Benfica left cursing their luck as Sevilla lift Europa League trophy May 14, 2014 CURSED Benfica lost an eighth successive European final last night, surrendering the Europa League title to Sevilla in a penalty shootout. Soon after winning the European Cup in 1962, Benfica parted company with manager Bela Guttmann and he declared the Portuguese club would not win another trophy on the continent for 100 years. And having [...]
History weighs as Arsenal seek breakthrough May 14, 2014 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits the club’s nine-year trophy drought will weigh on his players when they attempt to end that unwanted run in the FA Cup final against Hull. The Frenchman conceded that those nerves told in a jittery semi-final win over second-tier Wigan, but believes that it will be no disaster even if [...]
Smith century earns Surrey win May 14, 2014 CRICKET: Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith steered Surrey to their first win of the County Championship season with a second innings knock of 103 against Gloucestershire. While Surrey prevailed by four wickets, Middlesex routed Lancashire by 10 at Lord’s. Irish bowler Tim Murtagh claimed match-winning figures of 6-60.
Giggs begins talks with Van Gaal May 14, 2014 FOOTBALL: Manchester United’s interim manager Ryan Giggs travelled to Holland yesterday to meet with current Dutch coach Louis van Gaal to finalise plans for his expected takeover at Old Trafford following this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Giggs has not confirmed whether he intends to continue playing next season.
Chelsea claim more silverware May 14, 2014 FOOTBALL: Chelsea last night added the Under-21 Premier League title to the FA Youth Cup with a 2-1 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. After falling behind to Tom Lawrence’s strike, Charly Musonda levelled before Lewis Baker’s 79th-minute winner.
Spurs look to Pochettino as Sherwood is pushed aside May 13, 2014 HIGHLY-RATED Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino last night emerged as the man most likely to become the ninth Tottenham boss during chairman Daniel Levy’s 13-year reign at White Hart Lane, after Tim Sherwood was sacked. The outspoken 45-year-old was relieved of his duties following an hour-long meeting with Levy yesterday, bringing to an end five tempestuous [...]
Fining wealthy clubs does make sense, says Uefa May 13, 2014 EUROPEAN chiefs Uefa have defended financial fair play (FFP) rules that mean super-rich clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are likely to be punished for infringements with fines. Both teams are understood to be among nine clubs waiting for confirmation of their punishments, which are likely to incorporate, but not necessarily be limited [...]
League One: Sleepy Orient hope to continue dream with Wembley triumph May 13, 2014 LEYTON ORIENT 2 PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1 (Orient win 3-2 on aggregate) LEYTON Orient boss Russell Slade believes his club have reached an exciting new chapter in their history after winning last night’s League One play-off semi-final second leg. Dean Cox volleyed in the opener before Chris Dagnall came off the bench to bag the 100th [...]
Managerial casualties remind Bruce to enjoy Arsenal cup final May 13, 2014 TOTTENHAM’S decision to sack Tim Sherwood has only made Hull manager Steve Bruce even more determined to savour Saturday’s FA Cup final against Arsenal. Sherwood’s dismissal came 24 hours after the end of Pepe Mel’s short-lived reign at West Brom and following a season in which Premier League managerial casualties reached double figures. “I’ve been [...]
Terry handed contract extension and another shot at Euro dream May 13, 2014 CHELSEA captain John Terry has been granted what is likely to be a final shot at laying his Champions League ghosts to rest after agreeing a contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. One-club man Terry, who has played 621 times for the Blues since making his debut in 1998, has signed a 12-month [...]