EIGHTLANE FACES WINDING UP ORDER

END OF THE TRACK: The error message shown to loyal Eightlaners this evening

Popular running forum, Eightlane has been handed a winding up order by the HMRC, the Lufbra Echo understands. In what is sure to go down as one of the saddest days in the history of the sport, the website was shut down after tax bills totalling in excess of £5m were left unpaid. A spokesperson for the forum this evening said that he "had every hope" that the site could be back on its feet under new ownership in the coming weeks.

Today's news comes just days after Eightlane was forced to pay an undisclosed sum to one its employees after they successfully sued over the "appalling conditions" endured by the staff. The tribunal heard how eighteen hour days were "very much the norm" and "inane and irrelevant posts about people no one had ever heard of" were making staff "borderline suicidal". 

It is understood that a dramatic take over attempt by Runnerslife was foiled just hours before the court order was sent out. A RL spokesman said that the team at Eightlane were "unworkable" and as such the deal could not be finalised. "Like all these things, it came down to money" said the Welshman "we didn't see why such a large proportion of earning should be paid to an essentially bust site that relies on underachievers ranting about nonsense".

Runnerslife are, of course, not without fault in this. During the summer they infuriated Eightlane chiefs by poaching Dave Norman and were rumoured to be behind the dramatic exit of Luke Cragg. Loyal Eightlane fans have been resigned to this outcome for sometime and have called on "anybody with a conscience" to boycott the Wales based site from now on. "I think it's outrageous" said regular poster 'Interested', "just because they have their stupid blogs and stupid running vests, they have gone after and destroyed a national treasure."

MANHATTAN THANKSGIVING PARADE NEWS

UKA CONCERN AT LIVERPOOL CONDITIONS

UK Athletics have expressed their "horror" at the weather forecast for tomorrow's Liverpool Cross Challenge. It is understood that after last year's selection fiasco, all selectors are being forced to "actually attend" the event and as such are "mortified" at the prospect of the sub-zero temperatures expected tomorrow. "It is totally unreasonable" thundered a spokesperson for Director of Endurance, Ian Stewart "you wouldn't treat a slave like this. Ian has had to order a massive fur coat and had the UKA logo embroidered on it just to survive the cold".

The endurance team are thought to be furious at a demand from UKA chiefs that they must show an interest in "each and every event, even the senior women". It is also rumoured that the VIP lounge that has been laid on at most other events has been scrapped in the name of austerity. Insiders have expressed fears that if selectors are allowed to mingle with "normal Liverpudlians" there could be trouble. "I hear that security has been relaxed this year" said a source "it could mean that the selectors are held to account by the athletes and that could be awful". Police have already confirmed that "a number of known trouble makers" will not be permitted at Sefton Park tomorrow- Mick Woods is said to be appealing the decision.

Speaking from his holiday home in the Maldives, UKA supremo Neils De Vos was unrepentant and largely unsympathetic. "I think it is appropriate that the whole team is there. It's not all that bad and they can rally together and see it as a sort of camping trip" said De Vos. "It's just such a shame that I can't be there as I have pressing athletics related business to deal with out here".

De Vos' demands have been heavily criticised by athletics guru, George Gandy. The guru was told in no uncertain terms that it would not be acceptable to despatch his PA Alasdair Donaldson to the event and Gandy wondered "what the point of an apprentice was if you couldn't send him to do chores". "After all," he continued "you don't have a dog and bark yourself." The assistant is instead to remain in Loughborough and transcribe the results into an email ready to send out to all and sundry. Donaldson - who does not have the time to read this site - is said to be "delighted" with his assignment and aims to maintain the high standards his emails have thus far exhibited.

