Lloyd and Bates had harsh words for Bogo

Perhaps it wasn't surprising that Alex Bogdanovic, who has a history of choking on the big occasion, was again the fall guy as Britain were beaten by Austria in the Davis Cup.

Yet it was a surprise that the British number two was chosen in the first place. It serves to show how desperate a state British tennis is in at the moment.

Back in June 2006, after Britain had lost to Israel and Bogo had again flopped, Lloyd, who was touting himself as an ideal replacement for Jeremy Bates as captain, was scathing.

"Alex has not performed well at all - it's not just how he's hit the ball, but the whole presence he brings onto the court," he seethed.

"His body language was not good and he seemed to accept defeat way too early. He sent everyone in the crowd to sleep.

"When you have someone who has a suspect temperament, you shouldn't assume they will play.

"You need to look the player in the eye and say: 'Do you really want to play this match?'

"I would much rather have someone who might not have the talent, but is willing to run through a brick wall for you.

"To be fair, I haven't spent any time with him, but if I did have some involvement he'd have to spend some serious time with me and convince me he wanted to play.

"There would have to be a lot of proving before I think he could be put in again.

"Never say never, but there would have to be a lot of convincing."

Bates still blames Bogo for that Israel defeat, which led him to resign.

Bates told Undercover Sport that Bogo has "a heart the size of a pea" and is "completely gutless".


Ouch!