Ignore Premier League doom merchants October 27, 2010 SO the Premier League is going down the pan because only three of its players made the shortlist for the Fifa Ballon d’Or? Nonsense. Reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated. The argument goes that the 23-man Ballon d’Or selection is an accurate measurement of the health of the English top flight. I would [...]
Is that it? Indians to give Rovers £5m transfer fund October 27, 2010 BLACKBURN’S owner-in-waiting has moved quickly to smother any expectation that it may seek to restore Rovers to the peak of the top flight. Venkateshwara Hatcheries, which is poised to complete a £46m takeover within days, says it does not expect to bother the Premier League’s elite. The Indian poultry conglomerate added that it would provide [...]
Russians slam English again October 27, 2010 FOOTBALL: Russia have been accused again of denigrating England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup after one of their top officials labelled their main rivals “absolutely primitive”. Viacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union, lashed out after England complained about criticisms of London made by Alexei Sorokin, chief of the Russian bid. [...]
Hanagan on course for first title October 27, 2010 HORSE RACING: Champion Jockey favourite Paul Hanagan remains eight wins ahead of challenger Richard Hughes after both riders notched doubles yesterday. Hanagan took his tally to 181 wins with victory aboard Grissom and then Palomar at Musselburgh. Hughes booked 14 rides in an attempt to close the gap but could only triumph on Charles Camoin [...]
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 [...]