Football’s place in the grand scheme of things was made plain again last week with the news of Kevin Doyle’s forced retirement.

Martin O’Neill will not be taking Roy Keane aside for a quiet word – much less a loud one – before the Corkman makes his eagerly anticipated media debut as Ireland’s assistant manager this afternoon.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill claims the decisions of Barry Ferguson, Craig Bellamy and Bobo Balde to commit to the Old Firm has handed Scottish football a massive boost.

Bobby Robson and Trevor Brooking will head the list of football luminaries expected to attend the Brian Clough memorial service.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce believes one of the late Brian Clough’s major achievements in the game will never be repeated.