Coppinger breaks into Top 20

MANTIS ambassador Stephen Coppinger has become the first South African since the late 70's to break into the top 20, he has moved up 3 positions in the PSA Men's World Rankings to number 20.

The 28 year old made a stunning start to the New Year by reaching the quarter finals of both the Tournament of Champions an Motor City Open, unseeded- in the former upsetting higher-ranked Englishmen Peter Baker and Adrian Grant to make the last eight of a PSA World Series event for the first time.

"It is obviously fantastic for me to get into the top 20 and a sure sign that the hard work is paying off with good results over the last few months," explained the five-time South African national champion. "I am based in Orlando now for a lot of the season, working with David Palmer, and it has been great to be able to work with him and draw on his wealth of experience in the game.

"Rodney Durbach has also been a huge influence over the last five years and continues to help me a lot too. Hopefully with their help, and others around them, I will be able to keep climbing the ladder bit by bit."

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The Future of Scottish Football debated at Soccerex European Forum

Soccerex is pleased to announce that key representatives from the Scottish FA will all be speaking on the ‘The Future of Scottish Football’ panel hosted by David Davies, at the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester, 10-11 April.

National Coach Gordon Strachan, Chief Executive Stewart Regan, Second Vice President Rod Petrie and Performance Director Mark Wotte will all discuss the Scottish FA's modernisation plans and outline their vision for the future, relating to the recently published strategic plan, Scotland United.

Looking over the recent challenges as well as the future development of Scottish football, the panel will discuss and analyse the implementation and legacy of the Henry McLeish’s Review of Scottish Football. Published in 2010, the former Scottish First Minister laid out a clear vision for Scottish football with five key elements that needed to bed addressed: Performance, Strong Quality Growth, Governance of the Game, Better Financial Returns and League Reconstruction.

For more information on Soccerex - click here

"Have a Pukka Pie Day" Launches Today

Pukka Pies launch a national television campaign to further drive brand awareness and prompt customers to make a purchase today.

The advert will feature a variety of people from various age groups enjoying their own interpretation of a “Pukka Pie Day!” all in good humour.

Britain’s favourite branded pie, who celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2013, will launch a light hearted national advert on the 11th of February and will run until the 28th February.

The multi-channel campaign will incorporate creative and activation across POS and the ever expanding Pukka Pies’ social media platforms.

Wayne Greensmith, Marketing Manager for Pukka Pies, said; “2013 is a very important year for Pukka Pies being our 50th year in business. The brand continues to go from strength to strength and maintains its position as No.1 brand in hot pie chilled category (Source: AC Nielsen Jan-Dec 2012) and this TV campaign demonstrates our commitment to investing in the brand helping drive sales for all our customers.”

For more details on Pukka Pies - click here

Gordon Strachan Twitter Takeover

Vauxhall, the Scotland team sponsor, hosted a Q & A for new National team coach Gordon Strachan on their twitter page.

Ahead of his first game in charge against Estonia, Strachan answered fans questions directly via the @VauxhallScot twitter account.

Using the hashtag #askGordon, Strachan answered a variety of questions ranging from qualification hopes to what he usually buys in a chip shop!

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Vauxhall Celebrate Ashley Cole Achievement in ‘Glorious’ Fashion

Vauxhall, the England team sponsor, has released a celebratory video to commemorate Ashley Cole’s 100th cap for his country.

The video, which is available on YouTube (http://po.st/SgfpXt), provides a look back at Ashley Cole singing the national anthem during a number of his 100 appearances for England.

Cole, won his 100th cap against Brazil at Wembley last Wednesday and joins an illustrious list of players with 100 caps including Peter Shilton (125), David Beckham (115), Bobby Moore (108), Bobby Charlton (106) and Billy Wright (105) and current captain Steven Gerrard (100).

England centurion Cole commented, “I am very proud to have received 100 caps for England and grateful to Vauxhall for commemorating it with this video. The national anthem always makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up before the game and I feel honoured to have played for my country.”

Peter Hope, Marketing Director at Vauxhall, said; “As proud sponsors of Home Nations football we are delighted to celebrate Ashley Cole’s achievement with this video and congratulate him on his career for England.”

View the full video - click here