Lewis, the other McClaren, Rangers and the Kop

The contoversy over my Lewis Hamilton book continues to rage on amazon. As I explained in the previous blog, the book's publishers inadvertantly sent the 'pitch' I had given them (ie that the book would come out just after Hamilton had hopefully won the title) to amazon - and they published it verbatim. Some followers of Fernando Alonso continue to believe that I was actually predicting the result of the season in the book! (see also the contribution from anonymous on the previous blog) and are still rather bitter. To them I say - get a life! What's the point of getting all het up about the fortunes (or misfortunes) of men who are being paid (certainly in Alonso's case) millions of pounds whether they win or lose? Okay, be a fan of them but don't let it rule your own life as you struggle to meet the rent or the mortgage.
As for Hamilton - well, he blew it, didn't he? Simple as that. Nerves and inexperience cost him in the last two races. Looking back at it, all he needed was one fifth place finish from those two races to clinch the title and he could not manage it. I've no doubt that he will win the title next season or the one after (although I think Alonso will win it for the third time if, as expected, he joins Ferrari in 2009). Lewis blew it as he tried to race Raikkonen in China and Alonso in Brazil - and after poor decisions by his garage over the tyres and a faulty car - when all he needed was to think strategically. But he will learn and come back stronger.
England's footballers and rugby players also failed the same week. The rugby boys went down in the final, but was that failure? Hardly, more like a massive success given the quality of the squad and management, but it was certainly disappointing to see the footballers lose in Russia. I cannot stand Guus Hiddink - he is one of those bloated self-important coaches - like Ancelotti of Milan - who believe they are the greatest, and I would have loved it if McClaren had put another one over on him. Sadly it was not to be - and we then had Hiddink blowing his own trumpet saying how he had masterminded the victory with his superior tactical nous. I would rather have McClaren in charge than this pompous ass - and that is saying something.
Seriously, McClaren's time is surely over? I can honestly see Israel taking a point off Russia which would mean McClaren would be in charge for Euro 2008, if England beat Croatia.What would we not give for Jose Mourinho to take command, hey?
Still on football, I was saddened to hear Rangers fans booing Ronaldinho and Henry when Barca played in the Champions League at Ibrox. You get two works of art on display, as opposed to the many SPL journeymen who usually take on the Gers at Ibrox, and you boo them? What's going on here, guys? I supported Bury FC when I was a boy and I was so grateful when we drew big teams in the cups - certainly I did not boo them, I felt good to have witnessed such talent. I would have thanked my lucky stars to have seen Ronaldinho and Henry in the flesh!
One final talking point: Benitez and Gerrard...how long can this simmering feud continue? It seems to me that old Rafa is envious of the place Stevie G holds in the hearts of those on the Kop - and wasn't it a similar story with Michael Owen? But which of the two do you keep if it comes to a 'this town ain't big enough for the both of us' showdown? My money would be on Gerrard - even though Benitez has taken Liverpool to two European Cup finals...

Cheques and bugs and rock n roll

It's been an 'interesting' start to the week. Today my new book is out - Lewis Hamilton: The Biography. When the publisher (John Blake) decided to go ahead with the book at the end of July he asked me to provide a synopsis. I did, writing it as if Lewis had won the drivers' championship. I guessed that he would more or less have it sewn up by October 1, the day after the GP in Japan. Unbeknown to me, that synopsis went out on amazon! It caused a real storm around the world - honest, if you don't believe me, just type in my name and Lewis Hamilton on google .com. F1 fans were up in arms around the world, knocking me - well , as it turned out, barring a massive shock, I was right, wasn't I! And it gives me great joy to say that. Lewis is a genius; I think that is the best word to describe him, and a genuine great guy, too.
One thing that I think is wrong, but pse tell me if I am incorrect - he will not be the first rookie to win the drivers' title, will he? Surely that accolade inevitably (logically) rests with Giuseppe Farina in 1950, as that was the first time the title was won?
Football...I think the treatment of Avram Grant at Chelsea is disgraceful. No one is saying he is another Mourinho, but surely he deserves a chance and to be afforded a basic human decency? If he messes up, so be it, but lay off the man. Also on the beautiful game...Man Utd need to cut those double standards of expecting season ticket holders to compulsorarily pay out extra for matches they may not want to attend, and then Ferguson puts out a second rate team. If it is a proper match, the crowd deserve proper treatment - it must work both ways. If the Glazers want the guaranteed readies then United must guarantee to take the match seriously, and send out Ronaldo etc. Okay, until next week...frankie w