England and Australia renew hostilities November 20, 2013 ENGLAND began their quest to win a fourth consecutive Ashes series for the first time since 1890 when the first Test began this morning at The Gabba in Brisbane. Captain Alastair Cook named wicketkeeper Matt Prior in his team, despite concerns over a torn calf muscle, as well as seam bowler Chris Tremlett. Meanwhile, batsman Kevin [...]
Palace hope to land Pulis by the weekend November 20, 2013 CRYSTAL Palace have reopened negotiations with former Stoke boss Tony Pulis in the hope of sealing his appointment as manager before Saturday’s trip to Hull. The Premier League’s bottom club initially contacted Pulis following Ian Holloway’s departure last month, but baulked at his wage demands and desire for financial backing in the transfer window. A [...]
Clarke wants technology to help referees November 20, 2013 WEST Brom manager Steve Clarke wants technology to be made available to assist officials and has revealed referees’ chief Mike Riley telephoned him to apologise for the decision to award a last-minute penalty against them in a recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea. The Baggies were moments away from inflicting the Blues’ first ever home league [...]
Broncos set for administration November 20, 2013 THE FUTURE of Super League side London Broncos was plunged into doubt last night after confirming their intention to appoint an administrator. The Broncos, who have competed in every Super League season since its inception in 1996, are homeless, following their decision to leave Twickenham Stoop, and have just five players in their current squad. [...]
Murray in line for Australian Open after scheduling December return November 20, 2013 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray boosted his prospects of appearing at the Australian Open in January, by announcing his intention to return to the court in Doha in December. The world No4 has not played since Britain’s victorious Davis Cup play-off against Croatia in September, following surgery on his back. But, Murray posted a picture on [...]
Investors buy player shares November 20, 2013 CASH-STRAPPED clubs selling off players’ transfer rights as an alternative to taking bank loans has become a growing trend in Europe, according to a report by KPMG Europe’s Spanish division. The practice of third-party ownership is being undertaken by clubs including Champions League competitors Porto and Atletico Madrid, according to the report, which also states [...]
Football Comment: World class Ronaldo reminds England just what we are missing November 20, 2013 FORMER England captain Alan Shearer is right when he says England have no chance of winning the World Cup because they have no world class players – and events on Tuesday night illustrated why perfectly. While Cristiano Ronaldo was blasting a hat-trick to send Portugal to next year’s finals in Brazil, England were labouring to [...]
U-turn on Fury retirement tweet November 20, 2013 BOXING: Retirement claims made by British heavyweight Tyson Fury on Twitter yesterday were later rubbished by promoter Mick Hennessy and the 6ft 9in boxer’s uncle and coach Peter Fury, with discussions underway for a bout against unbeaten American Deontay Wilder next year.
Kermode appointed tennis chief November 20, 2013 TENNIS: Britain’s Chris Kermode has been named executive chairman and president of the men’s ATP Tour. The 48-year-old will begin a three-year term on 1 January.
International Friendly: Hodgson looks on bright side November 19, 2013 England boss upbeat despite second home defeat in five days ENGLAND 0 vs GERMANY 1 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson insists his side’s future is bright despite last night’s loss to Germany inflicting their first consecutive home defeats for 36 years. Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker’s 39th-minute header proved enough for a second-string side who played within [...]