My faith in the public is restored
Wasn't it great to have a really worthy list of contenders for the SPOTY? No need to tug our forelocks to the monarchy this year. Or give the award to some heroic loser.
I was a bit worried by the size of the studio, me. No wonder they call it the Echo Arena. There was one point where I swear the lad Lineker was in the same building but at least 13 miles from the stage. Bill Kenwright'll be wondering whether he can lay some turf in there, I'm sure. Forget Knowsley, Bill, there's your answer! (Just tek the roof off when Bolton visit.)
Then there was the flying car that descended from the ceiling and you wondered whether Lewis Hamilton or Dick Van Dyke was going to be in the driver's seat. I'm not sure why Andy Murray was hitting balls into the sea, mind. Alex Bogdanovic, well, I could understand that, but Murray usually gets the ball in court.
Not sure why they did up Becky Adlington like a foil-wrapped tortilla either but I'd've put her second 'cos her triumph was magnificent and she's a lass with, wait for it, a personality!!
I loved the Paralympians vid with them all saying 'I am me. This is my sport'. I'm not a blubberer me, but SPOTY always brings me to the point where the wife has to dig out the tissues.
And sometimes your faith in the British is restored 'n' all. Not only did they vote for Alexandra Burke on the X-factor (or as we call her in our house Alexehehohooweeyyyyxandra Burrhurrrrrrrurooeyohwoooooourke) ahead of Take That Lite and a Northern Irish lad who would have looked more appropriate on the end of a pencil than with a microphone in his hand, but they went for Chris Hoy ahead of Last-Gasp Lewis, too.
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Now I know the Beeb have got F1 next season so they'll be twisting me arm to say how much I love it - and of course it's good news for all you petrol-heads out there. But were it not for the horrible dentist-drill of a noise that pollutes our summer Sunday afternoons I doubt I'd even notice the blooming thing.
Of course Hamilton did well 'cos he almost fluffed it and is clearly dead good at driving, but what is driving after all? It's just sitting down all day. The car virtually steers itself, there's a shedload of mechanics and computer experts telling the drivers what they need to do, and most of the important work goes on in a wind tunnel as far as I can tell.
The sailing God Ben Ainslie - Britain's Neptune - should by rights have won it, if we're going by achievements, but then the trouble is, who gives a monkey's about yachts? Not me. I'd love to be interested but when they show it on the telly it's just a bunch of triangles bobbing about. Can't they do summat about how they present sailing to make it more exciting?
It was grand to see Sir Bobby get that ovation 'n' all.
Some of you wet-behind-the-ears no-marks need to be reminded that for all the guff about Lampard or Gerrard, Messi or Ronaldo, Bobby Charlton was the greatest footballer to ever play on this island. I had to remind the missus of this too 'cos she kept banging on about when Wallander was going to begin if this applause kept going on. She's a blinking philistine that woman.
I thought it were a great watch all round though. There were only two mistakes, really. One - don't let Heather Small sing owt - she truly is the John Major of soul divas. And two - I hope we never see Ricky Hatton read out another sentence in public.
Other than that, Old Caber-thighs Chris deserved the gong, the cyclists thoroughly merited the team award, the lass Eleanor Simmonds was the right choice for Young SPOTY, and how brilliant to see that boxing bloke Ben Geyser getting all choked up after his Unsung Hero thingammy. He's been teaching lads to tonk each other in the face for 40 years. Cracking. He's probably been teaching how to avoid getting tonked n all, more to the point. And then there's Usain Bolt and the fastest stroll in history.
For me there should be a new award at SPOTY. The John Terry Memorial award. That single slip was the perfect example of why we watch sport, and whether you like the bloke or not, to be that close to fulfilling a boyhood dream and to have some soggy Russian turf rob you must be the bitterest pill of all.
But not to worry JT, them moments are as rare as a home win at the Bridge - and any road you'll be lifting the Jules Rimet in 2010 so there's no point dwelling on it.
I'm Derek Robson. People call me Robbo. Legend has it I was raised in the furnace and smog of Teesside. Some might say I took the hard road. I like to tell folk I had trials for Middlesbrough, for Hartlepool and for burglary (not guilty). I've always loved sport. My job is to say it as I see it - whether it's in the bar of the Blue Bell or on this blog. You won't find me calling a spade a soil-redistribution implement.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~23~RS~)
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call me pedantic but the Jules Rimet hasn't been lifted since 1974.
now to see JT lift the boringly-named FIFA World Cup Trophy...that would be something.
good stuff on SPOTY though - agree with pretty much all. especially Ben Ainslie being the greatest achiever of the lot, but hampered by his sport being the least spectator-friendly in the world.
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DELIGHTED your Sir Bobby got his award. However being an internet reader in a place other than the UK, I don't get BBC television, I have no right to watch any of the embedded stuff on your site, I can't access any of the programs on the radio either. Soooooooo just wondering how many people come here who are based elsewhere who haven't a clue what you are talking about in your first paragraph, and your second, and your third, etc;....Wonder if anyone is going to raise the race issue about Hamilton...it's his second second after all. What does he have to do?
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Great blog but just one point to make, Goerge Best is by far the best player to play on this island if not the world.
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This is the worst blog I've ever read in my life.
You seem to get worse every week Robbo, I fail to see how you have retained your blog...
Drop the 'Boro accent when you're writing, it's horrendous to read, there are plenty of real writers out there who manage to write in proper English, without writing in their local accent.
And also, what is your problem with Lewis Hamilton? You claim he has no personality, and that being an F1 driver is 'easy' as all the work is done for you. Surely if this was the case, David Coulthard would have been an F1 winner as well... Surely skill comes in to it.
And as for slating Ricky Hatton's reading skills, I'm sure he could write a far more interesting and readable blog than you, I mean, come on, you haven't exactly set him a hard task now, have you?
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From a Manchester United fan in exile thank you for the link to Sir Bobby's award.
shinybottledwater makes just comment about George Best's ability but I watched them both - week in week out - and IMHO Bobby is the greatest footballer to play on this planet - he had it all
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Er, good point collie21. I missed the show as I live abroad and I have learnt more about it from the above blog than from anything else. Still a bit confused which is why I did not laugh as much as I usually do. Few points:
- Robbo said that Bobby Charlton was the GREATEST footballer to play on this island. Best was certainly a better and more skilled footballer but he lacked the gravitas and respect Bobby has rightly earned. A bit like comparing Pele to Maradona - the latter was probably if not certainly a better footballer but he was not as great when all other factors have been considered. I know it sounds like they are one and the same adjective but they are not.
- Frankly, I was amazed that Chris Hoy won if only because I thought Hamilton was a shoe-in. Just goes to show that the British public are not as daft as they make out to be (Bet they vote Labour back in again after saying that!) as it seems that many of them were not impressed with the move abroad. Glad to see a decent hard-working non multi-millionaire win it though. I do not think race has anything to do with it. He came second in the F1 last year and probably would have won the SPOTY award if he had come first as he should have done. Since then he has left the UK but not for tax reasons of course and his face is plastered everywhere. I cannot switch on the TV, read a paper or go on the internet without being accosted by him! Over exposure probably did for him in the end.
