Football: Newcastle capture 'bargain' Hottiger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NEWCASTLE UNITED put British transfer fees into sharp perspective yesterday when they signed a World Cup full-back for pounds 600,000.
Marc Hottiger, an impressive forager on the right for Switzerland in the United States, turned down a German club and committed himself to St James's Park for three years. Terry McDermott, Newcastle's assistant manager, described the 26-year-old from Sion as a bargain, saying the deal 'proves the English transfer market is inflated.'
Two other premiership clubs, Everton and Queen's Park Rangers, acquired new chairmen. Peter Johnson, the former owner of Tranmere, finally moved in to Goodison Park, while 30-year-old Richard Thompson stood down at Loftus Road.
After more than a year of negotiation, Everton's shareholders backed Johnson's takeover, voting 1,695 to 22 in favour of his pounds 10m rights issue. Johnson said all his cash injection would be available to the manager, Mike Walker.
The shareholders' decision was backed by Bill Kenwright, the Everton director who was initially a rival bidder for the club but who has agreed to stay on the board.
Thompson, the target of protest from QPR fans after the sale of several top players for big fees over the past few years, will stay on as a director but his fellow board member Peter Ellis will take the chair. Thompson Investments retains overall control of the club.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments