Sports movies often tell the tale of both the extraordinary and the sublime, but at times they can also pull at our hearts strings even in loss and defeat, as its also the journey to get there that is often almost as important as the final conclusion.
With that in mind I invite you to join me on this countdown as I share my own favourite sports films that have resonated with me personally over the years.
Feel free to let me know your own top five or if I’ve missed any of your favorites in the comments down below.
5. Cool Runnings.
Inspired by true events, this film follows Jamaica’s foray into history with their debut at the Winter Olympics held in Canada in 1988.
The true life story behind the movie mirrors closely to the fictional aspects of the Disney production with creative licence used for much of the comedy.
This was a tropical country entering the completely foreign world of winter sports under the guidance of coach Howard Siler, a former US Olympic Bobsledder.
He believed that the speed of an Olympic sprinter could translate to the bobsled track, so he duly recruited three of the Jamaican national army’s best sprinters, and incredibly handed the task of driver to an active helicopter pilot.
The team would eventually crash out in their third heat due to inexperience. But much like in the movie they left as cult hero’s after walking over the line alongside their sled in a show of defiance that embodied everything about the true Olympic spirit.
Jamaica would go on to compete at future Olympics as a two man team and the movie itself became a huge global hit.
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Now that the dust has settled on the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new manager of the Three Lions, I feel that it is time to delve into what makes us who and what we are as a footballing nation on the international stage.
There is no doubt that Tuchel is a highly likeable and respected coach amongst his contemporaries. He is also highly regarded within the media as a man who has won trophies at the very highest level in club football, winning major titles at a plethora of clubs including Bayern Munich, PSG, and Chelsea.
Unfortunately, with him in charge I cannot see how we can hold our heads high in the this arena any longer, as rather than look internally we have simply employed a hired gun in an attempt to fast track our way to success which has been so agonisingly close over the last three major tournaments.
After signing his deal in October to become the new England manager we now we find ourselves with yet another foreign coach in charge of our destiny.
It is an experiment that has been conducted twice previously, with both ending in failure, as neither Sven Goran Eriksson or Fabio Capello could scale the heights of the much lesser decorated Gareth Southgate who led us to back to back European Championship finals.
Although he certainly had his own failings, both tactically and as a decisive influence in the matches themselves, I believe that it was his cultivation of unity within the squad and his ability to bring our country together that propelled us forwards through adversity in major tournament football.
Therefore I feel all that was needed was someone that had maybe more experience in dealing with high pressure situations on a more regular basis.
I cannot fathom why Eddie Howe wasn’t even approached by the FA and on lesser note Graham Potter, as these men operate under the bright lights of the Premier League on a weekly basis, which is the current hotbed of club football and has been for many years, with the worlds leading managers and players participating in it.
For these two men to be overlooked for the post just does not seem to make sense, as Howe in particular has done a superb job under a demanding ownership at Newcastle United.
It also rankles that both he and Potter are quite simply one of our own, and that for me is the antithesis of what International Football should be in its purest form, as one country pits its finest representatives against another.
This should be the case with not only the players but also the manager, and all the way through the backroom staff as far as im concerned, as otherwise how are we supposed to exude any essence of pride in our team when we have to rely on another nation to provide us with a helping hand along the way.
Therefore, I believe the role should be filled by someone from our own shores, and now that we have brushed that aside for this appointment it is a sad indictment of the FA who have failed to groom a successor for Gareth Southgate, who despite his tactical flaws as a manager almost led us to the promised land.
It isn’t if they haven’t had the opportunity to do so, with Southgate’s reign lasting a full eight years. With so much young talent in terms of players now shining through it is baffling that the management side of the equation has almost been sidelined as both Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been palpably ignored, which sends out the completely wrong message to any future managerial prospects we have working their way diligently through the system.
I believe that the sanctity of International football needs to be preserved and if the manager can be of a different nationality then why would it be any different to having a player from a different country make the starting line up itself?
This is what ultimately makes International Football so special as the lure of the club game continues to dwindle in my eyes, as too many players lack loyalty, passion, and chase the highest paycheque.
Step forward the international game where you simply must play for where you are from, or you make a decision based on family ties and eligibility and you must abide by that decision permanently.
This is why World Cup’s and European Championship’s are so unique in the make up of the game we love, as nowhere else will you see so much raw and intense passion.
As all countries are fiercely proud to display their own distinctive identity that has been cultivated by being who and what we are as a country, and when we pit that against another nation in the context of sport, that is where the deep rooted emotion comes from at these events.
Consequently if we were to be successful at the 2026 World Cup with Thomas Tuchel in charge I feel that it will come at a cost.
I could only see it as as England selling its soul for success and any potential victory as two time World Cup winners would always have an asterisk next to its name as we had to have a foreign manager lead us over the line, when any proud nation steeped in football history should have the wherewithal to make it by itself.
In equal measure, being English does not guarantee success either as we have faired rather miserably in the past with the likes of Steve Mclaren and Roy Hodgson, before Gareth Southgate lifted us from the back alleys of the international game.
This is no attack on Thomas Tuchel himself, as he is a fine manager with a great track record. He is also a very likeable character who will no doubt conduct himself professionally throughout his tenure as England manager.
Neither is it an insult to Germany as a country itself, as I had the privilege to travel there for the European Championship’s last summer and it was a fantastic experience. Every city I visited exuded its own unique culture, whilst the people themselves couldn’t have been more vibrant and welcoming, and I will be certainly heading back there to visit in the near future.
With that being said, I cannot imagine the roles being reversed with an Englishman being appointed head coach of the German national team, or any other country for that matter, as all the main powerhouse nations of football almost exclusively employ from within.
Fundamentally it is rivalry’s that make sport as a whole so gratifying when the final result is in our own favour, and as a staunch England supporter it is difficult to comprehend that we have returned to this fallacy that a foreign manager will guarantee success.
It is my belief that either win, lose, or draw, it should ultimately be on our own merit.
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The countdown to Christmas is on and that can only mean one thing at this time of year, its time for the stars of the darting fraternity to enter our homes for three weeks of pure sporting theatre.
For so many years it has been a fixture in our lives and for me personally it signifies the holiday season, and as a lifelong enthusiast of the game I don’t think that Christmas would be the same without the drama and tension that only the oche of Alexandra Palace can provide.
The players themselves have created some extraordinary moments, with the undeniable skill at the tips of their fingers always providing a gripping and emotionally charged sporting occasion.
Join me on the the countdown for some of the greatest moments that the world of elite level tungsten has had to offer down the years.
Feel free to let me know your own top five or if I’ve missed any of your favourites in the comments down below.
5. Michael Van Gerwen lands seventeen perfect darts.
To witness a nine dart leg is a true rarity in this sport and when it happens you have to simply stand back and applaud such pinpoint precision.
For Michael Van Gerwen in 2012 that monumental task simply wasn’t enough as he almost completed the utterly outrageous feat of hitting another in the following leg, virtually tearing the roof off of Ally Pally in the process.
Everyone in the arena and at home held their breath as Michael closed in on history as the only man to hit back to back nine dart legs.
His subsequent failure to hit double twelve left him and everyone watching speechless, as it is a feat that we had never witnessed before and subsequently it has never been seen since.
Along with the imperial John Gwynne calling the action on commentary, this was darting artistry at its very finest.
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The frankly ludicrous amounts of cash being offered in Saudi Arabia has managed to entice many of todays superstar footballer’s to now ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League. With the likes of Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Brazilian icon Neymar all calling the Middle East their new home.
With so many notable signings, it is that of Jordan Henderson to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq that is garnering the most attention, and rightly so as his signature on his reported £700k a week contract raises concern in regards to the morality of a sport that has been on a slippery slope for far too long in my eyes.
It is somewhat understandable that the likes of Henderson head to these new pastures at the twilight of their career for an extremely handsome payday, it is rather the refusal to acknowledge it as such, that sticks in the throat of the everyday football fan.
His eagerly awaited comments on the controversial transfer have only continued to enflame the situation. He persists to suggest that his willingness to join his new club has nothing to do with money, which is a tired narrative that has been spun far too many times in recent years.
Jordan is adamant that his ambitions to play for his country remain as fierce as ever, yet he has decided to join a league that is made up of scatter gun signings that give the teams that have made them an admitted sparkle on the surface. Yet beneath that I cannot imagine that the core and foundations of the game are anywhere near as strong as elite European football, in terms of player depth, development, and infrastructure.
It therefore a shame that some truly talented players in the prime of their career are fundamentally exchanging cash for glory, as the dream of reaching the pinnacle of the game must come by testing yourself against the best opposition week in and week out.
Alas, leaving the hotbed of the global big league’s can only hinder that journey, as iron certainly sharpens iron in any sport. I fear that both the hunger and the tools that got them to the dance could certainly be blunted over time, due to a bloated bank balance and the quality of opposition.
