It’s a hectic time for Xabi Alonso and his beard. First the midfielder announced his retirement from international football – now it seems he’s about to move from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich.

Sheepdogs could find their job taken over by robots after scientists learned the secret of their herding ability.

This weekend sees the full return of the Great British football season. It will bring with it all the things we love to hate about professional football – crap managers, biased refs, and daft mascots.