Changing room chat: It's all in a name for Annan Ricketts

Published on Monday 15 June 2009 22:16

A YOUNG Suffolk boy called Annan has pledged his allegiance to the football team he shares his name with.

Eight-year-old Annan Ricketts from Stowmarket, who was named after the Dumfriesshire town after it caught his parents' eye on an atlas, was the subject of a media appeal last week, prompted by Annan Athletic chairman Henry McLelland. He had been contacted in April by Annan's father Jamie, who explained that his son had developed a keen interest in the SFL's newest club and was closely following their progress in their maiden Third Division season.

Before the chairman could respond, a computer virus wiped the contact details and McLelland's appeal for help was picked up by local radio and TV. That proved successful and the youngster appeared on ITV's Anglia Tonight last week where he was presented with a goodie bag of Annan Athletic merchandise. Annan's mum Julie said: "I think it's fantastic that they went to so much effort to find him. He's absolutely thrilled with his strip and has been running around in it non-stop."

Plans are now afoot for Annan to make the trip north and see his new heroes in action some time next season, with McLelland suggesting he could serve as a match mascot.

A new Facebook for football fans

EXTRAFOOTIE, football's answer to the social networking site Facebook, was launched yesterday.

The site offers a range of forums, competitions, stats, a community fan shop and customisable personal profiles for each user.

Users can also add their "Top 11 Football Team" – allowing them to add their favourite, as well as their least favourite, starting XI in the history of their club to their profile.

The UK launch follows the success of the Belgian and Dutch versions of the site, which can be found at www.extrafootie.co.uk

Mad as Hatters at trophy snub

TO SOME, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy may seem of the Mickey Mouse variety. To the holders, Luton Town, it means everything – especially now the Football League has denied them chance to defend their silverware next season.

The Hatters beat Scunthorpe 3-2 in the Wembley final in April but were later relegated from the Football League.

The Football League fears it "would set a precedent" to allow them to enter the cup next season, but Luton managing director Gary Sweet has insisted: "We are considering an appeal and hope the League will reconsider."

TALES FROM THE TABS

WBA TRIO FOR CELTIC?

THE Sun has revealed that former Hibs manager Tony Mowbray is keen on bringing Borja Valero, Marc Antoine Fortune (pictured) and Paul Robinson with him to Parkhead following his impending move to Celtic from West Bromwich Albion. And the players are said to be 'begging' Mowbray for a crack at the SPL.

The same paper also believes that Mowbray's transfer funds will not be affected by the compensation fee agreed with West Brom.

Moving away from football – almost – the Daily Express reports that boxing promoter Tommy Gilmour fancies staging a Commonwealth title fight between 'Aberdeen Assassin' Lee McAllister and 'Clydebank Blitz' Gary McArthur at Aberdeen's Pittodrie.

But first McAllister has to beat Ghanaian Godfred Sohwah at the city's Beach Ballroom on Friday, then a 100,000 light-welterweight bout could be on.

With Wimbledon hype reaching fever pitch after Andy Murray's victory at Queen's, yesterday's most eye-catching headline was 'Winbledon' on the back page of the Sun. No pressure then ...