Pietersen future nears resolution January 9, 2014 CRICKET: Batsman Kevin Pietersen’s England future could become clearer today when Indian Premier League teams announce which players they have retained. If Pietersen renews his contract with Delhi Daredevils it could strain relations with England chiefs at a time when his place in the team is believed to be under serious threat following the 5-0 [...]
City’s killer instinct to prove too much for Newcastle January 9, 2014 BEN CLEMINSON AND BILL ESDAILE WITH THE WEEKEND’S BEST FOOTBALL AND RACING BETS BOOKIES believe it is Manchester City’s title to throw away this year and the 2012 champions are doing their bit to repay the layers’ faith at the moment. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are the top flight’s form side, having taken 25 points from [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 9 January 2014 January 8, 2014 FINANCIAL TIMES UK mobile services in Channel tunnel British Eurotunnel passengers will finally be able to use mobile phones under the sea following an agreement between the Channel tunnel operator and UK telecoms groups to provide the same sort of voice and data services that have been available to the French since 2012. China offers [...]
Premier League star comes out January 8, 2014 FORMER Aston Villa and Germany footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger says he hopes to spark a change in sporting culture after he yesterday became the first Premier League footballer to come out as gay. The midfielder, who won 52 international caps and also played for West Ham, Everton, Lazio, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg, retired in September due to [...]
Capital One Cup: Moyes blasts ref as United suffer third straight loss January 7, 2014 SUNDERLAND 2 vs MANCHESTER UNITED 1 MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes felt a “laughable” performance from referee Andre Marriner was to blame for his team’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg defeat to the Premier League’s bottom club. Evergreen midfielder Ryan Giggs turned the ball into his own net on the stroke of half-time following [...]
England coach Flower’s future in fresh doubt January 7, 2014 DOUBTS over England cricket coach Andy Flower’s future resurfaced yesterday amid suggestions he could step down unless controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen announces his international retirement. Flower has been unequivocal in his determination to continue in the role despite presiding over the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia, which culminated in a three-day defeat in Sydney on Sunday. [...]
Allardyce aims to stifle City threat January 7, 2014 WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes his patched-up team can frustrate Manchester City into submission in tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg. City have won all 10 of their Premier League home matches this season, scoring almost four goals per game on average. The Hammers, meanwhile, are struggling at the foot of the table [...]
Walcott ruled out of World Cup by injury January 6, 2014 ENGLAND and Arsenal’s ambitions for 2014 suffered hammer blows last night when Theo Walcott was ruled out for six months – including this summer’s World Cup – with a serious knee injury. Tests revealed that the versatile forward suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in an innocuous looking incident during the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup [...]
Allardyce handed double boost by hopeful Hammers’ hierarchy January 6, 2014 THE West Ham board moved to alleviate growing pressure on boss Sam Allardyce yesterday by issuing a public vote of confidence and vowing to back their manager in the transfer market. The Hammers are three points adrift of Premier League safety having won just once in 13 matches and were dumped out of the FA [...]
United must win semi-final for supporters, says Fletcher January 6, 2014 MANCHESTER United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Sunderland presents the perfect opportunity for his team-mates to repay the unwavering support being shown at Old Trafford despite the club’s recent slump. United have lost four of their last six home matches, including Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie with [...]