Hodgson slams Torres criticism September 15, 2010 LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson has hit back at criticism of Fernando Torres and dismissed claims the striker does not want to be at the club. Torres was singled out for flak after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham, with suggestions his form is related to possible regret at staying at Anfield. “He certainly isn’t fed up,” [...]
Gollings to captain Sevens September 15, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Ben Gollings has been named as captain of the England Sevens team for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The 30-year-old former Harlequins fly-half, who now plays in New Zealand for Tasman, will be competing in his third Games after playing in Manchester in 2002 and winning a silver medal in Melbourne in [...]
Exiles announce new deal September 15, 2010 RUGBY UNION: London Irish have announced internet security provider Trend Micro as their new kit sponsor and partner for the 2010-11 Aviva Premiership season. The company logo will be branded on the first-team shirt and Trend Micro will also become title partner in the club’s community programme. Richard Marsh, London Irish’s commercial director, said: “Trend [...]
Grant excused for Yom Kippur September 15, 2010 FOOTBALL: West Ham boss Avram Grant has been excused from attending Saturday’s Premier League game with Stoke to observe Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement is the most significant date in the Jewish calendar and is a strict day of fasting and forbids followers to work. Defender Tal Ben Haim is also expected to miss [...]
Mascarenhas banned for 14 days September 15, 2010 CRICKET: Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas was last night suspended for 14 days by the England and Wales Cricket Board following his foul-mouthed Twitter outburst earlier this month. The all-rounder, currently out with a long-term Achilles problem, blasted national selector Geoff Miller on two seperate posts on his Twitter page. He was fined £500 by the [...]
Redknapp in a rage as Spurs let slip a Euro advantage September 14, 2010 WERDER BREMEN (2) vs TOTTENHAM (2) HARRY REDKNAPP last night lashed out at suggestions his Tottenham side had been taught a Champions League lesson despite throwing away a two-goal lead in their Group A opener with Werder Bremen. Spurs threatened to rack up a convincing victory after a Petri Pasanen own goal and a Peter [...]
Valencia injury caps bad night for United September 14, 2010 MANCHESTER (0) UTD vs RANGERS (0) SIR ALEX FERGUSON suffered a Champions League double whammy after lacklustre Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Rangers in a match marred by a serious injury to Antonio Valencia. Resolute Rangers showed great resistance to shut out a makeshift United line-up, which showed 10 changes from [...]
Arsenal depleted as Diaby is ruled out indefinitely September 14, 2010 ARSENAL vs BRAGA ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits he is cursing the loss of several key players as he prepares to launch yet another tilt at European success. Midfielder Abou Diaby, inset, and defender Thomas Vermaelen are the latest names on a Gunners’ injury list that is already mounting just a few weeks into the [...]
Terry’s back as Carlo names his charges September 14, 2010 MSK ZILINA vs CHELSEA Sky Sports 2, ko 7.45pm CHELSEA coach Carlo Ancelotti last night took the unusual step of announcing his starting line-up 24 hours before tonight’s Champions League clash with MSK Zilina. The Italian says he will hand first starts of the season to Yossi Benyoun, Yuri Zhirkov and Daniel Sturridge, while captain [...]
Holders Inter are held but Barca cruise September 14, 2010 HOLDERS Inter Milan opened the defence of their Champions League title with an unconvincing 2-2 draw at FC Twente. Wesley Sneijder put Rafael Benitez’s side in front after 13 minutes but the Dutch rookies fought back through Theo Jansson and a Diego Milito own goal. Inter, however, restored parity through Samuel Eto’o to ensure Group [...]