THERE is increasing talk of Oldham Bears boss Andy Goodway taking over as Great Britain coach.

Although Goodway himself has said nothing on the record, it is widely believed he will rival Phil Larder to take charge of the Lions for next year's Ashes Test series.

I for one, after watching the fiasco in New Zealand, would welcome Goodway's appointment. Too many British players came home disillusioned from the recent tour. Some believed they were treated badly, others felt they were not allowed to play to their strengths.

Whether what happened on tour was Phil Larder's fault or not, a new man is needed at the helm to make a fresh start in 1997.

Of the few English coaches in Super League, I believe Goodway is the best.

He has not had the chance to prove himself yet, although managing to keep a side like Oldham in the Super League is achievement in itself. With the top players at his disposal I have no doubt he could do the job.

I would also, at some stage, like to see Ellery Hanley back in the GB hotseat.

His departure in 1994 was premature to say the least. This living legend surely still has plenty to offer his country.

I was among the 22,000 at Manchester's Nynex Arena last weekend for Judgement Night Part One and, as a paying punter, I feel I have to voice my anger at Nigel Benn's unforgivable surrender.

One can't argue that Benn was in line for a hiding, but the Dark Destroyer has taken more of a beating in the past than he did in Saturday's Steve Collins fight and gone on to win.

He clearly wasn't up for the fight once his best chance of winning in the first few rounds had gone.

If Benn did not want to fight to the bitter end he should have let somebody else have a go.

Instead, one of Britain's finest ever sportsmen was booed from the ring. Hardly the right way to go.

Former Wire star Mark Jones has made his presence felt back in the valleys.

The giant prop, now playing Union, was sent off at the weekend playing for his new club Ebbw Vale.

It's nice to know old habits die hard.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.