Football talk

Roy Keane has an unlikely ally in his war against WAGs in Jadene Bircham. The star of ITV's WAGs Boutique and wife of former Queens Park Rangers midfielder Marc said: "I think Roy is 100 per cent right. A lot of players' wives and girlfriends do try to take control. When we were doing the show a couple of the younger ones would say things like 'I wouldn't let my man go to there' or 'He's not doing that'. I've never interfered with Marc's career because he knows it better than I do." Keane claimed a potential signing rejected Sunderland because his wife did not like the shops on Wearside. Jadene added: "He should have been named and shamed as he obviously needs to grow a pair of b******s!"

Bridge in troubled water

David James has launched an outspoken attack on water wastage in Chelsea's toilets. The Portsmouth goalkeeper, who campaigns on green issues, said: "I've been told that at Chelsea they have a toilet system that flushes automatically every 20 seconds which must entail using a ridiculous amount of water." However, Chelsea suspect James has got his facts wrong. Stamford Bridge dressing rooms are equipped with automated urinals, but they only flush after use. A Chelsea spokesman said: "Environmental issues are something we take very seriously so much so the new Cobham training ground was designed with environmental factors in mind."

Facebookers target Byfield

There can be few more miserable footballers than Darren Byfield. Not only has the Millwall striker just split with popstar partner Jamelia, but he is also being forced to train with the reserves following a major bust-up with his club. Fans are not impressed by his attitude either and mischief-makers have now started a group on Facebook called, "Darren Byfield is a cad and a rotter for cheating on Jamelia". Among those to have signed up is Millwall's goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley. Meanwhile, Byfield is believed to have reacted to the club sanctions by refusing to wear any Millwall kit. He is instead training in black unbranded gear.

Deal or no deal for Paladini

Another week of chaos at QPR, culminating with question marks over chairman Gianni Paladini's position. The Italian was involved in heated discussions with parent company chief Antonio Caliendo ahead of Tuesday's defeat by Leyton Orient. Caliendo had earlier released a statement insisting QPR were "not for sale", even though Paladini has spoken to at least two potential investors - Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore and former chairman Bill Power's consortium - and been talking up the possibility of a takeover. Club sources say the statement from Caliendo - who represents QPR's Monaco-based major shareholders - is evidence of a rift with Paladini which has hit hopes of an imminent deal with Briatore.

Contact us at: talk@standard.co.uk