Stephen Emery has threatened to have Facebook "taken off the internet" after he discovered a derisory group about him. The social networking page has been in existence since last summer and was created by some disgruntled Rugby & Northampton fans after the 5k man made a big money switch to Coventry Godiva. Speaking exclusively to the echo the group's founder described the "immense hurt" that Emery's snub had caused his boyhood team. "We were nearly relegated [from Birmingham League Division 1] weren't we? I always thought that when Stephen wore that vest saying 'I'M RUGBY TILL I DIE' he would always be with us. I cried myself to sleep the night he left".
Emery famously "nearly veered off the road in horror" when his agent telephoned through Rugby's contract renewal offer. Claiming to be "better than that" the then largely unknown athlete deserted his club-mates overnight for cross region rivals, Coventry. He has since shot to fame and commanded a salary rumoured to run into the tens of millions as well as attracting interest from big clubs such as Newham and Belgrave. Emery has not been without controversy since the switch and boss David Dix was forced to leave him out of the squad for the National 12 Stage this April.
The Loughborough based ace refused to answer questions about the incident at his weekly press call this evening, but did threaten to ban a journalist from this Friday's pre-BMC conference after he asked him "how important Facebook was" in his preparation. A source close to Emery said that the star was "absolutely fuming" and had dismissed two close aides after they didn't pick it up sooner. "Nineteen people have been having a laugh at his expense" said the insider "that is outrageous. We have a meeting booked with Mark Zuckerberg [Facebook's founder] first thing in the morning to discuss compensation".
The Facebook group in question can be found here.
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Showing posts with label Dix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dix. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
'PETULANT' EMERY TO BE DROPPED FOR NATIONAL SHOWDOWN
Coventry Godiva's Director of Athletics, David Dix has dropped star man Stephen Emery after he "showed contempt to his teammates" at the Midland 12 Stage on Saturday. A dismal performance saw the 3:48 (Stretford Timing) star slump to a miserable 27:21 clocking for a long leg at the weekend - an occurrence that "undoubtedly cost" Godiva a medal - according to Dix. "It was arrogant and unprofessional" thundered Dix of Emery "we all know that he wants away from here, but the offers just haven't been good enough". Coventry paid £19.3m for Emery in 2009 and it is understood that Dix wants "at least double" that price in order to let him go.
Emery has been fined two weeks wages (roughly £100,000) after he was photographed on a night out just days before the Midlands event and Dix has said that he is "making a point" by leaving arguably his most important athlete out of the line up for next month's National Relay. "I want to show that the club is bigger than just him. Sure, I'd like to hang onto someone like that but not at the cost of losing the soul of the club." Emery could be replaced in the team by a member of the youth team to further demonstrate "the future".
Coventry legend Dave Moorcroft blasted Emery yesterday evening and stated that the club was "ready to sell". The former Rugby & Northampton talisman was furious in January when the club turned down a £25m bid from Tipton, but Moorcroft's comments now seem to leave the door open for Emery to fulfill his "boyhood dream" of pulling on a Green and White vest. Speaking exclusively to the lufbra echo, Josh Lilley (who recently joined Tipton) said that the club "was the right place" for Emery. "We're building a team that will dominate" said Lilley "it's time to get serious now and go after the big boys".
Emery's spokespeople refused to comment this evening, but he did use his Twitter account to bemoan the increased level of fluoride in Loughborough's tap water.
Emery has been fined two weeks wages (roughly £100,000) after he was photographed on a night out just days before the Midlands event and Dix has said that he is "making a point" by leaving arguably his most important athlete out of the line up for next month's National Relay. "I want to show that the club is bigger than just him. Sure, I'd like to hang onto someone like that but not at the cost of losing the soul of the club." Emery could be replaced in the team by a member of the youth team to further demonstrate "the future".
Coventry legend Dave Moorcroft blasted Emery yesterday evening and stated that the club was "ready to sell". The former Rugby & Northampton talisman was furious in January when the club turned down a £25m bid from Tipton, but Moorcroft's comments now seem to leave the door open for Emery to fulfill his "boyhood dream" of pulling on a Green and White vest. Speaking exclusively to the lufbra echo, Josh Lilley (who recently joined Tipton) said that the club "was the right place" for Emery. "We're building a team that will dominate" said Lilley "it's time to get serious now and go after the big boys".
Emery's spokespeople refused to comment this evening, but he did use his Twitter account to bemoan the increased level of fluoride in Loughborough's tap water.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
'DOOR ALWAYS OPEN' TO TIPTON: EMERY
Stephen Emery has indicated that he would "always consider" a move to Tipton Harriers "if the contract was right". The 1500m star is rumoured to be unhappy at Coventry after a dismal display at the 6 Stage this weekend. David Dix - Coventry's manager - has already criticised his athlete recently after Emery opted for a weekend away over competing for his club at the Midland's event. The BUCS Bronze medallist slumped to an 18:07 clocking on Saturday which was only good enough fourth fastest amongst his team mates. Such a performance will almost certainly put his place in the National Cross Country Relays in jeopardy and it is unlikely that this will sit well with the £80,000 a week star.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Emery refused to rule out a switch to Coventry's midland rivals and had harsh words for his current employers. "I didn't know what leg I was to run until the morning of the race", said the 3:48 man "that isn't on. I know that McLeod [of Tipton] knew his leg weeks ago. It almost certainly cost me an individual medal." Speaking of Tipton, Emery conceded that he "had always dreamt" of a National medal and wondered whether it "would ever be possible" at his current club. "I am better than the Birmingham League" sighed Emery "I'm always associated with my stunning displays there, but I feel that I have done all I can for Coventry."
