Double points for final race is big minus for F1

The absurd decision to award double points for Formula 1’s final race from next season is a desperate attempt to help other teams keep pace with Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, who has dominated F1 for the last four years. Nothing else.

Justified by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone as an exciting innovation to keep the F1 title alive until the final race of the season in the face of the German’s four-year domination, it will instead devalue and cheapen the championship, all the preceding races – where an inferior team and driver could potentially win the championship – and the sport as a whole.

The equivalent would be to give Premiership football teams six points for the final game of the season, which would of course make a mockery of the previous 37 fixtures.

A championship or league is designed to test participants over a series of contests where they are awarded equal points at each. Apart from the obvious pitfalls and issues, the season’s last race might suit the style and dynamics of some teams and drivers more than others, instantly creating a handicap.

After Michael Schumacher’s ruthless domination strangled F1, Bernie Ecclestone is clearly concerned about losing viewers turned off by Sebastain Vettel’s brilliance after he was senselessly booed after winning several races this season, but he is just trivialising one of the world’s marque sports.

Toby Flood would be mad to swap Leicester for France ahead of a home World Cup

News of the seemingly inevitable departure of Leicester and England fly-half, Toby Flood, from Welford Road for pastures new come next season was the early Christmas present Tigers supremo Richard Cockerill didn’t want to find in his stocking. Despite Cockerill admitting last week that Flood – via a phone call – has confessed he wants a new challenge, Flood maintains he’ll decide his future in January, though the smart money is still on a move to one of the Gaelic heavyweights of Toulouse, Toulon or Clermont Auvergne.

Flood’s exit from the English club game – if and when confirmed – would admittedly leave Cockerill with the headache of replacing his captain, one of Europe’s best fly-halves over the last five years and a 60 cap international in the prime of his career. Though history shows the departures of even Rory Underwood, Martin Johnson, Neil Back, Lewis Moody, Austin Healy and Martin Corry haven’t stopped the Leicester trophy machine from rumbling on. The greater worry is arguably for England coach Stuart Lancaster, at the prospect of losing a seasoned, senior player and a proven creative spark because of the RFU’s firm stance of not selecting anyone playing outside England.

A policy I fully support, guaranteeing eligible English-based players are fully available for all England international training days, matches and official IRB windows, it’s emergence has had the desired effect where the vast majority of elite-level English players ply their trade on these shores, despite the Euro-millions on offer across the channel. But for a senior England player like Flood, in their prime at 28, to possibly put himself into international exile only two-years out from a home World Cup is a slight concern and Lancaster will hope it’s simply an anomaly and not a sign of an exodus the Welsh club game is currently suffering from.

But why would Flood even consider a move abroad with RWC 2015 on the horizon? It surely can’t because of limited international opportunities as he’s still a central figure in Lancaster’s squad, involved in nearly all games and it’s only in the last 12 months Farrell has moved slightly ahead in the fly-half pecking order. A long-term injury or loss of form from Farrell would see the 10 jersey nailed on Flood’s back. The decision would be stranger still as by waiting 12 months, such a move would have no affect on his World Cup chances as the 2015/2016 club season will in effect only start after the tournament for any players involved in the global showpiece because of the usual friendlies and training camps beforehand.

Without knowing Flood’s final decision or destination for next year we can only speculate on his motives, which could be a perceived lack of confidence from Lancaster and acceptance he’s now no.2 behind Farrell, a bumper pay-day in France or a combination of the two. But at the cost of playing in a World Cup on home soil in an ever-improving team, if he does choose the fabled ‘lifestyle’ in France, it would leave me scratching my head.

When is the right team to swan off into the distance?

Graeme Swann’s controversial decision to retire from representing England in all forms of cricket in the midst of the current disappointing Ashes tour – brave or selfish depending on your point of view – begs the question…when is a good time for elite-level sports men and women to retire? And if playing a team game where the decision is likely to come from above, should you jump or wait to be pushed?

In Swann’s case, this was apparently not a snap decision triggered by his poor performances (the worst since establishing himself in the side six years ago) or the unassailable 3-0 deficit England’s cricketers currently face in the Ashes. But a well-thought out one, born from creaking body and mind. Premature or not, whilst his exploits have helped propel England to the summit of the game, abandoning ship once the hope of treasure has gone – mid-series – does add substance to anyone calling him a deserter. Put another way, would Swann have done the same if he were playing equally as badly and England were 3-0 to the good? The feeling amongst some is that he jumped before he was pushed.

