True Brits?

So far, it has been a quiet summer for major sport and our British teams have not really had too much chance to impress.

But this weekend starts an extended period of major competition for our people which will culminate in the Ashes. It is British Grand Prix weekend and Jenson Button must have a fantastic chance of success. The British & Irish Lions also face the first of three matches against South Africa. Their chances of victory are low.

England's under 21 football side are through to the semi-finals of the European Championship and can fancy their chances following a terrific 2-0 win over Spain.

But the main event for this time of the year is Wimbledon. Whilst Andy Murray has his best ever chance of claiming the title at SW19, there is, as ever, interest throughout the draw. The men have a difficult time with Dan Evans facing Nicolay Davydenko, James Ward facing Fernando Verdasco, Alex Bogdanovic playing Tomas Berdych and Josh Goodall taking on Michael Llodra in the first round.

Last year's junior superstar Laura Robson makes her senior Wimbledon bow. She is not expected to beat Danielle Hantuchova. But her fellow Brit ladies all have a chance - Melanie South is up against Mathilde Johansson, Katie O'Brien plays Iveta Benesova, Georgie Stoop takes on Vera Zvonareva, and Elena Baltacha will challenge Alona Bondarenko.

As much as I'd love Murray to win Wimbledon, I would be similarly delighted if our lower-ranked Brits could put up a show (and that means winning matches!).

My favourite time of the year

Today I start a period of 18 consecutive days of work, 12 hours a day. But I cannot complain. Why? From Saturday, I will be working at SW19.

I am honoured once again to be at Wimbledon for the next fortnight. It is a place with so much tradition and prestige.

Wimbledon has perhaps even more drama than football but is is watched and played in a for more relaxed manner.

I am looking forward to catching up with colleagues on the Official Wimbledon website and it promises to be another exciting fortnight. It is arguably my favourite time of the year.

Licence to make money

It's once again that time of year when football fixtures are released - and also when DataCo work their magic.

DataCo are employed by the Football & Premier League to protect "their" copyright of football fixtures. Originally designed to stop betting companies making a mint out of the "brands," these bizarre copyright rules means that fans are unable to publicise their club's fixtures.

The likes of Tony Kempster, who sadly passed away this week, were also unable to publish Football & Premier League fixtures on their unpaid websites. A licence fee costs hundreds or even thousands depending on how many clubs' fixtures you wish to publish. Tony claimed on his site that publishing fixtures of all teams would cost £9,000.

It would be a fitting tribute to Tony and his great work if common sense can finally prevail on this matter.

RIP Tony Kempster

I was very sad to hear the news of Tony Kempster's death last night.

Tony was founder and author of online football bible, www.tonykempster.co.uk. This site had the lot - statistical information for all the leagues in British football right the way down to county leagues.

It was an unpaid labour of love that Tony, a fan of football particular in the non-league maintained regularly. Tony had many friends in football (sadly I never got to know the guy) and underwent an incredible battle against cancer right to the end. His dignified accounts at http://health.tonykempster.co.uk/ are quite heartbreaking.

From all fans of football: thank you Tony, may you rest in peace.