Tag Archives: blazers

Soccer Saturday tour scrapped – Charlie Sale

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Soccer Saturday tour scrapped… but no-one will say why

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UPDATED:

23:08 GMT, 13 November 2012

A theatre tour of Sky Sports’ cult programme Soccer Saturday, presented by Jeff Stelling, has been cancelled in mysterious circumstances.

Tickets for the four dates in Liverpool this week and Newcastle later this month as well as aborted shows at Wembley and Birmingham had been selling well after successful performances in Southampton and Bournemouth featuring Stelling and regular pundits Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, Chris Kamara, Matt Le Tissier and Paul Merson.

But all the remaining tour dates were scrapped with no plans for them to be re-scheduled and refunds paid out to those who had already booked seats for the question-and-answer football chat.

Stopped: Soccer Saturday's theatre tour has been halted

Stopped: Soccer Saturday's theatre tour has been halted

More from Charles Sale…

Sports Agenda Extra: We needed troops to step in yet G4S could WIN gong for 2012 Olympics work
05/11/12

Charles Sale: Silent Stan finally makes it back into the Arsenal stands
24/10/12

Charles Sale: Man United line up whopping 1bn Nike extension to boost the coffers
23/10/12

Charles Sale: Premier League loses its fizz for sponsor Lucozade
22/10/12

Charles Sale: Rooney's second book flop leaves publishes unsure over future titles
21/10/12

Charles Sale: No purple patch for quirky Mancini as Manchester City boss ditches unlucky colour
19/10/12

Charles Sale: Why the blazers ousted FA chairman Bernstein
18/10/12

Charles Sale: No extra time for FA chief Bernstein's regime
17/10/12

VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

Neither Sky nor the roadshow promoter Mike Osman would comment on why the project had been axed with the expectation of forthcoming legal action.

Sky denied the termination was due to executives’ concern that they had no involvement or control over entertainer Osman using the Soccer Saturday brand for his commercial enterprise. However, that might explain why Stelling did not promote the theatre tour during his TV appearances as Osman had wanted.

FA Trio hunting for Bernstein's replacement

The hunt for an FA chairman to succeed David Bernstein, who has to stand down next May after his 70th birthday, is being led by board trio Roger Burden, who heads the national game, Middlesbrough’s Keith Lamb and independent director Roger Devlin.

But Burden’s involvement does not necessarily guarantee his unfailing support for the next chairman. The former Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society chief was also on the nominations panel that chose Bernstein, yet Burden famously said Bernstein had had a humour bypass in a pivotal speech supposedly endorsing an extension to his term of office before the FA council voted against the board proposal.

BBC gain from Fox failure

The fall-out from Fox Sports losing their Premier League rights in the United States to NBC will help the BBC in contract talks with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who could have used Fox’s supposed interest in him hosting their PL coverage as a bargaining chip in his BBC talks. But the US rights from next season went to NBC for triple the money.

Benefit: The BBC might find it easier to keep hold of Gary Lineker after Fox lost the bidding war

Benefit: The BBC might find it easier to keep hold of Gary Lineker after Fox lost the bidding war

Blat to normal

The relationships between the FA and FIFA, which reached an all-time low after the 2018 World Cup vote debacle, have improved to the extent that the red carpet will be rolled out for Sepp Blatter when he visits St George’s Park next Wednesday.

FA chairman David Bernstein and his possible successor David Sheepshanks, chairman of St George’s Park, will be in Burton to greet the FIFA president. Next Tuesday, Blatter has invited Fabrice Muamba and Bolton chairman Phil Gartside for lunch in Zurich, where Muamba’s yet-to-be-decided role with FIFA will be discussed.

Leagues meet match

The Premier League and Football League have suffered a major financial setback with their joint venture company, Football DataCo, forbidden from charging media outlets, bookmakers and pools firms for publishing their fixtures.

The Appeals Court upheld the European Court verdict of March 1 that DataCo, which also involves the Scottish leagues, did not have the right to charge copyright fees for fixtures.

They're for everyone: The Premier League and Football DataCo lost in the battle to take copyright fees for fixtures

They're for everyone: The Premier League and Football DataCo lost in the battle to take copyright fees for fixtures

The decision, which will deny the football bodies hundreds of thousands of pounds, also ordered that any fixture fees paid since March be refunded as well as DataCo paying both sides legal costs of around 1.7million.

