Early Doors
Early Doors knows little of the world outside the Eurosport office, having been chained to its desk and forced to subsist on a thin gruel of UHT milk and cardboard. It cares little for football itself, preferring to focus on the childish histrionics and self-regarding largesse of those involved in the game. Its primary interests are training-ground bust-ups, Baby Bentleys and deluded chairmen. Like many Premier League players, Early Doors refers to itself only in the third person.

Hodgson hamstrung by foreign influx
Well, we know what Harry Redknapp would have said had he been appointed England manager and been in charge for tomorrow's friendly against Norway: 'We're down to the bare bones.' And Harry would have been right. As rude awakenings go, … Continue reading → More »
Jim White - Fri, May 25, 2012 13:01 BST
Hodgson lowers England expectations
"You don't have to use short passes. Not if you want to use your big man up front." It could be a line ripped straight from the script of 'Mike Bassett: England Manager', that affectionate yet searingly honest deconstruction of … Continue reading → More »
Early Doors - Fri, May 25, 2012 09:10 BST
Over and out for Pep
It's a good time to be a Real Madrid fan. Jose Mourinho has signed an extension which will contract him to the Bernabeu until 2016. Sir Alex Ferguson might think about moving on by then. Having displaced Barca as Spanish … Continue reading → More »
Andy Mitten - Thu, May 24, 2012 17:46 BST
Coaching or TV? Neville must choose
Gary Neville's appointment to Roy Hodgson's England coaching staff surprised me, because I'm not sure he can combine the job with his punditry for Sky. If he is working as a link between the squad and the manager, he needs … Continue reading → More »
Paul Parker - Thu, May 24, 2012 13:02 BST
Barton gazes into the abyss
Twelve Nietzsche quotes for Joey Barton to ponder during his suspension: 'If there is something to pardon in everything, there is also something to condemn.' 'Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself.' 'And if you … Continue reading → More »
Early Doors - Thu, May 24, 2012 09:01 BST
Football slideshows

Premier League 100 photos

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Serie A 100 photos

La Liga 100 photos

Europa League 100 photos

FA Cup 25 photos
Should Roberto Di Matteo be given the Chelsea job full-time?
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