Lampard: FA Cup would be ideal boost May 28, 2009 CHELSEA vs. EVERTON CHELSEA’S Frank Lampard insists FA Cup glory is the least they deserve for their rapid improvement under Guus Hiddink.Dutchman Hiddink’s tenure as temporary manager will come to an end after tomorrow’s season-ending Wembley showpiece against Everton. The erstwhile Russia coach has transformed the Blues from no-hopers to challengers for three trophies since [...]
Rio: ‘We’ll be back stronger’ May 28, 2009 RIO FERDINAND insists his Manchester United team-mates are man enough to handle Wednesday night’s crushing Champions League final defeat to Barcelona – and has backed them to come back stronger. Dejected Ferdinand flew back to England with the rest of the United squad yesterday after failing in their bid to become the first side to [...]
Al Fahim eyes Sven for Pompey May 28, 2009 PROSPECTIVE Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim is looking to bring former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson back to the Premier League. Al Fahim had an official offer for the south coast club accepted on Wednesday and is expected to complete the takeover from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak in the next few weeks. The Arab property magnate [...]
Coyle close to agreeing new deal May 28, 2009 BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle is “very close” to agreeing a two-year extension to his contract, thus turning his back on Celtic. Coyle was linked with the Scottish giants after steering the Clarets into the Premier League via the play-offs. But chairman Barry Kilby said: “I fully expect it to be signed in the very near [...]
Brilliant Barca ruin United’s Euro dream May 27, 2009 BARCELONA (2) vs MANCHESTER UTD (0) MANCHESTER UNITED’S dream of becoming the first team to retain the Champions League fell apart last night in Rome, unpicked by masterful Barcelona and their Argentine inspiration Lionel Messi. United swaggered into the Stadio Olimpico as slight favourites but shuffled out having been soundly beaten, Samuel Eto’o’s early strike [...]
‘The best team won’, concedes Ferguson May 27, 2009 GRACIOUS Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his Manchester United team lost to the better side after his dreams of retaining the Champions League trophy were dashed by classy Barcelona. But for a bright opening spell, the Premier League champions were second best to the Catalan superstars, who deservedly ended the English dominance in Europe with goals [...]
Portsmouth Sheikh-up as Dr Al Fahim nears a takeover May 27, 2009 THE Arabic businessman at the centre of last summer’s multi-million pound Manchester City takeover, had an offer to buy Portsmouth accepted last night. Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim was in charge of the Abu Dhabi United Group consortium which took control at Eastlands in September, but is no longer involved with the City owners. Now, after [...]
Guilty Ashley issues apology for relegation ‘catastrophe’ May 26, 2009 NEWCASTLE owner Mike Ashley last night sensationally apologised to the club’s fans for the mistakes which led to the “catastrophe” of relegation from the Premier League. The sportswear magnate issued a club statement acknowledging the errors of his ways which contributed to the club’s losing their top-flight status after 16 years. At the same time, [...]
Elliott worth his Wade in gold May 25, 2009 BURNLEY miracle-worker Owen Coyle hailed his “magnificent” side after Wade Elliott’s wonder goal earned the Clarets promotion to the Premier League – and a £60m fortune. Elliott’s outstanding long-range effort put the seal on a pulsating Championship play-off final with Sheffield United at Wembley and finally brought an end to the Clarets’ 33-year top-flight exile. [...]
Shearer the man to get us back up, insists Duff May 25, 2009 NEWCASTLE winger Damien Duff insists temporary manager Alan Shearer is the best man to drag the club out of its malaise and back into the top-flight at the first opportunity. Shearer will meet Magpies owner Mike Ashley for talks later this week before a decision is made on his future, but the former England captain [...]