Doubts grow over Wilkinson as World Cup enters last eight October 2, 2011 FORMER England captain Martin Corry has urged manager Martin Johnson to put his faith in fly-half Toby Flood for the World Cup quarter-final against France. Jonny Wilkinson was again preferred to Flood for Saturday’s 16-12 win over Scotland, which ensured England’s progress to the last eight. However the veteran No10 was far from convincing, continuing [...]
Taarabt strop a storm in a tea cup, insists Warnock October 2, 2011 FULHAM (6) vs QPR (0) QUEENS PARK RANGERS manager Neil Warnock insisted Adel Taarabt’s petulant response to being substituted was not his main cause of concern after watching Andrew Johnson’s hat-trick inspire a rout of his side. Morocco midfielder Taarabt, who recently lost the captaincy following the arrival of Joey Barton, failed to emerge for [...]
No room for Ferdinand or Gerrard as Capello snubs the old guard ahead of Euro qualifier October 2, 2011 FORMER England captain Rio Ferdinand has been left out of England’s squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on Friday. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, only recently fit again following six months out with groin trouble, has also been overlooked. Gerrard had confessed he was short of fitness ahead of the squad announcement but Ferdinand [...]
Murray eyes Federer after Thailand triumph October 2, 2011 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray targeted a rankings rise after sweeping to his third ATP Tour title of the year at the Thailand Open. Murray took just 48 minutes to beat America’s Donald Young 6-2, 6-0 in Bangkok and cap a successful first tournament since last month’s US Open. And the Scot then set his sights on [...]
Great Danedream causes shock at Prix de l’Arc October 2, 2011 TRAINER Peter Schiergen hailed a landmark day after his Danedream became only the second German winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The 20-1 shot found a devastating burst of pace in the straight under Andrasch Starke to upset a strong field and claim one of racing’s most prestigious crowns. Shareta finished second, some [...]
WALES HUNTERS | Ireland into quarters October 2, 2011 TWO tries from birthday boy Keith Earls and another from Brian O’Driscoll (above) ensured Ireland topped Pool C and set up a quarter-final date with Wales. Needing at least a draw with Italy to claim top spot, Ireland overwhelmed the Azzurri 36-6 in Dunedin to send their Six Nations rivals home. Fly-half Ronan O’Gara kicked [...]
THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS October 2, 2011 GATLAND DELIGHT AT WIN WALES boss Warren Gatland hailed a ruthless performance after a 66-0 thrashing of Fiji booked a quarter-final clash with Ireland. Jamie Roberts led the way with two tries, while Scott Williams, George North, Sam Warburton, Lloyd Burns, Leigh Halfpenny, Lloyd Williams and Jonathan Davies also scored. Wales led 31-0 at half-time [...]
McClaren’s Forest reign is over October 2, 2011 Former England manager Steve McClaren has resigned as manager of Nottingham Forest after 112 days in charge. McClaren, 50, stepped down during a meeting with chairman Nigel Doughty that followed yesterday’s 3-1 home defeat against Birmingham City.
Everton appeal Rodwell red card October 2, 2011 Everton have made a formal appeal to the Football Association against Jack Rodwell’s red card in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. The midfielder was dismissed after 23 minutes against Liverpool, in a match the Toffees went on to lose 2-0.
Hoey holds off McIlroy charge October 2, 2011 Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey won the Dunhill Links Championship thanks to a late surge, which saw him fire three birdies in the final four holes, to hold off the challenge of Rory McIlroy.