Quiet about Clive

Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward remains the elephant in the room at Twickenham, judging by PR advice given to stadium personnel before they were interviewed by Sky about England’s history in the build-up to the Fiji game. It is understood the RFU spin was that any memories of the 2003 triumph should stress the collective achievement rather than Sir Clive’s.

Joel Freeland to make NBA debut

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Joel stacks up just fine with Kobe as Brit bids to crack NBA

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UPDATED:

23:54 GMT, 30 October 2012

Joel Freeland was stacking shelves in a Sainsbury’s in Surrey 10 years ago but on Wednesday he will face Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers as he makes his NBA debut.

The Great Britain basketball player, 25, signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers this summer worth a reported $9million (5.6m), just eight years after taking up the sport.

Freeland was the first Briton to make the NBA draft when he signed for Portland in 2006, but the forward failed to get any playing time and returned to Europe to gain more experience. Six years later he has made it back to the States and will today fulfil his ambition of playing in the ‘best league in the world’.

Standing tall: Joel Freeland is set to make his NBA debut

Standing tall: Joel Freeland is set to make his NBA debut

‘It’s a dream opening game,’ said Freeland, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. ‘It’s going to be my debut in the NBA. I’ll be thinking of my family at home. It’s going to be epic.

‘It wouldn’t really matter to me as every team in the NBA has great quality and amazing players, but it’s incredible: to even be on the same court as people like Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash is going to be an amazing experience.

‘I have been getting better every year and established myself in Europe to get the chance to come over here. It’s a dream come true.’

Basketball was the ‘obvious choice’ for 6ft 10in Freeland after he broke his left leg playing football aged 14 and spent two weeks in hospital.

He played for the Thames Valley Tigers and then Solent Stars before joining Spanish third division side Gran Canaria II. Now he is an NBA ‘rookie’ once again, joining Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls as Britain’s representatives in the NBA, and has ambitions to promote his sport in England.

Tough task: Freeland will face Kobe Bryant on his debut

Tough task: Freeland will face Kobe Bryant on his debut

‘I did get into basketball fairly late,’ said Freeland. ‘I was 16, nearly 17. But Sainsbury’s does feel like a long time ago. I worked part-time in a supermarket in Farnham. It was just to earn a little bit of money.

‘I was 16 when I left there, but I cherish that part of my life. I have been given the chance to play in the best league in the world. It’s something I have been fighting for my whole career.

‘Basketball hasn’t progressed how we would like it to in England. I thought after the Olympics it would get a lot better than it has. It’s fighting against huge sports like football and it’s hard to get it out there. Can I provide that push I hope so.’

Meanwhile, Cheshire Jets have been thrown out of the British Basketball League (BBL) because of their financial problems.

New owner Hadyn Cook saved the club last month but asked the league to postpone next Sunday’s game against the Mersey Tigers as he tried to raise cash. The BBL rejected the request.

Watch Joel Freeland’s NBA debut against the LA Lakers live or on demand via NBA League Pass. For more information and for a free trial before November visit www.nba.com/leaguepass

Manchester United line up 1bn Nike kit deal

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Man United line up whopping 1bn Nike extension to boost the coffers

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UPDATED:

08:04 GMT, 24 October 2012

Manchester United will be looking to negotiate sports merchandising giants Nike's biggest-ever sponsorship deal when they begin renewal talks over Old Trafford kit supply in February.

The 13-year Nike agreement with United that expires in 2015 is worth 303million, plus a profit share on retail sales.

And United chief of staff Ed Woodward, who presides over the club's extraordinary commercial operation, is looking for a 'major increase' from Nike.

A new deal: Manchester United are eyeing a bumper extension from kit sponsors Nike

A new deal: Manchester United are eyeing a bumper extension from kit sponsors Nike

More from Charles Sale…

Charles Sale: Premier League loses its fizz for sponsor Lucozade
22/10/12

Charles Sale: Rooney's second book flop leaves publishes unsure over future titles
21/10/12

Charles Sale: No purple patch for quirky Mancini as Manchester City boss ditches unlucky colour
19/10/12

Charles Sale: Why the blazers ousted FA chairman Bernstein
18/10/12

Charles Sale: No extra time for FA chief Bernstein's regime
17/10/12

Charles Sale: England's hot date with Brazil at the new Maracana
16/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool PR man Chang faces internal probe over Duncan Jenkins claims
15/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool see red over Chang bullying claims
12/10/12

VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

They have a six-month window of exclusive talks with United. Woodward would not say what stratospheric number United are chasing.

