'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.

ECHO WAITS ON HIGH COURT SUMMONS

The Lufbra Echo is the subject of a judicial enquiry, we can now reveal. The information had been embargoed until earlier this evening, when the Court of Appeal granted leave to disseminate the information. In an extraordinary step this evening, the ever anonymous chief executive chose to address the press. It is the first time that an Echo boss - commonly referred to a 'F' - has spoken publicly.

The top man slammed the "precious society" that had landed his organisation in Court for allegedly "causing grave offence to the top brass". "We received the news via text a couple of weeks ago and were promptly told that the information was to be kept private", said the editor-in-chief "we feel that this is a malicious ploy aimed at derailing our hard hitting investigative work".

The Echo team are also rumoured to be "scared for their careers" after the reports were leaked to them. One insider said: "we have heard nothing since this original communication. Some of us are starting to wonder whether the whole thing is made up. If I lose this job then that's it. I'll never work in a place quite as exciting as this - plus I have a mortgage to pay".

The Chief had firm words for the injuncters. "It isn't fair for them to say one thing and do another. Frankly, it's all a little pathetic. Our legal team are sure that if we were given the chance, we could disspell this thing completely, but no contact has been made. It's a very interesting situation."

By seemingly issuing a "come and get us" order, the chief is risking the wrath of those who have ordered the review. "It is a strategy fraught with danger," conceded the most successful writer in the history of the internet "but what I am saying is quite clear: we're ready for a fight and so it's time for them to put their money where their mouth is. We'll see them in court."

SNOWBALL EYES CROSS SUCCESS

Loughborough's controversial new Cross Country Captain has stated his aim to win the Birmingham League this season and so mark an extended period in the wilderness of underachievement. Although not explicitly criticising his predecessors, Snowball did say that he was "hurt" by the record of the African Violets. "I see us as the Arsenal of Cross Country" said the lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan "we have some really stylish and beautiful runners who achieve absolutely nothing. I aim to overcome that".

Snowball - whose finest hour came at this year's National Cross Country Championships - has made a promising start to his reign as skipper. Having already outlawed the wearing of international kit on easy runs, Snowball went on to ban the popular craze of wearing headbands during sessions. An insider at the club said that whilst some of the more established names (such as beaten Captaincy Candidate, Pete Matthews) were upset at the changes, the majority were going along with it for "the good of the club".

Snowball himself acknowledges the enormous challenge that faces him. With the club crippled with debt, it is unlikely that the free spending of past captains such as Ed Womersley, Shane Kerr and ***** **** will be able to continue. "There's no secret that things are tough around here," said the skipper, who has himself taken a 5% pay cut to just £150,000 a week "but I want to build a team of strong guys who get the job done. This is why I have sent a memo round saying that gloves will not be allowed at any Cross race this season. I have also banned dropping out of sessions."

Snowball's critics have labelled his plans "unworkable" and "poorly thought through". "How can he make dropping out of sessions illegal when Pete Matthews trains here?" grumbled one insider "and there will be a lot of people upset about his ban on looking at yourself whilst running as well." Further bad news came for Matthews when all name dropping was barred and the rampaging skipper has also put a stop to the potentially lethal fad of watching yourself in the windows of cars after dark. It is believed that such vanity nearly brought a premature end to Andrew Mariani's season just last week.

Elsewhere, Stephen Emery remains "very upset" at the limit that has been slapped on his usage of Physio Vouchers. The Coventry man was left stunned when he was informed that Snowball had limited all athletes to just five visits per term in the name of austerity. "Doesn't he know who I am?" thundered Emery from a charity event over the weekend, "I'm a f*****g BUCS medallist! This guy is a total joke." Snowball is seemingly not fazed by such criticism and refused to engage in any discussion of "jumped up little nobodies".

BRADBURY SEEKS SQUAD ASSURANCES

Gary Bradbury is set for talks aimed at keeping him at Loughborough this evening, after the 1500m star refused to sign a new contract earlier in the year. The 3:43 man's contract expires at the end of the season and he is understood to be "very disappointed" with the new intake of first years. With rumours of a bust up between himself and Gandy's PA, Alasdair Donaldson, many have speculated that this campaign would be his last at the African Violets. Gandy conceded at a press conference last week that he was "dumbfounded" by Bradbury's comments but added that the "door would always be open" for him to reconsider. "You can never say never with an athlete of that quality" said an ashen faced guru "but I had a meeting with the Vice Chancellor last week and it was confirmed that Gary had said he wanted away".

