Manchester United may be no closer to unveiling a successor to Alex Ferguson but fans can draw comfort from the fact that today the club will welcome a signing that could prove just as influential in prolonging the club's success.

The process of replacing Old Trafford's long-serving plc chairman Roland Smith, has not attracted the same media attention but in financial terms is no less important.

Roy Gardner, a non-executive director on the plc board since December 1999, will be confirmed in the chairman's role at the club's a.g.m. today. He will become the most powerful man at Old Trafford, master of the plc board and the ultimate signatory on the new manager's contract.

Meanwhile, Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he is flattered by speculation that he will succeed Ferguson as Manchester United manager. But England's Swedish coach insists he has had no contact with the Premiership champions.

Sheffield Wednesday, wallowing in the First Division relegation zone and £16 million in debt, will today appoint Terry Yorath as their fourth manager in just under two years. The former Wales coach has been caretaker following Peter Shreeves's resignation last month.

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has embarked on a policy of damage limitation to resolve the Steve Bruce situation. Jordan will demand a confidentiality clause in any deal which takes Bruce to Birmingham, and will go to court next Thursday to prevent him joining Palace's First Division rivals if he does not get his way.

Former Scotland coach Craig Brown said yesterday that he has turned down an offer to take over as coach of Saudi Arabia for the World Cup.

Brown, who resigned as manager of Scotland after their failure to reach the finals, said that the offer was made last week but he had not heard anything since.