Return to Tannadice, Bisgrove’s chance slipped

Tannadice was the scene of some great Celtic games, a couple of memorable league wins and several hard luck stories.  The venue has been missed from the Premiership roster, a consequence of a strong football club falling into the hands of general incompetents.  Good to see United back.

Say what you like about Mike Ashley, he must be a nightmare to do business with, but at least he ships quality product.  How you leave Ashley behind and allow ‘two Tims from Liverpool’ to make matters worse, beggars belief.

This time last year, Newco had a route out of their matching deal with Sports Direct.  Commercial director, James Bisgrove, had to set an early deadline for offers for the new contract, then ask Sports Direct to match or decline the deal.  There are in excess of a dozen kit suppliers who would have been happy to pick the contract up, if Sports Direct declined, as they did.

A production slot would have been booked and a kit deal help pay the bills.  As it is, they left it too late for a production slot.  Castore were the only outfit prepared to hawk manufacturing around, whatever the cost to quality and reputation.

Still, the contract only has five years to run.