Gill: United debts no hindrance March 8, 2011 FOOTBALL: Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists the club’s £500m debts have not affected their spending power. Admitting “it would be better” if they did not pay £45m interest a year, Gill said: “We know it’s there but it doesn’t impact what we do. There has been no impact [on] our transfers.”
Wales restore Hook to fly-half March 8, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Wales have switched James Hook to fly-half for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations visit from Ireland. Fit-again Jonathan Davies returns to the midfield, meaning Hook moves to No10, with Stephen Jones on the bench.
The Games mean business March 8, 2011 London 2012 is fast-approaching and in the east of London, the landscape has altered significantly as the Olympic Park rises up from what was a previously under-developed patch of earth. Its progress is tribute to the Olympic Delivery Authority and the 10,000 or so workers who are charged with its construction. It will host world [...]
Business has won already March 8, 2011 That much of the debate over the Olympics has focused on what happens to its venues after 2012 speaks volumes for the efficiency with which the games have so far been organised. Instead of the endless speculation of whether venue X or Y will be ready on time that is normal territory in the months [...]
SEEING THE GAMES IN STYLE March 8, 2011 It’s the only time in your life that the Olympics will be in London. And you’re in. As you walk into the winged, three-floor structure attached to the Olympic Park for dinner, the very building seems to urge you on to rejoice in, quite simply, how cool this all is. “We want people to exclaim: [...]
The main Events March 8, 2011 ATHLETICS 3–11 August OVERVIEW Not just one event of course but a multitude of disciplines taking in track, field, combined and road competitions, athletics is the cornerstone and focus of any Olympics. More than 2,000 athletes will taking part, including sprint superstar Usain Bolt [pictured, right] a number of Britons who have been working towards [...]
The hosts with the most in 2012 March 8, 2011 THREE groups have been given the rights to sell packages for the Olympic Games after a bidding process which saw them beat a field of other companies to the finishing line. The main UK domestic packages are being run by an alliance between Prestige ticketing and Mike Burton-Sodexo, while US agency JetSet has also been [...]
LOANING TOP TALENT TO THE GAMES March 8, 2011 DELOITTE, one of the Olympics sponsors, is playing a major part in making the games in 2012 a winner by offering up staff to play key roles in the organisation of the event. The auditing and consulting giant has seconded some of its top people to help create the best Olympics ever as have other [...]
LOOK WHO’S BACK March 7, 2011 Van Persie’s shock inclusion in Arsenal squad to face Spanish giants Barcelona gives Gunners a major boost BARCELONA vs ARSENAL ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie will only face Barcelona if he is fully fit after springing a huge shock by naming the striker in his squad for tonight’s eagerly-awaited Champions League contest. [...]
Old guard Lampard and Terry renew Chelsea hope March 7, 2011 BLACKPOOL 1 vs CHELSEA 3 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists securing a top four finish in the Premier League remains his side’s priority despite appearing to re-enter the title race last night. John Terry’s 20th minute header allied to Frank Lampard’s second-half brace secured an ultimately comfortable win against plucky Blackpool, who were unlucky not [...]