FA chairman David Bernstein told me earlier this week that he's planning to visit Rowley Lane. Having overseen Manchester City's move from Maine Road to the City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium), as well as playing a role in the development of Wembley Stadium, I'm sure he can offer some pearls of wisdom in what is an exciting period for everyone connected to the London Maccabi club.
It's amazing to think how far Rowley Lane has come in the space of nine years. The Arkley venue has been the hub of Jewish sport for some time, attracting people of all ages from a number of sports.
The 3G football pitch was opened in 2009 and the ambitious club recently obtained planning permission for a new 20,000sq ft clubhouse. I have no doubt Mr Bernstein will not be disappointed with what he sees.
● South Manchester Sports Club were in the spotlight earlier this week, helping publicise the launch of the new FIFA 2012 computer game. Selected by the Football Foundation, the club in Heald Green, Cheadle welcomed 16 pupils from North Cheshire Jewish School, as well as Manchester United and England hotshot Wayne Rooney.
Jonny Davis, the chairman of SMSC, said: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the expression on the faces of some of the kids made it worthwhile."
● There was an amusing exchange following the match between Norstar A and Oakwood in Division One of the JC MSFL. Phil Peters, the Norstar boss, vented his anger following some unsavoury comments while he was running the line. "We were disappointed with the attitude of some of the opposition, particularly the Oakwood captain who at centre-back thought he had a better view than our linesman for some of the decisions.
"I can deal with being called a cheat. I can deal with being called a ****. But after losing a couple of stone over the summer, I draw the line at being called fat."
The response from Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank was just as good. "I have absolutely no problem with the way my players conduct themselves," he said. "I'd also like to commend Phil on his impressive weight-loss. To resist carbs during yom tov is especially laudable."
