Defeat will ruin Chelsea, says Ribery May 17, 2012 BAYERN Munich star Franck Ribery has heaped pressure on Chelsea ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League final, claiming the Blues would struggle to recover from another near miss in the competition Roman Abramovich prizes highest. The success or failure of Chelsea’s season – and perhaps manager Roberto di Matteo’s position – rests on whether they can [...]
Pienaar kicks Ulster’s import critics to touch May 17, 2012 ULSTER scrum-half Ruan Pienaar insists the Heineken Cup final underdogs are not reliant on him and his fellow South African imports as they prepare to collide with Leinster in tomorrow’s historic all-Irish European showdown. World Cup winner Pienaar’s lethal kicking has propelled Ulster to the frontier of a monumental triumph, not least in last month’s [...]
Broad’s six of the best give England edge May 17, 2012 ALL-ROUNDER Stuart Broad admitted his pride after a six-wicket haul on an encouraging opening day of the first Test against West Indies elevated him to a select group of England greats. The Nottinghamshire man took 6-72 as England reduced the tourists to 243-9 at Lord’s, with evergreen batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul offering by far the sternest [...]
Liverpool open Martinez talks May 17, 2012 LIVERPOOL are set to open talks with Wigan manager Roberto Martinez about the Anfield vacancy after being granted permission by the Latics yesterday. Reds chiefs made an approach to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan 24 hours after sacking Kenny Dalglish over their worst Premier League finish for 18 years. The club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, [...]
Capello emerges as a candidate to replace Di Matteo May 17, 2012 THE MANAGERIAL uncertainty threatening to overshadow Chelsea’s bid for Champions League immortality escalated yesterday when former England boss Fabio Capello emerged as a candidate to replace Roberto di Matteo. Italian media reported Capello had held talks with Blues chiefs about taking charge in the summer, when Di Matteo is expected to be relieved of his [...]
Allardyce: We mustn’t freeze in £90m final May 17, 2012 WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce has warned his players not to let the importance of tomorrow’s £90m play-off final against Blackpool threaten their quest to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Hammers are hot favourites to record a third win of the season over the Tangerines, whom they have already smashed [...]
True great Frankel is too good for Excelebration May 17, 2012 IRIDE Be Fabulous in today’s highlight, the Sportingbet Yorkshire Cup, which is the next instalment of the QIPCO British Champions Series. I have to be honest, I don’t know a great deal about him as he was formerly trained by Andre Fabre. All his best form is on soft ground, so any rain would boost [...]
Exceptional Wilkinson seeks end to Toulon’s 20-year wait May 17, 2012 RECORD-BREAKING former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been hailed by Toulon captain Joe van Niekerk as they prepare for tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup final against Biarritz at the Stoop. An all-French clash will have a distinctly English flavour, with Wilkinson one of a handful of ex-pats in Toulon’s squad and former Red Rose full-back Iain [...]
Tigers boss mauls Lancaster for going public on Flood’s injury May 17, 2012 ENGLAND boss Stuart Lancaster has been slammed by his Leicester counterpart Richard Cockerill for revealing details of fly-half Toby Flood’s injury. Cockerill called Lancaster “naive” for disclosing “privileged information” as the Tigers prepare for next week’s Premiership final. The England head coach this week admitted Flood could miss next month’s tour of South Africa as [...]
Murray’s a sore loser in Italy May 17, 2012 TENNIS: Britain’s Andy Murray blamed a back injury after losing to Richard Gasquet at the Italian Open. The Frenchman came back to win the third-round match 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 6-2. Murray said the “niggle” would not keep him out of the French Open.