Mark Halsey - Mistreated

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has exclusively revealed how his boss Mike Riley and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore ‘mistreated’ the match official following his battle back from cancer.

Halsey was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2009, and sounded out Mike Riley, the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials or PGMO, likening his treatment after being given the all clear to ‘bullying’.

Halsey met with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore privately to discuss the potential mismanagement of the PGMO, a body that is tasked with the responsibility of providing excellence in officiating in English football at professional level:

‘I told him my feelings, 2 years ago toward the current management team and the structure and he agreed with me, on a lot of things, but he turned round and said he’d deny ever having this conversation.’

Halsey has since hung up his whistle at the end of the 2012/13 season and was offered £50,000 as an exit package on retirement. This agreement would extinguish any subsequent publication of a Mark Halsey autobiography; Halsey refused, and claims he was never motivated by financial gain:

‘No, because, I’ve been given a 2^nd chance in life, theirs more to life than money, life’s precious, you don’t need money.’

Following a successful but nevertheless gruelling course of both radio and chemotherapy, all the former referee could think about was getting his life and career, back on track, Halsey claims his employers weren’t convinced:

‘I remember being given the all clear, I said to the general manager – I’m going to try do a fitness test by the end of the month, he said no, I want a second opinion, because I want to see what the Christie hospital and your doctor is saying is the truth.’

The all clear came in December, and took two months for the recovered Halsey to hear back from his general manager.

The next phase involved fitness tests, the PGMO exercises a three strikes and you’re out policy on failed fitness tests, the general manager, Halsey claims, gave the cancer survivor no special dispensation, insisting that should he fail this fitness test it ‘will count’ and that Riley had ‘to be fair to all the other referees.’

This followed months of intense cardiovascular training Halsey put himself through to forge a comeback and officiate the beautiful game.

‘I went through January, went through February, took the fitness test, failed it miserably, I’ve never ever in all my career, failed a fitness test.’

Halsey recalls the moments after: I remember just sitting on the steps, and just let all my emotions out, put my head in me hands and just burst into tears, because, I couldn’t see myself coming back.’

Following the further trauma of failing his first fitness test of his career, the powers that be were apparently nowhere to be seen for support.

‘I got a fitness programme from Bolton wanderers where I was training because the new PGMO manager told the fitness guru at the Premier League he wasn’t allowed to talk to me, wasn’t allowed to give me any training whatsoever – the reason being if I dropped down dead or something.’

Halsey proved his fitness and return to officiating at the top level of the game in 2010, retiring from refereeing at Manchester City’s Premier League game at home to Norwich City at the end of last season.

FEATURE: Lack of funding hits local Cricket club

It’s no secret that the country and everyone in it are feeling the pinch. In sport at local level, it is hitting the hardest.

Kirkburton Cricket Club in Huddersfield, have fallen victim to cut backs and investment going to other sporting disciplines, as club secretary Kathryn Smith explains:

‘2013 and prior, huge amounts of funding went into the Olympics, our funding comes from a lot of hard work by the volunteer committee – raffles, sponsorship, social events, and very occasionally we might be successful with a bid for funding from the local parish council. Lottery grant and ECB funding- we are not successful.’

But surely with the successes of the England international test side in recent times, particularly the Ashes triumphs, has helped the profile and uptake of the sport by youngsters? Not as meteoric as you might think, so says Smith:

‘No, the opposite. After 2005 yes a large intake of juniors was noticeable, now Golf Clubs and newer sports are taking not only the young players, but also the funding.’

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, Kirkburton is fighting back in an attempt to adapt to the tighter funding constraints.

KCC won the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League Premiership last season, with half of the squad coming through the junior teams.

With teams ranging from under 9’s to under 17’s before reaching the 1^st and 2^nd XI, youth development is an important facet at the club:

‘Its very important, at KCC we have a five year plan – so the current under 11s are the future of this club in 5 years time, with the under 9’s coming into this realm in the next two years. Already we have players from under 13 and under 15 who have played for the second team this season, taking an active role in the field. The leading wicket taker in the second team is Matthew Crookes, at just 16 years old.’

Crookes himself came through the youth set up at KCC following time on the books at Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday football academies.

With the focus on youth, numerous initiatives including the ‘Chance to Shine’ scheme, of which Graeme Swann is a supporter, are in place, which aims at linking cricket clubs to local primary and secondary schools, making qualified cricket coaches available to deliver cricket sessions and matches in schools, to train teachers and encourage children to come and play at cricket clubs.

