Notts to start defence against Hants December 14, 2010 CRICKET: Nottinghamshire will not begin the defence of their LV= County Championship title until 14 April after being given a week off in the opening round of next season’s fixtures. Mick Newell’s side travel to Abu Dhabi for the season curtain-raiser against an MCC XI on 27 March, but will not be in action again [...]
Hodgson not worried about the sack December 14, 2010 FOOTBALL: Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insists he does not fear for his job and is still confident he can turn around the Reds season. “I don’t have any fears, worries or concerns,” said Hodgson ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Utrecht. “The owners have made it perfectly clear they are in it for the [...]
Khan not ready for Mayweather test December 14, 2010 BOXING: Promoter Frank Warren has told Amir Khan that he would be “mad” to fight Floyd Mayweather. Trainer Freddie Roach led calls for Khan to take on the former pound-for-pound king next year after his thrilling victory over Marcos Maidana last weekend, but Warren warned: “He’s got to go up in weight to fight Mayweather [...]
Henson hopeful of Wales return December 14, 2010 RUGBY UNION: British and Irish Lions back Gavin Henson has declared that Wales can win next year’s Six Nations – and is eyeing a place in the national side’s squad. Henson, who is hoping to make his return to competitive rugby for Saracens against Wasps on Boxing Day, said: “I think we’re due another Grand [...]
Park strife as Arsenal falter December 13, 2010 MANCHESTER UTD 1 vs ARSENAL 1 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger believes his team are still capable of sustaining a challenge for the Premier League title despite seeing Manchester United ominously climb back to the summit, with a game in hand, following last night’s defeat at Old Trafford. Ji-Sung Park’s splendidly improvised header four minutes before [...]
Flower admits to Anderson gamble December 13, 2010 ENGLAND coach Andy Flower admits he will be taking a gamble on the fitness of James Anderson as the fast bowler prepares to spearhead his side’s attack in the third Ashes Test, having undertaken two long-haul flights in the space of four days. Anderson, who has taken eight wickets in the series so far, flew [...]
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.”