Sympathy for the Devil

SO farewell then Rodney Marsh - you’re not on Sky Sports any longer.

Younger readers who only knew Rodders from his television punditry may not be aware that, once upon a time, he was one of the brightest sparks of the English game, illuminating the 1970s at Manchester City and QPR and, along with his footballing soulmate, George Best, serving up some riotous entertainment during an autumnal interlude at Craven Cottage.

Back then, it was easy to be a fan of Marsh, his sublime skills and irreverent disposition making him a stand-out attraction, even at a time when the game was fairly loaded with maverick talent.