Harding says bug found in his City office

The Chelsea director Matthew Harding yesterday confirmed that a bugging device had been found in his City office.

"We found this object and Bishopgate police sent their Special Branch men down," Harding said. "They confirmed it was a live device."

Harding is embroiled in a bitter power struggle with his Chelsea chairman, Ken Bates. A board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, with the manager, Glenn Hoddle, asking both men to settle their differences. "The chairman and Matthew Harding have to put themselves together and come out with some results," he said.