www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Tues Nov 24 GMT+00:00 1998
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. The Riddle of the Missing Football Team
2. We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
3. Sheff Wed Personal Report by Middleton RED
4. Disciplinary situation in European competitions
5. NO IFS - BUTT IS BACK
6. INJURED JORDI STANDS UNITED
7. Murdoch, Manchester United, and Money
8. Nothing flash about this bright spark
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Tues 24th November:
24/11/1913: Walter McMillen born in Belfast. McMillen made his debut at Brentford
in September 1933, and the Half-back made 29 appearances between 1933-36,
scoring 2 goals. He won 4 caps for Northern Ireland, joining Chesterfield in
December 1936.
1979: United thrash Norwich City 5-0 at Old Trafford in a Division 1 game
watched by 46,540. Joe Jordan 2, Steve Coppell, Lou Macari and Kevin Moran
scored the goals. Team was: Bailey, Nicholl, Grimes, McIlroy, Moran, Buchan,
Coppell, Wilkins, Jordan, Macari, Thomas.
************
Barry Daily Comment:
United closer to van der Sar ««
Dutch giants Ajax have indicated they may be prepared to sell
'keeper Edwin van der Sar, a reported target of Manchester United.
Ajax, in fear of losing the player for nothing under the Bosman
ruling when his contract expires in 2000, have hinted they would
seek around £4m for his services.
The 28-year old Dutch international, has a wealth of top-flight
experience and has indicated he is willing to try his luck in the Premiership.
United manager Alex Ferguson has made no secret of his desire
to land a goalkeeper with sufficient top-flight experience in
order to fill the almighty void from Peter Schmeichel's impending departure.
van der Sar has a European Cup winners medal with Ajax,
the Dutch giants winning the competition in 1995.
Rest of 1998 games:
Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
Wed 25/11 Barcelona (A) CL 19.45
Sun 29/11 Leeds (H) PL 14.00 Sky Sports
Wed 2/12 Tottenham (A) (Worthington Cup 1/4 final) 19.45
Sat 5/12 Aston Villa (A) PL 15.00
Wed 9/12 Bayern Munich (H) CL 19.45
Sat 12/12 Tottenham (A) PL 15.00
Wed 16/12 Chelsea (H) PL Sky Sports time 20.00
Sat 19/12 Middlesbrough (H) PL 15.00
Sat 26/12 Nottm Forest (H) PL
Tue 29/12 Chelsea (A) PL Sky Sports time 19.45 UK
UNITED Stats v Leeds:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/vsleeds.htm
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
Prem Table 21/11:
Pos Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Aston Villa 13 5 1 1 13 8 3 3 0 7 2 10 28
2 Manchester United 13 5 2 0 18 6 2 2 2 9 8 13 25
3 Arsenal 14 4 3 0 10 2 2 3 2 4 4 8 24
4 Chelsea 12 4 2 0 10 3 2 3 1 11 9 9 23
5 Leeds United 14 4 2 1 10 3 1 6 0 10 8 9 23
6 Middlesbrough 14 3 4 0 12 5 2 3 2 11 11 7 22
******
Champions League:
**Nov 4 Barcelona 1-2 Bayern Munich
**Nov 4 Man Utd 5-0 Brøndby
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Man United 4 2 2 0 16 7 8
Bayern Munich 4 2 1 1 6 5 7
Barcelona 4 1 1 2 6 6 4
Brondby 4 1 0 3 4 14 3
To be played:
Nov 25 Barcelona v Man Utd
Nov 25 Bayern Munich v Brøndby
Dec 9 Brøndby v Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd v Bayern Munich
******
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
Personal Report by RED KELLY
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
If you're wondering what that's got to do with the game
yesterday in Sheffield - not a lot. It wasn't joyous, funny
or sunny.
There was a lot of scaremongering all last week about
traffic around Sheffield, but the five of us who piled into
the seven seater I'd be given as a courtesy car while mine
was having it's body repaired after some twat had barged
into it, decided to take the direct route anyway. Typical
United - take no notice of anyone and go our own way, but
it worked and as we parked up no more than ten minutes walk
from the ground we felt pretty smug. Not so when we
actually set foot outside the vehicle though - it was
bitterly cold.
Every spare item of clothing was donned and we headed off
to find a pub. When there's a sniff of beer in the air
Richard's pace quickens from fast to extremely fast til the
rest of us were practically having to run to keep up with
him.
