COOLMORE WANT REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD

Last updated : 12 February 2004 By Editor
It is reported this morning that following the purchase of more
shares yesterday, Coolmore will now be looking for
representation on the board, the Gruaniad report that they
may ask for up to three places. The lentil munchers go on to
speculate that this could see non-executive directors such
as Maurice Watkins, Ian Much and Philip Yea being forced to
leave the board.

The Indie report that Coolmore bought 8 million shares from
Dutchman John de Mol. Apparently they were offered his
entire holding of 11 million shares but turned down a move
that would have left them obliged to offer to takeover the
club. This is seen as a clear indication that the Irish do
not want to takeover the club, but instead are placing
themselves in a favourable position should a third party
attempt to buy United.

Coolmore are now expected to wait for the outcome of the peace
talks with Fergie before moving to change the makeup of the
board.