Leicestershire Constabulary have announced an investigation into “highly irregular” goings on in the postal voting system for LSAC’s annual elections due to be held on Wednesday. Observers from the United Nations have had to be drafted in amid fears that the poll will descend into chaos as an “unprecedented number” of voters are expected to voice their displeasure with the “old politics”. Postal voting, which was largely responsible for propelling the current President Hodges to power, has been cancelled this year after an unnamed candidate was caught photocopying voting forms in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police confirmed that a 20 year-old man was arrested and bailed and that “no corners would be cut” in the quest for fair democracy. “We can’t be too careful” sighed Ian Anholm, who is responsible for overseeing the elections, “after a year of scandal, we need to get everything right this time. This is a new era for LSAC.” Postal votes were brought in to avoid a repeat of the terrible scenes at the 2005 elections when thousands were prevented from casting their vote as polls were alleged to close early. They have not been without their dissenters however, with some calling Ed Womersley’s elevation to Cross Country Captain last year a “blatant stitch up”.
Meanwhile, candidates have been campaigning furiously into the night to gain ground in the “closest election in history”. Luke Stott has been accused by rival Michael Baker of “running a dirty campaign” after posters questioning the gender orientation of the GB International were displayed around Loughborough. Stott, who for his part slammed Baker’s own campaign as “half-hearted”, denied culpability and said that members of his team would be spoken to. Pete Matthews has seemingly re-focused his campaign in the wake of reports about his private life. The Sunday People ran a story titled RED, RED- BED: SEX FIEND MATTHEWS IN ALL NIGHT ROMP claiming that the former GB International (Mountain Running) played “sick role play games” with “as many as three hotties at once”. The article went on to suggest that Matthews would “seductively swap” international vests for each of his “bombshell babes”. The red head today gave an in-depth and tear-jerking interview with Piers Morgan, where he spoke of his “tough upbringing” and the “immense handicap” of being “an all round great guy”. His campaign team have conceded that it is “highly unlikely” that Matthews will be elected but dismissed rumours that running-mate Andrew Mariani was considering going it alone.
Elsewhere, Gary Bradbury has been forced to surrender his candidacy for Vice President after allegations surfaced that the 3:43 man had been “paying little or no attention” to his diet and photographs showing him “clearly buying full fat milk” were published. Bradbury said that the reports “amounted to entrapment” and were “gutter journalism of the worst kind.” Rumours that Dani Christmas was about to be installed as the new Chancellor have been rejected as “utter nonsense” by LSAC insiders. A source said, “we can’t have two women in the most powerful positions [a reference to Sophie Thomas’ probable presidential appointment], it just wouldn’t work. Besides, Dani is likely to have a lot of work to do in the run up to the festive season”. This leaves the door open for a potential bid from the likes of Ryan McLeod, who remained very coy on the speculation when searching for his car keys this morning.
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Showing posts with label Stott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stott. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
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.
Monday, 3 May 2010
BUCS DAY THREE.....
Well, it's all over. Another year, another early-season 'major' Championships comes to an end. The Lufbra Echo rounds up the action from the last day.....
HOWE DENIES BATH AMBITION
Loughborough's assistant coach, David Howe has "categorically denied" rumours linking him with a big money move to Bath University. The Canadian was mobbed by journalists as he arrived at Bedford this morning after Bath chiefs were seen meeting with him late last night. This morning's Sun carried pictures of Bath students wearing "GO CANUCKS" t-shirts and quoted the University's Director of Sport saying that he "had always had the utmost respect for all Canadians". When contacted by the Echo this morning, Bath insiders revealed that University supremos were "ready to commit to the right man" to lead the athletics set up. "Bath are ready to become a major force in Track and Field," said a source, "we have secured a lot of funding and are on the lookout for someone to lead us to a BUCS Outdoor push within the next few years." The spokesman dismissed speculation that George Gandy was about to "offload" Alasdair Donaldson on the spa town.
Howe meanwhile was keeping a low profile at today's events and was carefully watched by Loughborough's security personnel. John Nutall, however, did reveal that Howe was "thinking seriously" about his future and that "any opportunity would be looked at". The Preston born coach went on, "if I was David, I would be flattered. The opportunity to lead a great team like Bath with good backing is a once in a lifetime. I hope they find someone. Maybe a disgruntled UKA employed Prestonian with an excellent CV and good track performances to match. But who knows?"