But they are sure to remind Nike that shirt sponsorship has risen more than six fold in the same period – from Vodafone's 8m to the 52m a year Chevrolet will be forking out from the 2014-15 season.

These potential figures – which could even see a 1billion deal if Nike sign up for a similar length of time – dwarf the 156m over 10 years the US company are reportedly going to pay Rory McIlroy to have the swoosh on his golf equipment and clothing from 2013.

FA botch Bernstein extension

Chairman David Bernstein all but admitted that the FA botched attempts to extend his time in office past his age-limit 70th birthday next May – including alienating councillors by asking for unregulated proxy votes to count in the ballot.

Bernstein, a 'little frustrated' to be leaving in the middle of the 150th anniversary celebrations, said the FA 'didn't organise things as well as they might have done'.

The FA council, having blocked Bernstein, are now turning their guns on the staff-run Club England wanting more representation from the marginalised FA international committee.

But Bernstein said he would 'unequivocally oppose any changes' in his eight months left.

Beckham in his briefs

David Beckham was spotted in his underwear emerging from bushes during a film-shoot by a busload of sight-seers reportedly on a Hollywood tour of celebrity homes.

Now it transpires the coach was full of film extras and the sighting was staged as part of the Guy Ritchie-directed Beckham H&M commercial to be aired next year.

Neville juggling TV and United commitments

Gary Neville – England coach and Sky football pundit – also has to juggle the extra conflicts from his paid position as a Manchester United ambassador alongside Sir Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson and Andy Cole.

Man of many talents: Gary Neville is juggling between England duties (left), TV work, and his commitments as a Manchester United ambassador

Man of many talents: Gary Neville is juggling between England duties (left), TV work, and his commitments as a Manchester United ambassador

United are likely to add to their ambassadors as well as 'legends' – including Lee Sharpe, Dion Dublin, Quinton Fortune and Gary Pallister – to help service ever-burgeoning sponsorship partners currently totalling 77 worldwide.

These brought in 117million in the last financial year.

No wonder commercial director Richard Arnold says United are carving up their rights with a 'scalpel not a spade'.

They have 70 staff alone working the phones in their sponsorship search hot-house next door to Langan's Brasserie in London's Mayfair.

The owning Glazer family are said to have been instrumental in separating United's training-gear rights in their shirt deal with Aon, allowing for another 10m a year to be extracted from DHL for practice kit branding.

Sky slow on Armstrong

Disgraced drugs cheat Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his seven Tour de France victories as part of his exorcism from cycling's history.

But the official website of Team Sky, who boast of zero tolerance towards drugs, was still promoting Armstrong on Tuesday.

Sluggish: Team Sky's official website took their time to remove comments about disgraced drug cheat Lance Armstrong

Sluggish: Team Sky's official website took their time to remove comments about disgraced drug cheat Lance Armstrong

The on-line biography of Team Sky's senior sports director Sean Yates stated how he helped mentor 'one particularly talented young rider called Lance Armstrong . . . who often mentioned his debt to Yates for the advice he provided'.

It added that Yates worked with Armstrong at two teams before joining Sky.

However, all Armstrong mentions were deleted from the Yates biog around the time Sky were asked to comment.

Sheepshanks heads for Onside

Sports specialist lawyers Onside Law, who negotiated Alan Pardew's eight-year deal with Newcastle and TV sports presenter Jake Humphrey's contract with BT Vision, have appointed St George's Park chairman David Sheepshanks as a consultant to help build their football business.

Onside, set up by former IMG golf lawyer Oliver Hunt, represent Rory McIlroy.

Charles Sale: Wayne Rooney"s second book flops

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Rooney's second book flop leaves publishes unsure over future titles

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UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 21 October 2012

The remarkably poor sales of Wayne Rooney’s latest book charting 10 years in the top flight demonstrate that the recession in the football book market shows no sign of ending.

Publishers HarperCollins are understood to have sold only about 6,000 copies of Wayne Rooney — My Decade In The Premier League in the six weeks since the launch.

