WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT
HOT PADDY McNAIR
THE Sunderland player scored twice from midfield in the EFL Cup to ease pressure on David Moyes before offering insight into Louis van Gaal’s time at Manchester United. ‘He played me at centre back but I have never really been a defender,’ he said. The more we learn about Van Gaal’s tenure at Old Trafford, the more we wonder.
THE JOY OF WINNING
MUCH focus on triathlete Alistair Brownlee helping brother Jonny over the line in Mexico — but less on the joy expressed by South African Henri Schoeman (right) who was allowed to breeze past both men to take an unlikely first place. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how you win as long as you do.
PETER COATES
THE Stoke chairman has been telling people privately this week that he has no intention of sacking Mark Hughes. Stoke’s start to the season has been dismal and Hughes must change the mindset of some of his players. He has, however, earned the time to try to do this.
THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
THIS week’s fascinating denouement indicates that the longer format of the game can still offer excitement at domestic level. However, we still need to find a way to make county cricket interesting for more than one day out of a 167-day season.
NOT MICHEL PLATINI
THE former UEFA president is banned from football but his legacy remains. Confirmation that Euro 2020 will be held across 13 different countries reminded me of his staggering response when asked about the cost to supporters at a news conference four years ago. ‘They can use budget airlines,’ he said.
PAUL AZINGER
THE former US Ryder Cup captain believes Tiger Woods will be a positive presence in his country’s team room this week but admits: ‘Until you are comfortable with him, you are probably going to be a little bit intimidated by him.’ Should work perfectly, then.
LUIS SUAREZ
THE Barcelona striker told Filipe Luis that football is a man’s game after leaving the Atletico Madrid defender with an injured foot. ‘You can’t make a circus of things,’ said Suarez. Next: Joey Barton to lecture on diplomacy.
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
A SPOOF French website suggested that the former Arsenal striker drank whisky and smoked during a transfer meeting with Lyon. All made up of course, but Adebayor may wish to ask himself just why so many people were prepared to believe it.