Ozil isn’t first of many big deals, Wenger warns October 17, 2013 ARSENAL may have obliterated their transfer record by signing £42.5m Mesut Ozil last month but manager Arsene Wenger has warned fans that the club are not about to abandon their frugal ways. Wenger said further blue-chip signings would be rare, and emphasised that his priority was still developing young players and spotting unheralded talent. The [...]
Germany and Chile lined up October 17, 2013 ENGLAND are to face Germany and Chile in friendly matches at Wembley next month as Roy Hodgson looks to hone his squad for next year’s World Cup. Hodgson’s men host Chile for the first time since 1998 on Friday 15 November and Germany, whom they last met at the 2010 World Cup, when Fabio Capello’s [...]
England ranked 10th in the world but miss out on seeding for Brazil October 17, 2013 ENGLAND jumped seven places in the world rankings to 10th yesterday, but consequently learned they have missed out on a place among the top seeds for December’s World Cup group stage draw. The Three Lions’ presence in pot two for the draw in Bahia on 6 December means they could face hosts Brazil or be [...]
Clubs told to follow suit and slash prices October 17, 2013 SUPPORTERS have urged all Premier League clubs to follow suit after Newcastle, Swansea, West Brom and Hull struck reciprocal deals to cut ticket prices for away fans. Newcastle have agreed to reduce their cheapest away ticket for visiting Swansea and West Brom fans on the basis that they return the favour. The Swans have a [...]
Rodgers disputes Harry tale October 17, 2013 LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that QPR boss Harry Redknapp did ask him to be his England No2 – but denied agreeing to take the role. Redknapp told in his book how, when seemingly set for the England job last year, he approached Rodgers, then at Swansea, over a coaching role at Euro 2012. [...]
Saracens squad envy of Europe, claims Wyles October 17, 2013 SARACENS centre Chris Wyles believes the abundance of riches in the squad makes his team the ones to beat in this year’s Heineken Cup. The Aviva Premiership leaders have six representatives in England coach Stuart Lancaster’s squad for next month’s autumn internationals, including previously uncapped centre Joel Tomkins. Top 14 heavyweights Toulouse are tonight’s visitors [...]
Gatland rubbishes Anglo-French alternative plans to Heineken Cup October 17, 2013 WALES coach Warren Gatland has warned an Anglo-French replacement for the Heineken Cup is doomed to failure unless the Celtic nations and Italy can be persuaded to take part. England and France’s top clubs have declared their intention to compete in the Rugby Champions Cup from next season, having served notice to Heineken Cup chiefs [...]
Rugby chiefs warned over risk of NFL-like concussion lawsuit October 17, 2013 RUGBY Union’s governing bodies could face multi-million pound lawsuits unless they step up efforts to minimise the risks of concussion, according to a leading British neuroscientist. American Football’s NFL paid out £476m in a settlement to more than 4,500 former players who blamed dementia, depression and Alzheimers on concussion-related brain injury. The International Rugby Board [...]
Bellew primed for second world title challenge against Stevenson October 17, 2013 MANDATORY challenger Tony Bellew is set for his first world title fight in two years when he takes on light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson of Canada in Quebec City next month. The Liverpool boxer will meet Stevenson at the 15,000-capacity Colisee de Quebec. Bellew, a former British and Commonwealth champion, will turn 31 on the night [...]
Rusty McIlroy mounts recovery after slow start at Korea Open October 17, 2013 FORMER world No1 Rory McIlroy admitted his first round at the Kolon Korea Open suffered following four weeks away from the course. The Northern Irishman slumped to two over par after 13 holes, though quickly rattled off three birdies to finish one under at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. But McIlroy admitted his slow start [...]