Abramovich’s watching brief won’t distract AVB February 9, 2012 CHELSEA boss Andre Villas-Boas insists the presence of owner Roman Abramovich at the club’s training complex this week should not be treated as a sign that the Russian is contemplating condemning him to the Stamford Bridge managerial scrapheap. Abramovich hired Villas-Boas in the summer, his sixth managerial appointment since he assumed control of the west [...]
Kieswetter prepared to answer England’s call February 9, 2012 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter insists he doesn’t see his change of role in the one-day side as a demotion and is confident he can adjust to the demands of being a middle-order batsman. The Somerset man has shown only flashes of brilliance since he came into the 50-ver side two years ago as an opening [...]
I was left with no option but to quit, admits Capello February 9, 2012 OUTGOING England manager Fabio Capello revealed last night that the Football Association left him with no option but to resign after they opted to relieve John Terry of the captaincy. FA chairman David Bernstein admitted yesterday that Capello had been unwilling to accept the decision to remove Terry as England skipper due to the Chelsea [...]
Under-21 boss Pearce placed in temporary charge February 9, 2012 ENGLAND under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has been backed to calm the maelstrom surrounding the senior team and guide them through the friendly with Holland on 29 February. Pearce, who was also an assistant to former national team boss Fabio Capello, has been placed in temporary charge until the Football Association appoint the Italian’s permanent replacement. [...]
Lancaster trusts continuity to breed improved display February 9, 2012 ITALY vs ENGLAND ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster has backed his embryonic side to learn the lessons of last week and sharpen their attacking threat when they collide with Italy tomorrow in the Six Nations. Lancaster has kept faith with the same team that eked out a 13-6 victory over Scotland in their opening fixture, despite [...]
When in Rome, exploit back three February 9, 2012 GIFT OF A WIN AT MURRAYFIELD England’s opening Six Nations win in Scotland left me with mixed feelings. It was good to win, not having done so there for a while, and the young guys did well so they can enjoy that experience. But I think the game was gifted to England more than they [...]
Scots will raise roof in Cardiff, promises Ford February 9, 2012 SCOTLAND captain Ross Ford insists they want the Millennium Stadium roof closed so they can take on Wales at their own game on Sunday. Ford rejected suggestions the forecast rain and slippery conditions might offer the visitors better hope of pulling off a surprise Six Nations win. “We’ve asked for the roof to be closed [...]
O’Connell eyes end to Ireland’s away day Bleus February 9, 2012 IRELAND skipper Paul O’Connell is adamant they can bounce back from defeat to Wales and record only their second win in France since 1972. Outside centre Keith Earls replaces Fergus McFadden in the lone change to Declan Kidney’s side for tomorrow’s Six Nations clash in Paris. O’Connell said: “Against France away from home you need [...]
Former Tour winner Ulrich banned February 9, 2012 CYCLING: Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has been handed a two-year ban for blood doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ullrich was ruled by CAS to have been linked with the Spanish-based doping probe Operation Puerta. All of the German’s results since May 2005 have been struck from the record books, [...]
Price agrees Sexton contest February 9, 2012 BOXING: British heavyweight David Price will fight Sam Sexton for the British and Commonwealth titles vacated by Tyson Fury. Olympic bronze-medallist Price, 28, has a perfect 12-win record (10 KOs) and will be favourite against former Commonwealth champion Sexton. Price said: “I’m disappointed he didn’t step up to the plate because it was the fight [...]