How dare he say that!

That’s what I feel regarding the remark said by comic Russell Brand, calling the Paralympics a novelty.

I’m glad many Paralympics athletes have hit back, with the brilliant David Weir, 32, who won two gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the 2008 Bejing games, saying: “Calling the sport a novelty is offensive.”

Don’t take my word for it, check out this article on it by clicking here.

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Well done to Robbie Savage for joining Strictly Come Dancing.

I’m also glad to see pictures of him enjoying a kick about in Cuban heels, which show how versatile he is in transferring his skills from the football pitch to the ballroom.

This former Derby and Welsh international football player is certainly going to make things happen on this show.

To see more of this exciting line up, click here.

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It’s sad but predictable to see how Jennifer Thompson, who sold her story regarding her romps with Manchester United and England scorer Wayne Rooney, has squandered about half the money she received in talking about the affair.

I don’t condone Mr Rooney’s behaviour but I will say, looking at the past, regarding women who sell such stories, they don’t go far.

Shoes come and go out of fashion but reputation doesn’t – think before you speak and spend so much money.

Where else does she know that a cash influx like the one she once had, will come her way again?

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Talking about high heels, I’m sure most of you have seen the shoes Victoria Beckham was wearing with her newly-born daughter, Harper.

Most women couldn’t and/or wouldn’t even phantom wearing shoes that high but Ms Beckham has – so soon after becoming a mum again for the fourth time.

Long may she reign!

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Nicolas Anelka has been offered a contract rumoured to be worth millions if he ends his playing career in the Middle East.

Considering there are now at least five other strikers competing for a place in the starting line up and he’s now 32, perhaps it’s not a bad thing to suggest he should take it.

Gary Linekar did this, playing out the end of his career in Japan, then got involved in the Walkers Crisps ad and we still think of him with affection.

I couldn’t think of a better man to front Match Of The Day.

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It’s all very well Harry Redknapp wants to be England’s football boss.

But we still have one in Fabio Capello.

Furthermore, there are other issues Harry has to be concerned with, such as the British Inland Revenue.

I’ve always said Mr Redknapp is a brilliant motivator – all you’ve got to do is see what he did to Tottenham Hotspur, who was languishing at the bottom of the Premier league when he took over in 2008.

Many accept he was the real reason Spurs got into the UEFA Championship league – and in the next season!

But when it comes to strategy, well like many, I’m not surprised they haven’t got far in the UEFA league either, as the strategy has to be just as good as the motivation.

Nevertheless, just like Terry Venables, I think his troubles with the tax authorities mean he’ll probably be offered the role coach for the Euro 2012 Finals but not manager!

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I must admit I’ve never been a fan of Mr Stan Collymore.

I had my suspicions about him after the way Liverpool FC quickly off-loaded him to Aston Villa (at a £1.5m discount too) and let’s face it, things didn’t work between him and Dwight Yorke – they should of been an ideal goal making partnership.

The latter of the two did move onto Manchester United and the rest, abeit the Jordan saga, is history.

But I do agree with him 100 per cent when he says football managers should be appointed on merit.

But the reason The Rooney Rule is rightfully being debaited here is because there is a low representation of former footballers who are black or mixed race achieving management positions in professional football.

The Rooney Rule, established in 2003, requires American National Football League teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation opportunities. It is often cited as an example of affirmative action.

When I first went to the University of Westminster to study journalism, it was especially for people from the ethnic minorities - admittedly, I was grateful for the opportunity.

I also remember the days when PE teachers would look down at their black pupils for being that – saying black kids just don’t have it in the thighs to make it professional.

Two wrongs just don’t make a right.

I also remember bananas being thrown on the pitch whenever a black footballer was playing in the 1980s.

I also agree with Mr Collymore in rubbishing a quota system and in him questioning how the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Andy Cole and Dion Dublin can be overlooked for managerial roles in football.

I also admire him saying: “They [retired black footballers] have so much experience and will have learned so much from Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Only once players of that calibre get a chance will we start to see bridges being built between black managers and the coaches and chairman and directors, who are predominantly white.”

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Sadly, on a sad note, I want to say rest in peace, Winston Panton.

He was a brilliant Tai Chi instructor who also became my friend.

He helped me out, in allowing me to do a piece on him when I worked at a magazine, when I quickly needed someone of his profession and calibre.

His advice was also of personal, strong importance to me and finally enabled me to put behind a lot of past wrongs I’ve experienced in life.

So goodbye Mr Panton, you now sleep with the stars tonight.

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PS, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

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