Liverpool chiefs know nothing about football, blasts Benitez September 21, 2010 FORMER Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a scathing attack on his previous employers, claiming they “understood nothing about football”. The Spaniard, right, had a strained relationship with American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett before leaving the club in the summer after six years to join Inter Milan. Now Benitez has lifted the lid [...]
Drogba eyes Chelsea quadruple September 21, 2010 CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba believes the double winners could go even better this season and achieve an unprecedented quadruple. Ahead of tonight’s third round visit of Newcastle, the Ivory Coast international said: “Why not? If we do it, it will be an amazing season. I think to keep the title will be difficult, even if [...]
Given will cost you, says Mancini September 21, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini has warned Shay Given’s suitors that the out-of-favour goalkeeper will not be allowed to leave cheaply in January. “Shay is an important player and he will cost someone a lot of money,” said Mancini, whose team travel to West Brom this evening. The Italian also dismissed claims of a bust-up [...]
Bebe set for first United steps September 21, 2010 MANCHESTER UNITED summer signing Bebe is set to make his long-awaited first-team debut in tonight’s third-round trip to Scunthorpe. The Portugal Under-21 forward, who was playing in his native country’s third division last season, has only appeared for United’s reserves since his £7.4m move. Critics are already queuing up to write off a player who [...]
Houllier urges Villa patience September 21, 2010 ASTON VILLA manager Gerard Houllier has warned fans not to expect an immediate turnaround in fortunes as he prepares for his first match in charge. The former Liverpool boss hosts Blackburn in the third round, having been appointed Martin O’Neill’s permanent successor earlier this month. “It will take time,” he said. “You come with philosophies [...]
Strauss left in outrage at fixing claims September 20, 2010 England captain hits back at Pakistan chief Butt over Oval accusations ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss yesterday lashed out at suggestions his side deliberately set out to lose last Friday’s one-dayer with Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt caused fury among the England dressing room after telling an Indian TV station he had heard that [...]
Pakistan triumph at Lord’s to set up series decider September 20, 2010 A HUGELY tainted one-day international series will be decided at the Rose Bowl tomorrow after Pakistan put off-field rows to one side to draw level with England. In a match that was in severe danger of being called off due to an escalating controversy surrounding comments made by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt, the [...]
Holmes firmly behind track legacy plans September 20, 2010 LONDON’S Olympic Stadium will retain an athletics track after the 2012 Games, regardless of who moves in – and more people will benefit as a result, says Dame Kelly Holmes. The future of the Stratford Olympic Park’s centrepiece is still shrouded in uncertainty with less than two years to go until the first starter’s pistol [...]
Hicks’ Liverpool buyout hit by refinancing blow September 20, 2010 LIVERPOOL’S future is mired in uncertainty once again today after co-owner Tom Hicks’s attempt to refinance his debt and take full control of the club collapsed. GSO Capital Partners, the debt restructuring arm of private equity group Blackstone which had discussed loaning Hicks £280m, is thought to have walked away from talks with the American. [...]
Wenger charged and mulling a tinker September 20, 2010 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger is facing a touchline ban after being charged with improper conduct relating to Saturday’s dramatic 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Wenger is accused by the Football Association of “using abusive and/or insulting language and behaviour” to the officials in the wake of Darren Bent’s last-gasp equaliser for the Black Cats. Bent’s strike [...]