BITS AND BOBS

Last updated : 02 April 2006 By Ed

* The News of the World says Cristiano Ronaldo 'could have opened the door to a £15m move to Real Madrid by admitting he wants to play in La Liga.'


* The Sunday Times: Interruption of the week came at Old Trafford, as guests watched Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham from one of the corporate boxes. Fifteen minutes from time, a loud but friendly intruder burst in ‘looking for sandwiches. I'm starving!' he announced. Interesting in light of Roy Keane's ‘prawn sandwich' outburst against United fans of a few season ago. Especially as the hungry interloper was none other than former United FA Cup hero, Norman Whiteside


* Headline news in the Mirror today is David Beckham's revelation he is suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder - the complaint which sparks bizarre and repetitive behaviour.

From the paper:

The England captain admits he can't control his need to constantly clean and organise things.

It makes him arrange cans of drink, clothes and magazines in straight lines and symmetrical patterns.

Becks said his wife Victoria, 31, thinks he's a "weirdo" because of his strange rituals.

The 30-year-old soccer hero says he has kept the disorder secret from his Real Madrid team-mates.

But he has told how he was ruthlessly mocked by former Manchester United team-mates - including best pal Gary Neville - over his behaviour when he was there. Talking about his illness for the first time, he said: "I've got this obsessive compulsive disorder where I have to have everything in a straight line or everything has to be in pairs."

He then told how former United team-mates Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville played tricks on him.

Sitting at a table in a restaurant during the TV interview, the star arranged glasses on a table in straight lines as he spoke.

He said: "At United the lads all knew about it. I used to be sat in my room. Knocking on the table, he added: "There used be a knock on the door like that and Scholesie, Buttie and Giggsie and Gaz (Gary Neville) and Phil (Neville) would come in the room and sit down.

"I thought they were just coming in for a chat. But then they'd go out of the room and I'm thinking: 'Something's different here.' And then all the magazines would be all wonky."

Waving his arms around, he added: "They'd have been in my wardrobe and all my trousers and my shoes would be all over the place like this. It was a joke with them."


* Kevin Nolan in the Star: "It's flattering to think big clubs are talking about you.

"But I am committed 100 percent to Bolton and anything else is just a rumour.

"I'm ambitious and it would be fantastic to win something with Bolton, especially now that I am captain.

"It's vital that we make it into Europe again next season because as good as this season has been, there have been too many near misses. We have got a big six weeks coming up."


* Blackburn's Steven Reid talks about United rumours: "Since the speculation started with all those bits in the press, I've been playing better," he said. "It's not a problem as long as I keep performing on the pitch."


* The Mail: Graeme Le Saux has quit the BBC after being dropped from their commentary team for England's World Cup matches.

Le Saux quit after being told BBC sports chiefs had decided they wanted Mark Lawrenson instead as John Motson's co-commentator on England games at the World Cup this summer.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Graeme Le Saux was moved off the England commentary team because the BBC felt for games of this significance the audience would want the experience and expertise Mark Lawrenson brings to the commentary box.

"Graeme was offered an alternative role at the World Cup and opportunities to continue to learn and develop his skills within the BBC but he declined the offer."

Le Saux was offered other commentary roles at other World Cup games but decided he wanted no further involvement with the BBC after being dropped from the England commentary team.


* Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd in the Sunday Mirror: "Our aim is to have the new management structure in place before the last ball of the season is kicked.

"We don't want to have uncertainty lingering on through the close season and we want supporters and players to finish the season knowing who will be in charge in August.

"We have taken our time because this is one of the biggest decisions in the history of the club.

"The top clubs are opening up a huge gap between themselves and others and we need to get the right man to ensure we are one of those leading clubs.

"We have had a host of top names declaring their interest but we have kept them secret.

"When the time is right - and that isn't too far away - we will name the man to lead us into the future


* The NOTW: 'Lee Bowyer is today named as the most hated player in British football.

The controversial Newcastle midfielder was up against the likes of Chelsea ‘divers' Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben and Blackburn loudmouth Robbie Savage but still came out on top in a new survey.'


* Milan will make a move for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho if their coach Carlo Ancelotti defects to Real Madrid, says the Daily Star Sunday.