Hooker Hartley out as Robshaw keeps the armband October 30, 2012 ENGLAND flanker Chris Robshaw is to continue as the national team’s captain for the impending autumn internationals but he will lead the side without the hooker Dylan Hartley who has been ruled out for four weeks. The coach Stuart Lancaster’s decision to delay the announcement of his captain had created some uncertainty as to whether [...]
Hat-trick hero Walcott leads rally at Reading October 30, 2012 READING 5 ARSENAL 7 ARSENAL last night secured a place in the fifth round of the Capital One Cup after a near-farcical affair in which they recovered from conceding the first four goals of an entirely unpredictable 120 minutes away to Reading. Forward Theo Walcott scored the crucial equalising goal deep into second-half stoppage time [...]
Let us all hear what refs do, it’ll keep players in line too October 30, 2012 SUNDAY’S tinderbox collision between Chelsea, Manchester United and referee Mark Clattenburg has seemingly left us with two possible conclusions, both unedifying: either one of England’s top officials is racist, or one of this country’s most powerful clubs has irresponsibly smeared him in the aftermath of a wounding defeat. It is difficult to see how football [...]
Brave Bradford stun Premier League Wigan October 30, 2012 LEAGUE TWO Bradford City last night led the Capital One Cup’s surprise results after securing a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory away to Premier League Wigan when the match had remained goalless after 120 minutes. Shaun Maloney fired his penalty over the bar, and Matt Duke saved from Jordi Gomez, after the home side – for [...]
Serbian police charge U21s October 30, 2012 THE Serbian police have charged two England U21 players for their roles in the aggressive confrontations witnessed at the end of this month’s European Championship qualifier in Krusevac. A total of 12 people were yesterday believed to have been charged, with two of England’s backroom staff among them. Uefa’s control and disciplinary body is to [...]
Redknapp denies interest in Blackburn managerial vacancy October 30, 2012 FORMER Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has denied having an interest in the vacant Blackburn Rovers job after heavy speculation arose linking him with the role. The former West Ham and Portsmouth manager has also been linked with Queens Park Rangers where, ironically, popular former Blackburn coach Mark Hughes is under pressure, and it continues to [...]
Defoe details Norwich danger after recent win over rivals October 30, 2012 TOTTENHAM striker Jermain Defoe has warned his team-mates that Norwich will tonight pose a significant threat because of the confidence they are building that began with their win over Arsenal. Spurs are to travel to Carrow Road, where club favourite and former assistant Chris Hughton is manager, in the fourth round of the Capital One [...]
Finn injury scare upstages Pietersen England return October 30, 2012 ENGLAND seamer Tim Bresnan played down the significance of Kevin Pietersen’s comeback after the estranged batsman’s reintegration was overshadowed by an injury scare for bowler Steven Finn. Pietersen appeared in England colours yesterday for the first time since his infamous text messaging dispute as the tourists saw India A reach 369-9 on day one of [...]
A new star could mitigate India defeat October 30, 2012 TOURS don’t come much harder than India and it’s difficult to see England winning the looming four-Test series. The vibes around the squad are not good, having endured plenty of controversy lately, and it’s all rather unsettling. It certainly won’t help them overcome a good side on tricky terrain. But it wouldn’t be a disaster [...]
Scottish rugby chiefs invite bids for Murrayfield naming rights October 30, 2012 MURRAYFIELD could become the latest stadium to be rebranded by a corporate sponsor after Scottish rugby chiefs admitted the naming rights were up for sale. Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson said they would be “crazy” if they did not seek a multi-million pound deal similar to Arsenal’s with airline Emirates. “The single biggest [...]