Simon Archer on BBC Superstars

[skr]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/superstars/profiles/3151458.stm

Good to see a badminton player getting the opportunity to do something like this. Anybody fancy his chances?

[BadmintonsBest]

Hi,

I think its great news he is on it. If he was to win, i think it would raise badminton's profile? Dont really fancy his chances tho.

Matt

[NeilNicholls]

Men's heat three: 30 October
Jimmy Adams
Simon Archer
Jamie Baulch
Alain Baxter
Jamie Delgado
Richard Dunwoody
Gavin Hastings
Paul Hunter
Derek Redmond

I reckon he'd have a chance in his heat though

[Lemon]

Thats is his knee holds out. I'v heard that he is falling apart!!

[andymcg]

Also, he plays that well known sport "Badmington" according to his profile on the website. Can't they get anything right?


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/superstars/profiles/3151458.stm

[ukplayer]

Bookies have him at 25-1.. looks like a good bet. After watching last nights superstars I think he's got a very good chance if he is at proper match fitness. The only danger is his knee. The mixture of endurance and speed should mean that he picks up good points from each of the events.

Come on Simon.. set the record straight show everyone how fit and tough you have to be to be a badminton player!

[AdamK]

Anyone remember that team sport challenge on sky a little while ago. Each team was made up 5 players from your sport. Didn't our badminton boys do rather well? They came second to the combat people... boxers, judo etc. The beat the rowers, footballers, rugby union, rugby league... can't remember the rest but good luck to him. I think he'll do pretty well and at 25/1 he's worth an each way bet.

[Michael Banks]

Don't remember that, who was in the badminton team? Thanks

[AdamK]

Can't remember them all but Chris Hunt, Mark Constable, Richard Vaughan I think. There were two others.

[LauraMarlow]

It's certainly about time that someone showed just how fit you need to be for this sport. Hope he does well or we'll all have egg on our faces.

[gruendau]

There must be somebody "in the know" out there who knows how he actually did as I presume they have already been recorded.
Is there anyone who can enlighten us?

[danbelcher]

I don't want to know the result, I want to enjoy the programme. Hopefully they will show a clip of Simon in action.

[danbecks]

He deserves to be on the program but hes not the fittest player in England anymore.Would have liked to see Constable in it though.

[moosebabe]

What would be the point of Mark Constable? It's 'Superstars' ...you have to have achieved something to get on it....Simon does pretty well ..just wait and watch.....

[danbecks]

Biased or what....

[Jamesblond]

No not biased - just realistic.

Mark had good strong legs but thats about it.

[southernmonkey]

you have played him then,yeah blond

[JohnStevens]

The best badminton player for this by far is Simon Archer. It is frankly nothing to do with strength or even ability.

Simon has the big name and badminton needs the big names. Simon is well known and well liked as well as having a controversial edge occasionally. This is exactly the sort of image badminton needs in the "non badminton playing publics eye".

I'm sure we all hope he does very well.

[ukplayer]

whoa, I don't want to know how well Simon does thanks... I'm looking forward to watching it on TV.

[Jamesblond]

Southern Monkey/Stuart,

No - have not played against Mark.

I don't suppose I could beat him but thats not the point. The point is to do with talent , skill and a superstar name. Mark had the legs - nothing more.

[southernmonkey]

If thats what you wana call me hunny.
Whats archer got then?
Was he racket talented aswell Mr Blond?

[moosebabe]

an olympic bronze?

[danbecks]

James
You are missing the point.If you have played him then you have the right to make criticize of Mark Constable.
Anybody can just say that about Constable but if you have played him you will know there is more to him than just legs.

James
did you also know that hes been injured for along time now.Thought you might not have known that being just a club player and all.

[southernmonkey]

Good answer Archer.
Wonder if blond could have come up with that type of answer?
Maybe not...

[Jamesblond]

Archer is/was talented enough to win a bronze as just stated. I guess that separates him from the pack and indicates he has talent.

I simply point out that Mark did not gain these results. I am not either being rude or unkind to Mark. Simply stating the truth.

There is a difference between critisizing somebody and making an observation. I have no reason to be rude to him and have no desire to do so.

Simply an obseravation. Nothing more.

[bertiebassett]

john stevens:simon archer is liked by the public because of his success. **Abusive comment removed by admin. 21.10.03 22.46hrs**

[SUPERTED]

All i can say is that this is a good oppertunity for badminton to be promoted in a positive way and i hope he does well......everyone should get behind Buzzard and give him some support! even though its already finished.

[danbecks]

John Stevens and James blond must be the same person surely. You guys dont seem to have a clue about these players, do you? Simon liked by the public, nice friendly guy. Constable is just a pair of legs and nothing else.

Try watching a bit more badminton than reading it guys.
Come on Simon give us another medal.

[JohnStevens]

Dan/Monkey/Stuart, just because you invent a name every day doesn't mean everyone else does. Please give people credit for their opinions, just because they differ from yours doesn't make them wrong.

[danbecks]

John
I think you have a soft spot for this stuart character and southern monkey. Just because i have agreed with one of them on this thread doesn't make me them.
We know you are new on here but lets not get too paranoid.
Just make accurate assesments thats all i ask.

[danbelcher]

Well done Simon with your very respectable 3rd place, narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Great TV and great to see you and badminton getting a mention on prime time television.

[cdaniels]

and did you see the excerpts from the 70's superstars, Mike Tredgett was taking part in the canoes.

nice one archer

[GeorgeFrith]

You did badminton proud tonight Simon!! I was especially pleased you beat Jamie Delgado the tennis man.

