United name new communications chief

Manchester United have appointed Philip Townsend as their new director of communications to replace Paddy Harverson, who is leaving the club to work for the Prince of Wales.

Townsend, who will take up the post in February, is currently press secretary to the Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, and head of sports communications at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

United chief executive David Gill said: “We are delighted to have secured Phil’s services. His experience of working in a high-profile Government department and handling major sports issues and stories with the domestic and international media means he is ideally suited to join us as director of communications.”

Townsend, 34, was born in Oldham and is a lifelong United supporter.