Champions League: Chelsea limp toward final with expert defensive job April 22, 2014 ATLETICO MADRID 0 CHELSEA 0 VICTORY at Stamford Bridge next week will send Chelsea into their third consecutive European final, after phase one of Jose Mourinho’s masterplan succeeded in Madrid. The Portuguese manager will be without several of the stars that frustrated Atletico Madrid into submission last night for that second leg though, with goalkeeper [...]
Farbrace to quit as Sri Lanka boss and join Moores’ England set-up April 22, 2014 SRI LANKA coach Paul Farbrace is poised to be confirmed as assistant to new England boss Peter Moores after deciding to leave his current post just three months into a two-year contract. The former Middlesex and Kent wicketkeeper, 46, led Sri Lanka to World Twenty20 glory during his short spell in charge but has informed [...]
Rusedski tasked with helping rising GB star Edmund to shine April 22, 2014 TEENAGE tennis star Kyle Edmund has appointed former British No1 Greg Rusedski as his new coach, replacing the Lawn Tennis Association’s Colin Beecher. Edmund has risen rapidly through the world rankings since playing in his first ATP tour event at Queen’s Club last June, breaking into the top 300 in February. The 19-year-old is rated [...]
Armstrong’s team manager feels more should face doping charges April 22, 2014 THE FORMER team manager of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, Johan Bruyneel, believes he has been made a “scapegoat” for a series of doping scandals that have rocked the sport after being handed a 10-year ban by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Bruyneel worked alongside Armstrong with the United States Postal Service and Discovery Channel teams for all [...]
Kiwi Ryder to sign for Essex April 22, 2014 ESSEX have signed controversial New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder to play in all formats for the rest of the season. Ryder, 29, averages 40.93 in 18 Tests but has not played in that format since 2011 and was dropped from the squad earlier this year for drinking on the eve of a match. The left-handed [...]
Guardiola and Klopp dismiss talk of taking Moyes’ place April 22, 2014 MANCHESTER United’s search for a new manager suffered twin blows yesterday when two of the world’s most coveted coaches, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, both ruled themselves out of the running. Barely had the sacking of David Moyes 10 months into his six-year contract been confirmed yesterday morning than Klopp had declared his own deal [...]
Keane hits out at stars over United manager sacking April 22, 2014 FORMER Manchester United captain Roy Keane last night laid the blame for manager David Moyes’s sacking squarely at the feet of his players. The former Everton boss’s brief reign was brought to a close yesterday morning, and Keane believes United should have been more patient. “He should have been given more time but some of [...]
Mourinho wants permission to pick weak team at Anfield April 22, 2014 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho says he will seek permission from senior figures at the club to field a “reserve” team in Sunday’s top of the table clash against Liverpool to maximise their chances of reaching the Champions League final just three days later. Following last night’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in their semifinal first [...]
Beaten Higgins fears for future April 22, 2014 SNOOKER: Four-time world champion John Higgins fears he can no longer regularly compete for top honours, following yesterday’s first-round exit to Alan McManus at the Crucible. Higgins, seeded 11th, lost 10-7 to his Scottish compatriot ranked 35th in the world. Higgins, 38, who has won just one ranking tournament in three seasons, said: “I’m maybe [...]
Injured Mirallas to miss season end April 22, 2014 FOOTBALL: Champions League-chasing Everton will be without forward Kevin Mirallas for their final three matches of the season due to a groin injury. The Belgium international limped off during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United and will now miss games against Southampton, Manchester City and Hull. Mirallas is expected to be out for six weeks, [...]