The Anyone-But-England brigade will be up bright and early tomorrow, whistling a merry tune and flexing the brims of their Panama hats.

The Anyone-But-England brigade will be up bright and early tomorrow, whistling a merry tune and flexing the brims of their Panama hats.

Ronan Collins, PGA Professional at Fota Island, reckons he can make some kind of golfer out of our reporter, Larry Ryan, at Fota’s state-of- the-art Golf Academy. This week, the lottery of putting

Frank de Boer’s appointment as Crystal Palace manager took the number of former Barcelona players now managing in the Premier League to five, 25% of the total workforce and a ringing endorsement for the philosophy of Total Football Johan Cruyff introduced to the Catalans after making it famous in his native Netherlands.

It takes a strong man to come back from adversity to succeed again after being mercilessly mocked for failing at the highest level, but it takes a very special kind of man to do that without any trace of bitterness, anger or regret.

I have to say that, all those centuries past, it was very far-seeing and considerate of his ancestors to arrange for the new England manager to come among us in 2016 with a ‘gate’ already appended to his surname, thus sparing journalists the effort of having to add the same four letters if – when? - his reign goes, as it were, south.

David Moyes has called for managers to be given time to implement their plans as he plots the way forward at Sunderland.

When Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho renew acquaintances on Saturday lunchtime at Old Trafford, one of modern football’s great personal rivalries will take another twist.

Defending Copa del Rey champions Barcelona became the first team to retain the trophy since 1998 as they defeated Sevilla 2-0 after extra time in the final.

The very first manager to have “lost the dressing room”, according to Google, was John Barnes in 1999.

The sight of Paolo di Canio sliding across the St James’ Park turf on his knees in celebration is one which will always haunt John Carver.

Newcastle confirmed John Carver has been appointed head coach for the rest of the season.

Newcastle have confirmed John Carver has been appointed head coach for the rest of the season.

John Carver is convinced he will have Bobby Robson standing alongside him on one side and Gary Speed on the other when he walks out at St James’ Park today.

David Moyes revealed he shunned overs to stay in the Premier League so he could test himself in “the best league in the world” as he was officially unveiled as the new manager of Primera Division outfit Real Sociedad today.

Louis van Gaal will put up his "iron shield" and do battle with those who criticise his methods at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal will put up his “iron shield” and do battle with those who criticise his methods at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal has played down his role in the development of Jose Mourinho, insisting the Chelsea manager became the Special One all by himself.

Brian O’Driscoll’s latest book supposedly makes for an interesting read when digested in large chunks, but the extracts have fallen well short of Roy Keane’s on the Richter scale.

Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1

Champions League Group G

Champions League Group G

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal thinks he has inherited an unbalanced and “broken” squad from David Moyes.

Louis van Gaal has been named as the next manager of Manchester United.

In the immediate aftermath of Selhurst Park, Liverpool didn’t look like a team ready to roar into a defiant response. They were, in the words of Brendan Rodgers, "devastated".

I was five when I ended a brief dalliance with Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town, swayed by the history of the Busby Babes, Munich, the Fifth Beatle and The King.

The sensation was strange at first. Unfamiliar.

Mike Ashley has alienated Newcastle fans, who now see no prospect of their club ever challenging for major honours with the billionaire in charge.

The men in the frame to become the next Republic of Ireland manager:

SUPER CUP FINAL:

We chroniclers of the round ball game can surely be forgiven just a touch of schadenfreude as we watch our oval ball counterparts a-swingin’ their picks and a-hollerin’ those ol’ managerial succession blues.

Craig Bellamy has expressed regret over his departure from Manchester City two years ago, admitting he “messed up” his time with the Barclays Premier League champions.

The Football Association and England Footballers’ Foundation have donated £40,000 (€47,000) to help Paul Gascoigne in his battle against alcoholism.

In March last year Roman Abramovich sacked Andre Villas-Boas and speculation linked the then-Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers with the vacant position.

It’s normal for fans to leave early when their side has taken a beating.

Clare are not the first sporting organisation to recognise the benefit of having an experienced hand on the tiller.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is backing younger brother Sammy to surpass him as the pair prepare to launch a double assault on Europe.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is backing younger brother Sammy to surpass him as the pair prepare to launch a double assault on Europe.

What’s not to love about Fulham Football Club? There’s the location, location, location for a start.

New West Brom head coach Steve Clarke is intent on repaying the faith of the club in giving him his first shot as a number one.

When you really stop and think about it, Giovanni Trapattoni’s comments on Monday night were pretty startling.