Well done to the kind-hearted folk at Ryanair, who have announced a "special" £199 service between Liverpool and Porto for Manchester United supporters heading to the Champions League quarter-final in a fortnight.

Says a breathless press release: "Ryanair has been working with Liverpool Airport to ensure that Man U fans can fly direct to Porto for this crunch match. We're delighted to have secured slots to allow Fergie's fans to travel – from Liverpool – to follow Ronaldo, Rooney and the rest of the team as they bid for Euro glory."

Normal cost of a one-way Ryanair flight between Liverpool and Porto – £6.49.

TONY Livesey watch out.

Ben Burgess, who has his sights set on a career in the media when he hangs up his boots, is combining playing with studying for a journalism degree.

As part of his course, Burgess has already done work experience at The Gazette and is currently at the BBC, working in the North West Tonight studio and linking up with sports presenter Livesey.

"It's going well and I want to get it done before the baby comes along," said Burgess, whose wife is due to give birth in the next month.

"I am not going to make enough money from football to keep me for the rest of my life, so I want a few options."

With wages starting at a basic £120,000 a year at The Gazette just for a junior reporter, Burgess is clearly choosing the correct career path.

Incidentally, I once took part in a Radio 5Live phone-in discussion with Livesey. We had met briefly at a Blackpool FC press conference.

Recalling that on air, he said: "Oh, you're the one who dressed a bit scruffy".

Firstly – pot, kettle, black. Secondly, anyone who has seen my new M and S trousers and tank top combination would surely disagree.