CITY SLAMS PLANS FOR WINDFALL TAX December 7, 2009 THELABOUR government is facing an increasingly furious City backlash over plans to slap a punishing windfall tax on bank bonuses, with senior figures warning that the policy could prove the last straw for the UK’s ability to retain senior banking talent. Chancellor Alistair Darling is expected to unveil the tax bombshell at tomorrow’s Pre-Budget Report [...]
Hodgson in Zamora for England tip December 6, 2009 FULHAM manager Roy Hodgson tipped Bobby Zamora for a shock World Cup call-up after the forward hit back at his critics by downing Sunderland. Zamora, who has come under fire for his meagre strike rate, appeared to gesture at his own fans after nodding home in the seventh minute. It was only the former West [...]
Ancelotti keeps faith with Frank despite penalty flop December 6, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to retain Frank Lampard as his side’s penalty taker despite the midfielder’s costly miss at Manchester City on Saturday. The normally-reliable Lampard saw his tame spot-kick saved by Shay Given as City inflicted a shock 2-1 defeat on the Premier League leaders.With second-placed Manchester United thrashing West Ham, the [...]
Wenger distraught after Rosicky suffers groin woe December 6, 2009 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger admits he is “devastated” after midfielder Tomas Rosicky joined a Gunners injury list lengthening by the day. The Czech playmaker is set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off with a groin injury at half-time of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stoke. Wenger was already without Eduardo da Silva, Gael [...]
Spurs denied by late drama December 6, 2009 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp blasted his team after they dramatically blew a glorious chance to reclaim third place in the Premier League. In-form striker Jermain Defoe missed an injury-time penalty after Spurs had squandered a two-goal lead in the final 13 minutes. Goals from Defoe and defender Michael Dawson looked to have secured three points [...]
Chelsea hold all the aces as City try to find a spark December 3, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY vs CHELSEA TOMORROW, 5.30PM ESPN THE pressure continues to mount on Mark Hughes after a record-equalling seventh straight Premier League draw against Hull last weekend. Man City did beat Arsenal’s youth team in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night and they have still only lost one Premier League game this season, but the [...]
Free agent Campbell set to spark Christmas rush December 2, 2009 SOL CAMPBELL is set to spark a Christmas transfer scramble after finally settling his contract dispute with Notts County last night. The 35-year-old had been prevented from joining another club after leaving County less than a month into a five-year deal back in September. But players’ union chief Gordon Taylor has confirmed the League Two [...]
Ace Gibson earns spurs for United December 1, 2009 MANCHESTER UTD (2) vs TOTTENHAM (0) DARRON GIBSON was the unlikely hero as holders Manchester United once again broke Tottenham hearts to reach the semi-final of the Carling Cup. Midfielder Gibson netted with two spectacular first-half strikes as Harry Redknapp’s Spurs again finished second best in a re-run of last year’s Wembley final. The Irishman [...]
Debutant Downing stars as quartet give Capello a nudge December 1, 2009 PORTSMOUTH (2) vs ASTON VILLA (4) ENGLAND hopeful Stewart Downing scored on his full debut to help Aston Villa cruise into the last four of the Carling Cup at the expense of struggling Portsmouth. Summer signing Downing was making his first start for Martin O’Neill’s men after breaking his foot playing for Middlesbrough in May. [...]
Drogba: Blues have title edge November 30, 2009 CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba insists his side’s mental strength gives them the edge in the biggest games – and will help them stay in front in the title race. Drogba scored a ruthless double in Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Arsenal to restore the Blues’ lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. [...]