No problems with Nasri’s attitude July 13, 2011 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has praised the attitude of his unsettled midfield star Samir Nasri. The France international is stalling on signing an extension to his contract, which expires next summer, amid significant interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. he 24-year-old featured as a second half substitute in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Malaysia yesterday [...]
Springbok skipper Smit all set for Saracens move July 13, 2011 PREMIERSHIP champions Saracen’s have completed the flagship signing of South Africa captain John Smit. The 33-year-old, the most capped skipper and forward in Springbok’s history, will join upon the conclusion of October’s World Cup in New Zealand. “I am delighted to have signed for a club widely renowned for their ferocious work ethic,” said Smit. [...]
Cavendish rejoices after snatching green jersey July 13, 2011 BRITAIN’S Mark Cavendish powered to victory on stage 11 of the Tour de France and moved into the sprinters’ green jersey in the process. The 167.5 kilometres route from Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur came down to the expected sprint finish and Cavendish’s HTC-Highroad team controlled it superbly in the torrential rain. Heading into the finish Mark [...]
Bad boy Barton is banned from US July 13, 2011 NEWCASTLE’S preparations for their pre-season tour of the United States were thrown into disarray yesterday when two players including Joey Barton were refused entry into the country. Barton (right), 28, who was given a six-month jail sentence after admitting assault and affray in 2008, has been denied the necessary permission to travel with the rest of [...]
QPR complete double swoop July 13, 2011 FOOTBALL: Premier League new-boys QPR have completed the signings of England internationals Jay Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer. Bothroyd, who made his England debut last November, joins on a free from Cardiff while Dyer, whose career has been beset by injuries, was released by West Ham a the end of last season. Meanwhile, west London rivals [...]
Ex Wasps chief Hanks joins Sale July 13, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Sale Sharks have appointed former Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks as first-team coach. The 40-year-old, who left Wasps as director of rugby in February, will look after the side’s attack, game plan and defence. Sale director of sport Steve Diamond said: “He is the final piece of the off-field jigsaw and we [...]
REFRESHED RORY’S READY FOR ACTION July 12, 2011 MAN of the moment Rory McIlroy insists slipping back into competitive mode will be the easiest part of coming to terms with his breakthrough success at last month’s US Open. The 22-year-old took three weeks off following his record breaking maiden Major victory at Congressional, a move that has been criticised by his former Ryder [...]
Donald: Links effect is set to test players to the limit July 12, 2011 WORLD No1 Luke Donald admitted he was brought back down to earth by the demands of this year’s Open course at Royal St George’s. The Englishman shot a 63 at Castle Stuart on Sunday to claim the Scottish Open, but found the going rather tougher in his first practice round at Sandwich ahead of this [...]
City reject Corinthians £35m offer for Tevez July 12, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY have rejected a £35m offer from Corinthians for their Argentina striker Carlos Tevez. The former Manchester United player (right), who left Corinthians in 2006 for West Ham, is desperate to quit the Premier League in order to be closer to his young family who are based in his native Argentina. Tevez’s long-time advisor Kia Joorabchian, [...]
Woodward calls for calm at RFU July 12, 2011 FORMER England manager Sir Clive Woodward has urged the Rugby Football Union to put off-field problems behind them and allow all focus to fall on the team at the World Cup. It has emerged the RFU could lose another senior figure, with chief disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett considering his position with the national body. Former [...]