Liverpool open Martinez talks May 17, 2012 LIVERPOOL are set to open talks with Wigan manager Roberto Martinez about the Anfield vacancy after being granted permission by the Latics yesterday. Reds chiefs made an approach to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan 24 hours after sacking Kenny Dalglish over their worst Premier League finish for 18 years. The club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, [...]
Capello emerges as a candidate to replace Di Matteo May 17, 2012 THE MANAGERIAL uncertainty threatening to overshadow Chelsea’s bid for Champions League immortality escalated yesterday when former England boss Fabio Capello emerged as a candidate to replace Roberto di Matteo. Italian media reported Capello had held talks with Blues chiefs about taking charge in the summer, when Di Matteo is expected to be relieved of his [...]
Allardyce: We mustn’t freeze in £90m final May 17, 2012 WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce has warned his players not to let the importance of tomorrow’s £90m play-off final against Blackpool threaten their quest to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Hammers are hot favourites to record a third win of the season over the Tangerines, whom they have already smashed [...]
True great Frankel is too good for Excelebration May 17, 2012 IRIDE Be Fabulous in today’s highlight, the Sportingbet Yorkshire Cup, which is the next instalment of the QIPCO British Champions Series. I have to be honest, I don’t know a great deal about him as he was formerly trained by Andre Fabre. All his best form is on soft ground, so any rain would boost [...]
Exceptional Wilkinson seeks end to Toulon’s 20-year wait May 17, 2012 RECORD-BREAKING former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been hailed by Toulon captain Joe van Niekerk as they prepare for tonight’s Amlin Challenge Cup final against Biarritz at the Stoop. An all-French clash will have a distinctly English flavour, with Wilkinson one of a handful of ex-pats in Toulon’s squad and former Red Rose full-back Iain [...]
Tigers boss mauls Lancaster for going public on Flood’s injury May 17, 2012 ENGLAND boss Stuart Lancaster has been slammed by his Leicester counterpart Richard Cockerill for revealing details of fly-half Toby Flood’s injury. Cockerill called Lancaster “naive” for disclosing “privileged information” as the Tigers prepare for next week’s Premiership final. The England head coach this week admitted Flood could miss next month’s tour of South Africa as [...]
Murray’s a sore loser in Italy May 17, 2012 TENNIS: Britain’s Andy Murray blamed a back injury after losing to Richard Gasquet at the Italian Open. The Frenchman came back to win the third-round match 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 6-2. Murray said the “niggle” would not keep him out of the French Open.
Borrowed clubs suit Snedeker May 17, 2012 GOLF: Lost luggage forced Brandt Snedeker to use borrowed clubs as the American beat Dane Thomas Bjorn 5&4 at the World Match Play in Spain. England’s Ian Poulter and Justin Rose also enjoyed wins in their opening round-robin stage matches.
Mallinder pens new Saints deal May 17, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has signed a new contract that will keep him at Franklin’s Gardens until at least 2015. Mallinder has won four trophies in five years with Saints.
Champ Stoner in shock quit call May 17, 2012 MOTORSPORT: Moto GP champion Casey Stoner will retire at the end of the season after falling out of love with racing. The Australian, who leads this term’s standings after two races, said: “The sport has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it.”
