I just read that Gary Neville plans to build a hotel new Old Trafford with the proceeds from his testimonal match:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18033018That got me thinking. In this day and age when footbllers earn a ridiculous amount of money, shouldn't testimonials be scrapped? Or at least converted into charity-raising events rather than just a way for the super-rich to become super-richer.
Comments
In the unlikely event that a player spends the whole of a twenty year career at (say) Rochdale on quite a low wage, then yes, a testimonial is appropriate. For Gary Neville, despite spending all his career with one club, I suggest that the salary he's received over the years makes a testimonial inappropriate. It all depends really on the fans. If they're happy to put another few million into the pocket of a millionaire, then so be it. Reportedly the 'Hotel Neville' is costing upwards of £20,000,000, surely this cannot all be from Gary's 'benefit year' as 'they' would say down at Lords.
Also, Gary has had to win a court battle with Manchester United to get planning permission for the hotel. His development supposedly impinges on planned development on the Old Trafford complex. The Glazers are not amused.
Lou Macari had a chippy near OT, Neville is planning a hotel.
Good luck to him
As for Gary Neville, he desreves it.
Oh wait...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-13430187