MP NAMES SEAWARD IN PRIVACY ROW

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Details surrounding Seaward's private life still cannot be revealed

John Hemming MP has named Kevin Seaward under parliamentary privilege as the athlete at the centre of a privacy row. In a victory for democracy, Hemming declared that it was "disgraceful that such a high profile figure was hiding behind the law to cover up his private life". The echo has three times been to court with Seaward over the issue and even now cannot reveal the intimate details that surround his legal action. As recently as this morning, Mr Justice Eady refused to quash the super injunction against Echo Group International (the echo's parent company) despite days of social networking gossip.

Mr Eady said that it was "not in the public interest" for the echo to engage in "shameless gossip" about an otherwise very private individual. "Person Z has every right to expect a certain degree of privacy even though he has chosen a very public domain in which to conduct his professional life" said the Judge "it is beyond the realms of my understanding to know why the public would be interested in unsubstantiated gossip". It was concluded that the 98,000 people who mentioned his name on Twitter over the past week were "in contempt of court" and could technically be sent to prison for two years.

Seaward's solicitors have threatened to "put the echo out of business" if we publish "anything about the completely personal and private circumstances". However, the echo can confirm that the injunction has nothing to do with Seaward's drunken behaviour at the Whittle wedding back in December, nor his shameful conduct at Loughborough's New Year party in January. The rumours on Twitter suggesting that the former Irish International was receiving treatment for a coffee addiction are also untrue.

Seaward was flanked by three security guards at this weekend's Loughborough International and his official website has been suspended since the early hours of this morning. It is understood that the star plans to take refuge in his home country just as soon as Barrack Obama (Seaward is a Republican) has left it. His official spokesman said that he "had and would never have any comment to make on the matter". 

SOUTHEND READY TO SPLASH CASH AS TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS

Southend AC have this evening signalled their ambition for the forthcoming summer by approaching no fewer than five big names in the distance running world. The Essex club have recently been taken over by a super-rich paper merchant from Sardinia, who has demanded European Athletics success within the next two years. The Lufbra Echo understands that Southend have made a multi-million pound offer for Morpeth's Nick McCormick and have also expressed an interest in enticing Andrew Lemoncello back to the UK.

Whilst McCormick is well known to be on the look out for a move, it seems unlikely that he would lower himself to Division 3 athletics just for the sake of financial gain. A Morpeth spokesman slammed Southend's "obscene" levels of wealth and said that the club had not ruled out reporting them to UKA. "It's really bad form," thundered the source "they come here with their big Essex chequebooks and try to unsettle our top guys- it's wrong, just wrong". McCormick remained silent on the possibility this evening, but insiders have revealed that the 3:33 1500m could be on the verge of a "career defining move" in the next month.

Lemoncello, meanwhile, was spotted sharing fish and chips with Southend chiefs just last week and sources have let slip that the seaside club could be about to net the British number 1 marathoner. "The Chairman sent a private jet to collect Mr Lemoncello" said the high level aide "it was a really productive discussion and they discussed the merits of setting up a training base in the area." It is understood that Lemoncello "likes the idea of living on an island" and as such is contemplating the purchase of a property on nearby Canvey Island. "We know of a few hills on the isle" continued the source "and so it would be just like training at altitude".

Southend have also had offers for Mo Farah and the athlete formerly known as Geele (now to be called Gala) rejected by Newham and Essex Beagles. However, with Frank Baddick "desperately unhappy" with the new kit at the London club, it looks likely that he will be allowed to leave. Strong Loughborough links have also resulted in leading names such as Gary Bradbury and Rob Whittle "not ruling out" the possibility of a move. "If the set up and club philosophy was right" opined Bradbury "then I would consider the switch. For me, it's all about the feel of a place. If I knew everyone's karma was right then yes, I would look at Southend." A spokesman for the Essex club categorically denied speculation that they were about to or had any intention of ever signing Pete Matthews.

