James Whelan recalls the footballing year that was and comes up with some glorious and gory memories.

REAL MADRID should be looking forward to a leisurely stroll towards a 30th Spanish league title after adding David Beckham to a line-up already boasting the game’s most destructive attacking force.

THERE was a moment in this World Cup when anyone whose heart was not made of stone must have jumped for joy and admiration of a deed, so intrinsically good and elevating, that it was impossible to remain dispassionate.

Fulham have signed Argentinian striker Facundo Sava on a four-year contract which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2006.