BMC CHIEF SHOULD QUIT SAYS CAMERON

'BETTER ORGANISED RIOTS': PM Cameron blasts BMC set up

The Prime Minister has today branded the debacle surrounding the forthcoming BMC Grand Prix at Watford "a national joke" and has demanded the resignation of the organisation's top dog - Pat Fitzgerald. The under fire chief executive has remained silent since his Grand Prix Organising Committee (GPOC) took the sensational step of re-opening registration for the event after closing it five days early on Monday.

"It has been a total disaster" thundered Cameron from Downing Street today "how can classy athletes like Joe MacDonald and Stephen Emery have their entries deferred whilst others sail into the event without a second look? It is humiliating for those involved and it is high time that the BMC took this sort of foul up more seriously". The firm words from the PM come just three months after he pledged to clear up the "horrendous state of athletics under the old Government". Fitzgerald is likely to be summoned to Downing Street before the week is out to explain yet another humiliation for the supposed "premier middle distance club" in the country.

Last week, Alasdair Donaldson (who doesn't have time to read this blog) used his annual press conference heap scorn on BMC for "fundamentally failing athletics". "When I was in school" blasted the Scot "BMC were the be all and end all. They are a bit of a joke now". It is understood that George Gandy's PA has not ruled out boycotting the event by "refusing to make the tea" for the officials - who last year failed to spot several athletes crossing the line.

Meanwhile, Pete Matthews has announced that he will not be taking part in the event in order to spend more time with his GB International kit (Mountain Running) and Mo Farah has been told that he has "missed the deadline" and so the Euopean 10,000m record holder has been placed on a waiting list for a lane in the 'H' 800m race. It is also thought the BMC were forced to reject applications from Tariku Bekele on the grounds that he wasn't as good as his brother and Ryan Hall because "no one really liked him". Andy Baddeley is due to take part despite concerns on his part that other competitors were "a bit thick".

LOUGHBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL SHOCK

TWITTER RUMOUR UNTRUE SAYS DONALDSON

Alasdair Donaldson has been forced to deny speculation on social networking site Twitter that he had taken out an injunction preventing the media from revealing details about his private life. The tea and coffee man - who does not have time to read this blog - rejected accusations that he had conducted a seven month affair with a kettle. "I have never and would never do such a thing" thundered George Gandy's PA "I am perfectly happy with my tea pot and so would never be drawn into betraying that". The Twitter user - who attracted over 25,000 followers in just six hours - said in a separate tweet that Donaldson had played "kinky games" with the kettle including "filling it up with milk" and "boiling it with no liquid inside".

Loughborough was left reeling from other salacious rumours from the mystery correspondent. One tweet said: "A Lufbra [sic] sports scholar did not spend the last six weeks out on the town and actually did some training". Another claimed to have evidence that Stephen Emery was "drinking supplement drinks straight from the fridge" whilst one more accused Pete Matthews of "having a sound dress sense". A spokesman for the University sports programme "wholeheartedly denied" the "malicious gossip" that was being spread. Stopping short of naming a suspect, the source confirmed that they believed the tweets had "come from the West Midlands". 

The revelations could not have come at a worse time for Loughborough as the East Midlands town gears up for the biggest event of the year tomorrow - the Loughborough International. "Everything goes ahead as planned" an insider told the echo "but we have cancelled all press conferences".

PETE MATTHEWS: THE SEARCH FOR REDEMPTION

The Sunday Interview: Pete Matthews
Branded a 'national joke' by his peers, lambasted by his coaches and ignored by selectors. The Blackburn Harrier talks exclusively to the echo about his life and future. Is it really easy to break 15 minutes for 5,000m? Are PBs really irrelevant? And crucially, is he really on his way out of Loughborough?

"Pete Matthews is a difficult man to ignore" George Gandy once pondered "but it is well worth the effort if you try". And so who was this man of whom so many people speak so lowly? There is no question that he is the most famous athlete in the country never to have broken 4 minutes for 1500m and the former GB International (Mountain Running) is not ashamed of it. "When I was a lad" said the red head "I was taught that it didn't matter what people said about you, just as long as they were talking about you."

