, week 26, 101 points
8. Rob Munden, week 26, 100 points
9= Greg Foulger, week 26, 99 points
9= Graham Ward, week 26, 99 points
11. Daniel Weeks, week 26, 98 points
12= Steve Black, week 26, 91 points
12= Geoff McCormack, week 26, 91 points
12= Rosie Dalton, week 26, 91 points
Up to week 26

What's in a team name

No.5: Travelodge Kettles - Huw Thomas

This is my favourite from the current season.

Huw used to work with Keith Read.... yes one and the same. I'll leave it to Huw to explain his team name choice:

"A lesson that I learned very early on in my career with Ready was no matter how much you fancy one, never EVER have a cup of tea at a Travelodge as there is a fair chance that at some stage the kettle would have received a healthy dose of Keith's early morning piss."

"On one memorable occasion, we were checking out of the Reading Travelodge the morning after a strenuous night out and (Ryan) Sav asked a bleary-eyed Ready if he was feeling ship-shape as he wasn't looking all that flash. After taking a few seconds to clear his head, Keith replied that he really wasn't feeling the best, he had realised that things weren't looking promising when he woke up and "I could hardly focus to get my cock in the kettle".

Brilliant!

N&R Weekly Bet update

The two most recent weeks. Soon I will join Pompey and Rangers in administration.

Week 26:
Nobby:
DRAW - WRONG
Tottenham v Wolves HOME - WRONG
Newcastle v QPR HOME - CORRECT

£2 stake. Winning potential £21.44. Winnings £0

Ready:
Wigan v Man C AWAY - CORRECT
Man Utd v Bolton HOME - CORRECT
Tottenham v Wolves HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £4.20. Winnings £0

Week 22:
Nobby
Bolton v Liverpool AWAY - WRONG
Arsenal v Man U HOME - WRONG
Everton v Blackburn HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £14.08. Winnings £0

Ready
Norwich v Chelsea AWAY - WRONG
Everton v Blackburn HOME - WRONG
Stoke v WBA HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £9.58. Winnings £0

Running total:
Ready £22.50 (positive)
Nobby £16.24 (negative)

Road to Wembley - Everton take on Blackpool

Blackpool, everyone's favourite team last season go to the Goodison to take on our Road To Wembley side Everton in Saturday's 5th Round.

Blackpool haven't lost in 2012 but the Toffees are fresh from beating Chelsea last weekend.

Last time they met there was an 8 goal thriller as Louis Saha grabbed 4 goals, but Louis Saha is no longer but Everton do have Nikica Jelavic, who was signed from skint Rangers for £5.5m in January. Jelavic was born in Bosnia but plays for Croatia and I am sure Davor will know him well.

Good luck to the Toffeemen on Saturday.

Week 26 overview

A bumper week of games, hence the high scoring.

Tuesday 31st
Man U comfortably beat Stoke, Everton beat Man City at Goodison, Liverpooln stuffed Wolves away 3-0, Spurs beat Wigan 3-1 and Chelsea got lucky at Swansea equalising late in a 1-1

Wednesday 1st
Sunderland continued their fine form under MON and beat Norwich 3-0, Fulham and WBA shared the spoils as did Bolton and Arsenal. Newcastle won 2-0 at Blackburn, Villa came from behind to draw at home to QPR,

Saturday 4th
Citeh bounced back with a 3-0 home win over Fulham, Wigan and Everton drew 1 a piece, Swansea won at WBA, Sunderland won at Stoke, Woves won at QPR in a massive result that still didn't save Mick M his job, Norwich beat strugglers Bolton 2-0 and Arsenal hammered Blackburn 7-1 with goals from van Persie (3), Oxlade Chamberlain (2), Arteta and King Henry.

Sunday 5th
Chelsea threw away a 3 goal lead at home to Man U and Newcastle beat Villa 2-1.

Monday 6th
Spurs and Liverpool were goalless at Anfield.

Photograph of the week

Arsenal fans look away now. Last night the Gunners were humiliated by AC Milan 4-0. It was Arsenal's biggest defeat in Europe. As someone said: "At the end of the season while other clubs look at their trophies, Arsenal will be looking at their bank balance."

