Under-fire Johnson gets RFU backing March 24, 2010 UNDER-FIRE England boss Martin Johnson was last night handed a stay of execution by Rugby Football Union bosses despite the disappointing Six Nations campaign. Defeats to Ireland and France, and a draw with Scotland, left Johnson’s men languishing in third in the table with many blaming the lacklustre displays on a lack of direction under [...]
Centurion Cook comes of age to guide England home March 24, 2010 ALASTAIR COOK admits he can still improve on his leadership qualities despite continuing his 100 per cent record as captain with an impressive nine-wicket victory in the second Test with Bangladesh yesterday. The Essex opener smashed an inspirational unbeaten 109, his 12th Test century, to help steer England to their target of 209 with 11 [...]
Zola’s job is safe, insists owner Gold March 24, 2010 WEST HAM co-owner David Gold has told manager Gianfranco Zola that his job is still “safe”, despite Monday’s humiliating 3-1 home defeat to Wolves pushing the Hammers closer to relegation. Gold yesterday backed Zola to steer the club away from what he called “the abyss”, but stopped short of offering the Italian any long-term assurances [...]
Portsmouth deny player exodus despite special league ruling March 24, 2010 PORTSMOUTH were yesterday granted special permission to sell players outside of the transfer window to ease their financial crisis. Cash-strapped Pompey, who were deducted nine points for going into administration last month, can now offload players with immediate effect – but they will not be able to play for any other Premier League club until [...]
Alonso slams ‘hot-headed’ rivals March 24, 2010 FORMULA: World championship leader Fernando Alonso has hit back at his “hot-headed” rivals, who say the ban on refuelling has made the sport boring. Jenson Button and past kings Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, all expressed concerns that the new rule made overtaking difficult during the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. But Alonso said: “I think [...]
Roddick eyes Queen’s record March 24, 2010 TENNIS: Andy Roddick will go for a record fifth title at London’s Queen’s Club this summer after confirming his entry in the Aegon Championships from 7-13 June. Roddick won at Queen’s in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 and will be looking to dethrone current champion, Britain’s Andy Murray.
Houvenaghel settles for silver March 24, 2010 CYCLING: Northern Ireland’s Wendy Houvenaghel last night claimed a silver medal in the women’s individual pursuit at the Track Cycling World Championships. Houvenaghel, also runner-up at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and last year’s World Championships, lost out to USA’s Sarah Hammer in the race for gold. Sir Chris Hoy must wait for his 10th world [...]
Man United freeze ticket prices March 24, 2010 FOOTBALL: Manchester United are to freeze tickets sales for next season. Under-fire Old Trafford owners, the Glazer family, have been criticised for price increases since their controversial takeover in 2005, but have now moved to dismiss claims of further rises for the 2010-11 campaign. It means matchday admission will stay at between £27 and £49 [...]
Government’s Lloyds stake sees a profit March 24, 2010 STOCK in Lloyds Banking Group, 41 per cent state-owned, is trading above the government’s average investment per share on at least one measure for the first time since the credit crunch. Most analysts say a government sell-off is highly unlikely before the general election expected in early May, with parliament expected to be dissolved just [...]
WHAT DOES THE CHANCELLOR’S BUDGET MEAN FOR YOU? March 24, 2010 KATE SOLWAY, 30 FUNDS CONTROLLER AT PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM COGNETAS Kate is single and lives in rented accommodation with flatmates. She also owns two investment properties – one a London flat with a mortgage which she rents out, and the other a holiday home under construction in Cape Verde, which she owns outright and will [...]
