Fresh call for BE deal August 26, 2008 Invesco, the largest single shareholder in British Energy, is meeting today with government representatives to push for a merger between the UK’s nuclear group and gas supplier Centrica. Invesco’s head of investment Neil Woodford will lay out his plans to the Shareholder Executive, the body that manages government financial interest in public companies. Last week [...]
Tui Travel bookings beat the slowdown August 15, 2008 Tui Travel, Europe’s largest travel operator, said holiday booking continued to be robust as customers were not prepared to forgo their summer holiday despite the credit crunch. Chief executive Peter Long said the group’s “power brands” – Thomson in the UK and Tui in Germany – were holding up well in the economic climate. “It [...]
King Fernando 9/2 to reign August 15, 2008 Fernando Torres to be top Premier League goalscorer – 9/2 Fernando Torres is ready to be crowned king of the Premier League goal scoring charts this season, with the Spaniard a stand-out 9/2 punt to take over the mantle held last season by Cristiano Ronaldo. With the Manchester United ace currently sidelined with an ankle [...]
King Kev can’t kick the habit August 15, 2008 Manchester United kick-off their Premier League defence at home to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon and are just 1.32 on Betdaq to open up with a win. However, punters got their fingers burnt steaming into the Red Devils at an even shorter price in their opening fixture last season and may be a little more reluctant [...]
12/5 Powell to steal lightning Bolt’s thunder August 15, 2008 Usain Bolt is the 11/8 market leader to win the men’s 100m as the athletics gets underway in Beijing, but I prefer the chances of former world record holder Asafa Powell at 12/5, who can usurp his fellow countryman. In the 200m, Bolt is 1/10 and is clearly the man to beat, but I am [...]
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 [...]