Champions-elect to edge closer to title April 24, 2014 BEN CLEMINSON AND BILL ESDAILE PREVIEW THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND’S FOOTBALL AND RACING ACTION LIVERPOOL are now as short as 1/5 with Star Sports to lift their first Premier League trophy but defeat against Chelsea on Sunday would blow the title chase wide open. The Blues, 33/1-shots, would still need snookers after a win [...]
Same Difference can go one better in Sandown’s bet365 Gold Cup April 24, 2014 THE CURTAIN comes down on another jumps season at Sandown Park tomorrow afternoon and it’s as you were with AP McCoy and Paul Nicholls picking up the champion jockey and trainer awards. McCoy will take home his 19th straight championship trophy tomorrow – one of the most remarkable achievements ever in sport. Nicholls relinquished the [...]
Europe spurs British car boom April 23, 2014 British car production rose 12 per cent in March, with output accelerating to meet rising demand in Europe. In the year so far, output is up 2.9 per cent on a year ago, and manufacturers are hopeful that recent strong sales on the Continent will firm up further this year. “As new models are launched [...]
United’s next boss may face restriction on spending plans April 23, 2014 MANCHESTER United’s next manager could face immediate restrictions on his transfer plans as the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League threatens to restrict their ability to increase the wage bill. New Premier League financial fair play (FFP) rules state that clubs may only increase their salary costs by £4m per season, plus an [...]
Cricket Comment: Moores needs to focus on attack and team ethic April 23, 2014 PETER Moores inherits an England set-up in desperate need of a fresh approach – namely a renewed emphasis on free, attacking cricket and players doing more thinking for themselves. Coach Moores is the right man for the job and I fully expect him to implement those changes in mentality. Some will be down to personnel, [...]
Haggas set to end Derby exile after Our Channel’s trial victory April 23, 2014 TRAINER William Haggas’s 18-year wait for a second bite at the Investec Derby is over after Our Channel, ridden by Ryan Moore, earned a place in the line-up with victory in yesterday’s Epsom trial. Haggas’s only previous Derby runner, Shaamit, won the 1996 race and his latest hope, owned by Abdulla Al Mansoori, held on [...]
Barca’s transfer reprieve offers Man City FFP lift April 23, 2014 MANCHESTER City could look to leverage Fifa’s decision to suspend Barcelona’s transfer ban to delay any punishment they incur for possible breaches of European financial fair play (FFP) rules, experts say. Barca had their freeze on buying and selling players lifted temporarily yesterday, meaning they will be free to trade this summer, after football’s world [...]
Mourinho, Faria and Ramires to answer FA misconduct charges April 23, 2014 THE FOOTBALL Association yesterday hit Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho with his second misconduct charge of the month, while assistant manager Rui Faria and midfielder Ramires are also set to feel the governing body’s wrath. Mourinho “questioned the integrity” of referees’ chief Mike Riley and match official Mike Dean following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, Faria [...]
Liverpool unveil expansion plans April 23, 2014 PREMIER League leaders Liverpool yesterday announced plans to expand the capacity at their Anfield home to 59,000. Public consultation is scheduled this week on plans to redevelop the Anfield Road and Main Stands. Liverpool intend to submit their planning application to the city council during the summer in the hope work can begin next year, [...]
Januzaj rejects England April 23, 2014 ENGLAND’S hopes of enticing Manchester United prodigy Adnan Januzaj to represent them failed yesterday when he chose to play for Belgium. The Brussels-born winger, 19, was also courted by Kosovo and Albania, his parents’ nationalities, and could now play at this summer’s World Cup.