While I wouldn’t imagine that having to engage with the dreaded meeja features high on any football manager’s list of ‘favourite things to do’, victory must make the task a lot more tolerable.

AS THE Blackburn fans celebrated the prospect of Owen Coyle’s association with their two most bitter rivals getting relegated this season, the Bolton manager was left with no choice but to acknowledge the reality of his new team’s situation.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry claims he was subjected to racist abuse and missiles as Arsenal’s victorious start to their away Champions League campaign was soured in Holland tonight.