Ralph was about 13 when he realised he’d never be good enough to be a footballer so decided the next best thing would be to write about it. And it’s been better than working for a living, that’s for sure.

After more than 20 years on national newspapers, working first for the Daily Star and now as a freelance at the Star, the Sunday Mirror and Daily Mail, he’s been all round the world watching and talking to the top stars in every sport. Best event covered was the 1997 Ryder Cup in Valderrama, best club team for consistent flair the Aston Villa of Big Ron Atkinson in the early 90s. (The current Arsenal team aren’t bad but having been brought up a West Ham fan he just can’t bring himself to say that). Ralph knows the papers inside out and looks for the clues behind the stories to see what’s worth betting on.

• Formula One 2010: Could technical glitch hit McLaren?
• Tiger Woods Affair: "I knew nothing," says Steve Williams
• Betfair Big Interview: Mervyn King
• Formula One 2010 Betting: Hamilton bids to prove he's the daddy
• Cricket Betting: Who exactly is England's cricket captain?
• Weekend Football Round-up: Wayne wows Wembley and Rafa winds up Sam
• Six Nations Betting: England feeling green ahead of Ireland match
• Cricket Betting: Tendulkar's 200 not out
• The Betfair Big Interview: Bradley Pryce
• Six Nations Betting: The night Andy Powell left his brain at home
• Premier League Betting: Who can beat fear factor in race for fourth?
• Super Six Classic Betting: Carl Froch ready to leave Kessler out in the cold