By Paul Kennedy

Manchester United's strength as one of the world's premier soccer brands helped boost pre-tax profits almost 48 percent with a record second quarter, but a tax charge of almost $19 million -- compared with a tax credit of more than $35 million for the same period last year -- caused profits to drop 62 percent.

For the three months ending Dec. 31, Manchester's income from continuing operations was 16 cents a share. That compares with 42 cents per share a year earlier. An analyst poll expected income to be 26 cents per share. Manchester United Ltd. finished Friday at $18.51, down $0.15 for the week.

Boosted by six new deals, United's sponsorship revenue rose 48.6 percent to $32.3 million. The new United partners reflect the club's strong following outside England:

-- Kansai (Japan/South Africa)
-- Singha (Thailand),
-- Wahaha (China)
-- Multistrada (Indonesia)
-- China Construction Bank (China)
-- Denizbank (Turkey)

Not surprisingly, United will head on tour to Asia in the summer of 2013 with games in Japan and Hong Kong as well as Australia.

NEW NSCAA BOARD. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America welcomed eight people into new board of directors positions, including new president Jack Huckel.

Amanda Vandervort (Vice President of Marketing) and Charlie Slagle (Secretary) were elected to the executive committee.

Representatives re-elected to board positions were Kevin Sims (Girls High School), Kevin Denson (Boys Youth) and Gerry DiBartolo (Men's College).

Huckel succeeds Ralph Polson, who will serve as immediate past president for one year. Huckel appointed two new at-large members: Jesus Medina representing the Latin American Soccer Coaches Committee, and Charlie Wright to the Finance, Budget and Audit Committee.

FREE FOX SOCCER PLUS PREVIEW. Fox Soccer Plus is offering fans a free nine-day preview beginning Saturday.

The week-long preview features matches from the English Premier League and Scottish Premier League and games from the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, as well as rugby.
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