What a pity he just lost out by fractions to Jamie Baulch in the canoe and the football. Might have been a different story if he had won those two events over the eventual second placed Baulch. Would have been great for badminton if Simon could have made the final.

Nevertheless good effort all round especially in the final event the bike.


WELL DONE SIMON ARCHER!!!

[dlp]

Good performance by Archer, probably more publicity than badminton gets in a year on BBC!

I think letting a 400m runner compete in the 800m is a bit suspect. Bit like having a badminton singles event in Superstars and letting Archer play because he is a doubles player!

[ukplayer]

Good performance, unfortunatley pipped by two good competitors. 3rd place is very respectable and I'm glad he beat that Tennis Player! All in all good publicity for the sport particularly during the kayaking when the competitiveness showed,

Seems very suspect to put a 400m runner in the 800m!

[ixxychicken]

having watched superstars last night, i have to agree that simon archer was a great choice to represent badminton!

for those that don't have a badminton background, he is a known name and proved on the show just how fit and competitive he is.

a real shame that he didn't make the finals, but 3rd place was still great! made some great tv watching and gave badminton some well needed exposure!
Well done Simon!

[ixxychicken]

[Luncheon]

Haven't seen it yet, got it on tape to watch.
However this good exposure needs to be followed up with something. It really needs an exhibition game or the England v Holland tour on telly. This country loves to get patriotic so if England were to be on the telly I'm sure we would get some good exposure, especially if both nations have full strength teams out.

[Matt]

It was a shame they repeated the kayaking, perhaps they (simon+jamie) should have had equal runner up points.

After all they didn't have a shoot out if the golf scores were tied!?!?!?

Still great TV and more importantly badminton related TV

[viceast]

am i missing something?
baxter 49
baulch 41
archer 29.5

close?

great publicity, though i feel he was not exactly the most charismatic of personalities.
now he can back to performing at the highest level of badminton, or is he alongside all the other has been's he was competing against!!

[danbelcher]

Vic, after the thread finally getting back on track and for once some positive comments on this site, I feel your input was yet another backward step and this disappoints me.

[ukplayer]

You say this isn't close

- baulch 41
- archer 29.5

Football:
1. Jamie Baulch, 2 goals in 44.40 secs
2. Simon Archer, 2 in 44.48

0.09 Seconds in Archers favour and we have
Baulch 38
Archer 32.5

Kayak:
2. Jamie Baulch, 48.29
3. Simon Archer, 48.29

0.01 Seconds in Archers favour and we have

Baulch 36
Archer 34.5

So if .1 of a second isn't particularly close to almost evening up the scores let me also mention that Baulch also pretty much competed in his own event - the 800m which he obviously won.

Thats pretty close

Archer put up a good competitive performance.

[Grover]

Spot on uk player it was very close and I think it was quite positive for Simon and badminton that he stared in all the key duels such as the football, the kayaking and the cycling. Johnny Vaughn also mentioned non stop that Simon was a great competitor.

[AdamK]

Isn't it typical that even our own supporters of badminton decide to knock our sport. As if we don't have enough external influences limiting our exposure

Well done Simon whatever anyone thinks.

[viceast]

guys, go back to the start of this thread and look at the line up - even the guy giving the details said he thought he had a chance in that line up!
he was about the only one still competing at the top level,the rest were,to be honest, second rate.
still the "buzzard" must have had a nice freebie and a fat "kite" for his troubles.
get real he was well beat, he gave all us badders people a bit of fun and now he can back to his proper job.
good on you simon - when can we expect you back in serious competition?
please advise as i for one will be delighted to see you in full flow.
to the rest of you - sorry but you really must see the wood for the trees!

[Grover]

99% of the forum think he did well, and you don't Vic. Wonder who is deluded here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[player]

Watched superstars last night.
Read your post Vic.
I have watched Archer in tournaments in this country and would totally agree with people's assessments of him.
He wouldn't be my first choice for Superstars if we had any other Olympic medallists, but we don't.
Credit where credit is due though. He only just lost to Baulch in 2 events, and wasn't far behind in the cycling, 3rd in the swimming, joint winner at golf. Definitely would have qualified had Baxter not been in his heat.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the finallists do against Baxter. Maybe that might put Archer's result in a better light.
Well done Simon. At least he showed viewers badminton isn't a sport for fairies.

[clingfilm]

i just finished watching simon archer.
very impressed.

WELL DONE SIMON.
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE BADDERS.

[viceast]

could someone send me a pair of the rose coloured glasses you've got.
now a lot of people know simon archer is a badminton player, johnny vaughan says he's a "fighter" and he finished a creditable third. for goodness sake it's superstars, a "game show" designed to titilate the public interest in watching retired, almost retired and downright need to retire sportsmen.
take the money simon, now tell us when you are getting back to playing badminton seriously.
you guys having a go at me seem to know him really well, will he be at the Europeans, Worlds, All England,or the Olympics next year or will he be retired?
I repeat my comment, you can't see the wood for the trees.

[clingfilm]

vic, again i am sorry that i have to disagree with you. do you know that simon was injured and is slowly getting back to his full fitness?
winning bronze in the olympics is a great achievement. i have seen him playing major tournaments many, many times. i will tell you boy he is a fighter. he is a hell of a fighter.unfortunately he didn't have a solid fighting partner in the mens. otherwise he would have won some major trophies in mens doubles.
now i can only sincerely hope that he will come back to his full form. this country will never forget a fantastic,great, super sportsman like simon whether he wins another gold medal or not.

