After a tumultuous 16-month search, USA Track & Field (USATF) have finally found a new chief executive, appointing ex-board member Max Siegel to the post.

Siegel has extensive marketing ties to sports and entertainment.

Siegel, whose selection comes at a crucial time with the organization preparing for the London Olympics, did not shy away from his predecessor’s stated goal of 30 athletics medals for the American team at the July 27-August 12 Games.

“We said 30 medals and we are sticking by the 30 medals,” Siegel, the founder of Indianapolis-based Max Siegel Inc, said during a conference call.

“The thing the organization does better than anyone else is field the number one track team in the world.”

Siegel, 47, received a two-year contract with a base salary of $500,000 as the successor to the embattled Doug Logan, who was fired in 2010. Chief Operating Officer Mike McNees had been serving as the interim CEO.

Siegel, a unanimous selection of the board, will take over on May 1 with a focus on increasing marketing and sponsorships.

But changes need to come in how USATF interacts with its commercial partners as it tries to diversify its revenue opportunities, according to Siegel.

USATF’s first black CEO, Siegel and his firm have been under contract to USA Track & Field since October to revamp marketing, sponsorship and broadcasting. He served on the USATF board from February 2009 until resigning last September.

The contact will terminate with his employment, Siegel said.

While some in the Olympic community raised concerns about his hiring being a conflict of interest, USATF and U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) officials said Siegel had their full support in his new role.

“The real issue is that Max was not on the board when he was selected for this position,” USATF president and chair Stephanie Hightower said in a statement.

“Countless members of the track & field community had suggested that we consider Max for the position, citing his success as an executive, his rolodex and his ability to bring people together to get things done.”

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun said the timing of the selection was important after the long off-and-on search.

“Having a CEO in place will add a measure of stability as we complete our preparations for London,” Blackmun said. “Max will have our full support and we look forward to working with USATF as they continue to refine their governance model and find ways to enhance the effectiveness of the organization.”

Siegel’s background includes presidency of global operations for motor racing’s Dale Earnhardt Inc – one of NASCAR’s leading franchises – and as a music company executive where he helped oversee the careers of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Hall of Famers Tony Gywnn (baseball) and the late Reggie White (American football) have been among his sports clients.

By Michael Cunnah

Dennis’s autobiography is a compelling read for any football fan. It gives a fascinating insight into football and what it’s like to be part of the “beautiful game”. Dennis is well qualified to write this book, having played at the highest level for many years and later becoming a Director of Manchester City FC.

Dennis admits to being a very fastidious person throughout his career and it is this attention to detail and meticulous preparation which benefits his autobiography. His recall of everything is crystal clear and the book is well written so that it is never dull and moves along at a fast pace.

For fans of Sunderland AFC and Manchester City FC, this is a must read as it provides real insight into specific eras in the history of these two clubs. For fans of other clubs Dennis has views about the game and how it is run. He passionately believes that footballers, once they are retired, should have a bigger role in the running of the game and clubs in particular.

Dennis is concerned that “the grey suits”, as he calls the business men who manage clubs, don’t really understand the game and therefore make basic errors regarding the playing side. This is an interesting assertion which is worthy of consideration. However, I am left with the impression that Dennis as a Director, is more of a suit than he realises and that may be no bad thing. I suspect that Dennis is quite rare in turning his knowledge of the game into hard rules and guidelines for clubs to follow. There aren’t many footballers who have made, or could make, this transition.

Dennis is, of course, right that the “suits” haven’t played the game and don’t have the same insight, however it is also true that football people i.e. managers, coaches and players often shroud the game and its playing side in mystery. They encourage the belief that everyone is searching for the magic ingredient for success and only a few will find it, that this is an art not a science. Someone in Dennis’s mould will be invaluable to the “suits” as a bridge between the Board room and the dressing room.  He is someone who can simplify the game.

It is no surprise that performing such a role led to Dennis falling out with some of his friends and ex-colleagues and Dennis doesn’t try to hide this. Football is like that on and off the pitch, this isn’t unique to Dennis. It is, after all, a game of beliefs and opinions and everybody has different ones!

