Podolski: Style of play lured me to Arsenal April 30, 2012 GERMANY forward Lukas Podolski admits Arsenal’s swashbuckling style was a key factor in his decision to join the Gunners next season. Podolski’s widely expected move, in a deal thought to be worth around £10m, was confirmed by both Arsenal and the 26-year-old’s current club FC Cologne yesterday. The versatile attacker’s imminent arrival represents a coup [...]
Roy’s right man, but don’t judge on Euro 2012 April 30, 2012 THE Football Association may have raised a few eyebrows by moving to appoint Roy Hodgson as England manager ahead of Harry Redknapp, but I’m very comfortable with it. As far as motivators go, Redknapp is top of the tree, but the job – especially this role, which incorporates overseeing aspects of England’s technical development from [...]
Rival Redknapp backs Hodgson to succeed as England manager April 30, 2012 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp believes West Brom counterpart Roy Hodgson will be a success as England manager if, as anticipated, the Football Association appoint him today. Hodgson met with a four-man FA panel, consisting of FA chairman David Bernstein, general secretary Alex Horne, director of football development Trevor Brooking and Club England managing director Adrian [...]
Defeat in Chambers case won’t end our fight for reform, says BOA April 30, 2012 THE BRITISH Olympic Association has vowed to continue its fight to ban past dopers from representing Team GB at future Games, despite losing the legal battle to enforce that selection policy at London 2012. BOA chairman Lord Moynihan called the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling, which was confirmed yesterday and opens the door for [...]
Cipriani makes early Oz exit April 30, 2012 ■ RUGBY UNION: Fly-half Danny Cipriani has left Australian side Melbourne Rebels to make an early start at Sale as he attempts to return to the England fold. Cipriani, who agreed a deal to join the Premiership club in March, was expected to stay in Australia until their season’s end. “I’ve made no secret of [...]
Donald predicts short reign April 30, 2012 ■ GOLF: England’s Luke Donald imminently expects to relinquish his position as world No1 to Rory McIlroy after regaining top spot on Sunday with his third-placed finish in the Zurich Classic. “It’s been going back and forth a little bit. Rory’s turn next week,” said Donald.
Hodgson set for England role as FA opens talks April 29, 2012 WEST BROM’S Roy Hodgson is poised to take charge of England for this summer’s European Championship after the Football Association confirmed it had opened talks with the 64-year-old. City A.M. revealed last month that FA chiefs had significantly cooled their interest in Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, the initial favourite for the role, and were considering appointing [...]
Lucky Leinster survive late call to reach final April 29, 2012 CLERMONT AUVERGNE (15) vs LEINSTER (19) LEINSTER reached their third Heineken Cup final in four years after a thrilling semi-final victory away to Clermont. The Irish province, winners in 2009 and 2011, trailed 12-6 at half-time but survived a dramatic finish to fight back and set up a final meeting with 1999 winners Ulster. A [...]
Six appeal at the Bridge as rejuvenated Torres bags hat-trick against rivals QPR April 29, 2012 CHELSEA (6) vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS (1) CHELSEA boss Roberto Di Matteo insists his team must beat Newcastle on Wednesday night if they are to secure a top-four Premier League finish, after Fernando Torres’ first Blues hat-trick gave them all three points against west London rivals QPR yesterday. Goals from John Terry, Daniel Sturridge and [...]
Bale staying at Tottenham, says Redknapp April 29, 2012 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (2) vs BLACKBURN ROVERS (0) TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp believes winger Gareth Bale will stay at the club after victory over Blackburn strengthened their bid to finish in the Premier League’s top four. Bale, 22, has admitted he may leave the Londoners if they fail to secure Champions League football this season, after [...]