Robbie Williams will doubtless be dismayed, but unsurprised to hear that he is virtually certain of being awarded the Worst Album prize in this evening's NME Awards.In a widely reported ‘leak’ (which politely includes the name of the event’s sponsor) the rock weekly’s editor Conor McNicholas is quoted as saying: "Readers have been clamouring to elect Robbie's Rudebox as their Worst Album. He's not having a good time of it."

The album, arguably his most ambitious but certainly least successful since he left Take That in July 1995, has sold something in excess of three million copies worldwide: a triumph for a new act, but as the key record release for EMI in 2006 regarded in industry circles as something of a disaster. It should be noted the title track reached Number 4 in the UK Singles Chart, equalling the position of his most celebrated release Angels.

At least Williams will be spared the ignominy of seeing any success for his erstwhile colleagues Take That at the awards. In keeping with the NME’s ‘indie’ ethos the nominees for best album are Kasabian, The Killers, Muse, My Chemical Romance and ageing hipster’s favourites The Arctic Monkeys.

The trophy – a life-sized sculpture of a hand with middle finger aloft, is allegedly being delivered to The Meadows clinic in Arizona where Williams is currently a resident. We understand that the policy of the clinic is not to accept deliveries to any person undergoing treatment.

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