The low uptake follows huge publicity from a newspaper serialisation as well as coinciding with a period when Rooney has been constantly in the headlines through his England captaincy, the 10th anniversary of his spectacular entry into Premier League with that winning strike for Everton against Arsenal, his 200th club goal and wife Coleen expecting their second child.

hands up who wants my book: Wayne Rooney's second release has sold just 6,000

hands up who wants my book: Wayne Rooney's second release has sold just 6,000

More from Charles Sale…

Charles Sale: No purple patch for quirky Mancini as Manchester City boss ditches unlucky colour
19/10/12

Charles Sale: Why the blazers ousted FA chairman Bernstein
18/10/12

Charles Sale: No extra time for FA chief Bernstein's regime
17/10/12

Charles Sale: England's hot date with Brazil at the new Maracana
16/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool PR man Chang faces internal probe over Duncan Jenkins claims
15/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool see red over Chang bullying claims
12/10/12

Charles Sale: Tottenham back on Olympic track in bid to solve stadium problem
11/10/12

Charles Sale: New power move for Scudamore
10/10/12

VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

HarperCollins held crisis talks last year over the future of their 12-year, 5million, five-book deal with Rooney even before the delayed publication of this second in the series.

The lack of interest makes it more unlikely a further three books will see the light of day before the deal ends in 2018.

The setback follows Rooney failing to agree a new contract with EA Sports, who have Lionel Messi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Hart on the UK cover of their flagship computer game FIFA 2013. Rooney had been a cover fixture since 2005.

No long face

In contrast to the lack of Rooney books sold, broadcasting darling Clare Balding is determined that her young life story My Animals And Other Family heads the Christmas bestseller list.

So much so that she sandwiched her BBC presenting of Frankel’s glory run in the Champions Stakes between two book signing sessions at Ascot.
Balding also hosted a question and answer session for kids in the parade ring before the racing, at which she took every opportunity to plug the book as well.

Money maker

Such is the worldwide market- ability of David Beckham, his agents XIX see him earning more money than ever when his playing career finishes.
A sign of that commercial potential is the filming of Beckham’s latest advert for H&M underwear being directed by Guy Ritchie.

Mr Marketable: David Beckham's business team will continue to make money after his career

Mr Marketable: David Beckham's business team will continue to make money after his career

Missing medal men

Conspicuous by their absence from the UK Athletics golden fundraising gala dinner at the Royal Courts of Justice were two out of the three London 2012 gold medal winners from track and field — Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford, as well as four-gold Paralympian David Weir.

Farah lives in the United States, Rutherford was recovering from ankle and hernia operations and Weir’s partner has just had a baby.

Olympic high jump bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz was the star of the evening, clearing two metres dressed in just his underpants with his run-up between the dinner tables.

Jessica Ennis stood under the bar beforehand to demonstrate how high Grabarz was jumping. And a couple paid 5,000 for a hug and kiss from Robbie after his leap.

It’s good to talk, Queally

There is talk of putting a commitment to media promotion into the conditions for taking part in British Champions Day racing or introducing a financial incentive for PR co-operation.

This follows upset at superhorse Frankel’s introvert jockey Tom Queally not wanting to do radio or TV interviews at the main promotional event last week.

Let's talk: Tom Queally rode Frankel to record-breaking glory at Ascot

Let's talk: Tom Queally rode Frankel to record-breaking glory at Ascot

Queally, who fulfilled all media requests after Frankel’s triumph, is understood to be wary of racing journalists since he was fairly criticised for the ride he gave Frankel at last year’s Royal Ascot.

The drawing power of Frankel ensured Ascot was a sell-out for British Champions Day. But the organisers, whose Champion Series is a marketing tool rather than fulfilling the original intention of bringing a narrative to the Flat season, know they face a huge task filling Ascot next year following Frankel’s retirement.

But they are making the most of the Frankel effect by putting tickets on sale today.

Future's bright

There is big concern among stable lads at John Dunlop’s Arundel base about their future when the 73-year-old trainer retires next month.

The Duke of Norfolk, who owns the stables, has yet to find another trainer prepared to pay the expensive rent and might even renovate the site for other uses.

Mark Halsey barred from Jose Mourinho TV show by referee managers – Charles Sale

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Halsey barred from Jose tribute show by refereeing management body

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 19 October 2012

Premier League referee Mark Halsey has been prevented from taking part in an ITV tribute programme marking Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho’s 50th birthday in January.

Halsey, who describes the Special One as a ‘wonderful, wonderful person’, was keen to contribute to the show because of a close friendship with Mourinho forged while the referee was battling throat cancer.

Mourinho was one of the first to contact Halsey after his illness was made public. During his recovery, he was invited to Milan and Madrid to spend time with Jose, who ‘looked after me fantastically’, according to Halsey.

Issue: Mark Halsey was not allowed to talk about Jose Mourinho (above)

Issue: Mark Halsey was not allowed to talk about Jose Mourinho (above)

However, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, who manage the referees, have refused permission for Halsey to be interviewed, nor have they allowed ITV access to his wife Michelle, despite a number of requests.

