Johnno: I’m still the right man for the job November 18, 2009 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has launched a passionate defence of his tenure after beefing up his team for Saturday’s Test against New Zealand. Johnson yesterday handed Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle a first international start at the age of 29 and recalled Wasps lock Simon Shaw following his return from injury. They replace Shane Geraghty and [...]
Eduardo and Gibbs boosts lift Gunners November 18, 2009 ARSENAL have been handed a double boost after striker Eduardo signed a new contract and defender Kieran Gibbs was told his foot is not broken. Eduardo, who is set for a major role in the absence of Robin van Persie, has signed a long-term deal to extend his stay at Emirates Stadium. The Croatian has [...]
Leader Rory’s living the dream November 18, 2009 RORY MCILROY insists he is “living the dream” – even if he doesn’t clinch the Race to Dubai title this weekend. The 20-year-old could be crowned Europe’s youngest No1 since Seve Ballesteros in 1976 if he holds off Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher in the inaugural Dubai World Championship, starting today. “I’m just [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF November 18, 2009 Lord’s will not sell naming rights CRICKET: The owners of Lord’s have denied reports they plan to sell naming rights for the famous stadium to finance a £400m redevelopment. The MCC say the work will be funded by flats around the stadium and dismissed any suggestion of selling rights for individual stands. Chief executive Keith [...]
Murray paired with No1 Federer November 18, 2009 ANDY MURRAY has been drawn in the same group as world No1 Roger Federer for the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena, on Sunday. The British No1 also goes up against US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in Group A. Group B consists of world No2 Rafael Nadal, [...]
Entertainment One posts loss November 18, 2009 Entertainment One, the company behind the Twilight vampire films, said yesterday its first-half losses widened 44 per cent to £7.9m, compared to £5.5m in the previous year, as higher interest charges and write-offs offset higher revenues. The Aim-listed firm reported turnover 25 per cent higher at £164m, with underlying profits 38 per cent higher at [...]
Trafficmaster shares swerve November 18, 2009 DRIVING services firm Trafficmaster said it was “upbeat” about prospects for 2010 despite a 25 per cent drop in sales of consumer services like stolen vehicle tracking. Shares in the company fell 7.9 per cent as broker Panmure Gordon cut its price target from 56p to 52p on valuation grounds. Trafficmaster insisted operating profit would [...]
Belt tightening hits Restaurant November 18, 2009 RESTAURANT GROUP, the retailer behind Garfunkel’s and Frankie & Benny’s, yesterday warned of falling revenues. Sales were down three per cent year-on-year between January and October despite the opening of 17 new eateries. The company said rising unemployment, tight credit markets and high levels of household debt had made 2009 a “challenging” time to run [...]
Mothercare to focus on larger stores November 18, 2009 MOTHERCARE, the pregnancy and early childhood retailer, will increase the number of its large-format stores as it prepares to close up to 90 smaller high street locations. Chief executive Ben Gordon said the company’s out-of-town parenting centres, which combine the Mothercare and Early Learning Centre brands under one roof, account for 40 per cent of [...]
PAY OF ALLIED IRISH BOSS IS CAPPED November 18, 2009 COLM Doherty, the new head of Allied Irish Bank, has accepted a 20 per cent pay cut to take the reins at the bailed-out bank. Doherty, who led Allied Irish’s investment banking arm on a salary of €633,000 (£565,000), has had his pay packet capped at €500,000 after nationwide outrage at remuneration at state-backed banks. [...]