NEWS ROUND UP

COE IN STADIUM NAMING RIDDLE

Lord Sebastian Coe KBE has lost his cool after being informed that the Olympic Stadium will not be called 'The Sebastian Newbold Coe, Baron Coe KBE is Brilliant Stadium'. It is understood that his Lordship presented the idea to fellow Olympic Chiefs last week who unanimously kicked it into touch. Speaking to the Lufbra Echo, Lord Coe said that the British Olympic Association were "ungrateful". "We are here because of me and I think that they should remember that" said the former 800m World Record holder "I think it is high time I got the sort of recognition that Lord Sugar gets." It is thought that Lord Coe is particularly upset that the BBC would not allow him to run his own version of Sugar's Apprentice in order to help him find a new butler. "How come someone like that [Sugar] - a commoner gets all the glamour, whilst I am here with nothing?" thundered the LOCOG Chairman, before breaking off the interview to go and shout at an architect "because he could". 

BRENDAN FOSTER MAY QUIT BBC OVER CAKE ROW

Brendan Foster, for so long the voice of British athletics coverage, has handed the Beeb an ultimatum over cake, the Lufbra Echo understands. It is thought that Foster, who retired from running some years ago, is furious after he was told that only three types of cake would be provided at major athletics events from now on. An insider has told of how Mr Foster was "horrified" by the news and would "struggle to cope" with remaining awake for the entirety of the London Marathon without "at least ten" cakes on the go at once. "How would you feel if you were handed a 70% real terms pay cut?" asked a Foster representative "it's not his fault that the BBC have run out of money." The BBC declined to comment on the record this evening, but a source close to Beeb chiefs revealed that "they couldn't care less" if Foster leaves.

ROYAL COUPLE TO MARRY

Prince Robert Whittle of Loughborough has announced his engagement to Laura Kenny. It is understood that the Prince, second in line to the thrown currently occupied by King Guru Gandy III, proposed to Miss Kenny during a training run in the Outwoods and they will be married later this year. Cross Country Captain, Ben Snowball hailed a "wonderful day" for Loughborough and hoped that it would take everyone's mind of the continuing dismal showing at recent cross country events. Miss Kenny will become the Princess of Shepshed after the marriage and has said that she is "one hundred percent committed" to continuing with her career despite the change in circumstances.

HOWE ATHLETE RUNS PB SHOCK

An athlete coached by David Howe has run a personal best, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The result, which is believed to have come over 10km, has left many in the sport shocked. "This is absolutely crazy news" said one spectator, "it is going to turn the athletics world upside down." It is understood that the runner, who has asked not to be named, has engaged in some "solid" training over recent months and that is how the performance is being explained. An insider at Loughborough this evening dismissed the news as a "blip" and remained confident that normal service would soon be restored.

MATTHEWS OUT OF TEMPO DECIDER

Pete Matthews has picked up a slight injury and will miss the final Club Tempo run of the Autumn. The disgraced AAAs fraudster told his official website that he was "devastated" to be sidelined after a podium finish last year. "This is what it is all about," said the Red Head, "it's absolutely gutting to be out of it. I really thought it was mine this year." Matthews' absence opens the door for the likes of Stephen Emery, Frank Baddick and Rob Whittle to battle it out for the most prestigious title in the East Midlands.

Speaking yesterday afternoon, Whittle conceded that he had been "unsettled" by the now infamous "hair gel affair" that took place between himself and Baddick. "I thought it was bad form," said the 1500m specialist "and I must admit it got to me a little." Baddick meanwhile has been playing down his chances pointing to "an alarming dip" in form. "I can't understand it" sighed Baddick at his own press conference "this is the most crucial point of my year and it looks like I'm going to blow it now. It's very frustrating indeed."