A PGMOL spokesman said: ‘It’s standard practice that referees don’t do media during the season unless it relates to the promotion of referees and we can’t make an exception in this case. The referee contracts also include family members in this respect.’

McGrath set to bow out

More from Charles Sale…

Charles Sale: Why the blazers ousted FA chairman Bernstein
18/10/12

Charles Sale: No extra time for FA chief Bernstein's regime
17/10/12

Charles Sale: England's hot date with Brazil at the new Maracana
16/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool PR man Chang faces internal probe over Duncan Jenkins claims
15/10/12

Charles Sale: Liverpool see red over Chang bullying claims
12/10/12

Charles Sale: Tottenham back on Olympic track in bid to solve stadium problem
11/10/12

Charles Sale: New power move for Scudamore
10/10/12

Charles Sale: Sir Dave will give his FA vice-chairman post to Gill
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VIEW FULL ARCHIVE

BBC commentator Jim McGrath is likely to be calling his last big race in Frankel’s Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, with C4’s Simon Holt the choice to be lead commentator when the network start their exclusive terrestrial coverage next year. However, McGrath’s BBC colleague Rishi Persad will be part of the new-look C4 team along with the omnipresent Clare Balding.

Meanwhile, the Beeb are understood not to be looking back in too much detail at their rich racing history in their Ascot programme because they still have one day left of their doomed racing contract, at Chepstow on December 27. But that meeting is often a victim of the weather.

Mancini's purple snub

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini’s many quirks now include him declaring purple to be an unlucky colour. This has led to the Italian not wanting his players travelling to away games in their track suits, which have purple piping. So City’s kit staff have had to sort out a load of new clothing for away travel that doesn’t include the offending hue. Mancini’s squad were in blue when they set off for Saturday’s match at West Bromwich.

No purple: Roberto Mancini does not want his players wearing the colour

No purple: Roberto Mancini does not want his players wearing the colour

FA councillors plot Club England move

The Club England set-up is going to find itself under increasing pressure after the FA council prevented chairman David Bernstein from remaining in office past his age-limit 70th birthday next May and rejected proposed governance reforms.

FA councillors, having discovered they still have influence, don’t want a small group of FA executives in charge of the England team. And some of the most influential members of the council want a return to the FA international committee having the final say on England matters.

Mac’s FA ballot blues

FA company secretary Alistair Maclean is seen as not having helped David Bernstein’s chances of staying on as chairman with the way he organised the FA council ballot — especially arguing that proxy votes should be included because they count in a chairman’s election.

Former FA board member John Ward had to point out that the vote was about retaining Bernstein, not appointing him. Maclean is also seen as personalising the issue, to Bernstein’s detriment, by putting his name on the ballot question about the chairman’s period of office.

Thanks for nothing: David Bernstein (right) was not helped by Alistair Maclean

Thanks for nothing: David Bernstein (right) was not helped by Alistair Maclean

FA vice-chairmen Roger Burden and David Gill will lead the hunt to find a successor, with the expectation that they will want candidates in their fifties who can serve at least two four-year terms for much-needed continuity.

Yet Burden was on the nominations group that recommended Bernstein knowing he could stay in the job for less than three years because of his age. The same Burden remarkably described Bernstein as having a ‘humour bypass’ at the FA council meeting this week.

R's swoop for Donnelly

QPR, whose heavy spending needs bringing under control, have appointed Mark Donnelly, who was the FA’s chief finance officer, as their chief operating officer. This is another blow to FA general secretary Alex Horne, who loses his chairman David Bernstein in May.

Great Britain – we"re world beaters, Daley Thompson

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Little Britain, great success: We might be small but we're world beaters

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UPDATED:

22:48 GMT, 13 August 2012

Sportsmail columnist Daley Thompson looks back on a truly tremendous fortnight of action.

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LIVE RESULTS |
EVENT SCHEDULE |
MEDALS TABLE

The world will go away impressed and with treasured memories that will last a lifetime. We are the biggest little country in the world and a little shy to say how great we are at times. My friend, former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh, told me the facilities and atmosphere were the best he’s ever seen.

I don’t know what we can do to thank Sebastian Coe. He’s brought the country together and put a smile on everybody’s faces. He’s done an unbelievable job.