There should be room in the game for someone as experienced, clear thinking and articulate as Dennis. Until he returns to the game we’ll have to make do with this compelling insight which he has given to us.

By Michael Cunnah

 

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Dennis Tueart’s autobiography, My Football Journey, is published by Vision Sports Publishing (RRP £18.99). Dennis’s royalties from the book will be donated to the teenage and young adult cancer unit at The Christie cancer centre.

 

The book can be bought for the special price of £13.49 (plus P&P.) here>>

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TSN has renewed its broadcast deal with the PGA TOUR through to the 2018 golf calendar.

As part of the new deal TSN retains exclusive early round coverage of the RBC Canadian Open along with broadcast rights to other popular PGA TOUR events including the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AM and the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship.

This PGA TOUR deal complements TSN’s extensive live coverage of all of Golf’s Majors – THE MASTERS, U.S. OPEN, the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, and the PGA CHAMPIONSHIP – as well as the Ryder Cup, continuing to make TSN home to the biggest and most prestigious tournaments in golf.

“The PGA TOUR, its sponsors, and players have been wonderful partners and we are thrilled to extend our relationship and bring Canadians coverage of the world’s top professional Tour,” said Shawn Redmond, Vice-President of Programming, TSN. “Not only are we looking forward to covering the action from the PGA TOUR and the Majors, but we are also excited to expand our coverage and shine a national spotlight on the PGA TOUR Canada by showcasing its tournaments and rising stars.”

“The PGA TOUR is delighted to enter into this agreement with TSN,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Executive Vice-President of Television & Digital Media.  “Canada has always demonstrated a passion for PGA TOUR golf and this partnership will allow our fans to consume our product on one of the premier sports properties in Canada. The PGA TOUR is committed to golf in Canada and we are delighted to have TSN as our partner.”

As part of the new deal with the PGA TOUR, TSN2 will broadcast THIS IS PGA TOUR CANADA, a series of half-hour magazine-style programs highlighting the events, prominent players, tournament courses and locales of the 2013 PGA TOUR Canada season.

Bayer Leverkusen plans to introduce a separate television feed for its matches and plans to target Chinese and Japanese advertisers through the new feed.

The club’s new Asia feed will originate from a completely different set of cameras at home matches and these cameras will be positioned to maximise the exposure of Asian advertisers that buy into the feed.

The club’s managing director, Wolfgang Holzhäuser said the move to innovate its broadcast to appeal to Asia was because advertising opportunities in its local markets, particularly German, had been exhausted.

The club hopes to launch the new broadcast in the 2013/14 season. {jcomments on}

 

The Rugby Football Union has appointed Andrew Coslett as Chairman of England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), adiposity the tournament organising company that will deliver Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.

Cosslett, the former Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group plc, who has held the post of Interim Chairman, takes up the role in April 2012.

After a comprehensive selection process, Cosslett was chosen for his international business experience and leadership skills built over 30 years in consumer facing industries. In addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group, between 2005-2011, Cosslett was a Board member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council, a member of the President’s Committee of the Confederation of British Industry and a Board member of the International Tourism Partnership.

Before this Cosslett spent 14 years with Cadbury Schweppes in roles including: Chairman, Australia; Chief Executive, Asia Pacific; Managing Director, Great Britain and Ireland and President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Cosslett, together with Paul Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer ER 2015, will lead the ER 2015 Board which includes: RFU Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ritchie; RFU Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Brown; Professional Game Board Chairman, Ian Metcalfe; Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former RFU President, John Owen; RFU Council member and Chairman of the Championship Clubs Geoff Irvine and Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and the UK Government’s Chief Operating Officer, Ian Watmore.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby World Cup Limited welcomes this key appointment which represents an important step in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015. The successful delivery of one of the world’s largest sporting events is founded on partnership, teamwork, vision and strong leadership. Andy certainly possesses all the necessary attributes to oversee the delivery of what promises to be a special tournament. We are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Andy, Paul Vaughan and the England Rugby 2015 team to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

Cosslett commented: “I am passionate about the game and delighted to be able to play my part in delivering Rugby World Cup 2015. England 2015 is a great challenge but a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to working with Paul Vaughan, England Rugby 2015, the Rugby Football Union and Rugby World Cup Limited to deliver what we intend to be the best Rugby World Cup yet.”