ROYAL WEDDING SHOCK

LIVERPOOL COUNCIL DENY 'FLOOD' CLAIMS

Liverpool City Council have this evening mounted a rigorous defence of accusations that they have been flooding Sefton Park ahead of the European Cross Country Trials this weekend. It is understood that the plan is designed to "get one over" the athletes who have been training in Kenya, thus opening the door for the "non-pussies" to qualify for the Championships. An insider told an investigator from the Sun newspaper how the authorities were out late at night turning fire hydrants over the course and that the practice had "gone on for years".

The reports - which have been described as "hysterical" by the Council - will come as a major blow to race organisers UKA, as they seek to recover from the "catastrophe" that was last year's event. At the time, the Governing Body launched an internal inquiry into how and why positions were allocated on photographic evidence, with the results clearly pointing the finger at Dwain Chambers. "It was all Dwain's fault" said Ian Stewart "and we have taken steps to insure that he can't sabotage yet another UKA event." UKA chiefs were forced to deny that they had "picked names out of a hat" in order to select the team for last year's Championships.

Many have called for a move away from the Sefton Park course after some athletes had to be rescued from the horrendously muddy "loop" last year. However, UKA have resisted the pressure on the grounds of their "excellent working relationship" with the Council. With tonight's revelations, there now are surely gravely serious concerns hanging over the event.

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.

ECHO CHIEFS FUMING OVER 'SPOOF' SLUR

The Lufbra Echo is today fighting allegations that it is nothing more than a "fun spoof website". The reports on spikesmag.com have left the management in a desperate struggle to claw back some credibility and could yet spell the end for "the greatest website ever to grace the internet" (Sunday Times). "This is the most outrageous libel I have ever seen" thundered a senior source, "how dare they suggest that our work is anything other than hard hitting journalistic investigation?" The Echo was given one of the most prestigious awards in journalism last month, and insiders have accused Spikes Mag of jealousy. "The fact is that they will never have the following that we have" continued our source "they have printed this garbage in order to attract headlines, but all they are going to attract is legal action."

The Chief Executive was too upset to comment this evening, but did promise to fight the accusations "with all his heart" and dismissed speculation that he had authorised the article as a publicity stunt. A spokesman for the £4m man said that the entire team was "standing by their man" at this difficult time. "We have broken some huge stories," said the Senior Press Secretary (UK & North West Europe) "and if our rivals can't deal with that, then they should get out and do some investigating." The Echo has not been without its detractors in recent months, and rumours are circulating that they were forced to make a "sizeable payout" to the BBC's John Inverdale after a senior staffer was heard to crticise the Godfather's presenting style. It is understood that both parties signed a binding confidentiality agreement and the Echo's top man was forced into a grovelling apology.

"This is a setback we could all do without" said our insider of the Spikes article, "it has been a really rough few months for the top brass as we rolled out in Korea and have had various fights on our hands. However, we will put a stop to this nonsense and if we have to go to Court then so be it." The source would not be drawn on whether a pay-wall akin to that employed by News International would have to be looked at for the Echo, but with advertising revenue down 12% (to £834,000) last month the light at the end of the tunnel may well have to be switched off to save the energy.

The Echo has been responsible for some of the most shameful antics in the sport being exposed. Its first major scoop came when Ryan McLeod and Nick McCormick were caught breaking UKA's £40,000 Alter-G Treadmill and the site went on to win high praise for its all-encompassing coverage of Loughborough's Warm Weather trip to Portugal. It is often the first port of call for whistle blowers keen to put a stop to corruption in the sport and in the summer, the European Court of Human Rights praised the Echo for its "tremendous bravery" in reporting the tyranny of Charles Van Commenee at UKA. It can only be hoped that similar support is forthcoming during the latest woe to beset this plucky outfit.

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".  