We were greeted by queues outside the first pub so we
diverted to another and found ourselves in amongst a hoard
of blue and white stripes. At first they didn't notice any
difference as we wandered in - our faces were blue with
cold, but the place was so packed you could hardly move
your arm to direct the glass to mouth let alone get into
any trouble with the scowling locals.
A couple of pints later and we were outside again on our
way to the ground, past police cordons galore and into the
Leppings Lane entrance. I made my way high up in the stand
and to the corner of the pitch. A perfect view for what I
thought would be a fairly easy game given that Wednesday
hadn't won for ages. Vast areas of our stand had decided to
sit probably due to the cold, but our lot were all standing
and without interference from stewards or police.
The game started and United seemed to be away off in
Catalonia already, dreaming of sunnier climes and European
glory no doubt. Meanwhile if Wednesday had been anything
like a decent team and not the unco-ordinated mess they
are, they would have been able to take advantage of the Red
reverie. Eventually they did of course, but only due to
Peter's Owler rather than due to any real merit.
Down at the other end Peter seemed to have the
unspectacular shot covered when he had a lapse of
concentration of Jim Leighton proportions and the ball
dropped through his hands and into the net. A very unseemly
start for the world's best goalkeeper! Perhaps he was
getting his blunder out of the way before the game against
Barca remembering the Munich madness. Whatever is going on
seems to be a recurring theme of late and is a worry.
It served to wake the Wednesdayites up and for a couple of
minutes they forgot they were at a football match and made
a helluva noise. The band played and they sang 'the blues'.
They soon quietened down again long before Andy stepped
centre stage to grab an equaliser with a deft flick into
the net after a superb United move.
That was it I thought, we'd now go on to win handsomely.
United had begun to play at last.
Another excellent move ended with Scholes putting the ball
in the net. The move had obviously been appreciated from on
high because as Scholsey went into the box and the ball
came over, there came a shaft of light out of the gloomy
Sheffield air which embraced him. It was a religious
experience of Maradona proportions which encouraged him
into the 'hand of god' routine. David Ellery showed his
lack of religious conviction and booked him.
Mr Ellery was not our favourite person yesterday. He
contrived to lose his contact lenses at the very moment
Dennis was tripped in the box, running away with his hands
behind his back like a scottish dancer adjusting his kilt.
It was one of the most blatant penalties I've ever seen and
it happened right in front of me. It was one of those
decisions that can turn a game and most definitely turned
this one.
Half time came not long after and as Ellery trudged off the
pitch an irate Fergie had to be restrained by Kiddo, not
once but twice. It's like watching a comedy double act with
Fergie remonstrating and Kiddo thinking he's got hold of
him only to find he's done a deft body swerve and escaped
making a beeline for Ellery. Oh shit thinks Kiddo and runs
after him to catch him just before he gives Ellery the old
Glasgow kiss. I mean he was only doing what most of us
would have done wasn't he?
At the back of the stand it was a crush of monumental
proportions, the areas just too narrow to hold the amount
of people United take to away games such as these. Given
the history of that place it was a weird experience made
worse by a flash of trouble.
I'd just stopped for a chat when I noticed a ruck
developing in front of us. A bloke had been hit in the face
with a pie and I've no idea why. He swallowed the pie which
caught his fly and barged past us to escape his tormentors.
His passing revealed a sea of angry faces intent on
catching up with their prey.
Just at that moment a young lad, who was no more than waist
high wandered past me totally oblivious to the trouble. The
mob advanced unaware of the lad, and he was merely
pre-occupied with balancing his precious load - three pies,
a drink and a chocolate bar. I grabbed hold of his collar
just in time and dragged him back as the mob passed.
They only had eyes for pie-face. I only had eyes for the
pies and the lad went on his way with his cargo in tact and
I returned to my perch high in the stand reflecting on one
of the most bizarre half time incidents.
The second half was already underway and for the first ten
minutes it was obvious United were going to walk it. The
football was flowing and it was only a matter of time
before they scored the second goal. How wrong can you be.
Wednesday proceeded to score twice down in front of us.
Twice they were allowed so much space you were left
wondering whether Fergie had only sent out nine men for the
second period. The defence was chaotic on both occasions
and while the Wednesday fans went mad there was nothing
left for us to cheer. The afternoon air got colder and
colder as supporters left and by the final whistle our end
must have looked as patchwork as the OT pitch did last
weekend.
