Walcott suffers fresh blow to add to Wenger’s on-going woes December 3, 2009 ARSENAL’S injury woes have taken another turn for the worst with the news that Theo Walcott has picked up a slight hamstring strain. The winger will miss Saturday’s visit of Stoke City, joining Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby and Nicklas Bendtner on the sidelines. The Gunners, however, welcome back full-back Bacary Sagna, who [...]
Sharks pose a serious threat December 3, 2009 WELL, the 100 per cent record came to an end at Worcester last week, but I couldn’t be prouder of my Saracens side as we kept the unbeaten record in tact with a monumental effort at Sixways. As expected, last Friday night’s match was very tough, but we played very well in conditions which made [...]
Quins getting closer to announcing new chief December 3, 2009 HARLEQUINS are to unveil their new director of rugby this month with assistant coach Tony Diprose strongly tipped to take over the role. The Quins have been actively seeking a new front man since Dean Richards left the club in disgrace back in August following his part in the bloodgate scandal. Chief executive Mark Evans [...]
‘You’re next United’ says boss Hughes December 2, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY (3) vs ARSENAL (0) MARK HUGHES welcomed a crunch Manchester derby in the semi-final of the Carling Cup by roaring: “Bring them on”! The Manchester City boss saw his side dispose of a young Arsenal side at Eastlands last night to earn an eagerly-awaited two-legged clash with rivals United in the last four. [...]
Rovers are spot on as Chelsea crash out December 2, 2009 BLACKBURN (3) vs CHELSEA (3) CHELSEA’S bid for a clean sweep of trophies came to a halt last night as Blackburn clinched a place in the semi-final of Carling Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Veteran full-back Paulo Ferreira equalised for the Blues with the last kick of the game to take the tie all [...]
Relief at last for Moyes as Everton squeeze through December 2, 2009 AEK ATHENS (0) vs EVERTON (1) A SIXTH minute goal from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was enough to hand struggling Everton a passage into the last 32 of the Europa League at a rain-soaked Olympic Stadium. The Russian winger raced onto Jo’s brilliant through ball to seal a precious away victory and keep the pressure off under-fire [...]
Free agent Campbell set to spark Christmas rush December 2, 2009 SOL CAMPBELL is set to spark a Christmas transfer scramble after finally settling his contract dispute with Notts County last night. The 35-year-old had been prevented from joining another club after leaving County less than a month into a five-year deal back in September. But players’ union chief Gordon Taylor has confirmed the League Two [...]
France lie in wait for England December 2, 2009 ENGLAND could face heavyweights France in the group stages of next summer’s World Cup after governing body Fifa whipped up controversy with their seedings for tomorrow’s draw. Fabio Capello’s men were confirmed yesterday as one of the top eight teams at the tournament, meaning they will avoid favourites Spain and Brazil at the first hurdle. [...]
Fifa to mull replays and five-referee proposals December 2, 2009 GOVERNING body Fifa has rejected proposals to use five referees in each game at the 2010 World Cup but dropped the strongest hint yet that major rule changes could be on the horizon. The handball by France striker Thierry Henry that helped eliminate the Republic of Ireland in last month’s play-off prompted fresh calls for [...]
Technology will come, in time December 2, 2009 THIS week, I’ve had the pleasure of being in the company of the world’s leading football figures, at the Soccer Ex business convention in Johannesburg. Being here has been a real eye-opener for me, and made me realise just what a global institution football is. Business leaders converging from all sectors and from all over [...]