Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

The era of industrial Britain, where a large section of our workforce provided cheap labour in factories and processing goods is over.

In Scotland, the indication is that for the Westminster elections at least, Labour voters are satisfied with their government.

Even though I support the blue side of Manchester's football heritage, I don't really mind that wherever I go in the world it's not Manchester City that starts the conversation. 'Ah, yes, Manchester United,' is the response when I say where I come from. It's commonplace everywhere - in Europe, Africa, Asia and even the U.S.

Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

There's a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.

Events are moving so fast and what in one moment seems impossible, the next is happening. I'm sure historians will, in time, provide theories and analysis, but for now I think most of us simply want the tide stemmed.