Champions League: Sloppy Blues on the brink of Euro exit April 2, 2014 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 3 CHELSEA 1 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho fears his team will not have the firepower to reach the Champions League semi-finals, after “ridiculous” defending left his team with a mountain to climb in next week’s second leg. On a night to forget for star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who proved uncharacteristically ineffective before limping [...]
Spurs plans for stadium by 2017 rest on legal bid April 2, 2014 TOTTENHAM have undertaken a major refinancing that paves the way for building of a new stadium to begin in earnest – but plans to open in 2017 are under threat from a long-running legal challenge. Spurs are waiting for the outcome of an appeal against a compulsory purchase order (CPO), issued more than two years [...]
McIlroy aims to make the most of Woods’ absence with Masters win April 2, 2014 FORMER world No1 Rory McIlroy hopes to capitalise on Tiger Woods’ absence from next week’s Masters to win his first green jacket and begin a period of dominance. Woods confirmed on Tuesday he would fail to tee off in Augusta for the first time since turning professional, following surgery on a pinched nerve in his [...]
Courts offer Barca hope as once revered club hit with transfer ban April 2, 2014 NOT so long ago they were the model club, adored for their irresistible tiki-taka style, admired for their democratic ownership model and lauded for eschewing corporate shirt sponsors. Today, however, Barcelona’s once pristine image looks sullied. Accused of irregularities in the signing of Brazil star Neymar and dethroned as kings of Europe, the latest and [...]
Depression is rife in football April 2, 2014 MORE than a quarter of professional footballers are suffering from depression, according to a recent survey conducted by global players’ organisation FIFPro. Findings from 180 players questioned, some British-based, showed that 26 per cent suffered from depression or anxiety.
Travelling army for GB Davis tie April 2, 2014 GREAT Britain captain Leon Smith feels the 700 supporters travelling to Italy this weekend can inspire a Davis Cup quarter-final triumph. Smith believes the home-and-away element is one of the Davis Cup’s key charms and the number of British fans making the trip shows the level of interest in the team’s progress.
Henderson senses National win April 2, 2014 HORSE RACING: Trainer Nicky Henderson believes Saturday is his best chance ever of winning the Grand National. Second-favourite Long Run is one of four Henderson-trained runners.
Marler extends Harlequins stay April 2, 2014 RUGBY UNION: England prop Joe Marler, 23, has signed a contract extension with Harlequins, keeping him at the Twickenham Stoop until 2016.
Trust spring horse Lieutenant to come alive at Aintree again April 2, 2014 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS TODAY’S ACTION AT AINTREE THE Crabbie’s Grand National Festival has grown in stature over the past decade and with huge pots on offer you find that some trainers are willing to sacrifice a win at Cheltenham for a success at Aintree. For others a crack at both meetings is irresistible, but with [...]
Diakali can chase home The New One April 2, 2014 THERE were a few hard luck stories at Cheltenham last month and connections of The New One were left to ponder what might have been had their superstar hurdler not suffered interference when the ill-fated Our Conor fell. It is impossible to say that he would have definitely won, but he certainly would have been [...]