Stars who can’t retire gracefully

It’s amazing what people used to the glare of publicity will do to stay in the media spotlight.

Remember John Stalker – former deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester police, who led a high-profile anti-terrorist investigation in Northern Ireland? He went on to advertise steel window shutters.

And then there’s “Big” Ron Atkinson, the jewellery-clad former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager who roamed the touchline for centuries before hanging up his sheepskin coat.

He’s now throwing his considerable weight behind online bookies, as firststake.com’s top tipster.

Seen grinning cheesily from the front of a firststake.com supplement, Big Ron is pulling no punches.

Surprise, surprise – he’s tipped United for the title. Still, “it’s early doors” and the league’s a marathon, not a sprint.