After Dinner Speakers: Dwight Yorke, Stephen Fry, Peter Stringfellow

Dwight Yorke finally ended his Old Trafford nightmare in July 2002 when Blackburn Rovers reached an agreed fee to take the striker to Ewood Park after months of haggling. Manchester United were holding out for Ł6million for Trinidad and Tobago international, who was in the final year of his contract, but finally settled on a lower, undisclosed figure. Yorke fell rapidly out of favour in his final year at Old Trafford, falling foul of Sir Alex Ferguson and finding himself excluded from the first team squad, making his eventual move away from Old Trafford a case of 'when' rather than 'if'. Trinidad and Tobago international, Dwight Yorke became Manchester United's record signing in August 1998 following an 'on/off' transfer saga. A Ł16m price tag was slapped on the then 26 year old striker, but having had bids of Ł8m and Ł10m refused, Aston Villa finally let their prize asset go for a record Ł12.6m. Always a crowd favourite, Dwight's dream move was completed just before the transfer deadline for the Champions' League and after a quiet away debut at West Ham he burst into life, netting twice in the 4-1 drubbing of Premiership newcomers Charlton. Dwight is a quality finisher when the chances come, has good spacial awareness and is good in the air. He enjoyed a superb first season when everything seemed to go right and the Treble was secured. Observers were particularly impressed at the almost psychic interplay with Andy Cole after many had thought Cole wasn't capable of forging a successful strike partnership. Dwight's career at Villa took some time to take off, as he wasn't initially considered an out and out striker. Brian Little brought out his attacking instincts and he became the first ever Aston Villa player to be named FA Premiership player of the month (for February 1996). A revelation in the 96/97 season scoring 27 goals in all competitions, and was deservedly voted Villa's player of the year and scored the last goal in Villa's 3-0 rout of Leeds in the Coca Cola Cup Final of 1996. His off-the-field antics have landed him in trouble with both Aston Villa and Manchester United in the past; partying and string of affairs with the likes of topless model Jordan, as well as missing training, have not always endeared him to Ferguson and the demanding supporters. Graeme Souness's no-nonsense management style is not that different to Fergie leading to a few inevitable scraps with Yorke. However after a first mixed season for the talented striker Souness stayed loyal and dismissed a swap deal for Yorke, with suggestions he could be heading back to Villa Park in return for Alpay. Yorke will be eager to improve on his 13 goals in his debut season, but his vast experience will be crucial for Rovers' European aspirations.