St James’ gets Sports Direct branding November 4, 2009 NEWCASTLE fans reacted with dismay yesterday after chairman Derek Llambias announced their historic stadium is to be re-branded as sportsdirect@St James’ Park. Owner Mike Ashley, who also owns the retailer Sports Direct, last week declared his intention to sell the naming rights to the club’s home of 117 years. The change will be effective for [...]
Storrie lands tax charge November 4, 2009 PORTSMOUTH chief executive Peter Storrie was formally charged with tax evasion yesterday over the controversial transfer of Amdy Faye. Storrie is accused of concealing a signing-on fee made to the Senegalese midfielder via agent Willie McKay. The charges relate to Faye’s £1.5m transfer to Fratton Park from Auxerre in August 2003 where it is claimed [...]
Toffees going for revenge November 4, 2009 FOOTBALL: Everton will be looking to avenge their five-goal Europa League thrashing by Benfica a fortnight ago when the pair meet in the reverse tie at Goodison Park tonight. Victory will see David Moyes’ men all but clinch a place in the next round, but the Toffees have been hit by an injury setback to [...]
Woods heads Asian WGC field November 4, 2009 GOLF: World No1 Tiger Woods heads a star-studded 78-man field for the first-ever World Golf Championships event in Asia, the HSBC Champions, starting today. Woods claimed his 16th WGC title in 30 events at the Bridgestone Invitational in August, but says winning in Shanghai would be extra special. “I’m looking forward to the week, I [...]
Murray signs new 15m deal November 4, 2009 TENNIS: Britain’s No1 Andy Murray is to end his long-standing association with Fred Perry by agreeing a new £15m deal with adidas. Reports suggest the world No4 will earn £3m-a-year over five years with the German sportswear giants, starting from January 2010. A statement from adidas confirmed: “The 22-year-old Briton will sport the iconic three [...]
Hartley hands boss Johnson a timely boost November 3, 2009 HOOKER Dylan Hartley gave England manager Martin Johnson some much-needed cheer after declaring himself fit for the autumn Test opener against Australia on Saturday. The Northampton star has been struggling of late with a hamstring injury but was included in Johnson’s youthful 22-man squad for the Twickenham showdown. With no fewer than 27 players unavailable [...]
Curbishley wins case against Hammers November 3, 2009 FORMER manager Alan Curbishley could be set for a seven-figure windfall from West Ham after winning his case for wrongful dismissal. The 51-year-old resigned as Hammers boss in September 2008 following the club’s decision to sell Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney against his wishes. A Premier League managers’ arbitration tribunal upheld Curbishley’s claim yesterday while [...]
MURRAY BACK IN THE GROOVE November 3, 2009 TOP seed Andy Murray swept to victory in his comeback match in Spain after beating home qualifier Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 6-1 at the Valencia Open. Playing his first match in six weeks, the British No1 was a little rusty, still clearly feeling the affects of a wrist injury. But the 22-year-old was still untroubled as [...]
Shocking win in Melbourne Cup November 3, 2009 HORSE RACING: British-trained Crime Scene was denied a historic victory in the Melbourne Cup by 9-1 shot Shocking. A UK-based runner has never won Australia’s biggest race but Crime Scene, trained by Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor in Newmarket, led into the final two furlongs. However, Shocking, ridden by Corey Brown, snatched the £3m prize by [...]
Barron sorry for failed dope test November 3, 2009 GOLF: American Doug Barron has apologised after becoming the first golfer to be banned for doping. The 40-year-old, who tested positive for an unnamed substance, said: “I apologise for any negative perception of the PGA Tour or its players resulting from my suspension. I did not intend to gain an unfair competitive advantage or enhance [...]