This is certainly the case. When displaced LSAC skipper Ben Snowball asked listeners to his radio show to text in their favourite joke, 99% of the replies featured Matthews' name in some form. "It's obvious isn't it?" said Matthews tucking into a third slice of cake "people fear me or are jealous of me." Snowball and Matthews have a difficult history after the disgraced AAAs fraudster failed to finish the BUCS A race just days before recording a personal best for 5k. "I was angry with Ben about that" said Matthews of the echo interview Snowball gave "I raced BUCS on the agreement that it was better for me to be injured than to finish low down. I never went back on that".

So what does the summer hold? "PBs are irrelevant" said Matthews ordering a doughnut "for me it's about how many races you win. I have achieved far more in the sport than some guys who are running low 3:40s for 1500m". Matthews was coy on what he thought he could achieve, but refused to rule out qualifying for the AAAs U23 Championships as of right this year rather than fictionalising his PB. It is thought that he may even attempt to break 4 minutes for 1500m.

Finally, the big question: where next? "I can't say for sure" smiled Matthews looking up from his hot chocolate "I know George doesn't want me here [in Loughborough] and so who knows - maybe I'll stick it out".

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: OBAMA AND TEAM WATCH BUCS LIVE STREAM

NO REGRETS OVER LEAVING BLACKBURN: MATTHEWS

Pete Matthews "has never felt better" since being offloaded by his boyhood club at the beginning of this year. The disgraced AAAs fraudster was allowed to leave Blackburn Harriers on a free transfer in the January window and - despite reports of the northerner struggling with the pace of London life - claims to have settled down nicely at Blackheath and Bromley.

"I guess that they appreciate me more" said Matthews from his tanning base in Portugal "I outgrew Blackburn and decided that it was time to move on". Quite a different story is told by the Harriers, who state that they had no choice but to get rid of Matthews as he had quite literally outgrown the club vests. "His behaviour was becoming more and more erratic" said a Blackburn insider "we had a meeting and weighed up what he actually brought to the club. We agreed that he added no value and so moved him on."

The most famous athlete never to have broken 4 minutes for 1500m has not been without his difficulties since joining Blackheath. Mike Skinner branded the red head a "national joke" last month and the club fined him heavily after the echo reported that he had fictionalised his 3km time in order to gain entry to the BUCS Indoor Championships. In spite of these setbacks, Matthews told the echo that he was "really excited" about the forthcoming track season. "I might even race" smiled the former GB International (Mountain Running) "in all seriousness though, I am ready to smash it up".

Matthews also played down rumours of an embarrassing incident in Portugal last week. It is understood that he wasted over 90 minutes talking to a Portuguese stranger who he believed to be an international athlete. When it was revealed that the individual was the head groundsman at the track and had only recorded an "average" 10k time, Matthews was forced into a humiliating U-turn and Facebook deletion.

NEW MATTHEWS RACE SHOCK

LIES, DAMNED LIES AND STATISTICS

Many a mystery race flies under the radar nowadays, but Loughborough's Pete Matthews seems to be involved in an awful lot of them. Last year, the Lufbra Echo revealed how the most famous athlete never to have broken 4 minutes for 1500m had lied to get himself included in the field for the U23 AAAs Championships. Lessons were learned and that was that - it would never happen again and the red head was set to "go places" as of right.

But what's this? The entry lists for the forthcoming BUCS Indoor Championships. A rather dubious entry for a one 'Peter Matthews' appears to have his personal best for 3,000m at 8:40. Surely some clerical mix up as the famously accurate and on the ball Power of Ten appear to record it at 9:10.31. What could have gone wrong? An underworld race meeting that no one was invited to perhaps? Or is it simply reckless cheating that continues to bring Loughborough's name into disrepute?

SNOWBALL SLAMS 'SELFISH' MATTHEWS

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW: BEN SNOWBALL

In the first of a series of interviews, the Echo catches up with displaced LSAC skipper Ben Snowball just days after being forced out by angry fans. He shares his views on leadership, mud and Pete Matthews

GOING, GOING, GONG: Snowball collected no silverware as LSAC skipper

IT HAS BEEN a tortuous few weeks for Ben Snowball. First, he suffered repeated calls from high profile stars to walk away from his £4m top job at LSAC, then he faced the humiliation of leading Loughborough to the worst BUCS performance in their history. Snowball inherited a mess at LSAC. With debts soaring to record levels and the leftovers of a squad ravaged by the reckless signings of his predecessors, many felt that the job was a poisoned chalice. But Snowball didn't see it like that: "I am not going to sit and here say that I thought it would be easy. But I never had any idea how bad things were and I never saw the sort of vilification I got coming. No one deserves that." A beleaguered skipper finally called it quits late last Sunday night just eight months into his contract.

