Hammers set to appoint Allardyce May 31, 2011 WEST HAM are expected to bring their search for a new manager to a close this week, with former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce favourite to land the role. Allardyce, who also had spells at Bolton and Newcastle, is being tipped to sign a two-year contract at Upton Park. His first task will be to lead [...]
Flower reveals he’s only seen Dernbach bowl once May 31, 2011 ENGLAND head coach Andy Flower insists he’s happy for Surrey paceman Jade Dernbach to be part of the squad for this week’s second Test against Sri Lanka despite having seen him bowl just once in the flesh. The 25-year-old (right) replaces the injured James Anderson, who was unable to bowl in Monday’s thrilling victory over [...]
Hamilton apologises for his Ali G impersonation May 31, 2011 FORMER world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologised for his Ali G inspired response to being reprimanded twice by the Monaco stewards during Sunday’s Grand Prix. The McLaren driver, who finished sixth and remains a distant second to Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ championship, was penalised for tangling with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa before being handed a [...]
Houllier tipped to leave Villa May 31, 2011 FOOTBALL: Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier’s short tenure looks likely to be ended this week due to concerns over his health. The Frenchman, 63, missed the last month of the season after being admitted to hospital with heart problems. Houllier, who only joined the club in September, has since undergone further tests to determine whether [...]
Modric hints at Tottenham exit May 31, 2011 FOOTBALL: Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has hinted the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could prompt him to leave. Modric, who is thought to be a target for Manchester United, said: “I’m happy at White Hart Lane, but when you experience playing in [the] Champions League, you want to keep playing in this [...]
Contador free to defend Tour May 31, 2011 CYCLING: Tour de France winner Alberto Contador is free to defend his title next month after his doping hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport was postponed until August. The Spaniard, who faces losing his title and a two-year ban if found guilty, tested positive for clenbuterol during last year’s Tour. Spanish cycling chiefs [...]
Rooney: Leo would find it tough here May 31, 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED striker Wayne Rooney believes it would be hard for his side’s Champions League final nemesis Lionel Messi to prosper in the Premier League in the same way he does in La Liga for Barcelona. Messi orchestrated United’s demise on Saturday at Wembley scoring the second goal, his 53rd of the season in all [...]
WELSH WONDERS May 30, 2011 READING (2) vs SWANSEA (4) SWANSEA manager Brendan Rodgers admitted his side had help from the “footballing gods” on their way to landing Premier League football for the first time in their history and the £90m bounty that accompanies it. The Welsh side roared into a 3-0 first-half lead thanks to a brace from Scott [...]
England blow Sri Lanka away May 30, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss admitted his side’s miraculous victory over Sri Lanka “beggared belief” after the tourists imploded on the final day of the first Test in Cardiff. There was little indication of England’s desire to force a win when Strauss showed more than a hint compassion by allowing Ian Bell, 98 not out overnight, [...]
Blatter stands firm and denies Fifa are in crisis May 30, 2011 UNDER-FIRE Fifa president Sepp Blatter insists talk of the world governing body being in crisis is far fetched and vowed that only “the Fifa family” could prevent him being re-elected unopposed tomorrow. On another extraordinary day of accusations and counter claims involving some of Fifa’s most influential figures Blatter, seeking a fourth consecutive term in [...]