Less than two weeks. That's how little time there is before the greatest spectacle in football kicks off. I can't put into words just how excited I am for this years World Cup. Right now I'm dividing my time equally between slavishly trying to lead Netherlands Antilles to glory in the FIFA World Cup game on Xbox, reading up on every single piece of information I can gather from Johannesburg and just generally drinking myself into a stupor to numb the emotions and while away the time.

Ladies and gentleman, like a phoenix from the flames, the Football To You blog rises from the ashes of apathy and abjectivity once more. Marvel at it's glorious transformation from infrequently updated, random outbursts to rarely maintained, illogical ramblings. Hopefully this renewed enthusiasm will continue, just be sure to 'enjoy' it while it lasts as best you can.

The whole nation of Ireland was stunned today when FIFA rejected their request to be the additional and 33rd team participating in next summer's World Cup. Football enthusiasts were shaken to their very core by the surprising news. It's almost as if FIFA don't want the second most prestigious athletic competition in human history, behind the Olympics, being compromised.

It's Friday afternoon and that can only mean a vast majority of things. One of which is that I'm avoiding work and instead intend to fill you with a nice belly full of football facts and opinion. I hope you're ready.
While traditionalists (and BNP voters) might be sickened by the sight of a foreign national coaching the England team, and three of the 'Big Four' clubs in the Premier League managed by Europeans, slowly English managers are starting to claw back some degree of respect.

It's that time of year again. Three months since his last appearance, Kieron Dyer is set to make his bi-annual return from injury to 'full fitness'. The explosive midfielder returned to reserve action this week, scoring two goals against Stoke. While Dyer's quality has never been in question, his injury record makes painful reading for fans of the former Newcastle and England midfielder.

Forget Everton v Liverpool or Arsenal v Chelsea, there is one fixture that is the must watch this weekend, Spanish footballs uncivil war, FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF. A derby where the two teams are not even from the same city or region and where pigs' heads are showered to welcome former players.

Forget Everton v Liverpool or Arsenal v Chelsea, there is only one fixture that is the 'must watch' this weekend. Spanish footballs uncivil war, FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF. A derby where the two teams are not even from the same city or region and where pigs' heads are showered to welcome former players.

For those of you English football fans (sorry Ireland), the return to a competitive international tournament is drawing closer. After the 'Wally-with-a-brolly' debacle, Italian mastermind Fabio Capello has done what poor old Steve McClaren couldn't - guide a supremely talented group of footballers through a seemingly harmless group to a major international competition.

Having had plans for a new stadium at Kirkby rejected Everton are said to be considering a ground share with fierce rivals Liverpool. Tofees chief executive Robert Elstone has stated that the club would now have to consider if it was financially viable. In a move that may disturb fans of both Merseyside clubs it would appear that the situation is being seriously considered.

Avram Grant who has been working in a director of football roll at Portsmouth has been handed the managerial post following the departure earlier in the week of Paul Hart. Grant had been the bookies favourite all week and the confirmation today had seemed inevitable. Grant has Premier League experience of course having managed Chelsea during the 07/08 season and in the process guided his team to the Uefa Champions League final where if it had not been for John Terry's penalty miss his side would have been name Champions of Europe.

After Paul Harts "shock" departure on Tuesday night it has brought a unique prospect into contention, a father-son managerial clash in Englands finest division. As reported yesterday Avram Grant was widely tipped by many to take over the position but after since being quoted as saying he would not take the role a certain Mr Darren Ferguson has come to the front of the field and been installed as favourite for the Pompey job.

Well, it wasn't the most exciting night for Europe's top competition, but we still saw some interesting results. Lady luck appears to be shining on Bayern Munich right now, with their 1-0 result against Maccabi Haifa, courtesy of Ivica Olic's strike, coupled with Juventus losing 2-0 to Bordeaux means that they can still qualify with victory against Juventus in a mouth-watering European tie in December.

Hull battled through a brave Everton comeback in the 2nd half to secure a vital 3-2 win in the Premier League tonight. 3 goals inside the first 30 minutes from Stephen Hunt, Andy Dawson and Dean Marney saw the struggling side race to a seemingly untouchable lead. The Tigers were not however guaranteed three points at a Kamil Zayatte own goal at the start of the second half through the result back into the balance.

(Summary is not available.)

(Summary is not available.)