Update on clubs in crisis

The crisis at Port Vale took a an unexpected twist over the holiday period, when controversial director Charles Machin resigned amid an acrimonious exchange of views with chairman and major shareholder Bill Bell, hith­erto seen as a staunch ally. Vale had al­ready made headlines this season thanks to Mach­in’s bizarre demand of man­ager Brian Horton that he fill in regular questionnaires on each player, and had also ad­mitted they were using their yellow away strip more fre­quently because they could not afford to replace the home kit if it wore out. Other festering sores include the ungracious sacking of John Rudge in 1999 (and legal aftermath) and the club’s long-standing failure to complete the Lorne Street Stand at Vale Park.

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Stockport County fans thwart Maine Road move. Dave Espley explains

The saga started with a press conference called by Stockport County chairman Bren­dan El­wood at the end of November. Open-mouthed local journalists were told that the board – without having consulted the fans, of course – were thinking of applying to Manchester City Council to take over Maine Road when Ci­ty moved to the new Commonwealth sta­dium in 2003.

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Steve Parish takes a look at the Manchester City chairman

Distinguishing features Prosperous businessman, nice sober suits. Not exactly self-effacing, but knows how to keep a low profile.

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As the Real Madrid star picks up European Player of the Year, Phil Town explains why they're still not happy in Portugal

“An act of justice!” declared the new Port­uguese sports minister, José Lello. He might have been describing his appointment in place of Armando Vara, forced out following a scan­dal involving pub­lic funds. But he was, of course, talking about Luis Figo winning the Golden Ball, the European Player of the Year award organised by France Football.

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Everton takeover hits difficulties. Neil Wolstenholme reports

A year has passed since Bill Kenwright an­nounced his consortium, True Blue Hold­ings, had reached agreement to acquire Peter John­son’s 68 per cent stake in Everton for a knockdown £20 million. Joy was unconfined as Ever­ton, in­spired by Don Hutch­­ison, routed Sun­der­land 5-0 on Boxing Day at a sold-out Goodison Park.

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