North Sydney Bears officials commissioned independent research that suggests the club still has 500,000 supporters in Queensland and NSW, "figures they believe strengthen their consortium's case" to buy the National Rugby League side Gold Coast Titans' license. The Bears are "backing a consortium of wealthy businessmen with North Sydney connections," having granted the group the right to use the colors and moniker of the foundation club (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/7).
ManU is asking supporters to turn up for matches at Old Trafford two hours before kickoff "thanks to new security measures." The club has written to fans ahead of the new campaign and said that "the move has been made in the light of the terror attacks in Manchester, London and Paris." ManU said that it introduced a number of changes "to ensure the safety of all supporters, visitors and staff at Old Trafford" (London DAILY MAIL, 8/5).
League Two side Yeovil Town's players and staff have agreed to refund the 258 fans who traveled to their 8-2 opening day defeat at Luton Town. The club took an early lead but found itself down 5-1 at halftime "before eventually falling to a joint-record league defeat." Manager Darren Way said, "Paying supporters their money back is a collective decision -- we're not happy with just apologizing, but at the same time know our best apology will come on the pitch in the coming weeks" (BBC, 8/6).