"It was a really tough call" sighed Snowball, running his hand through his unkept curly hair "I feel very upset about the way I was treated - and I can honestly say that what happened at BUCS was not my fault. Hand on heart I can say that". Looking visibly tired, he then paused a moment to gather himself and took a sip of mineral water. "I think that many people need to stand up and take responsibility for what happened."

Who does Ben hold responsible for Loughborough's fall from grace? "Pete Matthews" stormed the now worked up ex-skipper "he is completely to blame. How can he drop out of a BUCS 'A' Race? How can anyone do that? I picked him in good faith and he let me down and everyone else down." Matthews was forced out of the race with injury, but rallied himself to record a personal best performance over 5k in Armagh less than a week later. "That says it all, doesn't it?" said Snowball, his face creased with rage and his hazel eyes staring straight ahead. "Either his physio is a miracle worker or he isn't a team player. I mean, this is a recovery akin to that of f****** Lazarus isn't it?" Snowball went on to reveal that he would "never be talking" to Matthews again, adding that he had on good authority that the disgraced AAAs fraudster would never be picked for a Loughborough team again. "He's a joke, a complete joke" he added.

Speaking from his swanky London hideaway, Snowball didn't stop at blasting Pete Matthews - Guru George Gandy also came in for heavy criticism. "If he's the guru then I'm worried about athletics" thundered the one-time National Cross Country (team) Champion "I expected to be blown away when I met him, but all I got was a lecture about altitude. I know it's not George's fault that Pete Matthews did what he did, but I felt like I was on my own out there - no support." Gandy famously took three days to lend his support to his captain when many ex-alumni called for him to go. There were even rumours that the guru was lining up Stephen Emery to take over. "That isn't fair, no one should have to work like that".

So, what has Snowball learned from his experience? "Never trust gingers" he concluded curtly "and take a bit of valium to get you through it. Keep smiling and carry on - I took a lot of refuge in the arms of my friends and as soon as I can show my face in public again, I will go back and see them".

NERVOUS EMERY HITS OUT AHEAD OF BUCS TEST

Stephen Emery has used his weekly press conference to attack "anyone who thinks they can come close" to him in next weekend's BUCS Cross Country Championships. The Loughborough man is set to lead the weakest African Violet team for decades, but has reacted angrily to any suggestion that this will phase him. "I am quite used to being the favourite" thundered a clearly on edge Emery "I am the big name at Coventry and I am the big name here. I have never bottled it before and I am not about to start now." He went on to state that it was "very unlikely" that he would be beaten on race day: "this is what it's all about - I am ready for it and I am going to smash anyone who comes in my way through a wall".

The 3:48 (Stretford Timing) 1500m man has not been without his difficulties in 2011. Despite topping the rankings for 5 miles, Emery failed to medal at his County Championships and openly admitted to being "dominated" in several key predictor sessions. "Training isn't important" he snapped performing one of his thrice daily calf exercises "racing is what matters and I am more than ready to prove my metal. Just you wait till race day - then you'll see how tough I am". Emery is not currently on speaking terms with George Gandy's PA - Alasdair Donaldson (who does not have the time to read this site) - after he accused the star of "not pushing it enough" in training. "What does he know anyway?" snarled Emery "he is a nothing to me - just a one season wonder, that is all."

Emery was forced to concede that he was "holding the Loughborough team together" but stopped short of joining Gary Bradbury in declaring himself "embarrassed" to be a part of it. "Pete [Matthews, the sixth man in the team] is a friend of mine" said Emery of the disgraced AAAs fraudster "and whilst it is distressing that he has made the team, we just have to get on with it. It's not like he is going to count anyway." The Coventry Godiva man also dismissed speculation that he would be relieving Ben Snowball of his captaincy on the day. "That is complete nonsense" he said "who told you that? Was it [Kevin] Seaward causing trouble like he always does? It's an open secret that I think Snowball is a joke, but constitutionally I can't challenge him and so won't even though I am the better athlete by some considerable distance".