So it was a sad and disillusioned bunch who wandered back
to the van.
The hope was that the performance in Spain would be a whole
lot more committed or we would again be embarrassed. It was
a fairly silent journey back down the M1 mainly due to a
radio which refused to pick up any station other than
Classic FM and Radio 2. We debated whether this was a good
thing or not as at least we didn't have to listen to Mellor
on 606 crowing on about his beloved Fulham (sorry -
Chelsea) and the demise of "Manch United".
Trouble was one or two of our number got bored - bored
enough to start singing some old chart toppers. I won't
tell you who they were, but not only did they know the
tunes, they also knew the words to the likes of Bobby
Goldsboro's "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the
sun!" There were many more, too many to mention - thank god
for that I hear you say. Thank god you weren't there you
should be saying!
A few miles down the road we pulled into the service area
just north of Nottingham. It was crawling with Leeds fans.
This service area is like a mini city, with a variety of
shops, restaurants etc. The sweater shop had attracted a
lot of Leeds fans who were bleating their satisfaction at
the sight of the soft woollen garments. It took their
wild-eyed attention away from us anyway, we couldn't be
doing with their aeroplane impressions at that time.
As we neared home the radio suddenly burst into life just
in time for the end of Baker and Kelly on Talk Radio.
Apparently one of them had been with some Dutch friends who
had been telling him how amusing it was for them to listen
to English football because of the Dutch translation of some
football players' names. They then went through a number of
names, but best was left til last as Jamie Redknapp is
translated as Jamie Sore Penis! I suppose that explains why
he's shacked up with Loo Ease then.
Copyright RED KELLY 1998
******************
Guardian Report
Schmeichel's latest howler lifts Owls
By Ian Whittell Saturday November 21, 1998
The question marks over Manchester United's defence and
goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel that have lingered around the
team all season were again brought to the fore on an
afternoon which left the Premiership title race wide open.
Chronically at fault for Wednesday's opening first-half
goal, Schmeichel could only watch in frustration as his
team-mates conspired to hand Wednesday two second-half
goals en route to their first league defeat since the
three-goal surrender at Highbury two months ago.
Early after the restart, slack defending allowed Rudi and
Sonner to link and permit Niclas Alexandersson, scorer of
the opening goal, to play in Booth, whose initial strike
was blocked by Schmeichel. Dutchman Wim Jonk drove in the
rebound. And more poor defending on 72 minutes enabled
Alexandersson to round Schmeichel and roll in the third.
The two most talked about Old Trafford individuals of the
past fortnight had stamped their signatures on the first
half, one presenting Wednesday with an opening goal, the
other producing the equaliser with a trademark clinical
touch. If Peter Schmeichel's supporters had bemoaned the
goalkeeper's announcement that he will retire from English
football at the end of the season, they may have changed
their view in the 14th minute as the Dane, with one of
those errors in judgment that have become worringly
prevalent this season, gifted the home team the lead.
There appeared little danger as Alexandersson launched a
hopeful 25-yard half-volley directly at Schmeichel. But,
having removed any sting there was from the shot with a
two-handed parry, he could only watch in dismay - and a
fair degree of disgust - as the ball wormed out of his
grasp, looped over his head and squeezed between body and
post.
It was a highly embarrassing moment for a player who is10
clean sheets short of Alex Stepney's club career record of
175. But this, and other recent lapses, suggest the only
obstacle to that record may be the goalkeeper himself.
At least at the other end of the field, United's
championship aspirations are in the capable hands of
strikers of the calibre of Yorke and Cole and it was the
latter, fresh from a week of controversy involving his
treatment by Glenn Hoddle, who scored the 28th-minute
equaliser. It was the sort of goal that is featuring all
too regularly in the nightmares of Premiership defenders
this season. Cole collected the return from a neat pass and
go with Yorke and found the precise gap required between
keeper and far post.
The rights and wrongs of Cole's declarations may have
polarised opinions in the football community but if Hoddle
currently has that many strikers playing with greater
sharpness and confidence in the Premiership, he is a
fortunate manager.