The latter is the side of the game that Jordan professes to want to develop, and some might say that it would be an admirable mission. However, it is his history of aligning himself with the LGBTQ+ community that throws all of his reasoning into complete shambles.
He has been such a staunch advocate of inclusion and diversity throughout his tenure as captain of Liverpool Football Club. He was both admired and respected for speaking up for others when they felt they couldn’t. Whilst in a show of solidarity he was always seen on the pitch proudly wearing the LGBTQ+ rainbow colors on his boot laces and captain’s armband.
Jordan once wrote this in a Liverpool matchday program, expressing his support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign….
“I do believe when you see something that is clearly wrong and makes another human being feel excluded you should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them”
However, with this highly questionable transfer, it is plausible that this image of Henderson may well have been hand crafted from the get go, as someone so passionate about inclusivity has now chosen to work in a state where homosexuality is punishable by death.
Whilst the project to glamorize and enhance their Football teams is fundamentally a ploy to boost the faltering image of a country that has failed miserably for years in terms of basic human rights, which flies in the face of what he has supposedly stood for.
Without attempting to assassinate the character of a seemingly dedicated professional athlete, it would seem that Jordan’s mask has slipped. As much like everything in modern media you cannot always trust what you see on the surface as PR and image holds so much weight in the world, with highly lucrative endorsement deals hinging on it.
Many would say that it is up to him with what he does with his life, which is of course true. But when you have entrenched yourself so deeply into a community that has been marginalized for years, it is most hurtful when that person trades these profound emotional connections for material possessions.
It is a truly bitter pill to swallow, and the outcry from the LGBTQ+ community has been profound. Whilst Henderson continues to speak on how much he has done for inclusivity by wearing the arm band, and it continues to show a complete lack of awareness in regards to how deep his actions have harmed a vulnerable community.
How much wealth one person needs can only be answered by the man himself, and the same can be asked of each person that has signed their name to these extortionate contracts, as the game has already afforded these players a wealth most of us couldn’t imagine already. Sadly for some footballer’s this has become what the game is about, whilst I continue to feel a disconnect with a sport that is beginning to lose its meaning.
Where this worrying trend will end is anyone’s guess and it will continue to alienate the everyday person from the game if the Saudi business model continues to gain pace, as ultimately there are things in life that eclipse Football in terms of importance.
So I question if we can we justify paying these players such vast sums of money to play a game, when we live in a world that is stricken by so many issues.
Jordan’s inability to grasp the gravity of his decision is disappointing, although not entirely surprising to me, and in time I think he will regret his decision to trade his reputation for cold hard cash, as the enormous respect for his character has now completely evaporated.
The man who once wore the bright rainbow captain’s armband has seemingly cast it aside into the mud, and upon it’s retrieval I would suggest that the indelible stain that has been left on it by Jordan and his actions may unfortunately take a long time to wash off, if ever at all.
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John Motson’s recent death has been met with an indelible sadness for so many Football fans as we say goodbye to the man who’s words painted a thousand pictures.
Know affectionately as Motty, he propelled himself into folklore in 1972 as Ronnie Radford’s long range rocket sent Hereford United through in what is still regarded as one of the greatest shocks in FA cup history, whilst Motson himself was on a one year trial with the BBC at that juncture and feared he would never make the grade.
However, with Hereford slaying the giant, and an always hugely enthusiastic John Motson providing the narrative he found his popularity grow extensively almost overnight as the man from Salford found his way into the hearts of the Great British public.
The word legend is often banded around in modern society, yet where he is concerned it almost seems to hand him a disservice, as his timeless voice transcended through generations of Football fans.
He provided insight and fascinating analysis from the gantry over a mind bending 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships, and 29 FA Cup finals.
His attention to detail for every instance and outcome of every match he covered never waned, as in an age before information was instantly accessible on the internet it was him who was always there primed and ready for every scenario as we watched the drama unfold for England across numerous major championships.
For every glorious moment it was Motty who somehow always found the right words and tempo in that iconic voice of his that would somehow heighten even the most euphoric moments.
He was there for England’s iconic run into the semi finals of Italia 90, Paul Gascoigne’s marvelous strike against Scotland in Euro 96, and the 5-1 trouncing of Germany in 2001 where Michael Owen would plunder a hat trick in a famous victory for the Three Lions.
On the contrary, he was always able to find the right words in the face of crushing disappointment, which we have had more than our fair share of over the years.
The domestic game also benefitted enormously from John’s unique talents, as Match of the Day became a national institution, with him providing the lead role each and every Saturday on commentary which was essential viewing for any football fanatic.
