That football ground in Newcastle

A FEW years ago, Darlington signed a naming rights deal for their ground with a local commercial radio station. As a result, their home became known as The 96.6 TFM Arena. Not surprisingly, BBC Radio Cleveland didn’t bother with the sponsor’s namecheck.

Igor Akinfeev’s Big Night Out

I HAVE a friend who is a Manchester United fan. Whenever he watches a City game on TV these days, he invariably finds himself asking: “Why didn’t we sign Shay Given?”

A kick up the Noughties

TWO months from tonight, we’ll all be getting ready to welcome a new decade. Already, the reviews of the Noughties are starting to seep out (in summary: Bush, Blair, Cowell, Leona, Boris, David Brent, Am I Bovvered?, Peep Show, John and Edward, Obama, Coldplay – possibly in that order). For Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool, the Noughties have turned out very nice indeed.

Visibly impressive in League Two

MANY years ago, Radio Five Live hosted a sports debate show from the Moss Rose. Before the programme, each of the guests were asked to say something into the microphone to check for sound levels – and Jimmy Armfield came out with: “Why is Macclesfield the hardest ground in the Football League to find?”

The curious case of Daniel Sturridge

DANIEL Sturridge will have been glad of his substitute’s cameo as Chelsea thrashed Atletico Madrid last night. Not only did he get his first experience of Champions League football, he also saw his appearance time for the season rocket from six minutes to 18.

Notts, what’s the plan?

IN his statement explaining the reasons for manager Ian McParland’s exit on Monday, Notts County chief executive Peter Trembling referred to the new owners as having “a five-year project to deliver sustainable success to the club”.

So was letting McParland go less than three months after the takeover all part of the five-year project? Or are the people in charge making it up as they go along? I’m confused.

Russell grand

GOOD news for Norwich City midfielder Darel Russell – his sister made it through the first live round of The X Factor last night.

I know we can’t go wrong

PUB quiz time: How many of the 92 current Premier and Football League managers have had a UK number one hit single?

This is Armfield

IAN Holloway isn’t getting over-excited about Blackpool’s impressive start to the Championship season, so I won’t either. But I’m pleased to see he’s doing well, even if the fans of one or two of his former clubs probably aren’t.

Make hay, Bale

DERREN Brown predicting the lottery numbers? Ha. That’s nothing. My friends, a truly remarkable event has happened this afternoon. Gareth Bale has appeared on the winning side in a Premier League game.