PATRICK COLLINS: At the final whistle, a gentleman behind the press box cursed loudly and luridly. The small boy alongside him tugged at the sleeve of his overcoat: ‘Can we go home now, Dad? Can we, Dad? Pleeeese!’ And as we sat in the freezing dusk of London SE7, struggling to take in a terrible football match, all our sympathy went out to the child. ...read
Patrick Collins for The Mail on Sunday's recent articles
Money, drugs and cynicism are rife but at its best sport can generate a sense of wonder... and we should never let that disappear
PATRICK COLLINS: sport at its cleanest and brightest generates a sense of wonder, a feeling that peaks are being scaled and limits are being breached. Some experience such exalted emotions in a theatre or a gallery but, for many, the magic is to be found amid the sweat and the din of an arena. ...read
From Jonny’s boot to the horrors of Munich, from Coe and Ovett to Gazza’s tears and Fergie’s cheers... Patrick Collins looks back as he prepares to hang up his pen
PATRICK COLLINS: The Mail on Sunday’s Chief Sports Writer since the paper was launched in 1982, is retiring after 50 years on Fleet Street. He has watched and written about sporting events around Britain and the world, as well as covering royal marriages and funerals and major political stories. Patrick has been at every summer Olympic Games bar one since 1972, 10 World Cup finals, countless rugby Tests and Ashes encounters in a lifetime of incisive and illuminating writing that earned him more than 10 major awards. To mark his departure, he has picked 10 great events from his memories, a list that illustrates much of British sport in the last half-century, and how it has changed. --- FROM a frenzied arena in South America, to a boundary seat in Brisbane to a flooded field in South Wales, the collected memories of half a sporting century flutter past in happy profusion. To have witnessed such performances, to have been present on such occasions is a privilege beyond reason. I once walked to an Oval Test match with a good friend and supremely talented colleague, the late Ian Wooldridge. As we approached the ground, large crowds were trudging away. ‘Look at that,’ said Ian. ‘They’ve been queuing for hours. They would have paid anything to get in, but the tickets are sold. And we are about to occupy the best seats in the house, and getting paid for it! We should never forget how lucky we are.’ I have tried to follow his excellent advice. And this selection of 10 great events may illustrate 50 years of my undeserved good fortune. ...read
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
Wimbledon
STARS OF SPORT
- Wozniacki went long before tumbling down Caroline Wozniacki drops out of her Aegon semi-final after warming up by playing American Football
- 10 years since that Tszyu clash, Hatton's in Marbella Ex-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton was pictured partying on holiday
-
Shallow waters for Cesc in Formentera
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is enjoying some well-earned rest with his family before pre-season
- Nasri's flying high Vincent Kompany might be back training for Manchester City but Samir Nasri is still in Dubai enjoying a spot of skydiving
- Hold on, we're going home! Drake parties with Cole in London Roma's Ashley Cole was back in the capital and partying alongside rapper Drake
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Dizzy City target Sterling in a spin with Coutinho and Ibe Raheem Sterling's head is spinning in transfer talk but penalties had him dizzy at Melwood
- THAT ring is on again as Ivanovic and United target Schweinsteiger mingle pre-Wimbledon Kensington Roof Gardens host WTA Wimbledon bash
- Selfies in the sun for Pirlo and Marcelo Andrea Pirlo and Real Madrid left-back Marcelo have been soaking up the sun in Miami ahead of next season
- Van Persie mulling over United future while away in Miami Striker Robin van Persie has reiterated his desire for regular first-team football
- Mata anything but sombre during break away Manchester United's Juan Mata is back in pre-season training next month and raring to go
-
City captain Kompany puts in the extra yards and shows off his skills as he prepares for the new seasonVincent Kompany has shown his dedication
- AC Milan star El Shaarawy makes the most of summer as he goes flyboarding Football was clearly the last thing on Stephan El Shaarawy's mind
-
Lewandowski enjoys Ibiza holiday by relaxing on a boat with his familyRobert Lewandowski is the latest footballer to enjoy his holidays in the party island of Ibiza
- Messi in tip-top training condition as Argentina prepare for Colombia Copa showdown Argentina players were put through their paces in training in Chile
- Mata all smiles as United star kicks around with children for charity While many footballers have seem to head for Ibiza, Juan Mata is much a different person
- Liverpool legend Carragher reveals old photo from kids' TV with Michaela Strachan Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has shared a throwback picture
- Jara is butt of the joke after ban from rest of Copa America after jabbing Cavani in bum Chile defender bizarrely poked Uruguay striker in the backside
- Van Persie duels with a shark while on holiday... and Manchester United ace loses! Robin van Persie came across more than he bargained for...
- For sale? De Gea adds fuel to Real Madrid rumours as the £2.75m Cheshire house he rents is put on the market Take a peek inside David de Gea's home
- Henderson and Palace striker Campbell relax with sunny holiday snap Jordan Henderson and Crystal Palace's Fraizer Campbell are enjoying an island break
- Easy, Tiger! Szczesny takes big beast for a walk on holiday But will he be able to claw his way back into Arsenal's team after Petr Cech's arrival?
