QUOTES OF THE WEEK

What happened over the weekend reminds us all that this is, after all, only a game of football. Glenn Hoddle on England's World Cup tie against Moldova.

An act of such arrogance, it beggars belief. Jimmy Hood, the Labour MP for Clydesdale, on the reluctance of Jim Farry, the head of the Scottish FA, to postpone Scotland's game with Belarus.

We'll concentrate on our race, but we'll be at home very much in our hearts. Steve Redgrave on his crew's feelings about rowing in the final of the World Championships in France during today's funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The days of professionals pouring a crate of lager down their necks after every game have long gone. Harry Redknapp, the West Ham manager, backing England's decision to drop the Hammers teenager Rio Ferdinand after his drink-driving offence.

I couldn't believe the negative vibes that were in the camp. The players were terrified to play... calling me the last man on the Titanic sums it up perfectly. Stuart Ripley, the Blackburn winger, on his only previous England cap, in Graham Taylor's final game.

I'd swap it all for a decent centre-half. Bolton Wanderers supporter at the opening match at the club's pounds 35m stadium.

I don't think Seve wants me on the team. It's crazy - a very, very silly decision. I am going straightaway to my lawyers and I am going to fight this as hard as I can. Miguel Angel Martin's reaction to being been axed from Europe's Ryder Cup team.

He was not welcome before - do you think he will be welcome now? He's like a machine-gunner shooting in all directions. He has only been thinking of himself. He's like a kamikaze going for the ship. Seve Ballesteros, the European Ryder Cup captain, on Martin.

I was climbing my mountain and I feel I'm starting to reach the top. It was a very, very long journey for me. I'm really proud. Petr Korda after he beat the world No 1 Pete Sampras to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.

I'm getting some of his relaxed characteristics. I still can't do all those yoga positions he does, but I'm trying. Greg Rusedski on his coach, Brian Teacher.

Training horses is not a million miles away from training athletes. Sally Gunnell, the 1992 Olympic hurdles champion, on her new life in showjumping.

I like travelling in a Jaguar and I don't think the chief executive of the Rugby Football League should catch the No 33 bus. Maurice Lindsay explaining part of his pounds 100,000 expenses over the last two years.