GOOD OLD CITY

MANCHESTER CITY legend Colin Bell has been snubbed by his old club in a row over the naming of a stand at their new stadium.City's most famous player has, it can be revealed, been left "deeply concerned" after the club's apparent U-turn over the naming of the West Stand at the £120m City of Manchester Stadium at Eastlands.

Fans were invited in March to vote for what they thought the stand should be called, with the club promising to abide by the poll on City's website.

However, sick hoaxers are believed to have voted for Bell so that derogatory comments could be made about his surname.

And that "hijacking" has led to a re-think with just official City supporters' clubs votes taken into consideration, making Mercer the winner.

Wardle has ordered an investigation into the whole embarrassing saga and has decided to take `personal control' of the issue starting with a meeting with Colin Bell tomorrow.

He told M.E.N. Sport that with hindsight it was inappropriate for the vote to take place on-line as mischievous non-City fans would be able to take part.

He said: "It is a shame the original vote was hijacked. I am concerned about this whole issue and have spent the last few days investigating the background."

They then went on to ask for comments on their website, here are a few of the better ones.

“My only concern is that what if a load of away fans turned up at the back of the stand and rushed the turnstiles, thus taking our bell-end from the rear?”
Jim Tolmie, Cheadle (of course)

“Colin is revered by all true blues. Is reputation is higher than most floodlights. Fight to the end Blues”.
Mr. Kilabus, Stockport

“The Bell End must stay. Never mind what our hilarious cockney neighbours think, Colin is a true city legend worthy of having a stand named after him”.
Bert, Stockport