Whilst the likes of Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard would have his epic equalizer against West Ham in the FA Cup final victory in 2006 accompanied by the perfect score in the form of his dulcet tones.
The list of iconic moments is truly endless, as it was always John who was there to hold your hand through both the good times and the bad.
He was as passionate as they come, and without his presence in the commentary box over the years I genuinely believe that the game of Football wouldn’t have trickled its way into the fabric of society so deeply in this country.
Ultimately Football is simply a game, yet it is built on a tapestry of connections that we as fans have with each other and the theatre that plays out on our screens on a weekly basis.
Alas with John Motson leading proceedings on the microphone we had the undeniable master when it came to providing the vocal soundtrack that brought the game and its artistry to life.
In my opinion he is a once in a lifetime character who’s passion and love for the game of Football always shone through at every match he attended.
For myself and many others John was an inspirational figure who proved that despite being the man who wore glasses and a sheepskin coat, it was possible to carve out a magnificent career in the game that he adored.
Motty may or may not have ever truly understood the gravity of his importance to our game in this country, yet it shouldn’t be underestimated, as the spoken word is so vitally important not only in sport but also in life as it shapes our opinions and emotions in the world around us.
He will be sorely missed by so many fans and spectators of the game as his passionate commentary has embedded itself into so many classic sporting moments that surely wouldn’t resonate as deeply if he hadn’t had been behind the microphone, and I sincerely believe those cherished memories will continue to hold weight in our minds despite his passing.
In closing his death is a truly sad day for Football as we and the game have to say goodbye to a truly iconic man who refreshingly earned the upmost respect of the Footballing fraternity without ever kicking a ball.
John Motson was simply the voice of a generation and I hand over the final statement to Gary Lineker whose poignant words on Match of the Day perfectly summed up the feeling in and around his death.
“He lived for Football, and we lived it through him”
GARY LINEKER
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As the dust begins to settle on England’s Lionesses thrilling and historic victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2022, I feel that it is high time that we reflect on the enormity of their achievements both on and off the pitch. As with each stride to ending 56 years of hurt without a major trophy for this country, they have turned public perception of women’s football on its head.
The women’s game has spent many years as an afterthought which held neither the allure, skill, and excitement of the men’s game, which has long had a stranglehold as the world’s number one sport.
However, with such an exciting and highly skilled women’s European Championship now etched in the record books it is maybe time for the ladies to finally force their way alongside their male counterparts at the head of the table.
It cannot be ignored how the Lionesses captured this country’s imagination, as despite a nervy start to their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Austria, they eventually swept aside every single obstacle placed in their pathway, as no matter the quandary presented to them, these girls alongside their manager Sarina Wiegman found the solution time and time again.
The knockout stages saw this team as one of the lowest ranked left in the competition, yet it mattered not, as despite heading for defeat against a talented Spanish team it was Ella Toone who snatched a late equaliser sending the match into extra time.
Georgia Stanway would then take the mantle and drill home a spectacular winner in the 96th minute, a stirring fightback from the brink which embodied their sense of self belief to overcome adversity, handing England an eventual 2-1 victory.
The accompanying passion that exuded from stands at the Brighton community stadium, along with the skill set and standard of play between both teams made it a truly thrilling advertisement for the women’s game.
Sweden, a team ranked 2nd in the world, awaited in the next round and were expected to use their vast experience to outmaneuver an England side that was somewhat lacking in experience.
What unfolded was totally on the contrary, as despite a slow start, England slowly began to tighten their stranglehold on proceedings with a 1-0 lead at half time. Lucy Bronze added a second at the beginning of the second half and in the 68th minute came a stroke of pure genius from substitute Alessia Russo.
With her back to goal and seemingly on a road to nowhere, she conjured up an audacious backheel from out of nothing, which found its way through the Swedish goalkeepers legs and into the back of the net, it was a moment that belonged on the world stage of Elite football regardless of gender, as England eventually ran out 4-0 victors.
As if by fate we would face yet another meeting with old foes Germany in a Wembley showpiece final, 56 years on from the last time England have lifted a major trophy in Football, whilst the German team have won this championship an astonishing eight times.
With history against them the lionesses would fight against convention once again, yet this time it would be on the pitch against a fearsome foe.
With an atmosphere at fever pitch we witnessed a fiery and passionate final in front of a record 87,000 crowd, and in the 62nd minute it truly sprung into life as Ella Toone’s beautiful lob gave England a 1-0 lead. Yet as ever we were pegged back to 1-1 by German Striker Lina Magull’s cool near post finish with only 10 minutes left on the clock. It would be extra time once more, and as ever these women simply would not lie down in the face of adversity, as they pushed for a late winner.
