ASHLEY Cole declared he would stay at Arsenal for at least another three years as he admitted he still has to win back the fans after his controversial talks with Chelsea.

IF Alex Ferguson was able to offer a Christmas toast to five goals and three points at Old Trafford, then news that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be out for up to six weeks must have left the Scot nursing a very nasty hangover.

LOUIS SAHA has blasted Fulham for ruining the “chance of my life” by refusing to sell him to Manchester United.

SOCCER legend George Best stayed away from the pub yesterday after a week-long binge that family said could have killed him.

RIO FERDINAND will be asked by the Football Association for his mobile phone records before they decide on any charges for missing a drugs test.

ERIC Djemba-Djemba’s agent admitted Aston Villa manager David O’Leary is right to fine the player after his failure to turn up at the club.

THE future of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was in doubt last night as Malcolm Glazer prepared to seize control of the club.

ROY Keane has revealed his contempt for complacency in one of his most open and honest interviews about himself.

LEEDS chief executive Trevor Birch has warned it would be “a brave man” who puts the club into administration.

MANCHESTER UNITED stars begged Alex Ferguson to play Wayne Rooney against Tottenham on Saturday but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

JAAP STAM has backed Roy Keane for his outspoken attack on his Manchester United team-mates.

AMERICAN football tycoon Malcolm Glazer has increased his stake in Manchester United, prompting increased speculation of an imminent takeover.

ALEX FERGUSON believes Arsenal could become so determined to preserve their unbeaten Premiership record it could eventually bring about another championship collapse.

Gerard Houllier is certain of one thing: Michael Owen's future is at Anfield, writes Paul Walker.

MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to sit and wait for Leeds to crack as the battle hots up to land striker Alan Smith.

RYAN GIGGS may have collected more medals than any other player in Manchester United history but nothing eclipses the satisfaction of beating Liverpool.

MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Celtic in offering the FAI the use of their ground for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying matches.

CHELSEA could make a renewed attempt to join the powerful G14 group of Europe’s biggest clubs after being knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona.

BIRMINGHAM skipper Kenny Cunningham has revealed his sadness at the way his former club Wimbledon are being asset-stripped because of their dire financial problems.