July starts with the end of Euro 2012. Dubai has supported Euro 2012 more than some cities in Europe, and what a job we did. With the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Sir Geoff Hurst, Ron Atkinson, Steve Staunton & Dennis Wise all in Dubai to give their thoughts on the competition, we were spoiled for choice. Now the football takes a back seat, the sporting action doesn't stop there. I'll be in Galway for the end of the Volvo Ocean Race & we have Dubai Sports World at the Trade Centre to get our teeth in to too. All on this blog.

Tuesday 24th July 2012 Diego Maradona, London 2012 & Madhi Ali

I caught up with Sport 360's Chris McHardy this week on the recent big stories in UAE sport. With Diego Maradona leaving Al Wasl & London 2012 starting this week, there was a lot to talk about.

Monday 23rd July London Olympics and Ramadan

The London Olympics fall in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan. For the many muslim athletes competing during the games they face the challenge of fasting whilst competing. UAE football coach Mahdi Ali has criticized the London Games for organising this year's event whilst Ramadan falls. I spoke to UAE footballer Khamis Esmail about his thoughts on the games & Ramadan.

Saturday 21st July 2012 Nottingham Forest

With Nottingham Forest a week into a new era with owners from Kuwait, what does former Forest manager Ron Atkinson think of developments at the City Ground? I caught with Big Ron to discuss.

Monday 16 July 2012 Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race is over for another 3 years. In one of the closest races in the round the world race's history Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing enjoyed many highlights. I spent time in Galway to chat to skipper Ian Walker and the first Emirati ever to sail in the race, Adil Khalid at the end of 9 months at sea.

Sunday 15 July 2012 We don't need Maradona or Owen

Forget the headlines & play some football. That's what the new Al Wasl board are clearly thinking and I agree. Diego Maradona, yes a legend in the game, but not the right man to manage a team, in a league that needs so much work. The UAE Pro-League loves to create headlines with the likes of Cannavaro, Trezaguet & Maradona all being here over the last 2 years. With the exception of Cannavaro, who works in an 'upstairs role' none of those names still apply their trade in the UAE. What is Maradona's trade? It's not football coaching. It's creating headlines & raising the profile of a club that has barely being mentioned outside of the UAE in the past. Creating headlines is not the way forward for the UAE league though. They are desperate to create a competition that will attract the big names but to do that, create a product first and let the football to do the talking. All that Maradona did was raise the profile of a team that failed to win 15 of it's 22 league games this season. That's not the way forward. It would be much better to be raising the profile of a team that has gone unbeaten all season, has uncovered the next Scholes in a local school & created a youth academy second to none. There are positive signs that the league is beginning to think like that with the sacking of Diego & Al Shabab stalling on Michael Owen because of his injury woes. A good call in my opinion. It's all well and good grabbing the big "we've signed Owen" headlines but 15,000 people turned out to welcome him to Newcastle and he didn't do much for them. He won't do much for the UAE league. The UAE may have the biggest tower in the world & the biggest hotel in the world but when it comes to football, stay away from the big names and concentrate on creating a product that is sustainable and competitive.

Wednesday 11 July 2012 Diego Maradona

Most manager's when sacked leave quietly. Mick McCarthy at Wolves. Everyone knew it was the wrong decision to get rid of the Irishman, but he left quietly and only after all the hype calmed down, had his very dignified say. AVB, left Chelsea dropping more tears than quotes. Maradona however is the exception.
Late on Tuesday night Al Wasl announced his career at the club was over, with a year to go on his contract. His future has been in doubt since a new board took over, and the previous chairman, a big fan of Diego's, resigned. Despite being on holiday in Argentina, Maradona has immediately hit back and has actually announced he isn't going anywhere. He's like a petulant child deciding that there is no way his job can be taken away from him. Diego has said today that "Unfortunately the board has made a public statement I do not agree with, as my wish was and is to respect my two year contract in Al Wasl".
So, as it stands, Al Wasl are beginning the search for a new coach with the likes of Redkanpp & Eriksson already being ruled out. The likes of Ince, Adams & former UAE coach Metsu being linked to it. Meanwhile, presumably Maradona is continuing his fruitless campaign to save his job. Whatever happens next, you have to congratulate the Al Wasl board. Not happy for just a publicity hungry manager, but keen for better results on the pitch.

Tuesday 10 July 2012 Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona has been sacked as manager of Al Wasl. He was one year into his two-year contract. Maradona's future was in doubt as soon as a new board took over at the club earlier in the summer. Results have not been what they were expected over the last season and Al Wasl finished 8th in the pro-league this season. 2 places lower than the previous campaign. More to follow & listen ot The Grill on Saturday from 5 as we look back at Maradon's career.

Monday 09 July 2012 Joining Jack

Joining Jack is a charity set up by former Wigan Warriors legend Andy Johnson & his wife. Their son, Jack, was recently diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I spoke with Andy & friends about the charity whilst they were in Dubai.

Sunday 08 July 2012 Volvo Ocean Race

Back from Ireland, where I have been filming & reporting from the conclusion of the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway. As well as reports for Dubai Eye we filmed a lot of TV footage there. You can see the whole 30 minute special on City7 TV on Monday at 8pm. Here is a little teaser for you though...

Sunday 01 July 2012 Big Ron talks Euro 2012

Congratulations Spain on winning Euro 2012. History made, no other team has ever won 3 majour tournaments in sucsession. I spoke to Ron Atkinson directly after the final in Kiev to talk about his thoughts on the competition.