With George Gandy away on urgent guru business he has left his press conferences to his Executive PA, Alasdair Donaldson - who has wasted no time in calling for an "urgent review" of the BUCS hierarchy. Furious that start lists were "going up too late" and the "wind was too strong", Donaldson wondered whether there was "any point in Loughborough turning up for the rest of the Championships".
"You want the officials to get the big things right" thundered the irate Scot (who doesn't have time to read this blog) "I'm afraid that wasn't the case today. Where was the finish line technology? We were lucky that it didn't cost us - but mark my words they will get a really major decision wrong by Monday and then we'll all be talking about it". The Newham and Essex Beagle went on to state that he "clearly saw" Mick Woods of St Mary's going into the officials' changing area and "leave with a big smile on his face".
Donaldson - who both Loughborough and UKA have hurriedly distanced themselves from - then voiced his "utter disgust" at the preferential treatment offered to the Birmingham representatives. "Did you see the plush holding area they get?" stormed the tea specialist "whilst Ian [Anholm], David [Howe] and I shiver in the wind. It's a total joke - beyond the pale". Bud Buldaro and his officials have been granted exclusive access to the VIP lounge at Bedford after Buldaro slammed the coffee provision at last year's event. "I don't know if it is because they have Kukri on their vests" Donaldson continued "or it's because everyone likes Birmingham, but something's wrong when you see so many decisions going their way. It's very poor".
BUCS have dismissed Donaldson's comments as "hysteria" and have clarified that no bribes were received from Mick Woods and that Bud Buldaro had "won a competition" granting him special treatment for the duration of the Championships.
On the track, Loughborough survived a scare from Kieran Flannery who was nearly knocked out in the heats of the 800m after easing up well before the line, whilst self-proclaimed pre-race favourite Stephen Emery qualified with ease for the final of the 5,000m.
Showing posts with label Flannery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flannery. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Thursday, 13 May 2010
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: LSAC ELECTIONS 2010
WARBURTON CAMPAIGN IN TATTERS AFTER OFFICIAL BUST-UP
Chris Warburton has had to shelve ambitions to become LSAC’s new Secretary of Committee for the Alumni after a 5 minute rant at “officious nobodies” during last night’s opening Loughborough Midweek. The 1500m star was “shocked and disappointed” by the tone of voice adopted by the timekeepers' assistant reading out the lap splits during his race. “There was no support in there,” fumed the eventual race winner, “it was like she wasn’t interested or didn’t care. Frankly I felt as if she wanted to be any place else but watching me run.” The Notts AC man was also upset by what he called a “tactical” false start from bitter rival Stephen Emery. “There should be laws against that sort of behaviour,” thundered the 3:39 man, “the truth is that the starter bottled it. Emery should have been out on his ear, no question.” In extraordinary scenes at Loughborough’s track last night, Warburton had to be dragged from the Meeting Referee by fellow athletes and announced shortly afterwards that he would not be standing for Committee representation. In his statement, the 27 year-old refused to apologise for his actions and called for a “fundamental review” of the officiating in the UK. “It’s time we got some competent people in to do this job,” he said, “this sort of amateur nonsense just won’t do.”
STEWART BACKS HIMSELF FOR PRESIDENTIAL ROLE
In a strange interview given exclusively to the Lufbra Echo last night, UKA’s Director of Endurance seemed to throw his hat into the ring for a Presidential campaign. It had long been assumed that Sophie Thomas- the current Secretary of Committee for making the tea- would run for the position unopposed, but the UKA supremo last night boasted of his “f******g superb record” in athlete management. “Nobody could do that job but me,” said Stewart from last night’s Midweek meet, “I am the only f******g candidate. Who is this f******g woman going for it? Are you f******g serious?” Stewart’s words have left many scrambling for the Loughborough Students Athletic Club Constitution which is said to be “vague at best” on whether an outsider could be appointed. A club historian said, “it certainly would be the most extraordinary development since the Coe-Moorcroft coalition in the 1980s.” It is not yet clear whether the Scot was being serious in his interview, but he did reserve strong words for “whoever was f******g responsible for making these f******g awful sandwiches”. Alasdair Donaldson has since apologised.
