Points not pints as Megson bans party

John Curtis
Friday 13 December 2002 00:00 GMT
Comments

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.

Booze and partying is not on the agenda at West Bromwich Albion this Christmas as the team's manager Gary Megson has imposed a strict ban.

Megson has stressed the need for a dry festive season to bolster the Baggies hopes of staying in the Premiership and his squad will not be holding their traditional Christmas party. Instead, jelly and ice cream will be on the menu at a party being thrown for the players' children.

Megson wants his players to be in shape for the demanding programme over the next fortnight, starting with tomorrow's derby at Aston Villa. "With four games in 10 days, you can't be going out on the lash and expect to perform well. Our supporters don't want to be in a pub at Christmas time and see players alongside them.

"I pulled Derek McInnes in as the captain and told him what I didn't want to happen this year. But the players had already decided that wasn't the right thing to do, so we are having a party for the kids with jelly and ice cream.

"Over Christmas there is a tradition and an excuse to go out and have a skinful. That's got to stop.

"Football has changed dramatically with the wages players now earn. They have got to perform differently to the players of seven or eight years ago."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in