Stephen Brunt is Canada's best sportswriter by a considerable length. He is also one of the few Canadians in the mainstream media that knows and understands the game. Here is a piece he did just prior to Toronto FC's debut on Saturday against Chivas. Brunt also appears regularly on radio with Canada's version of Jim Rome - a man called Bob McCowan. However, to date no one has asked McCowan to do anything that  would be deemed illegal in some US states.

A nostalgia piece in the Dundee Evening Telegraph and a look at a much younger yours truly.

Ian Bell senses that the trouble we have seen this season at Champions League and UEFA Cup matches has the game, one more, on an ugly path.

Jonathon Northcott on a player who may turn out to be one of the bargains of this season.

Patrick Barclay says that it is “Athens or bust” for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

Antonio Rattin has been invited to the opening of New Wembley.

An Iranian movie about a group of women willing to sacrifice a lot in an attempt to watch a game of football.     

It was a very good weekend of football. The Premiership tightened at both ends. Real Madrid drew closer to Spanish leaders after Barcelonma lost and Sevilla drew. Valencia opted to rest players before the Champions League second leg and that helped Athletic Bilbao out the bottom three in La Liga.

The top four in Germany all won but Borussia Monchengladbach seem to be running of of games at the other end of the table.

MLS got underway and I took in the Colorado Rapids - DC United and Chivas - Toronto FC matches.

Coming up this week - Monday league games in England, plus Champions League and UEFA Cup between Tuesday and Thursday. And finally in anticipation of a couple of questions (a) no Arsenal should not fire Arene Wenger, (b) Arsenal will not sell Thierry Henry this summer and (c) I still believe Arsenal will finish no lower than fourth in the Premiership this season!!

And finally, finally - I've noticed some new names posting comments the last couple of weeks - welcome to all of you and thank you to all the regular contributors and readers.