Tottenham Hotspur's fax on their acceptance of the offer from Nottingham Forest for Michael Dawson; the just-published copy of the Nottingham Evening Post, still with a whiff of a fresh-ink smell; and Martin O'Neill's handwritten resignation letter, were placed together on Evan Doughty's desk. His brain did not respond for a while.

The fax was sent to him by his secretary, Miss Lucy, along with a good-morning kiss. It was a close interaction that transcended the relationship between a club chairman and a secretary. The Evening Post was brought to him later by his old friend, Allan Adams. The resignation letter was personally delivered by Martin O'Neill. The man who wanted to resign was still standing in the room waiting for the club chairman's approval.

Two days had passed since O'Neill flew into a terrible rage in front of Evan Doughty.

The deal with Tottenham Hotspur to buy Dawson was in Doughty's plan. They bought a center back at the peak of his playing career at a low price. Ev