Football: Blues fans reach for the Sky

MANCHESTER CITY supporters are welcoming Rupert Murdoch's money with open arms.

That is the contention of the City director, Dennis Tueart, as he put the gloss on news that the Maine Road club have accepted a BSkyB investment for a 9.9 per cent stake. Tueart, a playing legend at the club before he moved on to the board, said the club switchboard has been inundated with calls of support from fans.

The interest from Murdoch's empire may see pounds 12m worth of new money flooding into the coffers via a share issue.

Earlier this year Murdoch tried to buy control of City's neighbours Manchester United for pounds 623m. But, after a massive campaign of defiance from Old Trafford fans, the Government blocked the move.

Now Tueart explains why it is different across at Maine Road. He said: "The difference between this and what was proposed at Manchester United is that this is not a takeover. It is a merger. It is part of a partnership with a major player in the global world, and Manchester City want to be there. We have explained in detail that this is only to buy a 9.9 per- cent share, and without question it is within the guidelines. It will allow funds to be available for [manager] Joe Royle if and when he decides he wants to buy more players."

Fans' leader Dave Wallace, who edits the King of the Kippax fanzine, added his support after witnessing years of decline and relegation. He said: "We have been looking for this sort of investment for the past four or five years. We are paying high interest rates, so it has got to be a good thing as long as it is controlled and we are able to keep an eye on what is going on."

Tueart believes Royle will now be able to buy the players to get City back into the Premiership. He added: "He's never had a problem with the club over money since he has been with us. I talk to him every day about whether he's happy with what we are doing to move forward. He realises that we want to move forward. We have stabilised after a few years of horrendous situations and I'm pleased for the fans."

Royle, meanwhile, is expected to step up his bid to sign the Gillingham striker Robert Taylor. He said: "Most of the new money will go towards clearing the club's debts and that is fine by me. I have never been refused finance when I have asked for it and I expect that to continue. There is so much common sense coming from the board these days, it is wonderful.

"I am not about to become like a kid in a sweet shop. I honestly believe that the players we have here are capable of earning us promotion this term."