The equaliser was deserved. Blomqvist had collected a
brilliant early pass from Keane, checked his defender and
curled a shot over; Cole headed a Blomqvist cross just
wide; Irwin had a strong penalty appeal denied, and Stam's
strong run drew a diving block from Srnicek. But otherwise
it was a strangely muted performance from United with far
too many routine passes going badly astray, particularly
early on. There was also an unattractive piece of
gamesmanship from Scholes on the first-half whistle as he
punched Stam's header into the Wednesday goal - a booking,
rather than a goal, was his reward.
But just as United appeared to have asserted their
authority and taken control of the game, Wednesday's dogged
resistance paid off as the Dutchman Wim Jonk chose an
opportune moment to score his first goal for the club.
Rudi and Sonner worked the ball across the top of the
United area, the latter playing in Alexandersson, whose
well-timed pass played in Booth, whose first-time strike
was well saved by Schmeichel. But this was clearly not the
Danish keeper's day. The ball ricocheted conveniently for
Jonk who drove it convincingly into the back of the net.
The timing of the goal was important for Wednesday, who had
weathered an energetic start to the second half by United
and had Jonk booked seven minutes in for a clumsy trip on
Scholes.
There was worse to follow for United in the 72nd minute as
Beckham and Stam carelessly played around with the ball on
the edge of the United area and the latter's poor header
fell for Alexandersson to round Schmeichel and roll in his
second.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: Sheff Wed Personal Report by Middleton RED
Just a few highlights of this day as I don't have time to write a full
report. I actually left South London at 7.15am - I thought it was cold then,
but at least that was frost! Upon arriving in Sheffield at 11am however it
was absolutely arctic, so much so that we all had to seek refuge in a city
centre pub!!! Bangers and mash with peas, a few games of pool and several
beers later and we took a fleet of taxi's to the ground. I then froze for
the 2nd time that day whilst I waited to pick up another Barcelona ticket
before getting into at least a semi-warm ground. However, going onto the
terraces, it was bitter as we didn't even have a roof over our section
(thanks to Micks cheapskate ticket!) and so I spent most of the game
shivering and biting my jacket around my mouth.
Erm, there wasn't many highlights in the game apart from Andy's goal because
we were utter shite. Paul Scholes should have gone home early, Keane looked
as if he was still away in Yugoslavia and Beckham was pants too (sorry Linda
- you must've seen something I didn't as it was his fault for the 3rd goal
and he did nothing significant through the whole game). I thought Blomquivst
looked good until Fergie decided to put Nicky Butt on the left wing instead
- am I tactically naive or was it not after that when we really
deteriorated??? Jaap Stam played very well and that is it!!
I left with the hordes when the clock reached 90 mins as it was embarrassing
watching our excuse for football. The journey back into Sheffield on the
tram was the most exciting part. There was a sole woman selling tickets
whilst everyone walked past her except for Kerry who has either gone soft or
stupid and bought a ticket!! The tram back was heaving with United and there
was just loads of singing....some great stuff like "The City Family" to the
'Adams family' tune and others which were having everybody, including the
very few Wednesday fans cracking up. I don't know where I got off but I
couldn't find the previous pub so I walked to a chippy for some good old
Northern chips and gravy (you appreciate the simple Northern delights more
when living in London as they don't have gravy or Meat and Potato pies down
here). After that I spent half an hour walking up and down the hills of
Central Sheffield, freezing cold, looking for the bloody pub I eventually
met up with the others and we stayed here and drank until 7.15 before
getting the train back to London. It was quite bizarre on the train as the
hordes of reds got on the train from Leeds to London at Sheffield. Totally
unaware who these hundreds of people were, 2 Leeds fans walked down the
carriage shout "We are Leeds, We are Leeds". I think someone told them to
shut up and a remark was made about Munich as 2 seconds later one of them
was lying on the floor with the conductor around him and the other was being
chased off the train.
After the little bit of excitement I went to get beers for the journey back
only to get back to my seat to find Kerry comotosed - and that's the way he
stayed for the remainder of the journey. He even missed the further
excitement of the mobile disco as the train lights went off and on at
regular intervals thus starting everyone singing when it went dark.
I think though after a day spent out in the freezing cold watching that poor
excuse for football I deserve a trip to Barcelona........
