Koscielny convinced me to join Arsenal, says £13m Giroud June 26, 2012 FRANCE forward Olivier Giroud has told how international colleague Laurent Koscielny talked him into joining Arsenal, after completing his £13m transfer from Montpellier yesterday. Giroud, who topped the scoring charts and won the French top-flight title last season, discussed a possible move to north London with Gunners centre-back Koscielny while together at Euro 2012 this [...]
Rueful Robson out after lead turns to loss June 26, 2012 BRITISH teenager Laura Robson lamented a lost opportunity after squandering the chance to seal a sensational victory over former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. Robson lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to the 24th seed after a medical time-out for Schiavone, with the former Wimbledon junior champion one set up and with break points in the second, [...]
Capello critical of Rooney’s England form June 26, 2012 FORMER England manager Fabio Capello has accused Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney of failing to perform for his country and insisted he only plays to his potential at club level. Rooney has been criticised for the underwhelming nature of his performance during the European Championship quarter-final defeat to Italy and Capello, also from Italy, believes [...]
First victory will prove to Willett he can handle pressue and win again June 26, 2012 TWO heart-warming tales involving up and coming English players dominated the weekend’s results, with Danny Willett and Melissa Reid both overcoming recent troubles to record landmark wins. I was delighted to see former world amateur No1 Willett earn his first European Tour victory after several near misses and some injury problems, which had interrupted his [...]
Ronaldo ready for Portuguese responsibility June 26, 2012 PORTUGAL captain Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is unconcerned about carrying the hopes of a nation as he bids to tonight inspire his side to the Euro 2012 final with victory over reigning European and world champions Spain. “I don’t feel pressure playing against Spain,” said Ronaldo. “These games are part of my life. I have [...]
Mitchell to fight Burns in Glasgow June 26, 2012 BOXING: Kevin Mitchell is to challenge WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns, of Scotland, in Glasgow on 22 September. “This is a real fight between the two best in the division and it’s not going to be for the faint hearted,” he said. “I rate Burns very highly.”
Bradford Bulls enter administration June 26, 2012 RUGBY LEAGUE: Bradford Bulls have gone into administration and could fold if a new buyer is not found within 10 days. “This club is on the brink of extinction,” said joint-administrator Brendan Guilfoyle.
Gillies killed in holiday accident June 26, 2012 RACING: Jockey Campbell Gillies has died after an accident suffered on holiday in Corfu, Greece. “Very sad news about Campbell Gillies – a very good jockey but an even better bloke,” said Tony McCoy.
Hodgson puts brave face on England’s elimination June 25, 2012 Will Roy loosen the shackles? Hodgson was never going to be criticised for adopting a pragmatic approach at Euro 2012, having taken over just weeks before the tournament and with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches. But long-term he will find it increasingly difficult to justify such cautious tactics. That may mean casting [...]
WHERE DO ENGLAND GO FROM HERE? June 25, 2012 Will Roy loosen the shackles? Hodgson was never going to be criticised for adopting a pragmatic approach at Euro 2012, having taken over just weeks before the tournament and with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches. But long-term he will find it increasingly difficult to justify such cautious tactics. That may mean casting [...]