Benitez passes buck in row with Bruce over Jones loan January 25, 2010 LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has rejected criticism from Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and focused his attention on reclaiming a place in the top four tonight. Bruce hit out at Benitez over their pursuit of Black Cats striker Kenwyne Jones last week, calling the Anfield club’s conduct “hugely disrespectful”. But the Spaniard yesterday insisted he had [...]
Sunderland target Cabanas critical after shooting January 25, 2010 PARAGUAY striker Salvador Cabanas, a recent target for Sunderland, was last night in critical condition after being shot in the head in a bar in Mexico City. Cabanas, a prolific scorer in the Mexican top flight for Club America, underwent life-saving surgery for seven hours at a Los Angeles hospital. Doctors prevented a fatal blood [...]
West Ham in for AWOL McCarthy January 25, 2010 BLACKBURN have confirmed West Ham want Benni McCarthy – but boss Sam Allardyce has warned the unsettled striker will not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been trying to bolster the Hammers’ firepower since taking over the club last week and have made a written offer for [...]
Spurs won’t crack under the pressure, says Defoe January 25, 2010 JERMAIN DEFOE insists Tottenham will not crack under the pressure of a top-four charge as they enter a crucial stage of the season. Harry Redknapp’s men currently lie fourth in the table, but a run of five games in the next 16 days, starting with the visit of London rivals Fulham to White Hart Lane [...]
FOOTBALL | IN BRIEF January 25, 2010 Laws warns of derby destruction BURNLEY boss Brian Laws has warned his players against letting “all hell break loose” when his team visit former boss Owen Coyle’s new side, Bolton, tonight. More than 5,000 Clarets fans are expected to make the short trip across Lancashire to let their feelings known over Coyle’s defection earlier this [...]
Mancini fight after Robinho says ‘I’m off’ January 24, 2010 BOSS Roberto Mancini insists he wants Robinho to stay at Manchester City – even though the Brazilian striker says he is desperate to leave and head back home. The £32.5m hitman seemed to confirm rumours that yesterday’s game at Scunthorpe would be his last for City after telling a Brazilian radio station that he was [...]
Wenger defends selection as Arsenal crash out January 24, 2010 ARSENE WENGER insisted he had no choice but to field a weakened side as Arsenal’s FA Cup hopes were crushed by plucky Stoke. With forthcoming league games against Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in mind, Wenger opted to field a youthful side fronted by 35-year-old Sol Campbell, who was making his second debut. [...]
Tevez rant over Neville was ‘lost in translation’, says Kia January 24, 2010 CARLOS TEVEZ’S agent Kia Joorabchian says the Manchester City striker’s remarks towards former team-mate Gary Neville were “lost in translastion” while accusing Neville of showing a lack of class and respect. Tevez reportedly branded Neville a “boot-licker” and a “moron” following a heated Carling Cup semi-final derby at Eastlands last week where Tevez scored both [...]
Murray sets up Nadal clash January 24, 2010 BRITAIN’S No1 Andy Murray set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafael Nadal after outwitting American giant John Isner in the Australian Open. The 22-year-old fifth seed displayed an impressive combination of brains and brawn to overcome the threat of 6ft 9in Isner and win through 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 in a little [...]
Saints left to fly the flag for England January 24, 2010 NORTHAMPTON will lock horns with old foes Munster again after being left to carry the English flag alone in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. The Saints qualified for the last eight as one of the best runners up after finishing behind the two-time champions in the Pool stages. But Jim Mallinder’s men are back on the [...]