[PeteG]

Hats off to you Cling Film, and also don't forget his silver in the World Championships and it was against Ra and Kim, one of the best pairs ever to play mixed, if not the best!
Oh and as for Archer and Baulch having a near ten point difference, can I point out that Baulch had a clear advantage, because he was allowed to run 800 metres, yeah, I know he didn't run in spikes, it wasn't around a track and its not "his distance", but its hardly the equivalent of putting a sprinter in a field of marathon runners, is it, that gave him an advantage over Simon, because he had the points in the bag for that event right from the start!!

[viceast]

cling film/m glews
(cf) i have replied to you on the other thread, however here we go.believe me i have known "buzzard" for a very long time, back to when he was a failed singles player who was eventually transformed into a world class doubles player. but both of you look at your own comments, you are using the past tense in everything. this is my point, can we expect to see him back "at his day job", i for one hope so BUT there is a very large part of me that says this could be wishful thinking.
i would also remind you that pairs events mean just that, let's not forget that "buzzard" had partners of very high quality.
have a good weekend.

[Michael Banks]

Whether Simon Archer plays at the top/bottom/past/future/retired/upcoming it doesn't matter!!!! He is still the biggest name in English badminton and that is what counts. What a great job he did on Superstars and well done to him for putting badminton on the primetime map. Current and past ability is not important but what is important is that he is a big name and badminton is put on the map. Badminton needed to come out of the winner and I think it did.

[viceast]

michael
you could almost be his agent!
you are right, badminton was put in the spotlight and that must be good.as for it being a winner, beg to differ.
onwards and upwards.

[patrick1011]

you are all forgetting one thing, and that is any player who appears on TV has to be encouraged, if simon was to read this he would wonder why he bothered, We all know he never won, but we any of us do any better, some of the events had nothing to do with fitness and over all it was a very good effort WELL DONE SIMON

[danbelcher]

well said patrick

[archerfan]

Simon Archer is by far our best, most well known player. Lets be honest we couldn't put the danish england player in. No personality and no acknowledgement of the crowd. Simon wears his heart on his sleeve, is proud to play for his country and likes to speak to the crowd. I followed him every day at the commonwealth games and when he won the gold he run around the arena and come and thanked me for the support. Couldn't see the dane doing that.
Simon was absolutely the right person to represent badminton.
Also can I just say that if vic east wants to know when is Simon going to get back to playing competitive badminton , did you not see Simon 's results lately. In a short space of time he is upto 38 in the rankings for mixed, Took a game off Kim Dong Moon in mixed.(more than the dane and Robert the scot have done)beat the bronze World medalists in mens doubles. Simon is making good steady progress and me for one will cheer him all the way.
COME ON SIMON!!!!

[patrick1011]

Paul it is nice to see nothing but positive comments on here, i understand people have there own opinion but when someone does something positive for the sport they should be encouraged and peoples negative opinions kept to themselves, keep it up

[patrick1011]

And Mr Belcher, as usual is very positive

[archerfan]

thanks Patrick. My first time on here. Was told to to have a look at the site by Simon Archer who I sometimes speak to. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I look forward to debating any issue with anyone, But lets remember one thing, Simon was the best, still is the best and will be our best for a long time to come.

COME ON SIMON!!!

[moosebabe]

You will be interested to know that Simon does read this site....some of the comments have proved most amusing to him..He is currently in the Far East competing in Chinese Taipei Open..a better draw than last weeks 1st round exit to Kim Dong Moon..who is winding his mixed game up for next years Olympics. He and Donna have not been a pair long, but took their 1st title 2 weeks ago, albeit in Slovenia..but what matters is that are growing in confidence as a pair and are determined to make the Olympics.
I was very proud of my brother's performance in SuperStars..Simon and Jo increased the popularity of badminton in this country after their tremendous performance in Sydney and anything else, whether Simon is involved or not, that increases badminton's exposure is to be celebrated...keep supporting British badminton as for the game to gain more momentum we need more success.

A very proud sister!!

[archerfan]

Good to hear your comments clare, I agree with you and have discussed the draws that Simon has been getting with him. Like Simon has said what goes around comes around. What is good to see also is Donna and himself will travel to Scotland in a couple of weeks. Their hunger for ranking points and practice should be commended. He has been getting tough draws but what a sign of a true star when he doesn't moan just puts his head down and works as hard as he can.
Are former coach Park Joo Bong should never been a loud to leave but typically some of the team didn't put the work in, except one obvious person. That is why he is and will always be a true champion! and deserves the respect of all true badminton fans.

[rondaboer]

I agree with Clare A that simon's bronze in Sydney raised the profile of the game in England but lets not go over board with the superstars bit.

Word in the camp was that Archer and Park Joo Bong didn't see eye to eye so where is Paul H getting his info from.

These days on this site people are not allowed to express their views especially when they are seen as negative even when they are not being rude. This is frustrating and the threads now are becoming very boring.

Vic East had some good points earlier but people mocked him because he disagreed with other peoples views on Simon Archers performance. What ever happened to freedom of speech as long as it's not rude.

[cowan]

dear ron
hope the injury soon clears up and you are back playing soon, you are missed!
i have to go along with you i find the thread quite sycophantic, i am aware of the comments made by vic east and he is entitled to his opinion.
i have also read clare archer's comments and am glad to see that she is well chuffed at her brother's performances.i note that no one has picked up on vic's comments regarding simon's partners. i for one believe he was very lucky to be paired with better doubles players than himself.
time will tell if simon ever wins decent tournaments again, i will watch with interest.