Smith continues:

‘Over the years we have actively supported the Chance to Shine scheme and have regularly loaned the use of the field for the local schools to play inter school matches.

We run under 9, 11, 13 and 15 teams, and next year will have under 17’s again. We offer a good standard of coaching at all levels and encourage the youngsters where possible. Sadly we lose players from the age of 13 when they want to go play with their mates at another club, move to golf or another sport, or leave the area. The government / school / authorities need to put more funding into local grass roots sports to encourage the youngsters at an early age – 9 – and again at 13, 14.’

The message is clear; more funding at grass roots level is required to sustain sporting excellence at the top level.

Hull Choke as Warriors Win

If the 1985 Challenge Cup final between Hull and Wigan is considered a Wembley classic, with all the drama and theatre you’d expect from a successful Hollywood blockbuster, this fixture some 28 years on is the poorly imagined remake.

On a damp and dull August afternoon, it was Wigan Warriors with a 0-16 scoreline, who clinched Rugby’s oldest competition for a dominating 19^th time.

A second triumph under the Wembley arch in 3 years, and the first ‘nilling’ since Wigan beat St Helens 27-0 way back in 1989.

Hull’s last triumph in the final came in 2005 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Leeds. However the black and whites have in their last seven outings at Wembley never mustered a victory.

Poor handling and inconsistent territorial and possession play marred the game itself. Warriors Iain Thornley on 21 minutes and Sam Tomkins late on with the only tries of a forgettable contest.

Hull Captain Gareth Ellis coming off early into the game and missing the majority after picking up a rib injury.

In his absence his side were guilty of not getting the basics right in key areas, too often the ball was treated like a bar of soap.

Through Hull’s errors, Wigan would capitalise, 21 minutes in former Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie player Thornley picked up a loose ball 20 yards out, a swift dummy and charge for the line allowed the Wigan born winger to touch down in the left corner. Richards converted the kick.

After the break, the game was much like the weather, dull.

However it was sparked into life through an individual piece of brilliance, 10 minutes into the second half.

Full back Jamie Shaul, evaded three Wigan players, and darted for the left corner from his own 22.

However, Wigan winger Josh Charnley chased down Shaul in full flight, to deny Hull a memorable Wembley try.

Wigan’s cherry and white brick wall would remain unbreached.

Talisman Sam Tomkins with a touch of class at the death, matching brother Joel’s try in the 2011 final.

Richards added the extras, taking his tally for the competition to 100.A superb contribution as the Aussie winger returns home at the end of the season.

In contrast, the future of Tomkins remains shrouded in mystery, rumours rife he may switch codes or trade in sunny Wigan for sunnier Australia in the NRL.

Millwall vs Leeds: Preview

A trip to south London on Saturday is next up for the Whites as they look to get back to winning ways.

This follows the midweek defeat to Newcastle in the Capital One Cup.

Luke Varney, who was rested for the game in the North East, is expected to return to the visitors starting line-up.

Defender Lee Peltier is also back in the squad, while Sam Byram will be assessed to see if he can start his third game in a week, coming back from injury.

Eighteen-year-old Alex Mowatt may also be in contention after impressing at St James Park.

The academy player will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Byram, and establish himself on merit in the first team squad.

The team are in need of a change in fortunes in the league, which has seen the side lose three of the last four Championship outings.

In contrast, the hosts have notched up back-to-back wins against Blackpool and Charlton respectively, after a difficult run of six games without a win.

The Lions will be without defender Mark Beevers after suffering medial knee ligament damage.

While on loan striker Steve Morison is ineligible to play against his parent club.

The two clubs are certainly familiar with one another; fourteen games in the last six years have been contested in League One, the play offs and the Championship.

Of those fourteen games, Leeds have won seven, Millwall six and one draw.

Four of the last five fixtures between the two sides have been decided by a single goal, so this encounter promises to be a close and competitive affair.

Kick off at The Den is at 3pm.

Chelsea Clinch Dramatic Europa League Final Win in Amsterdam

Benfica 1 – 2 Chelsea
Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam

Europa League Final, 15^th May 2013

Prior to kick off in Amsterdam for the Europa League final, loyal club servants Frank Lampard and Petr Cech urged Chelsea to ‘make history’, and that’s just what they did after brushing aside Portuguese outfit Benfica.

Goals from Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic deep into added time ensured back-to-back European final wins, following last seasons Champions League victory.

The first club to achieve such a feat, holding both trophies simultaneously, albeit briefly.

