Rovers return to old ambitions

MANCHESTER CITY and Shamrock Rovers have taken very different routes to supremacy in their respective leagues — indeed City are still some way short of their own summit.

But it’s interesting that both clubs have identified the same, more self-sustaining, means of holding any ground they have gained on their rivals.

Last week, City announced plans to invest millions in an 80-acre football academy to rival Barcelona’s famous La Masia and push the club to the fore when it comes to attracting local and international talent.