Premier League: Penalty call was harsh on Stoke, admits Rodgers January 12, 2014 STOKE CITY 3 vs LIVERPOOL 5 LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers admitted his side were fortunate to gain the pivotal second-half penalty which gave them the edge in yesterday’s eight-goal thriller. Having thrown away an early two-goal advantage, captain Steven Gerrard restored Liverpool’s lead from the spot after Raheem Sterling tumbled in the box with defender [...]
Tough-talking Allardyce vows to lead troubled West Ham to safety January 9, 2014 UNDER pressure West Ham manager Sam Allardyce came out fighting yesterday and vowed to turn his team’s season around in the face of growing frustration from supporters. Those who travelled to Manchester City on Wednesday night vented their anger at the Hammers boss during the 6-0 thrashing, while former captain Julian Dicks said he felt [...]
Crisis is down to penny pinching, say United fans January 9, 2014 MANCHESTER United’s woes are not the fault of new manager David Moyes but the inevitable consequence of reduced investment in players since the Glazer takeover, according to a leading fans’ group. The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) argues that a run of three consecutive defeats and the seemingly certain loss of the Premier League title [...]
West Brom agree terms with Mel as managerial hunt ends January 9, 2014 PREMIER League strugglers West Brom have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel as head coach ending their month-long search to replace former boss Steve Clarke. Mel has signed an 18-month deal and will watch from the stands tomorrow as the Baggies, four points clear of the relegation zone, travel to out-of-form Southampton. The 50-year-old had initially held [...]
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. [...]