Liverpool were in a state of indignation last night after the Football Association charged their striker Luis Suarez with improper conduct over what appeared to be an indecent gesture towards Fulham fans on Monday night and also deemed the club guilty of failing to control its players during their 1-0 defeat.

Perfection?The Galaxy celebrate winning MLS Cup 2011 in Carson Sunday (Photo by Staff Photographer Stephen Carr).

Despite the weather, it was a picture perfect third MLS Cup triumph Sunday for the Galaxy.

It has been a long time coming.

The Galaxy first won MLS Cup in 2002, the year before moving to Home Depot Center, almost a decade ago.

Newcastle United old boy, Craig Bellamy, has a long and insightful interview on American site 'EPL Talk.' Given while Bellamy was in Orlando, Florida last month, coaching the youngsters at the 2011 Disney Soccer Academy, it covers quite a few topics from Bellamy's time in the game. This included recollections of his five years at [.

Recently relegated Birmingham started their new life in the nPower Championship today with an opening day defeat at the hands of Derby County. Former Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies appeared to have given the visitors the perfect start as he scored in the 19th minute, but less than ten minutes later Jason Shackell equalizer for Derby.

Alex McLeish has kept his job at St. Andrew's, despite Birmingham's last-day relegation to the Championship, but has been told by the board that he must lead the side back to the Premiership.

The Blues went down, due to a defeat against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and other results not going their way, and there were rumours that Birmingham City owner Carson Yueng would sack the Scotsman.

Liverpool's commitment to recruiting the best young talent has been underlined further by the signing of Irish starlet Alex O'Hanlon.
Schoolboy O'Hanlon, 15, plays for Dublin's fabled St Kevin's Boys' Club which launched the career of Liam Brady as well as Damien Duff, Stephen Carr and Ian Harte.

Newcastle United titbits: Ireland crocked, Barton of interest to Liverpool and a striker from South Korea. No doubt you've all heard that Stephen Ireland is crocked for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. That, and the fact that he's only made two substitute appearances for Newcastle, might mean he's crocked as far [.

Of course I mean Birmingham City. With Arsenal and Chelsea the marquee teams playing two this game week, it's easy to overlook the "other" Blues. But they have a good home match against Sunderland at the weekend before travelling to a less than rampart Chelsea. It's at least worth a closer look at their squad as there may be some bargains - and some pitfalls - from the Second City Players.

Some say he was born to play for Spurs. Others just stand there, jaw to the floor, STILL lost for words as he absolutely burns down the wing, leaving a trail of weary defenders in his wake. And, to think, he used to be a bit rubbish. Signed by Martin Jol ages ago and announced himself with disgracefully good free-kick against Arsenal.

No it's not a misspelling, but I will take the opportunity to wish all Arsenal supporters everywhere a Very Happy New Year. And to all those of you who Yearn for silverware and titles, I offer these words of comfort.......

The season is half over. We've done well; we're 2 points off the top of the table in 3rd place.