In the 110th minute euphoria finally arrived in the shape of Chloe Kelly’s right boot as she emerged victorious in a fraught goalmouth scramble, poking home the winner, sending Wembley into pandemonium as the entirety of the England bench spilled onto the pitch to join her in a celebration that has since become iconic, as she tore off her shirt and waved it around her head in scenes in pure elation and joy.
When the celebrations began in earnest at the final whistle it was a monumental moment as the ladies had finally delivered where the men have agonisingly came up short on so many occasions.
For that alone they must receive huge plaudits as the enormity and pressure of big time sporting events has been known to eat up both teams and individuals alike, so to demonstrate such mental fortitude in the pressure cooker of a major final deserves special acclaim.
It can only serve to inspire a new generation of young girls and boys to follow their dreams and look to carve out a path into our national sport which sadly has been inaccessible for far too long for young girls.
In comparison boys have always been provided with every facet possible to enjoy and participate in the sport, which is unjust as this competition has served as a reminder of the talent that we possess in the female game in this country. Thus, we need to continue to nurture it as such by providing young girls the tools to play the game itself.
In my mind this tournament has served as a wake up call to anyone who believes that women’s sport as a whole is somehow inferior, as there is so many inspirational female figure’s across the world of sport and beyond, with it high time that Football holds itself accountable and regards these achievements in as much high esteem as its male counterpart.
The World Cup in 2023 is next on the agenda for this group of fearless and courageous players, who have emerged from this summers exhilarating European Championships as household names in their own right. Which is deservedly so, as attendance and television viewing figures reached an all time high for the women’s game and it would be a real pity if this momentum and enthusiasm ends here.
How these women have battled their way into this country’s hearts, minds, and affections must now draw a line in the sand, as this momentous victory has resonated with so many people across the country regardless of gender.
Alas, I believe that it is our duty as a nation to put any prejudice and any false impressions in the past and to embrace this new found appetite for women’s Football that these heroic Lionesses have rightly earned.
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Rory McIlroy’s quick fire achievement’s at the launch of his professional career saw him become a hugely popular winner, as he captured three out of the four major Golf championships available by the tender age of twenty five. A feat only shared with the most esteemed company, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Such early whirlwind success suggested that it would simply be a matter of time before he would round off his growing collection with a Masters green jacket, joining only five other players to complete the coveted grand slam.
What has transpired since those heady early heights has been quite the opposite however, as he has continues to flounder at not only Augusta, but also at a host of other major tournaments in his quest to add to his trophy haul. Time and again it seems as if he presses the self destruct button whenever the winning post rears its head on the horizon.
To his credit he has picked up a number of victories on the PGA tour, but despite being a perennial top five finisher, it seems that it’s major competition where he has developed a serious mental block, as his killer instinct continues to elude him when it matters most, with his last victory coming at the PGA Championship in 2015.
It is tricky to surmise as to how Rory can halt this crippling trend which continues to plague his game to this very day. This has been a considerable source of frustration for the man himself, as he continues to scrutinise his own performances in his forage for solutions and answers.
There is surely no reason why one of the most naturally gifted players in the world cannot reclaim the glories of yesteryear, as all his performances are lacking is the ability to convert the chances that he creates for himself in the final straight.
This crucial ruthlessness is something that he has exhibited on many occasions in the earlier stages of his career, so it is more a case of reawakening this characteristic inside of himself, rather than reinventing the wheel.
He certainly isn’t lacking in any physical aspect as his distances from tee to green are a match for any of his fellow competitors, so I feel that it is the psychological side of his game that will need tweaking with in his attempt to return to the promise land.
This may be a far more reliable strategy than trying to emulate his fellow competitors, as he recently attempted to mimic Golf’s pantomime villain Bryson Dechambeau in order to gain more length off the tee. He later publicly declared that this was an unmitigated disaster, leaving his swing in ruins.
Rory’s initial rise to superstardom culminated in him replacing the iconic Tiger Woods as the face of the PGA tour video game franchise, which in turn has seen his fanbase and brand grow exponentially over the years. This may well have compounded his issues in recent times as the obligation to be a viable commercial commodity for his sponsors may well have taken a sizeable toll.
This status as a household name in the sport comes hand in hand with great expectation, which can only serve to stove the fire of internal pressure that every player must already deal with.
