ALEX FERGUSON is crossing his fingers record signing Dimitar Berbatov can make it to the end of the season without needing knee surgery.

THEY don’t write football journalism like they used to.

NEWS will have reached you that former baseball star Mark McGwire recently confessed to using steroids, though news may not be quite the right word.

ASTON VILLA will have to wait until today to confirm the signing of defender Richard Dunne from Manchester City.

I HAVE noticed that the following is a sentence I never used write, but it has become more frequent over the past 18 months: thank goodness for this international break.

CHELSEA captain John Terry has signed a new five-year contract which is reported to be worth £150,000 (€170,000) per week.

EVERTON boss David Moyes has confirmed the club have agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for defender Johnny Heitinga.

SUNDERLAND yesterday confirmed Paul McShane has joined Hull City for an undisclosed fee.

CONTENTMENT comes in many forms but Chelsea, for now at least, are happy to accept it in its simplest state.

ARSENE WENGER yesterday branded UEFA’s decision to charge Eduardo with diving a “complete disgrace” and accused them of staging a “witch-hunt” against the Arsenal striker.

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO is set to begin talks with former club Dynamo Kiev this weekend after the Chelsea and Ukraine striker decided to leave the London club yesterday.

CORK CITY will begin their defence of the Setanta Cup at home to Cliftonville tonight against the backdrop of ongoing difficulties with wages (Turner’s Cross, 7pm).

ALEX FERGUSON admitted Manchester United face a stern test in this season’s Champions League after a tough-looking draw in the group stage yesterday.

MANCHESTER UNITED could find themselves facing Cristiano Ronaldo and his fellow Real Madrid galacticos when the draw for the Champions League group stage takes place in Monaco today.

GRACIOUS Celtic manager Tony Mowbray refused to lament a controversial penalty which set Arsenal on their way to the Champions League following a 3-1 defeat at Emirates Stadium last night.

NEW Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is enduring a baptism of fire in his first few weeks in the job.

ON days like this, give thanks for Leon Osman.

MARK HUGHES is convinced the early arrival of Gareth Barry helped trigger Manchester City’s £120 million (€131m) summer spending spree.

STEVE BRUCE will return to Manchester United today eternally grateful for the biggest lesson Alex Ferguson ever taught him.

LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres has been named Barclays Player of the Month for September with Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson taking the managers’ prize.