Hats off: Lord Sebastian Coe delivered a quite remarkable spectacle

Hats off: Lord Sebastian Coe delivered a quite remarkable spectacle

THE PROPER THANK YOUS…

The blazers will be putting in their orders for New Year honours about now, but we should save our heartfelt thanks for the people who really deserve it — the athletes, their coaches and their parents who have all spent many years preparing their charges for these Games. It’s the early dark mornings, training in the snow and rain, and the long car journeys to competitions in the middle of nowhere when nobody knows your name that build the belief and attitude which win you a place on the team. In Beijing there was no involvement from the local people. London has been a happier place and a more inclusive Games. The volunteers have been amazing and one of the best things that happened was G4S not being able to complete their job. It meant the armed forces came in and they were brilliant.

Heroes: Troops stepped in at late notice to become an integral part of the Games's success

Heroes: Troops stepped in at late notice to become an integral part of the Games's success

Three British moments I loved

Watching Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott win the canoe slalom. They had seven pairs going after them so it was really tense for about 25 minutes.

The 45 minutes in the Olympic Stadium on the first Saturday was magical. First Jess Ennis won gold, then Greg Rutherford and then Mo Farah. You can’t beat that.

Katherine Grainger winning after all the pain of those silvers at other Games. I was so happy for her.

THE GREAT DEBATE…

If you follow Sir Steve Redgrave’s theory, then there is a new greatest in town — Sir Chris Hoy. He has six gold medals so should therefore be considered the best Olympian we’ve had, overtaking Redgrave. The greatest is dead, long live the greatest. However, if you agree with my theory that such a title is impossible to give to one athlete, then we can all still enjoy endless hours of pub talk about who our favourites are and their merits. So welcome to my round table of greatness, Chris, where there is room for many.

MOAN No 1…

I don’t understand why the relay team failed again. They are fast enough and they should have won a medal. Our sprinters are rubbish on the world stage — an Olympic semi-final is the best they can hope for — but as a relay team we have a chance. It’s their only way on earth of winning a medal, so they should have been prioritising it ahead of the individual event, practising all the time. It’s delusional to think they can do anything on their own and a real shame.

Over the line: Great Britain's relay team should have won a medal

Over the line: Great Britain's relay team should have won a medal

BEST OF BRITISH…

I thought we’d do as well as we did and it’s great because we want and need British heroes. Now it’s important that the sports clubs across this country are ready for all the kids who are going to want to get involved. That’s what will ensure our success for the next 20 years. The Australians were brilliant from 2000 till about a year ago. They’ve become complacent. They haven’t continued to change. Look at the cycling. They did well in the World Championships and thought that would be enough. It wasn’t. Sport is so competitive that you always need to look to improve and we must do that if we want to keep being this successful.

Backward step: Australia won six cycling medals at the velodrome - one gold, two silver and three bronze

Backward step: Australia won six cycling medals at the velodrome – one gold, two silver and three bronze

And three non-British moments

My favourite of the whole Games was David Rudisha winning the 800 metres. The way he ran the race was unbelievable.

The 200m butterfly where Michael Phelps just got beaten in the final length by South Africa swimmer Chad le Clos was so exciting. Phelps could never lose that event — it was unthinkable.

The women’s volleyball final between Brazil and the USA was incredible, with some great rallies. I went to a pool match and the USA won so it was a surprise to see Brazil beat them.

THE BIG DIP…

Most of the athletics competitors will be out earning a living again in the next few weeks. But this will be the end of the year for some other sports. And a lot of competitors will go back to normal life and their jobs. It is tough for some people — most feel a bit flat after an Olympics because coming off that high and back to normality is difficult. I never found it a problem because I was so focused on training for the next event. The key is to go back to training only when you feel comfortable. In the meantime, just enjoy it, see your friends and family, and ride the wave. Then one day you’ll wake up and want to train again.

MY SPORT SHONE…

It was the best athletics meet ever. The performances to win events were staggering. Nobody would have thought that Andrew Osagie’s 1min 43.77sec would be good enough only for last place in the 800 metres. Mo Farah was unreal, too. Everyone thought he had a good chance of a medal but he surpassed that. Some people think that Usain Bolt was not as successful as he was in Beijing, because he wasn’t breaking as many records. But no-one has won those titles in consecutive Games like he has. He can continue if he wants — he’s a young man — but he might struggle to find the motivation because he could have better things to do. You have to really want it. Moving up to the 400m won’t happen either because it takes much more training.

