SPORT | IN BRIEF November 9, 2011 Johnson receives Moody backing RUGBY UNION: Former England captain Lewis Moody insists the RFU should stick by manager Martin Johnson and allow him the opportunity to lead the Red Rose to the 2015 World Cup. “The most important thing is that there are no knee-jerk reactions. It is essential for me Johnno continues,” said Moody who [...]
Spurs ponder legal action over OPLC spying claims November 8, 2011 TOTTENHAM chiefs were last night considering taking legal action after they were accused of systematic and widespread spying on all 14 of the men and women who decide the fate of the Olympic Stadium. On an extraordinary day of developments in the long-running row over the fate of the new London 2012 arena, the chair [...]
Terry won’t be affected by race row, says Pallister November 8, 2011 FORMER England defender Gary Pallister believes John Terry will have no trouble asserting himself as the Three Lions skipper if he is asked to lead the side in the next few days, despite the cloud of ongoing Football Association (FA) and police investigations hanging over him. Terry is yet to learn his fate after the FA [...]
Fresh fears over Woods caddie clash in Australia November 8, 2011 FEARS that bad feeling between Tiger Woods and former caddie Steve Williams could spill over at the Australian Open were revived yesterday when they were allotted to consecutive playing groups for the tournament. Organisers had promised to keep the men apart at this week’s event, after Williams sparked outrage and was forced to apologise for [...]
Rival Ali leads tributes to ‘great champion’ Smokin’ Joe Frazier November 8, 2011 MUHAMMAD ALI, whose captivating rivalry with Joe Frazier defined both of their remarkable careers, last night paid tribute to his former foe, who died yesterday aged 67 after a battle with liver cancer. Frazier became the first man to beat Ali when he defended his world titles against him in 1971, but he will equally [...]
England poppy plea falls on deaf ears as Fifa refuses to budge on gesture November 8, 2011 ENGLAND have been told there is no way they will be allowed to wear poppies on their shirts in Saturday’s match against Spain, despite intensive lobbying from the Football Association (FA). World governing body Fifa yesterday responded to a second request from the FA with a final letter making clear that embroidered poppies to mark [...]
Chelsea fans rebel again and turn down invitation to join CPO board November 8, 2011 THE BAND of Chelsea fans who helped scupper the club’s bid to buy back the freehold of Stamford Bridge have rejected an offer to join the board of the company which owns it. Chelsea Pitch Owners chairman Steve Frankham, who succeeded Richard King as chairman after accepting an invitation to return to the role by [...]
Dawson accepts comeback defeat and faces months out after surgery November 8, 2011 SPURS defender Michael Dawson is facing yet more months on the sidelines after his recovery from an Achilles injury suffered another setback. The England centre-back underwent an operation on the problematic tendon yesterday after the club’s medical staff accepted defeat in his latest comeback attempt. Dawson (above) will have to wait until December before doctors [...]
Fit-again Murray set for French test in Paris November 8, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray will launch his bid for a fourth consecutive ATP Tour title against Jeremy Chardy of France at the Paris Masters today. Murray, currently on a 16-match winning streak, was forced to pull out of last week’s Basel tournament with a leg injury, but was back in action on Monday evening alongside [...]
Warne out of retirement for Australia’s Big Bash November 8, 2011 ENGLAND’S former Ashes nemesis Shane Warne confirmed yesterday he is to come out of retirement and play for the Melbourne Stars in the inaugural Big Bash League. The 42-year-old leg-spinner called time on his illustrious career six months ago following the completion of his stint with Indian Premier League franchise the Rajasthan Royals. Warne, whose [...]