In a story which will be cited for years to come as proof human endeavor knows no bounds, Leeds fan Andy Ballantyne has been crowned as the official Guinness World Record holder for (deep breath) the most rejection letters ever received in application to a managerial post at a football club.
Andy has been knocked back from his own club, Celtic, Hull, Spurs, England (twice) and recently got a ‘thanks, but no thanks’ letter from Sven for the Notts County job.
The obsession started after applying to take the reins at Spurs in 1998, he told the Yorkshire Evening Post:
12 hours later, and it still hasn’t been changed. The article isn’t a complete disaster though, as The Spoiler now knows four of the Palacios family have turned out for the Honduran national team at some point the past - an impressive feat not even the legendary Sodje dynasty has managed to accomplish.
Expect Gary Lineker’s opening lines on next season’s Match of the Day to be even more smug and annoying than usual. New Premier League rules, to be enforced next year, mean all managers will have to give post-match interviews to broadcasting rights holders - meaning Sir Alex Ferguson will have to explain his latest outburst to the cameras himself, rather than sending right-hand man Mike Phelan.
Ferguson promised never to do another interview with the BBC after it broadcast a documentary alleging his football agent son Jason used the family name to gain influence in transfer dealings, in 2004.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Blackburn’s Sam Allardyce have also had previous run-ins with the Beeb over corruption allegations, but all will have to give TV or radio interviews or face ‘a sliding scale of punishments’.
Carlo Cudicini is to undergo wrist and pelvic surgery today, after his “life-changing” motorbike crash yesterday morning. It has since been revealed many of Spurs‘ senior ranks didn’t know the keeper even owned a bike.
Every Premier League footballer has a standard clause written into their contract, banning them from taking part in anything which could affect their ability to train or play.
As Cudicini’s bike had apparently never been seen around Spurs’ training ground before, The Times are reporting he could possibly fall foul of a breach of contract, putting a spanner in the works of any insurance claims.
Injuries described by police as ‘possibly life-changing’
Tottenham Hotspur keeper Carlo Cudicini was rushed to hospital this morning, after his motorbike collided with a car.
Ambulances were called to the scene on Forest Road, Walthamstow, at 10.30am. The 36-year-old was then taken to an East London hospital for further assessment and treatment. Spurs have since released a statement on their official website:
Carlo Cudicini has fractured his wrists and injured his pelvis after being involved in a road accident this morning.
The 36-year-old Italian goalkeeper has been admitted to hospital and undergone scans under the supervision of club medical staff.
The club will update supporters on Carlo as soon as there is any further information.
Spurs talisman may call time on his career, for his own good…
It was all smiles around White Hart Lane this Saturday, as Heurelho Gomes‘ heroics and a wanky penner from derided ex-Spur Darren Bent propelled Tottenham to 4th spot, after a 2-0 victory against Sunderland. However, not everything went to plan for Harry Redknapp’s men - vice-captain Ledley King was subbed, through injury, 10 mins after the restart.
So far this season King has only played a full 90 minutes five times in eight league games, despite his infamous ultra-low intensity training sessions. Contract up for renewal in the summer, the Spurs backroom have a genuine dilemma on their hands as to whether the defender should stay on - and the cons are stacked against him.
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