STOTT CALLS FOR ICE REVIEW
Luke Stott, the current Secretary of Committee for not doing very much, has said that if he were to become the new Secretary of Committee for doing even less (Track and Field Captain), he would chair an investigation into the “substandard” ice quality in Loughborough. “If we are to remain at the top of our game,” said the sprinter, “we really need to address the ice machines.” It seems that many of Loughborough’s sprint community have slammed the current ice arrangements as they “are too cold”. Echo favourite James Dasaolu recently threw an ice bag across the plyometric mat after a well meaning physio applied it to his hurt leg. An insider revealed that the coldness of the ice “had come as a complete surprise” to Dasaolou, who demanded someone fetch him some “warm ice”.
FLANNERY SET TO “CLEAN UP MESS” AS MATTHEWS SEEKS PROMOTION
Keiran Flannery has stated that it is his “constitutional duty” to remain as Secretary of Committee for (not) delivering the kit. The 800m star had offered his resignation from the disastrous coalition with Pete Matthews after the kit did not arrive. However launching his campaign manifesto today, Flannery indicated that he felt the experience of the past year would “serve him well” in taking the kit situation forward. “I know what it’s like to be at the lowest point,” said Flannery to an excited crowd of more than 4, “I know how to make this club’s kit great again. I got you into this and I can get you out of it.”
It has become clear that Pete Matthews will not be following his former partner’s example and has instead opted to campaign to become the joint new Secretary of Committee for drunkenness with Andrew Mariani. Matthews claims to be well qualified for the role by being “an all round great guy”, however some would question his suitability given that he gave close friends “roughly a five percent chance” of making the BUCS final. One close source, who asked not to be named, said “Matthews has a dark side and is committed to being at the top. He will crawl over dead bodies to get there”. The former GB International (Mountain Running) used his CV to indicate that he was “very unlucky” to miss out on being appointed Head Boy whilst at school, but has obtained Grades 1, 2 and 3 on the piano. Potential voters are also informed of the “prestigious” institutions to which Matthews was invited to attend before opting for Loughborough. Our source continued, “frankly, I wish he’d taken up one of those other offers- it would’ve saved us all some trouble”.
BRADBURY EYES VP ROLE
Gary Bradbury has pledged to “bring a bit of talent” to the committee if he was to be elected as the Vice President, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The so far unconfirmed VP candidate told friends and activists that his rivals “should never underestimate the determination of a quiet man”. The outgoing (and largely disgraced) President Rob Hodges made no secret of his desire to see “a man of Bradbury’s ilk” in his last Committee. Hodges told the Echo that he would be “delighted” if Bradbury chose to run. “To be honest,” said the President, “I have looked at the current nominations list and it contains a bunch of no hopers. We need an athlete of Gary’s calibre to advertise ourselves to the world.” The largely ceremonial role of Vice President involves chairing committee meetings and President’s Questions when the President is away on Club business as well as carrying the Presidential Spikes to race meetings. Hodges revealed that he attempted to use the 25th Amendment to the Club Constitution to get Bradbury “in through the back door” last year. “It didn’t work out,” said the premiere, “you see the Gary and I sometimes race together and the President and Vice President can never travel together.” Publicly, Bradbury was remaining coy this morning- but insiders are said to be gearing up with a “hard hitting” campaign manifesto.