Another scenario is the battle-weary, iconic, feted hero in the winter of their career, who like an over-the-hill boxer is the last to know that time is up but has nobody prepared to tell them. For this condition, read Irish rugby union great and living legend, Brian O’Driscoll, who despite evidence highlighted during the recent Lions tour, should probably be hanging up his international gum shield and boots. But great sportsmen are driven souls, usually driven by big egos, who like punch drunk boxers, will only leave the arena on a stretcher. In the case of BOD, it’s an analogy I hope doesn’t come to pass.

India’s ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar is that rare breed afforded the luxury to retire on their terms at the top of the pile, without the fear of the axe, accusations of a premature departure or of belatedly falling on their sword. When the flames from the fire burn no more, every stoned has been unturned and there are no mountains left to climb. Whilst having the wisdom to recognise waning abilities and vocal chords of the Fat Lady. Ala a certain Lennox Lewis.

In short, it seems picking the ideal time to retire is quite emotive, depending on several factors such as current ability, age and the quality of your opponents / successors etc. However, when you’re a senior player within an almost all conquering team, facing troubling results for first time, many people would say you should bite the bullet and see the job through to the end.

So Graeme Swann, amongst some British sporting and cricket fans, may never be forgiven.

Ten ‘alternative’ Jose Mourinho Christmas sound bites

Jose Mourinho’s post-match taunt that Arsenal players ‘like to cry’ after the Gunners and their manager vented their irritation with Chelsea’s tough tackling during Monday’s drab 0-0 draw got me thinking about ten ‘alternative’ festive or New Year’s statements you’re unlikely to hear from ‘The Happy One’ this Christmas*.

* Please note the below statements are all fictional and at no time is any claim being made they were uttered by Jose Mourinho or his staff (though I’d pay very good money to hear him say ANY of them).

Merry Christmas everyone!

1. I’m essentially a defensive minded coach whose success is routed in stopping other teams from playing. Win by taking risks? I’m the Floyd Mayweather of football m*therf*cker! I’m still learning how best to deploy attacking players, Ronaldo pretty much carried Real Madrid during my time there. And yet I still couldn’t win the European Cup. Not so special after all eh?

2. I send Rafa Benitez a Christmas card every year. Easter too, if I have time to get round to it. What a guy.

3. John Terry is a player with little shame, in all likelihood a racist, though if he helps win me football matches he is still a ‘champion’ in my eyes. What did he say to Anton Ferdinand again?

4. Of course I wanted to be Manchester United manager – who the f*ck is David Moyes anyway? The timing was perfect but I suppose I’m too controversial and never stay anywhere long enough to finish a big ‘project’. And even I couldn’t keep Anderson in my squad.

5. There’s nothing wrong with constantly reverting to players you trust and have managed before. You know the saying, age is just a number always more important than goals per season. That’s why Eto instead of Lukaku was a no brainer. Duh!

6. Hiding in a laundry bin? That’s rubbish! I mean, it was a rubbish bin and of course I was hiding in there. Take that Platini!

7. Sir Alex Ferguson is an infinitely better manager than me. I was rolling in money during my first spell at Chelsea and at Real Madrid and guess what…never took a team to a Champions League final. #winning!

8. Arsene Wenger is really my half-brother, we’re just siblings squabbling really. It’s ‘cos I got the looks at birth, hence why he’s always been determined to play more attractive football than me.

9. I fucking love sliding on my knees when my team scores. If only I could do a proper Klinsmann. Groundsmen never water the touchlines enough. Bastards.

10. ‘Special’ is a strong word, I did okay at Porto. And Madrid. Fair is fair, Rafa winning the Champions League with that Liverpool team of nobodies was way more special. I sent him an extra Christmas card for that, though The Drog will always be my Christmas number one.

After Tom Daley, true progess will be when news of gay athletes doesn’t make waves

In the same year that the UK government passed a landmark bill legalising same-sex marriage, this progress was mirrored by Olympic diving medalist Tom Daley taking the brave decision to reveal that he’s bisexual and currently in a relationship with a man.

