Fergie: Euro joy deserves credit November 24, 2009 MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the struggles of some of Europe’s top sides shows his consistent success has been underrated. Liverpool, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all found their Champions League progress trickier than expected. Sir Alex, who is set to field a young side against Besiktas tonight with qualification assured, [...]
Ancelotti to rotate squad and rest stars for Porto November 24, 2009 CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rest star duo Michael Essien and Didier Drogba tonight against Porto as the Italian keeps one eye on Sunday’s trip to Arsenal. Ancelotti has hinted he will ring the changes for the Champions League Group D clash, with qualification for the knockout stage already guaranteed. Neither midfield powerhouse [...]
Loss leaves Rangers rock bottom November 24, 2009 FOOTBALL: Rangers crashed out of Europe with a 2-0 home defeat to Stuttgart in Champions League Group G. Goals from Sebastian Rudy and Zdravko Kuzmanovic ensured the Gers finish bottom of the table and therefore miss out on even a Europa League spot.
Briatore challenges ban in court November 24, 2009 FORMULA ONE: Former Renault boss Flavio Briatore has asked a French court to overturn his indefinite ban from motorsport. Briatore, suspended for his role in a race-fixing scandal, is seeking £900,000 compensation from governing body the FIA. A verdict is due in January.
Donington: Brit GP tussle 50-50 November 24, 2009 FORMULA ONE: Donington chief Simon Gillett insists the circuit could still host next year’s British Grand Prix, despite the collapse of its deal with F1 organisers.Silverstone looks set to step in and take the contract, but Gillett said: “There are two people at the table so it’s a 50-50.”
MacDonald set for Scotland bow November 24, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Scotland have handed flanker Alan MacDonald a debut in Saturday’s final autumn Test against Argentina. Edinburgh team-mate and centre Ben Cairns and Glasgow wing Thom Evans are the other two changes from the team that beat Australia.
Davies staves off Shanklin return November 24, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has kept faith with rookie centre Jonathan Davies for Saturday’s clash with Australia. The Scarlets youngster retains his place despite the return to fitness of Tom Shanklin, while Dwayne Peel comes in for Gareth Cooper.
Liverpool suffer Euro heartbreak November 24, 2009 • Reds’ victory rendered worthless by Fiorentina win• But under-fire boss Rafael Benitez assured his job is safe LIVERPOOL (1) Vs DEBRECEN (0) UNDER-FIRE Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez received the dreaded vote of confidence last night after the Reds lost out on a potential £30m fortune by crashing out of the Champions League group stages. [...]
Federer too strong for Murray in O2 thriller November 24, 2009 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray was reminded what world No1s are made of last night when Roger Federer came from a set down to beat him at the ATP World Tour Finals. Murray, the world No4, took the first set but saw his serve desert him as 15-time Grand Slam winner Federer powered back to take the [...]
Portsmouth lose patience with Hart failure as Grant prepares to take reins November 24, 2009 PORTSMOUTH director of football Avram Grant is expected to take over as manager after the club sacked Paul Hart yesterday. Hart paid the price for a disastrous start to the season that has left them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League after 10 defeats from 13 games. His departure clears the way for [...]