As he drove away from the stadium, Howe called the links "ridiculous" before nearly causing a major accident by pulling out in front a a speeding BMW.
'ARCTIC' TEMPERATURES FRUSTRATE BRADBURY
Gary Bradbury has called for next year's Championships to be held elsewhere after bemoaning the "stupidly cold" conditions for the 1500m final. "It was terrible," said the Woking star, "I seriously considered racing in a tracksuit." Bradbury, who finished 4th, also responded to criticism that he did not take his semi-final seriously enough after sending a text message half-way through the race. "Look, if the other guys insist on running that slowly, then I am bound to get bored," fumed the 3:43 man, "I had been meaning to text this guy back about Chelsea tickets for a while and so I thought I would before I forgot."
Bradbury was not the only man to hit out at the weather. The entire Loughborough men's 4x100m team initially refused to race owing to a "ludicrous risk" of muscular damage. Luke Stott explained from the call room, "I have just been out there and let me tell you there's no way we can run it. It wouldn't be safe." Officials have denied that they were considering bringing in heaters to warm the track for the relays. "That was never on the cards," said an insider, "it was raised by a junior staffer and we dismissed it immediately. Thankfully the Loughborough guys relented after Ian Anholm threatened to ban the use of ice baths back in the East Midlands."
EMERY 'THRILLED' AFTER SENSIBLE DISPLAY
Stephen Emery has spoken of his "delight" after securing a bronze medal in the final of the men's 5,000m. The Coventry star stunned other competitors with a lethal 27.63 final 200m and made no effort to hide his glee. "I hope this shuts everyone up now," Emery told the Echo immediately afterwards, "Ben Green and the like have been on at me for so long. Why don't I increase this or do more of that- but this proves that being sensible is what counts." So sensible was Emery that he missed the medal presentation in order to complete his systematic cool down. "What a stupid time to hold the ceremony," said the 22 year-old, "if I didn't do my jog and exercises I would live to regret it for sure."
There is no doubting Emery's impressive performance this morning. Initially sitting just behind the main pack, the 1:52 800m man made steady progress throughout the middle portion of the race and unleashed his impressive sprint at the right moment. Unfortunately for him, race leaders Nick Goolab and Rory Chesser had got away from the field by this stage and it had become a scrap for bronze. Speaking after the race, new champion Nick Goolab bemoaned a "pedestrian" opening gambit. "The first few laps were absolutely ridiculous," said the Belgrave star, "I wish I hadn't bothered to warm up now it was so slow. Eventually I decided to turn it into a tempo and Rory was the only guy brave enough to come with me." Goolab also showed a good race awareness as he kicked away from Chesser in the final 100m. "It just wasn't my day," sighed a deflated Chesser after the race, "Goolab started saying nasty things to me in the last kilometre like 'you need a hair cut' and 'your socks are rubbish'. I guess that got to me."
HOWE DENIES BATH AMBITION
Loughborough's assistant coach, David Howe has "categorically denied" rumours linking him with a big money move to Bath University. The Canadian was mobbed by journalists as he arrived at Bedford this morning after Bath chiefs were seen meeting with him late last night. This morning's Sun carried pictures of Bath students wearing "GO CANUCKS" t-shirts and quoted the University's Director of Sport saying that he "had always had the utmost respect for all Canadians". When contacted by the Echo this morning, Bath insiders revealed that University supremos were "ready to commit to the right man" to lead the athletics set up. "Bath are ready to become a major force in Track and Field," said a source, "we have secured a lot of funding and are on the lookout for someone to lead us to a BUCS Outdoor push within the next few years." The spokesman dismissed speculation that George Gandy was about to "offload" Alasdair Donaldson on the spa town.
Howe meanwhile was keeping a low profile at today's events and was carefully watched by Loughborough's security personnel. John Nutall, however, did reveal that Howe was "thinking seriously" about his future and that "any opportunity would be looked at". The Preston born coach went on, "if I was David, I would be flattered. The opportunity to lead a great team like Bath with good backing is a once in a lifetime. I hope they find someone. Maybe a disgruntled UKA employed Prestonian with an excellent CV and good track performances to match. But who knows?"
