English Championship side Doncaster Rovers met Middlesbrough last Tuesday expecting to be without striker Billy Sharp. Sharp had experienced the sad event of losing his two day old baby two days before the match. Doncaster manager, Dean Saunders had excused Sharp from the game, saying he totally understood why Sharp would need to withdraw from the game, and it was a time for family rather than football. To everyone's surprise, Sharp called up Saunders and declared himself available for selection.

Saunders not only picked Sharp, but gave him the captain's armband as a show of respect to the striker. That apparently was the first in many in what was a reminder of how beautiful this game could be. Both teams and sets of supporters gave Billy Sharp and his wife a minute's applause in memory and respect of their loss (rather than the normal minute of silence). And as if fate was written as a storyline, Billy Sharp opened the scoring on 14 minutes. His reaction would draw tears from the coldest of viewers as he ran the length of the pitch, lifting his shirt to reveal a shirt with the words "That's for you, Son" with the whole pitch roaring in celebration. Referee Darren Deadman also demonstrated the compassionate side of football by not issuing the standard yellow card that should be given with that sort of celebration.

Doncaster went on to lose the match 3-1. But, the events at the Keepmoat Stadium were not overlooked by young Luey's parents who both showed their appreciation on their Twitter accounts. Father Billy said "My goal tonight was the most important goal of my career dedicated to my brave boy Luey Jacob sharp I love u son sleep tight. That's for you son." He went on to say "To captain the side tonite was an honor and a pleasure, the minute applause I was crying meant so much to me thanks to both sets of fans. My goal had to be something special tonight for my special boy. I'm so proud of him, and his mum." Mother, Jade Flair also said "Billy Sharp & I are grateful for the love and support we have received. Daddy did Luey proud tonight. Sleep tight angel."

To me, the whole episode is like a breath of fresh air to football. Although it has to be a painful experience for Sharp and his companion, in a time where we've seen players refusing to get onto the pitch (or warm up depending on who you'll believe) just because they don't really feel like it, to see a player with that sort of dedication and pride really makes you feel that this is more than just a sport. Thank you Billy Sharp, Dean Saunders, Middlesbrough and Doncaster Rovers.

This weekend coincides with the 25th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure as Manchester United's manager. If anything, that can only be described as spectacular. During that quarter of a century, Ferguson has transformed United from a big club that was lost and searching for an identity into one of the biggest clubs on the planet. He has managed and brought up some of the best footballers we've seen in these last 25 years. Players like Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Peter Schmeichal, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand and many more. Even the most hateful of fans, me included, couldn't take away Ferguson's managerial ability. I believe Ferguson and his accomplishments as Manchester United's manager require a special tribute, but it has to be said that this weekend's game against prodigy Steve Bruce's Sunderland will be an event to see.

Manchester City on the other hand take the trip to London to face topsy-turvy QPR. Fresh from a very impressive 3-0 away win in Spain against Villareal, City hope they can keep the momentum going with another win against the newly promoted QPR. Neil Warnock's new look Rangers hope they can repeat what they handed Chelsea two weeks ago and gain the upper hand on Mancini's men.

Yasir says:

• Arsene Wenger opted to rest star striker Robin Van Persie in Arsenal's Champions League match against Marseille on Tuesday. The on-fire Dutchman came on in the 61st minute in what proved to be a dull match that ended 0-0. Wenger will hope that his failed gamble will prove fruitful when WBA visit the Emirates Stadium. WBA have striker issues of their own with Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie both ruled out with injuries.

• Liverpool face Swansea at Anfield without experienced duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. This would be the 2nd game in a row that the two local heroes miss matches as they missed the 2-0 win at WBA.

• Newcastle have the chance of taking 3rd spot even if momentarily if they can beat Everton in the early kick off. Newcastle have been very consistent this season and their only loss has been the 4-3 extra time loss to Blackburn in the League Cup. Everton have been very inconsistent which has seen them see-sawing up and down the table.

• Chelsea manager Andres Villas-Boas has declared that club captain John Terry will be in the starting line up for the away trip to Blackburn. Terry was rested last Tuesday against Genk where some have rumored it was to calm down the racism allegations directed against him.

• England Boss, Fabio Capello has also stood by Terry by naming him in his latest squad. The Italian has declared that it has been a long time since racism has been an issue in England and he hopes it remains as part of history.

On Tuesday: Who would you pick from Ferguson's players? Rooney or Van Nistelrooy? Ronaldo or Beckham?