FOOTBALL: NOISES OFF...

Even though you know the player well, there are times when you have to take a decision that is difficult for you as a person. But if you can't take that decision then you are not a good coach.

Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit on the exclusion of Gianluca Vialli

At the moment I don't know what side I'll put out against United in the Cup - it's becoming a bit like flogging a dead horse. We are becoming the victim of our own success.

Joe Kinnear, worried that his Wimbledon players are on the brink of exhaustion.

Ten draws out of 17 games is not a concern. Ten defeats would be.

David Pleat, on his hard-to-beat Sheffield Wednesday.

In Italy there are professional referees who are accountable to a commission. When they have a bad game they are suspended for one or two games. There is so much money in the Premier League yet we have got amateurs in the middle accountable only to themselves.

Jim Smith, dismayed at the sending-off of Derby's Darryl Powell by referee Paul Jones

It is extremely frustrating to have two good goals ruled out and the sad thing is that it's by one of our best referees - supposedly.

George Graham, who was no more enamoured with David Elleray

It was the worst pitch I have seen in England.

Arsene Wenger, more concerned about the Elland Road surface.

It was important that we came here and put on a show after what happened at Stockport. I'm still not happy because we lost, but I feel a whole lot more positive than I did on Wednesday.

Southampton manager Graeme Souness

People say West Ham are low on confidence but I don't know about that given the way they came at us in the second half.

Tony Parkes, relieved to take all three points at Ewood Park

Tell them I'm too exhausted.

Joe Royle, declining to speak to the press after Everton's win over Nottingham Forest possibly saved his job.