[dlp]

This is getting off topic but to say Archer has been fortunate in getting good partners is untrue.

When he played with Hunt they achieved good results and were English no.1 and Euro Champs. When he played with Nathan a world bronze. When he teamed with Sullivan at the nationals last year they easily made the final to finish runner up. Now he has teamed with Blair they have beaten some good pairs in world events.

Like wise in mixed he has now teamed with Kellogg and they are already nearing the top level.

Having been injured prior to the olympic season is the worst time since Archer is now playing through qualifying in all the top events, this can mean up to 3 matches in mens and mixed against tough opponents before the main draw. The CWG last year proved that Archer can still do a job for England, don't forget he and Goode were our only individual winners.

[sonnyjim]

Thing is dave is that if Archer is any good now, the qualify rounds of these events wont be that taxing for him. Maybe if it were singles it might be a different story.
Anybody who has played at this level would know this.
I would like to see him get back his form but i can't see it, not after his performance on superstars.

[archerfan]

My understanding Ron was when Park Joo Bong left, Jo and Simon went to Malaysia for a month to train with him.

Surely a sign that there was mutual respect?

On the subject of partners for Simon, Donna and Robert may not be Olympic medalists in the future but they have more of a chance with Simon than with any of the others, as Simon has won an Olympic medal, National Championships, World medals and All England champship etc.

As for his performance on superstars he set a good example to anyone wishing to take up badminton.

[johng]

sonny......have you looked at the players that are going into qualifying rounds these days.

Some of the Worlds top players are having to prequalify due to new partnerships, so qualifying rounds can be a real nightmare

[sonnyjim]

Yes john and played in some.
Have you John?

[cowan]

paul
suggest you read the thread about england v holland. apparently archer and kellogg went out in the first round of taipei open.
i must confess i think we may have seen the best of him. is it time to give him a clipboard plus £30-40k and a room at mk?
i sincerely hope someone has the sense to sit down with him and calmly and rationally discuss his immediate future.
keep him in the "fold" and don't treat him the way they did darren hall.

[mrmagoo]

I fear paul and john are looking at simon now with the rosiest tinted spectacles ever on. To suggest he is still the best paul i think you've got some issues that need sorting. Yes he was the best but its clear to anybody that our best player is nathan,whether you use domestic or international results. Its clearer than a clear sky!Simon didn't see eye to eye with PJB because he wanted to do most of his training away from MK and was very rarely at MK, which was seen by PJB as a huge insult,simon caused more arguments with PJB than anyone but you chose to overlook that so you could blame anybody but simon.When PJb retired in 1993 he then came back in 1995 for the olympics he was world no1 after 5 tournaments having to qualify in 4, THAT is being the best NOT winning medals a few years ago and now losing 1st round in 3 sets now. We've seen the best of simon and he's done more for the sport than anyone but he is in a terminal decline,his body won't allow it even though his mind still wants it.Thats just what happens when you age and have serious injuries.

[sonnyjim]

I am so glad someone has agreed with me over the situation between Archer and PJB. It seems that there are a lot different views from people who were not there at the time and seem to differ from those who were.
Thank you Mr Magoo.

[JohnStevens]

This is where you chaps are completely wrong. Picking on a player who has hit some amazing highs in the sport and being finicky about current results is tantamount to treason.

Simon will be the first to admit that his body isn't as athletic as it was a few years ago, but hey, this is all a cross we have to bear. Respect Simon for his achievements and showing a motivation to still succeed. The sport needs a strong image and there are very few players in our sport that can provide one, and there is no denying that Simon is one of these.

The bottom line is that current results are irrelevant - image and personality are all important, especially to the non-badminton playing audience - we need a flag bearer - Simon will be that flag bearer for years to come.

[mrmagoo]

john, as i said "simon has done more than anyone for the game". I was pointing out to paul who was clearly saying that he is still the best and that PJB left because of others that he is wrong. How do i know he's wrong because i was there!!!! Simon is undoubtably our flag bearer but don't you think that he risks throwing it away.Think about it ,he says he's still got what it takes in the media they believe him, put him in the spotlight and he loses 1st round in most tournaments. What does that do for the game.I for one would be very sad to see simon through away all he has achieved and be remembered as someone who didn't know when to stop.I'm not talking about the badminton public who will always remember him as a champion but the people who are new to the sport who read about it in the press and only see someone who says their great but never gets anywhere.That can't be a good thing.You must be able to see the bigger picture john

[JohnStevens]

Most amusing. I have spoken to many people since Simon's exploits on Superstars and quite a significant number do not know the first thing about badminton. Every one bar none have suggested he is a great campaigner and a credit to the sport.

You can't take away someone's previous successes; and if going out of a tournament in the first round against what I would consider a very good pair means hanging up your boots - then why is Tim Henman a national hero and still playing the tennis tour? It is all about image, and whether you like it or not, Simon is our flag bearer, and there is no one to replace him at the moment.

One last item, you have every right to hide your identity but please don't patronise us all and say that, and I quote, "i was there!!!!". It isn't really credible form a Tex Avery creation.

[cowan]

i have to admit i am enjoying the banter about simon archer.most of the points, for or against, are quite strong which indicates to me that he creates that sort of reaction.
if he is to be the standard bearer for badminton then, i believe, we do have a problem. i am not getting involved in a personality crucifixion here but he is the last person we need to represent our sport. my reasons for this comment will remain private.
time will tell if the baofe look after him or not, he may have friends in high places.

