I have to start this week with the spectacular victory for Europe in the Ryder Cup last weekend at Medinah in Chicago.

Deepak Chopra — still waiting for his Premier League chance — calls it past conditioning. “A new experience enters the mind, but instead of being evaluated for itself, is shunted down a well-worn track.”

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given believes it would be good news for the Premier League if his old club press home their advantage over Manchester United and win the title.

Organised protests against the current Blackburn hierarchy are to resume with “increased intensity”, it has been announced.

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish has dismissed suggestions the outside issues surrounding Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban will spill over and affect his team.

Regional airline Flybe today warned demand for leisure travel has slumped as the consumer spending squeeze moves in on the airline industry.

Liverpool’s decision to hand club legend Kenny Dalglish the reins until the end of the season following Roy Hodgson’s exit brings the Scot into direct combat with Alex Ferguson as the Reds travel to face Manchester United in the FA Cup tomorrow.

IT was perhaps apt that Blackburn’s scrappy goal mirrored the messy goings on at Ewood Park.

BLACKBURN manager Sam Allardyce has welcomed news of the club’s takeover, but accepts he will have to spend wisely.

Indian company Venky’s today completed its takeover of Blackburn Rovers.

Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed would like to bring former England captain David Beckham back to the Premier League if his proposed takeover of Blackburn is successful.

Blackburn are continuing discussions with Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed over a proposed £300m (€363m) takeover.

THERE’S a moment every summer holiday when the brain snaps off and, like Tennyson’s Lotos Eaters, leaves you isolated in “a land in which it always seems afternoon... where all things always seem the same.”

OPPORTUNITIES to focus attention on matters away from the most glamorous clubs and the biggest competitions come along all too rarely, so they must be grasped.

IT had been brass monkeys weather all week in Manchester until the day Chelsea arrived, when the thermometer shot up eight degrees.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has given his full backing to Kevin Keegan’s remarks about the Premier League’s four-horse race becoming boring.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has revealed he offered to pay Blackburn compensation following a sudden change of heart after signing a contract to take charge at Ewood Park.

Low-cost airline Flybe was today said to be eyeing a flotation late next year or in 2007 that could value the firm at up to £200m (€294.8m).

GARY NEVILLE insists Manchester United are still in the running for the title. The England defender claims it is too early to dismiss their chances of dismantling Chelsea, who are already six points clear at the top.

Alan Curbishley revealed Charlton were closing in on “three or four” players today as he reflected on centenary celebrations even the manager thought might never happen.

Blackburn chief executive John Williams has indicated that manager Mark Hughes will have some funds available to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens in January.

Mark Hughes today emerged as the outstanding favourite to take over at Blackburn but the Wales manager remained steadfastly non-committal about the possibility of taking over at Rovers

Aston Villa fans are planning a march in protest against chairman Doug Ellis before the club’s next home match with Southampton in 12 days time.

FROM the sound of the Blues fans in the corner of Highbury on Saturday, the Beatles were way off the mark when they said ‘Money can’t buy me love’.

Blackburn have rejected Chelsea’s latest bid for Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff.

Blackburn 0 Sunderland 0

Blackburn Rovers have been handed an £80m windfall, courtesy of the late Jack Walker.