Chris Warburton has had to shelve ambitions to become LSAC’s new Secretary of Committee for the Alumni after a 5 minute rant at “officious nobodies” during last night’s opening Loughborough Midweek. The 1500m star was “shocked and disappointed” by the tone of voice adopted by the timekeepers' assistant reading out the lap splits during his race. “There was no support in there,” fumed the eventual race winner, “it was like she wasn’t interested or didn’t care. Frankly I felt as if she wanted to be any place else but watching me run.” The Notts AC man was also upset by what he called a “tactical” false start from bitter rival Stephen Emery. “There should be laws against that sort of behaviour,” thundered the 3:39 man, “the truth is that the starter bottled it. Emery should have been out on his ear, no question.” In extraordinary scenes at Loughborough’s track last night, Warburton had to be dragged from the Meeting Referee by fellow athletes and announced shortly afterwards that he would not be standing for Committee representation. In his statement, the 27 year-old refused to apologise for his actions and called for a “fundamental review” of the officiating in the UK. “It’s time we got some competent people in to do this job,” he said, “this sort of amateur nonsense just won’t do.”
STEWART BACKS HIMSELF FOR PRESIDENTIAL ROLE
In a strange interview given exclusively to the Lufbra Echo last night, UKA’s Director of Endurance seemed to throw his hat into the ring for a Presidential campaign. It had long been assumed that Sophie Thomas- the current Secretary of Committee for making the tea- would run for the position unopposed, but the UKA supremo last night boasted of his “f******g superb record” in athlete management. “Nobody could do that job but me,” said Stewart from last night’s Midweek meet, “I am the only f******g candidate. Who is this f******g woman going for it? Are you f******g serious?” Stewart’s words have left many scrambling for the Loughborough Students Athletic Club Constitution which is said to be “vague at best” on whether an outsider could be appointed. A club historian said, “it certainly would be the most extraordinary development since the Coe-Moorcroft coalition in the 1980s.” It is not yet clear whether the Scot was being serious in his interview, but he did reserve strong words for “whoever was f******g responsible for making these f******g awful sandwiches”. Alasdair Donaldson has since apologised.
STOTT CALLS FOR ICE REVIEW
Luke Stott, the current Secretary of Committee for not doing very much, has said that if he were to become the new Secretary of Committee for doing even less (Track and Field Captain), he would chair an investigation into the “substandard” ice quality in Loughborough. “If we are to remain at the top of our game,” said the sprinter, “we really need to address the ice machines.” It seems that many of Loughborough’s sprint community have slammed the current ice arrangements as they “are too cold”. Echo favourite James Dasaolu recently threw an ice bag across the plyometric mat after a well meaning physio applied it to his hurt leg. An insider revealed that the coldness of the ice “had come as a complete surprise” to Dasaolou, who demanded someone fetch him some “warm ice”.
FLANNERY SET TO “CLEAN UP MESS” AS MATTHEWS SEEKS PROMOTION
Keiran Flannery has stated that it is his “constitutional duty” to remain as Secretary of Committee for (not) delivering the kit. The 800m star had offered his resignation from the disastrous coalition with Pete Matthews after the kit did not arrive. However launching his campaign manifesto today, Flannery indicated that he felt the experience of the past year would “serve him well” in taking the kit situation forward. “I know what it’s like to be at the lowest point,” said Flannery to an excited crowd of more than 4, “I know how to make this club’s kit great again. I got you into this and I can get you out of it.”
It has become clear that Pete Matthews will not be following his former partner’s example and has instead opted to campaign to become the joint new Secretary of Committee for drunkenness with Andrew Mariani. Matthews claims to be well qualified for the role by being “an all round great guy”, however some would question his suitability given that he gave close friends “roughly a five percent chance” of making the BUCS final. One close source, who asked not to be named, said “Matthews has a dark side and is committed to being at the top. He will crawl over dead bodies to get there”. The former GB International (Mountain Running) used his CV to indicate that he was “very unlucky” to miss out on being appointed Head Boy whilst at school, but has obtained Grades 1, 2 and 3 on the piano. Potential voters are also informed of the “prestigious” institutions to which Matthews was invited to attend before opting for Loughborough. Our source continued, “frankly, I wish he’d taken up one of those other offers- it would’ve saved us all some trouble”.
