England turn to fresh faces as Six Nations work begins January 9, 2014 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has challenged fly-halves Stephen Myler and George Ford to stake a claim for a place in next year’s World Cup squad following their inclusion in the 35-man party to prepare for the Six Nations. No10 Toby Flood’s international career is virtually over after Lancaster, who has a policy of not [...]
Tough-talking Allardyce vows to lead troubled West Ham to safety January 9, 2014 UNDER pressure West Ham manager Sam Allardyce came out fighting yesterday and vowed to turn his team’s season around in the face of growing frustration from supporters. Those who travelled to Manchester City on Wednesday night vented their anger at the Hammers boss during the 6-0 thrashing, while former captain Julian Dicks said he felt [...]
Crisis is down to penny pinching, say United fans January 9, 2014 MANCHESTER United’s woes are not the fault of new manager David Moyes but the inevitable consequence of reduced investment in players since the Glazer takeover, according to a leading fans’ group. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) argues that a run of three consecutive defeats and the seemingly certain loss of the Premier League title [...]
Goode calls on Sarries to clear mental hurdle January 9, 2014 SARACENS full-back Alex Goode insists his team-mates must overcome a mental barrier to beat Toulouse in Sunday’s crucial Heineken Cup clash. The French side, four-times champions of Europe, emerged with a narrow 17-16 win when the top two teams in Pool 3 met at Wembley in October. And Goode feels a full 80-minute performance from [...]
West Brom agree terms with Mel as managerial hunt ends January 9, 2014 PREMIER League strugglers West Brom have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel as head coach ending their month-long search to replace former boss Steve Clarke. Mel has signed an 18-month deal and will watch from the stands tomorrow as the Baggies, four points clear of the relegation zone, travel to out-of-form Southampton. The 50-year-old had initially held [...]
Grid star Irvine lands six-month prison sentence January 9, 2014 FORMER Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has been sentenced to six months in prison following a conviction for his part in a brawl in a Milan nightclub in 2008. The 48-year-old, who spent nine years as a Formula One star, was found guilty along with Gabriele Moratti, the son of a former Milan mayor, of causing [...]
10 January on this day January 9, 2014 PETER Marinello celebrates a goal after only 14 minutes of his Arsenal debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 10 January 1970. A few days earlier, 19-year-old Marinello, dubbed the Scottish George Best, had become Arsenal’s record and first-ever six-figure signing when he moved from Hibs for £100,000. But the dream soon turned sour [...]
Pietersen future nears resolution January 9, 2014 CRICKET: Batsman Kevin Pietersen’s England future could become clearer today when Indian Premier League teams announce which players they have retained. If Pietersen renews his contract with Delhi Daredevils it could strain relations with England chiefs at a time when his place in the team is believed to be under serious threat following the 5-0 [...]
Murray to start against Soeda January 9, 2014 TENNIS: World No4 Andy Murray has been drawn to play Japan’s Go Soeda in the first round of the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. The Scot has been placed in the same half of the draw as world No1 Rafael Nadal and 17-time grand slam winner Roger Federer. Meanwhile, British No1 Laura Robson will [...]
Clarke among leaders in Durban January 9, 2014 GOLF: Former Open champion Darren Clarke shot a three-under-par 69 to finish two shots off then lead at the first European Tour event of 2014 yesterday. Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin set the pace at the Volvo Golf Champions in Durban, South Africa, with native star Louis Oosthuizen a shot behind and Northern Irishman Clarke, who has [...]