Bradbury's decision is not thought to be related to money, however it is unlikely that anyone other than Loughborough's huge rivals Birmingham would be able to afford his £120,000 a week pay packet. Furious fans have flooded the airwaves of radio phone-ins expressing their dismay at the situation and several protesters were arrested outside the athlete's £4m Loughborough home. It is understood that police are "very concerned" for the safety of Bradbury at next weekend's Birmingham League. An insider said: "we have informed Loughborough that it probably isn't a good idea for Mr Bradbury to compete. We cannot guarantee the athlete's safety at this event".

A number of separate events are understood to have upset Bradbury and led to his shocking revelation. After a largely disappointing season, the former BUCS medallist is allegedly concerned that he would "waste the best years of his career" with a Loughborough squad that was failing to compete at the top level. A source close to the star said that the recent bust up with Donaldson was "the straw that broke the camel's back". Bradbury was left fuming after the Scot scrapped the Loughborough grass session and was not shy in telling him about it. HiPac staff were said to have had to separate the pair as James Dasaolu expressed his own fury that the spat was taking place on the plyo mat. "It was an all out brawl in the end," said an observer "the police had to be called to break it all up".

Gandy is keen to clear the whole affair up this evening, but did ask the Loughborough fans to "be patient" whilst the talks were ongoing.  

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.

'DOOR ALWAYS OPEN' TO TIPTON: EMERY

Stephen Emery has indicated that he would "always consider" a move to Tipton Harriers "if the contract was right". The 1500m star is rumoured to be unhappy at Coventry after a dismal display at the 6 Stage this weekend. David Dix - Coventry's manager - has already criticised his athlete recently after Emery opted for a weekend away over competing for his club at the Midland's event. The BUCS Bronze medallist slumped to an 18:07 clocking on Saturday which was only good enough fourth fastest amongst his team mates. Such a performance will almost certainly put his place in the National Cross Country Relays in jeopardy and it is unlikely that this will sit well with the £80,000 a week star.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Emery refused to rule out a switch to Coventry's midland rivals and had harsh words for his current employers. "I didn't know what leg I was to run until the morning of the race", said the 3:48 man "that isn't on. I know that McLeod [of Tipton] knew his leg weeks ago. It almost certainly cost me an individual medal." Speaking of Tipton, Emery conceded that he "had always dreamt" of a National medal and wondered whether it "would ever be possible" at his current club. "I am better than the Birmingham League" sighed Emery "I'm always associated with my stunning displays there, but I feel that I have done all I can for Coventry."

Tipton have made no secret of their desire to attract Emery - with rumours that they are ready to install him on a "significant sum" circulating in yesterday's papers. However, Emery is on a four year deal at Coventry and it is likely that his transfer fee could stretch into tens of millions. Issuing a "hands off" order, Dix said that he was "very disappointed" with Tipton, adding that it "undoubtedly contributed" to his man's appalling showing at Sutton Park. "These so-called big clubs have to learn that they are not the be all and end all," thundered Dix this evening, "it is outrageous. I will be lodging a complaint with UKA - not that they'll care."

MATTHEWS OFF THE RAILS AGAIN

CHILE MINERS: THE WORDS BEHIND THE PICTURE

AFTER ALL THE CONTROVERSY THE ECHO ASKS: WERE THE COMMONWEALTHS A SUCCESS?

No.

NEWHAM SALE FACES HIGH COURT TEST

The sale of one of England's most successful clubs - Newham and Essex Beagles - has been thrown into chaos this evening after one of its suitors failed a fit and proper persons test. The club is saddled with £750,000,000,000 of debt and there are genuine fears that it could go into administration if it parent company fails to meet HMRC deadlines later this month. Such a move would mean an automatic 9 minute addition to any time recorded by any Newham athlete this year. It was hoped that the famous Black and Yellows would be snapped up by a rich American tycoon who had promised to release the club of its financial burden and set in motion plans to build a new stadium. However, the billionaire has been refused permission to purchase the club after caving in under questioning from UKA attack dog, Ian Stewart.

