Cheltenham Festival 2016: Davy Russell gunning for more glory March 13, 2016 As tension builds on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival, one man who is remaining ice cool is former Irish champion jockey Davy Russell. “There’s no point going into the Festival with your hopes too high – if you do, you’re in for a rude awakening. “If you fancy one horse too much, you’ll end up [...]
These two graphs sum up why Manchester City have failed to mount a serious Premier League title challenge March 12, 2016 Manchester City missed out on the opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal in the Premier League table on Saturday, after once again failing to record a back-to-back win at Norwich. Following a goalless draw at Carrow Road, Manuel Pellegrini's side has now failed to win in consecutive league matches since October – a run of 21 games. [...]
Stan Kroenke lifts lid on why Arsenal prioritise business foundations over spending big on transfers March 12, 2016 Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has lifted the lid on his approach to ownership – but risked invoking the wrath of fans by claiming "if you want to win Championships then you would never get involved". The American real estate magnate discussed his belief in prioritising the building of a sports team's business foundations in [...]
Modern rugby players are in a bulk and power arms race – but must be responsible over doping dangers March 11, 2016 Saturday’s England v Wales battle is being touted as the biggest game of the season and when you look at the sheer size of the players this is true in more ways than one. Today’s international players are bigger than ever and just when you think they have maxed out, someone comes along who resets [...]
England v Wales Six Nations stats preview: Billy Vunipola and Toby Faletau set for battle but who has the upper hand? March 11, 2016 A bruising contest between cousins Billy Vunipola of England and Taulupe Faletau of Wales is being hotly anticipated as one of the key skirmishes in deciding Saturday’s Six Nations meeting between the two nations Wales captain Sam Warburton has forecast “a massive battle” between the two standout number eights of the championship so far. “He can [...]
Andy Murray criticises own sponsor Head for extending contract with Maria Sharapova despite failed drugs test March 11, 2016 Andy Murray has criticised his own sponsor, Head, for extending its contract with Maria Sharapova after she failed a drugs test. The world No2 questioned the tennis manufacturer's decision to stand by Sharapova following her suspension from tennis and said the Russian star deserved to be banned. "It's a strange stance given everything that's happened [...]
Borussia Dortmund 3, Tottenham Hotspur 0: Pochettino blasts showing as much-changed Spurs outclassed March 10, 2016 Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino lamented his side’s performance after they were outclassed by German side Borussia Dortmund to leave their Europa League hopes dangling by a thread. A Spurs side containing seven changes struggled to contain a rampant Dortmund and their misery was compounded by a Marco Reus double in the second period after striker Pierre-Emerick [...]
Six Nations: Fuse lit as England head coach Jones accuses Wales of illegal scrummaging March 10, 2016 Head coach Eddie Jones has lit the fuse under England’s likely Six Nations title decider against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday by accusing their rivals of illegal scrummaging. Jones marked the end of his self-imposed media ban by claiming that Welsh forwards pre-engage at the scrum in the hope that referees will tire of penalising them for [...]
Pardew urges Crystal Palace to seize chance of winning club’s first major honour in FA Cup March 10, 2016 Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has urged his players to write themselves into club folklore by going full throttle in pursuit of the first major honour in the Eagles’ history. Although their Premier League form has taken a nosedive in recent months, Palace face Championship side Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Friday for a [...]
Charlton fans plan mass walkout during Middlesbrough game in protest at owner Roland Duchatelet March 10, 2016 Charlton fans are being encouraged to walk out of The Valley during their home fixture against Middlesbrough this Sunday in a protest against absentee owner Roland Duchatelet. The Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (Card) are asking fans to walk out of the stadium on 74 minutes, representing the number of goals their team has conceded so far this [...]