It promised to showcase the best the third division had to offer, but instead the game was a throwback to the darker days, as Paul Mullen explains
Hartlepool fans had looked forward to their team’s first appearance in a live televised match, at Halifax, ever since it was announced at the start of the season. It will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons. What should have been a night of celebration so very nearly turned into a disaster and, as usual, the fans got the blame.
Borussia Dortmund are a modern and corporate club but that hasn't stopped them constructing a huge new standing terrace. Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger reports
It started to rain a few minutes into the game. No drizzle, mind you. Real, heavy rain. Thick, grey clouds. Chilly gusts. The works. We had been promised the roof would be ready in time for this, the first home game of the season but, meticulous planning being what it is, there were gaping holes above our heads. I always wear my lucky baseball cap and my old leather jacket on match days, so the weather didn’t bother me, but those around me who were either less superstitious or too trustful when it comes to workmen’s promises got soaking wet within seconds. What was more, the roofers had left piles of tiles lying around. They dammed up the water until it periodically came crashing down on our heads like a torrent from a giant bucket.
Richard Lander explains how Manchester United supporters are attempting to resist the proposed sale of the club to BSkyB
Behind the tears and the sentiment, the goodies and the baddies – and not least, the £87 million set to be trousered by Martin Edwards – the real problem with Sky’s bid for Manchester United is a clash of business interests that threatens the heart and soul of football.
AS Thomas finds out more about the Swans' unpopular chairman
Distinguishing features Large, camp waddler with a horrendous comb-over. Always seen at The Vetch in a green bulging Barbour coat irrespective of the climate.
Revolutionary times at Fir Park, where the board has been cutting prices and attracting bigger crowds. David Innes reports on their crazy, madcap schemes
Motherwell FC are not a very fashionable side. We have the dubious honour of having lost more Premier League games than any other team, due to the fact that we have avoided relegation narrowly in the majority of seasons since we were promoted in 1985.