Unfortunately his inability to land the big prizes has now become the primary narrative whenever he steps onto a Golf course, as the burden that is heaped onto his shoulders at every event is now only akin to Tiger Woods in his pomp.
Golf requires an innate ability to perform under pressure and be able to maintain composure at the most pivotal of moments. So in order for Rory to replicate his earlier triumphs it may be time for him to try and rediscover the relaxed care free attitude that propelled him to so much success to begin with.
I feel that he should also draw great strength from his friend and fellow countryman Darren Clarke, who finally captured his first major trophy at the grand age of fourty two at The Open in 2011. His own unwavering self belief finally dragging him over the line despite toiling in Golf major mediocrity for over twenty years.
Therefore I believe that it is paramount that Rory continues to keep faith in himself and his undeniable genius, with it high time he released the shackles that he has straddled his own mind with over the last seven years.
This may bring a sense of joy and freedom to his game, as he already has a major trophy haul that many of his fellow professionals would be proud to call their own.
He also has father time on his side at the age of thirty to rediscover his own enjoyment of the game, which I also feel is a vital ingredient in an often volatile sport that manage’s to infuriate even the finest of players at times.
With the new major season now set to begin in earnest, we will see him continue his hunt for championship prosperity with a shot at that elusive US Masters title at Augusta in April.
With his likeable demeanor and raw enthusiasm for the sport it would be difficult to imagine a more well received recipient of a major title this year if the Northern Irishman can finally overcome the demons that have blighted his game for far too long.
Rory’s psyche will no doubt be placed under intense scrutiny at this competition and throughout 2022 by the media and the unforgiving nature of the sport itself.
Yet, it is my hope that he comes out swinging with renewed vigor and mental clarity, as he looks to finally conquer his own personal Everest and make his long awaited return to the pinnacle of the game once more.
Regardless of the outcome, the ground swell of support for him will surely continue to expand, as his status amongst enthusiasts of the sport has never been defined by merely silverware alone.
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Great Britain has produced a vast wealth of internationally renowned Boxing talent ever since its inception as a legitimate sporting profession in the early 20th century, spawning numerous World Champions across a plethora of weight divisions, whilst some of the sports most colorful characters captured our imaginations.
This list is by no means definitive and is simply a selection of my own personal preferences that have inspired myself and many others on both sides of the ropes.
Each of them are battle hardened warriors in their own right, and in my opinion are worthy additions to any list when discussing the finest ring generals of the last century.
Feel free to let me know your own top five or if I’ve missed any of your favourites in the comments down below.
5. Prince Naseem Hamed.
There has never been anyone quite like Prince Naseem Hamed, a man who brought an unprecedented number of eyes to the often overlooked featherweight division in the 1990’s.
The flamboyant entrances and spectacular front flip over the top rope before each of his bouts set the tone for what was always a guarantee if you tuned into a Prince Naseem fight, pure box office entertainment.
A multiple time World Champion, his unconventional Boxing style meshed with his arrogant and brash persona made him and each of his battles thrilling viewing. Despite his cockiness Prince Naz delivered between the ropes time and again with raw knockout power that stunned many for a man who stood at a mere 5ft 4in tall.
His defense was barely existent, as rather than the traditional gloves up guard, he would prefer to duck and dive, nonchalantly daring his opponents to land on his chin.
Eventually his luck would run out with such daredevil tactics, suffering a devastating loss to Marco Antonio Barerra in 2001 that he never truly recovered from, as soon after he retired from the ring.
However, for the ten years that he did compete, his style and showmanship exuded excitement like we’ve never seen before and he inspired an abundance of other British Boxers to lace up a pair of gloves.
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Dubbed the queen of the palace after her stunning debut success at the World Darts Championships in 2019, Fallon Sherrock marked her return to arms at this years tournament on December 19th with an opening round clash with former BDO World Champion Steve Beaton.
With the return of spectators it is sure to be an action packed and star studded event, with so many contenders in prime position to mount an assault on the prestigious Sid Waddell trophy and the £500,000 jackpot on offer.
The standard of play has never been higher in the men’s game as astronomical averages are being set on a weekly basis, and this is sure to set the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Amongst that prestigious field sits Fallon Sherrock who has punched a path through the men’s game unlike any female has ever managed in the sport before.
Her appearance at the 2019 World Championship saw the first ever victory for a female at the tournament in its forty year history, an unforgettable moment that captured the imagination of every sports fan in the country.
