Sky Sports News carried out a brutal cull last week with 20-25 staff set to depart.

Some have pointed out that the cuts, which have left many devastated, come at a time when the broadcaster is paying reality TV star and former Crawley Town footballer Mark Wright to present a morning show during the Euros.

A host of recognisable reporters and presenters have already been unceremoniously kicked into touch, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the industry.

The fallout from the pandemic, along with a drive for the next generation of subscribers and a shift towards increased digital content under new boss Mark Alford, are behind the action with some believing Sky are following the BBC's lead of pursuing dumbed-down content in a drive for youth.

PARKER KEPT AWAY 

Given he oversaw their relegation from the Premier League and jumped ship to a Championship rival, perhaps it was not surprising that former Fulham manager Scott Parker struggled to gain access to the west London club's training ground to pick up his belongings.

Parker's move to Bournemouth was confirmed last Monday after weeks of speculation, with Fulham reportedly unhappy after the news leaked.

Much to his annoyance, Parker could not get into the training ground to gather some of his old gear and say his goodbyes, although insiders have pointed out he had been away on holiday and there were concerns over the security of the venue's bubble.

EX-CHELSEA CHIEF TO ASSIST BAGGIES DEALS 

Former Chelsea and Reading chief executive Ron Gourlay is working with West Brom as a consultant on a wide range of areas, including transfers, following the sudden departure of Luke Dowling as sporting director. 

Dowling was sacked last month after three years at the Hawthorns as the club's Chinese owners reassess their football operations. 

They have turned to experienced operator Gourlay to help them during the summer transfer window, when a lot of players are expected to come and go following Albion's relegation from the top flight.

FINA LOSING THEIR HATS 

World swimming's governing body FINA had to move swiftly in an attempt to defuse a race row over a special Soul Cap for swimmers with Afro hairstyles.

While too late to reverse a ban on the caps for the Tokyo Olympics, FINA have promised to review them for future competition — having previously stated they did not meet the regulations that caps should 'fit the natural form of the head'.

The ensuing row has gone viral.

Some have pointed out that the resulting publicity will have done no harm to the British brand.

However, it is hard to fathom what unfair advantage the extra-large headwear could possibly give to those using it.

HUNDRED WAYS TO SAY NOTHING 

The Hundred may have already picked up its first accolade — that of the worst press conference held here.

Last week, journalists were invited to an online event at which the BBC launched their new commentary team (which looks very much like their old commentary team).

Where to start?

Reporters who wanted to ask questions had to scan a QR code, which many could not find. Others who instead asked questions on the live chat did not have them read out as they had not been vetted.

The whole event was based on the new format being 'like cricket but different', only nobody seemed to be able to explain what was 'different' about it.

Much was made about the 'world's best' coming to these shores when 48 hours later it was announced that many of the world's best would be unable to make it because of Covid restrictions and changes to the international calendar.

There was also a bizarre obsession with the amount of music to be played at games.

Some remarked how the cringeworthy session resembled a meeting of a cult, with those involved brainwashed into believing the competition was going to be anything other than a gimmick.

BBC insiders say that the use of QR codes is now common practice.

...AND PLAYER SELECTION HAS ALSO STUMBLED

While launching a tournament during a pandemic was never going to be straightforward there is an element of sticking plaster and super glue to the latest player changes in the Hundred.

Welsh Fire, for example, now have four overseas players covering three slots.

Some have pointed out that such a situation devalues the much-vaunted draft. 

The ECB say it is standard practice in global competitions. As for claims it will feature the 'world's best', Josh Inglis fills an overseas slot at London Spirit but is yet to be capped by Australia. 

WELCOME TO TOKYO...

NOW STAY IN YOUR ROOM 

Those heading to Tokyo to cover the Olympics are getting the sense their presence is not very welcome. The diminishing group who have jumped through a ludicrous number of hoops were dismayed to receive the latest update from Japan last week in the form of an accommodation guide which contained some delightful messaging.

This led many to wonder if the event was being held in Tokyo in 2021, or Moscow in 1980.

'The people of Japan will be paying close attention to your every move as you participate in the Games,' it warned.

'In the unlikely event you are suspected or found to be in infringement of the Playbook (the media rulebook), such activity may be photographed and shared on social media by bystanders.'

Charming.
And if you are shopped by a punter? Officials will investigate and, if found guilty, accreditation will be withdrawn. Security guards have also been drafted in to media hotels to ensure reporters do not leave their rooms.

SKATING ONBOARD WITH TEAM GB

As the youngest summer Olympian for Team GB, British officials were impressed by 12-year-old Sky Brown's efforts to be part of the team from the off, despite living in the US. 

The skateboarder, along with her team-mate, 14-year-old Bombette Martin, went to the trouble of asking for Team GB kit to be shipped to the States for her media announcement earlier this week.

Brown will be 13 years and 11 days when she represents the team.

TEAM GB ENJOY EASY TOKYO ACCESS 

Team GB's first athletes and members of staff made it into Tokyo past the strict border controls last week, with minimal fuss.
It remains to be seen how Tokyo copes with the increase in numbers in the coming weeks.

Contributor: Dominic King