- Robbo, you are funnier when writing about football. Must be in your blood.
Regards, Joe.
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Agree with #2 -
If we don't know what you're talking about, maybe this kind of article should be on the UK-only version of the page, along with all those videos & live TV that the BBC is delighted to tell us that we're not entitled to see...
It's just as infuriating as filling in a form on a US website that won't submit until you can enter a valid "ZIP code".
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Robbo you clown!
Hamilton is fitter than a premiership footballer by a long way. During a race the amount of body mass he loses is absoloutely ridiculous. Look on his website if you don't believe me :)
You only seem to be able to get away with ignorance like that when talking about football im afraid.
And for those who don't know what he is on about, well either you're very lazy or plain daft. Everything that happened at SPOTY is on the bbc sport website.
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I think a lot of readers cannot grasp the whole idea of Robbo's blog. It is supposed to be light fun. If you want sophisticated 'war and piece' articles with words you need to check a dictionary to understand then read some of the other blogs; this is mean't to be a laugh.
I enjoy reading Robbo's thoughts, and because he adds his own spice and tint, it makes it unique more so.
Continue in the same vein me old son; for those who don't like it, simply don't read it!
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I would love nothing more than to not read this tripe, but you simply can not avoid it on this site!
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Whilst i agree that Hoy deserved the title, I think the comments about Hamilton are unfair.
In the last few weeks I've heard so many people doing down his achievements in the way this blog does. Yes, because if being an F1 driver was so easy we'd all be doing it.
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To all those who missed last nights show; let me guess, you were so upset that the Antiques Roadshow wasnt on, you went to bed in a state of unrecoverable misery and missed the SPOTY. To those who live abroad and found the blog unescesarry; I pay a UK TV licence, you don't - get over yourselves.
I, as one of the several million who did observe found it a decent watch and worthy of airtime on this predominantly football focused blog. The way some of you react to Robbo suggests the only pleasure you derive from life is to criticise his blog. Who cares if he uses a regional accent in his writing style? Silly me, forgot you were the Antiques Roadshow crew from the Home Counties.
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come on robbo, F1 is the pinacle of motor sport and you have to be one of the best drivers in the world to race at those speeds. from what I have gathered F1 is a tough sport. don't knock!
end of a pencil.. ha.
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Lewis didn't win, the general public are as stupid as they have ever been.
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#10 - it is in fact quite easy to avoid Robbo's blogs - just don't click on the link. Hardly rocket science.
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Robbo,
I love your blogs and read them every week,
this is the first time I have commented, why?
All the silly complaints from people who actually have a choice not to read the blog are only here because they have had a fight with the missus or they have a wee bit too much of the local swally.
Keep it up as I believe you do do a smashing Blog
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ah a satisfied customer. AS for the poor sap who can't avoid this - it's a blog mate, it's not bleeding chickenpox...
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Robbo, it's precisely there that Everton should have had their stadium, the Kings Dock 55000 seater, and had we come up with the money at the right time, for want of a ha'porth of tar or a mere 30 million, we'd be in there now instead of squabbling over kirkby. If only....
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Setting yourself up there Robbo - some might say Chicken Pox is preferable (not me of course :-))
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Apart from the bit about soccer, I have no idea what this was about, except I have to laugh because Robbo obviously got great fun from writing it.
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Despite urging myself not to, I couldn't resist Googling SPOTY to find out what it meant. What an awful word.
Why couldn't they call it someting hilarious like Real Overachievers Of The Year. (Think about it.)
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but what is driving after all? It's just sitting down all day. The car virtually steers itself, there's a shedload of mechanics and computer experts telling the drivers what they need to do, and most of the important work goes on in a wind tunnel as far as I can tell.
are you kidding?? watch the episode of top gear were hammond tries to drive one and just see
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why does it always have to come down to race?
last week Paul Ince and this week Lewis Hamilton.
For most of the British public the olympics were the highlight of the sporting year and the best bits of team GB were the cyclists - therefore the right man won - Chris Hoy.
And another point for everyone going on about racism - Chris Hoy is a Scot and it would have been easy for everyone to not vote for him because of this but it would appear the great british public could rise above such issues and vote for the best sportsman of the year!
come on Andy for next year!!!
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I think Lewis was undone by the fact that people quickly realised that he may win and a lot of people didn't want an F1 driver to win in a year of such olympic success and so went for Hoy
Interestingly though, Adlington was the bookies favourite by quite a way - I would've gone for her too, she was an unknown and absolutely smashed the oldest record in the olympics, as well as giving us medals in an area we're not known for, and has received far less support and funding than the cycling team - and I would've preferred just the team award to go to the cyclists, as they were all brilliant and the main award to one of the non-cyclists
but still Hoy was a worthy winner, amazing achievements
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I honestly think the team award should've went to a proper team. No matter what anyone says it simpley doesn't count, they all participate in the same sport, most of them individually. That's like saying the premiership should get the team award because they all play football.
Secondly, Duncan Edwards, Best player ever to play?? Just putting it out there...
Finally by absolute fluke I met Sir Bobby Charlton and I have to say he is the ultimate gentleman. Despite having seen United countless times I decided to do the tour last August to se (and lift) the trophies. Out popper Sir Bobby in the South stand and even though he was doing business he took time to shake all of our hands and answer a few Questions. Complete and utter gentleman, summed up, I think, in Moscow when he refused a medal.
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Bit harsh on the old F1 front there Robbo. Even completing a lap in one of those cars would be beyond the vast majority of people - to win a world championship is a terrific achievement, up there with the EPL with it's difficulty.
But Hoy was right to win. It was his year and Hamilton will have others, I'm sure of it.
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Hamilton wins me over whenever I see him on TV, such as the Top Gear interview, when he spoke last night on SPOTY, but I don't like motor sports so am glad that he didnt win it for that reason. I suspect that his best chance of winning it is when he returns to the UK (before his career is over) and dominates the 'sport'.
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#2 What about double gold medal winner Bradley Wiggins finishing 9th out of the 10 contenders? Surely this proves that the British people are prejudiced against Paul Weller look-a-likes?
The right man won in my opinion. And he won because, whether you agree with them or not, more people ranked his achievement above Hamilton's. Hamilton was unlucky that he was up against probably the strongest field ever in the SPOTY vote.
It used to be that an Olympic gold guaranteed you at least a top 3 finish, but Victoria Pendleton and Tim Brabbants didn't even make then top 10. And what about Shane Williams? Any other year it would be unthinkable that he hadn't been nominated.
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Drivel. I feel duty-bound to point out to Robbo that F1 is the most physically and mentally demanding sport on the planet. I doubt he'd even fit in an F1 car, let alone be able to drive the thing.
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#29. Bortron
Drivel. I feel duty-bound to point out to Robbo that F1 is the most physically and mentally demanding sport on the planet. I doubt he'd even fit in an F1 car, let alone be able to drive the thing.