The west London club joined an elite group of teams that include Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus, to have captured all major UEFA European trophies.

Triumphant in the Cup Winners Cup in 1971 and 1998, the blues added the Champions League in 2012.

Their Portuguese counterparts started the better, who were appearing in their first major European final in 23 years and had a hatful of first half chances, for the likes of Gaitan, Cardozo and Perez, failing to capitalise on Chelsea’s slow start.

Chelsea’s best chance came from a long range right footed drive from captain for the evening Frank Lampard, the swerving shot almost beating Benfica goalkeeper Arthur, who had to contort his body to make an outstanding save.

The start of the second half began much like the first, Benfica out of the blocks much quicker, with possession theirs early doors, Gaitan striking wide of Cechs goal with a long-range effort.

Soon after, Cardozo rose well to convert a free header but the offside flag was raised almost immediately, replays proved justification enough.

Benfica continued to have the larger portion of the possession percentages.

Despite this, Chelsea’s midfield five of Lampard, Luiz, Mata, Oscar and Ramires were beginning to knock on Benfica’s door with renewed vigour and guile.

But it was striker Fernando Torres who broke the deadlock just shy of the hour mark.

Showing good strength to evade the challenge of the experienced Brazilian centre back Luisao, before having the necessary composure to dummy the goalkeeper who hit the deck and despatched the goal with an assured finish.

Back came Benfica though and eight minutes later they were level, after being awarded a penalty following Cesar Azpilicueta’s handball, Cardozo drilling the ball down the middle, Cech no chance.

The equaliser took Cardozos goal tally against British opposition to ten, who appeared injured following despatch of the penalty kick, he returned to the field shortly after.

Benfica were the first of the two finalists to make a change, an injury to influential defender Garay forcing manager Jorge Jesus’ hand, Jardel his replacement.

The reshuffle at the back didn’t deter the Portuguese side from their ultimate goal, Cardozo the threat as ever, crafting a vivacious volley from outside the area that dipped late and needed Cechs fingertips to push it over the bar.

A trademark Lampard hit went even closer; rattling Arthurs woodwork as the shot dipped late two minutes from time.

In true Chelsea style, with the three minutes of added time almost up, good work from Ramires down the right earned the blues a corner, delivered long by Mata, a towering header produced by Ivanovic to settle the tie and win the Europa League crown.

It was in many ways, redemption for the Serbian defender, who twelve months earlier missed out on a Champions League final berth after picking up a yellow card in the semi finals that ruled him out.

On being the match winner the Serb said: ‘Great feeling, this team deserved this after a difficult season and a lot of games.’

Also as a side note, Rafa Benitez’ turbulent tenure as Chelsea manager reaped a

trophy, an achievement of which the Spaniard was proud.

‘Great performance in the second half, pleased for the players and everyone involved. I’m proud, it was not easy, really pleased really proud.’

The man who got the ball rolling for Chelsea on the night and took his goal tally for the season to 21 goals in all competition was delighted with the win:

‘Very happy, it was a hard way to get to Amsterdam, maybe Benfica deserved a bit more, individual quality made the difference.’

‘First half was not good enough, we had to change our mentality to win the Europa League.’

Finally, club record goal scorer Frank Lampard, captaining the side in John Terry’s absence through injury, praised the teams togetherness:

‘We’re a team, a little tired tonight, but the desire is in this team, you make your own luck, and stuck together and the fans.’

When asked about the rumours of a new one-year contract being on the table, the midfielder replied with genuine sincerity:

‘I really hope so, with the game tonight and the game at the weekend, we haven’t sat down properly but the clubs been brilliant.’

On the Comeback Trail

Injuries in sport are commonplace nowadays and the rough and tumble of Super League is no different.

However, for Leeds Rhinos star Ben Jones-Bishop a far from run of the mill injury has kept him on the sidelines since the turn of the year.

The winger was preparing for the annual Boxing Day friendly, with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats the visitors to Headingley Carnegie over the festive period, when a routine scan showed evidence of a blood clot on his lung.

By this point, the Rhinos preseason training schedule was in full force. A warm weather training camp in Portugal was scheduled for January, and two months remained until the new Super League season was due to start in February, Jones-Bishop would miss out on both.

‘My initial reaction was of shock and disbelief, straight after the scan the doctor was so concerned he wanted me to stay in hospital over Christmas and that was probably when I realised this was very serious. A Christmas that will never be forgotten! He immediately told me that this would mean 6 months out of rugby, I was devastated.’

