Prickly Van Gaal takes Allardyce to task over United long-ball jibes February 10, 2015 MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal has hit back at West Ham boss Sam Allardyce’s long-ball taunts and insists he has statistical evidence that the Hammers are a more route one team. Van Gaal took the unusual step of producing four sheets of diagrams and tables at a press conference yesterday and urged reporters to [...]
Diarra set to bolster West Ham midfield February 10, 2015 WEST Ham boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed the Hammers are close to agreeing a short-term deal with former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. Diarra, who has also played Premier League football for Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, is currently a free agent having seen his contract at Lokomotiv Moscow terminated last August. Allardyce insisted the 29-year-old [...]
England urged to build on their heroics in Wales February 10, 2015 ENGLAND forwards coach Graham Rowntree insists the new heights scaled by his side during their momentous victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium will count for little should they fail to be replicated throughout the Six Nations. The Red Rose have named an unchanged matchday squad to face Italy at Twickenham on Saturday after second [...]
Rugby to use TV replays to detect concussion February 10, 2015 TELEVISION replays could be used in rugby union to identify players suffering from possible concussion following controversy over the treatment of Wales wing George North. Wales yesterday escaped punishment from World Rugby for failing to remove North during Friday’s Six Nations defeat to England after the Northampton player had appeared to be momentarily knocked out. [...]
Botham backs Morgan’s charges to make an impact at World Cup February 10, 2015 FORMER Test captain Sir Ian Botham believes England possess the armoury to claim their first-ever World Cup title during a wide-open competition Down Under. After an opening clash against co-hosts Australia in Melbourne on Saturday, England also face the much-fancied New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland in Pool A. England have failed to [...]
Armitage facing suspended jail sentence February 10, 2015 FRENCH prosecutors have requested a five or six month suspended sentence and €5000 (£3,700) fine for Toulon’s Steffon Armitage after the 29-year-old appeared in court yesterday accused of assault. Armitage, who contests the charge, is alleged to have struck a 31-year-old in December. The court has reserved judgement until 24 February.
Pearson riles Lineker with pundits jibe February 9, 2015 EMBATTLED Leicester manager Nigel Pearson lurched into a new row with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker yesterday as he attempted to brush off doubts over his future at the Premier League’s basement club. Pearson failed to explain why the Foxes waited several hours on Sunday evening to deny widespread reports he had been [...]
Beckham backs prolific Kane for England call-up February 9, 2015 FORMER England captain David Beckham has joined the chorus hailing Tottenham striker Harry Kane as an international star in waiting. Kane enhanced his growing reputation further by scoring both goals as Spurs beat Arsenal in Saturday’s north London derby, taking his tally for the season to 22. He is tipped to earn his first senior [...]
I’ve spoken to Sherwood and he wants my job, admits QPR caretaker Ramsey February 9, 2015 QUEENS Park Rangers caretaker boss Chris Ramsey has admitted discussing the struggling club’s managerial vacancy with former Tottenham colleague Tim Sherwood, the favourite for the job. Ramsey, who takes Rangers to Sunderland tonight, also believes Sherwood deserves more credit for the current success of Spurs, where they worked together with the academy side before enjoying [...]
Fabregas set for comeback February 9, 2015 CHELSEA boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set for a return to action when his side host Everton at Stamford Bridge tomorrow evening. The 27-year-old has missed Chelsea’s last two Premier League matches against reigning champions Manchester City and Aston Vila with a hamstring injury after limping out of the [...]