BRADBURY EYES VP ROLE
Gary Bradbury has pledged to “bring a bit of talent” to the committee if he was to be elected as the Vice President, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The so far unconfirmed VP candidate told friends and activists that his rivals “should never underestimate the determination of a quiet man”. The outgoing (and largely disgraced) President Rob Hodges made no secret of his desire to see “a man of Bradbury’s ilk” in his last Committee. Hodges told the Echo that he would be “delighted” if Bradbury chose to run. “To be honest,” said the President, “I have looked at the current nominations list and it contains a bunch of no hopers. We need an athlete of Gary’s calibre to advertise ourselves to the world.” The largely ceremonial role of Vice President involves chairing committee meetings and President’s Questions when the President is away on Club business as well as carrying the Presidential Spikes to race meetings. Hodges revealed that he attempted to use the 25th Amendment to the Club Constitution to get Bradbury “in through the back door” last year. “It didn’t work out,” said the premiere, “you see the Gary and I sometimes race together and the President and Vice President can never travel together.” Publicly, Bradbury was remaining coy this morning- but insiders are said to be gearing up with a “hard hitting” campaign manifesto.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
HODGES ANNOUNCES 2010 ELECTIONS
STANDING DOWN: President Hodges will not run for a second term after being linked to a number of scandals
LSAC will hold their annual elections one week from tomorrow, after Rob Hodges- the current premiere- sought a dissolution of his committee in his weekly meeting with Loughborough supremo, George Gandy. Hodges will not be contesting for an unprecedented second term as president after scandal has marred much of his administration- with many stating that it is likely to have cost him a role as the Athletic Union President. In a short speech, President Hodges paid tribute to his "faithful team" and thanked his family for their "dedicated support". There is no question that Hodges' resignation is an act of great generosity to the people of LSAC- paving the way for a "fresh start" and a new form of "committee management".
People will not necessarily look kindly on Hodges' short tenure as committee chief. As early as his third week, it became clear that all was not as it seemed with club finances. The former Treasurer was seen to dodge a bullet when dismissing his replacement, Becky White over the cash-for-emails scandal. White was rumoured to be about to "blow the lid" on the "reckless borrowing" that had so epitomised Hodges' chancellorship. In a recent interview with a Sunday newspaper, White told of how the "dark forces of hell" were unleashed upon her when she dared to reveal that the club's deficit may be worse than first forecast.
White was at the centre of the second major issue to beset Hodges- the Red Bull fiasco. Club members were left seething when marched from their beds at 3am to officiate in a London race to "aid club funds". It was at this point that Pete Matthews attempted to launch a personal challenge to the Hodges administration with catastrophic results. Having initially indicated his support for such a move, Ian Anholm pulled the carpet from under the former GB International's (Mountain Running) feet at the last moment- throwing Hodges a lifeline. Approval ratings may well have dipped, but November's dismissal of the aforementioned White (after an expose from the Lufbra Echo) served to pacify the masses who were demanding the President's resignation.
Alas, Hodges will forever be linked to the "darkest days ever to haunt the club" in the debacle that was kit-gate. The key reason why any Matthews presidency would have been untenable was bubbling beneath the surface and stunned the sporting world in February. Whispers had been circulating for days that the kit would not arrive in time for the BUCS Cross Country and it was finally confirmed just 24 hours before the event. The late announcement forced many to shriek 'cover up', but in truth Hodges could hardly be blamed. His mistake was a stubborn refusal to apoloise for the gaffe and hope that the club would move on. As it was, the weeks ticked by and the kit did not arrive- culminating in its non-appearance at the BUCS Outdoors- a nightmare for any President or Kit Secretary. The resignation of Kieran Flannery did not suffice and it became clear to Hodges that electoral defeat was inevitable.
President Hodges took over in extraordinary times and it is fair to say that the Kingston-upon-Hull man made the best of what he had. Medals at BUCS Cross and convincing victories at both the Outdoor and Indoor events will perhaps serve as some comfort. However, as many campaign to "clean up Committee", Hodges will be inextricably linked to the former, dirty politics. Whether that is fair or not is for history to judge, but a clearly emotional Hodges perhaps summed up his plight this afternoon, "I did what I thought was right". Many will question him, many will point to shabby displays at all-you-can-eat contests, to allegations that he took his eye of the ball- but no one can doubt his conviction and determination to do his best for a truly great club.
