BMC CHIEF SHOULD QUIT SAYS CAMERON

'BETTER ORGANISED RIOTS': PM Cameron blasts BMC set up

The Prime Minister has today branded the debacle surrounding the forthcoming BMC Grand Prix at Watford "a national joke" and has demanded the resignation of the organisation's top dog - Pat Fitzgerald. The under fire chief executive has remained silent since his Grand Prix Organising Committee (GPOC) took the sensational step of re-opening registration for the event after closing it five days early on Monday.

"It has been a total disaster" thundered Cameron from Downing Street today "how can classy athletes like Joe MacDonald and Stephen Emery have their entries deferred whilst others sail into the event without a second look? It is humiliating for those involved and it is high time that the BMC took this sort of foul up more seriously". The firm words from the PM come just three months after he pledged to clear up the "horrendous state of athletics under the old Government". Fitzgerald is likely to be summoned to Downing Street before the week is out to explain yet another humiliation for the supposed "premier middle distance club" in the country.

Last week, Alasdair Donaldson (who doesn't have time to read this blog) used his annual press conference heap scorn on BMC for "fundamentally failing athletics". "When I was in school" blasted the Scot "BMC were the be all and end all. They are a bit of a joke now". It is understood that George Gandy's PA has not ruled out boycotting the event by "refusing to make the tea" for the officials - who last year failed to spot several athletes crossing the line.

Meanwhile, Pete Matthews has announced that he will not be taking part in the event in order to spend more time with his GB International kit (Mountain Running) and Mo Farah has been told that he has "missed the deadline" and so the Euopean 10,000m record holder has been placed on a waiting list for a lane in the 'H' 800m race. It is also thought the BMC were forced to reject applications from Tariku Bekele on the grounds that he wasn't as good as his brother and Ryan Hall because "no one really liked him". Andy Baddeley is due to take part despite concerns on his part that other competitors were "a bit thick".

TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY: THE BIG DEALS

The Echo rounds up all the major comings and goings after a frantic end to the January transfer window.


Stephen Emery is staying put at Loughborough despite a £40m bid from Birmingham and reported interest from St Mary's. The engineer has pledged the next 18 months to the African Violets by signing a lucrative contract extension.

Ryan McLeod will not leave Tipton after all. It had been thought that the 7:52 3k man was about to walk out on the Midlands club in a row about iPhone usage.

Linford Christie is to come out of retirement and has signed for Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow. The former Olympic Champion said that he was "hugely excited" at the prospect of helping Windsor back into the Premiership. The club were unsuccessful in convincing Sally Gunnell into a similar comeback.

Newham and Essex Beagles have been fined £750,000 and banned from taking part in the summer transfer window after illegally approaching "the vast majority" of the the GB European Cross Team. They also had a £75m bid for Mo Farah rejected after they realised that they had already signed him.

Mark Lewis-Francis is a free agent after storming out of Birchfield Harriers. The European Silver Medallist was heard to say that "Mark Lewis-Francis most definitely will be running for a bigger club than this next summer". As such his £2m contract was terminated but regrettably for the sprinter no one agreed to take him.

Sale Harriers Manchester sacked their entire squad earlier this month as the new owners decided that they "could do better". However, the club were forced into an embarrassing retreat when nobody returned their emails - not even MLF - and so have re-signed the majority of the team on vastly inflated contracts.

Dave Norman caused outrage at Altrincham after handing in a written transfer request. The 5k star has now signed a 3 year contract extension after failing to agree personal terms with £25m suitors, Southend AC.

Kenenisa Bekele will have to wait to have his move to Aldershot, Farnham and District confirmed. The Ethiopian will undergo a medical later today, but the deal has been put in doubt after Mick Woods offended the athlete's entire entourage. However, AFD will be celebrating after managing to persuade Andy Vernon to sign a four year contract extension rather than opting for a big money move to Bedford & County - who were rumoured to be ready to pay the star over £200,000 a week.

Despite reports in the Echo earlier this month that they were ready to spend big, Southend have not been successful in making a single signing. It is understood that the majority of deals fell through when would-be athletes "visited Southend". 

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.

