I find the growing intervention by the football authorities in strictly footballing matters a rather worrying trend.

It will be difficult to let go but it is going to happen sooner rather than later in my case.

I am hugely proud to have played for Ireland.

I enjoyed seven years at Wimbledon and there were high and low points.

Looking back I find it hard to believe that I could forge a career in anything other than football but I didn't do too badly in my final exams and there were a few business-related courses that interested me.

I wouldn't even mention myself in the same breath as someone like big Paul.

Arsenal's defence will be a worry going forward