Man City hit with Royle bashing

Joe Royle has launched a furious broadside at his former Manchester City employers, claiming they "lack class" and refuting suggestions of a drink culture during his time at Maine Road.

Royle was awarded £422,000 (€632,000) in compensation yesterday after a UK Court ruled that City were still a Premiership club at the time of his dismissal in May 2001 even though they had finished the season in the relegation zone.