The Martin Dobson column

IT'S long been accepted that footballers celebrate Christmas and New Year in May.

Everything is put on hold as training and matches take precedent over the traditional festivities. But hearing the comments from some of the top guys in football, it seems even the customary goodwill has gone out through the window.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, after their recent defeat against neighbours Southampton, even decided to cancel Christmas, ranting: "We'll be training on Christmas Day and we will be training every day.

"I won't eat my Christmas dinner. I will be the most miserable person you have seen in your life and my wife's Christmas isn't even worth bothering about."

No chance of the players receiving Christmas hampers then, Harry?

The Football Association will not have been on the top of Rio Ferdinand's Christmas card list either.

Moving into a new house was the priority which explained his non-appearance at the United training ground for the routine drugs test. He's now got plenty of time to indulge in a spot of interior design through his enforced absence from Premiership grounds and Euro 2004 in Portugal.

From all accounts, Birmingham were not too happy with referee Chris Foy's decision to call off last Saturday's game with Middlesbrough. Manager Steve Bruce sent out his players for a training session on the very surface considered unplayable half an hour earlier.

I take it Bruce wasn't in full agreement with that particular official's call?

Chairman David Sullivan went even further. "This could cost us £20m if we get relegated," he ranted. Over the top a little methinks, since Brum are currently lying in a very healthy ninth spot with 26 points.

Closer to home, even Stan Ternent has got the bug, being particularly uncomplimentary about his team's defending after a worrying sequence of defeats that has made it a difficult time for the Burnley boss.

In the recent games I have seen, the Clarets have dominated for long periods and produced many bright moments which has made it all the more frustrating.

On a depressing, wet, blustery day at Crewe some of their football was slick and incisive but one sensed they needed to take full advantage when they had the better conditions and get their noses in front during the first 45 minutes.

They peppered the home goal with long distance shots and sometimes it just needs a break to get things back on track, but unfortunately that's one thing Burnley cannot buy at the present time.

However, the defensive lapses which have gift-wrapped goals for the opposition can be avoided.

The comical mix up for Crewe's second highlighted the problems and until such mistakes are eliminated, it's going to be very difficult to turn the results around in the New Year.

Thankfully, however, there is always somebody worse off than yourself. Carlisle supporters must have thought that after chairman Michael Knighton left, things could only get better. They were wrong.

They now find themselves rock bottom of the Third Division holding up the rest of the Nationwide League with a miserly 12 points, seven of which have been gained during the last three games.

A drop to the Conference awaits unless a miracle is found. Feeling better?