Chapman pitches for footie development

Bolton-based specialist accident firm Carl Chapman & Co could not have hoped for a better celebrity endorsement than from Gary Neville.

The holder of many England caps and countless medals notwithstanding, Mr Neville is known for being a little accident-prone on the pitch, and indeed has been laid up for months with a broken foot.

It must have been fate that brought the two together at a soccer school event held in Manchester recently for children from deprived communities, and sponsored by the firm.

Personal injury work for Manchester United players could be something of a growth area if their slightly ropey start to the season continues, we would suggest, what with the manager's reputation as something of a teacup thrower and the presence of that ever-placid chap, Roy Keane, in their ranks.