Johnno: I’m still the right man for the job November 18, 2009 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has launched a passionate defence of his tenure after beefing up his team for Saturday’s Test against New Zealand. Johnson yesterday handed Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle a first international start at the age of 29 and recalled Wasps lock Simon Shaw following his return from injury. They replace Shane Geraghty and [...]
Eduardo and Gibbs boosts lift Gunners November 18, 2009 ARSENAL have been handed a double boost after striker Eduardo signed a new contract and defender Kieran Gibbs was told his foot is not broken. Eduardo, who is set for a major role in the absence of Robin van Persie, has signed a long-term deal to extend his stay at Emirates Stadium. The Croatian has [...]
Leader Rory’s living the dream November 18, 2009 RORY MCILROY insists he is “living the dream” – even if he doesn’t clinch the Race to Dubai title this weekend. The 20-year-old could be crowned Europe’s youngest No1 since Seve Ballesteros in 1976 if he holds off Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher in the inaugural Dubai World Championship, starting today. “I’m just [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF November 18, 2009 Lord’s will not sell naming rights CRICKET: The owners of Lord’s have denied reports they plan to sell naming rights for the famous stadium to finance a £400m redevelopment. The MCC say the work will be funded by flats around the stadium and dismissed any suggestion of selling rights for individual stands. Chief executive Keith [...]
Murray paired with No1 Federer November 18, 2009 ANDY MURRAY has been drawn in the same group as world No1 Roger Federer for the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena, on Sunday. The British No1 also goes up against US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in Group A. Group B consists of world No2 Rafael Nadal, [...]
Cesc: I want cups before I leave Arsenal November 17, 2009 ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas has snubbed fresh interest from Spain by insisting his immediate priority is to bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both preparing huge summer bids for the midfielder, with the former reported to be willing to offer midfielder Yaya Toure and striker Bojan Krkic plus cash. But [...]
Button likely to join McLaren as Mercedes GP tighten belt November 17, 2009 WORLD champion Jenson Button is expected to sign for McLaren this week after Mercedes GP chiefs said they would not raise their offer to the Englishman. Talks between Button and McLaren are said to have progressed significantly since he visited the team’s headquarters last week. The Woking-based outfit are keen to pair Button with Lewis [...]
Rowntree backing for under-fire Wells November 17, 2009 GRAHAM ROWNTREE rallied round under-fire forwards coach John Wells last night as England’s management team set out to quash rumours of a split in the camp. Wells’ position has been thrown into uncertainty amid speculation that a clash in philosophies with attacks coach Brian Smith is hindering England’s progression. Poor performances from the pack against [...]
Super Sarries shock Boks at Wembley November 17, 2009 SARACENS (24) vs. SOUTH AFRICA (23) PREMIERSHIP leaders Saracens staged a thrilling comeback to stun world champions South Africa in front of a roaring crowd of over 46,000 at Wembley last night. Former Springbok fly-half Derick Hougaard kicked 14 points to help Sarries claw their way back from 18-6 down and subject the tourists to [...]
Star Jon’s hot to Trott in guiding England home November 17, 2009 JONATHAN TROTT cemented his place in the England top order after guiding the tourists to a fighting four-wicket victory over a strong South Africa A side in a thrilling encounter at Potchefstroom last night. The South African-born batsman smashed 78 from 89 balls to lead the injury-hit tourists to a daunting victory target of 279-9 [...]