Chief quits for Chelsea over Fergie racehorse row By Gary Jones The Mirror Sep 9 2003
Manchester United chief Peter Kenyon quit over Sir Alex Ferguson's rows about a racehorse, it was learned last night. He joined Chelsea after becoming fed-up with the fiery Scot's bitter bickering with shareholder John Magnier on stud fees for Rock of Gibraltar which they both own. A source said: "Peter decided he could easily live without the tantrums of Sir Alex." The sight of his manager and a major shareholder at each other's throats finally got too much for Manchester United boss Peter Kenyon. He walked out on the club he supported as a boy and turned into a global business, unable to stomach the endless arguments over stud fees for their racehorse. Kenyon stunned the soccer world by joining Chelsea after Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich got to hear about the rows and swooped for the 48-year-old businessman. He had become an uncomfortable "piggy-in-the-middle" between racing tycoon John Magnier and Sir Alex over the stud fees for wonder horse Rock of Gibraltar which they both co-own. The final straw was when the fiery Scots manager demanded half of the millions that will be earned even though it is reported he did not pay anything for the thoroughbred colt. It was also reported that he has become disillusioned with Sir Alex's management style. A racing insider said last night: "Peter simply decided the grass was greener at Stamford Bridge, and that he could easily live without the tantrums of Sir Alex. "I think he became tired of the endless quarrels and disagreements. "Sir Alex getting involved in a scrap with a United shareholder was aggravation he certainly didn't need. Peter was always playing the peacemaker and I think he grew tired of all the hassle. "It became clear in January that the argument over the Rock of Gibraltar wasn't going away. "It was discussed every month at board meetings. In June it became obvious it was going to court. "It started to become an impossible position for Kenyon. The club's biggest shareholder was going head to head with Sir Alex. "It wasn't a happy position to be in when you're trying to run a business as big as Manchester United. "Abramovich became aware through his business contacts that Kenyon was becoming increasingly unhappy and moved in for the kill. "As everyone knows he's difficult to turn down." It was not clear last night what role Kenyon would take on at Stamford Bridge. But the big-spending Londoners said current chief executive Trevor Birch has been invited to remain in a senior role at the club, though it is not clear what his future will be. Sir Alex, 61, was named as a registered owner of the record-breaking Rock of Gibraltar which ran in his colours. It was originally thought he paid �120,000 for his half share. But now it has emerged he may have been given the share as a gift from his former friend Magnier who co-owns 11.4 per cent of United. Sir Alex wants his share of the stud fees which could rise to as much as �100million. Magnier insists Ferguson does not have a right to a penny generated by the horse. Sir Alex vehemently disagrees and refuses to back down over what he claims is rightfully his. It was this stubbornness that finally drove Kenyon from the Old Trafford club he loved. He has now been charged with delivering the Abramovich's dream of turning Chelsea into one of the biggest teams in Europe. Kenyon - former head of sportswear firm Umbro which supplies Chelsea's kits - took over from Martin Edwards at Old Trafford in August 2000. He was instrumental in persuading Sir Alex Ferguson to stay when he wanted to quit. And he presided over the signings of Juan Sebastian Ver�n, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rio Ferdinand as well as giving the go-ahead for David Beckham to join Madrid. Under his guidance United became a global business with tours to the Far East and the US. He also played a key part in the negotiations which saw United link up with sponsors Vodafone and Nike, and helped set up their association with the New York Yankees baseball team. Last night it was uncertain how soon Kenyon would be able to take over at Chelsea. He is privy to the most intimate business dealings of their rivals. Born in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, Kenyon has been a United fan since his father took him to see the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley. He made his name with Umbro and had been groomed for his role at United since he joined the club as deputy chief executive in May 1997. Earlier this summer Kenyon insisted he was not concerned at Chelsea's big spending under Abramovich. He said: "In some ways, a buy everything policy can create problems when you are recruiting players purely for financial reasons." Under Kenyon's stewardship United were at one stage worth more than �1billion, but are now valued at �465million. He will have no worries about keeping shareholders happy at Chelsea as the club recently came off the Alternative Investment Market and became Abramovich's private company. Both Chelsea and United have so far refused to comment on his decision to quit. Former Chelsea chief executive Colin Hutchinson admitted Kenyon's switch was a surprise. He said: "It is a shock and is out of the blue, concerning the rivalry down the years between Manchester United and Chelsea. "Obviously, as part of the new Chelsea they have brought the guy in to presumably try to surpass United. "He is a very good businessman. I think it is fair to say that what he has done commercially has made United streets ahead in England as far as resources are concerned. "If you look globally at their financial situation, compared to Real Madrid who have assembled a superb squad but also piled up a load of debt, they are on a sound footing. "He will be a big loss to Manchester United." ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/l.m7sD/LIdGAA/qnsNAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
