Maradona interest in Aston Villa job August 15, 2010 DIEGO Maradona’s agent insists the former Argentina captain and coach would love to succeed Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager. Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald is currently in charge at the Midlands club after O’Neill walked out last week following a breakdown in relations with owner Randy Lerner. MacDonald enjoyed the perfect start to his reign [...]
World Cup star Ramires itching to begin career as Chelsea kick off in style August 15, 2010 CHELSEA’S latest signing, Brazil midfielder Ramires, admits he is raring to get stuck into the Premier League after completing his protracted move from Benfica. Ramires did not sign in time to feature on Saturday as the champions began their defence in style with a 6-0 thumping of top-flight newcomers West Brom. And the 23-year-old admits [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF August 15, 2010 Johnson mulling Stevens recall RUGBY UNION: Martin Johnson has left the door open for Matt Stevens to make a controversial return to the England squad. Johnson insists Stevens will be considered for next year’s World Cup if he proves his form and fitness after his two-year drugs ban expires in January. “He has got to [...]
Carrick warns United as Toon opener looms August 15, 2010 MANCHESTER United midfielder Michael Carrick has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to make as many mistakes as last season. United host Premier League newcomers Newcastle tonight in their opening match as they begin their campaign to retrieve the title from Chelsea. And Carrick, who was born on Tyneside, said: “Last season was a bit [...]
WINNERS & LOSERS August 15, 2010 A WEEKEND is a long time in sport, as this lot will attest. But while for some it was a few days to remember, others may wish they had never set foot out of the house. WINNER IAN HOLLOWAY Few begrudged Olly a crack at the top flight after a career managing in the lower leagues, [...]
Vedanta in £8bn deal for stake in Cairn Energy August 13, 2010 Vedanta Resources will buy a 51 per cent controlling stake in Cairn India for $8bn to $8.5bn (£5.13 bn to £5.45bn), Reuters has reported. Vedanta Resources is in talks with Cairn Energy which has a 62.4 per cent stake in Cairn India, to buy a stake in the unit, both companies confirmed on Thursday without [...]
Britain’s GDP growth in line for hike August 13, 2010 BRITAIN’S second-quarter GDP growth could be revised up by 0.1 percentage points to 1.2 per cent after construction output expanded even faster than expected, official data showed on Friday. Revised construction output of 8.6 per cent – versus an initial estimate of 6.6 per cent – would add 0.1 percentage points to Q2’s 1.1 per [...]
Eurozone GDP grows by 1pc August 13, 2010 EUROZONE gross domestic product (GDP) grew at its fastest pace in more than three years in the second quarter, boosted by a strong performance by Germany and France, but concerns remain that the rebound could falter. European Union statistics agency Eurostat said GDP in the 16-nation currency zone expanded by one per cent in the [...]
Aviva rebuffs £5bn bid from RSA August 13, 2010 INSURER RSA has approached rival Aviva about buying its general insurance operations in the UK and elsewhere for £5bn, Sky News has reported. Aviva declined to comment, while RSA was not immediately available. The approach was immediately rejected by the Aviva board, and there are no ongoing discussions between the companies, accoring to the report. [...]
John Lewis sales accelerating August 13, 2010 RETAILER John Lewis said year-on-year department store sales accelerated last week, shrugging off fears that prospective tax rises and employment uncertainty would hit consumer spending. The employee-owned firm, traditionally seen as a bellwether of the UK retail sector but which has outperformed competitors for over a year, said sales at its 28 department stores and [...]