NEWS ROUND UP

PICK A CLUB, ANY CLUB
Isn't it funny how short the memories of football journalists and followers are? Back in November, TalkSport presenters Mike Parry and Mike Graham kept everything in perspective by declaring the decision not to award England the World Cup in 2018 "the darkest day in [their] lives". Acres of column spaces was wasted by football journos waxing lyrical about "broken promises" and "dirty deals". Would this be the very same sport that is now putting forward a proposal to U-turn on the explicit promises of the 2012 bid team by removing the running track from the Olympic Stadium? It jolly well would. Always famed for his insight, Lawrie Sanchez told the BBC that "football and athletics don't work together. That's a fact". Interesting as AC and Inter Milan, along with Bayern Munich and numerous other successful European clubs would probably disagree.

THE BRADY BUNCH
"It makes my blood boil to be honest" thundered Birmingham City FC Vice-Chairperson Karren Brady on BBC Radio Five Live this morning of Andy Gray and Richard Keys's remarks about female officials: "I don't think any of the comments are anything other than [sexism]". Brady went on to advocate "equality in the workplace" and harrumphed that women just are not taken seriously in her industry. That would be the same Karren Brady who works with noted pornographers David Sullivan and David Gold (a profession famed for its refusal to objectify females) and employs a workforce of "75% women". Now that's equality in action!

WHY KIDS TURN AWAY FROM CROSS COUNTRY: THE DEFINITIVE ANSWER
Parliament Hill


PETE MATTHEWS: A CLARIFICATION
It has been brought to our attention that in recent additions of the Lufbra Echo we have suggested that Pete Matthews is an overweight, useless, desperate, annoying, self-important, deluded, unpleasant, unnecessary, talentless waste of space. We are aghast at such a suggestion and in light of the fact that he has performed averagely well at a number of races, we would like to clarify that at no time did we intend to portray Pete as an overweight, useless, desperate, annoying, self-important, deluded, unpleasant, unnecessary, talentless waste of space. It has always been our position that Pete is average and unremarkable at everything that he does in the running domain. There are some who will say 'that Matthews lad is just an overweight, useless, desperate, annoying, self-important, deluded, unpleasant, unnecessary, talentless waste of space' - we at the Echo feel (and always have felt) that this is most unfair and would like to pledge our unwavering support to his continued endeavour to avoid being classed as an overweight, useless, desperate, annoying, self-important, deluded, unpleasant, unnecessary, talentless waste of space.

GANDY TO RESIGN OVER MATTHEWS SELECTION

Loughborough Athletics club has been plunged into turmoil this evening after its director, George Gandy announced that he would resign as he "had no option" but to select Pete Matthews for the 'A' Team at the forthcoming BUCS Cross Country Championships. "I have had some dark moments in my career" said the Guru from a hastily arranged press conference "but this is as low as it has come. It is a very sad day and I must say I never thought it would come to this".

Loughborough insiders have revealed how Gandy "had an almighty row" at the selection meeting last night and was seen storming out of the HiPac shortly after 10pm. Alasdair Donaldson - who does not have time to read this site - attempted to go after him carrying a freshly made cup of tea but was unable to talk the Guru round. "His mind is made up" said the source "George is just so embarrassed that he has to pick Matthews that he can't carry on. He said that the buck stops with him and he is intent on going over it".

Matthews has not been without his problems in the past twelve months. It was not long ago that the Lufbra Echo revealed that he had no future in the East Midlands and many are stunned that the disgraced AAAs fraudster has been included in the first wave of selection. "It's a horrible day for Loughborough" said a season ticket holder "it is a mark of how bad things have got. I doubt we'll get in the top 10 now - we certainly don't deserve to." The Echo understands that the team at Loughborough have "done all they can" to avoid selecting Matthews including begging his academic department to terminate - or at least suspend - his studies. "In the end, he was the only choice" continued a senior aide to the Guru "it devalues the rich history that this institution has".

Gandy will vacate his post at 0600 on Monday paving the way for Alasdair Donaldson to take caretaker charge of the club. Loughborough chiefs have stressed that this is "an extremely temporary measure" and that Gandy's current PA will "never be left unsupervised" with the club. The recruitment process to find Gandy's successor will start immediately and not include the Scot who will revert to his tea-making role once someone is in post. Bookmakers have tipped Birmingham's top man Bud Buldaro for the job, but have refused to rule out what would be a sensational promotion for out of favour St Mary's chief, Mick Woods.

