Immortal Verse can give Frankel a fright October 13, 2011 THE men in white coats may start beating down my door any minute because I genuinely believe that Frankel can be beaten in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, one of the features on Ascot’s QIPCO British Champions Day card. Regular readers will quickly point out that I thought Henry Cecil’s wonder colt might be beaten [...]
Back super-fit Welsh to kick French into touch October 13, 2011 WALES vs FRANCE TOMORROW – 9.00AM ITV1 BEFORE the Rugby World Cup got underway, not many would have predicted Wales would still be around at the semi-final stage. However, having seen their thrilling performances and attack-minded approach, fewer still would say they do not deserve to be in the last four. Wales’ New Zealand-born coach [...]
Three Lions Euro hopes damaged by Rooney ban October 13, 2011 ENGLAND’S hopes of prospering at next summer’s European Champions were dealt a seismic blow last night when Uefa confirmed Wayne Rooney would serve a three-game ban as a result of the red card he received against Montenegro last week. The Manchester United striker was dismissed for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw in Podgorica [...]
Unforgivable act leaves Capello in horrible position October 13, 2011 WAYNE ROONEY’S three-match ban is a huge blow to Fabio Capello, the whole team and England’s fans for next summer’s European Championships. The Manchester United star let his colleagues down on the night – although they got away with it in Montenegro – but the long-term consequences of his red card are disastrous and that [...]
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.