29/07/2019 - Scunthorpe and Plymouth should be contenders after their relegation to a division in which Stevenage could be dark horsesThere is a vast pool of exciting 40-something coaches determined to make a splash as managers, some of whom are taking their first plunge while others, notably Paul Hurst, are hungry to kick on. Determined not to allow a 14-game reign at Ipswich define his reputation, Hurst has the look of a managerial catch for Scunthorpe United, given his success at Grimsby and Shrewsbury where he surpassed expectations, eking every sinew out of his players. At Glanford Park, however, Hurst will have to cope with the expectation that comes with the territory of being fancied for an instant return to League One. The signing of Andy Butler, who started his career at the club, seems a sensible addition. Related: Bielsa, Brentford and Bolton: the new Football League season Continue reading... Collapse

31/08/2018 - Yaya Touré is no Johan Cruyff but they are mild compared to the keeper who caused chaos for Celtic and against StokeIt is getting to the stage where we are going to have to accept Yaya Touré is no Johan Cruyff. Shame, really, because the Ivorian had the right idea. Whether served with an upturned bowl of steaming hot bile or a platter of cold hard truths, the revenge of the jilted footballer can be an entertaining force. None of the sport’s great orators, from Bill Shankly to Claude Puel, has ever given a team talk as inspirational as a well-nurtured grudge.In 1910, the magnificent Leigh Roose set an example that may never be matched but we will get to him in a bit. First, let us congratulate Touré’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, for mischievously pricking our hopes this week by announcing that his 35-year-old client passed a medical in London in advance of signing for a new club. Related: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Related: England's Eni Aluko joins The Guardian Collapse