Apparently, the Premier League should take a winter break in “respect” to the Africa Cup of Nations, so that players are allowed to represent their countries without it clashing with their club duties, according to Bitters’ manager David Moyes.

Where does respect enter into it? Why doesn’t Africa “respect” the Premier League and hold its tin-pot trophy during the summer?

Does anyone even watch this competition anyway? I flicked over and I thought I was watching head-tennis – at the end of the game there wasn’t a hint of grass or dirt on the football!

If you don’t want your “key” players to be missing for a month, don’t sign them from Africa. If you’re an African player, decide between your club or country. Decide which is more important to you: the honour and privilege of representing the football association that pays your wages in the greatest league on earth, or playing hoofball in the sand to win a shiny bucket.