[mrmagoo]

I've never disputed the fact that he is our flagbearer.You say why does tim henman still play tennis? I do believe john that timmy boy won in paris recently beating grosjean,federer,kuerten and roddick.He,s still playing tennis because he can beat the worlds top players.Thats the equivalant of archer beating kim dong moon, eriksson and zhang jun in one tournament,which even you must agree would be impossible.Why play if you can't beat the best anymore.There's a world of difference in winning a set off of someone and actually beating them.I believe its time for him to stop playing and become someone who can take our sport forward,i want the same things as you john but i fear he risks much by continuing to play.Being on superstars is a great platform for him to use but if he keeps playing for however long not winning titles then people will forget.Sport has a very small window in which you can makem a difference to the game after that it becomes nigh on impossible.I wasn't patronising anybody by saying i was there, merely pointing out that i have a different insight to simon than most people and he's no saint

[Grover]

A very valid point i think. He does provoke a strong reaction and that is good. Personally I don't know him or much about him except what i read and see in the media. But being controversial and a bad boy is good for the sport. Look what McEnroe did for tennis, almost overnight the sport took off, and i don't think macca made many friends along the way.

[JohnStevens]

Poppycock. You have had the fortune to use Tim Henman's best ever result which happened this week. It was a truly great performance and in that there is no doubt. But historically Tim Henman is of little substance and has not proved his ability on a global stage.

I am not party to Simon as a person and have never met him. Simon's tempestuous past (or present) is of no concern and may be even a benefit - as the previous poster pointed out, John McEnroe never did any harm to tennis. It is not for me to judge as all I see is someone who has the image to lift the sport - saint or sinner there is currently no one to take his mantle, and I say this from someone on the outside who knows very little about political shenanigans.

[cowan]

grover
i agree with you, the idea that anyone who can keep the spotlight on the sport must have a place, good or bad.
unfortunately the baofe don't agree, they hammer players who step out of line.unless that is you have a chance of winning something.our sport is littered with examples of double standards when disciplining players.
simon played the system, he "lorded it" when he was top man and they went along with him.now he is no longer the main man he might find it different. he upset people along the way, as a lot of top athletes do to achieve their goals, he will no doubt meet the same people on the way down.
good luck to him, i think he may well need it

[JohnStevens]

If what you say is correct then will it prove a Hobson's choice for the BA of E?

Do they back someone with top credentials to lead the face of the sport, or take the option of maintaining a level of pride? I hope it to be the right one whichever road is taken.

[dlp]

Leaving aside personality, as I mentioned before Archer went to CWG last year not 100% and pulled off the gold when our other mixed pairs failed. Just that one result will have meant a lot in terms of media coverage and lottery targets being met. There is still a chance he could qualify for the olympics in mixed, as a former medal winner this would again have big implications for TV coverage of badminton at olympics.

He may be our third man now but until younger players start to overtake I would suggest he still has a role play. With Ian Sullivan and Julian Robertson having retired the mens doubles players look weak at the top right now until new players get international results.

[southernmonk]

Nathan Robertson for flag bearer, thats what i say.
Where are people getting Archer from.
Yes he got a medal last time round but who's the man now. It aint Archer.

[PeteG]

I'm in agreement with the role to play bit D Peterson. I would like to see Simon have one last good season before he retires, I know he's suffered with injury, etc, etc, but lets see what happens up to the Olympics before judging him too harshly. He's still got some fight left in him, so don't put him down just yet, yes his results aren't what they were, but he's also changed partners a couple of times since then and appears to be making some sort of progress with Donna Kellogg. Yeah I know its recently a first round loss in the Chinese Taipei Open, but it was against a very strong pair, who he would arguably have had trouble beating even at his best.
As for Tim Henman, I think he likes any real fight, when someone like Archer says "come on!" I believe its meant. With Henman it seems as if he's pumping his fist because he should, not because he would. Yes he's had a good result, but talk to me when he wins a Grand Slam.

[mrmagoo]

I think i haven't made my point clearly. I am in full support of simon as our main man, there is no doubt he is and rightly so,i just doubt what he has got left as a player.He has nothing to prove to anybody and nothing left to achieve.I just think that while he is in this position of power he could really shake up badminton and the baofe with the same single mindedness and determination that has made him so successful, who would dare oppose him?If he is going to play until the olympics i hope its not a season too far considering the level of injury he has sustained throughout his career. I just feel he could be a bigger influence off the court than on it. Thats presuming he would ever want to get involved in badminton politics

[archerfan]

Well, I have been out for the night and you all have gone Archer mad. My view for what it is worth is:

1. Simon was at the top of his game when he had a serious knee injury. The only reason Nathan is the number 1 is because when your in Top Class sport it takes time to come back. You only have to look at Peter Gade.
2. Simon come back and won the Gold at the Commonwealth. Not bad for saying our supposed no1 got nowhere(shame)
3. His injury re-occured but he has come back again.
4. Many different mixed partners but with Donna in a short space of time he has already climbed to 33rd in the world.
5. Yes a bad loss in the Tapei open but all experience with a new partner.
6. If a am wrong about PJB then I stand corrected but I still have been informed that he went out to Malaysia to train with him. Strange thing to do for saying they did not get on?

