SOFIA, March 8 (Reuters) - A Bulgarian court has turned down a Manchester United fan's attempt to change his name to - Manchester United. Martin Zdravkov, 36, plans to appeal against the court ruling, the sports newspaper 7 Days Sport said on Wednesday. Wednesday, 08 March 2000 13:39:59 GMT RTRS [nL08444555]

I bet they'd allow him to be called Newton Heath, all though I'm sure his friends just refer to him as 'sad f***er'

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2000

Answers

England v Germany venue?

While it has been widely speculated that OT and SJP are vying to stage this World Cup qualifier, apparently the FA have not as yet ruled out Wembley. The stadium development plans are behind schedule and as usual the FA will do anything to keep England there - for whatever reason.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2000

Michael Grey to leave the S-O-L?

It is widely rumoured that self-declared Mag hater, Micky Grey, (aka short-@rsed, baby-faced, mackem git) - is to leave the makems, with Villa and Spurs contemplating #4 million bids.

Makem manager, Mr. M. Heed, is set to move for Ben Thatcher for #5 million if the deal goes through - principally to minimise the risk of Nicky Summerbee suffering any further GBH next season.

If the Thatcher transfer goes ahead Wimbledon are considering offering BR two 4p/litre Sainsbury petrol discount coupons for Toon U-21 international LB, Carl Serrant.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2000

I spend a lot on diesel and would willingly swap a couple of football cards I've got from candy sticks for the 4p off a litre Sainsbury's voucher. Should still be enough for the Mackem.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2000

Taggart touted as Manchester Mayor

Taggart has reportedly emerged as a shock contender to become Mayor of Manchester when his contract ends in 2002. Reports claim that the United boss, whose political allegiance to the left is well-documented, has been offered the post by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The PM is said to be unhappy at the public relations disaster which continues to tarnish the Mayor of London campaign and is keen to appoint more public figures to key political roles. Presumably, then he doesn't see basic common sense, good manners and decency, humility, or even a smidgeon of intellect, as preferable traits for such a key position!

Look out gang, we could yet see Fabulous Freddie Fletcher as Lord Mayor of the Toon. Lord preserve us!!

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2000

Taggart for Mayor I'll vote for that. I mean, the mayor sets the political tone and influences the decisions made by loacl government. I can see this as a tremendous boost to the region's finances (I'm currently working in Greater ManUreland). Folks will come flocking in from Lahndaan and it is likely that the airport will have to be extended yet again tocope with the influx of foreign visitors. However, on a more personal note, it seems reasonable to expect an extra half hour at least on the drinking up time in the pubs. I'll drink to that. What about you, George Best?

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2000

BLACKBURN, England, March 14 (Reuters) - Former Liverpool and Benfica manager Graeme Souness was appointed as the new manager of English first division side Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday. Souness has been given a contract until 2003, the club said. Present manager Tony Parkes is staying on as his assistant.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2000

LIVERPOOL, England, March 14 (Reuters) - Part-time Wales manager Mark Hughes has joined English premier league Everton as a player from Southampton. Southampton have released the striker from his contract so there was no fee involved, Everton said. Hughes's contract will run until the end of next season. Everton are in need of a seasoned striker because of injury problems.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2000