Sept 2 2008, Transfer window, Gusto, Richard Williams

UP late watching the developments as the transfer window began to close. Don't like the window as I like the buzz of transfer gossip to go on all year round. However, there's no doubting the excitement the last day creates.
The Manchester City takeover emerged as the big story, bringing with it their shock capture of Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea.
The big worriers should be Liverpool and Arsenal. They gear their activity and investment around the near-certainty that they will finish in the top four and be guaranteed Champions League football next season.
City's 'arrival' threatens that sinecure. Somone will end this season as a big-time loser.

HAD lunch at Gusto at the Albert Dock to mark 40 years service by our picture editor Richard Williams. Great food and great service, as well as a great atmosphere. The place is going from strength to strength.

Walked in to the reception desk accompanied by astoundingly glamorous trio of female journalists Andrea Williams, Stacey Roberts, and Jill Tunstall.

'You should have a table for Machray?' I asked.

'We're his bitches,' explained Jill to the Maitre D. Sadly, he laughed.

Hard to sum up Richard's 40 years at a lunch or in a blog. Suffice to say he is one of the most professional, tenacious, courteous journalists with whom I've ever had the pleasure to work.

His long-serving colleague, Eddie Barford, tells a story about the Toxteth Riots when Richard was the only photographer brave enough to take pics of looters raiding an off-licence at the height of the violence. It didn't surprise me.