This is of course untrue. Try Judo. Or 12 rounds of boxing. Or 5 days of test cricket if you're looking for mentally demanding. Or 80 minutes of high intensity rugby.
The biggest risk in F1 is from people falling asleep due to the lack of excitement and action.
F1 is obviously harder than normal driving. Not the point however - if you are comparing disciplines - try the winner/third place with Hamilton. There's Hoy - who is an outstanding cyclist, with Adlington - who is an extremely talented swimmer. Both of which have had to train harder and reach a physical pinnacle completely unnecessary in F1.
Hoy was a good choice - thought that Adlington might have sneaked it though...
Oh and this isn't the page that comes up when you type bbc.co.uk/sport - as such this blog is avoidable if you want to. Had to get that off my chest.
Good blog Robbo, really enjoyed it.
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Wow - it's like the blog is taking a week off. If you read for the purposes of entertainment I suggest you go elsewhere. This was phoned-in as quickly as possible. In fact, it was possibly simply texted in....
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Good blog :)
Spot on.
Like the tone and the tongue in cheek feel.
Keep it up.
Cheers :)
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why was phil neville on that stage- we have bobby charlton, jack charlton, a load of world cup winners, alan shearer couldnt even get on stage, but PHIL NEVILLE managed to get a squeeze. beggars belief.
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To say Lewis Hamilton is just sitting down all day is like saying Chris Hoy is just riding a bicycle. Have you not heard the saying "it's as easy as riding a bike"
Still a worthy winner though.
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Hi Robbo.
Brilliant blog as usual, deffinately one of your best. Had quite a few giggles reading this one. And i still cant believe you still have critics, surely people know by now what they are gonna get when they read your articles. Ah well, keep up the good work man, A+ stuff
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Oxring2: You are talking out your bahookie.
I dont like F1 racing and do all I can to avoid it. They guys though are some of the fittest sportsmen in the business. The point someone made about the body mass lost during a race is completely true... which then means they have to work very hard to get it back up before racing again.
And you back up your point with 5 days of Test Cricket...!!!! Seriously man?? They have Tea breaks for Gods sake.
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Great Blog keep it up Robbo
Thought the best person won, as the cycling teams was magnificent, well worthy of all their rewards.
Whilst not unestimating Lewis Hamilton's season (this and last), the move abroad is obviously a factor in the Great British Public's view, also F1 is a minority sport compared with others (football etc). Given that he almost fluffed it again!
Rebecca Addlington's swim(s) were great and she deserved her 3rd place - as a woman I would have liked her to win but hey ho, the dress really didn't do her any favours IMO and might have influenced the vote.
Overall a great SPOTY although it would have been better if Sue and Gary had let the presenters of the awards do a bit more speaking.
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Most British F1 drivers have lived abroad at some time or another. Coulthard does. Button does. Hamilton does. Why is it only a big issue with Hamilton? Getting the hell out of the UK and stopping Gordon Brown getting hold of his hard earned cash only highlights the kids intelligence even more.
Hoy deserved to win, Adlington should have come second, but Hamiltons time will come.
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Excellent Teesside humour and at least some of the readers (#9,16,17, 20, 32 etc) get it.
Almost as amusing is how uptight some people get, whinging and moaning, in the current gloom and doom climate as #9 says - it supposed to be light fun - enjoy it. I for one did
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why should a bunch of individuals get the team award? They didn't win a collective medal did they. just because they had some yank PR and called themselves TEAM GB doesn't make them a team.
Other than that, not a bad effort this time Robbo
I reckon Vicky Pendleton should have won though. 2 medals in 2 completely different disciplines in 2 olympics, now thats effort.
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At 8:02pm on 15 Dec 2008, WestsideJack wrote: To those who live abroad and found the blog unescesarry; I pay a UK TV licence, you don't - get over yourselves.
________________________________
Here I will buy you the ladder to get over YOUR self. It's the internet plonker not TV. There are a potential 5 billion readers rather than the 2 million who probably tuned in to watch. Broaden your horizon mate, the future is here! Surprised you were able to leave a comment really when I come to think of it. You must think it's like Teletext right?
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"call me pedantic but the Jules Rimet hasn't been lifted since 1974."
OK, you're pedantic. Which isn't the same as accurate.
I think you'll find that the Jules Rimet trophy was last lifted in 1970 when Brazil won it for the third time and so kept it. West Germany won the new "boring" trophy in 1974.
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Can we not call it the boring trophy, can we call it the "Frank Skinner" trophy? I love his grapefruit and bucket of custard effort
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Best player ever to play on this island = Ferenc Puskas (Real Madrid 7 Eintracht Frankfurt 3, hampden Park, 1960)
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I live abroad too, and it is mildly frustrating to be blocked from many extra items. However I read Robbos blog because I usually enjoy it. I don't always agree with him, or find him rib ticklingly funny, but it does pass a few pleasant minutes.
Mini-7-wvfc - if you don't like Robbos blog then don't click the link. But then I don't understand why you came back an hour later and made a second comment. Get a life! I think you will find that comments about F1 being an easy sport were made with tongue firmly in cheek. Why do you people take everything so seriously.
As Jack Nicklaus said 'stop and smell the flowers'.
Unarguably the toughest sport is Triathlon. The Ironman is tough. Or try the deca-Ironman. Swim 24 miles, cycle 1112 miles and finish with a 264 mile run!!!!!
But many sports have their own special pressures, and really, I am not sure you can compare them.
Hmm, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, Eric Cantana, Rodney Marsh, Pat Jennings, Stanley Mathews, Paul Gascoigne, Dennis Bergkamp, Ryan Giggs...... ah, to think we have had the honour to see them all. Thank you.
And thank you Robbo for your blog. For your time, and your effort. Whether or not I enjoy it, I appreciate the effort you put into it. Must be nice to put the hackles up some people too...hahahahahahahahaha
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I really, truly think joeperriman is right. You actually seem to be funnier when commenting on football matters. Todays blog is far way below your best.
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Well said Robbo,
I totally agree that this year all the right people were awarded with the SPOTY awards, it was a shame really that only one person could win it as all the people who were put up for the awards were absolutely outstanding in their chosen fields of sport and really did excel at them?!
I am also not a blubber either Robbo, but the ovation that this countrys greatest sporting stars recieved, Hoy & Bobby were truely moving and had me very close to the brink?!
On the Echo Areana - "Bill Kenwright'll be wondering whether he can lay some turf in there, I'm sure. Forget Knowsley, Bill, there's your answer! (Just tek the roof off when Bolton visit.)"
Brilliant !!!
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#29 - F1 is "the most physically and mentally demanding sport on the planet"???
I know its hard work but most sports are when you get to the top. Is this fact proven in any way or did you just make it up based on your track day at silverstone last month?
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# 24 tarquin -
I like your thought there my friend?!
A lot of people wouldnt of seen it in that light, the fact that Rebecca Adlington had next to no funding compared to the cycling team and also the fact, as you say, she was an unknown who absolutely smashed the oldest record at the olympics?!
but I said before any of the people up for the award were worthy winners, as Robbo also pointed out, "Britains Neptune" Ben Ainslie should of won it by an outright achievement?!
but id of been happy with any of them to of won, twas a proud year for our Great Lil Nation afterall?!
