Vaughan: KP ban will hurt coach search May 13, 2015 FORMER skipper Michael Vaughan has compounded fears that the continued exclusion of controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen could harm England’s chances of attracting a top-class candidate to the vacant head coach position. Vaughan’s comments followed ex-Australia opener Matthew Hayden and leg-spinner Shane Warne questioning whether leading coaches would be prepared to work under such restrictions. England’s [...]
Chris Tremlett: I’m not sure we’ve seen the last of Kevin Pietersen in England colours May 13, 2015 It was one of the best knocks I have ever seen and I was lucky enough to be down the other end for some of it. I am, of course, talking about Kevin Pietersen’s career-best innings of 355 not out against Leicestershire at the Kia Oval. Batting at No10, I joined him when he [...]
SPFL agrees £2m Ladbrokes sponsorship deal May 13, 2015 After three seasons without a main sponsor, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has finally found a backer: it's agreed a deal with bookmaker Ladbrokes. The SPFL said the deal, which comes into effect at the beginning of next season, was the "biggest ever of its kind in Scottish football" although it did not specify the [...]
Andrew Strauss explains Kevin Pietersen England exclusion – full transcript May 13, 2015 England’s new director of cricket Andrew Strauss and Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), faced journalists yesterday to explain why they would not be recalling Kevin Pietersen for this summer’s Ashes, despite the maverick batsman advancing his case with a triple century for Surrey this week. Here is [...]
Pietersen slams ECB betrayal May 12, 2015 ■ Batsman said to have lost £250,000 ■ Strauss offered him ODI adviser role ENGLAND exile Kevin Pietersen last night accused cricket bosses of betrayal after the maverick batsman was told he will not be considered for an international recall this summer. Pietersen believes he was promised a route back into the England reckoning if [...]
Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes contract could make him one of 10 highest paid sports stars May 12, 2015 After many months of wrangling, Lewis Hamilton finally looks set to sign on the dotted line for a new £120m ($187.8m) contract with Mercedes. Hamilton's new deal with the Formula 1 team worth £40m a year over three years will make him the highest-paid driver in the sport and catapult him into the world's top 10 [...]
Guardiola rubbishes City job link and insists he will manage Bayern Munich next season May 11, 2015 BAYERN Munich boss Pep Guardiola has categorically denied suggestions he will replace Manuel Pellegrini as manager of deposed Premier League champions Manchester City next season. Guardiola, who has won a domestic league title in five of his six campaigns as a manager, was reported to have reached a verbal agreement with the Etihad Stadium hierarchy [...]
Premier League: Wenger: Swansea’s approach was negative May 11, 2015 ARSENAL 0 SWANSEA 1 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger accused Swansea of employing negative tactics after they — and goal-line technology — dented Gunners hopes of a best Premier League finish for a decade. Substitute Bafetimbi Gomis headed a late winner as a combination of tame finishing and a defiant display from former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz [...]
Former financiers have mixed political fortunes May 10, 2015 THE CITY’S alumni were well-represented in the General Election, with varying fortunes. Chis Chope – a former Ernst & Young consultant – kept the Christchurch Conservative safe seat he has held since 1997 and Sajid Javid – a former high flyer at Chase Manhattan Bank and Deutsche Bank – is tipped for a cabinet promotion [...]
Premier League: Ramsey blasts deserters as QPR surrender to relegation May 10, 2015 MANCHESTER CITY 6 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0 Humiliating defeat leaves club facing a likely £58m fine or drop to Conference CRESTFALLEN Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey turned on the players who deserted the club’s relegation battle yesterday after their demotion from the Premier League was confirmed in brutal fashion. A six-goal rout by Manchester [...]