Blog: Asda's Andy Clarke is a good sport

Asda boss Andy Clarke was man of the match today while reporting his team’s thrashing of the competition at its quarterly results. The Leeds-based rugby fanatic tucked into an Asda ready meal shortly after making short work of the media at a press conference at Leiths Cookery School in West London.

Asda has taken the excellent decision to theme its quarterly results press events of late. As such last quarter’s presentation on the George business - a quirky fashion show displaying its Union Jack-branded wares on chirpy models in Carnaby Street - is followed by today’s tasty feast at the home of catering.

Clarke was pleased with the buzz that the Olympics had created although he hadn’t made it down himself. The Asda boss had tickets for the water polo, a sport dear to his heart having played for several years, but didn’t make it down south. I, meanwhile, only learned last week that it’s not a sport that involves making horses swim. We bluffed it out though.

He was also upbeat about the coming rugby season with Leicester Tigers set to get their claws into local rivals Nottingham later this month.

The affable boss quickly dashed out following the post conference chat and was spotted nattering on the phone opposite the Shepherd’s Bush cookery school.

As I eased myself into the awaiting taxi I warned the taxi driver to be careful not to run over Clarke. “Watch out, that’s the boss of Asda,” I said. “It’s alright, they always get replaced,” said the taxi driver.

Retail will hope not, for Clarke is clearly a good sport.