The forgotten story of … Luton Town's Manager Idol

12 October 2018 10:07
Primetime TV would prove the inspiration for one of the most shambolic managerial appointments in football historyBack before X Factor, Strictly and Britain’s Got Talent dominated the Saturday night schedules, there was Pop Idol, the Simon-Cowell-backed singathon on which hundreds of plucky crooners belted their hearts out for the chance to win a record contract, while the public called in – in their droves – to vote for their favourites.On 9 February 2002 more than 13 million people tuned in to see Will Young take on Gareth Gates in the final of the first series – nearly nine million votes were cast. It was a huge ratings and financial success – even before the No 1 singles and multiplatinum albums, the series made £2.5m from the public’s newfound desire to have their say on the premium-rate phonelines. Related: The Forgotten Story of … when Diego Maradona 'signed' for Dundee Related: The forgotten story of … the Colourful XI tragedy Related: The forgotten story of . Dundee United's glory years under Jim McLean | Daniel Harris Continue readingreadfullarticle

Source: TheGuardian