I THINK it was Robert De Niro in Angel Heart (or it could have been Ken Barlow in Corrie) that said 'It's always the bad apple that makes the girl's heart beat faster.'

And, before you start asking 'What planet is this Garner fellow on?' I do have a point.

If life has taught me anything it's that cheats prosper and nice guys get squat -- girls, money, sporting honours!

When he was a football manager Kevin Keegan always came across as a bloody nice bloke.

Now tell me what did he ever win?

Even United maniacs of my acquaintance wouldn't rush to invite Sir Alex to their wedding but the dour Scot has won the odd trophy.

Get the connection yet?

So take a bow Mike Atherton.

His spat with Sri Lanka's Kumas Sangakkara was a joy to watch.

Seeing the usually phlegmatic Athers go finger-wagging mad you knew you were watching a seminal moment in English cricket.

Recent results may not be a false dawn after all.

If you care about winning in sport -- professional sport -- you have to be able to mix it with the best of them.

It's simply not good enough being a charming loser.

We've seen a succession of nice guys with limited ability losing all around the globe -- they were selected to win cricket matches not become diplomats.

David Lloyd tried to inject a bit of passion during his reign as coach.

What the new regime appear to have added to the mix is another vital element -- nastiness.

And it's working.

Those who have complained about a decline in standards are looking through rose-coloured spectacles at an imaginary past.

Or did the Bodyline Series never exist?

Fact: Professional sportsmen cheat. (Shirt pulling, diving, over-appealing).

Get over it!

Fact: Some umpires and referees are poor.

So what! The professionals tend to get the officials their antics deserve.

Fact: Winning and win bonuses ARE ALL that matters.

The taking part is simply a means to an end.

And when English cricketers start to get a little overheated they aren't doing anything earth shattering.

They are simply giving their talents a chance to earn some reward.

So take a bow Athers; Robert De Niro (or Ken Barlow) would be proud of you.

SPITTING MAD: Atherton