Ian Ritchie, Rugby Football Union Chief Executive, added: “Andy Cosslett’s attributes and experience will no doubt bring huge benefits to the role of England Rugby 2015 Chairman. The Rugby World Cup in England provides a unique and very exciting opportunity and we look forward to working closely with Andy, England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited to help create a legacy that will benefit the sport for generations to come.”

Paul Vaughan, England Rugby 2015 Chief Executive, stated: “I am sure Andy Cosslett will make a great Chairman for England Rugby 2015. The international business and marketing skills that he brings to the Board will continue to be invaluable in his new role as Chairman. He has great empathy with the Game and I think we will make a great team.”

by Ismail Uddin

Nachdem sich seit der Gründung von isportconnect.com bereits mehr als 13.000 Vertreter der Sportindustrie registriert haben, prostate geht die Online Plattform nun den nächsten Schritt auf dem Weg zum führenden weltweiten Netzwerk der Sportbranche. Die Veranstaltungsreihe ‚iSportconnect Directors Club‘ startet mit einem ersten Live-Event in München und transferiert dabei die virtuelle Welt in Networking zum Anfassen.

Der iSportconnect Directors Club Germany wird ab 2012 dreimal jährlich organisiert. Die Kick-Off Veranstaltung findet am 17. November 2011 in München statt. Weitere iSportconnect Directors Clubs in New York, order London und Barcelona folgen und bilden somit regionale Anlaufstellen, ampoule um die aktuellen Themen der Branche in entspannter Atmosphäre zu diskutieren.

Thema des Kick-Off-Events in München ist ‚Hospitality & Strafrecht‘. Fragen nach der Rechtssicherheit bei Einladungen von Geschäftspartnern zu Sportveranstaltungen stellen sich schließlich nicht nur Sponsoren, sondern gleichermaßen auch Rechtehalter, Clubs, Vereine und Sportverbände. Dabei ist dieses Thema kein Luxusproblem von Groß-Sponsoren, sondern bedroht Spitzen- und Breitensport gleichermaßen. Denn neben Einnahmen aus dem Ticketverkauf, Mitgliedsbeiträgen und öffentlicher Förderung sind Sponsoringeinnahmen ein wesentlicher Teil, damit Sportvereine und -verbände ihr breit gefächertes Angebot aufrechterhalten können.

Nach einer kurzen Keynote von Dr. Christian Deuringer, Head of Global Brand Management Allianz SE und Mitglied der Sponsorenvereinigung S 20 e. V. über den kürzlich veröffentlichten S 20 Leitfaden, folgt eine Podiumsdiskussion mit Agenturinhaber Hans-Bernd Kamps, Deloitte Vertreter Stefan Ludwig und S 20 e. V. Geschäftsführer Josef Stadtfeld.

Der iSportconnect Directors Club Germany findet am 17. November 2011 ab 17.30 Uhr im Loftstudio München in der Grafinger Straße 6 statt. Eingeladen sind Vertreter von Sponsoren, Clubs, Verbänden, Vereinen, Sportmedien und Rechtehalter. Für die Anmeldung zum iSportconnect Directors Club Germany registrieren Sie sich bitte unter dev.isportconnect.com/directorsclubgermany.

BBC have secured the broadcast rights for England’s Rugby tests against Argentina in June.

The matches on June 8, Argentina v England (KO 8.10pm BST) and June 15, Argentina v England (KO 8.10pm BST) will be shown live on BBC 2.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted that the two upcoming England Tests will be broadcast live on the BBC giving all England Rugby fans the opportunity to support the team during the prime time TV coverage this June. Stuart Lancaster has taken a young squad to South America and exciting talent will be on show as England aim for their first series win in Argentina.”

Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport said: “We know that there is always a keen audience to watch England’s rugby internationals, and so we’re delighted to be covering their two Tests in Argentina, who will provide a strong challenge. This of course adds to our considerable regular portfolio of international rugby live on BBC TV.”

Pitch International brokered this agreement on behalf of the Argentine Rugby Union.

