The Week That Was

The Week That Was usually takes an alternative look at some of the more amusing stories that have caught our eyes, but this week’s edition has to open with the sad news of the death of Sir Bobby Robson, aged 76. He passed away on the morning of 31st July after a long battle with cancer.

Sir Bobby was one of the best English managers of his generation. He achieved domestic and European success with Ipswich Town, winning the FA Cup and Uefa Cup, before being appointed England manager in 1982. Fans remember how close his England side came to making the World Cup Final in 1990, losing out on penalties in the iconic semi-final clash with West Germany.

Sir Bobby will be remembered as much for his success (trophies with PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Barcelona) as with his gentlemanly manner and the way he went about his work. A Geordie legend, his last appointment was in charge of Newcastle United, there’s nobody who has a bad word to say about him. He’ll be sadly missed.

Sir Bobby’s not the only manager to be in the news this week, however. Another elder statesman of the game, Kenny Dalglish, made headlines after a live grenade was left on the wall outside his house in Merseyside. He was an explosive striker in his day, but we think this is taking things too far. Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

From the serious to the ridiculous, and Martin O’Neill was sent to the stands during Aston Villa’s most recent game. The fact that it was a pre-season friendly, in the Peace Cup, was seemingly lost on the Villa boss, who clashed with an Atlante player on the touchline.

Similarly daft goings on were reported on Merseyside, where Tranmere Rovers were put up for sale on Ebay. Now we’ve all seen clubs and players put up for sale by fans in an effort at humour, but in this case the auction was genuinely serious, instigated by the company charged with finding a buyer for Rovers. Naturally, the Tranmere hierarchy were not happy!

The FSF were concerned at reports this week that there are plans afoot for bouncers to be given powers to issue on-the-spot fines on rowdy pub and club goers. Is this the thin end of the wedge? How long before fans can be fined for their behaviour by stewards inside stadiums? You can rest assured that the FSF will be keeping a close eye on developments with this one.

Lastly, our favourite transfer story of the week. Have you heard the one about the player being pulled off the plane minutes before departing for his club’s pre-season tour, only to find that his move to his new club has been held up and so he decides to ‘tweet’ expletives aimed at his club’s chairman? Step forward Darren Bent.

That’s all from us – have a great weekend.