On diagnosis of the pulmonary embolism, doctors advised the 24 year old to avoid all full contact training for three months, and all exercise would be stopped with his rehabilitation beginning immediately.

A course of warfarin medication was then given to thin the blood and dissolve the clots.

‘For a month I wasn't allowed to do any exercise. The beginning of February I began training again. I had to wear a heart rate monitor and was capped at 140 bpm. Each week the cap went up 10 beats and training gradually picked up intensity. This continued for 6 weeks then after another ECG scan that showed the pressure had reduced I was allowed to train with no restrictions.’

Five months on from the initial diagnosis and the long-term casualty is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.

‘The recovery is going well. After 3 months the clots were gone and now it's just a case of waiting for the specialists to be happy before I can return to full contact training and ultimately being back on the pitch. Other than contact, I've been in all forms of training for a while now so am pretty much fit and ready to go once given the green light.’

When quizzed on when Rhinos fans would likely see the winger back in action, the player remained tight lipped.

‘Training is full on at the minute and am literally waiting for the green light to be back in action. We have a date lined up but I'd prefer to keep that to myself so ill say in the near future.’

A product of the Leeds academy, Jones-Bishop ran out second top try scorer with 23 tries from 32 games last season.

Most notably he registered tries against both Manly Sea Eagles and Warrington Wolves in the World Club Challenge and Grand Final respectively, in addition to terrorising the Wakefield backline to record two hat tricks against the Wildcats.

His club form over the last couple of years was rewarded by England coach Steve McNamara with a call up to the England Knights squad and being included in the squad for the Four Nations.

In 2011, the England Knights programme was created to bridge the gap between club level and the national team for the younger players.

The squad is comprised of 25 players from 11 Super League clubs.

The players’ main target will of course be to regain his place in the Rhinos 13, but with 2013 being World Cup year, the former Queens amateur knows it will be an uphill task to be selected in time for the curtain raiser against Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on October 26^th.

‘It will be tough I reckon as I would have missed two thirds of the season. But if I come back and hit the ground running, then I'd like to think there's a chance. I’ve been fortunate to be selected for a few England squads over the last couple of years so hopefully I can put myself in the picture come selection time.’


**This interview piece was conducted at the end of April. Since that date Sky Sports have reported Ben is looking at returning to the field by the end of June.

Ode of Me

Time for something a bit different from the usual sports related ramblings, so different in fact..some have called it poetry, something I've never tried...and never intended to try.

Nothing too serious mind, more a light-hearted stab in the dark at storytelling.

The subject matter itself is drawn from my own meandering experiences over the last few years (albeit very briefly).

The back story to this is simple enough, a friend of mine (Jess) messaged me complaining about the never ending essay she was buried under and requested/demanded a story.

So I thought, for a laugh, give the people what they want.

Heres the result:

There once was a man named Richard, who dreamed of being some sort of wizard.

Stuck in a dead end job, he felt like a nob, he decided to change his ways.

Onwards to college, it went in a flash, with plenty of time spent on the lash.

Like a true student, He wasn't too prudent, bit of a saucy minx.

Soon enough he'd made it to Uni, a
few short years ago the concept was loony.

But nevertheless all very good, he'd finally made it to the HUD.

- R. Potter, 6th May 2013.

Van der Sar Junior to join Ajax

The son of former Ajax and Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is to join the world famous youth academy at Ajax of Amsterdam.

Fifteen-year-old Joe, who spent time in the Manchester United youth set up during his fathers time at Old Trafford, currently plays for amateur team VV Noordwijk, but will play for Ajax’s under 17 squad starting next season.

The youngster will be hoping to follow in his fathers’ footsteps and is regarded as an exciting prospect for the future.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Van der Sar senior stated:

"Yes, he will go to Ajax.

For the rest I don’t want to say anything about it. Joe will, of course, get a hard time anyway due to his surname."

The Van der Sar name is synonymous with Ajax of Amsterdam and world football as a whole.

Edwin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time by fans, critics and fellow professionals.

The 42 year old enjoyed a successful nine-year stint with the Amsterdam club between 1990 and 1999, capturing a string of trophies including the UEFA Champions League, Eredivisie four times and Dutch cup by the same ratio.

After departing the Amsterdam Arena, he spent time at Juventus, Fulham and finally Manchester United, where he retired in 2011 with further honours.

Van der Sar is also the most capped player for the Dutch national team with 130 appearances.

Since his retirement, Van der Sar has hinted at coaching but is currently marketing director at former club Ajax.

