Johnson: Wielding the axe would be ridiculous November 26, 2009 MARTIN JOHNSON has angrily hit back at England’s “hysterical” critics, insisting calls to sack his under-fire coaches are “ridiculous”. Former internationals Josh Lewsey and Will Greenwood led the calls for changes at the top of English rugby following the disappointing autumn internationals campaign. Forwards coach John Wells and defence coach Mike Ford were the two [...]
Build United’s future around me, says Vidic November 26, 2009 NEMANJA VIDIC last night angrily scotched rumours he is ready to quit Manchester United, insisting he wants to become an integral part of the club’s next generation. The Serbian’s future at Old Trafford has been thrown into question in recent weeks amid reports his wife Ana is unhappy in the north-west. The rumours followed an [...]
Avram’s on a revenge mission November 26, 2009 AVRAM GRANT will be looking to exact revenge on Manchester United this weekend when he returns to management as the new boss of Portsmouth. The former Chelsea chief was announced yesterday as the successor to Paul Hart, who was sacked by the Fratton Park club earlier this week. And the Israeli opens his account with [...]
No complacency for Warriors November 26, 2009 HAVING captain Steve Borthwick back for tonight’s trip to Worcester is a huge boost to us, but we are under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits. Night games, especially in November, can throw anything up and we know with the wet and the cold, we are in for 80 tough minutes at Sixways. [...]
Ground sharing with Liverpool is a possibility, admits Everton chief November 26, 2009 EVERTON chief executive Robert Elstone says the club would be willing to ground share with rivals Liverpool after plans for a new £400m stadium development at Kirkby were rejected. The Toffees had hoped to join forces with Tesco to build a new 50,000-seater stadium and shopping complex, but the idea was quashed by Communities and [...]
Irish off to a World Cup flier November 26, 2009 GOLF: Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell fired a 14-under-par round 58 to lead the Omega Mission Hills World Cup after the first-round fourballs. The Irish pair fired 12 birdies and an eagle to lie three shots ahead of Argentine duo Rafa Echenique and Tano Goya in Shenzhen, China. England’s Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher [...]
Worsley out for eight weeks November 26, 2009 RUGBY UNION: England flanker Joe Worsley is facing a race to be fit for the Six Nations campaign after being ruled out for at least eight weeks after injuring his knee against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. Scans revealed the Wasps star suffered medial ligament damage after limping off in the first minute of [...]
Denman leads Hennessy field November 26, 2009 RACING: Star chaser Denman heads a field of 21 for tomorrow’s prestigious Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Paul Nicholls’ charge stunned everyone by taking this prize two years ago off top weight, but faces an even bigger task this time round off a mark 13lb higher. Ruby Walsh takes the saddle with Denman’s Cheltenham Gold [...]
Anelka books top spot for smooth Blues November 25, 2009 FC PORTO (0) vs CHELSEA (1) CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke of his delight after the Blues finished top of Group D with an impressive away victory over Porto. Striker Nicolas Anelka netted a third successive winning goal for Ancelotti’s side in the Champions League, heading home Florent Malouda’s 69th minute cross to put paid [...]
Fergie rages as proud Euro run is halted November 25, 2009 MANCHESTER UTD (0) vs BESIKTAS (1) SIR Alex Ferguson insisted Manchester United had been robbed by a questionable refereeing decision after his youthful side succumbed to a European home defeat for the first time in more than four years. Group B whipping boys Besiktas, already consigned to bottom place, ended the 23-match run courtesy of [...]