It's only a game

They say a week is a long time in football and certainly I can't remember a week when so much happened in English football.

First of all after John Terry's trial was delayed until July, that decision meant that he could continue to lead both Chelsea to the end of the season and also captain England in the European Championships.

The FA panicked realising that the race trial involving the nation's captain was going to linger like a bad smell over the squad in Poland and Ukraine. Kiev is smelly enough and it was said that a number of England's players were already opposed to Terry leading the side, at least until he was found not quilty, if of course he is. Remember this is a criminal trial unlike the enquiry into Luis Suarez's slip of his Spanish tongue.

So the FA decide without telling Fabio that they will strip Terry of the captaincy but making it clear he can still be picked. Terry has kept his counsel, which for a bloke with a big gob must be bloody difficult, so said nada.

Fabio, the honourable Italian, a bit like the captain of the Costa Concordia, got all bent out of shape went on Italian TV and threw his pasta out of the pram.

Fabio flies back to his Knightsbridge pad, there's a meeting at Wembley, the FA announce Mr Capello has walked away very understanding and a lot richer.

No England captain, no England manager.

The country cries in unison for 'Arry Redknapp just as he walks out of court claiming that he was too stupid to fiddle his taxes and is met by a potential new employer ready to open an account in his goldfishes name in a tax haven of Nemo's choice.

Alan Pardew is the first to come out and say he is not interested. That made me proper laugh out loud. O'Neil agrees he would rather be at the Stadium of Light and all eyes are on 'Arry as he drives away in his Merc with the window down and him smiling and talking to the media.

The FA come out and say that they will draw up a short list, which I have seen and it looks like this:

Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp
Rosie the Dog

'Arry meanwhile says that he has never thought about the Engerland job, one because he is not paid to think and two, he thinks like a 2-year old.

Then on Sunday Redknapp's flying Spurs dismantle Alan Pardew's Newcastle 5-0 and 'Arry does a victory jig everytime Spurs score on the touchline. Ossie Ardiles was in the stands watching and has declared himself interested in the job.

Up in Merseyside an Everton fan runs on the pitch and handcuffs himself to a goal post. Hello.

But Liverpool fans have a more serious cause of complaint. Of course always the victims, they gathered at Anfield for a FA Cup game against their nemesis Man U. Liverpool fans with their shell suits and petitions are ready to welcome Patrice Evra, who is so guilty of being told he is a "negro" 8 times, that he deserves everything he gets.

He gets roundly abused as does Rio Ferdinand by Chelsea fans the next week for being the brother of the bloke also called allegedy a "n*****".

The FA must be looking for a new fixture computer after it throws up another clash between the two most successful clubs in English football (yes Mark, I know they have one more league title) and coincides nicely with the return of Luis Suarez to the starting line up.

I have no clue why the Premier League insist on the handshake before the game. The only reason I can think of is that with referees now being told to eradicate any proper tackling, a handshake is about the most contact players from opposing teams have these days.

Both Evra and Suarez agreed on the handshake and only the Uruguayan knows why he blanked the Frenchman - maybe it is customary back in his homeland, but it was a senseless thing to do and set the tone for the rest of the match.

There are still incredibly many Scousers who think that Evra didn't shake Suarez's hand. This is fuelled by so many ex-Liverpool players in the media. I incredulously listened to John Aldridge and even more unbelievably John Barnes both support Suarez yesterday morning.

I know there has been apologies from managing director Ian Ayre, Kenny Daglish (who I am sorry to see has come out of this whole sorry drama looking like a senile old man), and Suarez himself have all apologised but is too little too late.

In my mind it was only the club's American owners putting the screws on that made it happen. It has taken four months for Liverpool to admonish Suarez publicly and only because he refused to shake the hand of Evra. This has nothing to do with the Uruguayan calling his Manchester United rival a "negro".

I wonder what t-shirts the Liverpool players will wear next?

Funny how Suarez, whose whole defence was basically bad English issued a statement sounding more like a solicitor than a poor boy from Montevideo. In my mind Suarez can stick his apology and his racism up his arse and every football supporter in the country should drum him out of the English game. We don't need that sort in a sport that the rest of us love.

