Ralph Ellis

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.

• Super League Betting: Can St Helens surivive new stadium curse?
• Tennis News: New coach in Lendl, same old Murray
• FA Cup Round-Up: Why there's no fair in football
• Rugby League: Sam Tomkins on the new Super League season
• Six Nations Betting: Can England squash Sir Clive's sour grapes?
• Six Nations Betting: Can England squash Sir Clive's sour grapes?
• Pakistan v England: Strauss and Cook will rise to occasion
• Premier League Round-up: Balotelli v Scholes