NEW AGE FOR SKY AS MNF RETURNS

It isn’t athletics but it should be. Sky’s brand spanking new series of Monday Night Football returned to our screens last week and it didn’t half do it in style. Richard Keys and Andy Gray put the footballing world to rights with the very latest gadgets and gismos including – as we discovered this week – an indoor mini-pitch. “We don’t really need technology for this, do we?” pondered Keys of one incident. The usually perfectly sensible anchor was surely speaking somewhat ironically given that the whole premise of this ridiculous and unnecessary hour long build-up to the Monday Night match relies on pointless and malfunctioning technology. This week, the “boys downstairs” ran a Stoke non-goal through a computer that magically removed all the other players on the pitch clearly showing that the ball was over the line. “He [referee Chris Foy] will know in his heart of hearts that he should have got that right,” opined Gray of the incident lasting less than a second, having had the opportunity to look at it several million times from several million angles.

Elsewhere, the problem of penalties was thoroughly addressed. “Is the balance of power shifting towards keepers?” asked Keys, “Why?” snapped Gray. Err, because more are being saved than ever before. “Here we have a left footed goalkeeper,” puzzled Keys, “who chooses to dive to the left. Anything in that theory?” Five minutes, probably 30 researcher hours, several thousand pounds and a tired audience later, it was concluded that keepers may or may not be advantaged at the moment and amazingly there may just be something in Keynes’ theory. “So what I’m saying is,” said Gray in a light bulb moment, “if a keeper goes the right way, he has a chance of saving it.” Right, well that’s money well spent then. Afterwards, as if desperate to justify his £25,000 per week price tag, Gray revealed that he had “been thinking about penalties for a couple of weeks.” Uh oh! Sounds dangerous. Indeed it was: “I’m right handed, Richard, so I would go to my right….I’ve been talking to the lads in the office all day….and it’s noticeable that the keepers who are right handed went big right.” Ok fine, but what about Ben Foster? He’s left footed isn’t he? And yet he went right. “Yes, but is he right handed? I was left footed and right handed.” Phew.

Here comes the tenuous link! Wouldn’t it be great if the BBC invested in the same technology for their athletics coverage? Steve Cram and Brendan Foster could thrash out the complexities of the Bekele kick on a virtual track, Jonathon Edwards could thoroughly examine Philips Idowu’s take off having removed everything except his spike. Colin Jackson could play with the heights of the hurdles to debate whether if they were an inch taller, David Oliver would be as proficient. The possibilities are endless. Surely even Phil Jones could use it; a crowd-o-metre could measure “supporter impact” and then comparisons could be drawn with other crowds around the world. Inverdale could be seen hovering above the stadium, conducting things in his Godfather-like way, whilst Denise Lewis could….well, there are always going to be some flaws.

It surely won’t be long before grumblings emerge about the lack of technology in the Beeb’s coverage. The very least they should get is one of the snazzy new iPads that Keys has replaced his clip-board with, even if it was deemed “a bit heavy” last week. Watch this space.

MOORCROFT QUESTIONS FARAH RECORD

Dave Moorcroft has questioned the length of the Zurich track after Mo Farah relieved him of his British record over 5,000m. Speaking from his holiday home in the Maldives, the ex-Coventry star said that he “didn’t even watch” the event that took place on Thursday evening. “My first question afterwards was: ‘where did he do it?’” said a clearly vexed Moorcroft, “when I was told Zurich, I didn’t care- that simply doesn’t count.”

The 13:00.41 5k man looked tired at the hastily arranged press conference and was quick to poor cold water on anyone who was seen to be overly enthusiastic about Farah’s achievement. “Answer me this: did he win the race?” stormed Moorcroft, “no, he didn’t. So how can he say that he is the best Brit of all time? Answer me that- how?” After dismissing an animated Phil Jones of the BBC (who asked Moorcroft how he felt the crowd could have impacted Farah’s run), the ex-British record holder once again turned his ire on Farah. “What’s he done anyway?” he asked, “take it from me: that track is short. Go out and measure it. There’s no way this can happen.”

Whilst standing by his view that he “hadn’t lost a thing”, Moorcroft revealed that Farah had been less than magnanimous in victory. “He sent me a nasty Facebook message,” blubbed Moorcroft, “he said that breaking 13 minutes was easy and he couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. It’s really disappointing when someone treats you like that. He may have run a half decent short 5k, but that is no reason to delete and block me on MySpace.”

For his part, Farah has said that he is “disappointed” with Moorcroft’s attitude. “Jealousy,” thundered the Newham and Essex Beagle, “that’s what it is: jealousy. That’s why he had to go on MySpace- that and Tariku [Bekele] told me to keep that for sub-13 minute athletes only.” Farah went on: “how can he say that the track is short? What planet is he on? Get over it mate- I’m number one around here now.”