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I'm just glad it was actually a year where there were a few contenders worthy of the award, as opposed to most years when it's a case of "Who nearly did quite well".
But Sports Personality? C'mon they haven't really got a personality between them!!
And as for the race row, calm down, maybe he just was second best. If Lewis had won, we may as well give Timo Glock the international prize....
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How can F1 be more physically demanding than anything else when you sit down for two hours? Mentally demanding, maybe... in fact I'm surprised they don't have a sign every lap saying 'Tedium can kill, take a break'... but physically? Nahh. It's just the Clarksonettes getting their dnaders up again...
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Well said number 50. Glock probably came second in the overseas to match Lewis!
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Robbo, you wouldn't be able to pull away in an F1 car, let alone "let it drive itself". That is quality. You must have at least 3 pies for breakfast every morning
The best bit is when you call everyone a no-mark for talking about Ronaldo all the time - forgetting that without Ronaldo you would have written a total of 3 blogs this year (about Capello). In fact, this is the first time you've mentioned Bobby Charlton
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Hey Robbo re no 51, you must be able to get someone to pull a few strings to get you into an F1 car? Would love to hear your report :-).
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For all of you bloggers based outside of the UK, im sure that if you go on youtube.com, you'll be able to see what Robbo's on about. good blog robbo, it was a good award ceremony and Chris Hoy thoroughly deserved the SPOTY award and Sir Bobby thouroughly deserved his. he was a quality player and (even though im a chelsea supporter) i can appreciate the fact that he was probably one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WNDE_5F32cw
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1tcChqg1oMo
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I completely agree with the choice for SPOTY this year. Multiple Olympic gold medal winners don't grow on trees!
But Robbo, its a bit ignorant on your part to say driving an F1 car is easy. If you don't believe me, go to a go-karting track and drive a kart for half and hour. Now see how you feel physically, now that will be driving a car at 40 mph for half an hour. So you can only imagine how it would feel to drive a car at over 200 mph for around 2 hours.
F1 drivers are among the fittest sportsmen in the world!
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I love how worked up some people get from a jokey blog in a mock Boro accent - amazing.
Also, i'm glad Hamilton didn't win, I think the F! finish was fixed anyway. F1 is a dull, dull, corrupt, dull (and dull) sport.
Chris Hoy actually achieved something worthwhile that comes about once every four years whereas Hamilton, in his superior racing car and dubious finishes, can win F1 every year for all I care.
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48 and 51
If you can show me another sport where the competitors heart rates are between 150 and 180 beats per minute solidly for almost two hours, lose about 3kgs in weight and 2-3 litres in liquid due to the extreme temperatures in the cockpit, are subjected to forces of up to 6g, and where through all this a split second loss of concentration means you could hit a wall at 190mph, then i'll agree that Lewis Hamilton didn't deserve to win it.
A lot of guff is talked about Formula One, but there is no sport that comes close to having such a profound effect on the human body (though that Deca-Ironman might do, that sounds insane!)
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Brilliant Blog this week Robbo,
During the Boby Charlton vid i was sat at one end of the sofa and my mate at the other, both with tears in our eyes, of course we didnt look at each other that would have just been weird! Saying that though i am partial to a tear or two during Cool Runnings.
Also Heather Small was shocking, why oh why didnt they make her lip sink!
come on BBC sought it out!
Sorry went a bit POV there.
Great Blog anyway!
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When I watched Bobby getting his lifetime achievement award it reminded me of when he went up with the ManU team to get there Champions League winners medals in May. As opposed to Peter 'I have a Champions League medal yet never played football' Kenyon.
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Cheers Robbo, good blog.
I started reading these blogs as a bit of relief from the work day and the other more serious articles. They have a bit more of a relaxed fell to them with a touch of that Taboo subject (humour).
The 'Boro accent is fine, even if you are from the wrong side of the Pennines.
However, since starting to read them, a second reason has cropped up, I get to laugh at all the humourless muppets who come on here complaining about the "standard of journalism", how they can't understand it, they don't agree with it or worse how they can't avoid it.
I'd hate to be at their house of Christmas, it'd be a right laugh wouldn't it. Them all arguing of the top 10 reason why Chitti Chitti Bang Bang (yes we all know its on every year) is factually implausible or what the political implications of the queens speech might be. (Its the same every year, she said happy Christmas and gives some kind of point to think about for those 10 mins before the post Christmas lunch nap.) And if you don't agree, that's fine, a blog is an opinion, not some ridiculous set of commandments. For what its worth, Lewis flushed it last year, and only won it this year 'cos some one else had a 'mare in the last lap. Someone else asked what else does he have to do? Well he could start by winning one convincingly and being a "good winner" rather than being the nasty piece of work he is, and leaving the country at the first chance he gets.
As for those who can't avoid it, I suggest medical help. It must be awful having a irresistible compulsion to seek out and read a blog you don't enjoy.
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RE: Best and Charlton, I'm not nearly old enough to have seen them playing at the time and I'm loathe to form an opinion based on telly and Youtube, but a few people I've spoken to who are old enough to have a real opinion on the matter rate Charlton above Best.
If you need further proof that highlight reels sway our opinion, where are all the defenders in the greatest-ever debates? Or goalies? Or anybody who didn't either run past a million players or score lots of flashy goals?
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I find it strange that some are complaining of not knowing what Robbo is talking about. As far as Iam concerned these sports personalities starred at the olympics and other tournaments which by the way involved a host of other countries.
Probably the only genuine complaint would be Robbo's useof his local dialect. While that may be so, I believe it adds to the uniqueness of the blog.
To those who say the blog is rubbish, why read it in the first place.
Good work Robbo, keep it up.
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Ah the old "if you think it's rubbish why read it?" line....
Is it right that a complete idiot such as Robbo gets to milk BBC of a wage when he comes out with utter tripe such as "uh yeh effwon cars drive demselfs"
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"call me pedantic but the Jules Rimet hasn't been lifted since 1974."
I think you mean "a pedant" if I may be pedantic on this point. "Call me a pedant for being pedantic".
Now call me a pedant, but it is the Jules Rimet Tropht that hasn't been lifted since 1974 - if Jules Rimet has been lifted, then Burke and Hare have been resurrected.
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Says a lot for how great a year it was for british sport when Joe Calzaghe didnt get a look in the top 3 despite having a fantastic year beating 2 of the American greats.
I was also shocked to see Phil Neville up there with the legends for Bobby Charltons award, had to do a double take. I guess they wanted someone from the recent Utd era, and all of the current crop were in Japan.
Finally on the Hamilton issue, a great achievement, and I take nothing away from his success, but I agree...Would he have been able to win it in a Toyota or a Honda? I doubt it, which means Foy was more deserving as winner of SPOTY as all competitors in his sport were competing on an equal playing field.
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I can't believe that Robbo or any other bloggers have not commented on Alistair Hignell receiving the Helen Rollason award. It was a truly moving award for a very impressive, inspirational man.