As he drove away from the stadium, Howe called the links "ridiculous" before nearly causing a major accident by pulling out in front a a speeding BMW.
'ARCTIC' TEMPERATURES FRUSTRATE BRADBURY
Gary Bradbury has called for next year's Championships to be held elsewhere after bemoaning the "stupidly cold" conditions for the 1500m final. "It was terrible," said the Woking star, "I seriously considered racing in a tracksuit." Bradbury, who finished 4th, also responded to criticism that he did not take his semi-final seriously enough after sending a text message half-way through the race. "Look, if the other guys insist on running that slowly, then I am bound to get bored," fumed the 3:43 man, "I had been meaning to text this guy back about Chelsea tickets for a while and so I thought I would before I forgot."
Bradbury was not the only man to hit out at the weather. The entire Loughborough men's 4x100m team initially refused to race owing to a "ludicrous risk" of muscular damage. Luke Stott explained from the call room, "I have just been out there and let me tell you there's no way we can run it. It wouldn't be safe." Officials have denied that they were considering bringing in heaters to warm the track for the relays. "That was never on the cards," said an insider, "it was raised by a junior staffer and we dismissed it immediately. Thankfully the Loughborough guys relented after Ian Anholm threatened to ban the use of ice baths back in the East Midlands."
EMERY 'THRILLED' AFTER SENSIBLE DISPLAY
Stephen Emery has spoken of his "delight" after securing a bronze medal in the final of the men's 5,000m. The Coventry star stunned other competitors with a lethal 27.63 final 200m and made no effort to hide his glee. "I hope this shuts everyone up now," Emery told the Echo immediately afterwards, "Ben Green and the like have been on at me for so long. Why don't I increase this or do more of that- but this proves that being sensible is what counts." So sensible was Emery that he missed the medal presentation in order to complete his systematic cool down. "What a stupid time to hold the ceremony," said the 22 year-old, "if I didn't do my jog and exercises I would live to regret it for sure."
There is no doubting Emery's impressive performance this morning. Initially sitting just behind the main pack, the 1:52 800m man made steady progress throughout the middle portion of the race and unleashed his impressive sprint at the right moment. Unfortunately for him, race leaders Nick Goolab and Rory Chesser had got away from the field by this stage and it had become a scrap for bronze. Speaking after the race, new champion Nick Goolab bemoaned a "pedestrian" opening gambit. "The first few laps were absolutely ridiculous," said the Belgrave star, "I wish I hadn't bothered to warm up now it was so slow. Eventually I decided to turn it into a tempo and Rory was the only guy brave enough to come with me." Goolab also showed a good race awareness as he kicked away from Chesser in the final 100m. "It just wasn't my day," sighed a deflated Chesser after the race, "Goolab started saying nasty things to me in the last kilometre like 'you need a hair cut' and 'your socks are rubbish'. I guess that got to me."
Sunday, 25 April 2010
LOUGHBOROUGH OPEN MEETING NEWS....
All the action from the BUCS Trials rounded up by the Echo
FURIOUS EMERY PONDERS ACTION AFTER BADDICK SLUR
Stephen Emery has said that he is “hurt and upset” after Frank Baddick accused the Coventry Godiva man of “bottling it” at the Loughborough Open (inc. BUCS Trials) held yesterday. Going into the race, bookmakers had stopped taking bets on an Emery win, with many citing his “tremendous” form at LSAC’s Portugal Warm Weather training camp- in February you could get odds of 100-1 for the same outcome. However, race organisers received a call from Emery on the morning of the meeting declaring himself unwell and unable to compete. Speaking at the post race press conference, a victorious Baddick taunted Emery, stating that it was “disappointing” he chose not to run. “This was the big test,” beamed the Newham and Essex Beagle, “and Stephen clearly wasn’t ready for it. He says he was ill- but we have seen this before. He was in excellent shape in South Africa last year and that came to nothing.”