Whilst this is a sad day for a famous old club, many have said that they have seen this coming for a while. When Newham signed Frank Baddick for £30,000,000 and then proceeded to pay Mo Farah £150,000 per week (making him the second best paid athlete in the country after Paula Radcliffe), it was clear that this was no way to run a business. Prize money from the Southern Six Stage will go some way to filling the gaping whole in the club's finances but with news emerging that they have had to let Robbie Schofield's private shoe assistant go there are fresh concerns over the future.

An insider revealed that replica kit sales had been "catastrophic" this year and Asics were considering pulling the plug after years of loyal support. "It seems that Newham are not bringing in the punters overseas any more," said the source "Chris Thompson is the new international hero now and the Chinese are crazy about him. Aldershot will do well to cling on to his services." Meanwhile, Newham are left with an enormous salary bill and staring oblivion square in the face.

ECHO SCOOPS JOURNALISM GONG

The Lufbra Echo is the "best thing since sliced bread" according to the judging panel at the British Athletics Dinner (BAD) awards. Citing "exceptional and hard hitting journalistic skill of the highest integrity", the panel unanimously agreed that our site - which receives hits from across the globe - deserved the 'Outstanding Contribution to Athletics' prize. The full citation went on to laud "the well researched and quite obviously very serious approach" that our hard working reporters take. The Chief Judge went on "without the Echo some real scandal would have remained under the radar. We wouldn't have heard about the antics in Portugal for example or the Pete Matthews affair. Thank goodness for the Echo".

Accepting the award, the Lufbra Echo Chief Executive hailed "a great day for freedom of speech". "We say it as it is," beamed the always anonymous £1,000,000 a year man "they've tried to silence us, but I feel that the world is a better place because of our top notch investigative journalism." Asked how his team remain on top of everything, the top man lauded praise on "hundreds of responsible and well placed sources" who "deliver only the best and most accurate insights into what is going on inside the corrupt world of sport."

Of course, like all global brands, the Echo has not been without its detractors. Just last week an article that can no longer be referred to for legal reasons had to be removed after the Echo was slapped with a hasty High Court injunction. Refusing to elaborate, the Chief conceded that he had "got it wrong" and that that the matter was now closed. "I don't want anyone to see us as anything other than a very serious sports news outlet," said the grim faced boss "and so when we make mistakes, we have to hold our hands up and think of a way to satisfy the lawyers."

The Echo is set to mark this momentous achievement with a large scale swanky party to "celebrate everything that is great about itself" later this year.

FOY SLAMS LOUGHBOROUGH 'FARCE'

In his first press conference since his highly controversial move to Channel Islands AC, Seb Foy has hit out at what he called the "generation of hypocritical wannabes" at Loughborough. In a move that looks set to infuriate his former African Violet colleagues, the cross country specialist said that he "couldn't wait" to take on the likes of Stephen Emery again. "I never liked Emery," said Foy from a sponsorship launch "he thinks he is something that he's not and to be honest comes across as a bit flaky. I hate phonies". The Cheltenham Harrier is slated for a return to the East Midlands later this month but with these words, that prospect is looking more and more implausible.

"It's the hypocrisy that I couldn't stand," continued the 48th man home at the National Cross "all the time slagging off other people, when really you're no better yourself. I have to say I am delighted to be away from that hell hole. People at Loughborough are really soft as well - they take offence at the most minor things." Foy did not stop at criticising his peers. He also said that he "never had any time for" George Gandy and "didn't get what the point of Circuits was". "Everyone knows that I was coached by Dave [David Howe]" continued Foy "and to be honest he begged me not to leave when I did. He said that if I were to go he would be stuck with a bunch of no hopers that nearly get lapped by Craig Mottram. I guess he was right."

In a shocking damnation of BUCS competition, Foy said that his National Cross performance meant "a thousand times more" to him than his BUCS team Cross Country Bronze. "By that stage, Emery and I weren't talking any more and so it wasn't a 'team' thing. I just wanted to get out of Stirling to be honest. The after-party was so awkward. I was looking around thinking about how much better than everyone else I was. I had to get out."

Foy - who is rumoured to be earning several times as much at his new club - said that he was staying motivated by a desire to "get one over" his old team. "I just want to show them that you can leave that awful town and still have a career," thundered the Channel Islander "we'll see what happens in the Birmingham League this year. Rumour has it that Emery is getting himself up for a victory. We'll see."

