Lineker's Gesture Was Understandable But Triesman's Loose Words Were Mind-Boggling
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - May 22)
A straightforward business you might say, Gary Lineker's resignation as a Mail on Sunday columnist after the newspaper's decision to publish the taped results of Lord Triesman's "entrapment" by a young woman apparently hell-bent on exploiting their relationship. So why am I a little uneasy that Lineker's gesture launched him into the instant status of English football's No 1 patriot? more details | go to article

The Recurring Fault Line Within English Football Is Its Failure To Produce Leaders
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - May 17)
There is surely a point when a national game which ... is so erratically administered becomes a suitable case for government inspection. more details | go to article

Sand Pitches, Townships And Hope... Why South Africa Deserves The Cup
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - December 15)
"I know football saved my life and I know it could do that for the next generation" more details | go to article

England Can Dream Of Lifting Cup But African Sides Will Steal Show
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - December 5)
David Beckham may have been merely doing his bit for the old country but it was still hard not to gag when swallowing his tributes to Jack Warner, the delegate from Trinidad whose son’s World Cup ticket caper in Germany became an ugly focus of attention three years ago, and Sepp Blatter, Fifa president and the game’s ultimate pragmatist. more details | go to article

Capello's Rage At Superstars' Somnolence Is A Welcome Wake-Up Call For England
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - September 9)
It may not be a great resurgent hope for the redemption of England's international football in Zagreb tomorrow night, perhaps it is no more than a desire for a hint of competence, but if you look hard enough there is a glimmer of encouragement. more details | go to article

The Father Of 'Total Football' Who Let His Players Run Free
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - March 4)
At the heart of the brilliant career of Rinus Michels, the Dutch master coach who has died at the age of 77, was one abiding belief. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but for footballers no gift can ever compare to the chance to express themselves properly in the hands of a coach who understands all their strengths and weaknesses. more details | go to article

Memo To Mourinho: Don't Adapt, We Like You Just The Way You Are
by James Lawton (Commentary | Independent - March 1)
Dear Jose, First of all, congratulations on achieving your initial objective at Chelsea, winning the trophy, any trophy, which your chief executive Peter Kenyon announced, with all that football wisdom which wells so mystically out of his corporate soul, is the most basic demand on anyone doing your job. more details | go to article