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Andymonium at Wimbledon
SO, as the hype surrounding Andy Murray builds and builds as the start of Wimbledon beckons what's the line he'll be tagged with?
For dear old 'C'mon Tim' it was Henmania and the fans sat on Henman Hill.
So what about everybody's favourite British - OK, Scottish - tennis player then?
Well, I see it's going to be... Andymonium.
So expect it somewhere in the headlines over the next fortnight, particularly should he go deep into the second week. In which case, the hype will be unbearable not to mention everyone's expectations.
As is usual in this country, a sniff of success and we get carried away, soaring to such heights as to virtually dismiss any other world class contestants whilst reckoning success is a mere formality.
Scotland's finest hasn't quite captured the hearts and minds of this bastion of middle England as did dear old Tim.
Nothing, of course, that winning the grand old trophy might not put right. Or even some glorious failure along the way.
But as he appears our best bet at the top of any major sport - individual or team - to win a top title, he deserves our support and there's no need to be sniffy about him.
You won't be able to put on the tv or radio without somebody asking the question "Can he win it?"
Well, of course he can. But will he?
I still think of the way Nadal totally demolished him last year. And Federer on grass is going to be stiffer still. Yet Murray is so vastly improved on 12 months ago.
One day, he'll win it. Not quite sure it will be this time but it is going to be soon.
Even middle England will lift the roof. Which, of course, is ready and waiting to be used for the first time over Centre Court.
Imagine the scene. Raining all across England, it's turned 8 o'clock at night, the roof is closed and Murray has the nation's tv millions engrossed in a thrilling five setter.
It's the only time I've been looking forward to a bit of rain!
THEY say football is over for another season and I'm inclined to agree although it doesn't really end one way or another does it?
There's the Euro Under 21 tournament, Confederations Cup, even the Euro U19 Championships starting on July 2 for about a month.
And Sky won't wait long into July before hyping up some nondescript pre-season friendly tournament with 'Cup' at the end of it.
Those who can't wait will soon be finding friendlies to go to, not least to show off the fact they've got the new shirt. August 8 is when it starts again.
Which means I'll rather look forward to August 7.
BBC Radio 5's Friday night preview generally has some excellent stuff, not least from the old Wednesday boss David Pleat who has wonderful recall and a fund of anecdotes and stories.
The one I remember best from last season was Pleat's recall of the half-time antics of the tempestuous Paolo Di Canio whom he had at Hillsborough.
Pleat said that one half-time, Di Canio wasn't happy. Boots got thrown and the physio's couch was tipped over.
He was ranting in Italian and no one could understand him. "It was a great show," chuckled Pleat who adding, tellingly, that he went out and gave his all in the second half.
Can anyone help Sheffielder Tom Gordon with individual identification from the team photo above?
It is the Sheffield Boys team of season 1951/52, believed to have been taken at Bramall Lane before a game against Manchester Boys.
His brother, David Gordon, is extreme right, back row but he'd love to know who the rest were.
As those on it will be only about 72, I'm sure there will be a few out there who can let this column know. Thanks.
What do you think? Add your comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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