LOUGHBOROUGH SPORTS SCHOLAR 'NIGHT IN' SHAME

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: ECHO BLOWS LID ON EARLY NIGHT FARCE
The Lufbra Echo can now exclusively reveal the "shocking antics" of several of its leading sports scholars. It is understood that George Gandy is contemplating flying home from Delhi to address the "absolutely disgraceful" behaviour of some of his big names. One female star - who cannot be named for legal reasons - reportedly "spent the night in her own bed" just last night and "did not consume one unit of alcohol". The appalling revelations come just days after the same scholar was snapped doing what bystanders called "a moderately serious workout" on one of the University's sports pitches. At the time, an observer commented: "anyone would think she [the scholar] took athletics seriously."

With George Gandy away, it fell to Alasdair Donaldson (his PA) to categorically deny the accusations. Speaking to our reporter, the 33 year-old said: "this is farcical journalism. Not one of our scholars would ever contemplate putting athletics ahead of a social life." However, a disgruntled insider (who is believed to have been passed over for a seat in the 'open plan' area of the office) told the Echo that this was not the first time scholars had been "hitting the sack early". "It's a real problem," said the source, "and something George wants to address. I know that one of [the scholars] contemplated not being injured for a while and that was met with uproar."

It is believed that the University authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about a fad of "watching DVDs in the evening" rather than going to one of Loughborough's nightclubs. An aide to the Vice Chancellor said that she was worried that athletes were turning up to sessions completely sober. "We pay these kids a lot of money and give them free accommodation," said the aide "so it's a bit of a slap in the face when they actually do some reasonable training." It is also rumoured that one star suggested that he might even compete for the University once in a while although this was dismissed as "absolute nonsense" by all at Loughborough.

SPECTATOR ATTENDS COMMONWEALTHS SHOCK

A spectator has been seen attending the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. In a devastating blow for the Games' organisers, the observer was spotted slipping into the swimming arena. "This is an absolute disgrace," said a Delhi local "we were promised that if we went along with these Games and pretended that there were absolutely no issues with poverty whatsoever - which there aren't - no one would turn up to watch."

Shocked athletes voiced their own disappointment. "Well it's really upsetting isn't it?" said an unnamed athlete, "we figured that we didn't need to prepare because no one really cares about the Commies. Now there are even rumours that more than ten people may show up." A Team England spokesman was keen to play down what he called "speculation and nothing more". "There is absolutely no evidence that people are coming to watch or have any intention of doing so," said the senior source who pitched in with the cleaning effort prior to the Games beginning, "this is just media scaremongering".

Games insiders have hailed the "unqualified success" that was the opening ceremony. "No one watched it at all," said a senior executive "thank goodness. I think we are proving all our critics wrong now."

Patricia Mead

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Belgrave Harriers legend, Patricia Mead. Pat, a former president of the club, has been one its most loyal supporters for decades. Vocal and informed, Pat graced athletics and cross country events across the country (and indeed world) from the local leagues to European Cups. She encompasses everything that is good about our sport: passionate, dedicated, particular and approachable. She was a graded official and along with her husband Alan, gave hours and hours of her time to the sport throughout the summer.

On a personal level, Pat was a fantastic supporter to me as I started my career in athletics. No matter what standard of athlete you were, no matter what club that you competed for, Pat always had time to talk athletics or whatever took your fancy. She was a talented official, a loyal Belgravian, engaging company and a great friend. The sport of athletics has today suffered an enormous loss.

James Fairbourn
2nd October 2010

ALBERTO CONTADOR: A CLARIFICATION

On July 25th, an article in the Lufbra Echo alleged that Alberto Contador had "not failed a single drugs test" during this year's Tour de France. Some readers believed that we were inferring that Mr Contador was in no way a drug cheat. Given the recent developments, we would like to retract the article in full and point out that Mr Contador did in fact fail a drugs test during the Tour and thus any inference of innocence was entirely false. Whilst we deny that we were deliberately setting out to portray Mr Contador as an honest sportsman, we understand how some readers may have incorrectly thought this to be the case.

We would like to apologise to Mr Contador for the upset and embarrassment that our article caused and are more than happy to set the record straight.