Old hand Lampard proves indispensable to Hodgson May 12, 2014 CHANGE is in the air for England, it would seem, but Frank Lampard is one element of previous regimes that manager Roy Hodgson is not so keen to dispense with just yet. Hodgson has proven willing to effectively end the international career of Ashley Cole, see through his warning that Jermain Defoe’s move to Toronto [...]
Championship: Austin’s double sends QPR into Wembley final May 12, 2014 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 2 WIGAN ATHLETIC 1 QPR WIN 2-1 ON AGGREGATE QUEENS Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton hailed the team’s “band of brothers” after they stayed on course for an immediate return to the Premier League – and an £80m windfall – last night. Striker Charlie Austin struck twice, including an extra-time winner, as [...]
Lerner ready to sell Villa and hopeful of £200m May 12, 2014 ASTON Villa owner Randy Lerner is hopeful of fetching as much as £200m for the club after officially putting them up for sale yesterday. The American, who bought Villa for £63m eight years ago and has spent around £90m net on transfer fees, said he felt it was time “to look for new leadership” for [...]
Golf Comment: Kaymer is back and it’s brilliant news for Europe May 12, 2014 MARTIN Kaymer is one of those gifted players who found superstardom at a very young age, in his case by winning the USPGA Championship, but decided to try to improve by remodelling his game. Sometimes, though, it’s best to play the cards that life has dealt you. In golf you have to play naturally, and [...]
Echoes of 2009 as Cardiff hosts Ashes opener May 12, 2014 ENGLAND’S bid to reclaim the Ashes from Australia is set to begin in Wales next summer after Cardiff’s SWALEC Stadium was chosen as the venue for the first Test. The series will again visit London twice, with Lord’s hosting the second Test and the Oval staging the final match, with dates at Edgbaston and Trent [...]
Mackay linked to West Brom as Mel manages just four months May 12, 2014 WEST Brom have begun the search for a new manager just four months after hiring their last boss following their decision to part company with Pepe Mel yesterday. The Spaniard steered the Baggies to Premier League safety, but only by a margin of three points and after a tepid reign in which he won just [...]
Pistorius facing psychiatric tests May 12, 2014 ATHLETICS: Prosecutors in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius have argued that the Paralympic star should undergo psychiatric observation after the defence said an anxiety disorder contributed to his fatal shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year. If the request is granted Pistorius could spend up to 30 days at a mental health institution. The [...]
Chelsea set to complete Costa deal May 12, 2014 FOOTBALL: Chelsea are expected to announce the £32m signing of Spain striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid later this month. The Blues are thought to have agreed a deal for the powerful Brazil-born player which will be announced after Atletico face neighbours Real Madrid in the Champions League final on 24 May.
Pulis honoured for Palace rescue job May 12, 2014 FOOTBALL: Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis was last night named Premier League Manager of the Year by the League Managers’ Association. Pulis polled the most votes among his peers after taking over a Palace side seemingly doomed to relegation from the top flight and steering them to an 11th-place finish.
Brighton boss Garcia steps down May 12, 2014 FOOTBALL: Brighton manager Oscar Garcia has resigned after just one season in charge following the club’s failure to win promotion to the Premier League. Brighton lost 6-2 on aggregate to Derby in the play-off semi-finals.