The Beckham move

So David Beckham has finally packed his bags and left Manchester United for Real Madrid. For many of us, this has long seemed inevitable. David Beckham is a talented player and while there must be many compensations in plying his trade in the undemanding backwater of Old Trafford it could never be long before he would yearn to be playing at the highest level.

While Man United fans will quite legitimately mourn his loss they can hold their heads up high reminding themselves that it was their team that provided the stepping stone for Beckham as he prepared for the crowning glory of his career.

I remember what it was like when John Barnes left Watford for Liverpool.