"Some say . . . measures cannot correct the errors already made and so they are not necessary. But lapses can only be prevented by the threat of punishment."

China Daily, the official Chinese English language paper suggests in Wednesday's editorial that national coach Qi Wusheng may deserve something other than mere dismissal after his team's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

"If Joe Kinnear is annoyed about the uncertainty of his position, then maybe, for the first time, he is beginning to realise just how the supporters of Wimbledon have been feeling for the last few years."

Lawrence Lownes of the Wimbledon Independent Supporters' Association on speculation surrounding the future of the club's manager.

"We shall not be renaming our training ground Colditz."

Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar laughs off suggestions that his new manager, Christian Gross, is a tough disciplinarian.

"We referees have had enough. There have been so many insults and so much ranting against us. We have our pride and our dignity. This is not an excessive step."

Leading Spanish referee Antonio Lopez Nieto remains adamant that a planned national strike by his colleagues will go ahead as a result of abuse directed at them by club officials, players and the media.

"We may not have the best courses in the world, nor the highest prize money, but I think we have proven that we know how to compete. Europe breeds tough competitors, that's for sure."

Paul McGinley speaking to an American journalist about his success with Padraig Harrington in last weekend's World Cup, as well as that of the European Ryder Cup team in Valderrama.