Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino revels in his side’s imperious fitness ahead of Sunday’s north London derby after moving within touching distance of Europa League knockout stages November 6, 2015 Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino revelled in his side’s imperious fitness ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Arsenal after Spurs moved within touching distance of the Europa League knockout stages with victory over Anderlecht last night. Substitute Mousa Dembele was Tottenham’s match-winner with a spectacular half-volley with only three minutes remaining after fellow replacement Imoh [...]
Kill Your Friends is a shallow imitation of American Psycho November 5, 2015 “To make money sometimes we have to make art,” muses Nicholas Hoult’s oily A&R man Steven Stelfox. There’s an irony to be found here, given that Kill Your Friends, which rides shamelessly on the coat-tails of The Wolf of Wall Street and American Psycho, appears to have been made by people who share that exact [...]
Hairy Ape is a visually stunning revival of Eugene O’Neill classic November 5, 2015 How annoyed would you be if someone called you a hairy ape? Slightly peeved? Seriously irked? How about so apoplectic that you’d plot murder and then free a gorilla from the zoo? If – like me – you fall into the latter category, you’ll love the Old Vic’s production of Eugene O’Neill’s macho 1922 play, [...]
England recall for Middlesex’s Nick Compton ahead of South Africa Test series could be an open goal November 5, 2015 England's series defeat to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates has thrown up a number of questions which need answering before their four-Test winter tour of South Africa, principally who should partner Alastair Cook at the top of the batting order. Opening with all-rounder Moeen Ali was a punt and a way of getting two [...]
Skipper Alastair Cook concerned by England batting fragility after defeat in third Test to Pakistan consigned tourists to 2-0 series defeat November 5, 2015 Skipper Alastair Cook has admitted that England’s batting fragility is worrying after his side succumbed to a 127-run defeat against Pakistan on the final day of their must-win final Test in Sharjah yesterday. Resuming on 46-2, England’s middle-order wilted on a viciously turning pitch, losing four wickets for just 11 runs in the first hour [...]
Former Charlton Athletic hero Richard Rufus stole £9m through “Ponzi” scheme November 5, 2015 Former Premier League defender Richard Rufus operated an "appalling" criminal fraud that robbed innocent victims of almost £9m, a judge has ruled. The Charlton Athletic fans' favourite was branded a "rogue" and a "fraudster" by Judge Clive Jones who found him guilty of fraudulently collecting £16m from more than 100 investors and spending £3.4m for his [...]
England v New Zealand match at Olympic Stadium can help us grow the game in London, says Rugby Football League boss Nigel Wood November 5, 2015 Not only is it a chance to topple the globe’s No1 ranked team and gain revenge for World Cup heartache, but England’s showdown with New Zealand at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday is the next instalment of rugby league’s quest to unlock a latent capital fanbase. London has not staged international rugby league since a [...]
Adidas share price soars as sportswear giant toasts Manchester United and Kanye West after smashing earnings expectations November 5, 2015 Adidas' share price rose over eight per cent in morning trading after smashing analysts' expectations for its earnings in the third quarter. The figures Sales at the German sportswear giant accelerated by 17.7 per cent from €4bn (£2.9bn) to €4.8bn, beating analysts' expectations of €4.5bn, while profit jumped 20.1 per cent to €2.3bn. Net earnings grew 20 [...]
The Secret Footballer: Players play badly on purpose to get a manager sacked all the time – here’s why November 5, 2015 When a football manager is under pressure, he can’t always rely on his squad to give their all to turn it around. In fact, players may even purposefully not perform if they want the manager out. It happens all the time and I've been part of a squad that has done just that. Most [...]
The Secret Footballer: Players play badly on purpose to get a manager sacked all the time – here’s why November 5, 2015 When a football manager is under pressure, he can’t always rely on his squad to give their all to turn it around. In fact, players may even purposefully not perform if they want the manager out. It happens all the time and I've been part of a squad that has done just that. Most [...]