Gunners just three games from ending trophy wait November 30, 2010 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger watched his side take a huge step towards ending their six-year trophy drought, but insisted he would not let the pursuit of long-awaited silverware become “an obsession”. An own goal from Antolin Alcaraz and a second-half strike by Nicklas Bendtner eased the Gunners into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. With [...]
Timing of claims maximised impact November 30, 2010 CRIME busting defenders of propriety, or cynical headline grabbers with scant regard for their own country’s three-year long, £12m mission to host the 2018 World Cup? The BBC and Panorama would argue they represent the former, but there have been no shortage of people who disagree. What is beyond debate is that the programme’s claims [...]
How World Cup 2018 bid works November 30, 2010 Tomorrow England will learn whether years of lobbying and some late schmoozing have paid off Q&A Q. How is the bidding contest decided? A.By a vote among the executive committee (ExCo) of world governing body Fifa, in Zurich tomorrow. Q. How does the vote work? A.The 23 ExCo members cast their votes in a secret [...]
Trescothick’s concerned for England’s overworked attack November 30, 2010 FORMER England opener Marcus Trescothick believes Andrew Strauss’s side are on course to retain the Ashes, but fears persisting with a four-pronged bowling attack could affect the longevity of the likes of Jimmy Anderson and Steven Finn. England wrestled the initiative and momentum from Australia as a result of their record breaking exploits with the bat [...]
Chelsea back on top, but only in agents’ spending fees table November 30, 2010 CHAMPIONS Chelsea were the Premier League’s biggest spenders on agents’ fees for the period October 2009 to September 2010, shelling out over £9m, according to figures released yesterday. Chelsea made only two major acquisitions during the period in question – Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool and Ramires from Benfica – but the club’s policy of staggerring [...]
Cameron dodges corruption storm on 2018 bid mission November 30, 2010 PRIME MINISTER David Cameron last night brushed off the furore surrounding Panorama’s allegations and pledged to do his utmost to ensure England win the vote to host the 2018 World Cup. Cameron arrived in Zurich yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s decisive ballot and is one of three big names, which also include Prince William and David [...]
Trescothick says call ups show Aussies are rattled November 30, 2010 FORMER England batsman Marcus Trescothick believes Australia’s decision to call up two new bowlers ahead of the second Ashes Test, which starts on Friday, is a sign they are running scared. After their attack haemorrhaged runs and managed only one wicket in nearly six sessions of cricket at the Gabba, Australia’s selectors bolstered their squad [...]
Saracens stunned by Venter exit November 30, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Saracens are confident they will continue to thrive despite director of rugby Brendan Venter’s impending return to South Africa for family reasons. Venter will continue to work at the club in the newly-created position of technical director, making frequent visits to London to fulfil his duties – Mark McCall will be promoted to the [...]
Beckham says no to Everton November 30, 2010 FOOTBALL: Former England captain David Beckham will not be joining Everton on loan in January. Toffees boss David Moyes had confirmed he would like to sign the LA Galaxy midfielder if the opportunity arose. But Beckham said: “David Moyes has done a great job at Everton, but I am a Manchester United fan and for [...]
Strauss hails Cook’s knock as greatest Ashes innings November 29, 2010 Skipper can’t recall a better performance from an Englishman Down Under and claims his side have crucial momentum ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss hailed Alastair Cook’s match saving double hundred as the greatest Ashes innings by an Englishman in Australia. Cook’s maiden first class double hundred shattered numerous records as his second-wicket partnership with Jonathon Trott [...]