Kalou: We loved Carlo May 23, 2011 FORWARD Salomon Kalou has leapt to the defence of sacked Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, insisting the players all loved the Italian. Ancelotti was sacked on Sunday shortly after losing 1-0 at Everton – a result that capped a disappointing season in which the club failed to win a trophy. But Kalou, the first Blues star [...]
Birmingham keep faith in McLeish, for now at least May 23, 2011 BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish has been told that he can keep his job despite taking the club down for a second time – but only if he brings them straight back up again. The Blues were relegated on Sunday after losing their final Premier League fixture at Tottenham, plunging McLeish’s future into doubt. But the [...]
Murray aware of Prodon’s threat May 23, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray will take nothing for granted when he meets Frenchman Eric Prodon in the first round of the French Open today. Prodon, born in Paris and ranked 124th in the world, has spent almost his entire career at Futures and Challenger level, with his only win on the main ATP Tour coming [...]
Quins duo Monye and Marler named in England squad May 23, 2011 ENGLAND have handed a swathe of youngsters the chance to make last-ditch claims for a World Cup place in Sunday’s match against the Barbarians. Harlequins prop Joe Marler, 20, Newcastle front-row Kieran Brookes, Exeter flanker Tom Johnson and Gloucester centre Henry Trinder are among 13 uncapped players in the 24-man squad for the clash at [...]
Wentzel latest to sign for Wasps May 23, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Wasps have taken their signings for next season into double figures by snapping up former Leeds Carnegie captain Marco Wentzel. Ex-South Africa international Wentzel, whose switch follows Leeds’s relegation, has vowed to return Wasps to “where they belong at the top of English and European rugby”.
Tondo dies after freak accident May 23, 2011 CYCLING: Spanish rider Xavier Tondo has died, aged 32, after a freak accident at a ski resort near Granada. Tondo won the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon in April. “He was an incredible person who loved this sport more than anyone,” said Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.
Hamilton relishing Monaco test May 23, 2011 Formula One: Lewis Hamilton believes McLaren can increase the pressure on Red Bull at next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix. “We have something good coming for Monaco,” said Hamilton, who is currently 41 points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel.
GOLF’S STAR NAMES TURN OUT FOR SEVE May 23, 2011 RYDER CUP captain Jose Maria Olazabal (above), eight-times European No1 Colin Montgomerie and US Open champion Graeme McDowell were among the competitors in yesterday’s ‘Ole Seve’ pro-am at Wentworth. All funds raised from the event are in aid of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation and Cancer Research UK.
CARLO’S FIRED ON SURVIVAL SUNDAY May 22, 2011 Ancelotti pays the price for trophyless season as Chelsea owner Abramovich wields the axe again ANCELOTTI SACKED AFTER CHELSEA END WITH A LOSS ++ BLACKPOOL DOWN AFTER DEFEAT AT MAN UTD ++ BIRMINGHAM CONDEMNED BY SPURS LATE SHOW ++ WIGAN AND WOLVES ESCAPE ON FINAL DAY ++ CHELSEA kick-started their summer revolution by firing manager [...]
Holloway blasts league after 4-2 loss sends his side and Birmingham down into Championship May 22, 2011 DEVASTATED Blackpool manager Ian Holloway turned his anger on Premier League chiefs after his side slipped out of the top flight on a final day riddled with twists. With half an hour left the Tangerines were on course for a memorable escape and a shock win at champions Manchester United, but a 4-2 loss ultimately [...]