Freeman, with his immense dignity and authority, manages to keep his head above water, but Pitt goes under.

NEWYORKER: Seven

Delve's decision to move to Melbourne will cast doubt over his Welsh international career as the Super 15 rugby season goes head-to-head with the Six Nations.

BBC: Melbourne Rebels confirm Gareth Delve signing

But Laws claimed the whole country would be behind the Clarets as the 48-year-old goes head-to-head with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time in his career.

BBC: Brian Laws confident Burnley can beat Manchester United

After the takeover goes through the current board will stay in place, as will manager Liam Daish, although his title will change to head coach.

BBC: Fan website agrees club takeover

When Sir Gus goes at the end of the year to the House of Lords, the Valhalla of the civil service, his role as head of the domestic service and cabinet secretary will be divided into three.

ECONOMIST: Shuffling mandarins: Goodbye to GOD | The

My scenario goes like this: Dominique Strauss-Kahn is forced to resign as head of the IMF because of those problems over his former mistress and then Gordon Brown takes over as the self-styled saviour of the financial world.

BBC: Martha Kearney's week