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Bend it like Uri | Bend it like Uri |
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The media coverage was inescapable. Even Radio 5 Live was running a competition to see who could suggest the most likely – or unlikely – headline in the next day’s newspapers. You wouldn’t think that Uri Geller, newly appointed to the unusual position of co-chairman at Exeter City, could still attract that kind of publicity. And maybe he can’t, for no amount of spoon bending is going to obscure the fact that something far more peculiar is going on at St James’ Park. The immediate responses from the fans were diverse, ranging from “Isn’t he a Reading fan?” to “Great! He must have loads of money”. Uri Geller certainly does have money, but he’s not putting it into Exeter City – he’s been quite clear about that. And although his son has been a committed fan since 1996, Geller is no supporter. So what exactly is he doing there? Surely it can’t be to practise his extraordinary gifts? No, not that either, for here is Uri proclaiming: “At no point whatsoever will I use any paranormal powers to influence performances and results on the pitch.” Well, thank goodness. The last time he tried that in Exeter they lost 5-1. Furthermore, he goes on to say that his role will be as “an inspirational, motivational figure, perhaps popping down to the dressing-room just to give the team a boost – but certainly nothing more than that.”
The official explanation from Geller’s new partners, Mike Lewis and John Russell, is that he will be a figurehead, a celebrity of international renown who can attract investment into the club. As Woodward and Bernstein are told in All the President’s Men: “Follow the money.” Well, we would, but it’s hard finding any to follow. The only transaction believed to have taken place – and some doubt this – is that Lewis and Russell have bought former chairman Ivor Doble’s majority shareholding for an undisclosed sum. Everything else is murky. From WSC 185 July 2002. What was happening this month On the subject...
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