Ancelotti laughs off European pressure September 14, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his survival at Stamford Bridge does not depend on delivering the club’s first European Cup. Ancelotti, who has lifted the trophy twice as a player and twice as a coach, begins his first Champions League campaign as Blues boss tonight against Porto. The Italian’s European pedigree was one of the [...]
Top-flight clubs approve tougher financial rules September 14, 2009 CLUBS could be banned from making transfers if the Premier League judges them to be in danger of falling into administration, under sweeping financial changes announced yesterday. The new rules, which were agreed by top-flight chairmen this week and are already in effect, require clubs to submit annual audited accounts and future financial plans. If [...]
Ferguson already dreaming of Barcelona final vengeance September 14, 2009 MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident last season’s surrender to Barcelona will never be repeated after dissecting every aspect of his side’s preparation for the final – right down to their choice of hotel. As he prepares to lead his side against Besiktas in Turkey this evening, their first Champions League fixture since [...]
Broad issues a rally cry to England flops September 14, 2009 FAST bowler Stuart Broad has called on England’s one-day flops to learn from their previous mistakes as they look to avoid a humiliating series whitewash to Australia. A string of poor batting performances have seen Andrew Strauss’s men crash to four straight defeats in the 50-over format.The fifth game of the seven-match series takes places [...]
England’s Flutey out for up to three months September 14, 2009 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson suffered another blow to his preparations for the autumn internationals yesterday when centre Riki Flutey was ruled out for the entire programme. Flutey, who joins full-back Delon Armitage in the treatment room, will be sidelined for up to three months with a shoulder injury. The Brive and British and Irish Lions [...]
Illinois waltz shows Tiger’s back to his marvellous best September 14, 2009 ON THE GREENS WITHSAM TORRANCE TIGER WOODS was back to his usual imperious self in Illinois at the weekend, claiming a 71st PGA Tour title by a massive eight shots. The year 2009 might not have brought any majors for the world No1, but still he describes this as one of his best years yet [...]
Irish boxer found hanged September 14, 2009 BOXING: Highly-rated Irish fighter Darren Sutherland has been found dead at his Bromley home, aged 27. Sutherland, who won a bronze medal at last year’s Beijing Olympics before turning professional, was discovered hanged by promoter Frank Maloney. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Maloney said: “It is very sad and unexpected. It is [...]
Pumas get Tri-Nations go-ahead September 14, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Argentina have been invited to join South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in an expanded Tri-Nations Championship from 2012. The Pumas are currently ranked sixth in the world having finished third in the 2007 World Cup. The invitation still needs to be formally approved by the broadcasters of the Tri-Nations governing body SANZAR. [...]
Four-match ban looms as FA prepare to hit Adebayor September 13, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY striker Emmanuel Adebayor is today expected to be charged over his behaviour in Saturday’s fiery clash with former club Arsenal and is facing the prospect of a four-match ban. The Football Association is poised to charge Adebayor with violent conduct – which would likely result in a three-game suspension – for a raking-studs [...]
Button hails his return to the podium at Italian GP September 13, 2009 BRITAIN’S Jenson Button toasted a return to form after his first podium finish in six attempts edged him nearer to a maiden world title at the Italian Grand Prix. Button had to watch as Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello took first place at Monza, and shaved two points off his lead in the drivers’ championship. [...]