City remain in chase despite United double January 1, 2013 MANCHESTER United maintained their seven-point advantage over rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez scored a brace each to thrash Wigan 4-0. Leaders United’s early dominance finally told when Hernandez tapped in from Ali Al-Habsi’s spill. Van Persie’s superb turn and whipped right-footed shot doubled [...]
Cool Murray targeting grand start to New Year in Australia January 1, 2013 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray insists he is ready to claim another grand slam at this month’s Australian Open, having broken his duck last year. Murray, who is set to step up his preparations for the tournament by playing at the Brisbane International this week, believes his 2012 US Open triumph was a major psychological barrier overcome. [...]
Sleepless Jol pleased to step into New Year with away joy January 1, 2013 WEST BROM 1 vs FULHAM 2 FULHAM manager Martin Jol is relieved his side secured only a second away win of the season against high flying West Brom, despite New Year celebrations keeping the squad awake. Dimitar Berbatov put the Cottagers ahead with a low drive from the edge of the area but West Brom [...]
Redknapp issues wage warning as he sets sights on Cole reunion January 1, 2013 QUEENS Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp admits he is trying to lure former England midfielder Joe Cole to the west London strugglers. Redknapp brought Cole through the ranks while West Ham boss and believes that the 31-year-old, who is out of favour at Liverpool, can help hoist the Hoops off the bottom of the Premier [...]
Commentator CMJ mourned January 1, 2013 ENGLAND cricket chiefs have paid tribute to Christopher Martin-Jenkins after the celebrated broadcaster died yesterday, aged 67, following a battle with cancer. Martin-Jenkins was best known as the voice of the BBC’s Test Match Special, but also covered the game for national newspapers. “Christopher – or CMJ – was quite simply a cricketing institution,” said [...]
Edwards quits London Irish role January 1, 2013 Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has quit his part-time consultancy role with London Irish. Edwards said he was giving up the position immediately after just four months following talks with Welsh rugby chiefs.
Sharapova in Australian hitch January 1, 2013 French Open champion Maria Sharapova has raised doubts over her fitness for the Australian Open by pulling out of the Brisbane International yesterday. The 25-year-old, who has had a collarbone injury, said the move was a precaution.
PSG new £570m deal stretches credibility, says Uefa FFP expert December 20, 2012 ONE of the experts behind Uefa’s financial fair play (FFP) rules has warned that the credibility of European football’s governing body rests on its response to Paris Saint-Germain’s new €700m (£570m) four-year deal with the Qatar Tourism Authority QTA. PSG will receive €150m (£122m) this season rising to €200m (£163m) in 2015-16 from QTA, which, [...]
Bale’s my man of the year in review of 2012 December 20, 2012 IT’S BEEN a hugely eventful year, from the extraordinary climax to the Premier League title race, to a new England manager and some dazzling individual performances. Here are my picks of 2012’s highlights. BEST PLAYER Robin van Persie’s goals kept Arsenal alive and he’s made a good start to life at Manchester United, but I’ve [...]
Manchester’s braced for return of Ronaldo December 20, 2012 FORMER Manchester United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford in February when Real Madrid take on Alex Ferguson’s side in their last 16 Champions League tie. Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to overcome Bayern Munich to keep alive hope of a Wembley final, with the first leg at the Emirates. Celtic have been drawn [...]