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Archives for January 2009

The Marvellous, Magical, Mad Football League Tour

Ben Dirs | 22:23 UK time, Thursday, 29 January 2009

Unfortunately, because of the adverse weather conditions, we have had to postpone our visit to Huddersfield for a couple of weeks. Not sure when we'll be heading up now, but we'll keep you posted...

This may have been the week the until 2013, but with last season, we know where most of your hearts lie.

That being the case, maybe it's time to clamber aboard for the Marvellous, Magical, Mad Football League Tour, piloted by me and my old travelling partner Tom Fordyce. Actually, I can't drive, so strictly speaking it will be piloted by Tom, who was also kind enough to drive me round France for the Rugby World Cup back in 2007.

tour.jpg

This time, we're trying out something a bit different and the plan is to produce a short show about a Football League club that you'll be able to watch on the website, kicking off with .

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Farewell the Voice of Boxing

Ben Dirs | 01:53 UK time, Monday, 26 January 2009

As a young sports fan growing up in 1980's Britain, when boxing still ruled the world, formed part of a of great television commentators, with , and making up my granite-hewn quartet.

While the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Carpenter, with whom Gutteridge went toe-to-toe at some of the world's greatest fights for four decades, exuded erudition, you could almost smell the liniment when ITV's man at ringside appeared on screen.

Gutteridge, who passed away at the weekend the age of 84, was steeped in the sport. His dad and uncle were the famous Gutteridge twins - Dick and Jack - "trainers of champions" during 1920s and '30s.

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Dreamy darts at the Lakeside

Ben Dirs | 03:27 UK time, Monday, 12 January 2009

I've often wondered if rues the day he looked in the mirror and said to Mrs Hankey, "you know what love, I actually look a bit like Dracula, I think I'm going to call myself 'The Count'".

Nicknames can become a terrible burden (it can't be easy attempting to focus on the biggest darts match of your life when you're wondering where you've left your rubber bats and cape) but you've got to respect the silliness.

That's not meant as a jibe, for silliness is a much underrated quality in sport. And one we don't see enough of. True, has been mightily impressive - but a smile now and then would be nice.

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Sensible Strauss just the tonic

Ben Dirs | 18:17 UK time, Thursday, 8 January 2009

Warner Room, Lord's

Managing director of the England cricket team gave new England captain the most cursory of introductions before melting into the background in the Warner Room at Lord's.

Having refused to answer questions on Wednesday, the man accountable for the performance of the England cricket team spent Thursday's news conference hiding behind a food counter. It was left to Strauss, like a head boy filling in for his headmaster, to convince those in attendance that everything would be OK.

"It hasn't been an ideal situation," said Strauss. "I don't think anyone has come out of it particularly well. But it's happened. We need to move on."

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Keeping it real at the Lakeside

Ben Dirs | 09:11 UK time, Wednesday, 7 January 2009

According to some scientist or other somewhere, . Instead of moping about in his bedroom conjuring up equations of doom, he should have got himself down to the at the .

Like Scott, James, Andy and Nick, four 21-year-olds from Shrewsbury. They've each shelled out 850 quid for tickets and hotel rooms for the week and plan to spend another Β£400 each on beer. "It's worth every penny," said Scott, "although one mate pointed out that we could have had a fortnight in Benidorm." For that money, Scotty, you could have had a fortnight in Saint-Tropez.

Up on stage, , the 2007 world champion, is struggling with his doubles. Dave Chisnall, a debutant from St Helens, has taken him to a fifth and deciding set. Scott from Shrewsbury clambers to his feet and starts howling. Adams, nicknamed 'Wolfie', duly takes the next leg.

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Boxing in 2009

Ben Dirs | 12:04 UK time, Friday, 2 January 2009

Happy New Year! The boxing break giving you cold turkey? Have a look at a few of my hopes, dreams and predictions for 2009 and let me know yours. It promises to be a barnstorming 12 months.

Dream fights

A super-fight between is, if reports are to be believed, close to being signed, sealed and delivered, with the date apparently set for 2 May and the stage almost certainly to be Las Vegas.

This will mean another crippling blow to the wallet for Hatton's loyal army of fans - five of the Hitman's last six fights have been in the United States - while it also seems to make little practical sense.

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