Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini unconcerned by City’s lack of European home comforts October 20, 2015 Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed as irrelevant his side’s propensity to suffer Champions League home woes as they prepare for tonight’s showdown with Sevilla. Pellegrini’s side enter the contest on the back of convincing Premier League victories against Newcastle United and Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, although their European form on home soil [...]
James Haskell interview: England flanker will help RFU England Rugby World Cup review but is concentrating on Wasps Premiership duties October 20, 2015 As the England rugby chiefs investigate the team’s pool stage exit at its home World Cup and pundits lament the northern hemisphere’s failings in recent weeks, James Haskell says his attentions are set firmly in the opposite direction. The Rugby Football Union is seeking input from players in its review into how the Red Rose [...]
Ballon d’Or 2015 date and nominees shortlist: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City only Premier League clubs represented on list October 20, 2015 Barcelona have more players on the shortlist for the next Ballon d'Or award than the entire Premier League. In fact, the Premier League has five players represented on the shortlist – the same number as Bayern Munich. Last season's runners-up Manchester City have Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne named on the list, while [...]
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho coy on plans to recall playmaker Eden Hazard for Champions League showdown against Dynamo Kiev October 20, 2015 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has chosen to remain tight-lipped on whether playmaker Eden Hazard will earn a recall for their Champions League tussle with group leaders Dynamo Kiev tonight. Hazard was dropped to the bench for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at the weekend as the Blues ended a run of three matches, both [...]
Australia coach Michael Cheika defends referee Craig Joubert after Rugby World Cup victory over Scotland October 19, 2015 Australia coach Michael Cheika has defended referee Craig Joubert and backed the South African’s decision to bolt from the pitch at the conclusion of their contentious World Cup quarter-final clash with Scotland on Sunday. The 37-year-old was the centre of attention after awarding the Wallabies a controversial last-gasp penalty, which was duly converted by fly-half [...]
England Rugby World Cup 2015 review panel to include Sir Ian McGeechan and Ben Kay October 19, 2015 England rugby chiefs have confirmed the five-man panel tasked with reviewing the team’s miserable World Cup and effectively deciding the fate of head coach Stuart Lancaster. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ian Ritchie is joined by former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, ex-England player Ben Kay, Ian Watmore, the one-time chief [...]
Portuguese Golf Masters: Andy Sullivan’s hat-trick of titles has catapulted Englishman into world elite October 19, 2015 Not many players have won three European Tour events in a season, but that’s exactly what Andy Sullivan has achieved after the Englishman triumphed at the Portugal Masters on Sunday. Sullivan, who was yet to win his maiden professional title this time last year, looked totally in control as he demolished the field to prevail [...]
Ireland bid for first ever Rugby World Cup semi-final berth ruined by wily Argentina October 19, 2015 Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted that his under-strength side lacked the necessary nous and knowhow to overcome a wily Argentina after the Pumas wrecked their chances of a first ever World Cup semi-final berth yesterday. An early blitz and tries from centre Matias Moroni and wing Juan Imhoff saw Argentina surge into a 17-0 lead, [...]
Gallant Scotland suffer Rugby World Cup anguish after controversial last-gasp penalty hands Australia 35-34 victory October 19, 2015 Devastated captain Greig Laidlaw insists his fearless Scotland side have a prosperous future after being cruelly robbed of a place in the World Cup semi-final by a contentious last-gasp penalty as Australia prevailed at Twickenham yesterday. Leading 34-32 with a minute remaining, referee Craig Joubert controversially deemed replacement Jon Welsh to be deliberately offside, although [...]
Steve McClaren: Newcastle’s six-goal win over Norwich can be a turning point for our season October 18, 2015 Newcastle United 6-2 Norwich City Newcastle manager Steve McClaren has challenged his team to reproduce the display that saw them end their wait for a first Premier League win of the season in spectacular, six-goal fashion. Midfielder Giorginio Wijnaldum scored four and strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez struck the others as the Magpies finally claimed [...]