Who Next for Leeds United?

As Neil Warnock closes the door on his way out of Elland Road and his managerial tenure with the mighty whites, one question looms large, who next for Leeds United?

It comes as no surprise that Warnock has left the club, having made his intentions perfectly clear that it was promotion or bust in the ER hot seat.

However there is a timid hint of surprise as his departure comes with six league games of the championship season remaining.

Nevertheless, the revelation comes after a sorry performance again by the whites, this time a home defeat to Derby County.

More points dropped and chances of promotion back to the Premier League a fleeting thought to be resurrected next season.

A club statement shortly after Warnocks departure outlined the strategy of appointing a successor:

"This may well be after the end of the season dependent on the availability of the club's preferred choice to become the next manager.

"A short-list has already been prepared as Neil was always going to leave at the end of the season in the event that we did not get promotion.

"However, with availability of suitable candidates changing all the time then we will adopt a flexible approach, so as to ensure that we make the right appointment

Academy manager Neil Redfearn will take caretaker charge of the first team until a permanent candidate for the role is found, a decision the powers that be are in no rush to make.

Leeds Chief Exec Shaun Harvey stated: ‘We need to look to the future and the search for his replacement is under way’

"There is no fixed timescale as securing the services of the right person is the primary objective to give us the best chance of promotion next season."

Warnock spent 14 months at the Leeds United helm, replacing Simon Grayson in February 2012.

"We would like to thank Neil for his efforts during his time as our manager and share his disappointment that we could not achieve promotion," added Harvey.

"We would also like to thank Mick Jones and Ronnie Jepson, who will leave the club with Neil, for all their hard work."

Early front runners to the vacated managers office include Mark Hughes, Owen Coyle, Gus Poyet, Brian McDermott and Martin O’Neill.

The bookies have former Reading boss McDermott at the shortest price of 5/4, followed by Poyet at 9/2 and Martin O’Neil at 8/1.

Gus Poyet is the only one of these names to have spent time at Elland Road as a member of the clubs backroom staff, serving as Dennis Wise’s assistant between October 2006 and October 2007. Poyet, now manager at Brighton, is held in high regard by the Leeds faithful.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported over the weekend that sources close to the former Reading boss Brian McDermott, have stated he wants his next managerial role in football to be at Elland Road.

Read into that what you will.

McDermott’s availability comes after his former club Reading sacked him after four successive defeats; this coming after the manager had claimed the manager of the month award for January.

Prior to that, he led Reading to the Championship title the previous season, pipping Southampton to the trophy by a single point, winning an impressive 16 league games from 19 to close out the season.

However the newest managerial casualty from the top flight, needs no introduction to some Leeds fans, most recently Sunderland found him to be surplus to requirements, their loss could be the mighty whites gain.

The name Martin O’Neill is familiar to supporters of Leeds United, once upon a time he nearly signed with the Elland Road outfit whilst at Celtic.

The Northern Irishman could be back on United’s radar as their top target, however it is thought O’Neill will be taking a short break after his dismissal and look for a new position over the summer.

A scenario Leeds perhaps wouldn't turn their nose up at if ‘no fixed timescale’ were the intended plan of action alluded to by Chief Exec Shaun Harvey.

Who do you think should be Neil Warnocks successor?

Champions at Last!

Their recent form has stuttered, but Glasgow Rangers were crowned champions of the Scottish Third Division after besting Queens Parks result in Saturdays fixtures.

The Light Blues goalless draw at Montrose was followed by second placed Queens Park failing to overcome a one nil deficit at home to Elgin City.

Manager Ally McCoist told the clubs website: "We've been the best side in the league, the fact we're sitting 22 points ahead would indicate we are thoroughly-deserving champions. There's no doubt about that."

The championship trophy presentation will get underway on 4 May, in Rangers final league fixture of the season at home to Berwick Rangers.

The Gers boss heaped praise on his side and everyone involved:

"The boys all deserve massive credit, the young lads deserve enormous credit, as do the older lads such as Neil Alexander, Lee Wallace and Lee McCulloch.

"It has been an incredibly difficult situation for people in many ways. Some people won't give them any congratulations but that's certainly not the case from myself and the staff."

McCoist was at the helm of the Ibrox club when the then Scottish Premier League champions entered administration in February 2012 as punishment over an unpaid tax bill.

Liquidation soon followed, with no other resolution in sight, a consortium led by Charles Green purchased the clubs assets in June of that year prior to the clubs demotion to the third tier of Scottish football.

