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.

• Barclays ATP Tour World Betting: Fitness a bigger factor than form
• England v New Zealand: Back-room team takes flak over faltering England
• Betfair Big Interview: Stuart Broad
• World Cup Play-off Betting: Bosnia are sensational value to see off Portugal
• Premier League Betting: Blaming the ref and blaming the man in the mirror
• Rugby Union Betting: Crunch time for Johnson
• Curbishley payout is proof that clarity is needed over transfer policy duties
• Boxing Betting: Corner men could make the difference in David v Goliath clash
• Premier League Betting: Chelsea on fire as Benitez stares down the barrel