£10m Cisse joins Senegal colleague Ba at Newcastle January 17, 2012 NEWCASTLE last night completed the £10m signing of Senegal striker Papiss Cisse, in a move that will reunite him with international colleague Demba Ba. The 26-year-old, who has scored 39 in 65 games since joining German outfit Freiburg two years ago, arrived on Tyneside last night to sign a contract thought to be for five [...]
Spot-fixing still going undetected, fears Fraser January 17, 2012 EXCLUSIVE: Former England bowler believes landmark Westfield case was no one-off and other domestic players may have been targeted FORMER England bowler Angus Fraser believes spot-fixing has infested the domestic game beyond the case which has left former Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield facing prison. Westfield – the first English cricketer to be convicted of spot-fixing [...]
Prior sidesteps row over Ajmal action after England collapse January 17, 2012 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Matt Prior refused to become embroiled in a debate concerning the legitimacy of Saeed Ajmal’s action after the Pakistan spinner’s seven-wicket haul ensured the tourists face an uphill struggle to save the first Test following the first day’s play in Dubai. Familiar failings against spin were exposed by the 34-year-old Ajmal, who recorded [...]
Lendl reassures Murray after Brit’s stuttering start to slam January 17, 2012 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray insists new coach Ivan Lendl was “very happy” with his start to the Australian Open, despite having to fight back from a set down before overcoming American teenager Ryan Harrison. Murray admitted struggling with the Melbourne heat and needed more that three hours to see off world No77 Harrison 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, [...]
Home favourite Stosur suffers shock early exit January 17, 2012 US OPEN champion and home favourite Sam Stosur admitted her extreme disappointment after becoming the highest-profile first-round casualty of the Australian Open. Stosur, the sixth seed, was beaten in straight sets by Romanian world No59 Sorana Cirstea, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, in the biggest shock this year in Melbourne. “I am extremely disappointed,” said the 27-year-old [...]
I’m innocent, Pakistan spin star insists January 17, 2012 PAKISTAN spinner Saeed Ajmal deflected criticism of his bowling action by insisting England were the masters of their own downfall on day one of the first Test in Dubai. Not since last winter’s Perth Test against Australia, when they were twice bowled out for under 200, have England been in such a precarious position after [...]
City headhunters asked to find England coach January 17, 2012 RFU hire Odgers Berndtson but insist interim boss Lancaster is still in with chance CITY headhunters Odgers Berndtson have been tasked with identifying England’s next permanent head coach after being hired by the Rugby Football Union. The executive recruitment firm, which chose the London 2012 organising committee headed by Lord Coe, is understood to have [...]
Rangers end eleven-year cup jinx to hand Hughes first win January 17, 2012 QPR 1 vs MK DONS 0 QPR manager Mark Hughes celebrated the the first win of his tenure last night but admitted his team are suffering a crisis of confidence after they stuttered to an uninspiring FA Cup win over League One outfit MK Dons. Danny Gabbidon’s second half header, his first goal in seven [...]
Alex and Henrique close on Rs moves January 17, 2012 QPR have edged closer to making their first signings of the Mark Hughes era after agreeing fees for Chelsea defender Alex and young Brazilian striker Henrique. Alex, who is also Brazilian and surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of England centre-back Gary Cahill, is thought to have opened talks with Rangers. Brazil [...]
Millwall find goalscoring touch to set up Saints tie January 17, 2012 MILLWALL put Saturday’s drubbing at the hands of Birmingham firmly behind them last night with a 5-0 win at the New Den over London rivals Dagenham and Redbridge to set up an FA Cup fourth round tie at home against Championship leaders Southampton. Beaten 6-0 on home soil by Carling Cup holders Birmingham three days [...]
