Split decision irks Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the motives of the rebellious supporters who formed the breakaway club, FC United of Manchester, after the Glazer family’s takeover at Old Trafford (James Ducker writes).
“It is a bit sad that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are,” Ferguson said in The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season. “They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying, ‘The club have made a decision, we’ll stick by them.’ It’s more about them than us.”
The Manchester United manager also revealed that he had fielded calls at home from fans urging him to resign when the takeover was going through, but he said that he could never do that because of the responsibility he has to his staff.
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Advanced Lerner
Randy Lerner, the American billionaire, has moved closer to taking control of Aston Villa after increasing his shareholding in the club to 85.5 per cent. Lerner owns 9,790,187 of Villa’s 11,449,245 shares. When his stake reaches 90 per cent, the remaining 10 per cent of shareholders will be forced to sell him their stock.
Wednesday bid
Dennis Hobson, the Sheffield-born boxing promoter based in Jersey, is launching a bid to take over Sheffield Wednesday. Hobson, who promotes Ricky Hatton and manages Clinton Woods, is part of a consortium that wants to buy out Dave Allen, the Wednesday chairman and leading shareholder. The club are £30 million in debt.
Blow for Vassell
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Darius Vassell, the Manchester City forward, has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a knee strain. The former England striker suffered medial ligament damage during the 1-0 home win over Arsenal 11 days ago. “It’s a blow, but one of those things you have to expect during the season,” Stuart Pearce, the City manager, said.