NEWS ROUND-UP

Last updated : 29 October 2004 By Editor
Alan Smith in the MEN:

"Since I came to Manchester I haven't been involved as much in the community stuff as I was at Leeds. The club want me to settle in before they send me off here, there and everywhere. I suppose it's only a matter of time before I do that, though.
"I don't know much the move has helped me get back into the England side. Maybe it's a bigger stage that's making the difference. I wouldn't say that I have improved dramatically as a player. Playing with better players always helps. I think that's what I've got around me now. I'm just enjoying playing my football again.

"I think it's important to be involved in the community. When I was at Leeds I got involved a lot in the community programme and I hope it can be the same in Manchester.”


Ashley Cole. From Skysports.com:

The agent of Ashley Cole, Jonathan Barnett, has confirmed he has sought legal advice over the prospect of suing Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch hit-man was handed a three-game ban for the tackle that went unpunished in Sunday's game between the two sides at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy's tackle was late and reckless but it was thought that The FA's intervention would put an end to the matter. However, Barnett has now confirmed that legal advice has been sought but, that in all likelihood, no action would be taken.

''It's only because Ashley is the nicest guy in football, a real gentleman, that he probably wouldn't want to pursue anything through the courts,'' confirmed Barnett.

''But then again, I am his agent. We are looking at potential legal action, even criminal action for assault, but I cannot see Ashley wanting to go ahead.”



As predicted in BackBeat, the loan Leeds took out earlier this year will more likely cripple them than save them:

The man behind a £25million takeover bid for Leeds last night warned the board they will be forced to sell Elland Road if they do not accept his offer.

A specially-convened board meeting yesterday demanded Sebastian Sainsbury and his Anglo-American consortium provide further proof they had the financial muscle to go ahead with the deal.

But Sainsbury, great-grandson of the founder of the supermarket chain, said: "The board has two options - the option we have put forward or the option of selling Elland Road, the pride of joy of Leeds United for the past 85 years. I know which way I would go."

Leeds are £30m in debt and struggling to repay £15m borrowed to buy the club seven months ago.