England’s World Cup mistakes mirrored by Twickenham chaos October 13, 2011 I WOULD like to see Martin Johnson keep his job and I think he will be asked to stay on, despite England’s disappointing World Cup campaign. But I also think he’ll be expected to make changes within the coaching staff and I’m not sure he’ll be happy to do that. One change I’d welcome would [...]
Gatland bullish despite Priestland injury setback October 13, 2011 WALES vs FRANCE WALES coach Warren Gatland insists his side will not be weakened by the absence of in-form fly-half Rhys Priestland for arguably the biggest game in the team’s history tomorrow. Priestland, who has been a revelation at the World Cup, has failed to recover from a shoulder injury in time for the semi-final [...]
Tevez returns to City training October 13, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY striker Carlos Tevez was made to train alone on his return to the club following his two-week suspension. The Argentina international faces disciplinary proceedings over allegations he refused to come on as a second-half substitute in last month’s defeat against Bayern Munich. If City impose a further ban, or issue a substantial fine, [...]
Haye confirms his retirement October 13, 2011 BRITAIN’S former heavyweight world champion David Haye has confirmed his retirement from boxing at the age of 31. Haye, who previously unified the cruiserweight division, beat Russian Nikolay Valuev in 2009 to claim WBA heavyweight title, but was outclassed on his final ring appearance by Wladimir Klitschko in July. The Londoner had been rumoured to [...]
Bairstow gives Cook headache October 13, 2011 CRICKET: England one-day captain Alastair Cook admits the emergence of rising star Jonny Bairstow has given him a “selection headache”. The Yorkshire batsman made a 53-ball century in Tuesday’s warm-up match and is pushing to replace either Kevin Pietersen or Ian Bell in the side to face India today.
Ireland handed Estonia draw October 13, 2011 FOOTBALL: The Republic of Ireland will take on Estonia in the Euro 2012 play-offs. Estonia are at home for the first leg on 11/12 November. The return leg will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 15 November.
Hamilton feeling totally drained October 13, 2011 FORMULA ONE: Lewis Hamilton says it will take time to recover from what he has described as his worst ever season. The McLaren driver, 26, has been involved in several controversial incidents this year. “It will take a lot to recover from the difficulties that I’ve had this year,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Korean [...]
Americans to blame in Reds TV cash row, says Whelan October 12, 2011 WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan has blamed Liverpool’s American owners for an attempted football television rights breakaway from the rest of the Premier League, calling it “appalling” and “greedy”. Reds managing director Ian Ayre has indicated the club would like the freedom to strike their own potentially more lucrative overseas broadcast deals, as Spanish giants Barcelona [...]
Johnson blow as critic Cotton to lead review October 12, 2011 UNDER-FIRE Martin Johnson’s hopes of retaining his position as England manager suffered a major setback yesterday when one of his harshest critics, Fran Cotton, agreed to chair an independent review of the entire England structure at the Rugby Football Union. Cotton’s team, which will comprise a two or three-man panel, will be charged with reviewing [...]
Hot to Trott: Bairstow emergence of no concern to England’s Mr Reliable October 12, 2011 ENGLAND batsman Jonathan Trott insists he doesn’t feel his place in the one-day side has been placed in jeopardy by the emergence of rising star Jonny Bairstow. Trott, the International Cricket Council’s Player of the Year, has become a mainstay of the 50 over side and boasts a higher ODI batting average than the likes [...]