Baddick, who has had a disappointing winter, also told of his relief to chalk up a race victory. “This is the one I wanted,” said the 24 year old, “it’s the stuff you dream of. When things were going badly I just kept focussed on this- I thought save it for the Loughborough Open- then you’ll show them all.” The 3:42 1500m man went on to call Emery’s withdrawal “suspicious”. “All I’m saying is that this was the first time there was real pressure on him. With his meteoric rise of late, I just wonder whether there is something in his system that he isn’t telling us about.”
Emery meanwhile presented a doctor’s certificate at his own press conference this afternoon and is less than happy at Baddick’s comments. “Nonsense,” thundered the 8:51 3k man, “jealous, malicious, half baked nonsense. The biggest load of nonsense since sliced bread.” Emery also revealed that he was in discussions with his legal team. “Just because he was nowhere all winter, Frank thinks he can make stuff up to bring us all down. That is deeply upsetting. I was puking my guts up yesterday and so could never have raced.”
SPRINTERS FUME AT ‘WRONG COLOUR’ TRACK
Loughborough’s sprinters are demanding that the entire track is dug up and re-laid ahead of next month’s Loughborough International after several athletes complained that the track was “too red”. 100m man, Luke Stott said that the track’s colour ruined his race yesterday. “It was blinding,” harrumphed the 10.7 (wind assisted) man, “I glanced up from my blocks and all I could see was red, red, red. It ruined my concentration.” Meanwhile, Echo favourite James Dasaolu refused to race altogether citing the “disgusting” track colour. “I don’t know what’s happened over the winter,” said Dasaolu en route to a race in Limoges, “it was fine last year but there’s no way I’ll race on that now- it’s out of order.”
Loughborough’s facilities boss, Ian Anholm was less than impressed with the “whining sprinters”. “It’s always the same. Summer comes around and they need an excuse and so have a go at me. Poor old me- I try my best, but what do they want me to do? Go out there and re-paint the thing?” Anholm, who has been accused of a “tyrannical” management style in the past, was speaking after launching a probe into “inappropriate parking” at the event. “Some vehicles were all over the place,” said the admin chief, “and I distinctly saw one car drive the wrong way around the one way system. Heaven knows what would have happened if someone had been coming the other way- it just doesn’t bear thinking about.” Anholm pledged to “get to the bottom” of the misdemeanour and that “no punishment would be too harsh” for the perpetrator.
GANDY SKIPS TRIAL IN FAVOUR OF ‘NIGHT OUT WITH THE LADS’
George Gandy has been snapped by French newspaper L’Equipe leaving a French nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning despite a previous pledge to be at Loughborough’s BUCS trials. The guru refused to answer his phone this morning but a UKA insider revealed how Gandy never made it to the airport for his planned flight to the East Midlands. “Ryan McLeod was planning a big night out and George wanted to get involved. Alasdair Donaldson remained at the accommodation ready to make the tea the morning after.” Gandy’s actions are unlikely to sit well with many who were looking forward to showing off their early season form to the LSAC Director. It is rumoured that Chris Warburton was “close to tears” when he heard the news and that Gary Bradbury refused to leave his home for “some hours” having got off the phone with the guru.
ECHO ANNOUNCES BUCS DEAL
The Lufbra Echo is thrilled to announce exclusive access to the Loughborough camp at next weekend's BUCS Championships. The news comes after rival publications attempted to swipe the deal from under our noses, but our unnamed Chief Executive remained resolute. He enthused: "this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. George Gandy is away and so it is likely access will be absolute. Our loyal readership can look forward to nightly updates, exclusive interviews and all the action as it happens." The Echo narrowly missed out on a similar deal with the University of North Dunstable, but will be able to carry snippets from around the stadium at Bedford.
Coverage is subject to availability and a delay of several hours. Terms and conditions apply. Some interviews will be more exciting than others.
FURIOUS EMERY PONDERS ACTION AFTER BADDICK SLUR
Stephen Emery has said that he is “hurt and upset” after Frank Baddick accused the Coventry Godiva man of “bottling it” at the Loughborough Open (inc. BUCS Trials) held yesterday. Going into the race, bookmakers had stopped taking bets on an Emery win, with many citing his “tremendous” form at LSAC’s Portugal Warm Weather training camp- in February you could get odds of 100-1 for the same outcome. However, race organisers received a call from Emery on the morning of the meeting declaring himself unwell and unable to compete. Speaking at the post race press conference, a victorious Baddick taunted Emery, stating that it was “disappointing” he chose not to run. “This was the big test,” beamed the Newham and Essex Beagle, “and Stephen clearly wasn’t ready for it. He says he was ill- but we have seen this before. He was in excellent shape in South Africa last year and that came to nothing.”
