Football Comment: Bale in world’s elite but overpriced by £50m August 22, 2013 A LONG summer of transfer speculation has revolved in no small part around north London and, with 10 days to go, Tottenham look to have managed it better than Arsenal, despite the imminent loss of their best player. Spurs have been understandably reluctant to part with Gareth Bale, but the money on offer from Real [...]
Europa League: Soldado at the double in Euro win August 22, 2013 DINAMO TBILISI 0 VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 5 RECORD £26m signing Roberto Soldado struck twice as Tottenham demolished Dinamo Tbilisi in the Europa League play-off first leg last night in Georgia. Spurs, who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s competition, took a giant stride towards the group stage with their biggest win under boss Andre Villas-Boas. [...]
Wenger turns to former Arsenal battler Flamini August 22, 2013 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has moved to fulfill his promise of midfield reinforcements by offering a contract to former Gunner Mathieu Flamini, who is available on a free transfer. Flamini, who spent four seasons at the club before an acrimonious departure to AC Milan in 2008, has been training with Arsenal for the past two [...]
Robshaw extends Harlequins contract August 22, 2013 ENGLAND captain Chris Robshaw will stay with Harlequins until 2016 after signing a contract extension with the Aviva Premiership club. The 27-year-old back-row has scored 16 tries in 170 appearances and helped Quins win the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2011 and the Premiership title last year. Robshaw said: “It’s a fantastic club with huge aspirations.”
Southgate lands England job August 22, 2013 FOOTBALL: Former Crystal Palace defender Gareth Southgate has been named England under-21s manager, signing a three-year deal. The 42-year-old won 57 full international caps and managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.
Britain end 24-year wait for title August 22, 2013 EQUESTRIAN: Britain’s Olympic showjumping champions – Ben Maher, Michael Whitaker, William Funnell and Scott Brash – won their first European team title for 24 years in Denmark yesterday. Britain, however, failed to retain their dressage title.
Jose out to spoil Moyes’ Old Trafford coronation August 22, 2013 BEN CLEMINSON AND BILL ESDAILE WITH THE BEST FOOTBALL AND RACING BETS THIS WEEKEND Jose Mourinho will get his closest look yet at striker Wayne Rooney, as Manchester United host Chelsea in a titanic clash at Old Trafford on Monday night. Rooney appeared off the bench in United’s 4-1 thrashing of Swansea but in not [...]
South African speedball Shea Shea set to fly home at York August 22, 2013 THIS afternoon’s Nunthorpe Stakes (3.40pm) is the pinnacle of the season for sprinters and forms the next round of the QIPCO British Champions Series. Sole Power produced one of the biggest shocks in the race’s history three years ago when landing the prize at an astonishing 100/1, but he has since gone on to prove [...]
Champions League: Wenger eyes frantic end to window after Europe boost August 21, 2013 FENERBAHCE 0 vs ARSENAL 3 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger heaped praise on match-winner Aaron Ramsey after the Gunners all but secured their Champions League status and a £30m windfall – but insists he still needs a midfielder. Wenger, who was last night also linked with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema after admitting defeat in his [...]
Premier League: Mourinho bares teeth and puts Rooney on ice August 21, 2013 CHELSEA 2 vs ASTON VILLA 1 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out making a renewed attempt to sign Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney until after the two Premier League heavyweights clash on Monday. Despite having less than two weeks to complete any transfer business, Mourinho is prepared to wait until after his team travel [...]