Motivation: After two consecutive gold medal triple-hauls, where does Usain Bolt go from here

Motivation: After two consecutive gold medal triple-hauls, where does Usain Bolt go from here

MOAN No 2…

The Badminton World Federation’s decision to ban those players for trying to lose to secure an easier match after their round-robin was the worst thing at the Games. They had created that format, they knew what was going to happen. All the athletes were trying to do was improve their chances in a system they’d been given. It’s not that much different from a runner deliberately slowing down to save energy and finishing fourth when he knows the top four qualify from a race. The BWF created rules which made losing appealing — it should be a straight knockout in future.

He must stay: Charles van Commenee has done a splendid job

He must stay: Charles van Commenee has done a splendid job

DON’T GO, CHARLES…

Charles van Commenee hasn’t done a bad job. His problem is that he’s backed himself into a corner by saying he needed to deliver eight medals. But, of the six we did win in athletics, four of them were gold, which is the equivalent to 20 silvers, in my opinion. What else is he going to do He’s already the highest paid in that job in the world, so where else would he go

Interview by Alex Kay

London 2012 Olympics: Canadian to be stadium voice – Charles Sale

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Canadian chosen as controversial Olympic Stadium voice

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 23 July 2012

The sell-out 80,000 crowd for the Olympics athletics programme will be surprised to find a North American voice doing the stadium commentary for all track and field sessions at a London Games.

Canadian Gary Hall will be sharing the in-venue commentary with Britain’s Geoff Wightman, an experienced Diamond League broadcaster, after their appointment by IAAF vice-president Bob Hersh. This has caused considerable ructions between the IAAF and Games organisers LOCOG, who understandably wanted two British voices to explain the athletics action.

But despite LOCOG’s appeals to the IAAF, backed up by other sports federations, Hersh would not budge from his decision.

Raring to go: The Olympic Stadium is prepared for the opening ceremony

Raring to go: The Olympic Stadium is prepared for the opening ceremony

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An athletics insider said: ‘There have been a lot of tense discussions about the stadium commentary. A North American accent is going to sound very strange in a Stratford Olympic Stadium, especially when there are so many British commentators who could do the job.’

The IAAF were unavailable for comment.

lIOC grandee Kevan Gosper, who heads the Olympic body’s press commission, was due to deliver a speech at the opening of Stratford’s main press centre named in honour of John Rodda, the late, great Olympic reporter for The Guardian.

But an unhappy Gosper missed the ceremony because his VIP transport took two-and-a-quarter hours to reach Stratford from the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane. A taxi driver protest around Tower Bridge and the Olympic lanes not yet being in operation were given as reasons for the delay.

World No 1 Aaron Cook may have missed out on selection for the GB taekwondo team but bizarrely his image is still being used by sponsors Visa in branding around the Olympic Park, including a big action picture of him on the back of the ATM booth at the entrance to the media food court.

Missing out: Aaron Cook (right) will not be competing at the Olympics

Missing out: Aaron Cook (right) will not be competing at the Olympics

A lot of people will be taking the credit at Sky Sports for their inspired move into cycling that has paid dividends with Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France. The architect of the decision is understood to be Corin Dimopoulos, Sky’s former director of sports and news marketing, who now works in Australia. Before the big investment after the Beijing Olympic cycling gold rush, the sport had been virtually ignored on Sky.

Poms under pressure

The Australians have taken the high ground from the British Olympic Association in the mind games leading up to competition by starting their daily briefings in the main press centre almost two weeks in advance of Team GB.

The Aussies are only targeting a top-five finish in the medals table compared to GB aiming at fourth position and 48-plus medals. But beating the Brits is still the main goal, with defending Olympic champion diver Matthew Mitcham saying: ‘We always want to stick it to the Poms.’

Coming to get you: Matthew Mitcham wants to beat Great Britain's tally

Coming to get you: Matthew Mitcham wants to beat Great Britain's tally

Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson has been sent his Aussie hockey shirt, stick and ball in anticipation of him having to dribble it around Australia House dressed in green and gold if he loses his bet with Aussie counterpart Kate Lundy over which country will win more medals. But it’s more likely Lundy will have to row down the Eton Dorney course in GB colours.

The Olympics is sure to be a Twitterfest from start to finish, although it has to be said the frequent postings of Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt are not the most illuminating — one recent classic being: ‘The Olympic Village is the ultimate who’s who of Olympic sports.’

Team GB’s super-heavyweight boxing medal hope Anthony Joshua has prepared for the rush over his pro signature if he wins gold by appointing an agency to represent him in the talks. He chose the Professional Sports Group whose Olympic clients include Tom Daley.

