Money does not always bring success, as Hartlepool found out in the play-offs. Ed Parkinson reports
Reasonably sane supporters of Hartlepool and Darlington probably approached most seasons in the last century with a common set of priorities – stay in the league, stay solvent and finish above the local rival. The first two have proved difficult for both clubs at times but overall supremacy in the third area is a matter of heated debate.
Money can't buy you happiness, as this year's play-off losers can confirm. Paul Middleton reports on Wigan Athletic's failed bid to join the Firts Division
This season, despite its desperate ending at Wembley, stands out as the greatest in Wigan Athletic’s short history. It saw the club’s highest league placing, the biggest crowd at a home match, highest average attendance – up almost two thirds on last season – all in a new stadium in front of a millionaire chairman. Yet for the fans it has still been a season of frustration.
When Ian Cusack moved to Slovakia, he didn't expect to befollowed by No Surrender
England v Turkey: a grand total of just over 200. Arrests? Tooled-up Category C Top Boys? Scimitar-wielding descendants of Saladin bent on Bratislavan Intifada? Actually, it was the crowd, outnumbered at least three to one by the local riot police. Looked mighty impressive in a 40,000 all-seat stadium.
Sean Hanson witnessed complacency turn to confrontation at the UEFA Cup final
It is 2.40pm, the day after the rotten night before. I have just got up, having arrived home from Copenhagen at about 5.30am and gone straight to bed. On the radio I hear that the police are blaming Arsenal fans for not dispersing fast enough; that the Arsenal fans are blaming the Turks; that the FA representatives are blaming, well, just about everybody except themselves. I hear that England should consider pulling out of Euro 2000 and withdraw their bid for the 2006 World Cup.
Chester City fans celebrated the arrival of Terry Smith, who took over the club last year. They are not celebrating now, says Mark Howell
Terry Smith, the 40-year-old former coach of Manchester Spartans American Football team, took control of Chester City in July 1999. Asked to explain his interest, Smith cited his children’s love of Chester Zoo and the fact that “Americans love history, and Chester is steeped in history”. Supporters celebrated nonetheless. They had raised over £100,000 towards Smith’s takeover and were set to own over 30 per cent of the club, which had been in administration for almost a year.