- Ivanovic's bling ring sparks Schweinsteiger engagement rumours ahead of Wimbledon Tennis star and Bayern Munich ace are sporting power couple
- Slicing with the enemy: Murray trains with rival Nadal during Wimbledon warm-up Andy Murray joined forced with an old foe to practice at SW19
- Catch it like Beckham: David and son Brooklyn enjoy spot of fishing... and Jnr strikes it lucky David Beckham treated his son Brooklyn to his first fishing trip
- The name's Djokovic... Novak Djokovic: World No 1 brings glamour to Boodles event with James Bond-esque helicopter arrival Shaken not stirred
- Happy birthday, Leo! Messi poses with birthday cake as superstar turns 28 Lionel Messi celebrated his birthday at the Copa America
- Partick Thistle are not the first club to have a weird mascot... meet Gunnersaurus, the Stanford Tree, Mr Testicles and more... An odd bunch
- Sanchez claims Uruguay player apologised for 'kicking the s***' out of him Chile's won through to Copa America semi-finals in fiery clash
- Mayweather stops traffic by stopping for pictures in the middle of busy New York street Floyd Mayweather's self indulgence continues to reach new levels
- Chelsea star Fabregas and his heavily-pregnant girlfriend take a stroll on Spanish beach break Cesc Fabregas is enjoying his rest and recuperation period
- Benteke shelves transfer talk as Aston Villa striker enjoys short break with girlfriend Aston Villa striker was visiting a Latin American restaurant
- Arsenal star Sanchez tells fans 'do not let anyone steal your dreams' as he posts childhood photo Alexis Sanchez showed off his path to stardom
- Spurs stars Dembele and Vertonghen enjoy break in Ibiza Ibiza seems to be the No 1 destination for highly-paid footballers this summer
- Sakho works up a sweat as West Ham continue their Europa League prep in the gym There was no rest for Slaven Bilic's West Ham at the training ground
- Expecting rain, Maria? Sharapova well-rested and gearing up for SW19 in Evian photoshoot A well-rested Maria Sharapova is preparing for Wimbledon this week
- Ibrahimovic greeted by fans in Paris as PSG striker unveils brand new fragrance Opposing defenders rarely get a sniff of Zlatan when he's on form...
- Aguero sends Messi a happy birthday selfie as Argentina get ready for Copa America quarters As Messi turns 28, Colombia await in the last eight for the duo
- Terry makes sure the kids are alright with coaching stint on latest Chinese tour stop John Terry took the next step during his self-promotional tour
- England arrive in Vancouver ahead of Canada quarter-final But boss Mark Sampson has been critical of the artificial pitches at the Women's World Cup
- Federer gears up for Wimbledon with family Roger Federer spent time playing with his twin girls in Zurich ahead of his quest for an eighth Wimbledon crown
- This is just the start... Mayweather poses in front of shrine to $300m earnings for 2015 And the Money Man warned Forbes that there is more to come
- Zidane and son Enzo freestyle to devastating effect.... and the Real Madrid legend proves he's still got it Father and son double-act
- Pirlo spotted on the streets of SoHo as Italian closes in on agreement with MLS side New York City Italian star sported Yankees cap
- Guardiola 'chooses love over league titles' as Bayern Munich head coach gives emotional speech Candid lecture on leadership
- Lukaku stays in shape on holiday in LA It may be football's off-season but that hasn't stopped Everton striker Romelu Lukaku from staying in shape
- Murray set to reach for the sky at Wimbledon as British No 1 shows off new Under Armour kit ahead of SW19 Eyeing a second Wimbledon crown
- Khan shows off custom made Range Rover as he denies talks with Pacquiao British boxer has 'King Khan' on the front of his white Range Rover
- Southampton forward Rodriguez poses with former team-mate Cork as he gets married to long-term girlfriend Simone
- Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas plays role of doting boyfriend as he helps heavily pregnant partner Daniella Semaan safely board a boat on holiday
- Controversial Adrien Broner sparks fury by posing with gun a week after US shootings American boxer posed with a gun a week after shootings in Charleston
- Young finally marries childhood sweethart... four years after calling off their first wedding Manchester United midfielder tied the knot with Nicky Pike
- WATCH hilarious video of Lampard failing to climb rope ladder Lampard will be hoping to make another splash when he lines up for New York City
- They've got his vote! President Obama throws support behind US Women's team The US team beat Colombia to reach the World Cup last eight
- Ivanovic relaxes in Hyde Park ahead of Wimbledon as London love affair heats up Former world No 1 made the most of the sunshine on Monday
- Aston Villa youngster Grealish pictured with £1,000 bottle of Ciroc Vodka in Marbella Jack Grealish faces more awkward questions after picture with giant bottle.
