United boost title hopes and reduce Arsenal’s to shreds January 31, 2010 MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson urged Arsenal to go and “batter” Chelsea next weekend after leaving the Gunners’ title hopes in tatters. Wayne Rooney’s 100th top-flight strike, a Ji-Sung Park effort and a Manuel Almunia own goal did the damage as United delivered a masterclass in counter-attacking. Thomas Vermaelen notched a late reply for [...]
Murray Slam dream ruined by Federer January 31, 2010 TEARFUL Andy Murray admitted struggling to compete with Roger Federer after seeing his dream of becoming Britain’s first Grand Slam champion for 74 years crushed by the world No1. Murray battled valiantly, especially in a tense third set, but the Scot’s nerves and Federer’s brilliance combined to hand the Swiss a 16th major title, 6-3, [...]
Your time will come, champ tells Brit January 31, 2010 NEWLY-CROWNED Australian Open champion Roger Federer told Andy Murray that his first Grand Slam title is only a matter of time away after ensuring the Scot’s latest bid ended in failure. Murray dropped only one set on his way to the final, but once there was soundly beaten by a man who knows more than [...]
City stars show support for Team Bridge in Terry episode January 31, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini revealed three of his players wore shirts in support of Wayne Bridge as his side continued their assault on a top-four place with victory over cash-strapped Portsmouth. Stars Carlos Tevez, Nigel de Jong and Stephen Ireland all wore shirts bearing the words “Team Bridge” in support of the England left-back, [...]
Capello to take time over England captain decision January 31, 2010 ENGLAND head coach Fabio Capello is refusing to make a snap decision over Chelsea defender John Terry’s future as England captain. Terry’s role as skipper has been questioned following newspaper allegations that he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of international colleague and former Blues team-mate Wayne Bridge. The Football Association has refused to be [...]
I won’t quit Reds for Italy, insists Benitez January 31, 2010 LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez last night issued a statement quashing growing speculation that he is set to quit Anfield for Juventus. Reports in Italy suggested Benitez had agreed a deal to take charge of the Turin club in the summer, and that officials from the Serie A outfit would meet their Liverpool counterparts today to [...]
Wigan poised for £2.5m deadline-day deal for Crystal Palace prodigy Moses January 31, 2010 WIGAN look set to win the race for one of the hottest properties in the British game by signing Victor Moses from Crystal Palace. The Nigerian-born teenager, who can play on the wing or as a striker, is today expected to complete a £2.5m transfer deadline-day switch to the Latics. Moses, 19, has been linked [...]
Geraghty shines as Saxons sink Ireland January 31, 2010 ENGLAND Saxons boss Stuart Lancaster heaped praise on Shane Geraghty after the fly-half led them to a 17-13 victory over Ireland A at The Rec in Bath. Northampton No10 Geraghty scored a try, two conversions and a penalty as the Saxons took revenge for last year’s Churchill Cup thrashing. Wing David Strettle also went over [...]
Quins learn from mistakes to keep LV Cup hopes alive January 31, 2010 HARLEQUINS responded to a rollicking from head coach John Kingston to give themselves a chance of reaching the LV Cup semi-finals with a 16-13 win at London Irish. Kingston lashed out at his men after last week’s 45-20 Challenge Cup hammering by Cardiff Blues, but was full or praise yesterday as his side held off [...]
Clough in dock over Davies claim January 31, 2010 DERBY boss Nigel Clough is facing a Football Association probe after Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies accused him of assault. Davies says Clough deliberately kneed him in the back of the leg in a melee during Derby’s win on Saturday. He said: “He tried to claim it was an accident but he knows, as well [...]