The club can now look ahead to another potential promotion charge next campaign in the SFL Second Division, or can they?

The 12 SPL clubs will vote on changes to the Scottish league structure on 15 April. This proposal will also include transitioning to one league body, play-offs and a greater distribution of cash among the smaller clubs.

Eleven votes are needed to pass the league restructure, whereby two top leagues will include 12 teams, which would split into three leagues of eight at the midway point of the season.

If the 12 SPL clubs vote yes to the proposals, Rangers Chief Exec Charles Green believes leagues should change to a 12-12-18 set-up instead of four leagues, and that the Gers should be promoted to the middle tier.

Green released a statement shortly before Rangers clinched the third division title saying:

All things being well, Rangers should win the Division 3 title and, that being the case, we should be promoted. That should happen regardless of what league structure the powers that be put in place.

"It would be manifestly wrong to deny any team promotion having won the competition they have entered into at the start of the season. Equally, teams, which have been relegated, should not benefit unfairly from any restructuring of leagues.

"There is already a precedent for this situation, established by the SFL at the end of the 1993-94 season when Stranraer, winners of the lowest of three divisions, were promoted to the new second tier on the basis they were champions of their division and merited promotion.

Should Darts be an Olympic Sport?

As the dust has settled following a successful Olympic Games at London 2012 last summer, with the mantra to ‘inspire a generation’ still ringing in our ears, the sporting world now sets its sights on Rio 2016, however, one corner of that world is in a tug of war like debate for recognition.

In the corner resides the sport of darts, a discipline which is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and won’t have the chance to apply for that recognition until 2024.

The games profile and global reach has gathered pace in recent years, with chairman of the PDC Barry Hearn overseeing the rebranding and repackaging of what many still call a ‘pub game’.

With a raised profile comes additional TV coverage, Sky Sports proving the perfect outlet to stage a spectacle that allows for maximum audience participation, it’s through Sky Sports that the Premier League format has been established, rising Darts stock tenfold.

Fans have their favourites who they cheer on with passion, and those who they boo in disapproval, allowing for a certain level of theatricality and pantomime.

Sixteen time world champion Phil Taylor recently voiced his opinion on a potential Olympic appearance for the ‘arras’, ‘If we got in there (the Olympics) I’d be chuffed to bits, I don’t think it’ll be in my lifetime but you never know’

Another supporter to the cause is former British Olympic Association Director of Sport, Sir Clive Woodward: ‘Darts is definitely an Olympic sport. Look at the fans, TV coverage, audience and real skill under pressure.’

But is it a real sport?

Those opposed to the sports legitimacy, claim it to be nothing more than a past time, something you would undertake down the pub with your mates for an hour before the football starts on a Saturday afternoon.

A stigma that I feel hinders the games wider perception and potential progression.

Its origins, established through the stadia of a dark and dingy, smoke filled public house with the smell of stale beer are unrepentant to some, despite the game breaking down the walls of humble beginnings, replacing it with bright lights, pyrotechnics and sell-out crowds.

Chairman Barry Hearn said in retort of the social stigma: ‘It’s a compliment that the sport should be taken seriously at last and the snobbishness that has spoiled the perception of darts has finally been defeated.’

The physical exertion or lack thereof has also been called into question.

Incomparable is the gruelling, unrelenting training regimes endured by the likes of Olympic heroes Mo Farrah and Jess Ennis.

Both aesthetically and lifestyle would also be a redundant comparison, I mean let’s be honest, stand a Sir Steve Redgrave or Sir Chris Hoy next to a PDC mainstay? No contest.

Athletes train through a four year circle, the Olympics being the end result, the pinnacle. Can the same be said for Darts professionals? I would have to disagree.

That’s not to disregard the mental strength required to play Darts at the highest level. Concentration, focus and nerve to produce the goods under extreme pressure are required by the truck load.

Also required is pinpoint precision and accuracy in execution when throwing darts, similarities can be drawn with a bowling action in Cricket or Baseball, even Javelin. The natural comparison is with Archery too, an established Olympic event.

The slightest fault can dramatically affect the darts final resting place on the board.

All in all, are the Olympics the appropriate theatre to showcase a sport like darts? Does darts need the Olympics and vice versa? I’m dubious.

Leeds United to reduce ticket prices at Elland Road

Plans have been unveiled to reduce season ticket prices at Elland Road by up to 25% as early as next season.

The high percentage cuts are to effect seats across the stadium, with the biggest reductions coming in the Kop with adult season tickets renewals set at £445, and £199 for juniors.

