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Quotes of the week: 1Nov2007

A more eclectic selection of quotes this week from the world of sport and the media, including Duncan Fletcher’s diaries, Lawrence Dallaglio’s view of England’s Rugby World Cup, Kelly Smith, Martin Jol’s sacking, Sam Burgess’s debut, plus Robbie and Pauline Fowler, Michael Jordan’s film career, the new, high-brow Sunday Sport, and Channing Crowder and the NFL’s visit to Wembley

“We’re moving away from sex. But there will still be plenty of boobs. Without boobs, I think the paper would lose its established identity a little” – Nick Appleyard, the new editor of the Sunday Sport

“It came to my attention that, after one of the one-day matches, Flintoff had spent the whole night drinking with Ian Botham and had only got to bed at 7am the following morning… I never minded players having a drink as long as they didn’t go overboard and were mindful that you do not drink 48 hours before a game. You just hope the players will not let you down. Sadly Flintoff did.

We went to Sydney for a vital match against Australia and a fielding practice was arranged for 10am. Flintoff turned up still under the influence of alcohol… Flintoff was in such a state that he could not throw properly” – former England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher, pictured, in his new book, syndicated by the Daily Mail

“If you had to identify in one word the reason why English sport has not achieved — and will never achieve — its full potential, that word would be ‘diaries'” – Des Kelly overlooks poor preparation, the drinking culture, the climate and facilities in his column in the… Daily Mail

“I can understand the position of the club in the light of results. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Tottenham is a special club and I want to thank the terrific staff and players” – Martin Jol, not thanking the club directors, after his sacking at Spurs was confirmed by text message midway through a Uefa Cup game

“Head coach of the England team demands management skills that Brian does not have” – Lawrence Dallaglio on England coach Brian Ashton

“This is just outrageous. How does he know what I was trying to do?” – Nikolay Davydenko challenges the umpire’s interpretation of his performance against Marin Cilic, when he was fined £976 for not trying

“I suppose they might target me as a youngster but to be honest, I don’t really care” – Sam Burgess, 18, who made a try-scoring rugby league international debut for Great Britain in the victory over New Zealand

“Manchester are literally slicing up Kiev here” – David Pleat. Literally

“Look Brian, no-one’s got a fucking clue how we’re supposed to be playing here. If you ask the 15 guys to write down the game plan, you would get 15 different answers” – Dallaglio reporting what Olly Barkley said to Brian Ashton in the wake of England’s 36-0 defeat to South Africa

“I am passionate about rugby but I think that the game has to evolve to keep its appeal. Defence has taken precedence over attack” – former Belgium rugby international Jacques Rogge, now President of the IOC, on the World Cup

“Sometimes on a day off I go to the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop. When we play at home, I go there after the game and it’s like a doughnut party! Everyone is eating doughnuts inside their cars – it’s like a disco!” – Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, clearly following Arsene Wenger’s nutritional advice

“Robbie Fowler – he’s quality for 60 minutes. But in the final 30, Pauline Fowler would be fitter” – BBC West Midlands commentator

“I couldn’t find London on a map if they didn’t have the names of the countries. I swear to God. I don’t know what nothing is. I know Italy looks like a boot. I know [Washington Redskins linebacker] London Fletcher. We did a football camp together. So I know him. That’s the closest thing I know to London. He’s black, so I’m sure he’s not from London. I’m sure that’s a coincidental name” – Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder on his way to Wembley

“What’s disparity mean?” – Arsenal Ladies and England striker Kelly Smith on the Jonathan Woss show


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“Journalists are not people I like very much, so to be voted Athlete of the Year by people I don’t like is quite strange” – Christine Ohuruogu, 400m world champion, after winning the British Athletics Writers’ Association woman athlete of the year award

“Liverpool are going to have to start getting results if they’re going to start winning” – more expert analysis from Andy Townsend

“Six-nil. And Shevchenko scored…” – Stamford Bridge chant after Chelsea’s win over Manchester City

The New York Times‘ take on transatlantic sport
Michael Jordan’s fame in Britain as a basketball player is second to his status as a sneaker salesman. He lost some credibility in 1996 after his role in Space Jam, one of the worst films ever made. Jordan, playing himself, starred alongside animated Looney Tunes characters. Next to Jordan’s accepting that script, David Beckham’s move to the Los Angeles Galaxy appears unmotivated by money

“Every man out there with a red shirt on has an attacking intent, except for Van der Sar, who has got a green shirt on” – Clive Tyldesley

“Rangers did not want to play soccer. They practised, from the first moment, anti-soccer” – Lionel Messi following Barcelona’s 0-0 draw at Ibrox


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