Source: Daily_Mail
Charles Sale: China set to exploit BOA's Surrey state during London 2012 Olympics
The Chinese are on the brink of booking the newest state-of-the-artsports facilities in the UK for their 2012 Olympic Games preparationcamp because the British Olympic Association are still deliberating ontheir choice of venue.[LNB]The University of Surrey, whose £40million Surrey Sports Park opensin April, have been in discussions with the BOA for around a year aboutTeam GB using the Guildford site as their main holding camp. [LNB]But with no decision being made while the BOA review the whole oftheir preparation plans, the Chinese are showing strong interest incoming to Surrey instead.[LNB]The epicentre: An artist's impression of London's Olympic Stadium[LNB] More from Charles Sale... CHARLES SALE: John Terry lawyer now in Wayne Bridge's team 01/02/10 CHARLES SALE: Gary Lineker kicks BBC golf duties in to touch29/01/10 CHARLES SALE: Given fights agent over £6m Manchester City fee from Newcastle28/01/10 Charles Sale: Alpine retreat is Fabio Capello's first resort27/01/10 Charles Sale: Sir Alex Ferguson bans Sky after their query over Garry Cook27/01/10 Charles Sale: Sir Trevor Brooking echoes FA coaching rebel25/01/10 Charles Sale: Gary Neville's life story a matter of opinion24/01/10 Charles Sale: Tennis chiefs hire Stavros Flatley comic duo22/01/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE Australia have also examined Surrey Sports Park but the Chinese arein pole position to take use of a complex which has all the necessaryhigh-tech facilities and is well placed for an easy move to theathletes village in Stratford when the Games begin.[LNB]The BOA announced with much hullabaloo in January 2008 that over 750GB athletes from 21 sports would prepare for the 2012 Games at theAldershot Garrison. [LNB]But a new BOA regime brought in after Beijing arenow looking at all elements of the build-up. Aldershot's role is sureto be downgraded, with some sports wanting to make their own plans. [LNB]The BOA say their agreement with Aldershot is not a binding contract.[LNB]A BOA spokesperson said: 'A number of different options at a varietyof potential bases are being considered. Aldershot will be used but notin the way first envisaged. Surrey Sports Park is just one of thevenues we have looked at.'[LNB] [LNB]The FA, who in the past have reacted to controversies such as Glenn Hoddle's religious beliefs and the Faria Alam affair by going into meltdown and making instant decisions, have learned enough from those incidents to take their time on the John Terry question. [LNB]And it is also right that England coach Fabio Capello, who is being paid around £6m per year to have that sort of responsibility, has the final say.[LNB] That is effectively what chairman Lord Triesman told the FA international committee members in a letter at the weekend ordering them to keep their silence on Terry.[LNB] [LNB]The Americanisation of Arsenal, from major shareholder Stan Kroenke (right) downwards, continues with the wording of the job advert for a marketing director, which comes straight from Madison Avenue. [LNB]The successful applicant must: 'manage the agency roster... pro-actively convert insight into business value... own and further develop the club's cradle to grave membership scheme... and lead the fan acquisition strategy'. [LNB]To think Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said about Americans: 'We don't want their sort over here.'[LNB] [LNB]Former Hull executive chairman Paul Duffen isn't letting the club's allegations of financial mismanagement and bungs affect his new ambitions away from football. Duffen wants to exploit his excellent singing voice and has signed with London celebrity agency MCS to explore possibilities.[LNB] [LNB]Umbro silent on TerryJohn Terry's personal sponsors Umbro are usually the most helpful and proactive of sports brands when it comes to public relations. But the firm would make no comment whatsoever about Terry's endorsement in the future.[LNB]The silence suggests they are waiting for all the fall-out before making a decision, although their parent company Nike, who also wouldn't comment about Terry, have been steadfast in their support for sex addict Tiger Woods.[LNB]Meanwhile, Terry's sponsorship with male grooming company King of Shaves ended in June 2008 but their on-line football game featuring Terry, King of Defenders, remains highly popular and the firm have no intention of removing it from their website. A spokesperson said: 'He's still a great defender.'[LNB] [LNB]Actor Warren Llambias is expected to make his film breakthrough with next month's release of The Shouting Men, centred on Gillingham fans on an away day. [LNB]Certainly, the reviews of Warren's performance are likely to be a lot better than his father Derek has received while running Newcastle as managing director for owner Mike Ashley.[LNB] [LNB]