Premier League clubs in England have nearly splashed out £500 million ($794m) on players in the summer transfer window.

Figures from accountancy firm Deloitte’s Sports Business Group (SBG) revealed that a total of £490 million ($778m) was spent over the course of the window, just £10 million less than the previous record of £500m ($794m).

More than £100 million ($158m) of this came in the final 24 hours as clubs raced to complete deadline deals, with the ultimate bill standing just £10 million ($15.88m) short of the 2008 record.

Commenting on the near record-breaking spending, SBG partner Dan Jones said that it has to be considered in context with the recently-announced 70 per cent increase in broadcasting revenues.

“Once overseas broadcast deals are factored in, the average Premier League club looks set to benefit from at least an additional £25 million of revenue per year from next season,” he said.

“While the total spending this summer is still high, it should be considered in the context of increases of over 70% in the Premier League domestic broadcast deals announced earlier this year,” Sky News quoted Alan Switzer, director of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group saying.

Discuss the summer transfer window here

The brmb Grass Roots Football Show have announced their second major partnership ahead of the 2012 event at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Coaching Manual launched their dedicated and unique online coaching resource at last year’s show and they have been quick to re-sign to exhibit again at the biggest grass roots football show in Europe in 2012.

With unlimited access to latest news, viagra 100mg views and expert advice for grass roots football coaches of all standards The Coaching Manual has had a superb first year engaging with thousands of coaches from across the globe.

Joanna Burns, adiposity Director of the brmb Grass Roots Football Show said; “We are delighted to welcome The Coaching Manual back for 2012.

“They had a fantastic launch at the show in 2011 and they continue to grow and grow and are a great addition to our partner portfolio.”

Chris Barton from The Coaching Manual said;  “We have a product which engages with the grass roots audience in the widest possible sense.  From parents, teachers, volunteers to qualified professional coaches – we have resources to benefit all.  There is no better place for us to continue to showcase our product than at The brmb Grass Roots Football Show.”

The brmb Grass Roots Football Show 2012 is the biggest football event of its kind in Europe and takes place at the NEC in Birmingham between 25^th and 27^th May.

For more information about the brmb Grass Roots Football Show go to www.grassrootsfootball.co.uk

Become a fan of Grass Roots Football on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grassrootsfootballshow

or follow Grass Roots Football  on twitter http://twitter.com/grfootball

British Olympic heroine Jessica Ennis has received a great gesture after Sheffield United Football Club revealed they have renamed a stand in her honour.

The Blades decided that they would rename the Bramall Lane Stand the Jessica Ennis Stand, leaving the gold medal winner stunned and delighted.

“It’s wonderful and totally unexpected to have further recognition from within Sheffield and from the football club,” said Ennis. “I never expected when I started out in athletics in Sheffield all those years ago that I would have a football stand at Sheffield United named after me.”

Sheffield-born Ennis did not attend the official unveiling of the stand’s new name before the League One match against Bournemouth on the weekend, but she insists that she will make it to the stadium as soon as possible to see the renamed stand for herself.

“I can’t be at the match on Saturday but look forward to coming down on a matchday very soon when I can see for myself how the stand looks as well as being able to meet supporters,” she said.

The stand was previously sponsored by Halliwells, a law firm which folded in 2010 after being hit badly by the recession. But rather than take the highest bid from a sponsor, this time the Blades have decided to emblazon the name of one of Britain’s greatest Olympians across the top of the stand.

Club owner Kevin McCabe explained that he made the gesture to make sure that the golden girl’s exploits live on.

“It is an appropriate and fitting tribute to rename our Bramall Lane double-tier stand after one of the finest athletes this country has ever produced,” said McCabe.

“Jessica and her family are Unitedites and after discussions with them we all agreed that renaming the Bramall Lane stand after her would provide an additional sporting legacy from the London Games, a permanent reminder that will hopefully act as an inspiration to other youngsters to come forward and achieve their dreams through sport.

“I have been fortunate enough to meet Jessica and her family. They are wonderful ambassadors for this city and sport. I am delighted Sheffield United and our fans can support and recognise Jessica through the renaming of the stand.”