09 January on this day… January 8, 2015 1971: MANCHESTER United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Alan Gowling and Willie Morgan. Tony Dunne (nearest ball) and Nobby Stiles (far left) are pictured. Now, as then, both teams were full of footballing stars and the contest a huge occasion – 53,482 watched this 1971 battle. But few of the today’s [...]
Expect another United victory at Old Trafford January 8, 2015 RELYING on Manchester United for any sort of consistency on the pitch has been a risky strategy this season. Under Louis van Gaal, they’ve produced a range of performances more diverse in quality than an opening round of Britain’s Got Talent, from the dire to the delightful. And yet somehow they’ve managed to remain unbeaten [...]
Palace can cause a shock with Pardew back in town January 8, 2015 HAVING already parted ways with Tony Pulis before a ball had even been kicked, Crystal Palace bizarrely became the next Premier League club to relieve their manager of his duties by replacing the lacklustre Neil Warnock with Alan Pardew. Pardew’s tenure at Newcastle drew praise and criticism almost in equal measure on and off the [...]
Who will go down from the Premier League? Spread betting on relegation January 8, 2015 SPORTING INDEX’S Premier League Relegation Index gives points to teams finishing in the bottom six places at the end of the season. They are awarded as follows: Bottom = 60pts, Second Bottom = 40pts, Third Bottom = 30pts, Fourth Bottom = 20pts, Fifth Bottom = 10pts, Sixth Bottom = 5pts. All others = 0. With [...]
Barca fuel talk of blockbusting Messi transfer January 7, 2015 FOOTBALL’S richest clubs have received encouragement in their pursuit of Lionel Messi after Barcelona coach Luis Enrique fuelled speculation that the four-time world player of the year wants a transfer. Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners to strike a deal that would likely more than double the current record fee of £86m, paid by Real Madrid [...]
Oldham boss asks critics of rapist Ched Evans deal to keep views in check January 7, 2015 OLDHAM Athletic’s co-owner has confirmed the club are close to clinching the signing of convicted rapist Ched Evans but said he hoped critics of the controversial move would “keep their views in check”. Two sponsors are to cut ties with the third tier side if they sign former Wales striker Evans, 26, while Labour’s shadow [...]
LA Galaxy move is motivated by trophy potential, insists Gerrard January 7, 2015 LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard insists his move to LA Galaxy is not an extended holiday and is motivated by a final shot at swelling his medal collection. The Major League Soccer side yesterday confirmed Gerrard, who has won seven major trophies at Anfield, will join in July when his Liverpool contract expires and he leaves [...]
Sport Comment: Gerrard’s LA Galaxy transfer feels like two years too soon January 7, 2015 IT WAS hard not to adopt the trademark furrowed brow of the man himself as Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard this week explained his reasons for deciding to leave his club of 25 years for America’s Major League Soccer when his contract expires in the summer. Gerrard wants to play for a club at which he [...]
Wasps close to replacing Varndell as Gopperth heads to Ricoh Arena January 7, 2015 WASPS are hoping to further bolster their attacking options with a replacement for departing wing Tom Varndell after announcing a deal for Leinster fly-half Jimmy Gopperth. Director of rugby Dai Young yesterday confirmed Wasps are close to sealing a deal for a new wideman after former England wing Varndell agreed to join Championship title favourites [...]
Valdes to hand Van Gaal keeper selection puzzle January 7, 2015 MANCHESTER UNITED were last night set to sign former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes after offering the Spaniard an 18-month contract at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old has been training with the 20-time English champions since October in a bid to overcome the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March. Valdes, who has won six La [...]