Di Matteo stunned at his sacking February 6, 2011 ROBERTO DI MATTEO admitted he was “surprised and disappointed” after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion. The former Chelsea midfielder was placed on gardening leave yesterday with the Baggies outside the relegation zone on goal difference. A statement released by Di Matteo through the League Manager’s Association read: “I was extremely surprised and disappointed to be relieved of [...]
We’ll win it for Hartley, vows Tindall February 3, 2011 ENGLAND captain Mike Tindall last night warned Wales coach Warren Gatland that his baiting of Dylan Hartley has fired up the whole team for the RBS 6 Nations opener in Cardiff this evening. Gatland stirred up the hornets’ nest last week ahead of an encounter that rarely needs extra spice when he singled out hooker [...]
Johnson urges Red Rose to be ruthless in Cardiff showdown February 3, 2011 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has ordered his team to show no mercy to a Wales side drained of confidence by a seven-match winless run. “If you haven’t won for a long time, you get that feeling of ‘when is the next one going to come from?’ We can control that in the game,” he said. [...]
Wenger raps Moyes over Fabregas row February 3, 2011 Everton boss wrong to go public with things he “pretended to hear”, blasts Gunners chief ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has taken a swipe at Everton boss David Moyes over his accusation that Cesc Fabregas aimed verbal abuse at referee Lee Mason. Moyes incensed Wenger by claiming Fabregas should have been shown a red card for [...]
Chelsea recruit Luiz relieved to have Torres on his side February 3, 2011 CHELSEA’S latest Brazilian recruit David Luiz admits he is glad he’ll be lining up alongside rather than facing Fernando Torres in the Premier League. Luiz played against Torres in last season’s Europa League quarter-final when the World Cup winner scored twice in a 4-1 victory for Liverpool at Anfield, and is therefore well aware of [...]
Levy: I won’t sell Spurs if we go to Stratford February 3, 2011 TOTTENHAM chairman Daniel Levy has denied there are any plans in place to sell the club if they move to the site of the Olympic Stadium. Legacy chiefs are expected to announce early next week whether they will recommend West Ham or Tottenham as tenants for the site. There has been rumoured interest in the [...]
Henson relishing Wilko link February 3, 2011 WALES star Gavin Henson admits the chance to play alongside Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon was a major factor in him opting for a move to the French club. The 29-year-old ended an 18-month self-imposed exile from the sport last December and joined Saracens, but he made just four appearances for the London club. Henson agreed [...]
Barclay banks on special attention February 3, 2011 SCOTLAND openside John Barclay is looking forward to putting his reputation as one of the best back-row forwards in the game on the line against France in Paris tomorrow. The RBS 6 Nations holders boast a talented pack including skipper Thierry Dusautoir, Julien Bonnaire and Imanol Harinordoquy, and Barclay knows he’ll be singled out for [...]
Ross aims to fix Ireland’s scrum February 3, 2011 IRELAND prop Mike Ross believes he is the equipped to help combat Italy’s powerful scrum when the sides meet in Rome tomorrow. A latecomer to the international scene, despite having established his reputation at provincial level, the 31-year-old knows he must deliver on his third Test appearance. “There’s certainly an element of pressure, especially as [...]
Collingwood out of final ODI February 3, 2011 CRICKET: England all-rounder Paul Collingwood will miss the final match of the one-day series against Australia in Perth because of the back spasm he suffered in Sydney. Paceman Liam Plunkett says he is ready to play on Sunday after his 40-hour marathon trip from the Caribbean. “Hopefully, I’ll play – I’ve got fresh legs. I [...]