Source: Daily_Mail
Charles Sale: Chelsea get 'lucky' over Manchester United clash
Chelsea's lavish ?75million outlay on Fernando Torres and David Luiz is sure to be a major talking point when Manchester United meet them in their rearranged league game at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]The original game, scheduled for December 19, was postponed because of bad weather. But Chelsea calling it off as early as lunchtime on the previous day led to talk of conspiracy among many United fans.[LNB] Money men: Chelsea have been bolstered by ?75m capture of Torres (left) and Luiz (right) [LNB] More from Charles Sale... CHARLES SALE: Andy Carroll move adds to agent squabble01/02/11 Charles Sale: Replays may go in FA Cup revamp31/01/11 Charles Sale: Alarm as Jordan Henderson joins Darren Bent's agent29/01/11 Charles Sale: Premier League chief Scudamore tuning into ?3m TV bonus27/01/11 Charles Sale: Sky soft-pedal on YouTube assassin26/01/11 Charles Sale: League chief's fury at Coalition U-turn over funding pledges25/01/11 CHARLES SALE: Wednesday chief Mandaric probes Irvine 'sack' email 24/01/11 CHARLES SALE: Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn bays over Olympic Stadium23/01/11 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE The champions, who had won just one of their last seven games, were having a torrid time with injuries. And the club were in turmoil off the pitch with manager Carlos Ancelotti's future in doubt following the unexpected departure of his assistant Ray Wilkins.[LNB]But on March 1, Cup replays permitting, United will face a resurgent Chelsea, who are back on track to challenge for the title and bolstered by the arrival of two huge January signings. Chelsea say the quick call on December 18 followed heavy snowfall and consultation with police and local authorities, with United kept informed throughout.[LNB]A Chelsea spokesman said: 'We are aware of what was said and it's a matter of fact we have strengthened the side. But even with hindsight, it was the right decision.'[LNB]United diplomatically described the issue as 'the luck of the draw', but might not be so understanding if they lose the match. [LNB] It wasn't the best move for senior Sky Sports News executive Nick Seymour, in the wake of the fall-out from the Richard Keys 'smash it' comment about Louise Glass, to post a Twitter message saying: 'Another deadline day done. I reckon we smashed it.' Sure to be unimpressed is Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch, who said the 'smash it' episode went 'against everything Sky Sports stands for'. [LNB] A new book called His Father's Son, by acclaimed American sports writer Tom Callahan, examines the relationship between Earl and Tiger Woods (right). [LNB]It also compares Nick Faldo, with his three failed marriages, to serial adulterer Woods, saying, 'England marked Nick's untidy life in its traditional way . . . with a knighthood.' [LNB]Callahan says of Mark McCormack, the founder of sports marketing giant IMG who died four months after a heart attack during an alleged facelift operation: 'In a way, the great image-maker died of vanity.'[LNB] The footballers including Wayne Rooney, Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand taking legal action against wealth management consultants over an alleged conflict of interests in advice about Florida and Marbella property investments are hopeful of enlisting the support of the PFA in their battle. However, golfer Darren Clarke, who bought into the same American Charlotte Harbor development that has plummeted in value, is not joining the rush to court. An earlier property investment by Clarke at the same location has made money. [LNB] Delay suits Fergie finePremier League clubs meeting today might like to ask for an update over the extraordinary delay in Manchester United being fined for Sir Alex Ferguson's multiple breaching of media regulations by not talking to the BBC. [LNB]The tariff to be paid by United was agreed at a PL board meeting 14 weeks ago, but will not be announced until chairman Sir Dave Richards exhausts all possibilities of Fergie ending his six-year silence since the BBC documentary about his agent son Jason. [LNB]There is no suggestion of a rapprochement between the Beeb and Ferguson, but somehow Richards remains confident of a breakthrough. [LNB] The bidding battle to host a home Ashes Test in 2013 is exposing the flaws of having nine Test grounds and only five marquee games to allocate. Durham and The Oval have already been selected and Lord's is certain to be another venue. That leaves Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Cardiff, the Rose Bowl and Headingley fighting for two matches. Lancashire have the extra problem of a judicial review - surrounding a Tesco store - into their redevelopment plans for Old Trafford. [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Darren Clarke, Robbie Savage, Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Jeremy Darroch, Earl Woods Places: Cardiff, United Kingdom