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: Disciplinary situation in European competitions
To: MUFC@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
Disciplinary situation in European competitions
GENEVA, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Disciplinary situation facing players in this
week's European club cup competitions:
European Champions' League
Group D
Bayern Munich v Brondby
Bayern: Suspended: Stefan Effenberg (first of 1-match ban)
Yellow cards: Thorsten Fink, Thomas Helmer, Oliver Kahn, Markus Babbel,
Samuel Kuffour, Bixente Lizarazu, Lothar Matthaeus, Michael Tarnat
Brondby: Suspended: none
Yellow cards: Ebbe Sand, Brian Jensen
Barcelona v Manchester United
Barcelona: Suspended: Philip Cocu (first of 1-match ban)
Yellow cards: Luis Figo, Ruud Hesp, Oscar, Albert Celades
Manchester United: Suspended: none
Yellow cards: Jordi Cruyff, Teddy Sheringham
Bill McArthur
"There's only ONE United, Manchester United."
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: NO IFS - BUTT IS BACK
Manchester United fly to Barcelona on Tuesday with no new
injury problems but Alex Ferguson is pondering changes
after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. The
United boss will be anxious to block out any threat from
the Spaniards and looks likely to bring in Nicky Butt to
strengthen midfield. Teddy Sheringham and Ronny Johnsen
will to be added to the squad after spending the weekend in
full training. Sheringham has played only two full games
all season, both in the Champions' League, while Johnsen
played in the opening six games before being sidelined with
damaged ankle ligaments.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: INJURED JORDI STANDS UNITED
By David Anderson, PA Sport
Injured Manchester United forward Jordi Cruyff will be
cheering on his team-mates from the stands in Wednesday's
Champions' League clash against his former club Barcelona.
Cruyff, who joined United from the Spanish champions in
1996, is unavailable for the Group D clash in the Nou Camp
because of a pulled hamstring. Normally injured players do
not travel on European trips, but the Dutchman has
persuaded manager Alex Ferguson to let him fly out tomorrow
with the rest of the United party. Cruyff played against
United on their last visit to the Nou Camp four years ago
when they were demolished 4-0 by a Romario-inspired Barca.
Only four survivors from the United side that played that
night - Denis Irwin, Nicky Butt, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes
- are in the squad this time round. Barcelona's campaign
has gone off the rails since their stirring 2-2 draw at Old
Trafford in September and they are unlikely to qualify for
the quarter-finals. But coach Louis van Gaal believes they
can still reach the last eight as one of the two best
runners-up if they win their last two games. "I think we
still have a chance of qualifying," he said. "Not as
winners, but in second place as one of the best runners-up."
Van Gaal, though, has major problems in defence to sort
out. Abelardo Fernandez and Miguel Angel Nadal are injured,
while Mauricio Pellegrino is suspended. The versatile Luis
Enrique, who played in the backline at Old Trafford, is
injured, while midfielder Phillip Cocu, who can play in
defence is suspended. Michael Reiziger, who missed
yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Majorca because of a knee injury,
is doubtful but is expected to play. Up front Emmanuel
Amunike is injured, while Patrick Kluivert is ineligible.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
From: Jon Leigh
Subject: Murdoch, Manchester United, and Money
Comments: To: linda@eccles.u-net.com, BarrowAJ@CENV.CANON.NL
To: MUFC@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
Dear Mr. Barrow
First of all let me lay down my credentials, because you seem to think
that those opposed to the BSkyB bid represent a small minority of
extreme lefty radicals who have no idea what business is about.
1. I have forgotten more about business and commerce than you will ever
know (judging by some of your comments).
2. My political beliefs are certainly none of your business, but you can
rest assured that I ain’t no ‘lefty radical’.
I have had the pleasure of meeting many successful businessmen in my
time, including many football club directors and one or two ex-current
Manchester United directors. Without exception, the unmistakable
impression they gave not only me but several business colleagues who
have also met them was that they wouldn’t last 5 minutes in a proper
business where there is no such thing as undying life-long customer
loyalty.
So, now that you know a little bit about me, let me do as you requested
and put forward far more than ‘one solid, undeniable piece of evidence’
as to why this deal is bad for Manchester United Football Club.
I have also added a few comments to your original text, which I have
re-produced below.
Just a few of the reasons why I am horrified by this deal are:-
1. MONEY. You seem to know all about money, and think it’s important.
So do I - it is the best way of translating the value of our support
into quality players on the field, and a decent stadium.
