Does Beckham deserve that knighthood?

WOULD-BE ‘Sir’ David Beckham is upset at not having received the knighthood he believes is his due. His attitude epitomises the celebrity ‘look at me — aren’t I a great person’ obsession. Mr Beckham is fortunate in that his publicity machine has created worldwide fame for his limited ability. I acknowledge his skill at kicking a ball, but he was a poor tackler and had no heading ability. He benefited from being a member of a talented and successful Manchester United team and was sold to Real Madrid, where he didn’t exactly set the world alight, followed by an average performance at LA Galaxy and a futile resurrection of his career at Milan, solely to achieve the record of most England caps. There’s no denying his contribution to various charities, but this should be done because he cares, not to receive awards and plaudits. Other world-class sportsmen and women support charities, many anonymously, not seeking headlines. If the e-mails are true, they’re further evidence that the Beckham Product is all about ‘Sir’ David and ‘Lady’ Victoria. Their followers are merely pawns in their pursuit of world-wide notoriety.

MARTIN BELL, Eccles, Manchester. Why the character assassination of a working-class hero who has more talent in his little toe than his detractors could ever hope to possess? They should turn their fire on the political pond life who get gongs for kow-towing to the government of the day. That Beckham hasn’t been given a gong is the real story, not any alleged dealing with the tax authorities. Let’s investigate the honours system: what about the corruption rife in the public sector?

JEFF DAVISON, Bishops Waltham, Hants. TUITION by Gordon Ramsay doesn’t seem to have improved David Beckham’s vocabulary.

JOHN BENNETT, Wigan, Lancs.