England coach Flower’s future in fresh doubt January 7, 2014 DOUBTS over England cricket coach Andy Flower’s future resurfaced yesterday amid suggestions he could step down unless controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen announces his international retirement. Flower has been unequivocal in his determination to continue in the role despite presiding over the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia, which culminated in a three-day defeat in Sydney on Sunday. [...]
Allardyce aims to stifle City threat January 7, 2014 WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes his patched-up team can frustrate Manchester City into submission in tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg. City have won all 10 of their Premier League home matches this season, scoring almost four goals per game on average. The Hammers, meanwhile, are struggling at the foot of the table [...]
Johnson leaves FA panel after homophobic comments row January 7, 2014 FORMER Birmingham defender Michael Johnson has withdrawn from the Football Association’s inclusion advisory board having come under fire for comments regarding homosexuality. The 40-year-old stated during a TV appearance in 2012 that he would not support the FA’s anti-homophobia campaign because “in the bible it states homosexuality is detestable unto the Lord”. Following Johnson’s addition [...]
Deng completes Cavaliers switch January 7, 2014 BASKETBALL: British NBA star Luol Deng has ended his nine-year association with Chicago Bulls and joined Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6ft 9in forward has averaged a career-best 19 points per game this season and represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Peel set to swap Sale for Bristol January 7, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Former Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel has agreed a two-year deal to join Bristol from Sale Sharks next season. The 32-year-old won 76 international caps.
Orient move into promotion spot January 7, 2014 FOOTBALL: Goals from Moses Odubajo and Scott Cuthbert earned Leyton Orient a 2-0 win at Shrewsbury to climb to second in League One.
Walcott ruled out of World Cup by injury January 6, 2014 ENGLAND and Arsenal’s ambitions for 2014 suffered hammer blows last night when Theo Walcott was ruled out for six months – including this summer’s World Cup – with a serious knee injury. Tests revealed that the versatile forward suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in an innocuous looking incident during the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup [...]
Cricket Comment: Ashes misery demands shake-up January 6, 2014 Flower and Cook deserve to stay, but their unconditional support is strange ENGLAND’S current coach and captain have just overseen the most disastrous tour for many a year, so I find it very strange that David Collier has thrown his resounding support behind Andy Flower and Alastair Cook. Following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash, everyone is [...]
Allardyce handed double boost by hopeful Hammers’ hierarchy January 6, 2014 THE West Ham board moved to alleviate growing pressure on boss Sam Allardyce yesterday by issuing a public vote of confidence and vowing to back their manager in the transfer market. The Hammers are three points adrift of Premier League safety having won just once in 13 matches and were dumped out of the FA [...]
Time for Cook to stamp mark on England side, says Vaughan January 6, 2014 FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has called on beleaguered current skipper Alastair Cook to use the fallout from the Ashes whitewash in Australia to impose his own style on the team. Vaughan has rejected claims that England’s playing staff need an overhaul following their 5-0 drubbing, but believes it is time for Cook to stamp [...]