61.   Birmingham finished mid-table in the English first division this season despite some frantic transfer dealings by Fry.

62.   The shield can be taken by any team that beats the holder and Canterbury must now face five challengers from the first division this season.

63.   The signing would provide a boost to Blackburn, who have suffered from a shortage of goals in the Premiership since their promotion from the first division last season.

64.   They had threatened to take court action for compensation after being left out of the Super League despite winning the second division last season.

65.   Two years ago they went down but proved far too good for the Second division last season.

66.   Marseille were relegated to the second division last season following a match-fixing scandal.