Johnson’s pain at denying Riki homecoming August 22, 2011 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson insists he wishes he could take Riki Flutey to the World Cup – but says the make-up of the squad proved more important than any individual. The New Zealand-born Wasps centre was the highest-profile casualty as Johnson confirmed his trimmed down 30-man squad last night. An injury to Danny Care means [...]
Welbeck the star as green United leave Spurs blue August 22, 2011 MANCHESTER UTD (3) vs TOTTENHAM (0) MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson has long since obliterated the notion that, to paraphrase pundit Alan Hansen, kids don’t win trophies. However, he seems determined to prove that point all over again, having assembled a young team that swept Tottenham aside last night and who should not fear [...]
Banned Wenger set to miss Udinese showdown August 22, 2011 EMBATTLED Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s miserable start to the season continued yesterday when he was handed a further two-match touchline ban by European chiefs. Uefa found Wenger guilty of breaking the rules of his original suspension, which applied to last week’s Champions League clash with Udinese. The Frenchman communicated with the bench via coach Boro [...]
Scotland’s Paterson set to play in fourth World Cup August 22, 2011 FULL-BACK Chris Paterson is set to become the first Scottish player to feature in four World Cups after being named in Andy Robinson’s squad. Paterson, who played in 1999, 2003 and 2007, was yesterday picked in the 30-man squad to travel to New Zealand later this month. Alastair Kellock will captain the side and British [...]
West Ham in clear over stadium August 22, 2011 OLYMPICS: West Ham have edged a step closer to moving into the Olympic Stadium after an independent inquiry found no evidence of wrongdoing by Dionne Knight, an employee of legacy chiefs the OPLC. Ms Knight also did paid consultancy work for the Hammers but auditors Moore Smith found no evidence that she accessed confidential information [...]
Mikel’s father found alive August 22, 2011 FOOTBALL: Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel’s father has been found alive in the Nigerian city Kano. Michael Obi was kidnapped in Jos on August 12. His abductors are now in police custody in the northern Nigerian city. During the time of his father’s disappearance, Mikel continued playing for Chelsea, starting against Stoke and West Brom.
Senna gets nod for Belgian GP August 22, 2011 FORMULA ONE: German Nick Heidfeld has been dropped by the Renault team in favour of Brazilian Bruno Senna for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. Senna, 27, is the nephew of the late Ayrton Senna.
CHARLES STANLEY HIT FOR SIX IN HUMBLING CRICKETING DEFEAT August 21, 2011 BATTERED egos at Charles Stanley, which is still recovering from its painful cricketing defeat at the hands of Ignis Asset Management in the final of the Stockbrokers Cup. “Cricket can be a great leveller,” said Charles Stanley’s “gutted” captain Ed Clark, who brought his team to the match as the undefeated champions for the past [...]
Mancini lays down law to Arsenal over Nasri deal August 21, 2011 BOLTON (2) vs MANCHESTER CITY (3) MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini has warned Arsenal he could pull the plug on a £25m move for Samir Nasri if Arsene Wenger plays him in the Champions League against Udinese this week. Mancini saw his team go top of the Premier League with a 3-2 win at Bolton [...]
Chelsea win the race for £26m Mata August 21, 2011 CHELSEA are poised to complete their biggest signing of the summer after agreeing a fee with Valencia for winger Juan Mata. Spain international Mata will complete his move this week, subject to a medical, for a fee thought to be around £26m. He is expected to sign a five-year deal worth £70,000 a week. Arsenal [...]