SPORTS AGENDA
GRANGE OUT OF RANGE DESPITE PRINCE’S TRUST
THE Duke of Cambridge, no less, said last September that England ‘were a better team’ with Dr Pippa Grange (below) on board, adding in a speech: ‘Gareth Southgate knew that England’s team psychologist... could hold the key to transforming our World Cup squad.’ But Sports
Agenda can reveal that Grange’s involvement with the senior squad had already stopped by last autumn and she has not been part of an England camp since last summer’s tournament in Russia. Grange’s future remains something of a mystery, with the Football Association unable to confirm if she is leaving her role as head of people and team development. THE absurd way in which Miami Open owners, management giant IMG, allocate wildcards as favours to their own clients was highlighted this week by the case of world No 1 Naomi Osaka’s sister Mari (below). The 23-year-old elder Osaka sibling is ranked 334 in the world and has won just $58,000 in career prize money, but was given a privileged entry into the main draw despite having lost her only two matches this season and struggling with a shoulder injury. She duly lost 6-2, 6-4 to another wildcard, 16-year-old Whitney Osuigwe, ranked 205, and became emotional in the press conference that followed. It is, of course, an entire coincidence that talented sister Naomi — who represents Japan — is on course to become one of IMG’s most lucrative tennis clients in the company’s history. THE Football Association of Wales bash at Hensol Castle, formerly the Glamorgan county asylum, had a few amusing moments last week. Compere Gabby Logan asked Gareth Bale what he most looked forward to when coming back to play for Wales. ‘Being with Wayne,’ he shot back, grinning. Bale and Wayne Hennessey enjoy a special bromance, mainly over golf. John Toshack was also in good spirits as he received a lifetime achievement award on the day before his 70th birthday. Asked how he would be celebrating, Toshack replied with a smile: ‘Morning, afternoon or night?’
Sports Agenda, meanwhile, was left to wonder what Wales manager Ryan Giggs made of the entertainment when one of the singers belted out a version of You’ll Never Walk Alone. THERE was much support for Tamara Taylor, the 2014 World Cup winner who has won 115 England rugby union caps, at the launch of her testimonial this week. Taylor hopes to raise £100,000 for various charities, in what is believed to be the first testimonial for a female rugby player. Dylan Hartley, Mike Tindall, Martin Bayfield and Jason Leonard were among those who attended the launch night at Smith & Wollensky restaurant off the Strand in London. AN interesting approach has been adopted by the BBC and Sky Sports regarding July’s Netball World Cup in Liverpool. Both broadcasters will show the tournament and the synergy will even stretch to sharing some pundits and presenters, such is the desire to get coverage into as many homes as possible. England are highly fancied to do well, given the success of the side coached by Tracey Neville (above) at last year’s Commonwealth Games. BELEAGUERED chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor, will be taking questions alongside former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney at a Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s ‘Legends Lunch’ at Old Trafford on Monday, May 20.
For £40 you could enjoy a two-course meal and try to ask Taylor, the highest-paid trade union official in the world, about the ‘full and open review’ the PFA is undergoing, or the Charity Commission’s probe into how his £2.2million salary is funded. Bargain. NICK DOUGHERTY is understood to have got the nod to lead Sky Sports’ Masters coverage from Augusta this year. The former European Tour player, 36, was up against Sarah Stirk to replace David Livingstone, who bowed out last September after 23 years. The main presenter will be selected on an event by event basis, however, so Stirk still has a chance of leading Sky’s coverage at future tournaments.