WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT
HOT THE FOREVER YOUNG
A pavement cafe in Bordeaux this week and three friends were busy filling out their Euro 2016 wallcharts. They were in their fifties.
CHRIS COLEMAN
At international tournament level, management is as much about mood, atmosphere and perception as it is about tactics and training drills. So Coleman’s teasing of England with his fake clipboard line-up this week struck the perfect tone. Be sure his players will have been watching.
DARREN CLARKE
The Ryder Cup skipper moved quickly to appoint Ian Poulter as a vice-captain once the 40-year-old was ruled out of competitive golf with a foot problem. The Americans must feel they will never be rid of Poulter and that’s a heartening thought.
SARAH TAYLOR
The England wicketkeeper deserves credit for dealing publicly with her mental-health issues and we wish a brave and talented cricketer well. However, the more we hear about the internal workings of the England setup, the more we worry about that environment. Coach Mark Robinson has much to do.
NOT MIKE ASHLEY
Work and pay conditions at Ashley’s Sports Direct warehouse have cast the Newcastle owner in an unsavoury light and immediately begs one question — what exactly do you have to do to fail English football’s fit and proper persons test?
TWITTER TWITS
Apparently if you tweet enough times in support of your favourite Euro 2016 team then the Eiffel Tower (right) will be illuminated in the colour of your nation. There is an alternative approach, however. You could always put your phone down and just watch the football.
ZAK HARDAKER
Leeds Rhinos have stood by their full back during some difficult times and now that the Super League champions find themselves bottom of the table he has decided to hand in a transfer request. Despite his abundant talent, suitors should know he comes with risk attached.
DIEGO MARADONA
The Argentina legend says that compatriot Lionel Messi lacks the personality to lead. Those of us who observed Maradona’s shambolic attempts to coach his country through the 2010 World Cup will treat these sentiments with the scepticism they perhaps deserve.