ON THIS DAY

Arsenal played their first match at the Emirates, the Gunners defeating Ajax 2-1 in the testimonial match for Dennis Bergkamp. 23 rd July

After plenty of speculation Manchester United signed Rio Ferdinand from Leeds for a British record transfer fee of £29,100,000.

European football arrived in Birkenhead! Security fears saw Shelbourne move their home UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round tie against Rangers from Dublin to Tranmere Rovers Prenton Park ground. A 6047 crowd watched in amazement as the Irish side took a 3-0 half time lead against a Rangers side who were playing for the first time under a foreign manager, Dick Advocaat. His first half time talk did the trick though - Rangers won the match 5-3.