In the absence of our grand master, I'm going for my first Football thread.

Man Utd earn an annoying but if we're honest deserved point against Blackburn, Bolton escape at least temporarily from the mire and Aston Villa put Birmingham right in it with a great 5-1 win.

Surprised at the Man City/Eriksson talk, he seems to be doing a good job there.

Chelsea will apparently swoop for Ribery in a £20 million deal and Paul Dickov of Leicester City fame looks set for the Major League. I bet Beckham can't wait for the rivalry.

I know fuck all about the lower leagues so I'll leave you with this:

Derby manager Paul Jewell has not lost his sense of humour, despite his club's relegation to the Championship. As West Ham were booed off the pitch after a 2-1 win over the Rams, Jewell was asked if one of his teams had ever been jeered for winning. "Dunno," he said. "I'd just like the opportunity to find out. (The Sun)