Fabio Capello plays reluctant part in John Terry’s England sideshow | Paul Hayward
England's coach has a big decision to make regarding the captain's inclusion for the friendlies with Spain and SwedenOn one side – the presumption of innocence. On the other – a growing crisis of race, in which black footballers are abused on Twitt...
Not that type of player? Spare us
There is an institutionalised dishonesty about bad challenges that passes for managers defending their players' moralsSpare us the character witnesses who cry: "He's not that type of player," after the victim has been carted off to the infirmary. Let t...
John Terry is fall guy in Chelsea’s comedy of errors against Arsenal
André Villas-Boas threw a protective shield around John Terry, only for his captain's renowned resilience to desert himInnocent until proven guilty of a racial slur against Anton Ferdinand, John Terry could safely be condemned for his part in a dreadf...
André Villas-Boas proves unmovable rock in support of John Terry
Chelsea manager's exhortation to be 'proud of John Terry' shows unwavering backing for captain under FA and police investigationWith each day of a painful week André Villas-Boas has ramped up his support for John Terry. "What I'm saying is you guys sh...
Sir Alex Ferguson may rotate as retribution for Manchester massacre | Paul Hayward
Sir Alex Ferguson would prefer not to make changes en masse but when players fail him, as against City, he has every right to reach for the axeThe sin Sir Alex Ferguson nailed his players for in Sunday's Manchester massacre is more often a great United...
Cyberspace plays judge and jury as John Terry ‘racism’ case escalates
Anton Ferdinand's decision neither to exonerate nor accuse John Terry of racism opens up a moral maze for the FA and policeJohn Terry was not exonerated. Nor was he accused. All football knew for sure after a tense day of trying to untangle events at L...
Wayne Rooney’s U-turn was a bicycle kick in teeth for Manchester City
The striker might have been playing against United at Old Trafford if not for Sir Alex Ferguson's astute man-managementA year ago this weekend Wayne Rooney stood at Manchester's equivalent of Checkpoint Charlie, ready to throw himself into the arms of ...
Football’s self-serving myopics are blind to the Olympic spirit | Paul Hayward
If British football wants to look down on the London Games, then fine, but it could at least not stand in their wayIt was the "basically" that Arsène Wenger will come to regret when the Games commence. "For me, the Olympics is for track and field, bas...
Educate young players or we will be forever given footballing lessons | Paul Hayward
The gulf between Crewe Alexandra and Manchester United is emphasised by new rules about selling on young playersSupporting the elite's right to grab the best young stars might sound like campaigning for Dracula to be appointed head of the national bloo...
Manchester City hit the big time but stage fright is still an issue | Paul Hayward
Roberto Mancini's team got their first Champions League win in the bag but better sides than Villarreal will test themSometimes you ask an Argentinian striker to go on and he says no. Other days he strips off and scores. Roberto Mancini now knows to as...
Liverpool have good day at the office as owners seek an equitable life | Paul Hayward
Kenny Dalglish's men have begun to turn the corner in their efforts to rebuild Liverpool's standing in the market placeUntil this week there was the sense of it being one long handshake – one big nod to the Kop tradition – but now Liverpool's new o...
England’s young guns show stubborn desire to thwart Spain’s wizards | Paul Hayward