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 [...]
Strauss’ men take a huge step in the right direction May 30, 2011 ENGLAND’S key personnel spoke eloquently in the build-up to the first Test about their desire to become the No1 ranked side in the world, and a few more performances like the one which cleaned up Sri Lanka yesterday will have me believing they can get there. The fact that Andrew Strauss allowed Ian Bell to [...]
Murray’s brave comeback held up by bad light May 30, 2011 THE FRENCH OPEN 2011 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray is just a set away from completing one of the finest comebacks of his career against Viktor Troicki in the fourth round of the French Open. The world No4’s participation was in doubt until he completed a public training session in the afternoon as he attempted to overcome [...]
England call for Sarries star Stevens May 30, 2011 SARACENS prop Matt Stevens has been handed the chance to compete for a place in Martin Johnson’s World Cup squad after he was named in the England Saxons’ party for the upcoming Churchill Cup. The South African-born star missed Sunday’s 38-32 defeat by the Barbarians due to his involvement in the Premiership final win over [...]
Barcelona could be set for a new Manchester test May 30, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY could be handed an instant opportunity to succeed where their local rivals United failed by lowering Barcelona’s colours in next season’s Champions League with Roberto Mancini’s side likely to have a 20 per cent chance of facing the Spaniards in the group stages. The line-up for Europe’s premier competition was finalised over the [...]
Berbatov joins title parade May 30, 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED striker Dimitar Berbatov was part of the club’s Premier League trophy parade yesterday, despite being omitted from Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad for Saturday’s Champions League final. Despite the comprehensive nature of their 3-0 defeat against Barcelona, full-back Patrice Evra is already eyeing revenge in 12 months’ time. He said: “We are not afraid. [...]
Derby specialist Fallon refuses Native Khan ride May 30, 2011 THREE-TIMES Investec Epsom Derby-winning jockey Kieren Fallon has opted not to ride Native Khan in Saturday’s big race. Trainer Ed Dunlop said he was disappointed, with the six-time champion tipped to partner Recital for Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team. “The enticement of the great Ballydoyle battleship steered him towards their horse,” said Dunlop. Derby favourite Carlton [...]