Bath stars are ready to take centre stage November 18, 2010 ENGLAND vs SAMOA BATH centres Matt Banahan and Shontayne Hape believe their close off-field relationship will help them develop a midfield partnership that will benefit England for years to come. With veteran World Cup winner Mike Tindall being afforded the week off by manager Martin Johnson, the Bath axis of Kiwi-born Hape (right) and Jersey [...]
England new boys will be out to prove points November 18, 2010 A FEW of England’s players have a particular point to prove against Samoa tomorrow, with Martin Johnson using the Test to experiment. Here are three men who’ll be out to impress. NICK EASTER As captain in place of the rested Lewis Moody, Nick has a vital role. Chiefly he must make sure England play with [...]
Van Persie: I advised Arsenal to sign Van der Vaart November 18, 2010 ARSENAL striker Robin van Persie has added further spice to tomorrow’s north London derby by revealing he begged manager Arsene Wenger to sign Rafael van der Vaart. Holland playmaker Van der Vaart has been a revelation at Tottenham since joining in September and will pose the visitors’ biggest threat when they clash at Emirates Stadium. [...]
Cameron lends hand to England World Cup bid November 18, 2010 PRIME MINISTER David Cameron has embarked on a charm offensive after England’s ailing bid to host the 2018 World Cup suffered further blows yesterday. England is thought to have lost at least one vote, perhaps two, after governing body Fifa banned two top officials, Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii over corruption allegations. To make matters [...]
Gerrard out for a month November 18, 2010 LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard faces up to a month on the sidelines with the hamstring injury he suffered playing for England on Wednesday. Dr Peter Brukner, Liverpool’s head of sports medicine and sports science, confirmed the midfielder’s injury was “significant”. “Steven’s been in for an early assessment here and it certainly looks like a significant [...]
BELL CHIMES IN WITH A CLASSY CENTURY November 18, 2010 IAN BELL underlined his growing importance in the England batting line-up with a superb century against Australia A yesterday. The Warwickshire right-hander, traditionally identified as a weak link by the Aussies, missed most of the summer with a broken foot, but looked in fine fettle against a decent attack on a green pitch. Kevin Pietersen’s form, however, continues [...]
Chelsea promote Emenalo November 18, 2010 MICHAEL EMENALO has been appointed Chelsea’s assistant first-team coach following the departure of Ray Wilkins last week. Emenalo had been working as head opposition scout for the club since October 2007 but will now make the transition to coaching. Chelsea confirmed the move in a statement: “Chelsea are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael [...]
Work to begin on National Centre November 18, 2010 BUILDING work on the National Football Centre in Burton will begin in January, the Football Association has announced. The FA board has unanimously approved plans for the much-delayed centre and also agreed to underwrite it financially to the tune of £105m. Building work is due to finish in the summer of 2012 with the FA [...]
Whyte confirms Rangers interest November 18, 2010 RANGERS officials have confirmed that chairman Sir David Murray is in “early talks” with London-based investor Craig Whyte over a possible takeover of the club. A statement from Whyte’s solicitor read: “Mr Whyte confirms that he is considering making an offer for RFC and is in talks with Murray International Holdings but these are at [...]
Jones lauds Welsh scrum November 18, 2010 DEINIOL JONES hopes Wales continue to exhibit their scrummaging power against Fiji tonight. The Welsh pack destroyed Australia’s eight two weeks ago, and held its own when world champions South Africa came calling seven days later. Cardiff Blues lock Jones is among five changes in the forwards for tonight’s Millennium Stadium clash. He said: “The scrum [...]