QUOTES OF THE WEEK

n I used to hate watching rugby league on television. It was violent, slow and just dreadful. We all thought it was a joke sport. Martin Offiah, Great Britain's winger who used to play rugby union.

n It was a catastrophe. Martina Hingis, 15-year-old prodigy from Switzerland after losing a match last week.

n I used to be one of the big guys on the tour. Now I'm somewhere in the middle. Stefan Edberg, former Wimbledon champion who is coming to terms with his declining powers.

n The message was told in this fight. I know Frank Bruno realises the message already because he's been trying to duck me. Lennox Lewis, desperate to fight the new World Boxing Council heavyweight champion.

n We are two goals up and should be just seeing the game out. But when we give away a goal like that it is arse hanging out time. Jack Charlton in cryptic mood after the Republic of Ireland's win over Latvia in midweek.

n I have never known any really talented English coaches. Helenio Herrera, who coached Internazionale in their glory days in the 1960s, on the appointment of Englishman Roy Hodgson as the club's new coach.

n Cold, rainy, somewhere in the North, not far from Newcastle. And they play in red. Juninho, Middlesbrough's pounds 4.75m Brazilian signing on his new club.

n I was pleased with that. Terry Venables, England coach, just about the only person who was about the midweek 0-0 bore with Norway.

n It's incredible to think Duncan [Ferguson] is behind bars. He is no danger to society. Peter Johnson, the Everton chairman, on the three-month jail sentence for his striker.

Rob McLean