Football has always had its dark side. From hooligans to match-fixing, the beautiful game has had to endure some seriously ugly moments throughout its history.

But what happened to QPR director Gianni Paladini on Saturday must surely rank up there amongst the most nasty and disgusting.

On his way to his team’s match with Sheffield United, Paladini was attacked by masked men who threatened him before forcing him to sign a resignation letter at gunpoint.

Obviously in the interests of self-preservation Paladini signed the paper before rushing to the ground to alert police. In a statement he later said he had no intention of actually resigning.

Paladini represents a consortium of Monaco-based businessmen who have invested heavily in the club. He personally has a wide-ranging portfolio of interests including nightclubs.

In the past he was a football agent but he gave up his licence to do that particular line of work so he could follow his dream of owning a football club.

Luckily police managed to arrest a group of 11 men who are believed to have been behind the despicable incident. Seven of them have been released on bail while another four have been charged with blackmail and firearm offences.

It’s refreshing that swift action was taken to catch the thugs and it will be interesting to see exactly what their motives were in threatening a man who is helping make QPR substantially more successful on the pitch than it has been for many years.

Initial theories suggest they may be supporters of a rival club not wanting to see QPR successful.

If that is the case then football has a much bigger problem than anyone would have thought.

The Ashes

What a pity England couldn’t quite manage to pull off victory against Australia this weekend. It was another nail-biting test match in what is rapidly becoming the most exciting Ashes series I can remember.

With two tests to go the contest is now finely balanced at one each and could, as they say, swing either way.

I have to confess to having little belief in England’s chances of winning the series before it started. And that was only enhanced by defeat in the first match.

But England have played to their full potential in the last two matches and could seriously go on to win it now. Which would be as remarkable as it would be memorable.

Roll on 25 August...

Derby fan letter

Letter from an optimistic Derby fan here:

“First of all, my congrats for a very interesting and thought provoking column you have in the TMID.

I read with interest some of your readers’ views and thought of having my go – although I have to say it is not much different from the main current.

Chelsea again for me – the depth in squad they have in comparison to Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool is unbelievable. When it comes to the stage of playing three games a week, this will surely be a telling factor as the chasing trio will start dropping more points than the leaders. It happened last year, I cannot see how this will not happen again this year.

Out of the chasing trio, only Man.Utd can really mount a serious challenge (if the problems off the pitch do not end up on it). Compared to last year, they will be starting the campaign with all their players available (not still recovering from summer competitions or suspended).

As for Arsenal, I see them weaker than last year while Liverpool should improve but not enough to get near to Chelsea.

Tottenham – I agree they should have a very good season but notwithstanding the shrewd signings they made, realistically they can only aim for a fourth place, which would be a significant achievement.

Wigan – being a Derby County fan myself I can only say see you next year, in the Championship of course although I am sure, not without a fight! Sheff Utd – they will not win the Premiership but they made a super start in the Championship and I expect them to be challenging for a place in the footballing heaven next year, together with another nine teams.

Derby County – I will not dare to make any predictions, but I just hope they are one of those nine teams!”

Mark Musu’, email

Contact James on: [email protected]