RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has admitted it will take a long time to get over the sudden departure of Roy Keane from Manchester United.

THE STARK reality of Liverpool’s standing in the current football hierarchy was expressed in the bluntest of terms by Steven Gerrard, following this latest episode of frustration fourth place is the best that Gerard Houllier’s side can hope for.

MANCHESTER United boss Alex Ferguson has branded this season's loss of 14 points to the Premiership's lesser lights as 'unacceptable'.

ARSENE WENGER is convinced he was right to curtail his spending this summer — but he believes Chelsea’s £100 million outlay has automatically put them among the favourites for the Barclaycard Premiership title.

Manchester United 1 West Ham 0

BOLTON manager Sam Allardyce yesterday snapped up Brazilian striker Mario Jardel, and then received a further pre-season boost from another of his foreign stars, when Jay-Jay Okocha announced he will only play in competitive matches for Nigeria.

ARSENAL have been given a major boost ahead of their do-or-die Champions League second leg clash with Bayern Munich this week, after prolific Dutch striker Roy Makaay was ruled out due to a thigh injury.

CHELSEA hero Arjen Robben has warned Arsenal that Jose Mourinho’s side can handle the pressure which comes with being top of the table.

CYCLING legend Seán Kelly has been selected as Waterford’s greatest ever sporting hero. He came out top in the poll run by Waterford radio station WLR FM in conjunction with Anglo Irish Bank.

ARSENE WENGER admits the speculation surrounding Patrick Vieira's future is overshadowing Arsenals' pre-season preparations, but will continue talks with the French midfielder in a bid to keep him at Highbury.

ARSENE WENGER has warned Arsenal not to risk their title chances by resting on the laurels of their 16-game unbeaten league run against Chelsea this afternoon.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson wants Kleberson to fill the void left by Juan Sebastian Veron’s departure to Chelsea.

ENGLAND international Nicky Butt completed his move to Newcastle from Manchester United yesterday.

ARSENE Wenger revealed his relief at the end of a “troubled” year dominated by Chelsea, as he admitted he had not foreseen the marked dip in Arsenal’s fortunes.

ROY KEANE tends to ration his public utterances these days, so there was a little collective shiver of anticipation among the press when it was announced he would be joining Brian Kerr for the eve of match press conference.

ALBERT LUQUE completed his move to Newcastle yesterday and immediately set his sights on ending his goal-drought against Manchester United.

GARY NEVILLE doesn’t believe Manchester United need to beat themselves up over their Premiership form this season.

Manchester United 3 Everton 2