For some reason best known to himself, he was under the illusion that when it came to appointing his successor his input would be most valuable. “You make me ashamed to be an Englishman.”In another way, Nicholson’s retirement as a football man signalled a changing order. For me, the news of his death brought back a night in Rotterdam which was probably the least uplifting of his magnificent career.It was in 1973 and the occasion was one of the first major English fan riots in Europe. As riot place launched fierce action, and 200 injured were taken to hospital, Nicholson spoke on the public address.His words were unforgettable because at the time they seemed simply a call to reason, not the forlorn opening lines to more than 30 years of national disgrace “Stop it,” cried Nicholson.

In the Feyenoord stadium, however, the situation briefly slipped out of control. All through the afternoon there had been reports of misbehaviour by the Spurs fans; shoppers had been scattered in the city centre, caf?ables had been overturned. The board’s support of a loan-based buy-out would undoubtedly have assisted him in terms of credibility. Lack of it leaves him, like Arsenal, wounded but far from dead.. If there had to be sadness at the demeanour and the conduct of almost everybody involved in what was supposed to be the match of the decade at Old Trafford, it could only be compounded by the loss of Bill Nicholson. And though, like the Arsenal side vanquished 2-0 on Sunday, Glazer is unlikely to be deterred for long by his setback, the board’s message could not have been simpler.

First, that United will not countenance approval of any proposal that might create a risk, however theoretical, of a “Leeds route” to financial ruin. Talks with the Irishmen are on hold – for various conditions, including funding, it is understood – but are not necessarily finished for good.If Glazer could acquire their stake he would trigger a mandatory bid for the club anyway, and the board’s support – or lack of it – might not actually influence other shareholders against him.His biggest problem, the one that has apparently led to the board’s stance, is a lack of ready cash to do a deal. He wouldn’t run unless the ground came up good.”Sir Rembrandt, runner-up to Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, could be asked to make his seasonal debut by trainer Robert Alner, as could the 2003 Gold Cup second Truckers Tavern.Other interesting entries include Aintree hero Amberleigh House, last season’s smart novice Lord Sam, and Nil Desperandum from Frances Crowley’s Irish stable.Should the winner of the Charlie Hall Chase go on to lift the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March, then connections will pick up a £100,000 bonus, with £75,000 for the owner, £15,000 for the trainer and £10,000 to the stable.¿ Today’s race meetings at Catterick and Nottingham were abandoned after morning inspections yesterday. “The decision to sell or not rests with the owners, not the board.”Glazer could yet take a majority holding by buying the 28.89 per cent stake of United owned by the largest shareholders, John Magnier and JP McManus.