FRANKIE’S THOUGHTS May 3, 2012 THE QIPCO British Champions Series kicks off again tomorrow and it’s going to be another hugely exciting season. I had some really decent wins last year and I’m hoping for more of the same. We could see another superstar emerge at Newmarket tomorrow afternoon as I honestly don’t think Camelot can be beaten in the [...]
French can upset Ballydoyle hotpots in this weekend’s opening Classics May 3, 2012 THE QIPCO British Champions Series, now in its second year, is designed to throw the spotlight on Britain’s best flat races and the first of the 35-race programme is tomorrow afternoon’s 2000 Guineas. Even though Aidan O’Brien hasn’t saddled the winner of the opening Classic of the season since Henrythenavigator back in 2008, the Ballydoyle [...]
Cisse wonder goal halts Chelsea’s top-four bid May 2, 2012 Striker continues scoring streak to inspire Newcastle victory CHELSEA 0 vs NEWCASTLE 2 CHELSEA manager Roberto di Matteo admits his side’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League hinge on winning the trophy after Newcastle, and Papiss Cisse’s goal of the season contender, tore their top-four hopes to ribbons. Red-hot Cisse’s extraordinary double, capped by [...]
Masterful Modric stirs Spurs win May 2, 2012 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 4 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp conceded his hopes of one day managing England are over after a clinical performance from Spurs sent them back into fourth in the Premier League, edging Bolton closer to relegation to the Championship. “[The England job] has never bothered me since day one,” said Redknapp. [...]
Injured Lawes to miss tour of South Africa May 2, 2012 ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster’s plans for this summer’s tour to South Africa suffered another blow yesterday when lock Courtney Lawes was ruled out with a shin injury. Lawes, of Northampton Saints, joins fellow forwards Tom Wood and Tom Croft in missing the crucial tour and compounds Lancaster’s problems in a period where coaching targets Andy [...]
Gerrard and Carragher applaud Hodgson despite Anfield failure May 2, 2012 POTENTIAL England captain Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on new England manager Roy Hodgson, insisting his disappointing stint at Anfield was a question of timing. Gerrard lauded Hodgson’s technical qualities and his man-management, following the West Brom chief’s surprise appointment to the top job on Tuesday. The midfielder’s comments will be seen as a fillip [...]
Bent return to boost England’s striking options at Euro 2012 May 2, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has received a timely boost after Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish revealed striker Darren Bent may yet recover in time to play at this summer’s European Championship. Bent, 28, was ruled out for around three months after rupturing his ankle ligaments during Villa’s 0-0 Premier League draw against Wigan in February, [...]
Wet weather shelters washed-out Strauss May 2, 2012 THE DOWNPOURS that have affected the county programme lately will have left many cricketers kicking their heels, but one man who has reason to be thankful for rain is Andrew Strauss. Under-fire England captain Strauss has taken to the crease for Middlesex in an attempt to rediscover a semblance of form before the Test series [...]
England return moves closer as Ashton quits Fylde role May 2, 2012 FORMER England coach Brian Ashton has fuelled speculation he is to return to the national set-up by resigning his post with National Division One club Fylde. Ashton quit as coaching consultant at the third-tier side yesterday, with the Lancastrian outfit saying he had other “opportunities” that he wanted to pursue. The 65-year-old’s decision comes as [...]
Campbell confirms retirement May 2, 2012 ■ FOOTBALL: Former England defender Sol Campbell, 37, has retired from football after a 20-year playing career. “It’s not easy for me to say it’s all over, that’s why I’ve been putting it off for a long time,” he said.