While Phoenix co-owner Gareth Morgan was seen in a bizarre cat costume at the Wellington Sevens, his much maligned team scrapped like dogs to record their first win in six matches.

It's not yet a selection dilemma but the emergence of Ian Hogg finally provides Ricki Herbert with options on the left side of defence - for the Phoenix and the All Whites.

Harry Redknapp insisted yesterday that no one at Queens Park Rangers told Peter Odemwingie to make his now notorious trip south from the west midlands to Loftus Road on Thursday night in an ill-fated attempt to see through a move to the west London club.

Lionel Messi hit four and Cristiano Ronaldo a hat-trick as Barcelona and Real Madrid warmed up for their Spanish Cup semifinal on Thursday with respective 5-1 and 4-0 victories.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is still no clearer on the likely availability of captain Ryan Nelsen for upcoming Oceania World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia.

Jamie Oliver has just signed a five-year deal with Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

In news that will send shivers down All Whites fans, speculation is mounting that Ryan Nelsen is about to retire from football and be unveiled as Toronto FC coach.

Mourinho and Ronaldo have set records at Real Madrid but fail to gain complete respect.

A day after his A-League team squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to bitter rivals Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC coach Ian Crook has quit the club.