Dowie Transformed

The worry lines have disappeared, the bags under the eyes are firmly in the past, and the shapeless mop of blonde hair is now shiny and replenished. In the high-pressure world of professional football, a desperately needed win for an underfire manager can have quite extraordinary effects.

And if Charlton manager Iain Dowie was clearly relieved after last night's impressive 1-0 win over high-flying Bolton, Mrs Dowie was said to be ecstatic. "Over the past few weeks, he's been coming home looking terrible," she admitted, "...it's great to have the Iain I know and love back....he looks as good as he did on our wedding day."