Officials at the IAAF refused to go into detail on the spat but did state that they “stood by” their timing systems, which were “of the standard expected at almost all BMC meetings.”

NEWS ROUND-UP.......

The Echo rounds up everything you need to know....

LAUNDRY GAFFE LEAVES WELL KNOWN SPORTS BRAND FUMING

A “washing mix up” from one of the foremost distance runners in the country has left his sponsors “absolutely disappointed”, the Lufbra Echo can reveal. The athlete, who is based in the North West of England, was photographed last week running away from a swan and clearly wearing another company’s kit. Whilst the names of both the athlete in question and the companies involved cannot be revealed, we can confirm that the individual “does not wish” to terminate his contract. A well-placed source told the Echo that the error was owing to “reds being washed with whites”. “[Unnamed athlete] is very well known in [the area in which he lives] and as such did not want to be seen training in pink kit….the locals around here can be quite mean”. The sports brand is said to be “one of the top three” in the world and is thought to be “considering its options”. An insider at the brand said: “I can tell you that this has gone to the very highest level. The top man has been recalled from his holiday to discuss it and nothing is being ruled out at this stage.”

NEWHAM IN ARAB TALKS

Newham and Essex Beagles look set to be taken over by a syndicate of wealthy Dubai-based businessman, the Lufbra Echo understands. It is believed that the group are buying the club as there “are no football clubs left” and have promised “European Domination” within the next three years. It is understood that George Gandy and Ian Stewart have already been approached to head up the venture and other “top stars” are said to be involved. Newham have had some well catalogued financial troubles since they paid “several pounds” to secure the services of Alasdair Donaldson. An insider told of the “eye watering” salaries that athletes receive. “[Robbie] Schofield gets paid five pounds per race,” said the anonymous source, “and I know that Frank Baddick has been looking for a pay rise. You can’t sustain a business like that.” Newham’s woes were added to when they released their “disappointing” kit for the new season. One retail analyst said that consumers “just were not interested” in the bright yellow designs. Some have indicated that the kit will be the first thing changed by the new owners as well as “hugely exciting” potential bids for the likes of Kenenisa Bekele and Pete Matthews. Matthews' club have since issued a "come and get him" call to the London club.

ARMSTRONG ONCE TOOK “SOME IBUPROFEN”: LANDIS

With the Tour de France getting underway today, it is traditional for previously disgraced riders to publish some accusations about former team mates. This year was no different, but Floyd Landis’ sensational revelation has left many in the sport reeling. “I clearly saw Lance take several ibuprofen tablets during training,” frothed Landis in this morning’s Wall Street Journal, “he claimed to have a headache, but we all know that he just wanted to stop some inflammation….it made be so physically sick that I went and took a load of testosterone to get over it.” The story will come as a relief to Tour officials as there were rumours that this year’s Tour was set to be “scandal free” after the Echo blew the lid on a negative test at the Giro D’Italia in May. An insider said: “thank goodness for Floyd! We didn’t need much more from him after he so generously lit up the 2006 Tour by taking more testosterone than all of the world’s top sprinters put together.” Other sources have indicated that Tour chiefs will be writing to Landis in order to thank him for the interviews along with a request that he test positive again at next year’s Tour. “I do love a good life ban,” said one interested observer.

EBAY SCAM LEAVES LOUGHBOROUGH STAR OUT OF POCKET

One of the “lesser athletes” at Loughborough University has been the victim of an eBay scam. The athlete in question was said to be trying to replace his faulty iPhone with an “absolute bargain” from the popular bidding website. A source close to the long-distance man said that he “could not understand” what went wrong. “It seemed completely legitimate,” said the insider, “all he had to do was leave £330 in used notes underneath a stolen car in Leicester and the phone was then going to be sent out to a derelict house just outside Nottingham.” It is thought that the star did not realise that he had been conned until he received a mug through the post. “He’s really cross,” our source went on, “we all agreed that it seemed perfectly normal.” The athlete in question is undergoing counselling for the loss of his iPhone and is being forced to use a “normal phone like normal people.” It is hoped, however, that Ryan McLeod- currently using the iPhone 9th Generation (not yet released)- will let him look at one of the older phones from time to time.

