Slushing around in the primordial goo that surrounds our favourite passage of time, the Interlull, allows us to experience other aspects of football and today the locals (the Swiss) are all excited by their Young kids (does Wenger have any of them on his books yet!).

I'm not talking about the actual (and most incredulous sounding name) Young Boys of Bern though they are top of the Swiss league but the Swiss U-17 team. They've only gone and won the world championships in Nigeria, beating the hosts in the final too. It's amazing that a country this size can do far more at youth level than the country with a larger population, wealthier clubs and a greater history and induction into the game of football. 

The story probably doesn't register in the UK but it should be front page news in terms of showing up the FA and the Premier League clubs (with one or two exceptions like Arsenal) who have no idea how to coach and develop young footballing talent. On a recent podcast (see episode 14) the wisest comment came from a comedian, Kevin Day, when he said that it's a sad indictment of our game that we (meaning the media) fawn about Arsenal's playing style because we are so unique. He rightly said that we should have dozens of clubs trying to play football this way - where technique and movement are taught throughout all levels of the club from the youngest academy player to the first team. Aside from United, where apparently the kids only play 5 a side, and maybe one or two others many clubs still focus on results even in the youngest of sides. As a result big lads thrive and the potentially gifted but weak are discarded. Of course, the exceptional get through but how many have left the game, scarred and bitter, due to the coaching levels across the UK?

that L'Equipe is convinced that Makele is leaving Chelsea (who are spending £80M on Kaka - so how's Kenyon's "we're going to break even by 2010 theory doing now then) to join PSG, who seem to be attempting to become a home for ageing ex-French internationals. Depending on his heart problem then they may even get Lilian Thuram as well. The biggest surprise of these stories is that it pushed the Tour De France of the front page and, therefore, denying Mark Cavendish yet another headline photograph!

Ex-Arsenal loanee Baptista is apparently not staying fro much longer at Real Madrid and is off to sunny Rome to join Roma. It's not that good for another old Arsenal player at Rennes, Sylvain Wiltord - who is not flavour of the month with his coach.

Meanwhile, here in Switzerland, the Super League kicked off last night with a 2-1 victory for last season's champions, FC Basel, over the runners up, Young Boys. Basel came from behind to start the season perfectly.

Those of you following your Premier League (or other major European league) teams will be thinking, possibly, of some pre-season friendly or just ignoring the transfer rumours emanating from around the globe. However, here in Switzerland, tonight sees the first game of the Axpo Super League season with a game between the top two from last season (and actually the title deciding last game of last year as well). FC Basel take on Young Boys in the televised (on free TV no less!!) Friday night opener. All of this just a mere 19 days (!!) after the Euro 2008 final. It won't be the first competitive game though as Bellinzona played in the first round of the UEFA Cup qualifiying competition last night, winning 1-0.

Meanwhile back in the land of transfer bollocks, L'Equipe leads with the probable transfer of Ludovic Giuly to PSG from Roma. They also mention the possibility (seriously!!) of Arshavin now being courted by Tottenham, maybe using money from the sale of Robbie Keane, can you really believe Liverpool want to pay £20M? You get the feeling old Arshavin will be staying in St Petersburg, having said he loves every club in Europe at some time or other.

Oh and the temporary railway station story, during Euro 2008 Swiss Railways (SBB) actually built a new train station to allow fans from the Pratteln Fan Campclose access to a train station. They put on extra trains as well to make all the guests feel comfortable too. Anyway, the station at Salina Raurica is now being demolished - only the Swiss would build and then demolish a train station I think.