There was a spell whilst they were building Wembley when Manchester could rightly claim to be the sporting capital of the UK.

That claim is somewhat diluted now with the facilities being built in London, but nevertheless the People's Republic can be proud of itself for the Commonwelth's

Even since the Games, the Ethiad has been completed, Salford City and Sale Sharks have moved into ther new stadium and even FCUM have a new community facility in Moston.

Old Trafford's (LCCC) future has been secured and Manchester Storm morphed into the Phoenix in a purpose built area in Altrincham.

There will be more good news later in the week when the Manchester based Skypro Cycling team wins the Tour de France, fingers xed.

The only blot on the Mancunian sporting scene is the lack of a suitable home for the legendary Belle Vue Aces. Oh and the failure of Peel to get horse racing going out at Worsley.

The cherry on the Mancunian sporting gateau was the most dramatic goal every scored in the history of football, one that sent the City's name reverberating around the world.

So fair doos to Sir Richard, and we all have lots to be proud of here in sunny Manchester.