United at 5/4 leaves no room at the top for big Phil Scolari August 15, 2008 It’s the big kick-off in the Premier League tomorrow and the “Big Four” are already starting to jostle for position. John Terry’s claim that Manchester United have “already peaked” may light the blue touch paper, but new Chelsea coach Luis Felipe Scolari could manage that all by himself. The 59-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed ‘wooden leg’ during [...]
Brace yourself for Bayor August 15, 2008 Emmanuel Adebayor may have been on the verge of leaving Arsenal this summer, but back the lanky forward to prove his newfound loyalty by ensuring West Brom endure a miserable return to the top flight. The Baggies face a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow as the Premier League season kicks off – and [...]
Barry exit scuppered as Villa win Euro match August 15, 2008 Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry all but resigned himself to another season at the club after setting them on their way to a European victory last night. The Liverpool target drastically reduced his chances of a dream move to Anfield by figuring against FH Hafnarfjordur, but put thoughts of a move to one side as he [...]
I fancy Chelsea, but Spurs will trail again August 15, 2008 As a former darling of White Hart Lane, Chris Waddle is well placed to judge whether Tottenham are ready to break the iron grip of the Premier League’s big four. But on the eve of the new top-flight season, the former England winger has a stark warning for Spurs boss Juande Ramos. Waddle believes big-spending [...]
Russia denies breaking truce August 14, 2008 Georgia accused Russia of breaking a shaky ceasefire in their six-day conflict yesterday, a charge strongly denied by Moscow. In a highly charged atmosphere of claim and counter-claim, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said Russian tanks had stormed the Georgian town of Gori and were advancing on the capital, though a deputy minister later backtracked on [...]
The shape of things to come August 14, 2008 Government rules on green homes mean that eco-houses are coming. It’s time to get used to the idea, says Alex Delmar-Morgan Nobody denies that if the world heats up, we will have to change the way we live, build and get around. As recently as five years ago, phrases like “global warming” and “carbon emissions” [...]
Lonmin snubs Xstrata’s takeover bid August 14, 2008 British platinum miner Lonmin yesterday reiterated its opposition to Xstrata’s hostile £5bn takeover bid, saying it failed to recognise the company’s potential for growth. The South Africa-focused company, which last week received an indicative offer from the Anglo-Swiss mining group, told its shareholders to reject a formal offer, as it undervalued the firm’s business. With [...]
Pressure piles on EDF to hike offer for BE August 14, 2008 Sources close to British Energy said yesterday rival French firm EDF would have to raise its offer for the electricity giant to above 800p per share, if it is to have any hope of buying the group. Earlier this month shareholders of British Energy, which holds the key to Britain’s next generation of nuclear power [...]
US assets are back in vogue August 14, 2008 Investors are seeking safety in US assets as the economic downturn spreads to Europe, research revealed yesterday. A majority, 53 per cent of fund managers, expect the dollar to appreciate and 38 per cent plan to overweight US equities during the next 12 months, according to Merrill Lynch’s monthly fund manager survey. Both readings are [...]
Russia orders a halt to war August 13, 2008 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered a halt to military operations in Georgia yesterday but Tbilisi cast doubt on the announcement, saying Moscow was still bombing towns and villages. The announcement coincided with the visit of French president Nicolas Sarkozy to Moscow on an EU peace mission and seemed intended to help international efforts to negotiate [...]