A new category aimed at 16-21 year olds will also be implemented under the banner of ‘young adult’.

For fans, the decision has been a long time coming, with large sections of home support becoming increasingly disgruntled at having to pay Premiership prices to see their team.

Those prices in recent years haven’t reflected the plight of arguably Yorkshires biggest football club.

Will the new plans reinvigorate the queue at the box office on Saturdays? We asked fans for their reaction:

‘It will improve attendances but not bring back sell-out crowds on a weekly basis’.

The new owners GFH aim at re-engaging disenchanted fans and reversing the clubs sustained decrease in attendances.

Average attendances at Elland Road during the 2010/2011 season were 27,000, however this season’s campaign has been met with struggles to reach and consistently draw 22,000.

Theirs a direct correlation between supporters through the turnstiles and what’s happening on the pitch, thoughts echoed by Matthew Ryan a lifelong Leeds United supporter and former season ticket holder, who has in the past traveled home and away to see the mighty whites.

‘We’ve let too many results get away from us and theirs a lack of consistency in the team which has cost us again, it’s a step in the right direction but that needs to be followed by good results’.

Tuesday Scan for Shiels

As the dust settles on the weekends disappointing 1-2 defeat at home to Annan Athletic, attacking midfielder Dean Shiels faces an anxious wait on the treatment table.

It was just after the half hour mark when the Northern Ireland international spent several minutes on the sidelines following a nasty collision with Annan defender Steven Swingehurst, before being stretchered off.

Both player and manager will find out the severity of the injury on Tuesday when a scan has been scheduled.

Manager Ally McCoist had this to say to the clubs official website:

‘Dean has got a really sore one. Obviously we will not know until he is scanned but the doc wasn’t in a positive mood when I spoke to him at half time.

“Dean’s knee is in a brace and it’s heavily iced so he’s in a great deal of pain.

“We will see how it is once the swelling comes down and will get it scanned on Tuesday.”

Saturdays result at Ibrox was the Gers first league defeat of the campaign, a campaign where Shiels has figured 21 times for the light blues, including 19 starts, which have facilitated a scoring return of 7.

The 28 year old signed a four-year contract in the summer after arriving from Kilmarnock, where he was a member of the victorious Scottish Cup side of last season at the expense of Celtic.

Once a former Arsenal trainee, Shiels, then 20, had to have his right eye removed in 2006 whilst at Hibernian. This was the culmination of a domestic accident he had suffered at the tender age of 8, the optical problem continuing to deteriorate ever since.

Hibs boss at the time Tony Mowbray spoke to BBC Sport expressing his admiration for Shiels: ‘he is a young man of remarkable spirit and determination.’

Hopefully this heavy knock sustained on Shiels knee will not be a serious set back to a player who has endured so much during his career so far, nevertheless the midfielder has continued unwaveringly, a true testament to what can be done with the right level of determination and application.

Other sight survivors within the game include former Rangers player Rino Gattuso, who suffered an eye injury in 2011 following a collision with former AC Milan teammate Alexandro Nesta.

The unfortunate altercation resulted in loss of sight in one eye, and kept the tireless midfielder out for much of his final season with Milan, who now plies his trade in Switzerland with FC Sion as Player/Coach. The problem has since improved.

Perhaps most famously, Dutch international Edgar Davids, nicknamed ‘the pitbull’, whilst at Ajax by then manager Louis Van Gaal, opted to wear protective glasses in order to keep playing after being diagnosed with the eye condition Glaucoma, the now iconic eyewear has made the player one of the most recognizable faces in football of his generation.

Brian Laudrup to make Gers return?

Former Danish international and Light Blues legend Brian Laudrup met with club chief executive Charles Green with a view to becoming an ambassador for the Ibrox outfit.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with RangersTV.tv, the 43 year old said of the opportunity: “To be able to be an ambassador for Rangers Football Club would be absolutely fantastic and we want to see if we can find a way to work together.”

Laudrups spell at the Glasgow club is considered by many to be his most fruitful tenure during his footballing career.

In a four-year stint in Scottish football, the younger Laudrup sibling claimed five major honours, helping guide the Ger’s to three SPL titles of an unprecedented nine in a row feat under Walter Smith, in a team that included the now troubled Paul Gascoigne.

In his time at Ibrox, the dane became a pivotal member of that successful team, scoring 45 goals in 151 appearances and winning three league titles.

He scored two winners against Celtic during the 1996/97 campaign to claim a final championship for the Gers.