Anyway I hope Simon gets to the Olympics because after Simon goes we will have to live with an England number 1 who Doesn't live in this country, Never looks totally fit for a whole tournament, Never speaks or acknowledges the crowd and only got his no1 ranking because half the top pairs didn't play regularly. Now they are he has slipped in the rankings. I wonder who has gone up in the rankings? Archer by any chance.

Love the debate, keep it up guys and galls I have only been on the site for two days and have never had so much debate about our greatest player ever SIMON ARCHER!!!

I for one Simon may have rose tinted glasses on but

COME ON SIMON!!!

[mrmagoo]

I see what your saying paul, i actually won a handsome bet on archer winning gold at the commenwealths but that was over a year ago. He is 33 in the world but he's played 8 or 9 comps to get there so he's going to struggle to get a seeding in grand prix events which makes his draws a lottery and he's going to need some luck. I agree with what you say about his attitude towards the public which is fantastic and very personable which as you say someone else could learn a thing or two about. But nathan is up at the top on merit not by default, he's beaten every top pair apart from kim/ra but he's beaten kim dong moon without ra which is still a great result as he could play with a cardboard cutout and still be virtually unbeatable.He's also won grand prix events. IT would be interesting to see nathan versus archer in their primes as they have very different styles.I think it would be a very close game.

[archerfan]

Mr Magoo fantastic comments until the end. Nathan versus Archer in their primes! Sorry lets start a debate, Simon would walk the floor with him. Simon did beat Kim and Ra and all the other top pairs around. His domination of the mid court and with the exceptional Jo Goode by his side, well what can I say. Bye Bye Nathan!!

Sorry my rose tinted glasses again. Yes it would be good to see them play in their primes. Another question to bring on the passion:

Who would the public be supporting?

God, I love this site. Go on John Stevens have a moan and a belittle, Back me up Grover, He looks big

[mrmagoo]

Its a difficult one, Brute force versus subtlety. I think the crowd would favour archer but only just. I have to say i would pick archer to come through in three sets purely because he possesses huge mental strength and will never give up.I don't think he's as talented as nathan but badminton is about application as well. I don't think this would be a game either would ever want to lose judging by their history!! I'd rather go for a beer with nathan after though!!

[archerfan]

I would rather go for a winning drink with Simon. (Denmark is a long way to go for a drink). Yes, your right Nathan probably has the edge on creativity but application,passion and commitment Simon wins hands down. I prefer heart on the sleeve. Let me tell you on the odd occasion I speak to Simon and he is a damn nice guy. I am a no-one in the circle of badminton and he doesn't have to speak to me but the difference is he does.

God I love my Rose Tinted Glasses!!!

[mrmagoo]

Luckily for me nathan is moving back to blighty so i can now spend the airfare on a kebab to go with my consolation pint!!

[cdaniels]

see we've gone off the thread here but how come nathan is coming back to the UK?

[mrmagoo]

I'm led to believe he is moving back with his girlfriend. Don't know why

[PeteG]

Paul, love the pro-archer arguements!!! I'd love to see him come back to form, although I think if he does, it might be a last gasp season, i.e. olympics or something (as previously mentioned). I would agree that Archer would beat Nathan, both in their prime. The irony is, that if you combined the ability of both you would have an ideal player. Power, control and touch, natural abilty combined with strength and a near cast iron will to win!

I'm not as big a fan of Nathan as Archer, as Archer seems to be more at one with the fans and uses them to boost him, especially when playig on home...er....rubber, or whatever they make the courts out of!! Any other names for the future in mixed though?

[archerfan]

my one big tip for the forseable future is a strange selection. From a minority playing country (Korea) some guy named Kim Dong Moon.Heard he is not that bad.

Seriously though I don't really see any big time players coming through yet but I have to say I am not in touch with the junior circuit. I know as a country we seem to be competing quite well but I am sure someone can tell us of any names for the future.

On the subject of Kim Dong Moon, i love it when Archer plays him because they always seem to be good games. Simon is one of the rare players lately to take a game off him.Kim is definately intimidated by the King!!Who will ever forget that Quarter final in the All England. Late at night, Loads of fans, Loads of noise, Loads of nerves and loads of cries COME ON SIMON!!!
what a victory. No doubt You will say thats the past but for now thats all we have. Nathan never seems to perform in front of his home crowd. Simon pulls on the crowd while Nathan I think see's it as intimidating. Let's be honest Simon's shoes are very big to fill and I can't see Nathan filling them. Just think Nathan over Thirty and Simon is back. Long Live The King.

Here pass me those rose tinted glasses.

Let's hope they meet in the nationals. I would pay big money for that match. Mens doubles or mixed.

[dannybegara]

Paul, you are getting boring, it seems to me that you may need help. Simon spoke to you once and now you are his biggest fan who it seems wants to be his boyfriend. Come on now Simon is a good player but let's not forget it's only mixed doubles. *What kid growing up aspires to be a mixed doubles player, if Simon was that good he would have tried to mix it with the big boys in the mens singles. I would love to see how far the likes of Baddeley and Hall would have gone if they took the easy option? *Would have had a string of Olympic medals but maybe wouldn't be able to sleep at night!

[cturner]

Yeah i'am a bit disturbed too with this Paul person. I think we have a stalker in the forum. Is this a first for a badminton player. Maybe Archer is still a big influence on some people.
Good on you simon.

[Bolfazar]

Paul I will have you a bet that if Nathan plays Simon in the nationals, Nathan will win...how much would you like to bet?

I just hope your affection with Simon is not as serious as your posts make it sound. I think you will be disappointed because I don't think Simon is that type of guy, if you know what I mean?

