Wrap stars up in cotton wool November 17, 2009 WE may be just two weeks into a two-and-a-half month tour but the England selectors have already reached their first dilemma. So far this week we have seen our best fast bowler, Jimmy Anderson, our best all-rounder Stuart Broad, No1 spinner Graeme Swann and key batsmen Paul Collingwood and Alastair Cook all go down with [...]
QUEEN SENT FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE November 17, 2009 FIRST there was Bobby George; the Bobby Dazzler, the King of the Bling, the first true bastion of darting glitz and glamour. Then, there was Andy Fordham. Thirty-one stone at his peak, hair down to his backside and regular consumer of 25 bottles of Holsten Pils before going on stage. Equally adored by his public. [...]
Gerrard ready to face City but Torres still out November 17, 2009 LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has handed the Reds a huge boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday’s blockbuster against Manchester City. A nagging groin injury has restricted the midfielder to just 70 minutes of action since the Premier League defeat to Chelsea on 4 October. Gerrard rushed himself back against Birmingham earlier this month but [...]
Duff targeting Ireland’s best ever result in Paris showdown November 17, 2009 FULHAM winger Damien Duff admits the Republic of Ireland will have to pull off their biggest ever result tonight if they are to reach the World Cup finals. Duff and his team-mates must win in France in the second leg of their play-off, having lost Saturday’s first leg 1-0 at Croke Park. The former Chelsea [...]
Collins eyes Scotland job but Coyle pulls out of race November 17, 2009 FORMER Hibernian manager John Collins has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed George Burley as Scotland coach. Ex-Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood and Kilmarnock’s Jim Jefferies have also stated their interest in the job, while former national team manager Craig Brown has admitted he could be tempted back. But Burnley’s Owen Coyle has ruled [...]
I snubbed big boys to be lord of Manor, says Glock November 17, 2009 GERMAN racer Timo Glock insists he turned down bigger teams before signing up to spearhead Manor GP’s debut season in Formula One. The 27-year-old, left without a drive when Toyota announced its withdrawal from the sport, has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third season. And Glock says Manor, who could be [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF November 17, 2009 Carroll unlucky in U21 stalemateFOOTBALL: England Under-21s missed a hatful of chances but still claimed a valuable point in a 0-0 draw with Lithuania. Newcastle striker Andy Carroll hit the post and bar in a stalemate that keeps Stuart Pearce’s side second in their qualifying group for the 2011 European Championships. Arsenal full back Kieran [...]
Doubt over Button future deepens as Mercedes take charge of Brawn November 16, 2009 MERCEDES chiefs insist their takeover of Brawn GP will not mean world champion Jenson Button is forced out to make way for an all-German driving line-up. The German manufacturer yesterday bought a 75 per cent stake in Brawn, in a move that will see the 2009 constructors’ champions rebranded as Mercedes GP. Mercedes have meanwhile [...]
Placenta forward: Van Persie tries bizarre injury treatment November 16, 2009 ARSENAL forward Robin van Persie is pinning his hopes of a quick recovery from injury on an unusual treatment – involving a placenta. Van Persie will have fluid from a placenta rubbed on his ankle, following a recommendation from PSV Eindhoven midfielder Danko Lazovic. The Holland international, who has been in irresistible form for the [...]
Levein in the frame as Burley is sacked November 16, 2009 DUNDEE UNITED boss Craig Levein is the early favourite to become the next Scotland boss after George Burley was sacked yesterday after 22 months in charge. Scottish FA chiefs called an extraordinary meeting after fans turned on Burley following Saturday’s demoralising 3-0 defeat by Wales. Chief executive Gordon Smith gave Burley a vote of confidence [...]