You will know, then, that Rupert Murdoch (I take it you have no
arguments that this man is behind the bid) has recently borrowed £300
million at 7% to finance half of the acquisition and is using existing
facilities (at the same interest rate) for the rest. Quick as a flash,
you will no doubt have calculated that his annual interest payments will
be £43.75 million.
Any businessman, having invested £625 million, would want a return on
that money that would at least pay off your interest so you could make a
profit. So he’ll want AT LEAST £43.75 million back OUT OF THE CLUB every
year.
To put that in perspective, it’s:-
** 150% of the current profit of the club, GOING OUT OF THE CLUB, EVERY
YEAR (currently about 15% goes out in shareholder dividends).
OR
** ALL the gate RECEIPTS, for a whole season, EVERY season
** PLUS
** ALL the TV money, for a whole season, EVERY season
GOING OUT OF THE CLUB, AND STRAIGHT TO A BANK, to pay the INTEREST on
Murdoch’s loan.
INSTEAD of staying IN the club. That’s OUR (the fans’) money.
And do you really think he’ll not want more of OUR money out of the
club if he can get it? Dream on.
Even forgetting the figures (surely pretty good evidence?) jsut ask
yourself one question: "Is Rupert Murdoch taking over Manchester United
to make money out of us?".
2. EMOTION. Just one word, but without it football as a spectator sport
ceases to exist. All real fans make some sort of contribution to the
club - either when they buy their match tickets or when they buy the
shirt or other merchandise or whatever. They do it because every time
they watch their team that is just what they are doing - watching THEIR
team. The team THEY have helped to pay for, playing in the stadium THEY
have helped to pay for. The quality of players bought, the state of the
stadium, it ALL reflects the extent of THEIR support for the club.
If BSKyB take over United, ALL the money supporters put into the club
will, in financial accounting terms (with which I’m sure you’re
familiar), quite literally pass straight through the club and into
BSkyB. What comes back will NOT reflect what has been put in. Instead,
if will reflect what BSkyB (and/or Rupert Murdoch but probably the
latter) think will give the best return in terms of VIEWING FIGURES for
the outlay. Or, even worse, if the Murdoch empire has a cashflow problem
nothing at all might come back. After all, this is BUSINESS isn’t it?
You’re the expert, so I’m sure you’ll agree.
Now call me old-fashioned, but when I go to watch United I want to
watch OUR lads in OUR stadium. I don’t want to stop supporting
Manchester United and have to start supporting BSkyB United (that’s what
it will be in all but name) whose only purpose in life will be to give
the best return on investment in terms of viewing figures. "Spoilt
bastard", I hear you say, "So if Murdoch spends £100 million on new
players you aren’t interested". Well, sorry, no I’m not. Because
watching Murdoch spend money on his new toy purely to maximise his
viewing figures return will hold no REAL meaning. If we win the European
Cup every year because RUPERT MURDOCH has more money than everybody else
and RUPERT MURDOCH thinks it’s a good return on his investment then,
frankly, what the fuck will that mean? Nothing! Not to mention the fact
that it’s pretty hard luck on the other clubs.
If you don’t understand this then you don’t understand why REAL United
fans (the ones who built the club and get behind them at games -
creating ‘atmosphere’) follow the club and the team.
3. BRITISH FOOTBALL. Football fans in this country follow the sport
because of its unpredictability. You may not be aware of this, but there
are FOUR major leagues comprising over 90 teams. Each of those 90 clubs
has their own, committed, supporters. Is it really healthy for the
biggest pay TV company (which already has a monopoly over the coverage
of Premier League matches) to own the biggest football club? What do you
think will happen to those other 90-odd clubs? It doesn’t bear thinking
about.
4. RUPERT MURDOCH. Would YOU let him take care of YOUR family? Let me
help you:-
Business and politics are his only two passions: art, music, hobbies,
poetry, theatre, fiction, even sport (sailing may be an exception) have
no interest for him. He is fascinated by the politics for its own sake -
but also because politics affects the business environment in which he
operates. Source: Andrew Neil, Full Disclosure
"I played with him as a boy ... I know him. He cannot be trusted. It's
always the same. Everybody thinks that this time he'll behave. But it
will never work." Source: Ranald MacDonald, cousin & rival Australian
newspaper publisher, quoted in Thomas Kiernan, Citizen Murdoch, Dodd,
Mead, 1986, p.16
So, yes, you are right this IS a fight against Murdoch. But let me tell
you that I would be dead against ANY takeover of our club - the fact
that it is this man just intensifies my determination that he must not
succeed.