SNOWBALL MUST GET RESULTS: RADCLIFFE

Paula Radcliffe has added to the pressure mounting on LSAC Cross Country Captain Ben Snowball today by commenting that the captain's future "rests on an upturn in form". The Marathon world record holder and former Loughborough student poured scorn on Snowball's claims that he is "building for the future". "You look at the club over the past few years and it is in a bad way" said Radcliffe from the launch of her new perfume "I don't necessarily blame Ben as it is largely the quad he inherited, but with BUCS just around the corner, I think he is going to have to up his game sharpish".

Loughborough are without a win all season and whilst Snowball has pointed to "an injury crisis" many have questioned the Aldershot man's ability to handle a big club. "He came in with good credentials" continued Radcliffe "but unfortunately we haven't seen any of that yet. Some of the performances of late have been completely abject." Whilst a heavy points deduction for Birchfield Harriers looks like saving LSAC from the ignomy of relegation, the club slumped to one of their worst performances ever at Perry Barr last month evidenced by the fact that Pete Matthews was a high counter. "That is completely humiliating for a club like this" sighed Radcliffe "you look at the great history of scorers and now a hapless ginger is a key figure. It's very sad."

Snowball will be relieved to be able to call on the services of Stephen Emery - whose loan deal does not permit him to race for Loughborough in the Birmingham League - at BUCS next month. However, with the British Number One Five Miler voicing concerns about "a wasted generation" at Loughborough, all is not well. "We should have Ryan [McLeod] and so that will give us some credibility" said Emery from his weekly press conference "but it still is a bit humiliating to look at some of the contenders to be honest." Emery was speaking just days after signing a lucrative contract extension with Coventry Godiva rumoured to be worth somewhere in the region of £5m. "It was never about the money" said the 24:24 5 mile man "I think that this club can best suit my needs going forward and so I am here to stay".

Whether Ben Snowball will be allowed the same luxuries is unclear, but with a "vote of confidence" issued by George Gandy after last month's disaster the signs are not promising.

SEAWARD TO BE FINED OVER NEW YEAR SHAME

George Gandy has confirmed that Kevin Seaward is likely to be fined by LSAC after being caught by police with a blood alcohol level of zero. The former Irish International was arrested shortly after 3:30am for being neither drunk nor remotely disorderly and is now having to explain to LSAC chiefs why he was "a shit lad". Gandy was awoken early this morning by PA Alasdair Donaldson (who does not have time to read this blog) and demanded immediate talks with Seaward who compounded his shocking behaviour the night before by being "on a run" when the call came through.

"Kevin would have done well to follow the example of Pete Matthews" said an insider at the HiPac "he kept up his extraordinary record of pulling unwilling and rotund girls and even managed to irritate just about everyone he came into contact with." High praise also came for Stephen Emery, who told shocked bystanders that he was a "dead cert" for the next six Birmingham Leagues. "Emery really let himself go last night" said the source "it was good to see, although we don't actively encourage pretending that bar tables are podiums, it is better than doing nothing at all."

Seaward has remained largely silent today, although he did use his Twitter feed to reveal that he had "a meeting with the boss". The Belfast man continued: "just heading off now, scary stuff!" Sources close to him have revealed that he is "upset with himself more than anything" for failing to mount a respectable showing. "Kevin freely admits that his story telling is at its strongest after a few drinks" said the friend "he wanted to try it sober and we all now agree that it failed miserably. He is looking forward to being able to prove himself at the next available opportunity."

EMERY 'FED UP' WITH LOUGHBOROUGH REGIME

Stephen Emery could be on the brink of a shock move to Birmingham after telling his advisers not to enter into discussions about the renewal of his contract at Loughborough. The 3:48 1500m man is said to be "very upset" after not receiving a personal email of congratulations from Guru George Gandy after his recent Birmingham League success and has always had a soft spot for the velvet tongued Bud Buldaro. The Lufbra Echo also understands that Emery is still furious about the new arrangements surrounding physio vouchers that have been introduced by a rampaging Ian Anholm. The Director of Administrative Affairs (Upstairs Office) has limited all athletes to just five vouchers per term and Emery has slammed this decision as "unreasonable" and is rumoured to have left a "stroppy note" on Anholm's car windscreen.

