QPR skipper Barton blasts Terry, Giggs and England rugby team October 17, 2011 OUTSPOKEN QPR captain Joey Barton has taken aim at England captain John Terry and Manchester United star Ryan Giggs for their off-field behaviour. Barton, who served two months in prison in 2008 after admitting assault and affray, criticised two of the Premier League’s most high-profile stars during a public speaking appearance yesterday in London. Of [...]
Relegation in danger of axe – managers’ chief October 17, 2011 OVERSEAS owners of Premier League clubs want to ringfence the top flight and abolish relegation, according to League Managers’ Association chief Richard Bevan. Such a move could only be passed if 14 of the 20 leading clubs voted in favour of the change, but Bevan believes that could happen if more foreign investors snap up [...]
Sotherton defiant after funding blow October 17, 2011 FORMER Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton insists she still has London 2012 glory in her sights despite having her central funding axed following a series of injury problems. Sotherton, 34, was the highest-profile victim yesterday when governing body UK Athletics revealed how lottery cash would be distributed for a crucial 12 months as Team GB [...]
Coveted Edwards unsure of Welsh future October 17, 2011 HIGHLY-REGARDED Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is unsure if he will remain in the role after his side returns from their World Cup adventure. The former rugby league star will be on the Welsh bench, potentially for the final time, on Friday for the third-place play-off against Australia. Edwards, also head coach at Wasps, has [...]
Chelsea reject Bridge bid October 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Chelsea have rejected a counter-offer from opponents of their bid to buy back the freehold of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea need 75 per cent of supporter-led group Chelsea Pitch Owners shareholders who attend an extraordinary general meeting on 27 October to back their bid in order for it to succeed. Their opponents established a campaign [...]
Chiefs to review new whip rules October 17, 2011 HORSE RACING: The British Horseracing Authority says it will review the sport’s new controversial whip rules. The move comes after discussions with a delegation of riders and the Professional Jockeys’ Association. The dispute over tougher regulations and penalties nearly led to a strike yesterday. Jockey Richard Hughes relinquished his licence last week in protest at [...]
Arsenal duo fitness doubts October 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey are doubts ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Marseille tomorrow. Ramsey sat out Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium with a hamstring problem and Gibbs suffered a stomach injury.
WENGER’S VAN PERSIE FEAR October 16, 2011 ARSENAL (2) vs SUNDERLAND (1) Dutch striker’s brace ensures a much needed victory but Arsenal manager can offer no guarantees that his star man will stay beyond current season ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits he doesn’t know whether Robin van Persie will sign a new contract after the captain underlined his importance to the Gunners [...]
King injury adds to Spurs frustration as Ameobi preserves unbeaten run October 16, 2011 NEWCASTLE (2) vs TOTTENHAM (2) TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp admitted he is powerless to prevent Ledley King from sustaining the type of muscular injury which saw his skipper fail to complete yesterday’s draw at St James’ Park. The visitors twice took the lead but ultimately had to settle for a point when substitute Shola Ameobi [...]
Final destination: Awesome All Blacks set up France clash October 16, 2011 NEW ZEALAND (20) vs AUSTRALIA (6) NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry insists his side are ready to finally banish their World Cup ‘chokers’ tag after securing a place in Sunday’s final after yesterday’s momentous victory over arch rivals Australia. The Wallabies were never allowed within striking distance as New Zealand’s relentless defence, led by an [...]