QPR told to up offer for Blues Alex January 12, 2012 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas admits unsettled defender Alex could be on his way to west London rivals QPR – but only at the right price. The Brazilian is transfer listed and Villas-Boas confirmed a top-flight side had lodged a bid, with new Rangers boss Mark Hughes understood to want to make the 29-year-old his first [...]
Revitalised Brown itching to prove England worth January 12, 2012 HARLEQUINS full-back Mike Brown insists he is ready to carry his scintillating club form onto the international stage after successfully reinventing his game. Brown, a driving force behind the south Londoners’ rise to the Premiership summit and European charge, has been rewarded with a place in England’s Six Nations squad more than three years after [...]
Super surfer Slater in running to equal Federer’s record January 12, 2012 THE COUNTDOWN is on to this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, which are being held at Central Hall, Westminster, on Monday 6 February. These are the most prestigious sports awards in the world because the winners are chosen by the 47 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, which includes UK sports stars of the [...]
Gerrard pens new Liverpool deal January 12, 2012 FOOTBALL: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has signed a new long-term contract that effectively means he will finish his career with his boyhood club. The 31-year-old, who has made 566 appearances since making his debut in November 1998, said: “I’m very happy. It’s a very proud day for myself and my family. It comes on the [...]
IRB support Wales in Shingler row January 12, 2012 RUGBY UNION: The International Rugby Board has backed Wales in the row with Scotland over the eligibility of London Irish star Steve Shingler. The 20-year-old centre was called up by Scotland head coach Andy Robinson ahead of next month’s Six Nations, but the IRB has ruled that Shingler is not eligible to represent them as [...]
Nadal shrugs of fitness concerns January 12, 2012 TENNIS: Former world No1 Rafael Nadal has dismissed concerns over his fitness, saying his shoulder is “in perfect condition” ahead of next week’s Australian Open. The Spaniard intends to take February off to recover from a persistent shoulder injury, but will compete at Melbourne Park in search of an 11th grand slam crown. “It was [...]
Keane signs short-term Villa deal January 12, 2012 FOOTBALL: Aston Villa have signed Los Angeles Galaxy and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane on loan until 25 February, subject to Fifa clearance. Keane is set to become the third MLS player to join Premier League club this month following the returns of Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan to Arsenal and Everton, respectively
Djokovic dominance to continue in Melbourne January 12, 2012 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Does anyone fancy Novak Djokovic to better his incredible 2011 season? The Serbian won three Grand Slams, a record-breaking five Masters 1000 titles and 10 tournaments overall. He earned over $12 million last year alone, the same as fifth-ranked David Ferrer’s career earnings. Djoko’s achievements are no less impressive when you remember that [...]
Kalanisi just what the Doctor ordered January 12, 2012 TOMORROW’S William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton (2.50pm) was won by Martin Pipe’s Make A Stand in 1997 before he went on to land the Champion Hurdle as a novice two months later. There are no Champion Hurdlers in tomorrow’s line-up, but the first place to start is with David Pipe’s Decoy who was an [...]
BLUE SQUARE WINTER CARNIVAL January 12, 2012 THE first round of the Blue Square Sprint Series last weekend was split into two divisions and it’s the same again in round two tomorrow. Both of last Saturday’s winners, SPEAK THE TRUTH and Captain Dimitrios are back for more in the second division (2.10pm) and it’s the former who looks to have the best [...]