Such talk surely makes Stephen Emery the favourite and he will be looking to bounce back from his "dismal" display at Sutton Park last weekend. Emery has said that he was "embarrassed" to be nearly beaten by Kevin Seaward and will be looking to exact some revenge this evening. "That is if Kevin bothers to show up" said Emery of his bitter enemy "wouldn't surprise me if he skips it like normal. The fact is that Kevin isn't cut out for the big occasion." Emery refused to be drawn on his other threats but did confirm that he was "relieved" to hear of Matthews' withdrawal.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether there are any credible challenges to come from first year students, Loughborough sources have been keen to talk up their latest intake. "It's the best batch since I was a fresher" beamed George Gandy's Personal Private Secretary, Alasdair Donaldson "there has been a lot written about how much it all cost [estimates have been as high as £100m] but I think everyone will see that it is all worth it." Donaldson has ruled himself out of the contest after making the "difficult" decision that he isn't fit enough. "It is time for the young guns now and so it would be nice to see a fresher win it. As long as Whittle messes up then I'm happy." Donaldson dismissed speculation that his withdrawal was linked with rumours that bitter adversary David Howe was contemplating throwing his hat into the ring.

DONALDSON DEFIES RAIN TO MAKE IMPRESSIVE COMEBACK

Alasdair Donaldson has made a low-key return to athletics in some of the heaviest rain Loughborough has experienced in a generation. The 33 year-old told the Lufbra Echo that he was ready to "smash everyone through a wall" and said that his return was motivated by the poor standard of British distance running. "I look at the 800m rankings and just think back to when I was in school," said the 1:47 man, "back then you would never get away with some of the rubbish that we see now. The sport needs someone like me: someone who is not afraid to put himself out there."

If today's performance was anything to go by, the Scot will soon be making his mark. Arriving some two miles into the run, Donaldson immediately drifted to the front and put a gap between himself and the rest of the field disposing of a stunned Lewis Moses. Rob Whittle jumped out of the pack after him, but was soon making an abashed retreat to the main group. Alas, the damage had been done for Whittle and with Frank Baddick's hair gel gibes ringing in his ears, he was forced to make a hasty and breathless dash for home. Next to come under pressure was Baddick himself who just couldn't live with Donaldson's injection of pace as the rain became heavier. Baddick hung on as far as the infamous 'Domino's Turn off' but was soon making his own despondent way home. Afterwards, the Newham and Essex Beagle conceded that he was "bitterly disappointed" not to have been able to match Donaldson. "I thought I had him," said Baddick gulping a recovery shake, "his head was going further and further back. But in the end, the successive sub 7 minute miles were too much."

And so it came down to two. Donaldson: the old guard and Andrew Mariani (who is increasingly becoming know as 'Ken') representing the future. It was a brave effort from the 21 year-old but ultimately Donaldson's determination proved too much. As the pair flew past Sainsbury's, George Gandy's PA unleashed a 6:40 mile and in doing so ended Mariani's challenge. The most talented athlete at Loughborough faded badly in the closing stages but just about managed to hold off the advancing main pack.

Speaking at his victory press conference, Donaldson heaped praise on the Woodford Green man but had biting criticism for Kevin Seaward who failed to mount a significant challenge despite claiming to be in the shape of his life. "It [Mariani's effort] is what you want to see," said Donaldson, "Kevin never had a go. I was very disappointed with that." Despite a "very positive" return, the Fife man conceded that it could be some time before he will be ready to take on the ultimate challenge - a run with the girls. "They are going at a different level right now," said Donaldson "when I was in school, I learnt not to run with the girls unless you are right at the top of your game. I must say, it's a challenge I will be putting off for a while".

FACEBOOK DELETIONS THREATEN LOUGHBOROUGH UNITY

George Gandy was keen to play down rumours that Loughborough's team spirit is in tatters after several leading athletes have deleted each other on Facebook. It is thought that the deletions are over a dispute about corner cutting during easy runs. Although neither Facebook nor Loughborough will confirm who is involved, it is believed to centre around Kevin Seaward and an ongoing war of words with Chris Warburton. The guru used his weekly press conference to deny that there was an "unpleasant atmosphere" around the club and said that what went on over the internet was none of his business. "I actively discourage the use of the internet," said the LSAC Director, "ever since Frank Baddick deleted Rob Whittle over hair gel, I've steered clear. It's all very childish."

