Day I Met Lower League Legend Keith Alexander

Inside Futbol's Mark Bateman interviewed Keith Alexander, the Macclesfield manager who recently passed away, when he was just starting his career. Here he remembers the lower league legend.

2010 Russian Premier League Season Preview

While other seasons prepare to end, Russia is just about to start. Can Rubin Kazan surprise the Moscow giants again and retain their title? We preview the 2010 Russian Premier League.

Argentina and Real Madrid Thankful for Higuain

With the arrival of a new wave of Galaticos at Real Madrid in the summer the future looked bleak for Gonzalo Higuain, but the striker is proving crucial, for club and country.

Malouda Mainstay of Chelsea Trophy Drive

Florent Malouda suffered a difficult introduction to English football and Chelsea's coaching instability did not help matters. Now though the Frenchman is key to the Blues' trophy drive.

Distrust and Suspicion Spreads in Italian Game

In Italy the wounds of the Calciopoli scandal have still not healed and Serie A is quick to develop a culture of distrust and suspicion whenever a refereeing decision is deemed controversial.

Not much hope was held that the Europa League, replacement for the UEFA Cup, would restore Europe's second tier competition's prestige, but the presence of a number of heavyweights is helping.

Health Concerns Dog Start to Brazilian Season

State Championships mean the beginning of a new Brazilian season, but already there are concerns about the health of players in the heat of the country's summer.

John Toshack has a number of young guns to call upon for Wales' push to make Euro 2012. But a tough draw and a history of near misses could put paid to their hopes.

Brief Encounters: Aston Villa’s Jozef Venglos

When Aston Villa appointed a foreign coach in 1990, English football was in a state of shock. Jozef Venglos would usher in a new era of non-British bosses, but himself had little success.

Will Russia Turn to Old Guard for New Coach?

The Guus Hiddink era has come to an end in Moscow and now Russia must choose his successor. Failure to reach the World Cup seems to have left the old guard in the driving seat.

Poland Hoping Smuda Means Success

After failing to reach the World Cup, Poland face a crucial two years before they co-host Euro 2012. The country's football association has turned to Franz Smuda, and will hope Smuda means success.

FC Moscow Highest Profile Financial Casualty Yet

FC Moscow have been forced to pull out of the Russian Premier League following the loss of a sponsor. The club are the highest profile case in an oft repeated phenomenon.

Inside Scoop on Liverpool Bound Jovanovic

Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic will soon swap Belgium for England, moving to Liverpool. The Serbian has certainly had an interesting career and has bags of talent.

MLS Giants DC United Remain in Stadium Limbo

DC United are one of MLS's most successful clubs and an asset to the league. They are however, in real danger of being left behind as rivals move into soccer-specific stadiums, and they, do not.

Same Problems Dog FIGC Euro 2016 Bid

After losing out to Poland and Ukraine in their bid to host Euro 2012, the Italian Football Federation are launching another attempt, this time for 2016. But many of the country's problems remain.

Brief Encounters: Arsenal’s Bruce Rioch

Bruce Rioch made way for the Arsene Wenger revolution to begin at Arsenal and did a solid enough job. As part of our brief encounters series we look at the ex-Gunners boss.

Brighton Benefit from Poyet Promise

Gus Poyet arrived on English shores in 1997 as a talented midfielder. Few expected the Uruguayan to stay to move into management, and especially in the lower leagues.

Bayern to Klose Gap on European Elite?

Bayern Munich have a long and proud history in the Champions League, and now, with the advantage against Fiorentina, they are making good on their reputation once again.

Unpredicatable Nani Must Seize Man Utd Chance

Could Nani follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United? Or will the Portuguese continue to flatter to deceive? Boss Sir Alex Ferguson could be forgiven for becoming frustrated.

The Battle Behind Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina

A spot in a World Cup squad is always coveted, and with Spain amongst the favourites even more so. But, with Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina assured of places, who will take the final keeping berth?

Van Basten May Deserve Dutch Credit

Former Holland coach Marco van Basten came under fire for his spell in charge of the national side. Yet van Basten may have very well put in place the foundations for a successful future.

Brief Encounters: Spurs’ Christian Gross

Some managerial careers are snuffed out before they can mature. In a new series looking at short-lived appointments we firstly remember Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Gross.

Shakhtar Coach Lucescu’s Brazilian Obsession

Shakhtar Donetsk are almost unrecognisable from the side which Mircea Lucescu took over in 2004. There has been a foreign revolution at the Ukrainian giants, and it has been mostly Brazilian.

Lotito Hopes for Answer to Lazio Crisis

Lazio ended last season with the Coppa Italia and began this by winning the Supercoppa. The future looked bright for the Rome club, but this campaign has seen crisis after crisis.

Borussia Dortmund’s Rollercoaster Ride

Borussia Dortmund have had an up and down history, especially since winning the Champions League in 1997. The Ruhr giants appear to be on the rise again, slowly but surely.

Top Five Spanish Stars of Tomorrow

That the Spanish national side is arguably the best in the world is testament to their ability to produce talent. But just who will be Spain's stars of tomorrow? We profile the top five.

Wenger Must Be Reminded Arsenal Need Goals

Arsenal have come up short against both Chelsea and Manchester United this season, but not for lack of chances. What The Gunners need, and Wenger lacks, is a real finisher.

Mixed Fortunes for Juventus Class of 96

In 1996 Juventus sat on top of the world, as Champions League winners. Throughout their side appeared many deep football thinkers, but those who have coached have found it a struggle.

Sampdoria Stage For Ongoing Cassano Saga

It seemed Antonio Cassano had found his home in Genoa with Sampdoria, after troubles at former clubs. Yet recent events have shown perhaps Cassano still has some settling down to do.

Boca Legend Francisco Varallo Going Strong

Argentina and Boca Juniors legend Francisco Varallo recently celebrated his 100th birthday. The only player still alive from the first World Cup final, his career was an interesting one.

The African Nations Cup saw some players rise to the challenge with astonishing performances. Most of them were Egyptian, but not all, and the future for the African game looks bright.

Can Levein Dig Scotland Out of International Hole?

Scotland have not qualified for a major finals tournament since 1998, and various bosses have tried and failed to correct that. Now Craig Levein will get his chance, and there is perhaps reason for optimism.