The consultant caring for George Best concedes the Manchester United legend unlikely to survive another 24 hours.
Speaking outside the Cromwell Hospital in London, Professor Roger Williams reveals: “I’m afraid Mr Best is coming towards the end of the long road.”
Portsmouth’s Alain Perrin become the first Premiership manager to lose his job this season.- The consultant caring for George Best concedes the Manchester United legend unlikely to survive another 24 hours. Speaking outside the Cromwell Hospital in London, a tearful Professor Roger Williams reveals: “I’m afraid Mr Best is coming towards the end of the long road. He could die at any time — I’ll be very surprised if he survives another 24 hours”. The 1968 European Footballer of the Year has been in hospital since the beginning of October and was put on a life support machine last week after he picked up a lung infection. 59 year-old George, who is accepted by most observers as the greatest-ever player produced by the British Isles, is visited in his final hours by former team mates Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.
- A year to the day since Harry Redknapp resigned, Portsmouth sack manager Alain Perrin after just eight months in charge at Fratton Park. The former Marseille boss took charge in April and kept Pompey in the Premiership but they have recorded only two wins this season and lie one place above the relegation zone. Chairman Milan Mandaric says: “This has not been an easy decision. Alain is a talented coach and a good man who has worked extremely hard since arriving.” Coach Joe Jordan takes temporary charge. Pompey meet champions Chelsea on Saturday.
- Middlesbrough qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup with a goalless draw at AZ Alkmaar. Bolton Wanderers will guarantee their progress with victory against Sevilla in their final group game. Ricardo Vaz Te scores a stunning late equaliser after Marek Saganowski looked to have won the Group H game for Guimaraes with a diving header in the 86th minute.
- Media Sports Investments pull out of a potential takeover of West Ham United after failing to agree a price with the Hammers’ directors. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, the company confirm it would not be making an offer for the London club but remains intent on finding ‘other opportunities in the European football market’.