NEWS IN BRIEF

GIRO CYCLIST TESTS NEGATIVE SHOCK

An unnamed cyclist has returned a negative ‘A’ Sample, the Lufbra Echo can exclusively reveal. The top level competitor returned the test after Stage Six of the Giro d’Italia, but the authorities are awaiting the results of the ‘B’ Sample before naming him. “Obviously this is a shock,” said a cycling insider, “this sport has built its reputation a string of failed tests and corruption. Incidents like this only serve to give the public a mixed message.” The news of the test result has sent shockwaves through the entire world of sport, with many sporting chiefs calling for a “fundamental overhaul” of testing procedure. A senior source at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said that a “culture of fear” now existed within the organisation. “We can’t go on like this,” he explained, “if athletes keep passing tests, it is only a matter of time before the public start losing interest and then we’ll all be out of job.” A spokesman for the Tour de France said that he was “unconcerned” by this morning’s revelations. “I am pretty confident the Tour will have its usual share of drug scandals,” said an aide to the Tour supremo, “we’re bound to get the occasional blip, but on the whole cycling still remains the dirtiest sport in the world and I am certain that it will stay that way.” Today’s news comes just weeks after Alberto Contador stunned team mates by confessing that he “got no artificial help” during last year’s Tour victory. Officials at Astana [Contador’s team] have maintained that the Spaniard was “just letting off steam” and most certainly was not on the record. A source continued, “Vino [Alexander Vinokourov, who failed a blood test in 2008] is back this year anyway and so our reputation as a corrupt team in a corrupt sport should remain intact.”

BEKELE HAS ‘SWEET PROBLEM’

He may be the fastest 5,000m and 10,000m runner of all time, but in an exclusive interview with the Lufbra Echo, close friends of Kenenisa Bekele have conceded that they are “gravely concerned” about his sweet eating habits. “I have known of Ken for a few months now,” said one respondent, “and he always looks very defensive of his sweets.....Haribo seem to be a particular problem.” Another outsider said, “Kenny loves the sour cola bottles and has been known to eat a whole packet in one sitting....that would explain why he suffers with such bad dental health.” Rumours have been circulating around the athletics world for some time regarding the great man’s oral hygiene and these revelations look set to blow the lid on his dark secret. “Why do you think he never smiles?” asked a London-based stranger, “I’ll tell you why- it’s because his front teeth are rotting.” Others have told of how they have pleaded with the Ethiopian to seek help for his addiction. “I have sent several letters to Athletics Ethiopia,” said Tunbridge Wells mother of three, Iva Nojob, “I really think that it is an issue they should be addressing- he isn’t being a very good role model.” Meanwhile, a friend of a lady whose sister once met Bekele’s brother’s friend’s uncle said, “Ken is very much his own man and it is down to him to realise he has a problem and sort it out. I can tell you for sure that no amount of coaxing from me or anyone else will change that stubborn mind”.

2012 IN THE MIRE AS MANDEVILLE FALLS OUT WITH WENLOCK


FURY: Mandeville claims not to have been told about Wenlock prior to launch day

Lord Sebastian Coe was hastily attempting to get preparations for London 2012 back on track this evening, after the two mascots have had what has been described as a “major contretemps”. It is thought that Mandeville (the Paralympics mascot) struck his/her Olympic counterpart in a debate over who looked the most tacky. The former is said to be seething that Wenlock has been allocated “more wristbands” and has called the move “discrimination of the highest order.” The Oxford educated Mandeville claims to have only been informed that he/she was to appear as part of a double act at the “very last minute.” A spokesperson for the Mascot Affairs Directorate (MAD) said, “we have seen similar issues in the past. I know that Zakumi [the FIFA World Cup 2010 mascot] successfully appealed a decision to involve him in a shotgun marriage. It may well be that a similar thing happens here. People need to remember that these guys work very hard for limited pay- they have feelings.” Berlino the Bear (IAAF World Championships in Athletics 2009 mascot) has expressed sympathy with Mandeville’s plight. Speaking from his retirement home in the Caribbean, Berlino said “sometimes it’s tough to share the stage with someone. I found it tough when Usain Bolt raced because everyone would shout ‘Usain, Usain, Usain’ when they would normally be shouting for me.” Berlino also dismissed allegations that featured in several of this morning’s newspapers that he was having an affair with Wenlock. “Utter nonsense,” said the bear, “it’s sad when a career like mine can be tarnished by gutter press.”