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.