Wenger refuses to spend big despite faltering finish May 22, 2011 FULHAM (2) vs ARSENAL (2) ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists he’s not willing to break the bank in order to boost his side’s pursuit of honours. The Gunners will have to pre-qualify for next season’s Champions League following yesterday’s draw at Fulham, earned through an 89th minute Theo Walcott equaliser. In direct contrast to Roberto [...]
Keen flunks audition but claims he can be Mr Nasty May 22, 2011 WEST HAM (0) vs SUNDERLAND (3) WEST HAM caretaker manager Kevin Keen is adamant he is tough enough to take up the managerial reins at Upton Park despite his audition for the job ending in a heavy defeat. Goals from Bolo Zenden, Stephane Sessegnon and Cristian Riveros ensured Sunderland extended their superb form in the [...]
Morgan gets vote to face Sri Lanka May 22, 2011 MIDDLESEX batsman Eoin Morgan will replace the retired Paul Collingwood in England’s Test side to face Sri Lanka on Thursday. The century Morgan scored against the same opponents for the Lions last week convinced the selectors he was the man to inherit the Durham all-rounder’s spot at No6. Ravi Bopara, who shunned the Indian Premier [...]
Poulter’s putter the key to getting one over Donald May 22, 2011 ENGLAND’S Ian Poulter claimed the Volvo World Match Play with a 2&1 win over Luke Donald in Spain, denying his countryman the world No1 spot in the process. Poulter had earlier also shown fighting qualities to come through a thrilling semi-final against Nicolas Colsaerts in a play-off and trailed three times in the final before [...]
Brit girls ready for French Open May 22, 2011 Britain’s women will carry the nation’s hopes at the French Open today as the second grand slam of the year cranks up a gear. Men’s fourth seed Andy Murray does not play his first round match until tomorrow, meaning Anne Keothavong and teenager Heather Watson have the chance to shine. Keothavong is first up on [...]
Cleverly wants Hopkins fight May 22, 2011 World light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly is targeting a box office defence of his title against American veteran Bernard Hopkins. The undefeated Welshman, 24, beat late stand-in Aleksy Kuziemski after being confirmed as WBO champion when Juergen Braehmer pulled out of their fight at the 02 Arena. A few hours later 46-year-old Hopkins, who won the [...]
BLOOD BROTHERS: EVANS SALUTES QUINS SPIRIT May 22, 2011 HARLEQUINS fly-half Nick Evans believes Friday’s Amlin Challenge Cup final win over Stade Francais has finally put the controversy of the Bloodgate scandal to bed. Evans, who kicked the winning conversion to seal a 19-18 victory, said: “Everyone hated us but now we have a Conor O’Shea who has instilled new values.”
Care: Cup can remove stain of Bloodgate May 19, 2011 HARLEQUINS vs STADE FRANCAIS HARLEQUINS scrum-half Danny Care believes his side’s presence in tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup final completes the club’s rehabilitation following the dark days of the Bloodgate scandal. The London club were plunged into turmoil following the events of the 2009 Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster in which the use of fake blood [...]
I wrote Quins off in the semi-final but won’t make that mistake again May 19, 2011 FEW, including myself, thought Harlequins would have enough to get past Munster in the semi-finals, especially at Thomond Park. Munster’s biggest mistake was probably underestimating them and Quins ran out worthy winners. Now they’ve given themselves an opportunity to win a major trophy. There are only three on offer each season so to end up [...]
RFU left red-faced by Woodward snub May 19, 2011 WORLD CUP winning former England boss Sir Clive Woodward has left the Rugby Football Union’s plans to appoint a performance director in disarray after withdrawing his candidacy for the job. Woodward, who was the clear favourite for a role that has provoked intense debate in recent weeks, released a statement yesterday ruling himself out of [...]