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 [...]
Arsenal on the verge of Champions League exit – but England’s Uefa coefficient lead over Italy has actually improved November 5, 2015 Concerns England could lose a Champions League place have been cooled with England's coefficient position now stronger than it was before the competition began. England, along with Spain and Germany, are allocated four Champions League places thanks to their Uefa coefficient ranking. However, Italy – currently with three places in the competition – gained ground [...]
Arsenal Champions League hopes in tatters, admits Arsene Wenger, after Bayern Munich enjoy five-goal revenge November 4, 2015 Bayern Munich 5, Arsenal 1 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits their Champions League hopes are dangling by a thread after they suffered a record-equalling thrashing at Bayern Munich. Two goals from Thomas Muller and further strikes by Robert Lewandowski, David Alaba and Arjen Robben were just reward for Bayern’s superiority and matched the Gunners’ heaviest [...]
Crucial Champions League victory proves Chelsea have rediscovered their resilience, insists under-pressure Jose Mourinho November 4, 2015 Chelsea 2, Dynamo Kiev 1 Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes his side rediscovered their resilience amid a second-half Dynamo Kiev fightback to record a crucial Champions League victory and relieve the pressure on the under-fire Portuguese. Visiting defender Aleksandar Dragovic atoned for his first-half own goal by levelling as the final 10 minutes approached, only for [...]