GEB: BEKELE BROTHERS FORCED ME OUT

Haile Gebrselassie has sensationally revealed the real reasons behind his shock retirement from athletics last weekend. The 27 times world record holder has told the Lufbra Echo that Kenenisa Bekele and his brother Tariku have become "entirely unworkable". Speaking just days after dropping out at 16 miles of the New York Marathon, the Ethiopian blamed a "relentless torrent" of Facebook abuse from the elder brother for his dismal showing and ultimate withdrawal. "It was on my mind all the way through and I haven't slept in months," sobbed the usually upbeat star "Ken kept tagging me in status updates saying that I was past it and Tariku has deleted me altogether."

Gebrselassie told of how "countless stars" had been in contact "begging" him to reconsider. "I've had Brendan [Foster] and Paula [Radcliffe] on Twitter saying that they much prefer me to them," said the first man to break 2:04 for the marathon "but I am not sure I can take Kenenisa hiding my spikes anymore - it's just too much". It is understood that Gebrselassie will be writing a "reveal all" memoir early next year, where he will blow the lid on the "scandalous" behaviour going on at Ethiopian training sessions.

"Kenenisa is very moody indeed," sighed the great man "one day he would be fine with you and then the next he would be upset because Arsenal lost." The younger Bekele is also rumoured to "hate" anyone who speaks ill of his brother. "I once beat Ken in a tempo run and Tariku completely lost it with me," said Gebrselassie "he pushed me on the ground drove off in his BMW X5. Later on he hacked into my Facebook and dumped my wife." Gebrselassie also said that the Ethiopian authorities were "powerless to do anything" about the increasing control exercised by the brothers. "Everyone is terrified of them. Even the Government is scared; not one member of the family pay taxes - it really is awful".

No one from the Bekele camp was available for comment this evening, but the Echo has been told to "expect a strongly worded email" from the family solicitors early next week.

FARAH: BACK ME OR I'M OUT

Mo Farah has demanded a new contract worth in excess of £20m, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The GB International and double European Champion stormed out of 'clear the air' talks with his club Newham and Essex Beagles, after he was told that he would have to stay in a 4 star hotel. Farah - a long time friend of the Echo - contacted us to vent his spleen about the "painfully slow" progress being made on his new contract. "They want to restart first thing in the morning," fumed the sub 13 minute 5k man "and so put me up in a Hilton. It's disgusting. I have never been so insulted in all my life. I just said 'you know what? I don't need this right now' and stormed off."

Farah maintains that he is being "more than reasonable" when asking Newham to buy him a new Bentley (complete with driver) as well as a swish West London home on top of a £5m basic salary. "I need somewhere to rest and since they've put a block on helicopter transport, I have to get to races at least in some comfort. These really are basic needs. Paula Radcliffe got a swimming pool from Bedford when she joined." Farah famously criticised UK Athletics for their poor hotel provision at the World Cross and this latest spat with his club has led many to speculate that his future could be away from the British Isles. "I've had some huge offers from Spain" revealed Farah this evening, "but I don't want to go there yet. I feel that my future is in London for the time being, but if Newham can't provide what I'm after then I might have to go somewhere like Belgrave."

The mention of a move to Belgrave is unlikely to sit well with the Newham faithful. One fan told the Echo that there would be "no way back" for Farah if he opted for the Claret and Golds. "Everyone knows that they are the club we most enjoy beating," said the Newham season ticket holder "if he goes there then that will be it. He'll need 24 hour security."

Farah, however, seems unmoved by such comments. "I have to do what is right for me and I think that Newham lack ambition. I look around the squad and I think how it is ageing. They rely on me far too much and so I think that I should be reimbursed accordingly- I just don't need the added stress." The 5k star has not been without his difficulties this year. Back in March, he was forced to ditch plans to appear on Masterchef  and only last week had to endure the trauma of a long haul flight in economy class. "It was all they [the airline] had on offer," explained the clearly still upset star "I have never been so humiliated in all my life. It really is awful back there." Whilst it seems unlikely that such "nightmares" will have to be survived again, the future for Mo Farah is far from certain.

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." 

KENYA LATEST: DONALDSON TOUCHES DOWN IN AFRICA

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