STRETFORD TRIAL

Last updated : 29 September 2004 By editor

From Guardian:

'Wayne Rooney's millionaire soccer agent attempted to pay off a business rival with £250,000 in cash in a bag and bugged him during an extensive surveillance operation, it was claimed yesterday.

Paul Stretford, 44, a director of the Formation Group, which represents 270 players, including Rooney, claimed he was the victim of a blackmail attempt by three men, including John Hyland, an associate of Rooney's original agent, Peter McIntosh.

Mr Hyland, 42, from Woolton, Liverpool, is also accused, with brothers Christopher and Anthony Bacon from Manchester, of making unwarranted demands for money with menaces. All three deny the charges. The allegations centre on the period shortly before Rooney's two-year contract with Mr McIntosh was due to end in December 2002.'

The trial is due to start tomorrow. Rooney is expected to be called as a witness, as are his parents. Kenny Dalglish is expected to give evidence in support of Mr Hyland.