Johnno should have turned down England November 17, 2011 ENGLAND’S World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward revealed he advised Martin Johnson to turn down his old job back in 2008 and believes the Rugby Football Union took a gamble that was always likely to backfire by hiring a rookie manager. Johnson, who resigned on Wednesday after three-and-a-half years in the role, led the [...]
Swann: England primed to overcome their final frontier November 17, 2011 AFTER a year which has seen England cement their position at the head of the Test cricket, as well as record series victories over the two nations that contested the 50-over World Cup final in April, spinner Graeme Swann believes winning in the subcontinent this winter would complete the cycle of Andrew Strauss’s side. England [...]
Murray has shot at home triumph November 17, 2011 THAT first grand slam title might still be on the to-do list, but Andy Murray has a superb chance of landing his biggest prize yet – and in front of a home crowd – in London next week. The Scot faces the toughest possible opposition, with only the eight best-performing players of 2011 qualifying for [...]
Stadium row forces Saracens to abandon South Africa tie but they plan to be back November 17, 2011 SARACENS chief executive Edward Griffiths insists the club will resurrect attempts to hold a European tie in South Africa, despite yesterday’s dramatic U-turn which saw the Premiership champions axe January’s Heineken Cup match at Cape Town Stadium. The groundbreaking fixture against Biarritz, due to take place on 14 January, had sparked a row in South [...]
Spurs boss Redknapp hopes to return for Villa but Van der Vaart is a doubt November 17, 2011 TOTTENHAM have received mixed medical bulletins ahead of Monday’s clash against Aston Villa, with manager Harry Redknapp optimistic of returning to the dugout but top scorer Rafael van der Vaart an injury doubt. Redknapp has missed the last two games after undergoing heart surgery but is increasingly hopeful of being able to resume charge of [...]
Zamora is your most gifted No9, says Fulham chief Jol November 17, 2011 FULHAM manager Martin Jol has backed striker Bobby Zamora to win a place in England’s squad for Euro 2012, calling him the country’s most gifted No9. Zamora was given a chance to impress against Sweden on Tuesday and put in a mixed performance, leading the line well but lacking ruthlessness in front of goal. The [...]
Strauss and Anderson step up winter prep November 17, 2011 TEST skipper Andrew Strauss will step up his preparations for January’s tour of Abu Dhabi where he will lead his side against Pakistan by joining up with the England Performance Programme in India next month. Strauss, no longer involved in England’s one-day set-up, has enjoyed a three-month rest since guiding his team to a 4-0 [...]
Henry can give Arsenal a lift November 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the presence of the club’s record goalscorer, Thierry Henry, at the club’s training ground this week can help “lift” his players as they look to continue their recent good form at Norwich tomorrow. Henry, 34, has taken the opportunity to rejoin his old club after the New York Red [...]
Hape banned for four weeks November 17, 2011 RUGBY UNION: England centre Shontayne Hape has received a four-week ban after admitting making a dangerous tackle during the Heineken Cup clash between London Irish and Edinburgh. The Kiwi-born star cannot play again until 15 December, meaning he will miss Heineken Cup games against Cardiff Blues and Racing Metro, plus Premiership clashes against London rivals Wasps [...]
Grant in Northern Ireland frame November 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Former Chelsea and West Ham boss Avram Grant has emerged as a contender for the vacant Northern Ireland job. Grant has been out of work since he was sacked by the Hammers following their relegation from the Premier League last season. The Israeli’s agent has been in touch with the Irish Football Association.