So, we reach the end of another week in football, and we’ve had plenty going on in the FA Cup, European matches and the league, but what’s the biggest story in the game this week? Well, it’s got to be the massive news that Fergie has banned young players from wearing multi-coloured boots (thanks to Off The Post). Whether the United manager wants to stop them getting too big for those yellow and turquoise boots, or he’s just tired of trying to keep up with who is wearing what, it seems like quite a decent suggestion. We’re obviously not against coloured boots, but you’ve got to do them justice, otherwise you’re just a target for the terrace chants!

That story has been battling for column space with the week’s other big story – Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle appearing on Countdown. Not just appearing on the show, but winning quite comfortably – cue the jokes about his away form being better than Burnleys, etc. It was so exciting, The Guardian decided to do a live blog on the action here. There’s more to Carlisle than just a way with words however – this interview with him from last year reveals what a fascinating character he is.

Of course, there’s plenty of big action this weekend, with the first silverwear of the season to be won on Sunday. The Carling Cup final between Villa and United should be an interesting match, with both teams capable of winning. Football Corner offer a nice summary of the match here, while the more partisan fan can catch up on The Vila Blog or The Republik Of Mancunia for the latest on their particular team.

There have been bigger stories in football this week of course, particularly amongst those teams struggling for money. Clubs owing money is, of course, nothing new, but the idea of player’s image rights certainly is. What exactly do they involve? When Saturday Comes offer an interesting insight into exactly what they are, and how lucrative they can be, in this article here.

Finally, we’re going to return to the silly rather than the serious I’m afraid. Ever wanted to see Arsenal players wearing daft wigs? Yes? Well, thanks to Kickette, you can do if you take a look here then.