Mike Woitalla reports from the US on how the MLS has tackled its youth development problem
Imagine this – you're one of the best 17-year-old players in the country. But you’re not so good at maths, or English is your second language, so you score poorly on a crucial exam. Your soccer career is over, because the universities don’t want you.
Rotherham thought they had unearthed a great young talent in Stephen Alabi. Then it all got complicated, as Iain Busby explains
Little is written about Rotherham United in the national press. This all changed, however, after January 16th when a Millers fan appeared on Radio Five’s 6.06 programme. The subject under discussion was one Stephen Alabi, Rotherham’s very own “new Michael Owen”.
Contrary to past belief, it seems these days you never win anything without kids. Matthew Hall questions Leeds’ intentions in Australia
It's usually after about three or four pints down the pub: “With the influx of all these foreigners,” grumbles some old sop, “there’s no future for homegrown talent in the English game any more.” A complete load of crock, of course, as readily demonstrated by most of the big clubs introducing outstanding young players more than capable of holding their own alongside big-money international signings.
The Premier League is currently the least of Queen of the South’s worries. Jim Rutherford reports
IT'S A RARE DAY when Queen of the South steal the headlines in the Scottish press. But the Dumfries outfit enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame recently. Unfortunately, it came for all the wrong reasons as the club found themselves splashed all over the tabloids because of their manager’s marital problems.
The Scottish Premier League faces reorganisation again, but this time its leaders are determined to make a more permanent mess. Gary Oliver is unimpressed
Saturday afternoon football coverage on BBC Radio Scotland concludes with Off The Ball, a generally frivolous phone-in. Far from jovial, though, was a recent guest appearance by Roger Mitchell, chief executive of the Scottish Premier League.