She would eventually succumb to Chris Dobey 4-2 in sets in the third round of the tournament, yet her journey through those three rounds mattered so much more than the final destination, as Sherrock had finally shattered the glass ceiling for female athletes in a predominately male sport. Ladies had competed in this tournament previously but not one had managed to overcome such a monumental obstacle, and in doing so Fallon Sherrock became a overnight sensation and won an entire legion of fans in the process, both male and female.
Her groundbreaking performance laid waste to the notion that women cannot compete with men in elite level sports, whilst some naysayers believed her to be a flash in the pan.
Sherrock went on to silence any doubters however, with a series of hugely impressive outings in multiple televised events, most notably in September 2021 she became the first woman in the history of the PDC to reach the final of a televised tournament at the Nordic Masters, eventually falling to the mighty Michael Van Gerwen 11-7 on legs.
Her imperious form continued in earnest at last months Grand Slam of Darts, as she yet again barged down the door of male superiority by reaching the quarter finals of a major event filled with household names. Her narrow and subsequent 16-13 loss on legs to former World Champion Peter Wright was greeted with a shower of praise from fans and pundits of the game alike, as she continues to fly in the face of convention each time she steps onto the oche.
The next stop for her is a return to Alexandra Palace where Sherrock’s star shone so bright in 2019, and it is sure to be an emotional return for her after failing to qualify for last years event during the on-going pandemic.
Her strides forward as a competitor has been nothing short of remarkable, as the svelte lady in pink continues to make a mockery of any shallow belief that women cannot emulate the men at the highest level, and in doing so she has earned the respect of her male peers within the game.
To do so whilst placed under the microscope every time she steps up on stage deserves a huge amount of respect, as it cannot be easy to be thrust into the limelight so quickly. Yet she admirably seems to take it all in her stride as she continues her inspiring tale of success into the men’s game, where as previously women would only compete against each other in a separate tournament.
Much to their credit the Professional Darts Corporation are offering more opportunities to women than ever to battle it out amongst their male counterparts, and once again Lisa Ashton will also compete in this years World Championship, however she continues to be without a win in the tournament.
Ultimately though it is Fallon Sherrock who has taken her opportunities and ran with them, as she looks to build upon her budding reputation as a genuine threat in any competition that she enters. With a solid showing at this years World Championship we may also see her square off against the cream of the crop on a weekly basis in the Premier League, which would be yet another monumental first.
As far as I can see I would say that it would fully deserved as this pioneer for women’s sport continues to prove that she belongs on the big stage, rather than to have her participation treated as a mere sympathy act.
Her journey has shone the spotlight on what women are truly capable of when given equal opportunities and she has not just pushed against centuries old boundaries, she has smashed through them with great gusto. Thus, it is time to celebrate her marvelous achievements since her magical debut at Alexandra Palace in 2019.
Consequently, I feel that there are certain sports that would benefit from simply handing females the opportunity to compete, as it would see many more eyes on the product, and with Fallon Sherrock making such a positive impact in the world of Darts it can surely only inspire other women to participate in any sport that they wish.
Over time women’s role in society has changed and adapted enormously from just being mothers and wives in the not so distant past, as now we see them as people of power, friends, and important role models for many children in all walks of life. Alas, our attitude to women has changed so much over the last century and I feel it is time that sport echoes those sentiments and their achievements should be held in as much high regard as the men.
I do feel that has been prevalent over the last few years with the likes of Emma Raducanu deservedly gaining hero like status for her astonishing major win at the US Open tennis, but there is still some work to do as far as I can see in terms of equal pay and recognition in society as a whole.
What Fallon Sherrock has accomplished should be the first steps in the evolution of Darts and possibly other sports, as surely if you are talented enough to reach the required standard then you deservedly belong on that playing field regardless of gender.
I sincerely believe that Fallon Sherrock can continue to challenge the status quo at this years highly anticipated World Championship as she has quickly become a precious commodity to both Darts and sport in general, as her popularity has known no bounds as both male and female fans have taken her to their hearts.
It is now almost time for her to ruffle some feathers once more, and personally I am looking forward to what she can achieve at this tournament and beyond, as she blazes a trail that no female has ever travelled down previously.
Professional Darts requires an innate ability to perform under pressure and be able to harness mental clarity at pivotal moments, and from what I have witnessed it seems that Fallon Sherrock has these attributes in abundance as her quest for a maiden major title continues to gain pace.
Personally, I hope that she makes that giant leap sooner rather than later!
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Born in Madeira and made in Manchester, this anomaly in the world of sport continues to thrive week in and week out in elite level Football, despite his naysayers suggesting to the contrary as soon as the return to his spiritual home of Manchester United was announced.