Tipton have made no secret of their desire to attract Emery - with rumours that they are ready to install him on a "significant sum" circulating in yesterday's papers. However, Emery is on a four year deal at Coventry and it is likely that his transfer fee could stretch into tens of millions. Issuing a "hands off" order, Dix said that he was "very disappointed" with Tipton, adding that it "undoubtedly contributed" to his man's appalling showing at Sutton Park. "These so-called big clubs have to learn that they are not the be all and end all," thundered Dix this evening, "it is outrageous. I will be lodging a complaint with UKA - not that they'll care."
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Emery refused to rule out a switch to Coventry's midland rivals and had harsh words for his current employers. "I didn't know what leg I was to run until the morning of the race", said the 3:48 man "that isn't on. I know that McLeod [of Tipton] knew his leg weeks ago. It almost certainly cost me an individual medal." Speaking of Tipton, Emery conceded that he "had always dreamt" of a National medal and wondered whether it "would ever be possible" at his current club. "I am better than the Birmingham League" sighed Emery "I'm always associated with my stunning displays there, but I feel that I have done all I can for Coventry."
Tipton have made no secret of their desire to attract Emery - with rumours that they are ready to install him on a "significant sum" circulating in yesterday's papers. However, Emery is on a four year deal at Coventry and it is likely that his transfer fee could stretch into tens of millions. Issuing a "hands off" order, Dix said that he was "very disappointed" with Tipton, adding that it "undoubtedly contributed" to his man's appalling showing at Sutton Park. "These so-called big clubs have to learn that they are not the be all and end all," thundered Dix this evening, "it is outrageous. I will be lodging a complaint with UKA - not that they'll care."
Sunday, 26 September 2010
COVENTRY LAMENT EMERY SNUB
Coventry Godiva manager David Dix has hit out at Stephen Emery after he decided to go on holiday rather than compete for his club at the Midland 6 Stage Relays. The 3:48 1500m man is only contracted to run 8 races a year for Coventry and opted for the excitement of a German weekend break over helping his team win a medal. Calling Emery's decision "very disappointing", Dix said that his lack of team spirit was becoming "increasingly worrying". Dix was speaking after watching his team miss out on a medal by just 30 seconds in a race won by Notts AC. "Obviously it's gutting to lose like that," sighed the head coach "but it is always going to be tough when your big names become selfish".
In 2009, Coventry broke their transfer record in order to pay Rugby & Northampton nearly £6m to bring Emery to the club. Despite promising showings in the Birmingham League, Godiva have struggled to net a major regional or national title and - according to club insiders - Emery should take some responsibility for this. "He still hasn't run a Midland Championships," said a source, "he underperformed at the National Cross and probably cost us a medal."
Radio phone-ins were inundated with Coventry fans voicing their disapproval of Emery's convictions yesterday evening. "All this rubbish about him being sensible" said Peter, a 48 year-old season ticket holder, "the truth is that we have given him the platform to get to where he is and he hasn't repaid us with anything. Is he really worth the money?" Another disillusioned fan pondered whether the club would ever be able to challenge at a national level: "the fact is that we have spent a lot since the new owners have come in, but what we've got is a bunch of individuals. I think we need a clear out."
A spokesman for Emery said that his charge was "greatly upset" at the lack of support from the club and pointed out that he had "no obligation" to compete. Emery is due to run the National 6 Stage but with Dix talking about blooding some youngsters, the BUCS bronze medallist may face a fight to win his first team place back.
In 2009, Coventry broke their transfer record in order to pay Rugby & Northampton nearly £6m to bring Emery to the club. Despite promising showings in the Birmingham League, Godiva have struggled to net a major regional or national title and - according to club insiders - Emery should take some responsibility for this. "He still hasn't run a Midland Championships," said a source, "he underperformed at the National Cross and probably cost us a medal."
Radio phone-ins were inundated with Coventry fans voicing their disapproval of Emery's convictions yesterday evening. "All this rubbish about him being sensible" said Peter, a 48 year-old season ticket holder, "the truth is that we have given him the platform to get to where he is and he hasn't repaid us with anything. Is he really worth the money?" Another disillusioned fan pondered whether the club would ever be able to challenge at a national level: "the fact is that we have spent a lot since the new owners have come in, but what we've got is a bunch of individuals. I think we need a clear out."
