Steven Gerrard’s forthcoming move to LA Galaxy means he will fail to join an illustrious band of professional footballers who have spent their entire senior careers at one club.

THE BANNER held up in the Argentine end depicted Pope Francis with his disciples on either side.

It’s 20 years since Ray Houghton’s goal saw Ireland shock Italy at the World Cup

Former Italy defender Franco Baresi has backed compatriot Paolo Di Canio to make a success of his managerial career.

Newcastle United 1 Fulham 0

Given the extent of globalisation in football these days, distinct national traits are increasingly hard to define.

ALEX FERGUSON has backed up Fabio Capello’s claim that Phil Jones reminds him of Italian legend Franco Baresi.

Fabio Capello has claimed Jack Wilshere is the most exciting young midfielder he has ever seen.

IRISH FOOTBALL’S greatest defender has given Richard Dunne the ultimate seal of approval, Paul McGrath saying that the Aston Villa man should be given the captain’s armband for his country.

THE arrival of Roberto Mancini at Manchester City may have unanticipated benefits for the man who sits in the other main Premier League hot seat – Carlo Ancelotti is now no longer the Italian new boy talking pidgin English who has to deliver silverware to an impatient owner. Or else.

OUR correspondent ALLAN PROSSER is again filling in for the absent Liam Mackey who is away on international duty this week.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he will have no say over whether Kaka leaves for Manchester City.

ALL derbies are equal but some are more equal than others, declared the Portuguese football paper O Jogo last week, a proposition that will be sadly familiar to Tottenham fans.

Just 24 hours after the Franco Baresi farce finally ended, Fulham today admitted they have no idea whether boss Jean Tigana will stay or walk away when his contract runs out in 11 months.

STEVE FINNAN believes that the departure of Franco Baresi from Fulham will have no disruptive effect on the Cottagers’ Premiership campaign.

Franco Baresi has resigned from his position at Fulham.

Fulham look set to part company with director of football Franco Baresi just days into the new Premiership season.