Football Talk

Football has become the latest battleground in the scrap between High Street bookmakers and their online rival Betfair. The betting exchange, which specialises in person-to-person gambling, is about to park its tanks on the bookies' lawns by setting up as a direct competitor in the lucrative accumulators' market.

Betfair previously only accepted single bets on match results forcing punters wishing to make multiple match bets - such as trebles and accumulators - to go to traditional firms like William Hill and Ladbrokes.

But now, in a radical move, the Hammersmith based company are ready to accept multiples. In a major shift in strategy, Betfair itself will act as the bookmaker offering odds taken from their person-to-person singles football markets.

The company claim they will invariably offer better odds than High Street rivals even allowing for five per cent commission. Steve High, Betfair's product manager, said: "Our aim is to be the biggest online betting company."

But the bookies aren't running scared just yet with industry sources deriding Betfair's maximum multiple pay-out of £50,000 - compared to the £1m which some firms offer - and highlighting many punters' preference for betting in a shop rather than through a computer.

Bertie riled over fizzy drink

Scotland fans will be relieved to learn that Bertie Vogts is no longer on the market as their nation searches for a new manager. The German looks a shoo-in to be the next coach of Nigeria, but things have not started well. Travelling from Munich to London to meet with the African country's football bosses, Vogts was accidentally drenched in cola by a 20-month-old girl who was on the same flight. He did not see the funny side and witnesses describe an angry schoolmaster-type lecturing a bewildered toddler before her mother intervened to cool the row.

Dealer Dave still riding high

He may be out of football but former Chelsea star Dave Webb continues to frank his reputation as one of the game's great wheelerdealers. On a recent trip to Pennsylvania, he visited the ranch of the late Jack Palance (right) and bought the cowboy actor's favourite saddle. Webb now plans to sell the potentially valuable piece of memorabilia to the highest bidder.

Young guns burst bubbles

Arsenal's abundance of young talent is not confined to the first team. During last Saturday's Under-16s clash with West Ham, the Gunners were 6-0 up in the first half and could afford the luxury of six substitutions at the interval. It didn't stop the rout, though, as Arsenal scored three times early in the second period to make it 9-0 before both managers agreed to end the match prematurely to put the hammered Hammers out of their misery.

Greenwood badge of honour

Eggert Magnusson and Terry Brown will lead an all-star West Ham cast on Sunday in tribute to the late Ron Greenwood. A blue plaque marking Greenwood's contribution to the club during his 17 years as manager is being unveiled at the main entrance to Upton Park. David Graham, chairman of the Heritage Foundation charity which is organising the event, said: "It is a tribute on behalf of West Ham and England fans that will cement his memory for years to come."

Sansom, by a hair's breadth

Trivia answer. Last week, Talk posed the question: Who was the last player with a moustache - not a goatee - to score for England? We believe the answer is Kenny Sansom, who claimed his solitary England goal in a World Cup qualifier against Finland in 1984.

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