NTFS #141 – Fair Play Publishing Preserving Australian Sporting History, Plus So Much More…

As we roll into our 21st year of the show we would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and welcome you to our first show of 2026.

On this first show for 2026 we catch up with Bonita Mersiades who after years working in sports administration moved into the world of publishing. Bonita, set up FairPlay Publishing so that sportspeople and authors are able to share their stories and the history of Australian sport is being preserved. Check out the books on offer on their website and on the SHOP PAGE

Rather than having specifc topics in sport in recent times Ashley and John look back on the past month of sport since the last show. Under discussion are The Hockey India League where Ashley was commentating in January. Then it moves onto the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico and whether the threat of a boycott is actually followed through by any nation. Even if it isn’t how many fans can afford the price of the tickets for games and will we see FIFA having to bus crowds in to fill the stadia in the USA?

John then picks at the scab that was the Ashes series in Australia. Who is to blame for England’s poor showing? Was the preparation as adequate as some have tried to claim? Ashley does not hold back labelling it England’s most embarrassing tour to Australia in his lifetime.

To round out the show John questions the options today of viewing sport such as the T20 World Cup and explains why he will not be watching, also the timing of Australia’s Pro League matches is questioned, while Ashley asks for the League to be brought to a prompt end for everyone’s sake.

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