Rooney's not apologised properly

We've waited weeks for Wayne Rooney's apology to fans for the drama and brinkmanship which might've resulted in him quitting Manchester United.

"Sorry for my side of things": Rooney



We were told he'd said "sorry" to the gaffer and his teammates. So we all waited for the headline grabbing apology to the supporters.

And waited... and waited.

But when it came, with a big fanfare in The Sun, it showed him up yet again as an uncouth yob.

Rooney declared, "I feel like I've apologised to the fans, but everyone keeps saying that I haven't and, if that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things. "My side of things"? What's that supposed to mean?

In my book, the apology he's dished out is at best grudging and at worst, conditional.

Does he think he's only partially required to say sorry and that United are equally culpable for an apology? or perhaps he believes he's not really required to say sorry as much as others feel he is?

He also thinks he'd already said sorry to supporters.

Wayne Rooney's not apologised wholeheartedly.

Obviously as a reportable quote, it'll be declared an apology to the fans. But it isn't. 

Rooney also made it clear that he would've never joined Manchester City or any other Premier League club for that matter. He's arrogant enough to believe Barcelona and Real Madrid would sign him. That was by no stretch of the imagination, a certainty.

He clearly doesn't give a monkeys for any relationships he has and he should be treated accordingly.

My advice for United fans from now on: cheer when he scores and boo him when he's not delivering. For United's board, keep him performing at the highest level - and transfer him for a fortune within the next three years when he doesn't.

Wayne Rooney, another footballer who contributes to the sport's growing bad image.

The Queen sits for Villa portrait

Why shouldn't such a moment of national joy be marked with something very, very special.

Bigger than me and you!

We're gonna score one or two.

The Queen's posed for an Official Portrait to commemorate the engagement of her grandson, Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Prince William is an Aston Villa fan, that we've known for years. Now it's Her Majesty's turn to confirm what we all suspected.

Photoshopped 2010 version of Diana with Ash & Will

In the News Release accompanying the Portrait, Her Majesty remarked, "One's delighted at Will's engagement, but it rather overshadowed the main stories of the week; Barry Bannan's Scotland debut and the signing of World Cup ledge, Robert Pires".

"Nevertheless", she added "The City is One's, The City is One's, be rid Small Heath: The City is One's!"

"But me quandry is this. How do I demonstrate my impartiality at Wembley when Reo steps up to collect the FA Cup next May?"

(with thanks to Ian Huxtable)

What did Capello learn from this inept England show?

England 1-2 France, Wembley.

As a paying supporter who goes to every international at Wembley, I'm so angry at this latest wreckage of an England show.

Lame duck Fabio Capello, who's already announced his retirement after EURO 2012, can have learned just one thing from picking the likes of Carroll, Henderson and Bothroyd.

England 1 France deux

Never pick them for England again.

Yes, yes, Andy Carroll is "buzzing" after his debut - and you can't fault his enthusiasm and application. But he's a player who became obsolete in 1987. We won't things pumping long balls upto a target man.

Arrivederla Capello?

Please go early, Capello. The Lakes must be beckoning. If being England manager is part cheerleader, part symbol - then Broken England needs some Redknapp medicine to convert inertia into momentum.

Bobby Gould once told me he "did the decent thing" and resigned the Welsh job after a 7-1 thrashing in Holland. He's a man of honour and self-respect. Capello's holding on for payday. He's got no reason to maintain his reputation by staying. He's announced his retirement - and he's got enough money. Go!

Fabio Bear's 2D view.

Not only did Capello select unviable players if we want to beat Germany, Italy and Spain, he's also got lazy: If Cardiff and Sunderland triers get a look in, why didn't Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton?

Capello is Pudsey Bear. No spatial vision and with just one eye on the domestic game.

Last night's ineptitude was the clearest business case yet for a National Football Centre.

Click here for the current Top Story

Soccermongery's all about your feedback, so write away, right away!

Alarm bells at Chelsea?

It might be overstating matters to suggest Chelsea are in crisis following their shock three-nil home defeat to Sunderland.

After all, they were one game short of completing a club record for home clean sheets and remain top of the Premier League.

But did we get a sneak preview of how the Blues might look if they can't replace thirtysomethings, John Terry and Frank Lampard?

Such dominant figures in this Chelsea decade are hard to replace, but at Stamford Bridge where the duo's influence extends well beyond the dressing room, you wonder where Chelsea's future lies - and what they're doing about it.

Add to that a Malaria-recovering Didier Drogba at half-speed - and it was amazing how easily the Blues were brushed aside by Sunderland, full of adventure and talent.

Was the club affected by the ruthlessness of coach Ray Wilkins' instant dismissal during the week? Someone had a word in his shell-like during halftime in a reserve game - and puff, an ex-Chelsea captain and legend is history.

They certainly didn't seem carefree - wherever they may be!

As Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa blood youngsters in readiness for UEFA's financial fairplay rules of 2014, Chelsea need to contemplate the future, rather than the here and now.