United fan Woolas holds key to Tevez transfer
There's much talk in football circles of Carlos Tevez leaving Manchester United this summer, and joining one of United's English rivals such as Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City.
There's one big obstacle to such an idea. The Immigration minister Phil Woolas is a fervent, match-going Manchester United fan. If Tevez found a new English club it would be Woolas' responsibility to sign the relevant forms required to join a new employer.
One question Woolas would be obliged to ask is whether Tevez has learnt English yet (which I understand he hasn't).
I'm told on very good authority that Woolas would never stomach the idea of signing a form which allowed Tevez to go to Liverpool. For one thing, I'm told, he'd never survive the wrath of his Oldham constituents.
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 12th May 2009, stanilic wrote:Looks like the luckless Woolas will have to have another meeting with his new boss, the fragrant Lumley.
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Comment number 2.
At 12th May 2009, meninwhitecoats wrote:Michael
Of all the days to be reporting trivia - are you serious?
Just for the record Michael - are you worth more than an MP?
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Comment number 3.
At 14th May 2009, Mark Walton wrote:What a narrow-minded post Michael - I'm disappointed in you!
When Tevez does leave Man U, if Mr Woolas is so petty as to use his political influence (with your obvious encouragement!) then it will be a shocking state of affairs worthy of a Newsnight expose....
If a move to Liverpool is halted then, regardless of where he ends up, I hope he now leaves Man United. After reading this, they don't deserve him!
(PS any jobs at Newsnight going?)
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Comment number 4.
At 15th May 2009, newsjock wrote:Even a soccer pitch is not a level playing field.
Still, if a condition of staying in the UK is to become reasonably fluent in speaking English then it could be "au revoir".
Even if he doesn't leave Man U, could he still be assessed on his English skills, and have his work permit rescinded?
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