After weeks of anticipation, and yesterday’s disappointment, anger and frustration, in the light of day losing the 2018 World Cup bid was rather okay and actually something of a relief. Besides losing the bid might turn out to be one of those small mercies that work out better for England and the British Teams.

For starters, the whole thing clearly had a hint of suspicion, a stink to it and raised many questions. The sort of questions that doesn’t fill those involved with confidence that all is kosher and above board. And by not winning, England and the UK are outsiders rather than accomplices, however, the same can not be said about the 2018 host!

Opinions are also divided as to the timing of the Panorama programme, some feel the BBC should have waited, held off and not broadcasted their programme until after the results were announced while others disagree with this stance. In my opinion holding off would have been a compromise that reflected negatively on the BBC, its national and international integrity as a leading broadcasting organisation and ultimately on Britain. If FIFA is innocent of any wrong doing then let them refute the accusations and the BBC in return can air an appropriate apology.

Judging by the votes, the timing of the programme had very little effect on England’s chances – all we received were two votes and one of them was our own – which shows we were never the favourite to start with. It’s another reason why the BBC timing was wise and can never be construed as sour grapes.

It might not look or feel like it now, but yesterday, we walked away with pride and dignity and our heads held high in the knowledge that we’re a righteous, honourable and a trustworthy nation, who worked hard at winning the bid. We showed FIFA and the world how we are ready, resourceful and eager to stage an outstanding event in England and no one can fault us for trying. As the saying goes – “Better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all” – we gave the 2018 WorldCup bid 101 per cent.

Some in their anger and disappointment are saying we should boycott the games and vote with your feet and money. The question is, does Russia care or will it suffer because of it, no and no! But as good sports inventors and lovers of the Beautiful Game we should work hard, train and nurture our best cubs to win in 2018 and bring the Jules Rimet Trophy home!

Last night Tiger Woods was voted the athlete of the decade, one of the highest accolades in the sporting world. He beat athletes like Lance Armstrong who beat cancer and won the Tour de France race six times and Michael Phelps the American Olympic swimmer who fascinated the world in last year’s Olympics and won a record breaking 14 Gold medals. Woods has received 56 of the 142 votes, and more than half the ballots were returned after his car crash incident and the start of his personal humiliation.

His recent sex scandal might have tarnished is image and damaged his marriage, but the man is undoubtedly the most talented athlete this decade. More so that now we know what he is really been up to between tournaments and on his free time.

Some of Woods sponsors have parted company with him after his personal disgrace but it has been reported that he had finished the decade with $81,547,410 in earnings from his PGA tour events, to you and I that is a whooping £50,546,959 in earnings. No wonder his wife is renegotiating their pernup!