It was a case of much ado about nothing. It was during the 02/03 season when 20 year old French striker David Bellion found himself at the centre of a protracted transfer saga involving Manchester United, as they sought to prize him from surefire relegation candidates Sunderland. Despite having registered just one goal for the Black Cats, Bellion was a highly-rated youngster and fought tirelessly for his dream move to Old Trafford after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Sunderland. The Red Devils were subsequently accused of tapping up and were ordered to pay £2 million in compensation. Bellion found himself disillusioned by the whole affair and at one point declared his intent to return to France because he was confused about how English clubs do business, before changing his mind and wrapping up a transfer to Old Trafford in the summer. With relations soured between both clubs, Sunderland chairman Bob Murray bemoaned the entire affair, criticising the Manchester United hierarchy for their part in turning their starlets head.
''Uniteds treatment of this club is shabby, despicable, disrespectful, arrogant and unprofessional. They have broken every rule in the book. He wants to go to Manchester United and I understand that. But they refuse to meet our asking price and have totally unsettled our player both mentally and physically - David has told me he doesnt feel mentally right to play for Sunderland. The relationship between our two clubs is at an all-time low. - Sunderland chairman Bob Murray, July 2003.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
