JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible

THERE was disbelief on the streets of Liverpool. Supporters of Liverpool FC were shocked at the news that the club’s manager, who had created a sporting contender with the spirit of the city at its heart, had just announced he would leave the club.
This was July 12 1974, when Liverpool’s then chairman, John Smith, announced that Bill Shankly would retire.
“He said he gets very tired, the pressures are great and he wants a rest,” local reporter Tony Wilson told incredulous fans around Liverpool on that day.

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power
