Write up from the MUTV Website:

Four Manchester United players recently traded the training pitch for a pool table – with MUTV's cameras capturing all the action.

Reds goalkeepers Anders Lindegaard and Tomasz Kuszczak plus strikers Kiko Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf all picked up pool cues for a practice session with world trick shot champion Steve Daking, followed by a mini tournament amongst themselves.

To see the players learning how to hustle and attempting tricks, and to find out which United player is top dog at pool, watch 8-Ball Hot-Shots on MUTV at 21:00 GMT this Sunday, 22 January.

To enjoy 8-Ball Hot-Shots and other exclusive shows, subscribe to MUTV.

It was busy night for me at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards yesterday. I had the honour of providing entertainment for the 450 guests before they took their seats for the Awards Ceremony at Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium.

Me with Willie

It was great to be able to perform at an event attended by so many celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment. I had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with the evening’s host, snooker legend Willie Thorne, who also helped me with some practice before the show!

During the evening, another cueman, World Snooker Number One, Mark Selby was crowned Sportsman of the Year, while Whitwick athlete Gemma Steel won the Sportswoman of the Year trophy.

The ceremony included a Lifetime Achievement award for the first time. It went to former Leicester City and Leicestershire CCC player Graham Cross and was presented by William Roache, Coronation Street's Ken Barlow.

After the ceremony, entertainment was provided by the soulful X-Factor star, Andy Abraham.

The event has been running for over 15 years, but it was the first time it was organised by Champions (UK) plc. Their team did a fantastic job, bringing some real showbiz sparkle to the awards. It was fantastic to be just a small part of the proceedings.

Now you can give 8BallCoach.com Membership as a gift.  The perfect present for any pool player who wants to improve their game

It can be very difficult to find a good gift for a pool player.  Most players will already have a cue, and having spent a long while getting used to it will not want to change it – even if it is an expensive gift!  Unlike many other sports, there is not a vast array of gadgets a player needs, or any special clothing (believe me, no player wants to turn up to a tournament wearing a waistcoat knitted by there Grandmother!).

So what can you buy the pool player in the family for Christmas?  Well, I am happy to report that I have a solution!  Once a player has all the equipment, what could be better than giving them full instructions on how to use it?

My online coaching website, 8BallCoach.com is the most comprehensive guide to the game of British Pool ever produced. The content is approved by the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), The English Pool Association (EPA) and the Universities Pool Council (UPC) – the content forms the basis for the official coaches training courses I run at the 8 Ball Academy.

The lessons are in the form of online streaming videos, all presented by me.  I explain every aspect of the game – everything from building the correct stance, to shot selection and tactics.  There are three levels of course available on the website, suitable for all budgets and ability.

As a gift, 8BallCoach.com is for life, not just for Xmas!  Those that join the website, get lifetime membership so that they can learn at their own pace, and review the material as many times as they like until they understand each lesson.  In addition, the gift of knowledge can never be taken away.  Cues may get broken, or even stolen; lessons learnt you can use forever.

There is nothing better than getting results, and 8BallCoach.com can help players win consistently for the rest of their playing career.  For pool players, what could be better gift at Christmas?

To give 8BallCoach.com membership as a gift this Christmas, visit the gift page here.  We can then activate an account for whoever you nominate.

Alternatively, for an extra special treat, contact us for details of a 1-2-1 training day with me.  These are strictly limited due to my busy schedule, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.