Emerging Lions excite Geech May 28, 2009 BRITISH and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan admits he cannot wait to see the class of 2009 in competitive action for the first time tomorrow. McGeechan has named nine Lions debutants, including 21-year-old Ireland centre Keith Earls and England flanker Joe Worsley, for the opening match of their tour of South Africa. And the [...]
Catt: BaaBaas cameo is not my swansong May 28, 2009 VETERAN fly-half Mike Catt has dismissed suggestions that tomorrow’s run-out for the Barbarians is set to be his final hurrah in professional rugby. Catt was expected to call time on his glittering 17-year career when he turns out for the star-studded Baa Baas against his former England team-mates at Twickenham. But the 37-year-old insists he [...]
Murray foe in clay-court form taunt May 28, 2009 THE MAN standing between Andy Murray and a career-best performance at the French Open has vowed to exploit the British No1’s weakness on clay. World No65 Janko Tipsarevic admits he is the underdog for this afternoon’s third-round clash and could end up being “eaten alive”. But the Serb says he is not scared of third [...]
HANSEN LEADS AT LONDON GC May 28, 2009 DANE Anders Hansen shot an opening round 65 to take the overnight lead in the European Open at the London GC, Ash, Kent. Hansen leads namesake Peter Hanson, of Sweden, and South Africa’s Thomas Aitken by a single shot with no fewer than eight players following at five-under. World No5 Henrik Stenson struggled to a [...]
Lampard: FA Cup would be ideal boost May 28, 2009 CHELSEA vs. EVERTON CHELSEA’S Frank Lampard insists FA Cup glory is the least they deserve for their rapid improvement under Guus Hiddink.Dutchman Hiddink’s tenure as temporary manager will come to an end after tomorrow’s season-ending Wembley showpiece against Everton. The erstwhile Russia coach has transformed the Blues from no-hopers to challengers for three trophies since [...]
Rio: ‘We’ll be back stronger’ May 28, 2009 RIO FERDINAND insists his Manchester United team-mates are man enough to handle Wednesday night’s crushing Champions League final defeat to Barcelona – and has backed them to come back stronger. Dejected Ferdinand flew back to England with the rest of the United squad yesterday after failing in their bid to become the first side to [...]
Al Fahim eyes Sven for Pompey May 28, 2009 PROSPECTIVE Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim is looking to bring former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson back to the Premier League. Al Fahim had an official offer for the south coast club accepted on Wednesday and is expected to complete the takeover from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak in the next few weeks. The Arab property magnate [...]
Torres pens extended contract May 28, 2009 LIVERPOOL have completed their most important deal of the summer by securing the signing of star striker Fernando Torres on an extended contract. The Spaniard, who has netted 50 goals in two seasons at Anfield, had four years left on his original six-year contract, but has now been offered improved terms and an extension to [...]
Coyle close to agreeing new deal May 28, 2009 BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle is “very close” to agreeing a two-year extension to his contract, thus turning his back on Celtic. Coyle was linked with the Scottish giants after steering the Clarets into the Premier League via the play-offs. But chairman Barry Kilby said: “I fully expect it to be signed in the very near [...]
Brilliant Barca ruin United’s Euro dream May 27, 2009 BARCELONA (2) vs MANCHESTER UTD (0) MANCHESTER UNITED’S dream of becoming the first team to retain the Champions League fell apart last night in Rome, unpicked by masterful Barcelona and their Argentine inspiration Lionel Messi. United swaggered into the Stadio Olimpico as slight favourites but shuffled out having been soundly beaten, Samuel Eto’o’s early strike [...]