By Francis Pitt: World Cup Final referee Howard Webb has played down the recent controversy over tackling in football.

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis was among the managers to wade into the row after comments made by Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy.

However Webb, who was visiting Staffordshire University, told students that he does not believe tackling has made the game harder to referee.

By Adam Calverley: Staffordshire-based shooter Clive Bramley is aiming for success in the Shotgun World Cup.
The tournament started at the Southern Counties Shooting Ground in Dorset on Tuesday (May 11) and runs until next May 20.
The World Cup forms part of Clive’s warm-up for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi later this year, when he will look to improve on the silver medal he won in Melbourne in 2006.
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By Joe Bennett: Joe Hart is hoping his impressive performances on loan at Birmingham City will secure him the number one keeper’s spot in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad.
Capello announced his provisional World Cup squad of 30 this afternoon but a big question mark remains over who will become his first choice goalkeeper – with David James and Robert Green also chosen.
Manchester City stopper Hart has caught the eye while playing a pivotal role in Birmingham’s success this season, keeping 12 clean sheets.
Speaking exclusively to StaffsLive, Hart said his chance to play …

By Ben Lowe: Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross will not play for England in this summer’s World Cup, predicts pundit Steve Froggatt.
Shawcross could be named on Tuesday in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man squad for the tournament, which kicks-off on June 11.
But former Coventry and Wolves winger Steve Froggatt, now a summariser for Radio 5 Live, believes Arsenal veteran Sol Campbell is more likely to be on the plane to South Africa.
Speaking to StaffsLive, Froggatt said: “Ryan’s had a terrific season for Stoke but any player in Capello’s World Cup squad will have played …

By Nick Porter:  Stoke City boss Tony Pulis says that he will be “disappointed” if defender Robert Huth doesn’t make Germany’s World Cup squad.
“He’s been a great signing, he’s been one of the most outstanding players we’ve had this year,” said Pulis.
“I’ll be disappointed if Robert doesn’t get in the team.”
The former Middlesbrough player currently has 19 caps for Germany, but has not been selected in the national squad since March 2008.
“I hope the German manager (Joachim Löw) has been watching him because he has been outstanding for us.
“I’ll definitely …

By Ben Bradley: Jonathan Wilkes is hoping this year’s Soccer Aid match will help raise £10 million for charity.
The Stoke-on-Trent actor is again involved in the event which raises cash for UNICEF.
And this year’s proceeds will be used to help families in Haiti rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake.
Speaking to StaffsLive, Wilkes said: “We’re looking forward to raising money and the majority of what we have done with Soccer Aid is for Haiti.
“We’re going to go over and see what we have achieved after raising £6 million.
“As a celebrity, Soccer …

By Danielle Smith: One lucky Crewe Alexandra fan will get the chance to record a Charity World Cup single at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.
The charity song is called “We’re England Underneath” and the lucky supporter drawn from the winning entrants will be singing alongside legendary ex-England players.
The song’s message is regardless of which club each individual supports and which area of the country they come from, fans are all supporting England in the 2010 World Cup.
Organisers are hoping this 2010 World Cup single will be a massive hit.
In 1990, New Order produced World In …

By Nick Porter: Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross says he is looking to build on his recent international call up by making the England Squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The 22-year-old was selected in the squad that beat Egypt earlier this month, just hours after being involved in an incident that broke Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsay’s leg.
“To get the England call up was unexpected and fantastic,” said Shawcross. “It was an accident and an unfortunate thing, and I wish Aaron the best.
“The gaffer was calling me and texting me …

By Mark Siglioccolo: Staffordshire University Professor Ellis Cashmore believes that the injury suffered by David Beckham at the weekend has “effectively ended his career”.
The injury occurred during AC Milan’s 1-0 home win over Chievo on Sunday, leaving the midfielder with a ruptured achilles tendon.
Professor Cashmore, who has written a book about Beckham, told StaffsLive he thinks it is likely that he will never play football again.
“It is a question of motivation, these achilles tendon injuries are very unpredictable,” said Prof Cashmore.
“The elasticity in the leg means they take a long time to …

By Andrew Stuart: Stoke City are set to reward their fans with the opportunity to go to the World Cup Final!
It comes after the announcement that season ticket prices will be frozen for the second year in a row.
The news is part of the early bird season ticket campaign which will also see two supporters picked out in a prize draw – and if they confirm their seat at the Britannia Stadium for next season by March 17 they will be off to the World Cup in South Africa.
The prize …