Heads we win

Firoz Kassam and John Tanner today signed the heads of agreement for the deal which would transfer land from the City Council's ownership to that of Kassam for the completion of the leisure development, multiplex cinema and hotel at the Minchery Farm site. This is a significant step towards United playing football at the new stadium next season. However, it should be remembered that the heads of agreement aren't the actual agreement itself and they are not legally binding. It does mean that the relevant parties need to tie up some loose ends (such as Thames Water, Pentith, Les Wells) before signing off completely on the deal, but it is most definitely a signal of intent that the Council intends to proceed with the deal. Kassam himself has said that he is hopeful of work recommencing before Christmas, and that Taylor Woodrow will not be the developer involved. However there is hopefully no danger that they will scupper the CVA as that would be part of their pay off for walking away.

Heads are signed

At the same press conference Firoz Kassam chose to announce that Mickey Lewis will remain as first team coach, responsible for all playing affairs. Ray Harford has been brought in as the Technical Director, with responsibility for arranging transfers, contracts and other aspects of the non-playing side of running the team. Both posts are for the duration of this season. Kassam has also promised that money will be available to Harford for bringing in new players. Harford starts his new duties on Monday. Les Taylor remains Mickey's number 2.
Harford has been out of the game for over a year since his sacking at QPR. Prior to that he left West Bromwich Albion, walking out on them to take up the post at Loftus Road. He was assistant to Kenny Dalglish at Ewood Park when Blackburn clinched the Premiership from Manchester United in 1995.