Gray gearing up for kick-off

STRANGE days.

The Premier League is supposed to be to the World Cup what water is to fine wine but events in South Africa have left such a sour taste that fans are desperate for the return of England’s domestic game to slake their thirst for more entertaining fare. Their wait is nearly over.

Manchester United and Chelsea face off in the Community Shield on Sunday and the first round of league fixtures starts six days later with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City handed the honour of cutting the ribbon shortly after noon.