"Stephen is tired at the moment" sighed a seemingly unconcerned George Gandy from his weekly press conference "I am sure that this is the hours of stretching are taking their toll and in the new year he will be refreshed and ready to commit his future to us." The fact that a possible Emery defection is headline news only serves to underline how far the unfancied engineer has come in the past eighteen months. Written off by many, Emery was criticised for his "handlebars" by assistant coach David Howe just over a year ago and was on the brink of being "moved on" from the club after a dismal summer campaign in 2009. Since then, the Coventry Godiva man has become a linchpin in Gandy's squad and however much LSAC protest otherwise, his loss would be catastrophic in the run up to the BUCS Cross Country Championships.

An Emery spokesman was keen to play down the rumours this evening and was instead focussing on the "ludicrous" decision by Pete Matthews to grow a pony tail for the aforementioned BUCS. "If anything it is Mr Matthews that is forcing Stephen to consider his position" said the source "living with him is an awful experience and I think anyone would get fed up of hearing about how he once medalled at the U6 National Cross Relays every single day".

Matthews is said to be growing the pony tail for "attention seeking purposes".

MANHATTAN THANKSGIVING PARADE NEWS

SPINELESS SEAWARD STOPPED IN THIRD MILE OF GROUP TEMPO

Kevin Seaward's "career defining" challenge to become the new Heavyweight Champion of Loughborough Tempo Runs disintegrated into a whimper as the Irishman was forced to turn back just three miles into the race. Seaward - who claims to be in the shape of his life - never even made it to campus to meet the bulk of the group yesterday evening and was unable to live up to pre-event hype. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live just last week, he spoke confidently of being able to "end the careers" of others in the group. "What does [Chris] Warburton have? I mean really?" said Seaward "his family think they rule to roost at Loughborough, well I will be putting an end to the dynasty. Chris will be on the bread line when I'm through with him."

Unfortunately despite much bloviating about "some of the best sessions the world has ever seen", the former International was clearly in trouble from the outset. Immediately coming under pressure from some of the girls, Seaward's form started to slip, ultimately resulting in the race referee having to order him back home just 15 minutes into the contest. Speaking after the event, Seaward said that he felt the race had been ended "prematurely" but did concede that he probably "wasn't in the right place" to mount a significant challenge to the group. "I have to think about where I go from here," a shell-shocked Seaward told Five Live "my body just wouldn't play." UK Athletics would not speculate on reports that the Irishman would have part of his race purse withheld after such a dismal showing, but they did confirm that they were satisfied that the problem gambler had not deliberately thrown the race.

Meanwhile, it was a welcome surprise to see Pete Matthews doing a little running rather than talking about how he had "achieved more in the sport than Mo Farah" and Gary Bradbury seemed at ease after his well documented contractual problems. Whilst it remains to be seen how difficult a winter the African Violets will have under new captain Ben Snowball, there is optimism that Alasdair Donaldson's ludicrous decision to scrap the Tuesday night grass session will not lead to the all out mutiny many predicted. An insider told the Echo that there was "significant unrest" at the move, but many were "getting their heads down" for the good of the club. It is not believed that underground and unsanctioned grass sessions are as widespread as first feared, but our source did reveal that David Howe was under investigation by the club's Directorate of Non-compliance (DON) and that the findings would be published "in the new year".  

MATTHEWS ARRESTED IN MANCHESTER

EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS

The most famous athlete never to have broken 4 minutes for 1500m has been arrested in Manchester, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. Pete Matthews was taken into custody in the early hours of this morning after insisting on autographing the breasts of an undercover police officer. The red head was "getting out of hand" after edging closer to the so far elusive 16 minute barrier for 5km at the National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield. The former GB International (Mountain Running) clocked an impressive 16:17 on the course, but now must face the increasing questions surrounding his inability to handle fame. Matthews is alleged to have spent much of the evening offering signed photographs (for a small fee) to everyone he came into contact with - none of whom had any idea who he was. The idea of "signed body parts" was only dreamt up when the Blackburn star had drunk "a significant volume" of alcohol, according to bystanders. Matthews is said to have insisted on calling some "big name athletes" to inform them of his arrest but had to leave answer phone messages after the calls were screened.

