It’s an early kick off for next year’s SPL February 28, 2011 THE SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE have announced that next season will kick off on 23 July. The earlier start date has been chosen to help SPL clubs get up to speed for the early rounds of European football and to reduce the number of midweek fixtures in the winter. The SPL board have allowed clubs to [...]
Mercedes completes Brawn buyout February 28, 2011 FORMULA 1: Mercedes GP Formula One team is now fully owned by the car manufacturer after its parent company bought remaining shares from former Brawn GP team management. Ross Brawn, now the Mercedes GP team principal, says the move is positive. “It’s a further step in strengthening for the future,” he said. “I remain fully committed [...]
Roach hat-trick destroys Dutch February 28, 2011 CRICKET: Kemar Roach finished off a fine team performance with a hat-trick as West Indies beat Netherlands by 215 runs in their World Cup Group B clash. Chris Gayle (80) and Kieron Pollard (60 from 27 balls) took the Windies to 330-8. Roach then took 6-27 to hand the Windies their first win of the tournament.
Gunners blow big chance by shooting themselves in foot February 27, 2011 ARSENAL (1) vs BIRMINGHAM (2) ● Birmingham snatch Carling Cup with gift of a late winning goal ● Scapegoats Koscielny and Szczesny ‘destroyed’ by costly blunders CRESTFALLEN Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called on his players to prove they have the resilience to resume their quest for long-awaited silverware after surrendering the Carling Cup to Birmingham [...]
Credibility of Wenger’s grand scheme is at stake February 27, 2011 DEFEAT leaves Arsenal facing a mammoth challenge in the remaining three months of the season. And there is far more than a domestic pot resting on it; nothing less than the credibility of manager Arsene Wenger’s masterplan is at stake. The Frenchman (right) has tested the patience of even the most ardent Gunners fan over [...]
Rooney set to miss Chelsea trip as FA ponder elbow ban February 27, 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED will learn today whether striker Wayne Rooney is available or banned for tomorrow night’s heavyweight Premier League clash at Chelsea. Rooney faces a possible three-match suspension after he appeared to elbow Wigan’s James McCarthy during Saturday’s 4-0 win, which saw United re-establish a four-point lead at the top of the table. But the [...]
Hero captain Parker shrugs off pain February 27, 2011 WEST HAM (3) vs LIVERPOOL (1) WEST HAM manager Avram Grant praised captain Scott Parker after a valuable victory which lifted them off the bottom of the Premier League table. Parker (right), a major doubt with a damaged shoulder, produced an inspired display in midfield capped with a wonderfully inventive finish with the outside of his [...]
Hughes upset at Mancini gesture February 27, 2011 FULHAM manager Mark Hughes accused Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini of disrespect after a draw that all but ended any Premier League title hopes at Eastlands. City striker Mario Balotelli fired home from outside of the box, but Damien Duff levelled when he turned in Andrew Johnson’s cross. And Hughes said: “Maybe I misread it [...]
Blues chief McLeish savours his finest hour after glorious upset February 27, 2011 BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish toasted the greatest achievement of his career after seeing his underdogs snatch late glory against Arsenal. McLeish won seven trophies with Rangers, including two Scottish Premier League titles, but rates yesterday’s triumph as his finest. “Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement,” he said. “With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to [...]
Class of 2011 excite record breaker Wilko February 27, 2011 ENGLAND fly-half Jonny Wilkinson believes Martin Johnson’s emerging side are beginning to show similar characteristics to that of the 2003 World Cup winning team. Saturday’s attritional 17-9 win over France at Twickenham kept alive England’s hopes of a first RBS 6 Nations clean sweep since that era of Red Rose dominance eight years ago. Wilkinson, [...]