Champions League: City continue continental stutter October 21, 2014 CSKA MOSCOW 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2 OPTIMISTIC Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to accept the odds are now stacked against his side qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase despite surrendering a two-goal lead against CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital yesterday. Israel’s Bibras Natkho held his nerve to convert a late penalty and [...]
Fergie defends Moyes choice October 21, 2014 FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club’s ill-fated appointment of David Moyes, insisting it was the result of a thorough consultation. United co-chairman Avie Glazer appeared to indicate Moyes had been handpicked by Ferguson when he said at the time: “Alex was very clear with his recommendation and we are delighted [...]
Redknapp future uncertain after QPR chairman criticises manager October 21, 2014 QPR manager Harry Redknapp’s future looks increasingly uncertain after chairman Tony Fernandes last night publicly criticised his handling of a spat with out-of-favour midfielder Adel Taarabt. Fernandes also censured Taarabt, but it was his expression of disappointment in Redknapp’s behaviour that raised eyebrows, with the veteran boss already odds-on to be the next top-flight coach [...]
Sunderland players dig deep to issue apology with ticket refund October 21, 2014 ASHAMED Sunderland players will offer long-suffering fans who endured their side’s 8-0 humiliation against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday an apology in the form of a monetary refund. The 2,600 fans who made the 630-mile round trip to the south coast and witnessed their side’s shocking performance will be offered a full refund on [...]
Hughes retains top jockey title as rival chooses to ride abroad October 21, 2014 IRELAND’S Richard Hughes will be crowned champion jockey for the third consecutive year after rival Ryan Moore confirmed he will not be riding again in Britain this year. The 41-year-old has been chasing three-time champion Moore for much of the campaign after suffering a broken back during a fall at Meydan on Dubai World Cup [...]
Wozniacki shocks Russian foe in opening WTA clash October 21, 2014 DENMARK’S Caroline Wozniacki summoned reserves of energy to stun five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova in an exhausting opening match in the WTA Finals in Singapore. Eighth-seed Wozniacki claimed a 7-6 [7-4], 6-7 [5-7]. 6-2 victory in three hours and 14 minutes during a match which featured 12 breaks of serve and 111 unforced errors. [...]
Premier League: Points to prove as van Gaal’s search for away victory goes on October 20, 2014 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 DISGRUNTLED Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal admits his side are some way short of an acceptable points tally after their stuttering away form continued against West Brom at the Hawthorns last night. Holland midfielder Daley Blind struck a late equaliser while Marouane Fellaini also notched his first [...]
NFL chiefs open to establishing a London team October 20, 2014 NFL executives have confirmed they plan to consider establishing a London franchise, though they insist that they are in no hurry to make the long-mooted proposal a reality. American football has never had greater presence in Britain, with Wembley set to host the second of three sold out regular-season games this year on Sunday when [...]
Saracens hooker Brits sidelined by knee ligament injury October 20, 2014 STRICKEN Saracens hooker Schalk Brits faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage during the club’s opening European Champions Cup fixture with French side Clermont Auvergne on Saturday. The 33-year-old South African forward sustained the injury during the second period at Allianz Park, only taking the field and replacing fellow hooker [...]
Navratilova blasts ITF silence over Russian’s Williams brothers slur October 20, 2014 EIGHTEEN-TIME grand slam winner Martina Navratilova has criticised the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for its failure to punish the Russian official who referred to Serena and Venus as the “Williams brothers”. Shamil Tarpischev, the president of the Russian Tennis Federation, landed a £15,000 fine and a one-year ban from the Women’s Tennis Association for the [...]