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The point about Hamilton being able to win in another team is irrelevant. F1 is a team-based sport. Don't forget Hamilton finished above Alonso (defending world champio) in his debut season
Would Hoy have competed as well without the funding, coaching and facilities provided to the British cycling team? Probably not.
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'Finally on the Hamilton issue, a great achievement, and I take nothing away from his success, but I agree...Would he have been able to win it in a Toyota or a Honda? I doubt it, which means Foy was more deserving as winner of SPOTY as all competitors in his sport were competing on an equal playing field.'
Foy, I presume you mean Hoy. Would he have been able to win three gold medals without the huge team behind him, the amazing facilities he has to train in and the large amount of money cycling receives in this country? The reason Team GB won so many medals in cycling is because they have the best programme and best support staff in the world. Sounds a bit similar to having the best F1 team next to you.
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Fair point re Mr. Hignell, whose acceptance speech required the second box of mansize to be ripped open. Dignity and gratitude in about five sentences. A top man.
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Can you write in an 'accent'????
Begs the question.
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no.58 how about cycling 1000s of miles over things like the alps.that might smart a bit.f1 is all about technology.of course the drivers are fit.their fingers are rock hard after 2 hours of flappy paddle gear changes.
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I know people think I'm having a go at Hamilton, btw, but I'm not. It's the sport itself that wearies me. Sometimes fans of a sport justify it by saying it takes a lot of effort to do it... but it takes a lot of effort to clear a load of stones from the soil mof an allotment but I wouldn't want it televised, know what I mean?
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So you'd crash if you tried to race an F1 car without a lot of training in it. I bet most people here would end up swimming if they tried racing in one of those single scull boats.
All these blathering on about F1 cars being hard to drive - so? This is top level sport. Being tackled by an All-Black is hard. Cycling at nearly 60kph is hard. Cycling 200km and then sprinting at the end is hard.
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#42 guilty as charged. very sorry re my inaccuracy in post #1.
#65 same subject...yes you may pick me up on the grammar. "Label me pedantic" rather than "call me..." would have been more correct. But on the Jules Rimet thing, I did write "THE Jules Rimet" - the definite article clearly (considering the context) referring to the trophy not the man. Not guilty on that one. Try harder.
but thank you for your comments, I have learnt my lesson - if you're going to be pedantic (or a pedant), make sure you're completely immune from other pedants' pedantry.
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#74. What exactly is the point you are making? Top level sport is hard? We know!
The argument is coming from Robbo going on about how little effort F1 takes, which is utter nonsense
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#58. Any criticism of F1 and the stats come out! Do these mean anything to normal people? Many sports are demanding in different ways, I'm sure someone into cycling, running, etc, could trot out something equally impressive.
Also, why do they mean that he should win SPOTY?
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Someone may have pointed this out already but it needs repeating:
John Terry was was nor robbed by "some soggy Russian turf", he missed because he didn't take a sound stance when kicking the ball.
See also Beckham's miss.
Anyway, yeah, they didn't even want it, yeah, John Terry, Yeah...:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0dsFWGVzBTo
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#76 - its possible Robbo may be poking fun F1 and how seriously some people are take it.
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I love the human race, I really do.
Why so many people come back to write they hate this blog, and then come back next week to say they hate it again and then an hour later to check up on their little piece of fame (look mummy, I'm on the interweb) all whilst hating the blog, you'll be back, if only to feel important for 15 seconds in your dull week..
And as for the chap who said he couldn't avoid the blog...bwahahahahah! Number 10, I think, which is a rather apt number for idiots. Not being able to avoid something won't stand up in court y'know.
It's great that so many people from overseas see the Beeb as the place to get their information, but it is really pathetic for some (not all, just some) to moan that it doesn't quite fulfill their needs, or they don't like this or that. You didn't pay for it, the UK does, so do please excuse the UK bias. How thoughless of us.
Just because most of the racing drivers clear off with their millions, doesn't make it an excuse for Hamilton to do the same, just because they are a greedy bunch doesn't make it OK, I think that's where he lost SPOTY, not that I think it will bother him one iota, he has already shown what he thinks of the UK and that is fine, just don't expect our respect for that decision. If he earns 20 Million a year and he can save 3 million by moving away then great for him, he obviously is deparately in need of that extra 3 Mil and he will pay the price of never being quite loved by the average UK public.
I betcha Murray doesn't leave, Tim never did, Hoy and Addlington won't be off to Monaco as soon as the offers come in. That's why they will be loved and cherished(well maybe not Murray just yet).
Anyway great blog Robbo, I am not from the North East and I understand what he you are talking about, even when you write in the north east vernacular.
If people don't like it, clear off and read Peston or the incredibly under-talented Nick Robinson. Or, God help-you, Mihir Bozzzzzze.
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#79, that would be convenient wouldn't it? After realising that the original point is nothing but verbal diarrhoea
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#80, personal taste should not excuse pure ignorance
Every week I think "what wrong end of the stick has he grabbed this time?" when I see it on the homepage. He never disappoints with his ignorance to things he doesn't understand
How can you say "if you don't like it don't read it" when most of his articles are about stuff he doesn't like?? Surely he should use the same logic?!
You smoggies are not the sharpest are you?
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Great Blog robbo as always
F1 is obviously not easy ,its also obviously not the most physically demanding sport in the world.
How to possibly end this argument ?
its time to bring back superstars ,and use real superstars not folks who retired 5 years ago.
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Couldn't agree more about Heather Small. I could be in an open field and if I heard her voice I would feel like I was stuck in a lift.
I like the idea of a JT award - I can picture him now remonstrating with whoever presented him the award before saying afterwards that he was unlucky but the audience were t'riffic. Perhaps we could have other awards? The James Anderson award for international sportsmen who have never proved that they are good?
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#81 - Robbo's blog does tend to be tongue in cheek. Its not the place to come for in depth analysis. And he is entitled to a (pretty common) opinion. As people have said, if you don't like it, don't read it.
And before you say you're paying for it through the licence fee, that's pretty insignificant to the cost of showing formula 1, which was already being covered by a terrestrial channel. I wish they'd spent their money on capturing something from sky and actually made a difference...
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That "if you don't like it don't read it" doesn't wash, being as he is always moaning about something.
This is the place to post comments, positive and negative. I understand the purpose of this blog, but they really should employ someone with talent to write it instead
Stupidity should not be excused for "tongue in cheek comedy", it is clear he is not a fan of F1, shouldn't he leave it at that, rather than make himself look stupid?
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Fantastic point #85
I would rather the Beeb had invested in Cricket, Tennis or Golf to snatch those from Sky rather than F1 from another Terrestrial. It was "Free" last year it will be "Free" this year, so what?
Now, Test Matches, The US Open, PGA, Australian Open, The French...etc.
That would make a real difference to the general viewing public.
ITV probably got out as they saw the way the wind was blowing, very sensible of them.
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Why do people think Hoy winning is a dig at Hamilton?
