Manchester United refinances debt to cut interest by £10m a year
By Paul Nicholson
May 24 – Manchester United will cut their interest payments by £10 million a year under a new loan secured with the Bank of America at lower interest rates.
Premier League
No place for losers in the race for the Premier League’s TV cash
By Paul Nicholson
May 23 – The difference between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in English football was emphasised again by the release by the Premier League of their broadcast payments to clubs for the 2012/13 season just finished. Even within the Premier League, the payments to clubs show a huge gap with Manchester United at the top earning 34% more than bottom placed QPR.
Football League backs off after Scudamore threat to end solidarity cash
By Mark Baber
May 17 – Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore (pictured) has prevented Football League clubs from passing measures to create a fairer level of financial competition in the Championship, leading to accusations of high-handedness from the ‘big brother’ league.
Premier League could get its 39th game with play off possible for CL spot
By Tom Parsons
May 16 – News that the English Premier League could have its first-ever play off for a Champions League spot if results went a certain way this weekend, has sparked a wave of social media excitement and betting activity.
News International to use Premier League clips to drive Sun+ subs
By Mark Baber
May 14 – News International is to use Premier League football clips to drive subscriptions to its Sun+ service, the digital offering of the UK’s highest circulation tabloid newspaper. The subscription will cost £2 a week in the UK.
Red-faced Mancini exits Blues as end of season sack race gets flying start
By Andrew Warshaw
May 14 – Even before the Premier League season has ended, the sack race has begun – with Manchester City’s Roberto Mancini the most high-profile victim.
BT throw down challenge to Sky with Premier League matches to screen free
By Andrew Warshaw
May 10 – Telecom giants BT have vowed to “give football back to the nation” by announcing that Premier League games will be offered free to its broadband customers next season in a revolutionary move that has taken the broadcasting world by storm.
Seamless takeover as Moyes immediately moves over to United job
By Andrew Warshaw
May 9 – As widely anticipated, David Moyes was appointment Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor today as manager of Manchester United and handed a six-year contract to take over on July 1. The highly respected Moyes, who leaves Everton after 11 years in charge, was the retiring Ferguson’s personal recommendation.
Law’s face is on a stamp, but Fergie’s is stamped all over two football nations
By Andrew Warshaw
May 9 – Of all the present and former greats who have paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson in the past 24 hours following the announcement that he is stepping down after 26 years as Manchester United manager, few have Fergie in their hearts as much as United legend Denis Law.
United’s greatest ever bows out with applause, passion and in his own style
By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
May 8 – There are great managers – and then there is Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United boss, known by most simply as Fergie, may have at times infuriated non-United fans but the fact that every television and radio broadcast in England led with the announcement of his retirement today said everything about the end of an era and his place in the annals of all-time legends.
Ferguson calls it a day after 26 years and 38 trophies at Manchester United
By Andrew Warshaw
May 8 – Manchester United have confirmed rumours that Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful club manager in the history of world football, will retire after more than 26 years.
Manchester United bang in record £91.7m third quarter revenue
By Mark Baber
May 3 – On the pitch, Manchester United won the 212-13 Premier League title with four games to spare. Off the pitch financial results for the three and nine month periods ended 31 March 2013, announced yesterday, which show record third quarter revenue of £91.7m, sponsorship revenue increasing by 52.2% and adjusted EBITDA increasing 22.5% to a third quarter record of £25m.
English rugby turns to football to provide World Cup 2015 stadia
By Tom Parsons
May 2 – The English Rugby Football Union has announced that eight football grounds will be used to host games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The tournament, predominately held in England, will be staged at 13 different venues around England and Wales during September and October 2015.
Usmanov sets sights on Gunners’ Kroenke for his lack of ambition
By Mark Baber
May 2 –Alisher Usmanov claims Arsenal’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke “doesn’t show any wish” to create a winning team according to reports in the British press.
Fry to take over Premier League chairmanship from Richards
April 26 – Low profile corporate financier Anthony Fry is the surprise choice to take over as chairman of the Premier League.