Room 101: Tom Allen – Henley Hawks centre

1. Salary discrepancy with football
Wouldn’t it be nice if the salaries in rugby were equivalent to those that you get in football? In the news recently we’ve all heard about Gareth Bale’s record breaking transfer fee to Real Madrid for just over £85 million, an amount of money that would pay for the running of the whole of the Aviva Premiership (players/ coaches/ medical staff) for two seasons! This would, of course, mean that as I play at Henley in National One we would all be earning £3/4k per week. Result!
TRP verdict:  Dream on. The only 3k you’re ever likely to get at Henley is the bumper attendance at Dry Leas for last season’s title clash with Worthing.
2. Ryanair
Given the opportunity to write something damning about this airline was something I couldn’t pass up on. I will not fly with Ryanair; I just love to hate them. Each time I see or hear the chief executive Mr Michael O’Leary on TV I have to turn over. He always goes on about Ryanair being the most punctual airline; the best value for money airline…it’s like a broken record. If someone dares to question him he acts like the consummate politician and talks around the subject. They seduce you with headline prices and then they sting you with luggage charges, excess baggage fees, card handling charges (I tried to pay cash and they wouldn’t accept that) and then, if you are unlucky enough to fly with them, that bloody trumpet comes on over the PA system when you land telling you that you’re on time. Really?
TRP verdict:  Talk is cheap, like the airline, but you’re in anyway.
3. Overprice chain coffee shops
Like millions of people I enjoy a good cup of coffee. The country has literally gone crazy for the stuff and everywhere you look there are big chains battling it out for your custom on Britain’s high streets. I simply cannot believe how the big chains get away with charging so much though. This is why I decided last year to set up my own independent mobile coffee shop, called The Flying Bean Café. My aim was simple: to bring great coffee at a great price (over 25 per cent cheaper) to the people of my locality. After acquiring a second van three months ago we now serve over 60 locations every day. What could be better than a cup of your favourite coffee, made just the way you like it, delivered to your door at the same time each and every day and cheaper than any of my rivals?
TRP verdict:  You’re clearly a van man with a plan. We agree High Street drinks Costa-too much.