Archive for December 22, 2012
PLUS: The Citizens are also keeping an eye on Colombian youngster Pedro Franco of Millionarios
Danish international Jores Okore is in Ferguson’s sights as he looks to bolster his defence this January
PLUS: Fulham will sign Sinan Bolat on January 1 and are in the chase for a midfielder from France
• Olympic showjumping gold medallist Peter Charles rides again• Boxing money under threat if associations do not co-operateEquestrianism: Charles on new mount Britain’s Peter Charles was in action again on Saturday having been part of the gold-winning team at the Games, but on a new horse after his Olympic steed, Vindicat W, was bought by Bruce Springsteen’s daughter, Jessica, two months ago.He finished third on Murka’s Odie de Frevent in the final major World Cup qualifier of the year at the London International Horse Show, won by Marc Houtzager, the Dutchman beaten into second place by Team GB at the Games.The competition forms part of the Rolex World Cup series which runs through the winter reaching its climax at the final in Gothenburg, Sweden from 24-28 April next year. Charles was among an impressive complement of London Olympians competing in the competition including his GB team-mates Nick Skelton, riding Big Star, Ben Maher on Tripple X and Scott Brash on Hello Sanctos.There’s another chance to see them in action on Sunday night at the horse show’s Grand Prix event, which counts towards world ranking points, live from 6pm via the BBC’s red button and on Eurosport.Boxing: Big budget windfall threatDespite being the biggest winner in UK Sport’s new budget plans ahead of the 2016 Rio Games, with an increase of 44.5% from £9.5m to £13.8m, boxing has been warned that it must come to an agreement across Great Britain to ensure the full funding is delivered.Team GB won five medals at the Games, including gold for Anthony Joshua, Luke Campbell and Nicola Adams. However, UK Sport’s chief executive, Liz Nicholl, has warned that receipt of the budget is dependent on the Welsh and Scottish Amateur Boxing Associations accepting the British Amateur Boxing Association as their ruling body.
Jose Mourinho says he will not quit as Real Madrid coach, despite the club’s latest defeat to Malaga which left them 16 points adrift of Barcelona in Spain’s Primera Liga.
• Brighton fans make 600-mile round trip to Ewood Park in vain • Only two matches in League Two escape postponementThe Football League programme was severely hit on Saturday as heavy rainfall took its toll on the schedule. The most high-profile fixture to fall by the wayside was Blackburn’s Championship match against Brighton, which was postponed because of a waterlogged Ewood Park pitch.That was the only match in the second tier to be called off but it was a different picture in League One and League Two where the fixture lists were decimated.
August’s international friendly will see nearly 20,000 members of the Tartan Army descend on London
Danish golden boy is relishing his time managing Welsh side in the Premier League and is ready to face Manchester United.
Austin Healey: ref Cam will take its bow when Newcastle Falcons meet London Scottish and I am all for it.
But the Real Madrid man still thinks that his side will come out on top when they meet in the Champions League
Rickie Lambert is the surprise name on Neil Warnock’s wishlist for Leeds following the club’s takeover by Dubai-based group GFH.
Wigan manager claims Theo Walcott went to ground under the most minimal contact to set up Mikel Arteta’s match-winning goal.
Wigan are set to beat Chelsea, Sunderland, Manchester City and Everton to sign £3million-rated Barnsley right-back John Stones.
Despite signing a long-term deal in the summer, the Toon boss has a capped payment clause in his contract
Interview: Joe Launchbury is a hard bloke, yes, but also one with a secret sensitive side.
ROB DRAPER: In his first major interview, the controversial Liverpool striker talks about what it is like to be one football’s most reviled figures.
• Gareth Barry’s late goal makes him our man of the day• Referee Anthony Taylor manages to outrage both managersMAN OF THE DAYGareth Barry had managed six goals in 151 Manchester City games before his rare strike against Reading, deep into Mancini Time. It was enough to stop United opening up an eight-point lead.RUNNER-UP£20m Stewart Downing managed his first Premier League assist for Liverpool. It was his 45th appearance.
Harry Redknapp has vowed to sell Jose Bosingwa for refusing to be a substitute claiming many of his squad are earning tpp much.
Andrew Benson looks back at 2012, ahead of BBC F1′s season review programme on BBC One, Saturday 29 December.
Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain has flown to Brazil for talks to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar next season.