Rumours and gossip about his sexuality had been circulating for some time – he denied being gay as recently as September this year – and whilst coming out was a surprise to some of his family, it was in truth something many commentators had suspected so was hardly ground breaking.

The real surprise, and a much welcome one, was the sight of a young man and celebrated British sports star who is already the subject of significant media attention and no stranger to uncomplimentary headlines, feeling comfortable enough to reveal he also likes guys; in spite of the inevitable tongue wagging.

By ‘controlling’ the announcement via a YouTube video he instantly removed the power of the tabloid / gossip column rumour mill and possibly weeks, months or even years of denials. He’s also now a shining example of why LGBT sports men and women – or from any walk of life – shouldn’t have to conceal or be fearful about revealing their sexuality. Living in an increasingly open-minded society has certainly helped, unlike Russia for example.

However, the true barometer of progess will be when a British sporting star or celebrity, or any nationality for that matter, reveals that he or she is gay or bi-sexual and it DOESN’T make headline news. Or better still, society doesn’t dictate they need to make any kind of confession or release a statement, as ultimately they shouldn’t have to.

We should appreciate Sir Alex choosing honesty as the best policy

Amidst all the hoopla, revelations and bruised egos caused by the publication of Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, it’s forgotten that the great Scot has bravely chosen honesty as the best policy. The same way he did in a career which saw him confront the truth about diminishing abilities or commitment, leading him to clash with and jettison some of the world’s best players such as Beckham, Van Nistelrooy, Keane, Stam and Ince.

He isn’t lying or slipping us a well-crafted soundbite. He’s just telling us how he it is, how he saw it.

As someone with some experience garnered from school and University teams about the inner workings and dynamics of the sacred ‘dressing room’, the accusations from some quarters that he has betrayed former (and present) colleagues – and in some instances friends – by publishing his memoirs does carry weight. This was a fiercely driven manager who craved and commanded loyalty from his players or else. It was most certainly his way or the M6.

But considering his position as possibly Great Britain’s greatest ever football manager and a worthy candidate in any debate about the best football or sports coaches of all time, I think we should appreciate this rare opportunity to peer into the looking glass and mind of one of British sports most iconic, at times controversial and recognisable figures.

Wilshere’s nationalistic flag waving shows why English football is being left behind

Seeking to clarify and defend his comments about why ‘foreigners’ shouldn’t be eligible to play for the England football team, which ignited mini media and Twitter storms last week, Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere was “…just saying his opinion.” Fair enough, as we live in a democracy founded on the premise of free speech.

But Jack the Lad’s patriotic words – supported by the pre-historic football views of chest-beating, Neanderthal Match Of The Day pundit Alan Shearer – demonstrate why the England national team, English club game and England players are increasingly being left behind by other nations. And other sports in this country.

The advent of full-time time professionalism, advances in sports science, million pound TV deals, lottery funding and increased global exposure has seen sports such as cricket, cycling, rugby union, swimming and athletics flourish, delivering a steady stream of successful international teams and champions. All embracing new ideologies, avenues and ways of thinking in the pursuit of success; without sacrificing our precious national identity. Wiggins, Woodward, Wilkinson, Radcliffe, Flintoff and Addlington are as ‘English’ as they come.

And whilst nobody is pretending athletes qualifying to represent England or Great Britain purely through historical ancestry or residency are descendants of King Arthur, they are reflective of Britain’s modern day, multi-cultural society. Spawned in a large part by the length of the Old Empire’s reach abroad.

By national and international law, anyone living in the UK, amongst its citizens, contributing to its economy and wellbeing, is entitled via citizenship to choose if they want that commitment honoured. So why can’t sportsmen and women do the same?

The battlefield cry echoing through Jack’s words of “We are English. We tackle hard, are tough on the pitch and are hard to beat”, sound like nostalgic sound bytes from the 60s, 70s or even 80s. The game has moved on, whilst English attitudes have not. Identity is precious, but nature dictates evolution is necessary for survival. The alternative is extinction. A tad dramatic, but I hope you see the point.

Ironically, Wiltshire is the standard bearer for a more technically astute generation of England football players, trying to break free of the shackles of Shearer & Co.’s preferred of recipe of 4-4-2, high-tempo, crosses and bucket loads of passion.

