DUFFEN’S CASH IS MISSED AT BASH

The framed caricature of all the prize winners went for just £200 when last year one punter paid what in hindsight was a way-over-the-odds £300.

That man was former Hull City chairman Paul Duffen, who 12 months ago splashed out nearly £1,500 on memorabilia.

Duffen’s best friend and former employee Phil Brown was also a notable absentee from the dinner in Manchester having initially accepted an invitation, but other Premier League managers did attend – Owen Coyle, David Moyes, ‘Fergie Gang’ member Sam Allardyce and Wigan manager Roberto “I no say these things” Martinez. Spotting the latter two sitting at the same table, compere Vince Miller wondered whether Big Sam was there as Martinez’s interpreter – by far the funniest comment of the night.

It certainly did not face any competition from the comedian, who made everybody squirm with some dated off-colour material that made new FA chief executive Ian Watmore uncomfortable as he was sat next to him on the top table.