AN Olympic sprinter will train every day for years in the hope of winning gold. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, they plan mentally and physically in the hope of running 100m in under ten seconds. Others crave more long term success - but the prerequisite of careful preparation is the same.

I was interested to read the reported comments this week of Terry Venables, the manager of Leeds United, who has just sold Rio Ferdinand to fierce rivals Manchester United for over £30m. In an apparent fit of pique, Mr Venables spoke of his anger that Manchester United seem to think they are better than anyone else, that they are entitled to any player they want.

Well, to be brutally frank, over recent years Manchester United have been better than anyone else and their secret has been careful preparation. Whereas Mr Venables' club tried and failed to buy glory, Manchester United have spent nearly 50 years getting the infrastructure right, dating back to the death of the Busby Babes.

Most of all, they have never rested on their laurels. In recent years they have brought through young players of the calibre of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, the Neville brothers and others.

The ground has been constantly improved and extended, bringing in more cash to invest in the business. And, like any other good business, when they have been found wanting they have head-hunted - hence the acquisition of Rio Ferdinand. And they have ensured they continue to get the best out of the best even when they retire - hence Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton passing on their influence from the directors' box.

Of course, the good news for Middlesbrough is that their manager Steve McClaren has spent time at Old Trafford and, hopefully, learnt from the masters. I believe the progress Middlesbrough have made since rising from the ashes of 1986 is phenomenal. Yes, there have been relegations, but the proof that Boro are being soundly run is the fact they have had the finances and the leadership to bounce straight back.

Leeds have spent a colossal amount of money chasing silverware in recent years - now they are having to sell off the family silver to survive. The lesson to be learnt is that planning and preparation are crucial to long-term success, and that's true whether you are running a football team or running a council.

There is always the temptation to jump early, to cut corners, either to save a bit of money or win a bit of favour. But fools rush in - winners plan ahead.

MY wife and daughters now use remote control to get me out of the house. They switch on Big Brother and I walk out of the door.

I cannot stand this mindless drivel but my protests are drowned out by intense discussion regarding Tim's hair colour, Alex's whingeing, Jade's cellulite or Adele's bitchiness. But tonight millions will tune in to decide who wins the £70,000 first prize, so clearly the creators have hit a nerve I was born without.

I suggest, if you must vote, then vote for Jonny from Durham. He's local and if he's a fireman he must be a good lad.