A few weeks ago Steve Lamb, a season-ticket holder at Old Trafford for 32 years, received a 'renewal communication' from Manchester United. In the emotionless language of the apparatchik, it sounded a little like the prelude to an invitation to a sojourn in Siberia. And in a way, it was.
Steve is from Stockport. He went to his first United game with his dad in 1971 when he was seven years old. Going to Old Trafford, travelling home and away, became a way of life. He was an obsessive. He still is. He and his two sons have had their season tickets for 32 years.