Hodgson on the brink as Rovers thump sorry Reds January 5, 2011 LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson edged closer to the Anfield exit door after his side crashed to another embarrassing defeat, this time 3-1 at Blackburn. A Benjani brace and a first-half strike from Martin Olsson put the hosts into a commanding lead, before Steven Gerrard’s consolation – the Liverpool skipper also missed a late penalty. The [...]
Desperate Carlo asks Roman for stay of execution January 5, 2011 WOLVES 1 vs CHELSEA 0 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he is still capable of delivering the silverware that owner Roman Abramovich craves, despite seeing his side’s confidence take another buffeting at relegation threatened Wolves. The champions were unable to respond to the blow of Jose Bosingwa’s fifth minute own goal which decided last night’s [...]
COLLY READY TO RETIRE FROM TEST CRICKET January 5, 2011 Paul Collingwood has announced his decision to retire from Test cricket following the conclusion of the final Ashes Test. The Durham batsman won 67 caps for his country and made a total of 10 centuries.
Ian’s finally Bell of the ball January 5, 2011 OUR cricket columnist, former England batsman and Warwickshire chairman Andy Lloyd, has been poring over the Ashes action. Here he dissects what he’s learned from the play so far. BELL’S SUCCESS IS WELL DESERVED Ian Bell finally got the big runs his performances in this series merited. Seeing him mature into a Test match batsman [...]
Dallaglio pride at Abu Dhabi switch January 5, 2011 WASPS legend Lawrence Dallaglio has hailed “history in the making” after the club confirmed a groundbreaking move to play this month’s LV= Cup match with Harlequins in Abu Dhabi. The fixture on Sunday 30 January is the first competitive domestic game between English sides to be played overseas, and will be staged at a purpose-built [...]
Andrew’s RFU role to change January 5, 2011 ENGLISH rugby chiefs will today announce an overhaul of governing body the RFU which could see elite director Rob Andrew’s influence weakened. New chief executive John Steele yesterday saw his recommendations accepted by the RFU board. Andrew could be kept on in a streamlined role, fuelling speculation that a big name coach such as South [...]
Boring tag no concern for satisfied Mancini January 5, 2011 EMIRATES STADIUM ARSENAL 0 vs MANCHESTER CITY 0 MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini shrugged off ‘boring’ chants from Arsenal fans after his side’s negative tactics kept the Gunners behind them in third place. Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both hit the post as City survived an onslaught, leaving Arsene Wenger’s men four points behind [...]
Grant remaining positive despite Toon horror show January 5, 2011 NEWCASTLE 5 vs WESTHAM 0 BELEAGUERED West Ham manager Avram Grant blamed a “bad day at the office” after a debut hat-trick from Leon Best plunged the Israeli’s tenure to a new low. Grant (right) looks destined to be sacked after the Hammers sank back to the foot of the Premier League table, thanks to [...]
Redknapp far from sure on Beckham loan transfer January 5, 2011 EVERTON 2 vs TOTTENHAM 1 TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp claimed his hopes of signing David Beckham are now in the hands of others after seeing his side blow a chance to cement their top four place. The possibility of a deal now hinges on whether conditions likely to be imposed by the Major League Soccer side [...]
FA deny Becks is set for top job January 5, 2011 FOOTBALL: The Football Association last night played down suggestions that David Beckham is being lined up to become the next England manager. “There are no such talks and we have not discussed any potential succession plan at this point,” a statement read.