Cup competitions, Sir Alex Ferguson on retirement, and Cheryl Cole's a good person

With the FA Cup quarter finals taking place this weekend, ahead of a crucial European week, it's time to question the relevance of the competition. [Guardian]

Chasing the dream in football's academies. [Telegraph]

Two of Buenos Aires' finest get knocked out of the Libertadores Cup. [Reuters]

While many on the big island may agree with Michel Platini's opinions on the English footy, it may not be fans of the traditional top four. [Times]

European soccer rears its ugly two heads, again. [The Sun]

Harry Redknapp shows off those "man-motivating/management" skills. [Goal]

You'd think the one guy that can use his hands would protect them. [FourFourTwo]

Sir Alex verbalizes Red Devil fans' worst fear. [Sky Sports]

Cheryl Cole takes her hubby's arrest well. [Daily Star]

The Grab: 12.11.2006

Pizzagate revisited. Nice to see Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas ensuring the competition stays alive, with a little handbags in the tunnel after Sunday's 1-1 derby at Stamford Bridge. [Teamtalk]

Another Yank, the Gooner David Hirshey, gives us his take of the London derby. [Deadspin]

Whatever happened to Freddy Adu's trial with Manchester United? Was it Man U or Man City? Oh well, whatever, he's been traded. [ESPN Soccernet, IHT.com]

Les Bleus' beloved Platini is going to run against incumbent Lennart Johansson, of which we know very little (normal for a Swede?) for the top spot at UEFA. We know about Michel Platini. [Guardian, Wikipedia, YouTube]

-bl