He was also the stand out performer in the 1996 Scottish Cup final against Hearts, scoring twice and assisting Gordon Durie in each of his hat trick goals on the way to a 5-1 victory at Hampden. That final is affectionately known as ‘The Laudrup final’.

The twice Danish player of the year was making his first appearance in Glasgow this February since the exhibition match with AC Milan Glorie at the end of March last year, but has kept up to date with the turbulence currently being experience at Ibrox.

Laudrup said: When I speak to people back home, they ask me: ‘what about Rangers? What’s happening with them in the Third Division? I always turn it around and look at the positives. I ask if they’ve ever heard of a Third Division team in the world with 45,000 people at its home games.’

He added: “It is absolutely incredible and people are amazed by that. I’m not really amazed though because I know these fans are among the best in the world.

“Without the fans, there would be no club. For Rangers, in these circumstances, playing through the Third Division is tough.’

Looking to the future, Laudrup hopes to be involved in some way in the clubs development and reach in Europe, as the celebrated tradition of Rangers FC and passionate fanbase continues to inspire the team to progress through the divisions, back to where they belong; the Scottish Premier League.

“We need to stay prominent and with the history of Rangers Football Club, we all know they belong up there.

 “I would love, on my part, to bring the Rangers brand back to where it belongs at the very high end.

“In Denmark, we tend to know all about English teams and there is a history of Danish fans loving the Premier League there. I would love them to realise that here in Scotland, you have got a club which is one of the biggest in Britain.’

“If I could bring one or two Scandinavian players – or, even better, Danish players – to this club at some point I would be happy to.”

One things for sure, his rapport and admiration with fans is much like his talent as a player: undeniable, and his name is forever etched in Rangers Football Club history.

It’s that history that can inspire the next generation of players who pull on the blue jersey, to create new memories and new history.

Matthew Hatton - Last Shot at a World Title?

The name ‘Hatton’ is synonymous with the sport of professional boxing, however on this occasion it is preceded not by Ricky. Instead it is three years his junior, Matthew.

Stepping out of the shadow of his older brother, 31 year old Matthew ‘Magic’ Hatton is preparing for his third and arguably final shot at a world title.

He will face current reigning and defending IBO Welterweight champion Chris Van Heerden. The 25 year old southpaw, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, has never been knocked out in his professional career that boasts a healthy win return of 18 from 20 bouts, on ten occasions leaving his opponent incapacitated on the mat.

His only loss came at the hands of Nikola Stevanovic in 2011, a point’s decision for the IBF Intercontinental Light Middleweight title.

In recent years Matthew has failed to win the big one, first against Lovemore N’Dou for the IBO Welterweight title in a contentious draw in 2009 that still haunts the younger Hatton to this day, ‘I won’t forget that fight against Lovemore N’dou. It’s angered me throughout my career’, and a brave points defeat to Saul Alvarez in Anaheim, California for the vacant WBC Light middleweight title in 2011.

The former European champion enjoyed a credible Amateur career, winning 18 of 22 contests, before turning professional in 2000.

A decision Hatton admits he perhaps embraced too soon, ‘I should of stayed amateur longer, but saw how well Ricky was doing, so I turned pro at 19’.

His older brother has been a huge influence on the younger Hatton, from a very early age, ‘I always looked up to my elder brother’, and when quizzed on his earliest memory and his route into boxing, Hatton recounts fondly, ‘we were encouraged by mum and dad, started kickboxing at 6, Ricky was 9, we were always sparring’.

‘Pots would be shaking from me and Ricky knocking ten bells out of each other’, 25 years on, the passion remains the same for Matthew,  who feels he still has plenty left in the tank, ‘I feel physically and mentally at my peak, the day you stop improving is the day you should go out the back door.’

Citing the likes of Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank who were ‘guys in the spotlight growing up’, his desire hasn’t diminished over the years and the 51 fights the Stockport native has contested, 43 of which resulted in ‘Magic’ Hatton’s arm being raised in victory.

He will need every ounce of desire and belief to overcome the younger South African on March 2^nd, as he attempts to reach the top of the mountain at the third time of asking.

The great Frank Bruno took four attempts to become WBC Heavyweight champion of the world, persistence, drive and determination are key attributes to any great fighter and with the reward of a potential revenge match against Vyacheslav Senchenko, his older brother’s vanquisher last November, should he win the IBO Welterweright belt. Matthew ‘Magic’ Hatton will give everything to finally win the big one.