Gandy also denied that he had been "targeting" Stephen Emery. The Coventry Godiva man was upset when an email was circulated praising those who had run significant PBs in August. At the time, Emery said that it was "clearly directed" at him as he had finished his season early and in disgrace. Emery was threatened with disqualification for "moving out" during a disastrous 1:53 800m clocking in what proved to be his final race at Watford. In dismissing the accusations as "utter nonsense", the guru had firm words for Emery stating that he "should get over himself" and that he had "some way to go" before he could start dictating the agenda.

NEWS UPDATE

TEENAGE KICKS: Gerrard hopes to transfer his "passion" for working with youngsters to athletics

GERRARD EYES COACHING ROLE

Steven Gerrard is “actively considering” taking up a job within UKA after he retires from football, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The multi-millionaire Liverpudlian- who captained England during their recent failure at the World Cup- has said that he wants to “give something back” to the country once his footballing days end. “I enjoy working with kids,” Gerrard said from his hide-out in Mexico, “I think that football is being tarnished somewhat and I watch athletics on the television a fair bit. I think I could add a lot of value.” Gerrard has often been praised for his “enormous heart and lungs” when on and off the football pitch and UKA officials are secretly hoping he can turn that fitness and fighting (in a purely self-defensive way) spirit to “transforming British distance running”. However, an insider revealed that it was unlikely Gerrard would be let loose on the senior ranks for a while. “It’s a tricky business and it will take time,” said the source, “Steven has a particularly positive impact on the ladies and so we are thinking of assigning him to the Junior Girls. I doubt he can do much harm there and can move on to the grown-ups when he is ready.”

MISERABLE McLEOD FORCED TO RUE MISSED SOLIHULL OPPORTUNITY

Ryan McLeod has conceded that he made a “catastrophic error” in opting for a race in Belgium over the BMC Solihull Grand Prix. The Tipton Harrier was left red faced when he was only able to chalk up his third fastest 5000m performance at the Belgium meeting, whilst the Solihull event was won by landscape gardener, Mark Draper. Disappointed Eightlaners were upset at missing a potential showdown between the pair: “this is the guy who bleats at not being given paid trips [14:01] his dad [Olympic Silver Medallist, Mike McLeod] would have been embarressed [sic] to be offered anythig [sic] for that,” thundered ‘shouldhebepaid’ in reference to the fact that McLeod had to pay for his journey. A spokesman for the McLeod camp said that his charge was “saddened” to hear that the Eightlane community were getting exercised again. “Obviously, Ryan would rather have been involved in a race where two people broke 14:20 as opposed to one where ten ran under 13:50, but these things happen,” said the source, adding that he was “deeply sorry” to anyone who had taken exception to his race choices.

ASTON TO BLAME: WHITTLE

Ed Aston has been blamed for Rob Whittle's calamitous closing 150m in the ‘B’ race of the 1500m at Solihull on Saturday evening. The Loughborough star slammed Aston for running “an inspirational race” just moments before his own. “I watched that and as a result went out too hard,” sighed Whittle after the race, “it’s all his [Aston’s] fault. I hope he is happy now.” Aston was imperious in front running the majority of his race and being rewarded with a 1:47.96 PB. A Loughborough spokesman has confirmed that they will be asking the BMC to caution the Cambridge & Coleridge star against running so well again. “It just isn’t on to expect other athletes to watch superb performances like that and then go out and run sensibly,” said the official, “frankly we think it’s a little selfish.”

POLICE IN BOWSER FOUL UP

Police have thanked readers of the Lufbra Echo for their help in trying to locate the missing athlete Matt Bowser, but have been forced to concede that they bungled a move to intercept him on Sunday evening. “Mr. Bowser arrived back at Stansted airport after a race oversees,” said Dt. Supt. Lukatme who is leading the investigation, “somehow he gave us the slip. We are still looking for him and once again worn against approaching this man.” In an ironic twist, it seems likely that Bowser escaped the police by using the Garmin that UKA are trying to locate. UKA officials have spoken of Charles Van Commenee’s “sleepless nights” over the missing gadget and reiterated an appeal for its safe return. “Please, Matt have the heart to bring the Garmin home,” said the press secretary, “it’s never too late”.