Perhaps some of them should experience a dressing-room dressing-down from Sir Alex Ferguson when things go badly to appreciate what a real tongue lashing is. One suspects much dirty linen is about to be exposed which will do the sport's image no good at all, according to Royce's supporters, including 21 members of the England men's squad who signed a petition demanding his re-instatement "The whole thing stinks," said one. Other coaches are watching the progress of the Australian who succeeded him as women's head coach, Trish Heberle, formerly an assistant in the Australian hierarchy who acted as a video analyst. Her £50,000 a year salary is being paid out of Lottery funding and she was chosen by a panel which included her compatriot Chris Spice, who had already handed in his notice as hockey's performance director to take up a similar post with the RFU.Motivator at your serviceIt is that time of the year when our thoughts turn to British hopes at Wimbledon, if not for long. Apparently no one is more concerned at our lack of distinction, despite the millions thrown at the sport, than the Lawn Tennis Association, who have drafted in one of the nation's top motivational experts to pep things up a bit. Frank Dick, the former national athletics coach, has been asked to work with the regional coaching centres in improving the fitness and conditioning of young players "It is not up to me to improve their technique," he says "That's their coach's job.
But I can ensure they go out on court in the right frame of mind and in top shape physically." Dick has worked successfully in the past with several leading international tennis stars, including Boris Becker.Invitations lacking cloutAudley Harrison may not have missed a punch when he briefly dispatched the hapless Mike Middleton at Wembley but his promotional organisation certainly missed a trick. No doubt the BBC were happy to have the ringside seats crammed with more EastEnders than West Enders, but wouldn't it have been nice to a see a few more boxing faces on parade? OK, so Lennox Lewis turned up, but did no one think of inviting the last man to win an Olympic gold medal for Britain? Chris Finnegan preceded Harrison on the winner's rostrum when he claimed the middleweight title in Mexico City 33 years ago. He lives just down the road and with so many free tickets being handed out to B-list celebrities who couldn't tell a right cross from Brent Cross it seems a pity one couldn't have been posted in his direction. I suspect old school promoters like Frank Warren or Mickey Duff would have not missed the opportunity for some great publicity by inviting John Prescott.
No, not the Rhyl Deal, but the other John Prescott, who fought Henry Cooper for the British heavyweight title back in the Sixties. But maybe Audley didn't want anyone stealing his thunderous applause.insidelines independent.co.uk. Lord knows how it would feel if you've received a brown envelope filled with used fivers for a pitch forecast. But a shiver went round the Wisden office the first time we had an email asking us to contact Lord Condon's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