-
Wozniacki dines out as she denies support for Jason Day at the US Open was a dig at ex Rory McIlroy
Caroline Wozniacki is preparing for Wimbledon
- Bouchard by the beach! Star plays down poor form as she gets set for Eastbourne Eugenie Bouchard has insisted she is not worrying about her form
- Ferrer meets Forest legend John McGovern and his European Cups An unlikely meeting took place in Nottinghamas David Ferrer met Forest legend John McGovern
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Germany 1-1 France AET (5-4 on pens): Favourites hold their nerve in shootout
- Bolivia 1-3 Peru: Paolo Guerrero scores hat-trick to secure spot in Copa America last four and set up semi-final clash with hosts Chile
- Chile 1-0 Uruguay: Edinson Cavani's red card costs nine-man holders dear as Queens Park Rangers loanee Mauricio Isla sends Copa America hosts into the semi-finals with late winner
- England U21 1-3 Italy U21: Gareth Southgate's Young Lions crash out of U21 Euros after two goals in two minutes do the damage
- Portugal U21s 1-1 Sweden U21s: Both sides through to semi-finals after late goals from Goncalo Paciencia and Simon Tibbling
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- Colombia 0-0 Peru: Chelsea target Radamel Falcao hauled off after 65 minutes in Copa America 2015 stalemate
- England U21 1-0 Sweden U21: Jesse Lingard's late strike secures crucial victory for Young Lions in Olomouc
- Italy U21 0-0 Portugal U21: Azzurrini must beat England to progress in European Under 21 Championships after dour Portugal draw
- Argentina 0-0 Colombia Copa America 2015 LIVE: Lionel Messi looking to lead his side to victory in...
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- Mo Farah backs Alberto Salazar as Olympic champion vows to stay with controversial coach
- LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena admits they tried to sign Frank Lampard before agreeing deal for Liverpool...
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- Petr Cech has Arsenal medical as £11m move from Chelsea nears completion
- Gonzalo Higuain won't be sold for less than £67m insist Napoli as club look to retain Argentina striker
- Adam Smith and Tom Hopper sign for Northampton Town and Scunthorpe United after Leicester City sacked pair...
- Andy Murray interview: I've got to make the most of this because it won't last forever... and Wimbledon...
- Wimbledon 2015 draw is tough on Andy Murray, but there is no need to panic despite prospect of Jo-Wilfried...
- Caroline Wozniacki looking to carry running experience into marathon of Wimbledon
- Johanna Konta set for 'dream' date with Maria Sharapova as Brits are handed tough tests in Wimbledon first...
- Roger Federer proves a hit with 'walking tour' of Wimbledon on Periscope but fans are warned not to use...
- HOT OR NOT: Johanna Konta looking good in the build up to Wimbledon, Adams is Britain's golden girl again...
- French Open champion Stan Wawrinka: I'm eyeing a doubles date with US President Barack Obama as my partner
- Nathaniel Clyne's Liverpool arrival takes spending on Southampton stars to £61.5m in a year... but will they...
- Leicester make Shinji Okazaki their third summer signing after Japan striker signs four-year deal
- Dimitri Payet scouting report: All you need to know about the £10.7m winger who West Ham United have signed
- TRANSFER NEWS COLUMN: West Ham to turn sights on Charlie Austin and Chelsea striker Loic Remy if they land...
- Argentina 0-0 Colombia Copa America 2015 LIVE: Lionel Messi looking to lead his side to victory in quarter-final as Radamel Falcao dropped for crucial game
- Top 50 most influential people in Premier League history - 10-1 featuring Eric Cantona, Sir Alex Ferguson, Chelsea's top men and David Beckham
- Copa America 2015 Bolivia 1-3 Peru RESULT: Paolo Guerrero nets hat-trick to set up semi-final with hosts Chile
- Gonzalo Jara is the butt of the joke, as he's banned from the rest of the Copa America after jabbing Edinson Cavani in the bum
- Gonzalo Jara to be sold by angry Mainz: The prod was bad, but the threatrics were worse
- Real Madrid reject £35m Manchester United bid for Sergio Ramos... but revised offer is already being considered
- Transfer news LATEST: Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid latest plus more from Europe and rest of the world
- Guillermo Varela ready to make Manchester United breakthrough after season on loan at Real Madrid
- Manchester United want world-record £35m for David de Gea from Real Madrid... and are ready to risk losing him for FREE next year
- Ana Ivanovic attends pre-Wimbledon party with boyfriend Bastian Schweinsteiger... as she wears THAT ring again
- Nathaniel Clyne's Liverpool arrival takes spending on Southampton stars to £61.5m in a year... but will they be remembered as yet more misadventures?
- Petr Cech has Arsenal medical as £11m move from Chelsea nears completion
- Clint Dempsey banned from US Open Cup for TWO YEARS after Seattle Sounders striker ripped up referee's notebook
- Wimbledon men's singles draw 2015: Andy Murray could face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer en route to potential final with Novak Djokovic
- Manchester United training was more competitive than matches, claims former skipper Roy Keane
- Ghana 'ball boy' pocketed same appearance fee as players at 2014 World Cup... and the 'official' drummer received more than £3,000
- Manchester United ace David de Gea adds fuel to Real Madrid rumours as the £2.75m Cheshire house he rents is put up for sale
- Manchester City confident Paul Pogba will opt for Etihad Stadium ahead of rivals... and are weighing up third Raheem Sterling bid
- Wimbledon ladies' draw 2015: Serena Williams in line to face Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova en route to final
- Real Madrid slap £65m price tag on Sergio Ramos to stave off Manchester United
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