Andy Murray: I’ll miss the Australian Open for the birth of my child January 4, 2016 Britain's Andy Murray has confirmed that he is ready to abandon his quest to finally win the Australian Open this month if wife Kim goes into labour prematurely. The Scot is desperate to win the Melbourne grand slam, having lost in the final last year for a fourth time, but not at the expense of [...]
Finn rebuffs critics of England’s fielding after dropped catches prove costly January 4, 2016 Seamer Steven Finn hit back at critics of England’s fielding after dropped catches aided South Africa’s rescue mission on day three of the second Test in Cape Town yesterday. England snared just one wicket on a frustrating day during which skipper Hashim Amla led South Africa’s revival with a stubborn and unbeaten 157 as the [...]
Manchester United’s goal-shy performances dubbed “not what we want to see” by Adidas chiefs January 4, 2016 Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer has added his voice to the chorus of criticism of Manchester United’s lacklustre attacking performances this season. United have been urged to adopt a more adventurous approach by an Old Trafford faithful that has witnessed just 15 goals this term – fewer than at any other ground in the top [...]
Saracens swell forward ranks with capture of South Africa World Cup winner Schalk Burger January 4, 2016 Saracens boss Mark McCall revelled in his capture of “one of the world’s finest” after the club announced the signing of influential South Africa back-row forward Schalk Burger on a two-year deal ahead of next season. World Cup-winner Burger, who has won 86 caps for the Springboks, will link up with his new side ahead [...]
Danny Cipriani on course for England Six Nations selection, says Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond January 4, 2016 In-form Danny Cipriani is making it difficult for new England head coach Eddie Jones to leave the quicksilver fly-half out of his squad for the Six Nations, according to Sale boss Steve Diamond. Cipriani, now 28, is still to justify the predictions of a stellar international career that greeted his emergence at Wasps almost a [...]
Crystal Palace 0, Chelsea 3: Rejuvenated Costa benefiting from anger management, says Hiddink January 3, 2016 Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink believes antagonistic striker Diego Costa is reaping the rewards from eradicating “silly things” from his game after proving an influential figure in his side’s thumping of Crystal Palace yesterday. Goals from Oscar, Willian and Costa saw Chelsea defy their faltering away form and halt a harrowing run of seven [...]
Ben Stokes double century: England all-rounder hails innings of a lifetime against South Africa January 3, 2016 History-maker Ben Stokes savoured the innings of a lifetime after his record-breaking double century underpinned England’s brutal assault on a shellshocked South Africa during day two of the second Test in Cape Town yesterday. All-rounder Stokes unleashed a merciless attack on South Africa’s bowlers, clubbing 200 from 163 deliveries to hit the second fastest double [...]
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino pours cold water on January transfer talk despite dropping points at Everton January 3, 2016 Everton 1, Tottenham 1 Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino played down the need for signings in the January transfer window after seeing his high-flying side held at Everton on Sunday. Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon half-volleyed the hosts into the lead against the run of play but England midfielder Dele Alli equalised just before the break with [...]
Harlequins chasing the American dream: Why the Premiership rugby club is moving pre-season to California December 24, 2015 Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the USA and Harlequins are looking to ride the wave of its new found popularity by swapping the suburbs of West London for the sun of California in upcoming summers. The 149-year-old rugby club is planning to play pre-season warm up games in America for the next four [...]
Bournemouth breached Financial Fair Play during promotion winning season and could face £10m fine from Football League December 24, 2015 Bournemouth could face a fine of up to £10m from the Football League for breaching its Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations during their promotion-winning campaign to the Premier League last season. The Football League announced that Cherries exceeded the maximum permitted loss for Championship clubs last season of £6m. Bournemouth's financial figures for the season [...]