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.

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.

FERNANDO TORRES revealed Chelsea made their move for him long before the close of the January transfer window and then promised Liverpool fans that he will not celebrate if he scores against his former club tomorrow.

TELEVISION pictures missed it. Only the photographer Nick Potts, working for the Press Association, tracked Thierry Henry to the corner flag with Ashley Cole after the pair had collaborated on a stunning first goal for Arsenal in their San Siro demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League.