There is no doubt in my mind he was a deserved winner, but there was always going to be an element of doubt as to whether he would get it.

There were a couple of problems.

Firstly the inclusion of a second world class boxer, Ricky Hatton, in the final shortlist splitting the votes going to boxers.

And also the fact that Lewis Hamilton was up for it - the token plucky loser, if you like.

Anyone who doubts that losing pluckily is a real bonus to anyone looking for votes need look no further than the award of team of the year to the England rugby union side.

Had the Formula One rookie won I would have been staggered.

After all, I have stalled my car under pressure on more than one occasion, but I was not on the list.

Why we always go for the underdog is a mystery to me.

When it comes to the overseas award we do not, as was proved with Roger Federer picking up that particular gong.

There is something about the Sports Personality of the Year show that makes compulsive viewing.

A bit like a car crash, really.

The awkward interviews, the sports men and women in ill-fitting suits and dresses and the 'spot the Sky Sports and ITV credits' which reinforce just how little sport BBC Television actually has the rights to.

But this year it was pushed to even greater heights of awkwardness.

It was not enough for James Toseland to be presented as the World Superbike champion - he had to play the piano as well.

And why we had to sit through Mark Ramprakash dancing in a low cut sequinned outfit was quite beyond me.

It was part sports review, part freak show.

Both 'musical' interludes were in stark contrast to the highlight of the evening - the lifetime award to Sir Bobby Robson.

A true sports man, he was genuinely touched to be honoured in such a way and his speech hit the spot perfectly.

He may have uttered the odd bizarre quote in his time - "It wasn't going to be our day on the night" among them - but he has a passion for football and he was another thoroughly deserving recipient.

Two in one night probably constitutes some sort of record.

WHAT'S the best way to prepare for a must-win Champions League game?

Not losing at Reading would be pretty close to the top of the list.

But that was Liverpool's fate as they look forward to tonight's game in Marseille.

The Reds have to win in France to make absolutely certain of not only making the knockout stages of the big competition, but to secure a place in the UEFA Cup as a fall back.

If Besiktas beat Porto and Liverpool lose the Reds will finish bottom of their group.

Taxi for Benitez?