Barry Conlon is a little distracted. His attention drawn to the TV screen, he drifts away for a few seconds, before being coaxed back into conversation.

After watching his Swindon Town side plummet into English League Two earlier this month, owner Lee Power is hoping his Waterford FC side can bring him better news this weekend.

These are hectic times for Waterford FC. Friday’s First Division win over Athlone Town attracted their biggest crowd of the season at almost 2,000, a fundraiser was held at the greyhound stadium on Saturday and another healthy attendance showed up yesterday at the RSC for the EA Sports Cup game against Cobh Ramblers.

The rebirth of Waterford FC has sparked huge interest in the capital of the southeast, a long-time power in League of Ireland football.

They give the impression of having it all — the world’s most charismatic player, match-winners all over the pitch, and an Irish skills coach better versed than anyone else in the art of conquering Europe.

Swindon have performed a U-turn and welcomed goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux back to the fold after initially expelling him from the club due to an internal disciplinary matter.

Republic of Ireland international David McGoldrick came off the bench to score and send Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich top of the Championship last night.

Bristol City 0 West Ham 1: FA Cup Fourth Round: Sam Allardyce had warned his players about being another Premier League "victim" as Diafra Sakho’s late goal was enough to secure West Ham a 1-0 victory at Bristol City.

After scoring probably the most celebrated Ireland goal by someone other than Ray Houghton, Alan McLoughlin still had a life to live – though it almost ended a couple of years ago through cancer.

Last weekend, James McClean, quite clearly and eloquently explained in an open letter to Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan why he would be not be joining his team-mates in wearing a poppy on his shirt, as is the tradition on Remembrance day.

Phil Jones admits Manchester United are still learning Louis van Gaal’s new system but the defender believes their 100% record in pre-season shows they are ready for the new Premier League campaign to start.

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade has called for a Swindon fan who punched goalkeeper Jamie Jones to be banned for life.

Giovanni Trapattoni can baffle and beguile in equal measure but when you eliminate the charm and strip his infamous Trappish right down to the bone, you’re invariably left with the impression that he views us lads and lassies of the media as plain, simple folk whose understanding of higher matters like the game of football leaves just about everything to be desired.

For the first time during the 24 years of the U21 Uefa championship, Ireland approach the tail-end of their qualifying campaign in contention.

Ireland U21 manager Noel King is refusing to give up the Euro qualification quest following last night’s defeat to 10-man Turkey.

A goalkeeper in Britain jailed for killing two young boys in a car crash while drink-driving has been offered the chance to restart his career after he is released from prison.

MANCHESTER UNITED avoided further humiliation after their derby drubbing as they breezed through last night’s Carling Cup fourth round clash at Aldershot, winning 3-0.

PAOLO DI CANIO unwittingly completed a half marathon in Swindon after losing his bearings on the fun run course.

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland will undergo a fitness test on tomorrow morning before it is decided whether he will play against Swindon Town in the afternoon.

Leeds United face an away tie against Oldham Athletic in the first round of the FA Cup.

Swindon Town have told Celtic they will have to pay £2.5m to land striker Simon Cox.

Sheffield Wednesday 1 Derby County 1 AET (Derby win 4-2 on penalties)

Leeds are set to discuss personal terms with Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet after agreeing financial compensation with Swindon for the pair.

Leeds tonight announced they have agreed financial compensation with Swindon and have been given permission to discuss personal terms with Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet.

Leeds United are in talks with Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet with a view to installing them as a new management team at Elland Road.

KEVIN BLACKWELL was sacked as manager of Leeds United yesterday by the Elland Road board of directors after three-and-a-half years at the club.

Martin Claffey charts the amazing career path of former Irish U21 midfielder Wayne O’Sullivan.

Tottenham are hoping to unveil Holland midfielder Edgar Davids at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

David Seaman has presented Arsenal with yet another fitness worry ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Southampton.

FAI PRESIDENT Milo Corcoran yesterday said the new international team manager would be expected to have a much greater involvement in football in Ireland than had Mick McCarthy or Jack Charlton.

Brentford are top of Division Two after today's Nationwide League matches while Rushden & Diamonds top Division Three.

Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond will spend today and tomorrow mulling over applications for the manager’s job at Valley Parade following the resignation of Jim Jefferies.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans is the new manager of Swindon Town.

Swindon Town have admitted they made an enquiry about acquiring the services of Bradford City's transfer-listed striker Stan Collymore - but insist it came to nothing.

Swindon Town have tabled an audacious swoop for Bradford's Stan Collymore.