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.
Penney drops for Munster May 2, 2012 ■ RUGBY UNION: Rob Penney of New Zealand will succeed Tony McGahan as Munster’s head coach next season. “Rob’s record speaks for itself and we look forward to welcoming him to Munster,” said chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald.
Anderson injury fears allayed May 2, 2012 ■ CRICKET: England bowler James Anderson has been given the all-clear after undergoing an X-ray for a thumb injury. He was twice struck on the hand while fielding for Lancashire against Nottinghamshire, resulting in concerns over possible broken bones. “[There is] no break to his thumb,” the county champions said via Twitter.
Uefa stand firm over bookings May 2, 2012 ■ FOOTBALL: European football chiefs Uefa will not change their ruling over yellow cards received in Champions League semi-finals for at least three years, despite pressure to do so. Six players from Chelsea and Bayern Munich are suspended for the 19 May final but Michael van Praag, head of Uefa’s Champions League Rules group, said: [...]
I’m ready for the pressure, insists Hodgson, as he prepares to inherit England job’s poisoned chalice May 1, 2012 ENGLAND’S new manager Roy Hodgson insists he is strong enough to handle the pressure of the most high-profile role of his lengthy career, after completing a whirlwind 48 hours by signing a four—year deal yesterday. Hodgson’s appointment came in for criticism before it was even confirmed, with questions raised about why Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, the [...]
Roy thrown straight in at the deep end May 1, 2012 IF HE was in any doubt beforehand, Roy Hodgson got a taste of the singular scrutiny to which England managers are subjected when he faced the media for the first time yesterday. Perched slightly awkwardly, Hodgson was bombarded with just about every awkward question imaginable. Could John Terry and Rio Ferdinand coexist in peace? Would [...]
Care and Haskell can make South Africa tour, says Lancaster May 1, 2012 ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster has opened the door for Danny Care and James Haskell to return to the international set-up for this summer’s tour to South Africa, though he accepts the duo will never be coached by Wayne Smith. The Harlequins scrum-half was overlooked by England for this year’s Six Nations following myriad off-field controversies [...]
Di Matteo: Cup places available May 1, 2012 CHELSEA interim manager Roberto di Matteo has urged his fringe players to force their way into his FA Cup final plans by beating Newcastle to strengthen their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish. The Italian insists his side are focused on tonight’s game, in which they could climb two places from sixth, though he [...]
Echoes of Muamba incident as Norwegian swimmer, 26, dies May 1, 2012 NORWEGIAN world champion swimmer Alexander Dale Oen has died, aged just 26, following a cardiac arrest, in the latest such incident to affect apparently healthy sportsmen. Dale Oen, who won 100m breaststroke gold at last year’s World Championships in Shanghai, was found collapsed at a training base in Arizona, where he was preparing for the [...]