"IT was great to see an old friend Peter Osgood (who used to play for Chelsea) last weekend in Bermuda. He was invited to come down to the island by the Robin Hood Football Club to give a speech at a charity night they held at the Harmony Club. And Peter was in good form! I hadn't seen him in decades but he was the same guy I remember. I wish there had been other people from various clubs present to see exactly how one puts on a charity event. Robin Hood did such a good job and the majority of people at the club are expats. It just shows what can be done when it is done right. Bermudians shouldn't be complaining all the time about expats. It was a fun night for charity and proved to be a big success.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Well Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Auxerre this week. And they had just come off a loss to Everton on the weekend. They have proved what they are capable of by going 30 games unbeaten but maybe these two losses will be a kick up the pants for them in order to get back on track. But they will be alright. They have too much quality.

Manchester United look good even though they let a two goal lead slip against Olympiakos eventually winning 3-2. They are safely through to the next round. I am sure United will keep playing with their big guns. But they do have some young players they might try out. There are so many players at United.

Bayern Munich are struggling right now especially with their 2-1 loss to AC Milan this week. They are at the bottom of the table (Group G) with only one point but that is the nature of things. These things come in circles. You cannot be on top all of your life. I am sure people at the club know what needs to be done. If they don't get through this year in the Champions League look for them next year for a comeback.

Newcastle have finally won a game and against Juventus at that. It is a bit of a lifeline for them but it will all come down to other results. I would think they need to win their remaining games.

Barcelona are through easily after beating Locomotiv Moscow 1-0 but I think they have to make up their mind if they want to play in the Spanish League! They are not doing so well in their home league and for that matter Real Madrid also lost last week. There have been some surprises in Spain but having said that it is good for soccer.

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ROONEY

Wayne Rooney really showed what he is made of last week against Arsenal with a beautiful goal to give Everton the victory. In England they take the kids in at seven and nine years old so they really prepare them well. Rooney's goal was spectacular - a really good strike and I was very impressed with the way he controlled the ball first. He did superbly. I understand the manager says he wants to bring Rooney along like Alex Ferguson did initially with Ryan Giggs when Giggs was a teenager - that is a smart move. The manager wants to shield Rooney and protect him. Here in Bermuda we tend to rush youngsters a bit much. You don't want to mess up a good talent. And also some kids might tend to become too cocky so it is best to keep them away from the Press for a while.

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WEST HAM

It was only a matter of time before they got back on the right track. Two wins (one last weekend and one during the week) will help a lot when you are at the bottom of the table. West Ham have too many good young players not to succeed. I think you have to adjust the attitudes sometimes and tell people that even when the chips are down you have to keep fighting. That is what I hope is happening at West Ham.

I also hope Paulo Di Canio's contract situation gets sorted out soon. West Ham would be stupid to let someone like Di Canio leave. They need to work something out with him. He is probably one of the most gifted players in England and West Ham need him. I think West Ham would struggle without Di Canio because if he is not scoring goals then he is making goals. He also has a great influence with the younger players - they look up to him. I hope the club get the finger out and resign him.

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YOUTH TOURNAMENT

I urge the public to get behind our youngsters in the Under-17 tournament next week at the National Sports Centre. These kids have been working hard and it is important that the fans give them their support. It can make a big difference.