Manchester United’s drive to increase revenue has led to a rare expansion of Old Trafford’s capacity.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at the start of the year, the club has undertaken an extensive review, not only looking at areas where savings can be made, but also seeking to maximise income.
As part of earlier plans, the entrances on the scoreboard side of the field were widened to provide a larger platform for fans using wheelchairs.
However, after consultation with proponents, the plans were changed and dozens of new chairs have now been installed in one of the affected areas.
Manchester United have increased the capacity of Old Trafford following a change in plans
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been committed to maximising revenue since taking over the club late last year
City land manager ends thirty years of service
Manchester City’s chief groundsman Lee Jackson has left after 33 years at the club.
The regular, who started as a young YTS player at Maine Road in 1991, lifted the Premier League trophy ahead of City’s first home game against Ipswich on Saturday.
His final game was his 842nd and he was given a heartfelt send-off. Jackson, a multiple award winner who is highly regarded in the sport, was one of the few remaining staff members from the Maine Road days and the timing of his departure, with a new season just getting underway, has raised eyebrows.
It is believed he is now looking for a new role.
Villa director takes late-night attack on social media
Aston Villa’s chief operating officer Ben Hatton appears to be a man of strong opinions, as his LinkedIn profile reveals.
After enjoying the hospitality in the plush meeting room at the London Stadium, Hatton felt the need to take a barely concealed dig at West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Around midnight, after the 5.30pm kick-off, Hatton expressed his delight at Villa’s winning start to the season. He added: ‘Separately, but clearly related, Baroness Brady also seems to have completely lost her form…’
The post was later deleted, but not before Chris Hornbuckle, Villa’s vice-president of business development who brought Hatton to the club, liked the post.
Hatton also appeared to criticise former kit supplier Castore, posting a link to a story about the manufacturer’s problems with Everton. He also included a smiley face emoji, prompting a former executive at another club to ask: “Is this an appropriate message?” Exactly.
Aston Villa’s outspoken COO Ben Hatton made his feelings clear in late-night social media posts
The dig at Baroness Brady came after Aston Villa’s win over West Ham last week
Spurs hope to become the Premier League’s top favourites
Tottenham Hotspur have launched an official supporters club for dog lovers.
At home games this season, a ‘Dog of the Match’ will be submitted by a member of ‘Tottenham Hotspaw’ — with an image appearing on large screens before and after games and in the programme.
Members also get 10 percent off the club’s pet range. The initiative is said to be the brainchild of executive director Donna-Maria Cullen, who, as Agenda revealed in 2021, had caused a stir in the office by bringing her dog to work.
In addition to Dog of the Match, Spurs will also spotlight a shelter dog who has been put up for adoption by charity partners All Dogs Matter in a bid to find an owner for him.
Tottenham have launched an official supporters club for their dog-loving fans
Sky Glass cricket blunder
People wondering where Test cricket sits in the pecking order at Sky Sports might think they got a hint from an advert for the England v Sri Lanka match at Old Trafford.
Sky Glass customers were stunned to see the match promoted in their TV guide with a picture of Jimmy Anderson, who retired three games ago, and West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.
The error was later corrected.
Relevent appoints new chairman
Relevent, the events agency many believe would play a key role in bringing Premier League matches to the US, has appointed the brains behind Netflix’s Drive to Survive as chairman of the company.
Sean Bratches, who spent 30 years at ESPN and spent four years leading Formula 1’s commercial operations, including the hit TV documentary series, based in London, dropped a major hint when his new role was announced.
“The sport of football is growing globally,” he noted, “and the opportunity to partner with and contribute to the commercial development of professional football leagues, both domestically and internationally, is something I am very passionate about.” Watch this space.
Former F1 boss Sean Bratches has joined the events company many believe is looking to bring Premier League matches to the US
Safety warning needed after Selhurst misstep
The Premier League will remind its clubs to create a safe environment after a ball boy was seriously injured during West Ham’s win over Crystal Palace.
The youngster was trapped when advertising hoardings toppled with an alarming lack of resistance as Hammers fans surged forward following Tomas Soucek’s goal in the 2-0 win at Selhurst Park.
Tomas Soucek rushed to free a trapped ball boy after an advertising board fell over
Premier League to issue safety warnings to clubs after Selhurst Park incident
The quick-thinking Soucek spotted the shaken ball boy and managed to lift the LED screens, while Jarrod Bowen helped him to his feet.
Top division officials are investigating what happened and will talk to the clubs to ensure a similar incident does not happen again.