Hear, hear Dr Rick. Did you see the Frankie Boyle crack? I loved it:-
"I hope that having to feel proud of a cyclist has given Jeremy Clarkson a brain haemorrhage"
You've got to love the sentiment.
As for "relatively lowly paid" footballers. Why are they not paid on results? I don't know the facts on the goalie, but common practice is that the club holding the registration pays - hence Bellamy was getting over twice as much per week as the other Cardiff players cos Man City still paid his contract. Premier league over 18's expect at least £10k A WEEK BEFORE first team places.
Rangers only won because they cheated the taxman, us that is, and most premier clubs and players use complicated tax avoidance. Man Utd and Man City use a nearby (less than a mile away) private hospital for players, so don't even contribute to NHS sports science. Many of the athletes are well paid pros, BUT they are paid for results, not unfulfilled promises.
It is difficult to 'rate' a player in a team sport I know, but "they deserve it cos they tried their best" doesn't cut it anywhere else! They barely sell any tickets, have you been to a reserve team game? I believe the top UK Athletics grant is £304k PER YEAR, reviewed each 3 months, less than the monthly brothel bill!
love'n'joy
Lloyd