Football Talk

Sir Alex Ferguson has joined forces with his friend and former No10 spin doctor Alastair Campbell for a new horseracing venture. The pair are part of a consortium which owns an unraced two-year-old and it is understood they may name it Hairdryer in honour of Ferguson's infamous player lectures.

The Manchester United manager has a decent track record in racing with his greatest success coming in 2002 as co-owner of 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar.

Ferguson credits former United striker Mark Hughes with originating the hairdryer nickname. Hughes once said: "He would stand nose-to-nose with you and just shout and bawl and you would end up with your hair behind your head."

Domestic bliss led to ref rage

A new reason is being suggested as to why referee Tom Henning Ovrebo was such a poor choice for Chelsea's clash with Barcelona. His day job is in the Norwegian league which has just been crowned the fairest and least troublesome domestic competition in Europe.

UEFA's Respect Fair Play League, which Norway topped, is based on bookings, red cards and other factors, such as behaviour towards officials. Chelsea fans are now asking if such a genteel atmosphere was the right preparation for the intensity of a Champions League semi-final.

Barnet lose fringe benefits

The move from Highbury might have swelled the crowds and the coffers at Arsenal but north London neighbours Barnet appear to be counting the cost.

The Bees' average gate fell 16 per cent after 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium opened in 2006 and this season's figures show no sign of recovery. A Barnet source said: "The impact of their ground is one theory that's been advanced."

The League Two club have traditionally benefited from the secondary support of Arsenal and Tottenham fans and are now offering discounted two-year season-tickets in a bid to address a slide which sees their average gate hovering around the 2,100 mark.

Cold-blooded star

England manager Fabio Capello was spotted at Emirates Stadium on Sunday emerging from a lift with 7ft tall Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus Rex.

Details of the conversation are sketchy but stats on the club's website reveal that Gunnersaurus — born in Highbury sixteen years ago — is one the few heroes in an Arsenal shirt actually eligible for Capello's squad.

Charlton made of write' stuff

Charlton's players may have flopped on the pitch, but standards remain high off it. In a survey by website contacttheplayers.com Premier League and Championship clubs were sent fanmail letters and ranked according to the speed and effort of their replies. Charlton came top in the Championship after Jonjo Shelvey sent a handwritten note to a nine-year-old fan which included advice on becoming a footballer and a signed photo.