Hamilton won the world championship and any other year would have won SPOTY too. But Chris Hoy is a worthy winner. Three olympic golds, the talisman for team cycling and a nice guy/good personality as well.
Where is the controversy?
and #64 - your opinion is that this blog is a waste of money.
Mine, and lot of others think it definitely deserves a place on this website. As an earlier comment mentioned - Get over yourself
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Well done Robbo on successfully baiting the F1 mob.
I too was glad Hamilton didn't win, not coz I have any problem with him or his achievements or his sport in general.
But unlike the majority of F1 fans that I have ever had dealings with, I am able to appreciate huge sporting achievement right across the board from all sports, and not just be obsessed on the one.
Also, to echo the comments on #67 and #70 - Alistair Hignell winning the Helen Rollason award was far and away the most worthy and emotional moment of the whole show.
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Who said Hoy isn't a worthy winner? Certainly not me
Is it too much to ask a person to show respect to an incredibly difficult sport like F1? In Robbo's case, probably yes
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@ #40
I reckon Vicky Pendleton should have won though. 2 medals in 2 completely different disciplines in 2 olympics, now thats effort.
As nice as young Vicky is to look at I think you mean Rebecca Romero.
As for Hamilton when he wins a world championship on a bike as well then maybe just maybe he'll deserve some respect
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Kapnag. Why are you so insecure about F1.
Robbo had a little dig, so what?
I like F1, but its not a perfect sport. Why the need to be so defensive about it?
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58.
Heart rate at or near 200 for up to 5 hours a day for 3 weeks straight (with only 2 rest days). Climbing first the alps and then the pyranees. Professional cycling is the hardest physical mainstream sport. (Ironman etc may be harder but then that does include cycling)
If you think that the split second lack of concentration isn't an issue there watch Frank Schlek in the tour de swiss...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=t1-WSpiTFR0 which you may find an eye opener. Luckily Schlek survived to help team CSC in the TDF this year but it could have been so different.
By the way, good blog as always Robbo.
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to mini_7_wvfc
If you hate the blog that much, stop reading it!!!! ;-)
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I didn't watch it 'cos it's crap. I'm not really into back-patting sessions for people who have already had enough back-patting this year. But each to his own.
I thought Best was better than Charlton (or ask Pele), but it's an English event so you'd expect they place Charlton above everyone else.
Maybe they'll give it to Phil Neville next year... :D
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#95 I thought Best was better than Charlton (or ask Pele), but it's an English event so you'd expect they place Charlton above everyone else.
Why don' we ask Chris Hoy if he thinks it's an English event, I am sure he would have a word or two for you, two words...to go with the chips....one on each shoulder.
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#92, just replying to people who keep responding with their own ideas
If Robbo can "have a dig", I don't see why people aren't allowed to respond in kind. But it's not just F1 that he shows complete ignorance to. It's every week. If I wanted to hear tripe like this, I'd go down the pub and listen to the drunk dishevelled man in the corner, not come onto a national broadcaster's website. I like to comment on it, because hopefully if enough people do it, it might sink in and he will actually engage his brain before posting again
But I suppose the saying is "if you don't like my posts, don't read it", no?
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Great to hear Sir Bobby thank Liverpool for hosting the show - putting L'pool/ManU rivalry aside we can recognise a true legend when we see one; today's over-pampered Premiership pussies aren't fit to lace his boots.
What a man! What a player!
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They're hardly going to cut out Chris Hoy are they after all the gold he won? Try another one...
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Quick point about Duncan Edwards. Had Wayne Rooney not played football again after Euro 2004 the very same would have been said about him as is said abot Edwads and we now know that, good as he is, he isn't the greatest of all time. Unfortnate though it was, Edwards short career means he can't be considered all time great.
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'Of course Hamilton did well 'cos he almost fluffed it and is clearly dead good at driving, but what is driving after all? It's just sitting down all day. The car virtually steers itself, there's a shedload of mechanics and computer experts telling the drivers what they need to do, and most of the important work goes on in a wind tunnel as far as I can tell. '
I am not a F1 fan but I find this paragraph is a complete disgrace. Asking 'what is driving?' and answering, 'just sitting' is as farsical as it gets.
For example, 'What is football?' = 'it is just running' or 'just kicking a bit of leather between two sticks'.
Ps. the North-Eastern accent thing 'aint workin' '
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Back to your best Robbo. It's not often I laugh out load when reading but this was brilliant. You're spot on too, SPOTY was a bloody good watch and yes - up the brits! We're pretty good at the mo.
Keep it up Robbo. Genius status regained.
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All right, all right, petrolheads - I didn't mean it's really easy to drive a F1 car - it was tongue-in-cheek. Much like Clarkson's comments about truckers the other week - which I'm sure had the petrolheads in stitches.
Now this lad kapnag claims that I write tripe every week. Any Lancastrian can tell you that tripe is vey addictive and if you;re reading this every week, I suggest you're a Robbo junkie.
Now I am thinking of setting up a helpline for people who hate this blog but can't stop reading it. Esther Rantzen has agreed to organise it for us, and we guarantee that whoever picks up the phone will avoid accents and that.
In the meantime - I find F1 really really dull.
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well said Robbo son, though I personally would have gone Adlington first, then Hoy, then Hamilton.
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addlington deserved it I agree with tarquin. Smashing the oldest record in the olympics is more of accolade to put to your name than even the SPOTY.
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Robbo I read all the blogs on the beeb, including the tech ones ect ect. I've never complimented on anyones but yours is the funniest and Vickerys is the most enlightening when it comes to sport. None of the sports ones are as bad as the technology blogs. Even if sometimes they are a bit rubbish.
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Well said Robbo?!
kapnag is as addicted as the rest of us, hes a true Robbo Junkie .................but...............unlike the rest of us he hasnt quite yet come to accept his addiction, he is still in the denial stage and trying dismiss the notion of his addiction, he hasnt begun to embrace and love it yet, but in time he will admit it?!
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And all this none-sense over F1 (Woken up still drunk and trippin). The past season in F1 has had the most exciting moments in F1 since, well ever. I used to watch a couple a year but stopped because of the dullness. Well the belgium grand prix was absolutely incredible watching and I only saw the final 10 laps in the pub waiting for some band or something. The final race I tuned in on the radio for the last 5 laps because of a boring day. Well I have never heard the radio so exciting. Very special. However Formula one is very much a team sport and all the drivers are exceptional. Just happens to depend on what team your in. Can anyone remember when a Ferrari or Mclaren didn't win? Hill at williams ??
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I wouldn't call his posting style as in a 'North Eastern' accent. He doesn't 'sound' like any of my friends from Sunderland or Newcastle.
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Typical robbo. Make foolish statements, claim they were "tongue in cheek" and carry on as normal.
But as long as you accept how ridiculous your original blog is, I'm happy
Samwell, like I said, tramps are more interesting and thought provoking than Robbo, why not give them a blog as well?
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Wow Kapnag...you really are addicted aren't you.
Come on, come on out of the closet, there you are, you will feel a lot better about yourself if you can just admit it.
