CHELSEA August 11, 2011 CURRENT MOOD Cautiously optimistic. Andre Villas-Boas (right) has great credentials to succeed at the Bridge, while his youth may bring the fresh approach they seem to need, although this is by far his biggest challenge yet. TRANSFERS IN: Lucas Piazon (Sao Paulo), Thibaut Courtois (Genk), Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht); OUT: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg, [...]
TOTTENHAM August 11, 2011 CURRENT MOOD The lingering gloom from a disappointing end to last season has not been lifted by a summer of inertia in the transfer market and uncertainty over the future of star performer Luka Modric. However the expectation is still that Spurs will be among the top six come May, if not in the top [...]
QPR August 11, 2011 CURRENT MOOD Euphoria of promotion has been usurped by disbelief at reluctance of mega-rich owners to invest. TRANSFERS IN: D Gabbidon, K Dyer (both West Ham), J Bothroyd (Cardiff); OUT: P Chimbonda, G Mahon, G Tofas, L Brown, J Oastler, Josh Parker, R Rose, M Leigertwood FORM Last season: 1st, Championship Last trophy: Ch’ship, 2011 FIRST FIVE FIXTURES [...]
FULHAM August 11, 2011 CURRENT MOOD Every reason for fans to be optimistic about arrival of seasoned boss Martin Jol. TRANSFERS IN: P Kasami (Palermo), JA Riise (Roma), D Burn (Darlington), C Somogyi (Rakospalotai), M Gecov (Slovan Liberec); OUT: D Stockdale (loan), J Greening, Z Gera, E Johnson, D Kamara, K Dikgacoi, J Pantsil FORM Last season: 8th Last trophy: 2nd Div, [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF August 11, 2011 Liverpool agree Enrique price FOOTBALL: Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique after the two clubs agreed a fee of around £6.5m. The Spaniard, 25, becomes manager Kenny Dalglish’s fifth summer signing. QPR complete Perone signing FOOTBALL: FOOTBALL: QPR have confirmed the signing of Brazil defender Bruno Perone, subject to international [...]
When waves reach as high as boats, retiring starts to make sense August 11, 2011 Olympic champion shares Cowes Week diary with City A.M. THE nerve centre of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week was my destination yesterday, specifically the Platform of the Royal Yacht Squadron, which was clearly the place to hang out. The race officers set the day’s courses from here and, with 34 different starts, there is great [...]
The 40 foot beast tamed by The Wave August 11, 2011 WRETCHED weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of bumper crowds who witnessed Leigh McMillan’s The Wave maintain the lead in the Extreme Sailing Series on the penultimate day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Strong winds and a powerful tide proved the biggest obstacle as crews attempted to “tame the 40-foot beast” with Luna Rossa [...]
Baggies to prove tough nut to crack for United August 11, 2011 FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST FOOTBALL BETS OF THE WEEKEND SUNDAY – 4.00PM SKY SPORTS SIR ALEX Ferguson will have been delighted with Manchester United’s performance against local rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend. There were some defensive lapses in the first half, but they showed their [...]
STOKE vs CHELSEA August 11, 2011 A TRIP to the Britannia Stadium as his first experience of Premier League management perhaps wouldn’t have been top of Andre Villas-Boas’ wishlist when he first agreed to become manager at Chelsea. Stoke have developed into a proper top flight side and that is mainly due to their form at home in front of a [...]
TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH August 11, 2011 Football seasons. They seem to come around almost as often as a stock market crash these days and we’ve got another one kicking off tomorrow. Champions Manchester United are 7/4 to make it title number 20 and that’s certainly where my money is heading. Their squad was often criticised last year yet they still won [...]