Manchester United become first English club to hire counter-terrorism boss

Manchester United have today confirmed the appointment of a full-time counter-terrorism manager, becoming the first English club to do so.

According to BBC Sport, the position has been filled by a former inspector from the specialist search unit at Greater Manchester Police.

Unveiled at a recent club forum, the post is just one of a number of new security measures introduced at Old Trafford to protect staff and fans on matchdays.

Vehicles at the stadium are now checked as they enter car parks, while fans are searched as they pass through the turnstiles.

In May last year, MUFC’s Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth was postponed and the ground evacuated after a suspicious object was found in a toilet.

The item later turned out to be a fake bomb left at the stadium by a security firm, but the furor reportedly cost United in the region of £4m.

Analysis

I’m surprised it’s taken United eight months to create a full-time counter terror position since the ‘bomb’ incident last summer.

Although the device turned out to be a dummy, terror is obviously a growing international concern as more and more attacks are carried out and the global death toll continues to rise.

Sports venues are prime targets, so I’ve no doubt that other Premier League clubs will see what United’s done and follow suit.

Better to take the necessary steps to protect fans before a tragedy occurs rather than after.

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