Back to the Premier League then and Mick McCarthy got sacked today after Wolves lost to their local rivals 5-1 on their own patch. I'm not suprised but if you need a fighter, a motivator to get you out of impending relegation, then there aren't many better. I hope Wolves can find one. Fabio Capello's looking for a job.

Then finally if I stretch the English game to Glasgow, today Rangers announced they will formally enter administration, automatically causing a 10 point deduction and handing Celtic the title. Rangers would still comfortably sit in a Europa League place but this is complicated by the fact that if Rangers come out of administration as a different entity, their UEFA membership would automatically lapse.

Phew.

Not Champ19n!

N&R Division 1 - week 25 update
Boys on tour opened his legs in week 25 to move away from the pack at the top of Div 1. Tanus Terriers stay 2nd, with Bagpuss up to 3rd.

The Magnificent Eleven is 4th and Harry Houdini 5th.

Financial Bale Out, Woody's Round Up and Gooner win League are all in the chase and Guinness & eggs, To Elland Back, Room with a view and Paris Eagles all giving chase.

At the foot of the table CHAMP19NS are now bottom with Ted Striker moving above them. Mark's team is made up entirely from United players and one can read into it what you want, but with the same players available Sir Alex has United 2nd in the table!

Plumms ripening

N&R Division 2 - week 25 update
15 points Dalton Worblers lead Pimp my side with Dynamo Chicken Kiev in close proximity. Not far behind in 4th is now 2Infinity & beyond with Pure Irish down to 5th.

A little gap then to Glasgow kiss and Gooner go up with No Hopers behind the ladies.

Alchees Lubes is in 9th, Barceloner 10th, Kings of Leon Osman 11th with Full Metal Jacket 12th.

Hammer Nation lower down the charts was a big climber whilst Morgan's Machines went the other way.

Chillers Champions remain in the prized penultimate place.

Greg's hat trick

Manager of the Week - week 25
Greg Foulger collected the week 25 MoW fiver with 47 points in what was a cup tie weekend. It was Greg's 3rd MoW award of the season. Barry Plummer was 2nd best in week 25 with 42, Rob Munden scored 40 and both Lee Horne and Chris Waterman managed 39.

Andy Cassell floated a 38, Godders putted a 35, Barry Paull batted a 34 over the boundary, Soozie potted a 33 and Huw, Muddy, Neil R and Tony M all served a 31.

The week's lowest score was Daniel Duboux who slumped to just 1 (ONE) point.

Worst weekly scores

Despite Daniel's marvellous effort in week 25, it was still not the worst of the season. Mark Simmons' -2 will be hard to top.

Top 10 worst weekly scores:
1. Mark Simmons, week 11, -2 points
2. Daniel Duboux, week 25, 1 point
3= Danny Stock, week 15, 6 points
3= Danny Rose, week 2, 6 points
5= Mark Sterry, week 25, 7 points
5= Neil Bixby, week 25, 7 points
7= Mark Wenman, week 6, 8 points
7= Mark Simmons, week 21, 8 points
9= Danny Rose, week 3, 9 points
9= Simon Newport, week 6, 9 points
9= Brett Davey, week 7, 9 points
Up to week 25

Week 25 review

It was 4th Round of the FA Cup weekend.

Grant Holt scored as Norwich won at WBA, Newcastle lost to Brighton, Van der Vaart scored the winner in a lucky win at Watford and Everton beat Fulham 2-1.

Jerome and Huth were on the socresheet as Stoke beat Derby 2-0, Bolton beat Swansea, Mata scored from the spot as they won at Loftus Road, Frazer Campbell scored a belter for Sunderland in their draw at home to local rivals Middlesbrough and Arsenal came back from 2-down to beat Villa at The Emirates. van Persie (2) and Walcott with the goals.

At Anfield Liverpool beat Man U 2-1. Dirk Kuyt getting the winner.

