News reached the sports media and football supporters earlier today that leading German side Bayern Munich would be announcing a ’spectacular’ new signing at lunchtime.  The anticipation grew all morning as to the identity of the new player who would propel the club to ever greater success - Berbatov from Manchester United, Tevez from Manchester City, Drogba from Chelsea?

The signing was…a new iPhone app. Cue furious reaction from disappointed supporters, with over 3,000 comments posted on the club’s Facebook page, and leading it to trend on Twitter.

The stunt will have damaged the club’s relations with the media and with its own supporters (read customers). A price worth paying to launch a new app?

How best to recover their reputation? Simple. Announce a spectacular new signing.