Slaven Bilic refuses to panic buy as clock ticks on West Ham’s search for a striker August 24, 2016 West Ham manager Slaven Bilic insists he is not panicking over the club’s chronic striker shortage despite having just one week left to sign attacking reinforcements. Bilic, whose side face Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League on Thursday night, is keen on Manchester City’s Wilfried Bony and Simone Zaza of Juventus, but faces competition from Napoli. [...]
Cillian Willis: Former scrum-half to sue Sale Sharks over concussion treatment August 24, 2016 Former Sale Sharks rugby player Cillian Willis is suing his old club over the alleged mishandling of a concussion that led to his retirement. It is believed to be the first time a Premiership Rugby club has faced legal action over a concussion injury. Willis, cousin of former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, was forced to call [...]
Pro 12 plans American expansion by bringing USA teams into cross-border league August 24, 2016 American rugby clubs could soon compete alongside teams from Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Wales in an expanded Guinness Pro 12 tournament. The cross-border European rugby tournament could expand to East Coast US where the league believes a sizeable diaspora of European rugby fans could support the tournament. Read more: Harlequins chasing the American dream – Why the Premiership rugby [...]
Nissan and National Lottery struck gold at the Rio Olympics – here’s proof August 24, 2016 As another Olympics ends and the British public basks in the glory of an unprecedented medal haul, sponsors are reflecting on how their own marketing efforts resonated with the public. Our brand tracking research allows us to explore whether they have managed to benefit both from their association with the event and their sporting ambassadors. [...]
Chelsea 3, Bristol Rovers 2: Antonio Conte demands Blues hone their killer instinct after Rovers run them close in EFL Cup August 23, 2016 Chelsea 3, Bristol Rovers 2 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has warned his team they must develop a killer instinct after the Blues survived an EFL Cup second-round scare against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night. Twice Conte’s men established a two-goal cushion, through Michy Batshuayi’s brace and a Victor Moses strike, but on both occasions they allowed their [...]
Watford and West Brom dumped out by League One opposition as Liverpool hit five and Hull maintain perfect start in EFL Cup August 23, 2016 Watford manager Walter Mazzarri suffered an embarrassing early blow to his tenure as third-tier side Gillingham caused an upset in the second round of the EFL Cup. Hornets striker Odion Ighalo looked to have put the hosts on track for victory but Mark Byrne equalised in the 82nd minute and Bradley Dack made it 2-1 in the [...]
Better than London 2012? Team GB heroes touch down at Heathrow following historic Rio Olympics medal haul August 23, 2016 Britain's Olympic heroes arrived home on Tuesday still aglow from their success in Rio, with some athletes even describing the Games as better than its predecessor in London four years ago. Some 320 Team GB members touched down at Heathrow to cheers from airline staff before being applauded off flight BA2016, which had been aptly [...]
Rio 2016 Paralympics: Russia fumes at “political” ban after losing appeal August 23, 2016 Russia has reacted angrily after its appeal against a blanket ban from next month's Paralympic Games was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Russian Paralympic Committee had challenged the ban issued by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for failing to ensure compliance with its anti-doping code. But CAS has upheld the suspension, prompting a furious response from Russian sports [...]
Recalling John Terry for England should be a non-starter – for lots of reason August 23, 2016 It's understandable that Sam Allardyce doesn’t want to rule anybody out as he settles into life as England’s new manager but he ought to think twice before talking up the possibility of recalling John Terry. I’m surprised that it is even being discussed. Bringing back former captain Terry after four years in the international wilderness [...]
Carl Frampton interview: “In 20, 30 years’ time I don’t want people to forget who I was” August 23, 2016 In beating Leo Santa Cruz to become the featherweight champion of the world last month, Carl Frampton reclaimed the belt won by mentor, manager and fellow countryman Barry McGuigan in a now-legendary battle with Eusebio Pedroza 31 years ago. McGuigan’s achievement earned him the 1985 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, yet in a golden [...]