FRANKLY, I don’t think being in a state of denial comes naturally to me. But you don’t get better at something by not doing it, so I’ve been practicing assiduously for two weeks.

"Frankly, I had enjoyed the war," he said after biting off his own fingers

Government regulators from the US and Europe laid out their financial reform plans today before a sceptical banking industry, asking financiers for input but adamant that change was coming with or without their support.

TREVOR BROOKING believes Michael Ballack’s presence at Chelsea has dulled Frank Lampard’s predatory instincts and claims the Germany midfielder has been a flop at Stamford Bridge.

FRANKLY, it was getting embarrassing. You pay £30m on perhaps the deadliest striker in Europe, yet he has looked more lame duck than lethal of late.