Keepy Ups

True to the stereotype of Italy's famously matriarchal society, octogenarian Evelina Tortul fears for the well-being of the man set to be confirmed imminently as Steve McClaren's successor.

'I am really not very happy about this,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'The newspapers and the television are going to be on his back all the time now, and talk badly about everything he does - whether it is good or bad.

'My peaceful days are over.'

Signora Tortul's grave reservations appear to extend beyond the levels of parental concern which might be reasonably expected in this country.

'The problem with the media is that it is fine when you are winning, but when you lose they cut your throat,' she believes.

'I'm his mother, so that is going to make me unhappy.'