Bournemouth sign Benik Afobe for club record £9m as Cherries gamble on former Arsenal trainee to save them from relegation January 10, 2016 Bournemouth have broken their transfer record for the second time since the end of last season to land England Under-21 striker Benik Afobe from Wolves for around £9m. The Cherries, who currently lie 16th in the Premier League, have signed the 22-year-old to fill the gap left by first-choice centre-forward Callum Wilson, who suffered a [...]
Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney says club “isn’t for sale” from Roland Duchatelet following rejected investment January 9, 2016 Former Charlton Athletic chief executive Peter Varney believes the club is currently "not for sale" after his investment opportunity was rebuffed. Varney, who was a key figure behind the scenes during the Addicks' seven-year stay in the Premier League, approached current owner Roland Duchatelet and chief executive Katrien Meire with an investment opportunity but was [...]
New Balance to replace Adidas as England cricket kit manufacturer in deal worth over £5m January 9, 2016 American sportswear brand New Balance has agreed a deal with the ECB to kit out the England cricket team when its current deal with Adidas comes to an end next year. According to reports the Boston-based sportswear manufacturer, which designs shirts worn by Premier League sides Liverpool and Stoke City, will fork out more than [...]
Arsenal and Manchester United freeze season ticket prices for 2016/17 season January 9, 2016 Arsenal have pledged to freeze ticket prices at the Emirates Stadium next season, citing a goal to maintain "fair and balanced" costs. For the seventh time in 11 seasons, Arsenal will not increase admission fees ahead of the new season meaning the most expensive season ticket will continue to cost £2,103 and the cheapest will [...]
The Hateful Eight film review: Tarantino has made a maverick masterpiece January 8, 2016 ★★★★★ Dir. Quentin Tarantino Once you look past the numerous news headlines surrounding its release, Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film is one of the filmmaker’s most ambitious to date. Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Samuel L Jackson star in the story of eight strangers in post-Civil War America forced into the same cabin by a [...]
Les Liaisons Dangereuses theatre review: A lightweight interpretation that won’t worry Malkovich January 8, 2016 Donmar Warehouse | ★★★☆☆ John Malkovich's career-defining turn as the Vicomte de Valmont in the film adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses created an archetype for the sexually-charged villain. The film was based on a play by Christopher Hampton (he also wrote the screenplay), and cemented the role as one of the more complex and coveted [...]
Guys & Dolls theatre review: A charming revival of a bona fide classic January 8, 2016 Savoy Theatre | ★★★★☆ The last play to grace the stage of The Savoy was Gypsy, where Imelda Staunton gave a rip-roaring, throat-shredding performance that’s likely to go down in theatre legend. It was always going to be a tough act to follow, but with the Chichester Festival’s revival of Guys and Dolls, we’re safely cosseted [...]
A War film review: An ambiguous, but triumphant, Danish drama January 8, 2016 15 | Dir. Tobias Lindholm ★★★★☆ The many grey areas of modern warfare are examined in this Danish drama, shortlisted for Best Foreign Language film at this year’s Oscars. We follow Commander Claus Pedersen, stationed in Helmand Province, as well as his wife and children carrying on with life back in Denmark. The future of [...]
Chelsea wage bill tops Premier League rivals’ and six other things fans need to know from the club’s financial accounts January 8, 2016 Chelsea's full accounts for their Premier League title-winning 2014/15 season have been lodged with Companies House, providing fans with a more detailed picture of the financial workings behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. Here's seven things you need to know: 1. Wage bill tops Premier League rivals Chelsea's wage bill – including both player and staff [...]
Uniqlo agrees lucrative sponsorship deal with Kei Nishikori ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olympics January 8, 2016 Japan tennis star Kei Nishikori has signed a new endorsement deal with Uniqlo thought to be worth over £30m. The Japanese No1 and world No8 has renewed his partnership with the clothing company from his home country to cover the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. According to reports, the deal will be worth in excess [...]