Ex-England gaffer finds relative anonymity at Euro 2008

Steve McClaren, who is being paid with your license fee money to attend Euro 2008 for BBC Radio, is one of the most recognised red faces in English football. But as our lazy boys decided they fancied the Caribbean this summer, the former England manager has found he’s no different to any of the other press hacks assembled at Euro 2008. When he went to pick up his media accreditation last week, Mr McClaren ran into a rather awkward situation:

The UEFA official looked up at McClaren and said “I’m sure I recognise you”, before pausing and adding, “Oh, that’s right, didn’t you use to manage Ireland?”

The UEFA doofus was probably thinking of somewhat maligned ex-Ireland boss Steve Staunton when he made the faux pas, and it’s hard to know who should feel more insulted in this situation.

Actually no, it’s quite easy - Staunton should feel more insulted.

[Irish Independent]

The best sports on the telebox this weekend

Over the next few days, lads from good ol’ Blighty will be hawking their sporting wares on both sides of the equator: the rugger team will struggle to defeat the Irish on home soil, the cricket team will struggle to cover up their embarrassing first test in New Zealand, and tiny little Lewis Hamilton will probably struggle to defeat the might of Kimi Räikkönen in Australia (although I tip him to get pole at 5/2). Whether you have faith in our boys or not, show your alliances with a punt using the best odds available.

FRIDAY

Cricket - second test
New Zealand/ England (Sky Sports 1, 9pm)

Formula One
Australian GP Qualifying (ITV1, 2.15am) - chickendinner betting preview here

SATURDAY

Scottish Premier League
Motherwell/ Celtic (Setanta Sports 1, 12.30pm)

Six Nations
Italy/ Scotland (BBC1, 1pm)
England/ Ireland (BBC1, 3pm)
Wales/ France (BBC1, 5pm) - chickendinner betting preview here