I hope that I have conveyed some of my feelings of horror at the thought
of our club being owned by somebody who will ONLY be interested in how
much money he can make out of us, and will only put into our club if he
thinks he can take MORE back OUT.
I don’t wish to sound racist or arrogant, but your e-mail address
suggests that you are not British. I would not be surprised if you
didn’t understand some of my arguments. Is ‘NL’ New Zealand? If it is,
how would YOU like ME to tell YOU how to run Rugby Union in YOUR
country? Thought not.
Please read my comments on your particular view below. Some of them may
come across as pretty blunt - I hope you will absorb the FACTS rather
than the tone.
To finish (before you read my comments on your e-mail) let me as k YOU
some questions: How long have YOU supported United? How much of YOUR
money has gone into the club? Had you heard of us even 10 years ago?
I would be very interested to hear your reply.
Yours
Jon Leigh.
Manchester United Shareholder and Supporter of over 30 years.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: Nothing flash about this bright spark
NOTHING FLASH ABOUT THIS BRIGHT SPARK
NICKY BUTT is a man of few words who lives his life
happily away from the razzmatazz that is the constant
companion of his pal David Beckham.
Butt is a tough, no-nonsense Manchester lad with no
desire to see his mugshot plastered all over billboards or
newspaper showbiz columns.
And blowing his own trumpet is not on his agenda
either. If you're lucky enough to get him to agree to an
interview you soon learn he's shy at coming forward.
Butt lets others do the talking while he's content to stay
the silent but deadly type.
If you are an opponent, his introduction is usually short
and not so sweet. A thudding block tackle is his way of
saying hello.
But there's no doubting he's hard but fair. Butt gives it
and takes it in his stride, and he never moans.
It's that mentality that has endeared Butt to manager
Alex Ferguson, who shares the same passion and
fighting qualities.
That is why Ferguson is delighted to have Butt back
after the frustrations of suspensions and injuries, and
the England midfielder will be his linchpin at Sheffield
Wednesday today.
The dark days seem over with his England display
against the Czech Republic a just reward for his dogged
scrapping spirit.
Butt is Fergie's little red bull - and he needs him raging
today and next week in the Champions League against
Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
Said Ferguson: "I was very pleased for Nicky this week.
The lad has had two raw deals with his sendings-off this
season. Those decisions have really disrupted his
progress. I thought he was really hard done by after
handling on the line against Barcelona.
"Conceding the penalty was punishment enough in
those circumstances. Then only four days later at
Arsenal he got a red card for a tackle when TV clearly
showed he wasn't the last man.
"But the referee refused to change his decision and
Nicky found himself banned again. But to be fair to the
lad he's stuck at it and come through well with his fine
performance for England.
"Because we have such a strong squad it's easy for
people to get the impression that a player has
disappeared when he's off the scene for a while. But
Nicky remains a very important player for me."
Butt is delighted, too, to be back in business.
He said: "I haven't been doing myself justice at United
recently. Hopefully this game for England will help me to
turn things around and I'll start playing like I know I can.
"My priority is to get into United's starting line-up as
regularly as possible. Injuries and suspensions mean
that I haven't had a consistent run, so the England call
came as a nice surprise."
But while Ferguson claps his hands at Butt's
comeback, he's resigned to losing Ryan Giggs for the
trip to the Nou Camp. There were hopes that Giggs
would have recovered from a cracked bone in his foot to
make the trip for the Champions League clash.
But Ferguson has now officially ruled him out after a
final check on his fitness. The race is now on to get
Giggs ready for the last Champions League game
against Bayern Munich on December 9 - a match that is
likely to decide United's qualification fate.
Giggs is back in training after missing the last six
games. He was crocked first in a tackle with Liverpool's
Jason McAteer back in September, and the injury
struck him down again at Derby a month later.
Now the depressing news for United is that he won't be
on the plane for Tuesday's flight to Spain. Said
Ferguson: "Giggs is running strongly, but he definitely
won't be playing in Barcelona. I am concentrating on
having him fit for the Bayern Munich match."
Here's to a win on wednesday (Not Sheffield though :)
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Pic Link today is http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Barry
J. Leeming Digest Prgram
by 
William
McArthur Canada
