Mystery shrouds the future of Geordie messiah King Kevin on Tyneside while Alan Curbishley has reached the end of the line with his beloved West Ham.

This weekend England travel to Andorra and then next week to Croatia, as the qualifiers for South Africa 2010 begin. And already, following a dire friendly against Czechoslovakia the tenure of manager Fabio Capello, all £8 million pounds of it, is being questioned.

Meanwhile at Soho Square, home of the FA, chief executive Brian Barwick has had the turf pulled from under his feet and is on his way out.

Manchester City are in dreamland after a Middle East takeover delivered Brazilian superstar Robinho into their laps for a British record £32.5 million from under the noses of Chelsea. When it comes to financial clout look no further than Eastlands.

Amid the madness newly formed FC Halifax Town had an ignominious start in its quest for FA Cup glory, five stages from the first round proper. Who would have thought it?

Funny old game, eh?