It may have lost some sheen, but the FA Cup – giant-killings, pitch invasions and romance aplenty – is still magical January 31, 2017 For all the surprise that Sunday’s result caused, Sutton manager Paul Doswell actually predicted that his part-timers would have a chance against Leeds if their Premier League-chasing visitors rested the bulk of their first team. They did, and Sutton duly wrote one of the stories of this year’s FA Cup. To some people, that represents [...]
When does the Premier League transfer window shut? Can players still be signed after the deadline? Here’s everything you need to know January 31, 2017 When does this year's January transfer window close? Premier League and Football League clubs in England have until 11pm on Tuesday 31 January to sign new players. There's Premier League games being played that night — and the day after! Will players be allowed to play immediately? Not so fast. Players have to be registered with the league before midday [...]
Sam Sunderland interview: Britain’s first winner of the Dakar Rally talks sun, sand and… cows January 31, 2017 After multiple broken bones and two previous disappointments, Britain’s first ever winner of the Dakar Rally never imagined his high-speed dreams would be ended by something as sedate as a cow. But Sam Sunderland, who took the title in the motorbike division of the iconic race earlier this month, recalls how a blundering bovine nearly [...]
Sutton United fairytale continues as National League side draw Arsenal in fifth round January 30, 2017 Fifth-tier Sutton United’s fairytale FA Cup journey has continued after being drawn at home to 12-time tournament winners Arsenal in the fifth round. Sutton, who beat Championship high-flyers Leeds on Sunday, have been rewarded with a glamour tie, having reached the last 16 for the first time in their history. The U’s 3G artificial surface [...]
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ready to unleash “hard hit” on Liverpool’s Premier League title aspirations January 30, 2017 Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists victory for his runaway Premier League leaders in tonight’s heavyweight showdown at Anfield would deal a near-fatal blow to Liverpool’s title aspirations. Liverpool are currently in a tailspin having won just one of their last eight matches and last week suffered the ignominy of three successive home defeats as they [...]
West Ham divide fans with Dimitri Payet shirt replacement offer as playmaker seals £25m Marseille return January 30, 2017 West Ham have divided supporters by offering to replace replica shirts emblazoned with the name of departed star Dimitri Payet – but only if they pay £25. Payet completed a £25m return to former club Marseille on Monday, having angered Hammers fans by agitating for a transfer just months after being made the highest-paid player [...]
Leicester’s refreshing youth policy is a reminder that size isn’t everything in rugby January 30, 2017 Harry Thacker, the 22-year-old Leicester hooker, is not unfamiliar with crossing the whitewash, and scored his 10th club try in a dynamic display as the Tigers bounced back from an embarrassing Champions Cup defeat last weekend to beat Northampton Saints 27-20 on Saturday. Thacker is continuing the trend of outstanding Welford Road hookers who are [...]
Loosehead prop Joe Marler set to defy injury prognosis and line up for England in Six Nations opener against France January 30, 2017 England forwards coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed that loosehead prop Joe Marler is poised to complete a remarkable recovery and line up during Saturday’s Six Nations opener against France. Harlequins powerhouse Marler was expected to be sidelined for five weeks, which would have included the opening two rounds of the championship, after suffering a fracture [...]
Injuries revealed: The Premier League’s worst hit teams of the 2016/17 season January 30, 2017 As the business end of the football season approaches, it's far from unusual for managers and fans to crack open excuses to explain performances that don't make the grade. And one of the more common explanations noted by managers through gritted teeth in their post-match interviews is that their team is has been blighted by a raft of injuries. [...]
Eddie Jones backs wing Anthony Watson to make impact in latter stages of Six Nations after being sidelined with hamstring injury January 29, 2017 England head coach Eddie Jones has backed injured wing Anthony Watson to force his way into his side’s plans during the latter stages of the Six Nations despite being ruled out for up to four weeks. A medical assessment confirmed that Watson has a slight muscular strain to his hamstring which will require rehabilitation and [...]