The Echo will of course be covering the Elections in detail and would like to re-iterate it's position of neutrality. No one candidate in any position will be backed*. You can rely on us for independent and decisive coverage to help you make up your mind.
* Subject to change. Terms and Conditions apply. All donations will be considered.
Friday, 7 May 2010
SAMUELS SEASON IN DOUBT AFTER TAN FOUL-UP
Nick Samuels faces a “long road to recovery” after mistakenly using the wrong brand of fake-tan yesterday. Loughborough sources have revealed how the 1500m international made the error when “rushing to get home” from Boots. “Nick didn’t think to check the label and now his skin has turned a weird orange colour,” an insider said, “it is very distressing to look at.” There were also said to be problems in the application, which has left “a streaky complexion” to the skin. It is thought that the 3:45 man was forced to resort to the bottle after many had lauded George Gandy’s “beautifully toned skin” and one had even hinted that the guru’s tan was “the best in LSAC”. Speaking only last week, Samuels attempted to laugh off the story by pointing out that Gandy was “nearly three times his age” and that as a result could not be included in the contest. However, growing media attention for Gandy’s sunbathing rituals in Front Romeu is rumoured to have pushed Samuels over the edge.
A spokesman for the Sale man has “categorically denied” speculation that his charge used artificial tan. It was instead claimed that Samuels’ strange complexion was owing to an “overdose of carrots”. “It’s the only conclusion we can draw,” said the source, “Nick has been running late at night recently and so has been eating more carrots to help his vision.” Rumours to the contrary have been slammed as “malicious nonsense” aimed at “derailing” Samuels’ season. “Nick will be back as soon as this [skin complaint] has died down,” the insider continued, “he’s in good shape and so will be proving everyone wrong yet again”.
Club officials at Loughborough remained coy on the revelations this morning, but did concede that the battle to be top dog in the tanning stakes was “hotter than ever”. “Portugal was a turning point,” said Ian Anholm’s official spokeswoman, “I know that Nick was upset that he was unable to attend, but we have no evidence that he has been using sun beds and the like”. The official also rejected calls to change the historic African Violet kit because it “did not complement” an all-over tan. “I know that Flannery has been going on about this for ages,” said the source, “frankly we’re all fed up of it. We let the guys wear different shorts and that should suffice. End of story.” It was confirmed that the tan race, which culminates at the Loughborough International later this month, had been “blown wide open” by the news that Frank Baddick had booked a two week holiday in Spain.
A spokesman for the Sale man has “categorically denied” speculation that his charge used artificial tan. It was instead claimed that Samuels’ strange complexion was owing to an “overdose of carrots”. “It’s the only conclusion we can draw,” said the source, “Nick has been running late at night recently and so has been eating more carrots to help his vision.” Rumours to the contrary have been slammed as “malicious nonsense” aimed at “derailing” Samuels’ season. “Nick will be back as soon as this [skin complaint] has died down,” the insider continued, “he’s in good shape and so will be proving everyone wrong yet again”.
