West Ham linked to Allardyce sacking December 13, 2010 BLACKBURN captain Ryan Nelsen last night expressed his dismay at the shock sacking of manager Sam Allardyce, saying he was “devastated” by the actions of the club’s new Indian owners. Allardyce was shown the door despite Rovers being five points above the Premier League relegation zone in 13th place, amid rumours of conflict with the [...]
Lampard expects to win league December 13, 2010 FOOTBALL: Frank Lampard is convinced floundering Chelsea will retain their Premier League title if they replicate their performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham. He said: “If we play with the spirit we showed there, I have no doubt we’ll win the league, because we’ve got the quality in our team.”
Win sends Higgins back to No1 December 13, 2010 SNOOKER: John Higgins’ victory at the UK Championship has taken him back to the top of the world rankings. It is the Scot’s first major tournament triumph since serving a six-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute.
Butt insists career isn’t over December 13, 2010 CRICKET: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt still expects to play for his country again despite spot-fixing allegations that are threatening to end his career. Butt said: “I still remain positive and I know what I’m made of.”
Boks duo’s B samples positive December 13, 2010 RUGBY UNION: South Africa’s Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson are facing bans after B samples confirmed their positive drugs tests. The duo tested positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine after last month’s 23-21 win over Ireland.
We are back: Ancelotti hails Chelsea revival December 12, 2010 TOTTENHAM (1) vs CHELSEA (1) CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti warned his Premier League rivals that yesterday’s draw at Spurs signalled the end of the Blues’ blip. Roman Pavlyuchenko’s first-half strike looked likely to condemn the champions to a fourth league defeat in seven games, before substitute Didier Drogba benefited from a goalkeeping howler by Heurelho [...]
Wenger surprised at Arsenal leading a tougher top flight December 12, 2010 MANCHESTER UTD vs ARSENAL ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger leads his side into a match that will have a huge bearing on their title ambitions tonight in the firm belief that winning the Premier League is tougher than ever. The Gunners arrive at Old Trafford top of the table but battle-scarred from four defeats, three of [...]
Tevez claims his beef is with City hierarchy and not his manger December 12, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY captain Carlos Tevez last night reiterated his desire to leave the club and turned the heat on the club’s hierarchy. Tevez confirmed he had handed in a transfer request, which has been flatly rejected, but revealed he has no personal gripe with his manager Roberto Mancini. Tevez, currently on holiday in Tenerife, said: “I need [...]
Wilkinson rolls back the years as Irish slide to their sixth consecutive defeat December 12, 2010 LONDON IRISH head coach Toby Booth compared Jonny Wilkinson to a fine wine after the unerring boot of the veteran Toulon fly-half put a huge dent in their hopes of progressing in the Heineken Cup. England great Wilkinson kicked four penalties and converted Rudi Wulf’s try as the Frenchmen won 19-13 at the Madejski Stadium, [...]
We can go unbeaten all tour, says Prior December 12, 2010 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Matt Prior believes his side are displaying the sort of qualities that will help see them go undefeated for the entirety of their Ashes tour of Australia. Prior’s unbeaten century helped England secure a draw in a tour match against Victoria at the MCG and ensured their momentum remained intact ahead of the third [...]