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". 

NERVOUS EMERY HITS OUT AHEAD OF BUCS TEST

Stephen Emery has used his weekly press conference to attack "anyone who thinks they can come close" to him in next weekend's BUCS Cross Country Championships. The Loughborough man is set to lead the weakest African Violet team for decades, but has reacted angrily to any suggestion that this will phase him. "I am quite used to being the favourite" thundered a clearly on edge Emery "I am the big name at Coventry and I am the big name here. I have never bottled it before and I am not about to start now." He went on to state that it was "very unlikely" that he would be beaten on race day: "this is what it's all about - I am ready for it and I am going to smash anyone who comes in my way through a wall".

The 3:48 (Stretford Timing) 1500m man has not been without his difficulties in 2011. Despite topping the rankings for 5 miles, Emery failed to medal at his County Championships and openly admitted to being "dominated" in several key predictor sessions. "Training isn't important" he snapped performing one of his thrice daily calf exercises "racing is what matters and I am more than ready to prove my metal. Just you wait till race day - then you'll see how tough I am". Emery is not currently on speaking terms with George Gandy's PA - Alasdair Donaldson (who does not have the time to read this site) - after he accused the star of "not pushing it enough" in training. "What does he know anyway?" snarled Emery "he is a nothing to me - just a one season wonder, that is all."

Emery was forced to concede that he was "holding the Loughborough team together" but stopped short of joining Gary Bradbury in declaring himself "embarrassed" to be a part of it. "Pete [Matthews, the sixth man in the team] is a friend of mine" said Emery of the disgraced AAAs fraudster "and whilst it is distressing that he has made the team, we just have to get on with it. It's not like he is going to count anyway." The Coventry Godiva man also dismissed speculation that he would be relieving Ben Snowball of his captaincy on the day. "That is complete nonsense" he said "who told you that? Was it [Kevin] Seaward causing trouble like he always does? It's an open secret that I think Snowball is a joke, but constitutionally I can't challenge him and so won't even though I am the better athlete by some considerable distance".

SEAWARD TO BE FINED OVER NEW YEAR SHAME

George Gandy has confirmed that Kevin Seaward is likely to be fined by LSAC after being caught by police with a blood alcohol level of zero. The former Irish International was arrested shortly after 3:30am for being neither drunk nor remotely disorderly and is now having to explain to LSAC chiefs why he was "a shit lad". Gandy was awoken early this morning by PA Alasdair Donaldson (who does not have time to read this blog) and demanded immediate talks with Seaward who compounded his shocking behaviour the night before by being "on a run" when the call came through.

"Kevin would have done well to follow the example of Pete Matthews" said an insider at the HiPac "he kept up his extraordinary record of pulling unwilling and rotund girls and even managed to irritate just about everyone he came into contact with." High praise also came for Stephen Emery, who told shocked bystanders that he was a "dead cert" for the next six Birmingham Leagues. "Emery really let himself go last night" said the source "it was good to see, although we don't actively encourage pretending that bar tables are podiums, it is better than doing nothing at all."

Seaward has remained largely silent today, although he did use his Twitter feed to reveal that he had "a meeting with the boss". The Belfast man continued: "just heading off now, scary stuff!" Sources close to him have revealed that he is "upset with himself more than anything" for failing to mount a respectable showing. "Kevin freely admits that his story telling is at its strongest after a few drinks" said the friend "he wanted to try it sober and we all now agree that it failed miserably. He is looking forward to being able to prove himself at the next available opportunity."

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".  

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".

EMERY BUST UP LEAVES SEAWARD ON BRINK

Kevin Seaward is said to be "considering his options" after an almighty bust-up with Stephen Emery. It is rumoured that the Irishman - who claims to be in the shape of his life - is about to walk away from Loughborough after Emery insisted that the evening run group remain on campus yesterday evening. Observers have said that "there is no way back" for relations between the pair and given Emery's "obscene levels of power" in the East Midlands it is likely that this will force the former International out.

"Kevin is really really upset," said a Loughborough insider, "he had talks with George [Gandy] first thing this morning, but apparently there is little they can do: Emery has too much power." This is not the first time that the pair have clashed and with Seaward alleged to be caught up in a Facebook deletion row, it looks unlikely that he will remain at the club past the January transfer window. Potential suitors have been quick to express an interest despite the fact that Seaward has found it difficult to settle in Loughborough. Mick Woods at St Mary's and Bud Buldaro of Birmingham have both said that they were "following" the Seaward affair closely.

Emery - who maintains that he "has no need" for a coach - shows now signs of relinquishing his iron-like grip on the set-up at Loughborough. Anonymous sources have told the Lufbra Echo that the Coventry man is "given far too much say" on club affairs and implored the hierarchy to do something about it. "There are even rumours that he is going to restrict access to the track," said the source, "the new plyo mat is red because he demanded it that way and he has banned runs of less than 45 minutes." Emery refused to comment when contacted by the Echo but did revoke our campus press privileges for three months. If Emery's foul mouthed assault on a member of the Echo team is anything to go by, it is no surprise that the likes of Seaward are headed for the exit.

SEAWARD EYES TEMPO CROWN

Kevin Seaward has revealed that he is "desperate" to prove himself in the forthcoming pre-season tempo series. The Irishman has failed to live up to his multi-million pound transfer fee since arriving in Loughborough, prompting some to label him "one of the biggest flops" under the Gandy regime. Seaward - who claims to be in the shape of his life - slammed his critics at a press conference this lunchtime stating that he was ready to "teach them a lesson" as the winter gets under way. "It's unnecessary and deeply hurtful" vented the unemployed teacher, "if they think that that is the best way to motivate athletes then they are wrong. Fortunately, I am thick skinned and so can take it. I know of some guys in the North East who get really upset if you have a dig at them." The Belfast man told the assembled press corps that he was set for "an almighty battle" in the coming weeks. "People always say that the Cross season is all about February and March," said the unshaven Seaward, "well they're wrong too. All people will be talking about next year is who smashed up the tempo runs in September/ October time."

Since signing for an undisclosed fee from St Malachy's in 2008, Seaward has been beset by injury and confidence issues meaning that he is yet to pull on the famous African Violet vest in a meaningful competition. At a recent charity event, he was met with a small group of protesters shouting "you're not fit to wear the vest" repeatedly and had to be ushered out by police. "They [the protesters] were wrong on many levels. I am very fit at the moment - far fitter than the majority of other guys actually," said Seaward of the experience, "it's a shame that my charity work for stray cats gets looked over. Instead they always focus on performance." The 5k man will be hoping that, come the close of the series, his shaky mental state will allow him to answer his critics in the best possible way. With the likes of Stephen Emery already engaged in a "comprehensive" core regime, it looks like the Irishman will have his work cut-out trying to emulate his early season heroes of yesteryear.

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.