I AM A BROWN-NOSE

Last updated : 01 July 2005 By Editor
Sir Bobby Charlton has been won over by the Glazers after a meeting with them yesterday. Unfortunately he even apologised for Wednesday night.

"They have not been upset, but they were a little bit surprised," said Charlton.

"I tried to mention that they couldn't ignore fans that were so involved emotionally with the club but may sometimes go a little bit too far.

"I apologised to them if there was anything wrong last night. The fans, with all the best will in the world, we want them to behave themselves and act in a grown-up and civilised manner; some of the lads said it was the police but there's no place for it. I apologised for them and hope I don't have to apologise again.

"There is nothing wrong with protesting, but if it's violent it ceases to be a protest. One girl had the windows of her car smashed in."

Why buy a football club then?

"They don't know the football game and thought I could answer a few questions about it.

"They were very receptive to advice and very keen to make sure that there won't be any major changes at Manchester United - in fact no changes at all.

"They are not going to tell a successful football club how to run the game."

"We didn't talk about finance. I was more involved in the emotional side, of people who have been in-bred into this football club.

"I don't worry about the future as much as I did before I met them."

On a plus side for GMP Charlton went on

"They said we won't be seeing a lot of them,"

"But I was impressed by the mere fact that they knew what they have got and were very humble and honoured that they were able to acquire Manchester United.

"They knew about the history of the club, and asked questions about what they didn't know.

"I tried to alleviate any fears they might have about putting their foot in it, and taking the wrong sort of steps."

Let's wait and see. Just the sort of thinking that got us in this mess.

"I went in with an open mind and was very pleased that they will be making no changes, because Manchester United being successful is the most important thing, and if they are the fans will be happy.

"I would tell those fans not to worry too much. Who knows what will happen if we lose every match next season?

"The club is bigger than the Glazer family, as it is bigger than any manager, player or director, and will continue to be.

"Nothing changes and the fans will enjoy going to watch football and be pleased when we get the success that we think we will."