[SUPERTED]

i think simon needs to get himself a lawyer and prepare a restraining order!! I think you are being a bit harsh on Nathan, you cant expect every player to have the same attitude on or of the court. If they did who would your favourite be then!? To critisice anyone who reaches the top in there sport,to me, is foolish!

[poharssister]

jesus paul,you sound like your tryin to bed arch!its tough to say who would win in their primes because you are never gona get to see it.i think that if they both had the same partner ie jo goode then you could make a more fair comparison of results and playing ability.i would love to see that game (provided i dont ned to sit near archers psycho fan paul).personaly i think i would be more afraid of playin against nath cos when he is on form i dont think that anyone bar the moon would have a chance!

[poharssister]

oh yeah.god job on superstars arch if you get to read this!

[BadmintonsBest]

lol, good views there kristian

[archerfan]

Thanks for your comments Kristian. I agree that Jo Goode would be needed to make a fair comparison.

Try not to go down the chidish comment route though as we all have our opinions, We could all go down that route.

I just feel that Simon is a more exciting player to watch as people are excited by his enthusiasm on the court.

For yourself Kristian You are right you should be afraid of Nathan because it would be no contest.

KEEP TRYING THOUGH!

With Nathan on form I don't think Kim Dong Moon would be worried.

You must remember Kristian I exagerate some of my comments to get a response otherwise it wouldn't be a very long thread if all of us didn't.

Chill mate, not your fault you can't be Simon.

From Paul(archers psycho fan)

[archerfan]

[poharssister]

nice come back psycho.you put me down good and proper there!i dont think you could say that the moon wouldnt be worried about nath though,nerves come into all serious matches (before and during).
if i do get the chance to beat arch though il be the first to let you know-i could do with a fan!

[badmintonfan]

Kristian, thanks for responding to my comments. I have been waiting to see what you would say. Sorry for the put down but as you know I am a big fan of simon's.That gave me no pleasure as I know you are also a talented player.(I hope you are the real Kristian)

To put my view on Nathan straight, I agree with you that he is a very good player and I have previously said that his creativity on court is better than Simon. I just wish the two of them would learn the best of each other, which in turn would improve both of them. My views on who would win in their primes is well documented.

I also would like to pass on my congratulations to you for your recent results. Getting to two finals is an excellent achievement. Don't you just hate the Korean's. Anyway I am pleased we have been able to debate with out any more digs at each other and if you do beat Simon one day I will be the first to say well done. I am going to stop now I think I am turning in to a Kristian fan.(someone help!!!)

Psycho fan

[patrick1011]

Has anybody looked at the number of views this thread has had? does that alone not tell you that simon was the best man for the job

[badmintonfan]

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PeteG]

Oy, Hilton, re-read this:

"7 Nov 2003 @ 15:51 my one big tip for the forseable future is a strange selection. From a minority playing country (Korea) some guy named Kim Dong Moon.Heard he is not that bad."

It was said in my response to me asking about players for the future. Think before you type next time please, your sarcasm was both unamusing and misguided. Kim Dong Moon is very much a current player, my question regarded stars for the future, I think the current world champion would be a little annoyed if someone suggested he may make it one day!!!
Also, the thread was referring to English talent. Admittedly I neglected to mention this when asking (thought it might have been evident though), but that was what it was in reference to. So thanx for nothing in that respect!!!!

[badmintonfan]

oy,Glews
get a sense of humour!!

I was trying to enjoy our communication not be flipant you misery.

If you think before you type and had read my response I did say I was not sure of stars for the future but someone might be able to help.

Next time get your facts right. Read the whole article not just the begining.

I reiterate I think the juniors are doing quite well but I am not sure of any potential english stars. Hopefully someone may be able to help.

Your use of the word Oy was both unamusing and misguided. Luckily not everyone I have debated with is as boring as you.Try to enjoy the banter as well as discuss serious topics.

Anyway someone pass me my rose tinted glasses I feel a Simon is king moment coming on.

psycho fan

[PeteG]

If you expect me to have a sense of humour, then try posting something amusing in the first place! If you have nothing useful to say then why bother. My use of the word "Oy" was because I was annoyed, it was not intended to be humourous!!!!

[badmintonfan]

Well pete you do keep going on and on.I am sure some people would have found the Kim joke funny.

Pity you didn't apologise for not reading all the article. I tried to answer your question, Yes with humour first but then with what I thought was an honest response about the Junior talent in England.

Tell you what if you can calm down may be you can read my FULL RESPONSE AND WE CAN HAVE A SENSIBLE DEBATE!!!

At least we agree on one thing and that is Simon was the best choice for superstars.

[cowan]

can we please close this thread down now.
paul, please go back to your room and your poster of simon (with your rose coloured glasses!), when you come out again re-join the real world.
ps the winning superstars are on the telly on thursday, watch and weep paul!!!

[whistler]

Have to agree with you Mr Cowan.
I am new to the site and to read this thread makes me wonder about some people.

[badmintonfan]

Well Michael the real world obviously has no sense of humour.

Well done though, between Pete and you, I will not be going on this site again as if this is what supposed Badminton fans are like then I don't want to be a part of it. I get told that locally I am one of the most enthusiastic badminton players around with alot of passion and ideas. As usual though you and others are like many of the people I come up against. (Set in their ways) Our sport will not improve untill everyones opinion can be heard and not just shot down. So I am a big Archer fan, So What! People are starving in the world. That is what matters not debate on this forum where you are not allowed to have a laugh.