Matthews - who is rumoured to be appearing on the next series of ITV's Celebrity Fit Club - headed directly to Manchester after the race where he proclaimed himself to be "back in the game". Unfortunately, his night ended shortly after 1am when he was led away and forced to call in his legal team to get him out of this latest scandal. "He hasn't been released yet," said an insider "apparently he is going to be charged with assaulting a police officer. He's upbeat though and says that prison life will do wonders for his weight loss." The arrest comes at the end of a difficult week for the disgraced AAAs fraudster who found out only yesterday that he would not be included in the latest wave of UK Athletics funded athletes. His publicist, Max Clifford, stated that it was "UKA's loss" at the time and has pledged to stand by his man in the coming weeks. "It's going to be tough, but I'll be there for him," said Clifford, "the guy is clearly a flawed genius. You look at the exceptional people in this world and they all have problems- just look at Paul Gascoigne. Let's get behind him and help the lad through it." 

SNOWBALL 'NOT TO BLAME' FOR LEAMINGTON DISASTER: GANDY

George Gandy has this evening reassured Ben Snowball that his job as Cross Country Captain is safe after Loughborough's famous cross country squad slumped to dismal showing at the weekend's first Birmingham League at Leamington. Sunday's News of the World carried the headline SNOWBALL MELTS UNDER PRESSURE and reported that "Loughborough chiefs were planning to axe the new skipper by the end of the week". Speaking from a press conference today, Gandy dismissed such rumours as "nonsense". "Just because it has taken me 48 hours to make a comment, you jump to the incorrect conclusion that Ben's job is under threat," thundered a stony faced guru, "nothing could be further from the truth. Ben is very much the man for the moment."

Snowball's meteoric and quite unexpected elevation to captain has been met with derision from some. A statement of protest from disgraced former president Rob Hodges last week did not help matters and yesterday, Canadian assistant coach David Howe called on the club to address the "crisis of leadership" facing it. "It's about who can motivate the guys," said Howe "I don't think Ben can do that because nobody knows who he is". Snowball himself exclusively told the Echo that Saturday's performance was "depressing" but stopped short of giving up hope. "I think when Pete Matthews actually decides to man up and compete things will be a lot better- no one wants to be beaten by him!"

Whilst Snowball's position is safe at the moment, it is unlikely Gandy and his colleagues will look kindly on the potential of relegation to the second tier of Birmingham competition and a club insider has said that the Aldershot man's days are numbered. "They want to bring in a big name to get us out of this mess," said the source, "there is a lot of talk of Shane Kerr taking it back for the rest of the season, but anything can happen."

Coming Soon:
- SNOWBALL: WE CAN STAY UP
- WHAT HAS GONE WRONG AT LOUGHBOROUGH?
- IS ALASDAIR DONALDSON TO BLAME?
- THE DAY LOUGHBOROUGH LOST ITS SENSE OF HUMOUR: INSIDE STORY

'I AM THE FAVOURITE': EMERY

Stephen Emery "can't bloody wait" for the first outing of the winter at tomorrow's Birmingham League at Leamington. Despite rumours that Emery is unhappy with his current arrangements at Coventry, the 1500m star has insisted that he will "give his all" to the forthcoming campaign. "There is no reason why it can't be a clean sweep" said the former Rugby & Northampton athlete "I know that if I can win tomorrow, I can get a run going...let's face it - I am the one to beat."

Emery will not have to face long time rival Sebastian Foy as the Cheltenham man has joined the legions of ex-Loughborough stars to retire from the sport. Foy conceded that his "height disadvantage" had become too much for him and announced his retirement at an emotional press conference last week. "I haven't been the same since I suffered a suspected stress fracture last Spring" said Foy "I guess it's all over for me now. I want to congratulate everyone else on all the good work they have been doing."

Emery was dismissive of the rivalry when asked about it at his own press conference and even went as far as admitting that he "never liked" Foy. Calling him a "slimy no-hoper", Emery slammed Foy's "pretences at stardom". "I have no idea what people saw in him," said the 3:48 1500m man "when it came to the track, his challenge disintegrated." When asked about potential rivals for the forthcoming series, Emery said that he "honestly couldn't think of anyone capable of getting close" to him and branded Pete Matthews "an embarrassment to the sport".

The Loughborough based engineer refused to answer questions surrounding rumours that he has approached David Howe in order to "beg" for some help. "Private business is private business," said a stern faced Emery sipping from an electrolyte drink.