Photograph of the week

What a fickle game this is. Today Wolves have sacked boss Mick McCarthy following Sunday's 5-1 home thrashing by Black Country rivals West Brom. McCarthy has been in charge at Molineux since July 2006 but his side have won only one of their last 13 matches. I think they might come to regret this.

Terry Connor will take charge of team training in the interim until a new manager is appointed with Alan Curbishley among the favourites.

Zambia pride of Africa

The memory of 18 players killed in an air crash almost 20 years ago carried Zambia's current generation to their extraordinary African Nations Cup triumph, the team said on Monday.

Coach Herve Renard (once manager of Cambridge United) called the 18 a "silent force", while victorious players explained the importance of honouring their dead compatriots, whose plane went down not far from the Libreville stadium where Zambia won the Nations Cup against the much-fancied Ivory Coast on Sunday on penalties.

"It was very emotional and the memory of the players who died here played a big part," said midfielder Isaac Chansa.

"Once they said the final would be held in Gabon, we said this is ours this time around. It was written somewhere, you can see that from the miss of (Didier) Drogba."

Drogba missed a penalty on the hour thus meaning the wait goes on for an Ivory Coast team replete with many Premier League and European stars, with the country losing the 2006 final to Egypt in the same way and last winning the title 20 years ago.

The game ended 0-0 AET, and after 14 penalty kicks were converted, Kolo Toure and Gervinho failed to find the target for the Elephants as Zambia's Rainford Kalaba also blazed over but Stoppila Sunzu found the top corner to complete an amazing 8-7 victory.

N&R League Cups - Semi Final Draw

The semi-final draw for the N&R League Cups, sponsored by Light & Bitter and Light & Lager were made at N&R Towers tonight. The ties will be played this weekend (week 27).

Good luck to all 8 managers.

Light & Bitter (Div 1) Semi-Final Draw
Travelodge Kettles v Loads of Roubles
Brox Banditos v The Magnificent Eleven

Ken is the highest placed manager left and plays Chris' Brox and Huw and John will battle it out in the other semi.

Light & Lager (Div 2) Semi-Final Draw
The No Hopers v Dynamo Chicken Kiev
Glasgow kiss v Dalton Worblers

A bit of girl on girl action (easy tiger) in the 2nd game between Kirsty and Rosie and 3rd placed Dan plays 8th placed Michael in the other.

Fabio & Arry

Photograph of the week

The football world has been left in a state of shock following the sickening violence in Egypt that left 74 people dead and more than 150 injured at the game between al-Masry and al-Ahly on Wednesday night.

Dalton's law

N&R Division 2 - week 24 update
Dalton Worblers remain top 37 points ahead of Pimp my side. The top 5 are in fact unchanged with Glasgow kiss moving into 6th.

Full metal jacket was a bit of a faller, now at 12th alongside Brighton Blues.

Megan & Hannah's Teddy Bears moved up a little as did Wheeler's Warriors.

Chillers stays in the penultimate spot with Stocky's Starlets 35 points behind.

Nobby makes his move

N&R Division 1 - week 24 update
The top 2 are unchanged as we enter the 24th week. Last year runner up Ken and his Magnificent Eleven are into 3rd with Bagpuss 4th. Financial Bale out move to 6th, Woody's Round Up is 7th and Gooner win League 8th.

Guinness & eggs were a big climber to 9th, and Loads of Roubles and FFC 4ever were also gainers.

At the bottom Nobby Junior is still climbing slowly up the table to 27th. Non-Caculated risk, How about Bollocks and Bingo block his way to the safety exit.

Kiss off

Manager of the Week - week 24
Kirsty brought some girl power to week 24 and picked up her first MoW award with a 46 point score, one more than Steve Black and two more than Ken Cobbett and Paul Long.

On 43 points was Rosie and Ginger Rabbit, Dewbs and Ben G hammered home a 42 and Huw and Daniel made 41 with John McGowan a nice round 40 making it one of our closest weeks of the season.

For the record and to get some your names up in lights the following deserved a mention: Pk scored 30, Chris Wright 28, Plumms 24, Aaron 24, Jason Syrett 22, Tim & Dennis 18 and last up Scott Morgan and Tony Murray with 10 each.