Mr. Lin's circle of advisers is smaller than that of other NBA stars.

WSJ: Volvo Courts NBA's Lin in China

There are still those who believe Sharif has no ideas of his own and relies on a close circle of advisers.

CNN: CAN THIS MAN MEND PAKISTAN?

He was one of a close circle of advisers in Downing Street in the final hours of Mr Brown's premiership as the party tried and failed to negotiate a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.

BBC: Row over Alastair Campbell on BBC Question Time panel

It had been usual before he was appointed for the president to have a circle of close advisers, each in an important-sounding job and each competing for his ear.

ECONOMIST: Donald Regan

He met with his inner circle of national security advisers and military staff.

NPR: Bush Huddles with Aides on Iraq Strategy

Later, the president has a working lunch with a small circle of cabinet members and advisers.

CNN: ERAP'S BIG ROLE

To some, this inner (and interconnected) circle of competent, pro-business advisers means good news.

CNN: THE TROUBLESHOOTERS

Mrs Palin's circle and Mr McCain's advisers are leaking criticism of each other to the press.

ECONOMIST: John McCain thinks he can win, but too few voters agree