City ‘forced’ into closures

COVENTRY City have been “forced” to temporarily close their official club stores and Ccfcstore.com.

The Sky Blues confirmed the move in a statement yesterday, saying the decision was taken due to circumstances outside of the club’s control.

They relate to problems with retail partner Elite Sports Group, and are issues that left the Sky Blues with “no other choice”.

While announcing the news in a statement, the club said: “We understand supporters will be frustrated by the news, at what is a busy time over the festive period, and this is something we recognise and can only apologise for, but in order to ensure as little disruption as possible, this is a decision we have had to take.

“Recent online orders may have been affected by this and we are currently liaising directly with the fulfilment warehouse to seek clarity on those orders that may be affected.

“We will work with Elite to ensure that we get this solved as soon as possible, to prevent any further disruptions.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles, since taking charge at City in 2016.

Guardiola said: “I can’t say thank you enough to everyone at the club for trusting me.

“I am happy and comfortable, and I have everything I need to do my job as best as possible.

“From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place.’’

Former Liverpool and Everton striker David Johnson has died aged 71.

Johnson made 213 appearances and scored 78 goals in six years at Anfield. He also had two spells at Everton and played eight times for England, scoring six times.

He had a successful spell at Ipswich before moving to Liverpool in 1976 for a clubrecord fee of £200,000.

He went on to win three league titles at Anfield as well as a European Cup winners’ medal in 1981.