Welcome to the first episode of #ExaminerFC, a new weekly soccer show on irishexaminer.com.

Aston Villa’s Norwegian international central defender Ronny Johnsen and Turkish defender Alpay return to the squad for Sunday’s Premiership trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Record signing Juan Sebastian Veron will get his first taste of action for Manchester United on the club's Far East tour.

Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has criticised manager Alex Ferguson for his faith in Ireland veteran Denis Irwin.

Chelsea have been drawn against Tottenham and Arsenal will face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The Football Association has confirmed it will look into claims that Marouane Fellaini spat at Pablo Zabaleta during the Manchester derby on Tuesday.

The BBC has defended its choice of World Cup pundits and said viewers need to “take time” to get used to some of them.

Hundreds of viewers have complained about Phil Neville’s BBC commentary during the World Cup game between England and Italy.

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Jairo Riedewald from Ajax.

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed captain Phil Neville has already played his final game for the club, with the defender being ruled out of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City travel to Germany for their final Champions League Group D game without midfield inspiration Yaya Toure.

Police have dropped an investigation into football referee Mark Clattenburg’s alleged use of inappropriate language during a match after no victim came forward.

West Ham will have midfielder Mark Noble back from suspension for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game against Chelsea at Upton Park.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has been appointed to two influential posts within UEFA, European football’s governing body.

Celebrity Big Brother' star Ron Atkinson has come under fire for making a racist joke.

Defenders David Luiz and Tomas Kalas are Chelsea’s only absentees for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City defender Micah Richards could make his first appearance of the season in the Capital One Cup third-round tie against Wigan.