Jose’s dominated 3 World Cups!

3:45pm Saturday 29th September 2007

AFTER a few days of press domination by Jose Mourinho, it is possibly a good time to have a look at other events.

Both rugby and cricket and also women's football have been holding world cups at present.

It is possibly a reflection on how all three have performed that Jose dominated press coverage at home.

Women's football has certainly made great strides at international level.

I remember when Ron Greenwood was England manager, he rang me to ask if I would be attending a ladies' international which was being held at The Dell.

Neither one of us looked forward to the prospect but even then, all those years ago, the standard was higher than we expected.

The only reservation we had was that 45 minutes each way was too long.

However, having watched the odd session from Shanghai, not only has the fitness improved dramatically but also the level of skill.

England ladies started well but then came up against the USA in the quarter-finals and were well beaten 3-0.

But the fact that the commentator said that the USA team had been together as a unit since last September made them clear favourites.

I saw the last ten minutes of USA's semi against Brazil which they lost 4-0.

The final will be Brazil v Germany and I would recommend a look.

Having said that, most other countries have much stronger ladies' leagues than us and, in some cases, full time professionals.

Cricket-wise, news that I was most interested in was the retirement of one of our own local legends, Shaun Udal.

I don't get to the Rose Bowl as much as I would like but he is always a huge presence, not only there but now on the charity circuit where he does so much - particularly for the Autistic Society.

Next week he will be joining Mark Dennis and others on their two-day walk from Southampton to Winchester and back again.

Shaun has been a one-club man and has done wonderfully well for Hampshire.

He was unlucky not to play more times for England.

Like Robin Smith, he is hugely popular throughout Hampshire and with Robin emigrating to Australia in November Shaun will be perfect at the cricket ground as he is recognised so easily, not only by locals but by visitors of the opposing teams as well.

While on about cricket, a lot of comments have been made recently about whether our Premiership footballers, who are quite well off financially, should have testimonials.

I don't think anyone can argue that the cricket lads, when granted one by their county, should be well supported.

Their earnings are nowhere near those of the footballers and you will find they have always given great service to the community in which they have played for many years.

John Crawley is about to start his testimonial year and I am delighted that he has asked me to be on his committee.

I will help out whenever I can.