People learn and debate more when they laugh and enjoy themselves. I manage 12,000 people so I have some idea of what motivates people.

No doubt you will respond or someone else will and say go away so I will.

YET ANOTHER PERSON HAS WALKED AWAY!!

To Grover and Derek and others that I have had a fun and sensible debate with many thanks for your comments.

I certainly won't be weeping, Simon got on superstars and represented our sport well. A true professional!

[cowan]

thank you for your past contributions paul, you will be missed!

[PeteG]

Being a cynic, I don't believe Paul has actually left, but is looking for a response. If you had something useful to say Paul, then I would have been quite happy to debate it with you. Unfortunately you started off your response with and idiotic attempt at humour then followed it up by admitting you didn't know anything and therefore had nothing useful to say. If you have anything of substance to say in response to my question, then I will gladly debate it in future.

[Phil McBride]

Well done to Simon and Donna for winning hte mixed at the Scottish Open, but their winning margins would suggest that the only other decent team there was Roebuck and Parker

[janpetersen]

Hard tournament then eh.

[poharssister]

hey paul where you gone?just been readin the bullying youve been gettin.sorry bout that, i was loking forward to you givin me a slatin for losin to arch in the scottish-fortunately for you i would have taken it in jest unlike the two morons (peter and michael-sorry boys but lighten up a bit.i know psycho is a bit over the top bout simon cos i gave him a slaggin too but the points hes makin about his comments on new players are true.if you do rread it ALL then you will surely realise this)try not to force him off cos peoples comments like his are what makes it funny to come onto these disscussions.

ps if shrek is readin this then stay off the pies!

[PeteG]

Yeah fair enough Kristian, I was just pissed off about one of his responses, thats all. Anyway, nice result at the Scots!

[SUPERTED]

Anyone looking forward to seeing clips of the mixed semi-final between Kris Roebuck and Simon Archer will be very disapointed to hear that no matter how hard the BBC tried they just couldn`t fit both noses on the screen, but have vowed to get a wider lens next time these pairs meet!

Sorry boys it was to hard to resist! Well done Arch and Donna, and Kris all i can think of is.................ORK!

[cowan]

kristian
as one of the "morons" to which you refer i suggest you think carefully about what you write in future. if paul cannot take the flak then he has no place on this forum.he stated that he managed 12000 people - does he run a morgue or are they all brain dead in that not one of them criticises his management.
come on kristian he was a richard cranium and you also took great delight in giving him a bit of stick.
lighten up he deserved it, in my purely humble personal opinion.
anyway onwards and upwards, who's next!

[janpetersen]

Here is a man who speaks some sense in you country.Keep it up Mr Cowan if only Mike hills and His other name Grover had your brains.
Well done simon for that great result in beating?

[Grover]

jan/southern monkey/stuart waddell and whoever else you are please don't cast aspersions that are clearly false. you are just making a fool of yourself. as far as Michael who i'm not, at least he backs his opinion with facts unlike your numerous alias' and mates that like to massage each others dwindling ego's. enough said.

[janpetersen]

Alt jeg beder dig om, er at lytte til hvad jeg har at sige...
Maaske du endda kunne laere noget fra det.. Om bare du kunne snakke et andet sprog -Grover.
I don't know these names you've mentioned.
Smartroev... =)

Kom saa Danmark.

[Grover]

a grown up and mature response as i would have expected. to keep this on topic, as it should be, did anyone actually see the superstars final, what did they think? how would Simon had faired if he had squeeked into second in the qualifier?

[cowan]

jan/grover/michael/kristian/uncle tom cobley and anyone else out there!
are you really telling me you are the same people using different aliases?
god that's shocking - and there was i thinking i was in contact with real people.
let's get back to simon (superstar) is he on the comeback trail now he has won the scottish? where next for him?
can i see him competing in the uk, perhaps at the nationals? the sheer excitement is doing my head in, sorry but i will have to take my own advice and go and have a lie down in a darkened room.

[poharssister]

im not under an alias-it is me.not to bothered if people read my views or if they disagree but i dont need to hide behind a false name like some monkeys!

[hilly1285]

How the ???? has my name been brought into this. Believe me i am not Grover or any1 else, i am 100% Michael Hill - even ask site support and they can verify that we both have different IP addresses.

[PeteG]

Yeah I doubt that Jan or Kristian are using aliases and I can guarantee that Michael Hill isn't!! Plus, didn't site support put up some message about preventing people from having multiple registrations! If it goes on it might be an idea for them to confirm it, just to stop some people yapping...and no, I'm not going to mention any names!!!

[Nickponting]

Referring back to who would win out of Simon and Nathan at their best. If you are judging this today then Simon clearly comes out best since his results are far superior to Nathans with medals in the bank. However arguably Nathan is still improving so cannot be at his best yet therefore the comparison will have to wait - though he is going to have to win an All England to get close, capable of doing it though.

[redkingjoe]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/superstars/profiles/3151458.stm

Good to see a badminton player getting the opportunity to do something like this. Anybody fancy his chances?

Job Cuts Mark 'Worst Day In BBC's History'
The BBC has announced a second wave of job cuts in what union officials have described as the corporation's "worst day in history".A further 2,050 jobs are to go - coming on top of 1,730 already announced.The total number of job losses will reduce the corporation's UK workforce by 19%.

The cuts will include 420 in news, 66 in sport, 150 in drama, entertainment and children's programmes, 735 in the regions, 58 in new media and 424 in factual and learning.

do you think simon will be affected or he had actually left?