Hicks’ Liverpool buyout hit by refinancing blow September 20, 2010 LIVERPOOL’S future is mired in uncertainty once again today after co-owner Tom Hicks’s attempt to refinance his debt and take full control of the club collapsed. GSO Capital Partners, the debt restructuring arm of private equity group Blackstone which had discussed loaning Hicks £280m, is thought to have walked away from talks with the American. [...]
Wenger charged and mulling a tinker September 20, 2010 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is facing a touchline ban after being charged with improper conduct relating to Saturday’s dramatic 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Wenger is accused by the Football Association of “using abusive and/or insulting language and behaviour” to the officials in the wake of Darren Bent’s last-gasp equaliser for the Black Cats. Bent’s strike [...]
We’re still up for the cup, vows Harry September 20, 2010 TOTTENHAM vs ARSENAL TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp says he will continue to show the Carling Cup full respect – despite vowing to name an under-strength side for tonight’s north London derby. Spurs have a proud tradition in the League Cup having reached the final at Wembley in two of the last three seasons. But with [...]
It’s time for the younger generation, says Sidebottom September 20, 2010 RYAN SIDEBOTTOM delivered a blow to England selectors yesterday by announcing his international retirement. The 32-year-old seam bowler was England’s most productive bowler in their World Twenty20 triumph back in May. But after losing his place in the 50-over set-up, the Nottinghamshire player has decided to call time on his international career – and hand [...]
Brilliant Berbatov buries Liverpool September 19, 2010 MANCHESTER UTD (3) vs LIVERPOOL (2) DIMITAR BERBATOV reflected last night on his “best day” in a Manchester United shirt after scoring the club’s first hat-trick against Liverpool for 64 years. The Bulgarian striker has been much maligned since his move from Tottenham two years ago, but stole the plaudits with a stunning individual display [...]
Blues deserve more credit, says Malouda September 19, 2010 CHELSEA (4) vs BLACKPOOL (0) FLORENT MALOUDA insists ruthless Chelsea deserve more credit for their 100 per cent start to the season. The French winger scored twice as the Blues blitzed Blackpool with a blistering first-half show at Stamford Bridge yesterday. It sent them four points clear at the top of the Premier League table [...]
Reds face more owner strife as Hicks plans £282m buy-out September 19, 2010 LIVERPOOL fans have been warned they could face two more years of boardroom turmoil as the battle for control at Anfield rumbles on. Unpopular American Tom Hicks is reportedly preparing a £282m deal to retain his current share of the debt-ridden club and buy-out of co-owner George Gillett. It was revealed that Hicks is to [...]
Given can leave City in January, reveals Mancini September 19, 2010 WIGAN ATH (0) vs MANCHESTER CITY (2) MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini has told Shay Given he can leave Eastlands in the January transfer window. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, inset, is frustrated at being asked to play second string to Joe Hart. But after guiding his side to fourth place in the Premier League [...]
FOOTBALL | IN BRIEF September 19, 2010 Messi stretchered off LIONEL MESSI could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off during Barcelona’s victory at Atletico Madrid last night. The Argentina wizard was left clutching his face in pain after injuring his ankle in a clash with Atletico defender Tomas Ujfalusi, who was subsequently sent off. Messi scored the [...]
Strettle shows class to fire Sarries and condemn Leeds September 19, 2010 LEEDS CARNEGIE (14) vs SARACENS (26) DAVID STRETTLE marked his first start for Saracens with a try as Brendan Venter’s side condemned bottom-club Leeds to a third straight defeat. England winger Strettle touched down for his second try since his summer move from Harlequins on 26 minutes to put Sarries in control at a wet [...]