Chelsea risk wrath of fans with Benitez appointment November 21, 2012 CHELSEA last night turned to former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Blues favourite Didier Drogba to save their crumbling season, after sacking European Cup winner Roberto Di Matteo. Benitez has been appointed “interim first team manager” until the end of the season, after flying in from Abu Dhabi yesterday to tie up the shock move, [...]
Juve nudge Chelsea and Di Matteo to brink of exit November 20, 2012 JUVENTUS 3 vs CHELSEA 0 BELEAGUERED Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo tempted fate last night by admitting he is to blame for a loss that leaves the Champions League holders on the brink of crashing out at the first hurdle. Juventus goals from Fabio Quagliarella, Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Giovinco piled further pressure on Di [...]
Clock ticking on QPR as Ukraine eye Redknapp November 20, 2012 QPR could be forced to hurry a decision on the future of under-fire manager Mark Hughes after it emerged Ukraine want to hire the man tipped to replace him at Loftus Road, Harry Redknapp. Hughes remains in charge despite crisis talks with chief executive Philip Beard on Monday, 48 hours after their season lurched to [...]
Henry in line for shock third Gunners spell November 20, 2012 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has hinted Thierry Henry could make a shock return on loan from New York Red Bulls in January for a third spell at the club. The Gunners’ record goalscorer enjoyed a brief spell back at Arsenal last season, scoring in a 1-0 win over Leeds in the FA Cup and hitting [...]
No mutiny at Chelsea, says Di Matteo, as crunch looms November 19, 2012 UNDER-FIRE Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo played down talk of dressing room unrest last night as he prepared for an evening in his native Italy that could determine whether he keeps his job. Victory tonight at Juventus would book their place in the Champions League last 16, but defeat would leave them facing the likely [...]
O’Brien proves his point as Hammers held November 19, 2012 WEST HAM UNITED 1 vs STOKE CITY 1 WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce put their recovery from a goal behind to salvage a draw against Stoke down to his half-time pep talk, after the Hammers last night wasted an opportunity to go fifth in the Premier League at Upton Park. Stoke went ahead on 13 [...]
Hughes spared but could still go this week November 19, 2012 QPR manager Mark Hughes was clinging on to his job last night after lengthy talks with club chiefs. Hughes did not take training yesterday and instead met chief executive Philip Beard to discuss Rangers’ woeful form. His representative Kia Joorabchian yesterday insisted reports of Hughes’ sacking were premature, calling them “not true at all”. However, [...]
After years of setbacks it is time for YouView to face up to its rivals November 18, 2012 RICHARD Halton has not had an easy couple of years. Having taken the reins at YouView in September 2010 – the same year the internet-connected TV box was originally pencilled in to go on sale – he has had to deal with questions about project delays, criticism over the price of the hardware, and, last [...]
Black Cats beat Fulham but confirm death threats made to McClean over poppy shirt November 18, 2012 FULHAM 1 vs SUNDERLAND 3 SUNDERLAND manager Martin O’Neill saw his team grab their second win in 19 league games yesterday, but confirmed after the match that James McClean was sent death threats following the winger’s decision not to wear a poppy on his shirt the previous week. Three second half goals from Steven Fletcher, [...]
Defeat turns up heat on Hughes November 18, 2012 QPR owner Tony Fernandes failed to give his customary backing to manager Mark Hughes after Saturday’s 3-1 loss at fellow strugglers Southampton left them anchored to the bottom of the Premier League. Defeat in the game dubbed El Sackico, due to the pressure on both teams’ bosses, leaves winless Rangers with just four points from [...]