Russia deny criticising England October 26, 2010 FOOTBALL: England’s World Cup 2018 bid rivals Russia say they regret any “misunderstanding” resulting from their chief executive’s recent comments about London. Andrei Sorokin denied, however, that he had criticised England’s bid, which would have been against the rules. It comes with the bid process in a state of turmoil after two members of the [...]
SA beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi October 26, 2010 CRICKET: South Africa paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe took 3-16 as they earned an emphatic six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Twenty20 international in Abu Dhabi. Captain Johan Botha also claimed three wickets as Pakistan, technically the home side, were bowled out for 119, despite Misbah ul-Haq’s undefeated 27 and Shahid Afridi’s 25 off just seven [...]
England have right recipe, says Cook October 26, 2010 ENGLAND batsman Alastair Cook insists there will be no repeat this winter of the 5-0 drubbing they suffered last time they headed Down Under for an Ashes series. Australia enjoyed a whitewash four years ago when an England side captained by Andrew Flintoff lost the urn in spectacular style. Cook was part of that team [...]
Arsenal gunning for glory on all fronts, says Wenger October 26, 2010 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has reaffirmed his desire to put silverwear ahead of plaudits this season ahead of tonight’s Carling Cup fourth round tie at Newcastle. Wenger has often been accused of treating this competition with disdain in the past by opting to rest his star players in order to blood some of the outstanding [...]
Khumalo capture will bolster Redknapp’s defensive options October 26, 2010 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has moved to ease his side’s defensive concerns by recruiting South Africa international Bongani Khumalo. The 23-year-old will arrive in January from SuperSport United, subject to a work permit being granted, having signed a pre-contract agreement. The transfer fee is thought to be around £1.5m. Tottenham’s rearguard has been beset by [...]
Premier League Ballon burst by Fifa nominations October 26, 2010 THE NOMINATIONS for this year’s Fifa Ballon d’Or award, announced yesterday, provided more ammunition for those critics who claim the Premier League’s stock is on the slide. Of the 23 players nominated for the prestigious title – which has now merged with the Fifa World Player of the Year award – only three came from [...]
Brave Brentford’s cup run over after penalty heartache October 26, 2010 BIRMINGHAM’S veteran striker Kevin Phillips prevented League One Brentford from claiming another sizeable Premier League scalp in the Carling Cup. Andy Scott’s Bees, who edged out Everton in the previous round, were moments away from causing another upset before 37-year-old Phillips pounced in injury time to cancel out Sam Wood’s 68th minute effort. The sides [...]
Manassero as good as Seve October 26, 2010 HE has balls of steel, a wonderful action and now has a first European Tour title under his belt: this week the only man worth talking about is Matteo Manassero. I watched every minute at the weekend as the 17-year-old made history by winning the Castello Masters, and he was absolutely magnificent. His hero is [...]
Jenkins backs Henson’s Saracens move October 26, 2010 WALES assistant coach Neil Jenkins has welcomed the prospect of centre Gavin Henson relaunching his stagnant career at Saracens. Henson has not played competitively for 18 months but is eager to return to the game and has this week trained with Sarries with a view to a move from Ospreys. The 28-year-old still harbours hopes [...]
Moody given green light to play for Bath October 26, 2010 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has opted to release his captain Lewis Moody for Premiership duty this weekend but won’t be taking a similar risk with Toby Flood. The Leicester fly-half is still working his way back to full fitness after injuring knee ligaments on the opening weekend of the season and is being protected by [...]