A spokesman for Emery said that his charge was "greatly upset" at the lack of support from the club and pointed out that he had "no obligation" to compete. Emery is due to run the National 6 Stage but with Dix talking about blooding some youngsters, the BUCS bronze medallist may face a fight to win his first team place back.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
NEWS IN BRIEF
WOMEN’S STEEPLE FACES HATCHET
The women’s 3,000m steeplechase will not be included in the programme for the 2012 Olympic Games, because Sebastian Coe “doesn’t much like” Hatti Dean. The former World 800m Record holder has been under pressure from the cost-cutting Coalition Government to somehow reduce the £9 billion budget currently set for the Games. In an extraordinary press conference, the Chairman of LOCOG attacked the steeplechase, branding it a “waste of space” and also reserved firm words for the “nasty and manipulative” Dean. “I hate her,” said Coe, “I hate the way she looks, I hate the way she runs and I hate the way she hurdles. If I had my way, I would just introduce a blanket ban on Deans being allowed to compete.” Coe is said to be upset because he "doesn't like hats". "What a stupid name!" thundered Coe, "I hate people who go around wearing hats- particularly in races, like that **** Dave Wottle".
McLEOD SNUB ANGERS UNIONS
Trade Unions have called for athletes and spectators to boycott the Super 8 series on Wednesday owing to the exclusion of Ryan McLeod. Unison, Unite, GMB and BECTU all balloted their members after the start lists were published and the results confirmed that 98.7% of members voted in favour of action. One Glasgow Council insider said: “our members work incredibly hard for their cash and demand the right to see McLeod lead a race only to be out-kicked in the closing stages. We couldn’t all make it down to Sport City and some idiot edited out the good bits on the video.” McLeod insiders have denied rumours that their man was offered a race but had to turn it down as he “did not know where Glasgow was”. One source said: “we can’t understand why he has been left out. He could run for just about anyone, but they all said no. It’s like someone has a grudge against him.” UKA have refused to comment on the strikes, but did say that they “regretted” having to overlook the Tipton man. A spokesman said: “we just didn’t have a need for any pacemakers on this occasion.”
GAY ‘BANNED FROM WINNING’ IN OREGON
The only non-Nike sponsored athlete to be permitted a race in the Pre Classic Diamond League meeting, Tyson Gay, has told the Lufbra Echo that he was told “not to win” just minutes before his race. “Some guy came up to be beforehand,” said Gay, “and said that he would ruin by career if I didn’t let Dix win”. It was also alleged that Gay was given “sticky blocks” meaning that he was delayed slightly at the start. A Nike spokesman was unrepentant when challenged on the issue: “how embarrassing would it be if an Adidas athlete won a race?” said the source, “that’s like saying that you don’t need to wear Nike kit to be the best. Also, Tyson has an unfortunate surname and we couldn’t have a Dix finishing behind a Gay- we have family values, you know!”
The women’s 3,000m steeplechase will not be included in the programme for the 2012 Olympic Games, because Sebastian Coe “doesn’t much like” Hatti Dean. The former World 800m Record holder has been under pressure from the cost-cutting Coalition Government to somehow reduce the £9 billion budget currently set for the Games. In an extraordinary press conference, the Chairman of LOCOG attacked the steeplechase, branding it a “waste of space” and also reserved firm words for the “nasty and manipulative” Dean. “I hate her,” said Coe, “I hate the way she looks, I hate the way she runs and I hate the way she hurdles. If I had my way, I would just introduce a blanket ban on Deans being allowed to compete.” Coe is said to be upset because he "doesn't like hats". "What a stupid name!" thundered Coe, "I hate people who go around wearing hats- particularly in races, like that **** Dave Wottle".
McLEOD SNUB ANGERS UNIONS
Trade Unions have called for athletes and spectators to boycott the Super 8 series on Wednesday owing to the exclusion of Ryan McLeod. Unison, Unite, GMB and BECTU all balloted their members after the start lists were published and the results confirmed that 98.7% of members voted in favour of action. One Glasgow Council insider said: “our members work incredibly hard for their cash and demand the right to see McLeod lead a race only to be out-kicked in the closing stages. We couldn’t all make it down to Sport City and some idiot edited out the good bits on the video.” McLeod insiders have denied rumours that their man was offered a race but had to turn it down as he “did not know where Glasgow was”. One source said: “we can’t understand why he has been left out. He could run for just about anyone, but they all said no. It’s like someone has a grudge against him.” UKA have refused to comment on the strikes, but did say that they “regretted” having to overlook the Tipton man. A spokesman said: “we just didn’t have a need for any pacemakers on this occasion.”
GAY ‘BANNED FROM WINNING’ IN OREGON
The only non-Nike sponsored athlete to be permitted a race in the Pre Classic Diamond League meeting, Tyson Gay, has told the Lufbra Echo that he was told “not to win” just minutes before his race. “Some guy came up to be beforehand,” said Gay, “and said that he would ruin by career if I didn’t let Dix win”. It was also alleged that Gay was given “sticky blocks” meaning that he was delayed slightly at the start. A Nike spokesman was unrepentant when challenged on the issue: “how embarrassing would it be if an Adidas athlete won a race?” said the source, “that’s like saying that you don’t need to wear Nike kit to be the best. Also, Tyson has an unfortunate surname and we couldn’t have a Dix finishing behind a Gay- we have family values, you know!”
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