With only weeks before the beginning of a brand new season in the Premier League, a competition viewed as probably the harshest and most challenging in Europe, it seemed as if his arrival was already deemed a failure in earnest.
Famous pundits and rival fans alike questioned the appetite and staying power of an ageing performer, who according to many wouldn’t be the same player who left the theatre of dreams twelve years previous and went on to become the most iconic performer in world football, with a career that spanned three of the most prestigious clubs and competitions in the game.
In that regard I would certainly agree with these supposed experts as it is Ronaldo himself who saw that in order to stay relevant and as devastatingly effective on the pitch as he has always been, he had to take it upon himself to evolve. This transformation took him from a right sided winger that relied heavily on devastating pace into a deadly and feared central striker.
In this current guise he surely has no equal in the current landscape of the game, even at the grand old age of 36. He certainly doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon either, as one record after another seemingly falls to this monster of a footballer on almost a weekly basis.
In comparison, the signing of Romelu Lukaku by Chelsea was heralded as a master stroke by manager Thomas Tuchel, and a relative snip at £98 million by the Football media who heaped praise on the powerful Belgian as a man who was the final piece of the Chelsea puzzle. An out and out goal scorer which the club were lacking despite being the current European Champions.
In contrast the signing of Ronaldo for £26 million was instantly labelled a nostalgia act that would be unable to withstand the physicality and robustness of the Premier League. His subsequent arrival would be to the detriment of the talent pool of young players coming through at the theatre of dreams, despite Cristiano actually outscoring the younger Lukaku in Serie A that season with 29 goals whilst playing for Juventus.
To suggest this notion was both disrespectful and foolish to a man that is a shining example to any sports person in any field, as he has simply dedicated his entire being into becoming the greatest player ever. Thus, if you were to look at a record of his astonishing achievements I find it extremely difficult to look any further than this Portuguese marvel for that accolade as his list of individual accomplishments is quite frankly ridiculous.
The most notable would however be that he is now the greatest international goal scorer ever to play the game with 115 goals for Portugal, a five time Ballon D’or winner, and the Champions League’s greatest marksman of all time with 139 goals.
Alongside those towering accolades he has also lead his country and club sides to barnstorming success throughout his remarkable career winning multiple championship’s with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and his home nation Portugal.
His mere presence can surely only bring out the best in any team mates that play alongside him, as his attitude and dedication as an athlete must surely make him a shining light to any fellow professionals who wish to capitalize on every ounce of talent that they possess. This man has poured countless hours into training and hard work to go alongside his god given talents and now we can all see the fruits of his labors.
Alas, his subsequent homecoming to Old Trafford lifted the club and its supporters across the planet into a state of euphoria as the Michael Jordan of Football finally embarked on his pilgrimage home.
The return to these shores has seen Cristiano silence the doubters and critics as he has done so time and again whilst under the microscope of the British media, as he continues to drag Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stuttering Manchester United from the stale waters of mediocrity with his match winning exploits on a weekly basis.
He has given his heart and soul like no other at the club with his recent performances, yet he was derided as the man who would cause the club problems with his momentous return. Yet in my opinion it is surely down to the manager and the rest of the playing staff to provide him with the support he is crying out for on the pitch as it seems he is dragging the team along by the scruff of the neck by himself far too often.
It is an undoubted privilege as a Manchester United fan to have this once in a lifetime specimen back at the football club and I would suggest that many other fans feel the same regardless of their club allegiance.
It seems to me that football is currently being over run by clickbait and social media content that simply doesn’t reflect the views of true football supporters. Where snapshot clips from on the pitch or throwaway comments from pundits are hyped and promoted to an extent where they are seen as gospel on these platforms.
In contrast, I believe we must look to evaluate every players contributions across the entirety of 90 minutes based on what that performer brings to the table in every aspect of the game.
We are all entitled to voice our own opinions on the game and the players who participate in it, yet I prefer to form my own in accordance with the facts that are there for all to see, as Ronaldo has been simply outstanding upon his return with nine goals in eleven appearances. Whilst his never say die attitude must surely inspire and bring out the best in his team mates.
Admittedly he is no longer the dynamite heeled winger of yester-year, yet he still has outstanding ability in all facets of his game, powerful in the air, tricky, a ruthless finisher, and a turn of pace that defies his 36 years.
Thus, I would suggest that we sit back and enjoy this premiere athlete whilst we are still able to, as this seismic level of greatness cannot continue forever, yet with Cristiano Ronaldo you would certainly not put it past him.
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SPORTS 25/8 