If the dead time between the English footy season and the advent of Euro 2004 is proving too hard to take, don't panic.
Two photographic exhibitions based on the beautiful game should sate even the most ardent of appetites - be it the FIFA 100 show at St Paul's Gallery or Rhubarb-Rhubarb's staging of Magnum Football at Millennium Point.
FIFA 100 is Pele's selection of the greatest living footballers, photographed in special commissions by the likes of Patrick Lichfield and Helena Christensen - from a rather maudlin Gordon Banks to a bearded, half-naked and frankly scary Eric Cantona, it's a fascinating - and pub debate-sparking - collection of images. The accompanying book will be for sale at the gallery.
The Magnum picture agency - formed in the 1940s and whose artists have included some of the medium's greatest names like Cartier-Bresson and Marc Riboud - mark UEFA's Golden Jubilee and FIFA's centenary with their own collection, from Brazilian beach football to Marilyn Monroe to boys kicking cans in backstreets of England.
If the two exhibitions combined don't keep you happy until Euro 2004 kicks off, you may need therapy.
FIFA 100 - St Paul's Gallery, Northwood Street, just off St Paul's Square, from June 3 to July 31. For opening times call 0121 236 5800. Free entry. www.stpaulsgallery.com
Magnum Football - MillenniumPoint, Curzon Street, until August 15. Free entry, open 7am-10pm daily. www.thinktank.ac
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