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.

• Nothing's fair in war and football
• Nadal on the outside lane
• Strikers shape EPL seasons
• Astonishing odds for Li Na
• Onwards and upwards for Rooney
• Kimi's 2012 tip for punters
• Wayne Rooney back to best
• School of hard knocks for Froch
• Has Tiger found his roar?
• When clean sheets are worth goals
• Get United behind Manchester
• Bye bye baggy green?
• Rooney midfield move tightens Reds
• The Golden Generation loses its value
• Rising Di Resta can delight home fans
• The weekend the stats meant nothing
• How far can Williams take Wales?
• Winning more important than performances
• Manchester U still setting standard
• Bruno Senna to the fore