Jose Mourinho tips first United signing Eric Bailly to become one of the best centre-halves in world football June 8, 2016 Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has tipped new signing Eric Bailly to become one of the world’s leading centre-backs after he was confirmed as the Portuguese’s first Old Trafford recruit. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast centre-half has joined United on a four-year contract, subject to obtaining a work permit, from La Liga outfit Villarreal for a [...]
Last chance saloon for Nick Compton and why the third Investec Test at Lord’s is not a dead rubber June 8, 2016 If England’s No3 batsman Nick Compton doesn’t chalk up a sizeable score in the third and final Investec Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, his home ground, then he’s really going to be up against it. I was pleased that the selectors stuck with him after he was recalled for the tour of South Africa [...]
The Spoils at Trafalgar Studios review: Jesse Eisenberg’s twitchy performance papers over dramatic cracks June 8, 2016 The Spoils | Trafalgar Studios | ★★★☆☆ You can see why Jesse Eisenberg attracts comparisons with Woody Allen: both excel in playing (and writing) self-obsessed men whose acerbic wit fails to mask their social ineptitude. Eisenberg’s third play as writer-actor – the first to transfer to London – feels like the apotheosis of this: his [...]
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes winning the Premier League has become harder than ever for Arsene Wenger June 8, 2016 Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour fears that winning the Premier League will be harder than ever for Arsene Wenger next season. Wenger’s former foot soldier, who won five major trophies playing for the Frenchman, argues that while his Arsenal team only had to contend with Manchester United as realistic title challengers, the current crop have to fight off [...]
Maria Sharapova receives two year tennis ban for failing drugs test June 8, 2016 Maria Sharapova says she will fight a two year ban from tennis handed to her by the sport's authorities for violating anti-doping rules The five-time grand slam winner will not be able to play again until January 2018 by which time she will be nearly 31-years-old, following the ban imposed by an independent tribunal in London. Sharapova tested positive for [...]
Manchester City owners City Football Group looking at more club takeovers, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirms June 8, 2016 Manchester City's owners City Football Group (CFG) are looking to add to their stable of clubs, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed. As well as Man City, CFG owns Major League Soccer franchise New York City and Australian team Melbourne City and has a stake in Yokohama F. Marinos. Yet the holding company for ultimate City [...]
Everton close in on Ronald Koeman after striking £5m compensation deal with Southampton June 7, 2016 Everton moved a step closer to appointing Ronald Koeman as their new manager after agreeing a £5m compensation package with fellow Premier League outfit Southampton. The deal paves the way for Koeman, who has 12 months remaining on this contract, to call time on his two-year stay on the south coast and succeed Roberto Martinez, [...]
England urged to be ruthless and whitewash Sri Lanka by winning final Test at Lord’s June 7, 2016 England batting coach Mark Ramprakash has urged Alastair Cook’s side to relocate their ruthless streak and whitewash Sri Lanka by claiming victory in the third and final Investec Test at Lord’s, which starts on Thursday. The hosts hold an unassailable lead in the Test segment of the tour having racked up commanding victories at Chester-le-Street [...]
Arsenal target Jamie Vardy set to delay decision on future until after Euro 2016 June 7, 2016 Striker Jamie Vardy looks set to adhere to the wishes of England manager Roy Hodgson and postpone any decision over his domestic future until after the European Championship. Arsenal triggered a £20m release clause in Vardy’s contract on Friday while the 29-year-old was expected to decide whether to join the Gunners or stay with Premier [...]
Eva Carneiro: Chelsea and Jose Mourinho reach settlement with former first team doctor June 7, 2016 Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have reached a settlement with former first-team doctor Eva Carneiro over her constructive dismissal claim. Details have been kept confidential but the Premier League club will likely have had to fork out over £1.2m — the value of a previous settlement offer rejected by Carneiro. Chelsea have apologised "unreservedly" to their former employee and agreed [...]