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.
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.
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.
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.
The sports minister reopens the debate on safe standing
There used to be a sign over the stairs leading out of the away end at Upton Park urging supporters to “Remember Ibrox” and leave without pushing. It seemed pretty rich, back in the Eighties, when spectators would struggle to get out of that tangle of unforgiving fences and barriers in one piece.