But until the English game embraces modern attitudes towards possession, tactics and coaching, like dear old Jack, it will remain stuck in the last century.

VIDEO: Watch how boxing can be a force for good

Among all the egos, bureaucracy, questionable results, waning global interest, lack of credible heavyweights, cynicism, paper champions and distrust that surrounds the modern world of boxing, this short film – about a member of London’s Caris Boxing Club which mentors and helps young homeless people sleeping rough in the city – shows how the ‘purest’ sport can still be a true force for good. I challenge you not to be moved.

Why has British swimming stopped making waves?

Let’s dive straight in and acknowledge that British swimming is currently a shambles after another major global championship where the team’s performances and medal haul have been well below self-imposed targets and previous results. Why? Because the disappointment, soul-searching and staunch promises caused by the meagre three medals won at London 2012, were only able to transform themselves into a solitary bronze won on the last day at August’s FINA World Championships in Rome. Britain’s lowest medal tally for 15 years.

The decline is alarming and history shows it’s no temporary blip.

Until now, since the euphoria of winning eight medals – three of them gold – at the 2003 edition, British swimmers have always won at least three medals at the global showpiece. Which to an extent has helped gloss over and mask the frustration as to why this hasn’t been repeated at Olympics taking place during the same period when it’s REALLY mattered, where only seven medals have been won across three Games from 2004 to 2012.

But that veil, almost single-handedly worn by Rebecca Adlington of late until her premature retirement this year, has been well and truly blown away, especially when you consider recent British fortunes in the other major Olympic sports, athletics and cycling.

A straight comparison with the two-wheeled discipline, which continues to deliver a steady avalanche of history setting Olympic and world champions, Tour De France winners and Sport Personalities of the Year (three of the last five), would be brutal in the extreme. Yet the injury-hit British & NI athletics team, shorn of its star athlete in Jessica Ennis, was still able to muster six medals – three of them gold – at last month’s World Championships. Matching their London 2012 total and being just one shy of the seven garnered at the 2011 World Athletics Championships.

Or putting it another way UK athletics has delivered at least one Olympic champion at every Games since 2000. Swimming has only delivered just one since 1988.

Statistics are often called misleading but these facts paint a worrying picture. British swimming is in the doldrums, despite countless millions of funding and a talented, er, pool to choose from. Whom on the surface at least seem to lack the required mental toughness and will to win. Perhaps lessons can be learnt from England’s cricketers who had to adopt a tougher mental approach after years of defeats and torment in the mid and late nineties.

Success invariably comes in cycles and steps are being taken, which has seen another national performance director come and go. He at least had the sense to move this year’s national trials until later in the calendar and nearer the World Championships – like most other nations do – to stop the absurd handicap of asking our elite swimmers to hit peak form twice in one season. But it’s going to take a lot more hard work before British swimming can proudly hold its head above water again.

How is country from the dark ages hosting global sporting events?

Barack Obama and Stephen Fry have beaten this post to the punch over the last few weeks – two heavyweight voices openly condemning Russia for its continued stance and insistence on criminalising all ‘acts of propaganda supporting non-traditional sexual orientation’. For the layman, making it illegal for any male or female citizen to be [openly] gay. The latest comments from Russia’s athletic darling, Yelena Isinbeyeva, defending this legislation only serve to prove how far removed from modern society she, Putin and the Russian government really are.

In the midst of the outrage and criticism an unrepentant Vladimir Putin has received, the burning question is how and why was a country with such overt anti-gay legislation been selected to host the next Winter Olympics (2014), 2018 World Cup and the Athletics World Championships currently taking place – global, sporting showpieces which preach peace and tolerance, whilst denouncing discrimination?

Sepp Blatter’s place at the helm of FIFA probably explains why football’s showpiece is headed there (ahem, asides from oil money), whilst the IAAF’s refusal to increase bans for first time drug cheats beyond the current two years highlight the failings athletics has in setting its moral compass correctly. But the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should know better and if it wants to retain any credibility for its Olympic Charter – stating how sport is a human right that should be practiced “without discrimination of any kind” – it needs to confront Russia on this issue and find more suitable countries for the ‘greatest show on earth’ to visit next.