It's nothing to be ashamed of, some of my best friend's are like you, I think even some politician's and I am sure the Roman Catholic Church won't be far behind in accepting that...
"There is no shame in loving a Robbo Blog".
There I've said it, there is no going back.
"Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Northern"
Although I think Peter Tatchell still has his reservations.....
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I have live abroad and have done for the last 7 years yet had no difficulty in reading and understanding your article. You seem to attract the ire of a lot of expat whingers...keep it up.
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So u speak to a lot of Tramps then???
Hey, if u say, Bring on the Tramps then .................... if they write funny articles that keep me laughing and chuckling thru my workin day, then thats fine by me?!
purpleangelgeorgina -
Your spot on, he is well addicted, he just cant get enuf really, he just needs to admit it as we say
"there is no shame in lovin the Robbo Blog"
it feels all the better to amit it and say it out loud?!
Go on lad do the right thing, dont be ashamed, give in to your addiction embrace your new found love for the Robbo Blog?!
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"This is of course untrue. Try Judo. Or 12 rounds of boxing. Or 5 days of test cricket if you're looking for mentally demanding. Or 80 minutes of high intensity rugby.
The biggest risk in F1 is from people falling asleep due to the lack of excitement and action.
F1 is obviously harder than normal driving. Not the point however - if you are comparing disciplines - try the winner/third place with Hamilton. There's Hoy - who is an outstanding cyclist, with Adlington - who is an extremely talented swimmer. Both of which have had to train harder and reach a physical pinnacle completely unnecessary in F1."
Oh, another person who knows nothing. F1 drivers train phenomenally hard, and are extremely physically fit. It is a generally accepted truth that F1 is the most physically-demanding of all sports - up to two hours enduring extreme acceleration, deceleration and lateral G-forces, which puts massive strain on the neck, arms and upper body. Drivers also have to maintain absolute concentration for that period, making key tactical decisions. Cockpit temperatures often reach 50 degrees celsius, with the drivers in 3 layers of fireproof clothing. They lose about 2kg in weight during the course of a race, such is the dehydration.
To say Lewis Hamilton doesn't train as hard or isn't as fit as Adlington or Hoy is completely and utterly untrue.
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Originally, I was determined to avoid the SPOTY as I generally find award shows of any sort, tedious and self-serving beyond belief. In the past, I have caught the last 10 minutes or so, just to find out who won the main awards.
However, having followed the Olympics quite closely, as well as being a fan of boxing, F1 and football, I actually found myself compelled to watch, what turned out to be a great show. Its been a terrific year for British sport and that is possibly what made it such great viewing (as others have commented, we were celebrating genuinely outstanding achievements, rather than giving back-slaps to people who didn't quite make it).
Highlights for me were the cycling team, the paralympians and Bobby Charlton.
This year there were so many worthy contenders that impossible to even name them all in the Top 10 and personally, I wouldn't have complained, whoever won. I just hope those who missed out will get other opportunities.
As for all those people whinging about Robbo's comments regarding F1...stop being so precious!
I'm a F1 fan myself and recognised the inaccuracy of his comments about the physical demands of the sport. Still, I more often than not enjoy the guy's blogs and didn't feel the need to take him to task over it.
Who knows, maybe its part of his cunning strategy to stir up controversy and therefore get more responses?
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Nearly forgot, Robbo!
You clearly don't have much interest in F1, but it wouldn't hurt to brush up on your knowledge.
Have a word with Martin Brundle and see if he'll take you for a spin round Silverstone in one of those 2-seater GP cars. With a couple of hours' tuition, you could even do a few laps yourself.
You might still find you'd rather watch paint dry, but at least you'd have some first-hand experience of the physical effort involved.
Just a thought ;-)
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Being an F1 driver does not just involve sitting in the car and it most certainly does not 'steer itself'.
Speaking of philistines, maybe you should be looking in the mirror instead of at your wife.
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I love F1, but I don't think Hamilton should have won, or been in the top 3.
I understand how physically demanding it can be, but there are too many variables as to what made him the champion this year, and what makes him the best.
It's a joke to even consider him compared to the other achievements.
Personally, I would have liked to have seen Adlington take it, but it's close with Hoy and several others because of their individual achievements.
And, I don't know how I managed it, but somehow, I like F1, AND I'm not a grumpy t*ss*r. Explain that, cos I can't.
Good blog Robbo, as always.
Here's to having a joke, or an opinion, no matter how uneducated it may be.
Cheers :)
Penguins are blue.
Shoes are made from wallpaper paste.
Hippopotamus' don't have internal organs.
Hurrah!!!
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I love F1, but I don't think Hamilton should have won, or been in the top 3.
I understand how physically demanding it can be, but there are too many variables as to what made him the champion this year, and what makes him the best.
It's a joke to even consider him compared to the other achievements.
Personally, I would have liked to have seen Adlington take it, but it's close with Hoy and several others because of their individual achievements.
And, I don't know how I managed it, but somehow, I like F1, AND I'm not a grumpy t*ss*r. Explain that, cos I can't.
Good blog Robbo, as always.
Here's to having a joke, or an opinion, no matter how uneducated it may be
Cheers :)
Penguins are blue.
Shoes are made from wallpaper paste.
Hippopotamus' don't have internal organs.
Hurrah!!!
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Ee, I might just do that. Brundle is one of the few blokes who I enjoy listening too. And at least we won't have the whole shebang presented by Jim Dead Eyes Rosenthal or Steve 'Poor man's Lynam' Rider.
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117 - look at the wife or look in the mirror - phew, sometimes it's quite literally a toss-up.
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when being pedantic you'll find it useful to be factual too.
jules rimet was last lifted in 1970...and Brazil kept it.
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100 - Charlton still says that about Edwards to this day - the only player he ever felt inferior too - his opinion has never changed. If the same had happened to Rooney after Euro 2004 then players such as Scholes, Keane, Lampard or Gerrard would not be saying the same at all. Football is all about opinions and Bobby's opinion is that from a whole host of players he has shared a football pitch with such as Pele, Best, Eusabio and Moore...Edwards was the only one he felt inferior to...and he was years from his peak.
Anyway – SPOTY – top 3 were correct top 3 in my opinion. The winner deserved it. It has been a great year for British sport. Did anyone else think the presenters were getting their words mixed up quite a bit?
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For "greatest footballer to ever play on this island", see Jinky Johnstone, who got his own form of recognition this week
Aside from that, good article
Chris Hoy easily deserves recognition before flashy (flash in the pan) Hamilton
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While Robbo is certainly entitled to his own opinion, when this opinion is placed on the sports page of the biggest website in Europe it deserves standards. You are obviously not a big fan of F1, this is fine but if you say ‘the car drives itself’ this is obviously going to bring a lot of negative comments especially considering its ridiculously inaccuracy. While I’m sure your aiming for the controversy angle, why bother? It serves to just annoy and infuriate your readers? You may well be setting up a ester ransom hotline, I for one will not be using it as I would rather read blogs by those who do not seek to alienate their reader base.