Olympic sponsors Omega came up with a novel excuse for a blunder when IOC president Jacques Rogge visited their Westfield shop on Monday. With their Games countdown clock in Trafalgar Square stopping on launch day, Omega blamed it on interference from security signals.

Caddies blast R&A over guest pass issue at The Open – Charles Sale

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Caddies blast R&A over guest pass issue

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UPDATED:

22:49 GMT, 19 July 2012

The Open caddies have complained about being treated as second-class citizens by the R&A because they have to pay for guest passes on to the course for family and friends.

The bagmen, who have moaned in the past about the Open facilities and meal allowances, are upset the R&A don’t follow the example of the European and US Tours in giving them regular tickets for partners.

Mick Donaghy, caddie for Jamie Donaldson who was two under par after the first round, said: ‘The way we’re treated here is nothing short of a disgrace. The R&A are sipping their gin and tonics in the clubhouse and we’re having to pay full price to get our wives in. The other golf organisations give us proper respect, but that’s never been the case at The Open.’

Caddie trouble: Jamie Donaldson waits with Mick Donaghy who branded the way caddies were treated 'a disgrace'

Caddie trouble: Jamie Donaldson waits with Mick Donaghy who branded the way caddies were treated 'a disgrace'

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Dave Clark, who carries Vijay Singh’s clubs, said: ‘There’s still a stigma around caddies. We’re regarded as the lowest of the low. Surely we shouldn’t have to rely on the players to help us out with passes all the time.’

R&A chief executive Peter Dawson countered: ‘Our pass policy is generous and caddies have a fantastic time here.’

Adding to the tension is the R&A commissioning Strokesaver to produce hole-by-hole yardage guidebooks, which cost 7, rather than allow an extra opening for former caddies Graeme Heinrich and Dion Stevens, who compete for yardage-guide business on the European Tour. Dawson said: ‘There was an issue, but the Strokesaver product has been very well received.’

Mickelson keeping eye on deals

Phil Mickelson is so sponsorship conscious he still talks to Bob Diamond, former boss of his major backers Barclays, since the rate-rigging scandal that led to his departure.

Mickelson is also one of the few golfers to wear a watch — Rolex in his case — while competing. All Rolex-sponsored sports stars have it in their contract to put on their watch for the trophy presentation, as Roger Federer did at Wimbledon.

Watch me: Phil Mickelson wearing his Rolex

Watch me: Phil Mickelson wearing his Rolex

Dinosaur errs again

Peter Alliss, the BBC’s dinosaur 81-year-old commentator whose one-year rolling contract rolls on and on, had contravened Corporation rules over product-endorsement mentions before noon on the first day of The Open.

After Tiger Woods missed a putt, Alliss said, ‘He should have gone to Specsavers,’ which is in breach of commercial regulations.

A BBC spokeswoman said: ‘Peter did not realise the implications of it being perceived as a product endorsement when he made the remark. He was made aware of this immediately.’ (Apologies to reader Ralph Brough who asked for The Open to pass with no Sports Agenda pops at Alliss.)

FA pay rise dispute

There is significant unrest among FA blazers about the lack of consultation over the board decision to pay 12,000 a year to directors instead of a small attendance allowance – an increase of around 300 per cent. The angry FA councillors want the pay hike suspended until a proper debate has taken place.

Respected councillor Jack Pearce said in a letter of complaint to FA chairman David Bernstein, circulated to all stakeholders, that the timing ‘could not be more inappropriate’ in the current economic climate.

Displeasure: David Bernstein will receive a letter of complaint

Displeasure: David Bernstein will receive a letter of complaint

A Royal bungle by G4S

At the Open on Thursday, bungling Olympic security firm G4S’s attempts to look efficient included them trying to move along members of Royal Lytham from the concourse outside their own clubhouse next to the practice putting green.

Lytham golf grandee Martin Kippax, a former chairman of the R&A, was one of those told he shouldn’t be standing in that area. In contrast, at one of the course entrances, there were claims G4S personnel were allowing spectators to walk in without having their bags scanned.

R&A want more from TV

The R&A will talk first to the BBC when they renew the Open TV contract which runs until 2016. But chief executive Peter Dawson will also lobby the Government ahead of the next TV rights policy ruling in 2013 about the tournament losing its listed event status. Dawson believes responsible rights-holders should have a free market to maximise their media earnings without listed restrictions.