I am delighted that Manchester has been crowned “the UK’s Greatest Sporting City” by ESPN in recognition of the city’s fantastic sporting heritage.

According to research from ESPN and the universities of Gloucester and Bath Manchester topped the ranking after scoring highly in most of the 12 factors, which included value for money, success, atmosphere and transport links.

London, host city for the 2012 Olympics, came in second while Glasgow – which staged the Commonwealth Games last year – finished third.

Manchester’s passion for sport has led to the establishment of truly world-class sporting facilities such as the National Cycling Centre; two of the world’s biggest football clubs who every four seasons provide a level of global exposure equivalent to hosting an Olympic Games; the National Cycling Centre, National Squash Centre and National Football Museum, to mention but a few.

It comes as no surprise to former Manchester United and England…