Lennon sad at Messi blow September 30, 2013 CELTIC manager Neil Lennon says he has mixed emotions regarding the absence of the “best player in the world” Lionel Messi from tonight’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona. Messi faces a three-week lay-off with a thigh injury, and Lennon said: “It’s tinged with sadness because it’s always fantastic to see the great players in Glasgow.”
Derby return for McClaren September 30, 2013 FORMER England manager Steve McClaren has agreed a three-year deal to succeed Nigel Clough in the Derby County hot-seat. McClaren, 52, spent three seasons as a player with The Rams and also enjoyed a spell as assistant manager to Jim Smith. Chief executive Sam Rush says a “play-off place” is Derby’s goal.
British NFL franchise not credible September 30, 2013 AMERICAN FOOTBALL: The creation of a British-based franchise is not yet credible, according to NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood, who says logistical issues, including the size of the Wembley Stadium dressing rooms, still need to be ironed out.
Buttler makes Lancashire switch September 30, 2013 CRICKET: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has joined Division Two county champions Lancashire from Somerset.
Torres could face further ban but has Mata support September 29, 2013 CHELSEA midfielder Juan Mata has leapt to the defence of team-mate Fernando Torres, following a fiery display in the fiercely contested London derby with Tottenham on Saturday. The Spain striker was sent off 81 minutes into the 1-1 draw following an aerial collision with defender Jan Vertonghen, though was fortunate to have escaped a red [...]
Premier League: Suarez deserved comeback goals, insists Rodgers September 29, 2013 SUNDERLAND 1 vs LIVERPOOL 3 LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers feels striker Luis Suarez’s two goals on his return to Premier League action were just reward for months of hard graft. Suarez, making his first league appearance in more than five months following a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, looked immediately accustomed to [...]
Sport Comment: Why won’t football learn lessons from rugby? September 29, 2013 THIS week’s column is the proverbial record that’s got stuck, for which apologies, but it’s a pretty safe bet it’s going to get re-written a fair few times in the future until things change. When will football, wonderful arrogant football, admit it can learn a few lessons from other sports? Having taken an eternity to [...]
Holtby plays down title chances September 29, 2013 TOTTENHAM midfielder Lewis Holtby believes talk of mounting a Premier League title challenge this season is unrealistic. Spurs have lost only one of their opening six league games and are third in the table, just two points behind pacesetters Arsenal, following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with London rivals Chelsea. With last season’s top two, Manchesters United [...]
Arsenal are still a long way from being champions, warns Laudrup September 29, 2013 SWANSEA manager Michael Laudrup has insisted that Arsenal remain a long way from becoming a title-winning team, despite watching the Gunners overcome his side 2-1 on Saturday. The win, courtesy of second-half goals from Serge Gnabry and Aaron Ramsey, gave Arsenal a two-point lead in the Premier League. Yet Laudrup, who has also faced Manchester [...]
Jol hits back at calls for sacking September 29, 2013 UNDER fire Fulham boss Martin Jol has warned the club’s fans to be careful what they wish for after chants calling for his exit were heard at Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Cardiff. “I will always be calm but I hate it when people are getting worried and nervous, especially if they ask the manager [...]