Baddick, who has had a disappointing winter, also told of his relief to chalk up a race victory. “This is the one I wanted,” said the 24 year old, “it’s the stuff you dream of. When things were going badly I just kept focussed on this- I thought save it for the Loughborough Open- then you’ll show them all.” The 3:42 1500m man went on to call Emery’s withdrawal “suspicious”. “All I’m saying is that this was the first time there was real pressure on him. With his meteoric rise of late, I just wonder whether there is something in his system that he isn’t telling us about.”
Emery meanwhile presented a doctor’s certificate at his own press conference this afternoon and is less than happy at Baddick’s comments. “Nonsense,” thundered the 8:51 3k man, “jealous, malicious, half baked nonsense. The biggest load of nonsense since sliced bread.” Emery also revealed that he was in discussions with his legal team. “Just because he was nowhere all winter, Frank thinks he can make stuff up to bring us all down. That is deeply upsetting. I was puking my guts up yesterday and so could never have raced.”
SPRINTERS FUME AT ‘WRONG COLOUR’ TRACK
Loughborough’s sprinters are demanding that the entire track is dug up and re-laid ahead of next month’s Loughborough International after several athletes complained that the track was “too red”. 100m man, Luke Stott said that the track’s colour ruined his race yesterday. “It was blinding,” harrumphed the 10.7 (wind assisted) man, “I glanced up from my blocks and all I could see was red, red, red. It ruined my concentration.” Meanwhile, Echo favourite James Dasaolu refused to race altogether citing the “disgusting” track colour. “I don’t know what’s happened over the winter,” said Dasaolu en route to a race in Limoges, “it was fine last year but there’s no way I’ll race on that now- it’s out of order.”
Loughborough’s facilities boss, Ian Anholm was less than impressed with the “whining sprinters”. “It’s always the same. Summer comes around and they need an excuse and so have a go at me. Poor old me- I try my best, but what do they want me to do? Go out there and re-paint the thing?” Anholm, who has been accused of a “tyrannical” management style in the past, was speaking after launching a probe into “inappropriate parking” at the event. “Some vehicles were all over the place,” said the admin chief, “and I distinctly saw one car drive the wrong way around the one way system. Heaven knows what would have happened if someone had been coming the other way- it just doesn’t bear thinking about.” Anholm pledged to “get to the bottom” of the misdemeanour and that “no punishment would be too harsh” for the perpetrator.
GANDY SKIPS TRIAL IN FAVOUR OF ‘NIGHT OUT WITH THE LADS’
George Gandy has been snapped by French newspaper L’Equipe leaving a French nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning despite a previous pledge to be at Loughborough’s BUCS trials. The guru refused to answer his phone this morning but a UKA insider revealed how Gandy never made it to the airport for his planned flight to the East Midlands. “Ryan McLeod was planning a big night out and George wanted to get involved. Alasdair Donaldson remained at the accommodation ready to make the tea the morning after.” Gandy’s actions are unlikely to sit well with many who were looking forward to showing off their early season form to the LSAC Director. It is rumoured that Chris Warburton was “close to tears” when he heard the news and that Gary Bradbury refused to leave his home for “some hours” having got off the phone with the guru.
ECHO ANNOUNCES BUCS DEAL
The Lufbra Echo is thrilled to announce exclusive access to the Loughborough camp at next weekend's BUCS Championships. The news comes after rival publications attempted to swipe the deal from under our noses, but our unnamed Chief Executive remained resolute. He enthused: "this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. George Gandy is away and so it is likely access will be absolute. Our loyal readership can look forward to nightly updates, exclusive interviews and all the action as it happens." The Echo narrowly missed out on a similar deal with the University of North Dunstable, but will be able to carry snippets from around the stadium at Bedford.
Coverage is subject to availability and a delay of several hours. Terms and conditions apply. Some interviews will be more exciting than others.
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