DECEMBER can be a busy time for those with a bushy white beard and a job that sees you travel the world at a moment’s notice.

Yes, Roy Keane now has a lot more time on his hands now that he hasn’t got an assistant manager’s role at Aston Villa to worry about.

The former Manchester United midfielder quit Villa Park on Friday because he said the job had got in the way of his duties with the Republic of Ireland.

We all await the full explanation in his next book.

Elsewhere in football it was revealed that without Sergio Aguero’s goals, Manchester City would be 11th in the Premier League.

The Argentine ace saved his side in the Champions League in midweek with a sublime hat-trick against Bayern Munich.

On a similar note, statisticians have found that without Mario Balotelli’s goals, Liverpool would still be rubbish.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has stunned the Premier League by insisting his team will take the rest of the season “one game at a time.”

His statement has caused consternation around the top flight, not least at Chelsea where Jose Mourinho’s side have been winning four or five games in one go to try and get the title wrapped up by Christmas.

Dyche’s stance has literally caused shockwaves in the English game, although that might just be his incredibly gravelly voice.

Elswhere, internet pranksters TrollstationUK caused Tottenham’s Europa League game against Partizan Belgrade to be suspended briefly in midweek after some of their members ran on to the pitch.

The club could now face sanctions from UEFA and those involved will face criminal charges.

The group later suggested it would not be the last game they would target, later tweeting: “The question is Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge?”

While we do not condone their actions in any, way shape or form – may we suggest they jump on a train to South Bermondsey and try their “hilarious” stunt at The Den. We’re sure it would be very well received.

Finally a worthy mention to former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Celtic striker Dion Dublin, who released a Christmas album this week to raise money for charity.

Sure, the big guy struggled in the scoring charts in spells during his playing career – but given a choice between him and the latest X Factor clone, I’d have Dion on my iPod all day long. Maybe he could re-record The Wanderer?

That’s all for another edition of The Wonderer. Just one more sleep before Christmas for us insomniacs!