Loyal crowds galvanising top clubs against the recession October 6, 2009 TOP FLIGHT clubs have again demonstrated their ability to resist the effects of the downturn by posting strong attendance figures for the start of the season. Experts had expected clubs to feel the pinch more than ever in the current campaign, the first since Britain officially entered recession in January. But Premier League outfits have [...]
It’s Bellamy to the rescue as Dunne returns to haunt City October 5, 2009 ASTON VILLA (1) vs MANCHESTER CITY (1) CRAIG BELLAMY struck a second-half equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester City after former captain Richard Dunne had threatened to derail their impressive start to the season. Ex-captain Dunne, who moved to Villa on transfer deadline day to make way for City’s melee of big-money stars, headed [...]
FA plead innocence in England broadcast row October 5, 2009 THE Football Association has pleaded innocence in the decision not to televise England’s World Cup qualifier with Ukraine, insisting the matter was out of their hands. Saturday’s match at the Dnipro Stadium is the first international not broadcast on television but is available exclusively to subscribers online. The decision has been met with widespread anger [...]
Ton-up Shane is the Aussie hero again October 5, 2009 SHANE WATSON smashed a second successive unbeaten century to help Australia retain the Champions Trophy with a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Pretoria last night. Fresh from his brilliant 136no in the semi-final against England on Friday, the Aussie all-rounder was the hero again, smashing a masterful 105no in response to the Black Caps’ [...]
Al Faraj completes Portsmouth takeover October 5, 2009 SAUDI property tycoon Ali Al Faraj last night completed his takeover of crisis club Portsmouth after acquiring a 90 per cent share in the Premier League club. Former owner Sulaiman Al Fahim completed his own buy-out of the club just six weeks ago but funds never materialised and players and staff went unpaid. Arab businessman [...]
Dyson hoovers up Links success as McIlroy climbs to the summit October 5, 2009 SIMON DYSON enjoyed the round of his life to claim the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and move into early Ryder Cup contention. The Englishman fired a final round 66 at St Andrews to hold off the strong challenge of Oliver Wilson and win his fourth Tour event by three strokes. Victory not only took the [...]
Simple for Simon in Ryder Cup race October 5, 2009 THERE may be 12 months still to go before Europe attempt to reclaim the Ryder Cup from the Americans at Celtic Manor, but for Simon Dyson, the dream of a debut appearance is almost a reality. Following a fine performance in last week’s Vivendi Trophy and victory in the Dutch Open in August, Simon went [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF October 5, 2009 Ferguson remarks probed by FAFOOTBALL: The Football Association has asked Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to explain his remarks about referee Alan Wiley’s alleged lack of fitness. Ferguson said Wiley had struggled to keep pace during United 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday. Tonsillitis floors RadcliffeATHLETICS: Britain’s Paula Radcliffe has been forced to withdraw [...]
Rafa expects Reds to rally after painful Blues defeat October 4, 2009 LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez insisted his side were still in the title race despite watching them slip to a third defeat of the season yesterday, at Stamford Bridge. It is more than 40 years since a team has gone onto win the title after losing three of their opening eight matches, but the Reds chief [...]
Button issued title warning as Vettel reigns in Japan October 4, 2009 SEBASTIAN VETTEL fired a title warning to Jenson Button after claiming an impressive victory in the Japanese Grand Prix. The German Red Bull driver led from start to finish in Suzuka, while Button could only come home in eighth, one place behind his Brawn GP team-mate and closest title rival Rubens Barrichello. The result reduces [...]