Game's up for pie-lover Kinnear

THE likely departure of Joe Kinnear won't faze too many Newcastle fans now that Alan Shearer is back but the former Wimbledon boss will undoubtedly be missed by staff at a luxury hotel restaurant on the outskirts of the city.

Prior to his heart operation, Kinnear was a regular at the eaterie and so well regarded that he was allowed to order food that wasn't even on the menu.

His favourite dish, game pie, was specially prepared by the hotel's chef who Kinnear used to thank personally for his efforts.

New England kit's the pits for Green

The great unveil of England's new kit was carefully planned for maximum exposure ahead of the Slovakia game but did the Football Association and Umbro consider how the pre-match stunt would play out on radio?

Five Live hold the commentary rights and a notably off-message Alan Green was behind the mic at kick-off time.

"Parents everywhere, prepare to be ripped off," was how he greeted the emergence of the all-white strip.

"Why do England need a new kit? If it was a World Cup year, I would understand it."

Five Live could have expected strong listening figures too - the match was not on terrestrial TV and the start coincided with the homeward journey of thousands of fans attending Football League matches.

* The mood of protest switches from the City to Wembley on Sunday, when Luton fans will use the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final to demonstrate against their 30-point deduction. A giant flag will be unfurled with the slogan: “Luton Town, Established 1885, Betrayed by the FA 2008”.

Ref leaves bitter taste for Spurs boss Allen

Clive Allen lost his cool and Aston Villa lost their cooler in Tottenham's reserve match at Brisbane Road on Monday. The Spurs coach could be in hot water after kicking over the opposition's drinks container and ranting at referee Matthew McLaughlin in the dying moments of the 2-1 win.

Allen was upset by McLaughlin's decision to award Villa a corner in added time as Spurs tried to hang on to their lead. Following the cooler collision, which scattered water bottles and sports drinks across the technical area, Allen was then involved in a heated exchange with McLaughlin before being sent to the stands. The FA confirmed Allen's behaviour was mentioned in the referee's report and they are looking into it.