Rodney snookered by crafty Barry
I WAS very interested last week to read and then hear on television the comings and goings of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association with knowing the out going chairman.
It seems the man I proposed for the last seat on the first ever Independent Board of Rugby League Directors, Rodney Walker, bit the dust last week as the snooker players "ganged up" on him.
They were concerned Sir Rodney, as he is now, was heading a concern that had seen its major competitions reduce to six per annum and there was no expansion to other countries apart from China, where the sport is played and watched by millions upon millions.
I listened to Steve Davis on BBC TV earlier this week from the British Championships in Telford and he said they need at least 15 tournaments a year or the majority of players would need to find other sources of income.
Walker has made way for Barry Hearn, the chairman of Leyton Orient, bossman of the snooker league, the Matchroom Series, as seen on Sky Sports, and he is also a boxing promoter and the man behind the darts revolution.
How he finds time to sleep with that lot I don't know, yet Walker, 66, at his prime in west Yorkshire and national business based in Wakefield, was said to be actively involved in 30 companies.
When I knew him I was on the RL Council and put him forward as a wild card, as not many knew of him, but I had done some homework and was aware he was a keen Wakefield Trinity follower and shareholder and was flying in business and the right man to take the RFL forward.
He later ended up as chairman working alongside the then CEO Maurice Lindsay, former Wigan RL chairman and now a director of Wigan Athletic with his mate Dave Whelan.
For you viewers to BBC Look North their media man for a time at the RFL was Harry Gration.
MY friends at Leeds United have landed a plum day out now on the first weekend of January, Manchester United away in the third round of the e-on FA Cup after seeing off a very spirited Kettering Town.
For the Conference side to take them to extra time in Tuesday's Elland Road replay was exemplary.
Leeds, who ended up 5-1 winners, are certainly ploughing on in League One and sit pretty at the top. Like I said after the Liverpool Carling Cup game at Elland Road with the gates they command they have to get back to the big time. Last week's 36,000-plus for the visit of Huddersfield was sensational and shows just what a sleeping giant they are.
Huddersfield Town are also looking a good bet for automatic as well now
They are tidying up there away form. Three points at home to Gillingham on Saturday and they will be right up there concreting a top four place ready to pounce for the all important two spots.
FINALLY, on Saturday evening I am going along to support a Huddersfield Town fan at the Rastrick Community Centre. David Longbottom and his LB Brass will be putting on their annual Christmas concert with good music and plenty of carols to sing along to.
You also get a mince pie or two thrown in with coffee for the admission money. It all starts at 7.30, look forward to seeing you there.
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Weather for Halifax
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
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