Manchester United withdrew the offer of director of communications from Alison Ryan after it came to light that she was debarred last year because of a series of offences.

In an embarrassing public relations gaffe, Ryan has left the job after only 13 days and before she officially took up the position on October 16.

United claim Ryan kept back certain career details from them and the recruitment agency, Howgate Sable, which was employed to find suitable candidates.

The Bar Council confirmed that Ryan was debarred in March last year for telling several lies about her educational and career history.

The former barrister claimed she had gained a first-class degree from Cambridge when she had only attained a second.

She wrongly claimed to have had a distinction in the bar vocational course. She gave the name of a reference and falsely claimed that he was a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She also failed to appear before the bar disciplinary committee and instead went to Cuba, claiming she was doing charity work.

Despite this huge setback United claim they remain committed to appointing a director of communications and will resume their search.

In a statement the club said: "Appointing a suitable candidate for this post remains a major commitment alongside the new fans forum and customer charter as stated on the 16th of September.

"The search for a new director of communications will commence immediately."

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2000

Answers

Who do I apply to?? ;-)

-- Anonymous, September 30, 2000