Club officials at Loughborough remained coy on the revelations this morning, but did concede that the battle to be top dog in the tanning stakes was “hotter than ever”. “Portugal was a turning point,” said Ian Anholm’s official spokeswoman, “I know that Nick was upset that he was unable to attend, but we have no evidence that he has been using sun beds and the like”. The official also rejected calls to change the historic African Violet kit because it “did not complement” an all-over tan. “I know that Flannery has been going on about this for ages,” said the source, “frankly we’re all fed up of it. We let the guys wear different shorts and that should suffice. End of story.” It was confirmed that the tan race, which culminates at the Loughborough International later this month, had been “blown wide open” by the news that Frank Baddick had booked a two week holiday in Spain.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
LOUGHBOROUGH KIT DEBACLE: WHO SAID WHAT AND WHEN
The Lufbra Echo is deeply saddened (but not entirely shocked) to learn of the latest major setback surrounding Loughborough's new kit. Obviously, we are entirely impartial in the matter and pride ourselves on giving objective, factual accounts of the situation at hand. We are not swayed by protestations from some that this "was the best kit deal in the history of the world" [Matthews et al., 2009, 2010] nor do we pay attention to grumbles from LSAC's Director that "serious sanctions" await those responsible. We understand that Ian Anholm has been charged with "bringing an end" to the scandal and will get to it right after he has finished redecorating George Gandy's office. In the meantime, dear readers, let the Echo take you on a tour of what was said and who said it......
“From January 2010, when competeing [sic] for Loughborough University in any event, you MUST wear a Puma Vest. This is written into our contract with them. Old vests are therefore not allowed.....”
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, 5th October 2009.
"We'll have to drag those who don't want to wear it [the new kit] kicking and screaming"
-George Gandy, LSAC Director, October 2009 (as alleged by Sebastian Foy, LSAC Vice XC Captain)
“I have been a hugely successful kit sec”.
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, Many occasions
"The kit will be smart and make us look professional....a lot like Birmingham"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, December 2009
"Of course the kit will arrive on time....how embarrassing would it be if it didn't?!"
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, January 2009
“We are sorry to inform you that the puma kit order has been delayed by 3-4 weeks. The kit arrived in the country earlier this week, but I was informed this morning that it failed Puma's quality control testing procedures and so is being deported.
This is fairly significant news for the club as we are setting off for the BUCS xc champs tomorrow morning, departing from the union at 8am, and some athletes are currently without vests.”
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 4th February 2010.
"Will the kit arrive in time for BUCS Outdoors? Absolutely."
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, March 2010
"The kit will not arrive for BUCS"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 28th April 2010
“As you will probably be aware, the kit order has been a bit of a disaster. [...] We are now able to get some honest answers and are expecting to receive the vests and tracksuits in mid June. They are aware of our urgent need to have them for this weekend but there is no way they can manufacture them in time. [...]On behalf of Pete and myself, your kit secs for this year, I would like to apologise to all of you who have ordered kit.”
-Kieran Flannery, LSAC Kit Sec, 28th April 2010
“From January 2010, when competeing [sic] for Loughborough University in any event, you MUST wear a Puma Vest. This is written into our contract with them. Old vests are therefore not allowed.....”
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, 5th October 2009.
"We'll have to drag those who don't want to wear it [the new kit] kicking and screaming"
-George Gandy, LSAC Director, October 2009 (as alleged by Sebastian Foy, LSAC Vice XC Captain)
“I have been a hugely successful kit sec”.
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, Many occasions
"The kit will be smart and make us look professional....a lot like Birmingham"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, December 2009
"Of course the kit will arrive on time....how embarrassing would it be if it didn't?!"
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, January 2009
“We are sorry to inform you that the puma kit order has been delayed by 3-4 weeks. The kit arrived in the country earlier this week, but I was informed this morning that it failed Puma's quality control testing procedures and so is being deported.
This is fairly significant news for the club as we are setting off for the BUCS xc champs tomorrow morning, departing from the union at 8am, and some athletes are currently without vests.”
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 4th February 2010.
"Will the kit arrive in time for BUCS Outdoors? Absolutely."
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, March 2010
"The kit will not arrive for BUCS"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 28th April 2010
“As you will probably be aware, the kit order has been a bit of a disaster. [...] We are now able to get some honest answers and are expecting to receive the vests and tracksuits in mid June. They are aware of our urgent need to have them for this weekend but there is no way they can manufacture them in time. [...]On behalf of Pete and myself, your kit secs for this year, I would like to apologise to all of you who have ordered kit.”
-Kieran Flannery, LSAC Kit Sec, 28th April 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)