Blackburn fan dies in hospital February 7, 2010 FOOTBALL: A 30-year-old man who was found unconscious during a Premier League match at Stoke City on Saturday, has died in hospital. John Taylor, of Darwen, Lancashire, was reportedly struck on the head by a bin before suffering a heart attack in the Britannia Stadium’s south stand, where Blackburn fans were seated, just after 4pm. [...]
Carlo salutes his ‘perfect’ captain Terry February 7, 2010 CHELSA v/s ARSENAL CARLO ANCELOTTI branded John Terry his “perfect” captain after his talismanic display helped Chelsea overpower Arsenal and go back to the top of the table. The Blues skipper has endured a miserable week after being stripped of the England captaincy by Fabio Capello on Friday following lurid headlines about his private life. [...]
England boss Capello won’t be drawn on captaincy issue February 7, 2010 FABIO CAPELLO has refused to shed any more light on his decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy, insisting it had formed part a “normal week” in his reign as manager. The Italian gave only a brief explanation of his decision in a statement on Friday and was equally as evasive yesterday when [...]
Welsh victory is springboard for success, says Wilkinson February 7, 2010 FLY-HALF Jonny Wilkinson believes England’s storming 30-17 victory over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday can prove the perfect platform for a successful Six Nations campaign. The 30-year-old kicked over 15 points while two tries from flanker James Haskell helped England to a first Championship victory over the Welsh in four attempts. Martin Johnson’s men are [...]
‘Genius’ Phillips at the double to inspire Blues February 7, 2010 BIRMINGHAM CITY v/s WOLVES BIRMINGHAM boss Alex McLeish described veteran striker Kevin Phillips as a “genius” after his late double stunned midlands rivals Wolves at St Andrews. The 36-year-old climbed off the substitute’s bench to net twice in the last ten minutes after Kevin Doyle had given the visitors a first-half lead. First, Phillips volleyed [...]
This year promises to be the closest yet February 4, 2010 THE Six Nations Championship never fails to produce thrilling, hard-fought contests, but I honestly believe this year’s tournament has all the ingredients of being the closest for many years. Any one of four nations can challenge for the big prize this year, while the other two will make them sweat every last drop. There really [...]
Who can conquer Ireland to land the greatest prize? February 4, 2010 England Manager: Martin Johnson Captain: Steve Borthwick Last season: Italy (h) won 36-11; Wales (a) lost 15-23; Ireland (a) lost 13-14; France (h) won 34-10; Scotland (h) won 26-12 = 2nd. Where they stand: Endured a disappointing autumn international campaign when they lost to Australia and New Zealand and looked unconvincing in their narrow victory [...]
‘Prescriptive theory just an excuse’ February 4, 2010 IRATE is not a word that springs to mind frequently during a chat with the affable Mark Cueto. The very epitome of laid-back, he seems the kind who would meet the clamping of his car with a good-natured shrug. But the England wing bristles and takes a deep breath when one particular subject is brought [...]
It’s D-Day for Terry as boss Fabio flies in February 4, 2010 JOHN TERRY will finally discover whether he will remain as England captain today following showdown talks with boss Fabio Capello. The Chelsea defender is set for talks with the Italian coach after stories emerged at the weekend of an alleged affair with an ex-partner of England colleague and former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge. Capello touched [...]
New Pompey owner applies for stay of execution February 4, 2010 PORTSMOUTH have appealed for next week’s potentially fatal winding-up hearing to be delayed after being taken over by Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai. Chainrai’s company Portpin was yesterday confirmed as the financially-stricken club’s fourth owner in the space of six months. The 51-year-old took charge after previous owner Ali Al-Faraj defaulted on a loan repayment, [...]