Sven’s a better bet than Di Matteo March 5, 2012 CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich made the right call in sacking Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday after the manager seemingly lost his way with the players – although things could get worse before they get better. The Portuguese appeared unable to motivate them any more, which means they were not happy with something. To me it looks [...]
Lancaster backs Care after third drink arrest March 5, 2012 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster insists scrum-half Danny Care still has a bright international future despite his third alcohol-related offence in the space of three months. Harlequins No9 Care was cautioned early on Sunday morning in Leeds for being drunk and disorderly after being caught urinating in public. Lancaster, who has known Care since the [...]
There is still plenty to play for this season, says Blues caretaker boss March 5, 2012 CHELSEA caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo has issued a rallying cry ahead of tonight’s FA Cup fifth round replay against Birmingham at St Andrews. The former Blues midfielder has been placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday and took charge of his first training session yesterday. The Italian has appointed [...]
New world No1 McIroy can dominate golf for a decade March 5, 2012 SINCE Tiger Woods surrendered his position as golf’s dominant force the world No1 ranking has been something of a hot potato; that is until now, for I believe Rory McIlory has the game and mentality to dominate the sport for a decade. Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer have all deservedly risen to the [...]
Milan look to complete Italian job March 5, 2012 AC MILAN arrive at Emirates Stadium tonight looking to protect their huge first leg advantage and in justifiably confident mood following a convincing victory over Palermo at the weekend. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) hit a 13-minute hat-trick in a 4-0 win that moved the Italian champions three points clear at the top of Serie A. Milan [...]
O’Connell and Murray injury blows for Irish March 5, 2012 IRELAND have suffered a potentially shattering blow to their Six Nations hopes after captain Paul O’Connell and scrum half Conor Murray were ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury. O’Connell (right) sustained damage to his left leg during Sunday’s thrilling 17-17 draw with France in Paris which left Ireland trailing table-topping Wales [...]
Rhythmic gymnasts earn a London 2012 reprieve March 5, 2012 BRITAIN will have a chance of gold in rhythmic gymnastics for the first time at London 2012 after the team successfully appealed to be selected for this summer’s Games. Independent arbitrator Sports Resolutions UK ruled yesterday that it was not convinced the team knew that only their performances on the first two days of January’s [...]
HOMECOMING: MORGAN RETURNS TO GLOUCESTER March 5, 2012 GLOUCESTER have confirmed England No8 Ben Morgan will join them from the Scarlets at the end of the season. The 23-year-old made his international breakthrough in this season’s Six Nations having been handed his debut in last month’s victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. “I grew up just down the road so Gloucester is my local [...]
Nicholls upbeat over Kauto Star Cheltenham bid March 5, 2012 CHELTENHAM hero Kauto Star bid to land a third Gold Cup next week is on course after his trainer Paul Nicholls issued an upbeat bulletin on the 12-year-old’s condition following last week’s schooling accident which continues to threaten his participation. The five-time King George VI Chase winner was rated 50-50 following his fall at Nicholls’ [...]
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHELTENHAM March 5, 2012 The countdown is underway to what promises to be another marvellous Cheltenham Festival, and YOU could be there in style on the opening day (March 13). We’ve teamed up with big race sponsor StanJames.com to offer you the chance to win a great day out that combines top class sport and fine dining at the [...]