Rafael Benitez had to withstand a tortuous trip to the Ukraine yesterday before walking straight into an astonishing assault on Liverpool's motives and character ahead of tonight's Champions League showdown against Maccabi Haifa. more
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has revealed Sir Bobby Robson was ready to defy doctors and report for duty for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Germany in 12 days' time. more
Carlisle United will tonight change their team for the first time this season - but manager Neil McDonald has warned there can be no let-up against Bradford City. more
Gareth Southgate's hunt for reinforcements intensified yesterday as his major problems with Middlesbrough's defensive line started to mount, writes Jack Pickering. more
Wayne Rooney is hoping his threat to pull out of the Football Association's commercial projects will force them to look again at how they handle disciplinary issues. more
Carlisle have found the transition from League Two to League One less daunting than they had probably feared, with a return of seven points from the first four games. more
Skipper George Boateng insists his Middlesbrough team-mates should take the blame for Saturday's disappointing performance at the Madejski Stadium. more
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed Theo Walcott's vital contribution as the Gunners rescued a late point - but urged fans to keep their expectations in check. more
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd maintained his composure despite feeling his team had been the victims of what could be one of the worst penalty decision of the season. more
Referee Rob Styles had rival managers Neil Warnock and Rafael Benitez questioing his judgement as the new Premier League season started in controversy. more