As for the Jules Rimet comment that was the last straw for me I’m afraid as like others have pointed out John Terry wont be lifting it in 2010, not even in 2014 he wont be lifting it ever!
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Flippin' Eck i think you've started something here Robbo.
Its funny how there is always someone who takes offence at anything that is written.
I think the point about F1 being more physically demanding than ANY OTHER sport might be a bit far reaching. Yes its physically and mentally demanding but so is MOST sports when played to Olympic/ Professional standards.
I think that if the F1 brigade played Rugby against the All Blacks or football against Man U their body would not be able to stand upto it without years and years of training/ conditioning etc... same as the F1 drivers, they train/ practice/ condition their bodies for F1 but those bodies couldn't stand up to being hit by a 16 stone rugby forward running hard and fast straight at them.
All high level sportsmen are conditioned for their chosen sport.
By the way, personally think that Bobby Moore was the best british player ever and Pele would be my world best ever.
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Another point (and going off on a tangent loads). F1 is 80% of how good the car is.
If it didn't matter about the car then give them all the same engine, gearbox, chassis whatever, put them on the track and then you would be able to see who is the best DRIVER.
If they're driving the same car then its down to the driver.
Oh! Isn't that what they're trying to do but the big car manufacturers won't allow it!!!!
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#125 While I'm sure your (sic) aiming for the controversy angle, why bother? It serves to just annoy and infuriate your readers? You may well be setting up a ester (sic) ransom (sic) hotline, I for one will not be using it as I would rather read blogs by those who do not seek to alienate their reader base.
Ahh but there is the point, Robbo's fanbase are intelligent people who like a laugh, have a well rounded sense of humour and can take a joke. Some readers are patently pompous idiots who will try to be all clever clever about the name of a trophy, when it really doesn't matter.
It is a humourous article, end of, it is not meant to be the treaty of versailles, catering for all the rigid bean counters that are out there in the world. The humourless ingrates that delight in pointing out minutiae and minor irregularities although I bet the girls all love your tales at the Office Christmas party.
This is part of the problem with the internet and blogs, everybody thinks they can do better and irritatingly has the opportunity to say so. And you can't do better, not if you haven't got a sense of humour. Impossible.
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"(Just tek the roof off when Bolton visit.)"
Or even when Boro visit too Robbo, sod the Nytol when i cant sleep ill stick a Boro match on... im sure i'll be out for the count within 10 minutes
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Nobody should doubt F1 drivers are at the peak of physical condition. It takes immense strength and stamina to keep one of those buggies going in the right direction. When the new season comes around, check how much they have to fight centrifugal and G-forces in a fast bend - their hands never stop moving and their arms shake with the effort.
I'm honestly not an F1 fan, but those who reach the very peak of any profession deserve respect - you can't get there without a tremendous work ethic, talent and commitment.
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How many millions of blogs are there on the Internet? If you don't like this one just read another one. Don't upset yourselves so much.
So many blogs are just so serious its great to find one that tries to put a smile on your face.
I'm shocked that people can be so shocked by the odd error here and there. Who cares?
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"Can anyone remember when a Ferrari or Mclaren didn't win? Hill at williams ??"
Well there was this Spanish chap a couple of years back driving a Renault....
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thought the length of the applause for hoy was embarrassing... as if he personally gets all that adulation and the two people who had nearly as good achievements get a polite applause!!! seems extremely disproportionate and felt very sorry for 2nd n 3rd and the rest!!! but anyhoo british public gone mad.
right decision tho n yeah with becky second. lewis will win it next year and if not the year after and the year after.
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I think whne someone wins summat, you kind of expect there to be a prolonged applause, as opposed to the people who came second or third, who haen't actually won and therefore get less of a clap. Or are you one of them pre-Beijing twerps who like prefer heroic near-misses? Hoy deserves every single clap he got. Now stop being silly.
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Robbo son, you've lost it. Where I used to find your blogs a little joyus, you're now forcing the humour and it's not working for you pal.
And for your comments on the X Factor, it's just embarrasing you even try. I think you overly opinionated mouth should shut up shop now. Time to move on with reality.
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Great blog Robbo - keep up the good work and don't listen to the stupid nay-sayers, they don't know what they're talking about!
(Still, feel you were a tad harsh on Hamilton. As another commentor suggested, an F1 race is a lesson on physical endurance, not to mention ridiculous concentration levels.)
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126 - Bookies favourite for worlds dumbest post award ...not sure where the hell you pulled that F1/rugby analogy from (oh wait yes I do) but frankly I'm sure the boys from F1 could play rugby a HELL of a lot better than any of the rugby boys could ever drive F1 cars.
Muppet!
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#137 Wrong, Rugby / F1 a brilliant analogy.
Think about it, New Zealand are, for every 3 years 11 months and two weeks the best Rugby Union team in the world. And will rip, hurt and mangle any team that gets in their way. Now this includes South Africa, England, France & Australia. These are teams that work incredibly hard to be at the peak of their game, just for moments like that this. And the All Blacks still put 40 points on them, let alone what they do to Romania and Japan, which is generally 100 points.
Yes, in a way F1 drivers could play rugby, i.e. they could pick up a ball, throw it and maybe catch it, in the same way that a rugby player would eventually negotiate his way around a race track.
It's when you put opponents there and you are up against time limitations that the problems come.
Most elite sports require intense specialisation, with very little crossover which is why Rebecca Romero is totally under-rated.
F1 is no harder than top level Squash, Tennis, football, badminton or a myriad of other sports.
Yes it's hard, but that is what they train for.
And yes, the car is probably a devil to even get going, but then so is returning an Andy Murray serve.
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I cannot believe I have to read this blog every week. Is there no justice in the world?
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@80
well said
@91
Quite possible Rebecca Romero, I never was any good at remembering names and they're both rather good looking.
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Is someone still bitter about getting pumped off Bolton??
Guess so
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That's all well and good Robbo, but the real question is: how worried are you about the mighty Barrow?
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I'm weally worried about them but will the weal Barrow turn up on the day?
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As for you, #135. Thanks for the feedback on how to be funny. Coming from a comedy God, it is greatly appreciated. Pal.
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Based on personality alone, Lewis should beat Chris Hoy. Lewis is much more of a character, gives better interviews. He may seem a touch arrogant and that's probably what his detractors don't like.
Chris Hoy is a bit robotic and wooden. He's just not an interesting person.
Just think who's story can you see being made into a film.
But I can understand Hoy winning. It's an olympic year; and really his only opportunity to win SPOTY comes in a year where he's won 3 gold medals. The rest of the time cycling doesn't get any attention.
Lewis, if he continues to perform in F1, will be in the runnings again next year. He will have more opportunities.
Swimmers and cyclist and sailors (and many olympic sports) really only have every 4 years to capture some limelight.
2/3
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The only problem I have with the awards was that Michael Phelps should have won Overseas Personality. Usain Bolt was undoubtedly astonishing, but EIGHT golds in one Games...all world records as well. Unbelievable, Jeff, as Chris Kamara would say.
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#108: Fernando Alonso at Renault. Twice. In a row.
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