Hamstrung

His exit "speech" reflects the dignity of the man, but ultimately he felt the constrictions of having one hand tied behind his back. He's not short of admirers and if he does end up as the coach of Inter Milan, then I'm sure he will build on last season's unprecedented treble success.

We will always remember the "Miracle of Istanbul" and but for a few less draws last season but one, we would have enhanced our status as England's most successful football club.

Rafa, graçias, adiõs y buena suerte.

The Guv'nor

It's certainly shaping up to be a momentous year for those of dark pigmentation, BHO is blazing a trail in politics in the good ol' US of A and now in good ol' Blighty, Paul "The Guv'nor" Ince is set to be named manager of Blackburn, making him the first black manager in the EPL. He has paid his dues (and no doubt learnt a lot) as he staved off relegation at Macclesfield Town and won the League II title with MK Dons. It will be very interesting to see how he does in comparison to his erstwhile team mates , Roy Keane and Mark Hughes, of Sunderland and Mancester City respectively.

Apparently, Inter Milan is his ultimate managerial position so, la buona fortuna e noi lo desiderano bene.