Villas-Boas not to blame for slide, says Cech November 24, 2011 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech has leapt to the defence of under-fire manager Andre Villas-Boas, insisting the players must accept culpability for a dismal run of form which has seen the club slide to the brink of Champions League elimination. Defeat in Leverkusen on Wednesday night, a fourth loss in the last five games in all [...]
Hamilton looking to future November 24, 2011 FORMULA ONE: Britain’s Lewis Hamilton insists he will approach next season a stronger person after a year of turbulence on and off the track. Hamilton split up with pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger in recent months and has endured an erratic time with McLaren. But, ahead of this weekend’s final grand prix of 2011 in [...]
FA: Goal-line tech by next year November 24, 2011 FOOTBALL: Goal-line technology could be in place for Premier League matches as early as next season, according to Football Association general secretary Alex Horne. World governing body Fifa have previously resisted such moves, but are currently testing nine different systems and will make a decision in June. Horne said: “It’s possible we could see it [...]
Pipe goes for double in Hennessy November 24, 2011 RACING: Great Endeavour will bid for a rare big-race double when he takes on an 18-strong field in tomorrow’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. The David Pipe-trained horse won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham this month and will now go for a prize won seven years ago by Celestial Gold, saddled by Pipe’s [...]
Beckham on my list, says Pearce November 24, 2011 FOOTBALL: Team GB coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed that former England captain David Beckham is under consideration for his London 2012 squad. Beckham, 36, is currently mulling his club future after reaching the end of his five-year contract at LA Galaxy and is thought likely to join Paris Saint Germain.
Liverpool can nick a point off City November 24, 2011 MANCHESTER City have made their best ever start to a season with 11 wins and a draw from their opening 12 fixtures. They have hammered both Manchester United and Tottenham in their own backyards, but the Champions League has posed some problems. The 2-1 defeat at Napoli on Tuesday night means that City face an [...]
McCain to land big race double with Wymott and Overturn November 24, 2011 PAUL Nicholls grabbed the headlines last weekend and he’ll be more than hopeful of winning another Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury tomorrow with either of his two potential stars of the future. Aiteen Thirtythree currently heads the betting at 11/2 and it’s no secret that this seven-year-old has always been the apple of his trainer’s [...]
CAPITAL PAINS AND GAINS November 23, 2011 Chelsea and Villas-Boas face Euro exit after late goal sends them to fourth defeat in five BAYER LEVERKUSEN 2 vs CHELSEA 1 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas admits he faces the biggest challenge of his fledgling managerial career to lift the confidence of his ailing team, who are now in real danger of suffering an ignominious [...]
Arsenal secure top spot with a game to spare as Van Persie draws yet more superlatives November 23, 2011 ARSENAL 2 vs DORTMUND 1 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admitted his surprise after the Gunners became the first English team to reach this season’s Champions League knockout stage. Top scorer Robin van Persie netted twice — taking his tally to 17 from 18 games for Arsenal this term and 38 in 41 this calendar year [...]
Moody slams criticism in dossier leaks November 23, 2011 ENGLAND’S World Cup captain Lewis Moody has hit back at criticism of his conduct and leadership at the tournament, after leaked official reports laid bare the failings of the team’s disastrous campaign. Moody was accused by Rugby Football Union (RFU) elite rugby director Rob Andrew of leading a revolt by senior players over payments for [...]