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Horses for courses: Michael Owen and Andrew Black - 1st July 2010
Footballer Michael Owen and Betfair co-founder Andrew Black are taking on the racing world with their own stable. But can they make it pay? Colin Cameron reports
Among followers of football there is a belief that England's Michael Owen, once of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle, now of Manchester United, is at his most prolific as a striker when partnered with a substantial target man. On this sunny May afternoon, he certainly has that. At well over six foot and with the bulk to trouble even the most imposing defender, Andrew Black boasts the required dimensions. Except, in this partnership's case, the game is racing.
Esquire Magazine - 1st September 2005
Come on, you bastards!" he shouts. Staring belligerently down the camera lens, Michael Owen is taking the photographer’s request to make us afraid very seriously indeed. With far more feeling than anyone expected, in fact. As he puts on a hooded top over a black suit, his brow darkens, the lines of his face harden and you have to look very closely indeed to recognise the clean-cut golden boy of English football. A few years ago, hoodie or not, he couldn’t have got arrested in a suburban shopping mall; now he could pass unnoticed among the Dark Lords of the Sith.
The world at his feet - 5th June 2005
He’s played for his boyhood idols, skippered England and now turns out for one of the world’s biggest teams.
But Michael Owen admits that he still gets one of his biggest kicks from playing in the World Cup finals.
"It’s a fantastic competition to be in," said Michael. "European Championships are great and if you win one of those you are virtually a World Cup-winner as all the major teams are there, apart from the likes of Brazil and Argentina."
Reigning in Spain - 8th April 2005
Michael Owen wants it to be known he loves life in Spain. He thinks its great to be part of the mighty Real Madrid squad and he has no plans to return to England.
Linked in recent months with a quick trip back to the premiership, the former Liverpool striker’s main concern is keeping a place in the Spanish side’s starting line-up. But he’s confident he can be a success at the Bernabeu.
The Real deal - The Times - 19th February 2005
He may not yet be the biggest star among Real Madrid’s band of galácticos, but Michael Owen is far from overawed. Robert Crampton found him confident of a reign in Spain. He’s guarded, Michael Owen. Guarded by the ever-present minder from his agents, SFX, guarded, too, at a slightly greater distance, by the people from Tissot, the watch manufacturers who pay him to wear their products, and guarded in any case by a personal preference for avoiding controversy. "I never wanted to be famous for anything but football," he wrote in his recent autobiography.