Archive for February 11, 2013
Rafael Benitez believes his Chelsea squad – the majority of whom won the Champions League last May – will realise how important the Europa League is when they arrive in Prague on Wednesday.
It all got a bit much for this supporter, who charged on to the pitch to celebrate George North’s dramatic 71st-minute try for Wales in the win over France in Paris, but this wasn’t just any old fan, he turned out to be North’s dad, David.
England’s celebratory mood after the hard-won Six Nations victory in Dublin was tempered yesterday when one of the most durable red-rose forwards of recent years, the Bath hooker Lee Mears, announced his retirement at 33 on medical grounds. Mears was advised by doctors to call it a day after routine cardiac screening revealed a heart abnormality that might have worsened under the demands of professional rugby.
Ireland prop Cian Healy has been cited for allegedly stamping on England’s Dan Cole during their match in Dublin, adding to Ireland’s growing list of woes.
The great works of literature tell us that comparisons are either invidious or odious. They can also be ridiculous and dangerous at one and the same time.
The rift between Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and his players is widening, with the Italian’s absence in the dressing room after Saturday’s dismal defeat at Southampton adding to the squad’s feeling that they lack leadership.
In the long and not always glorious history of football there may have been more disgracefully gutless performances than the one put in by the champions of England at Southampton on Saturday. There may also have been a more bizarre series of utterances than those which came from the mouth of the man who carried the most direct responsibility, the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, but if compelling comparisons are somewhat elusive there is one thing about which we can be certain.
The Twitter feed came from ITV, getting on for six months ago. “Bye, bye Celtic,” it read. The draw for the Champions League group stage had just been made
In the long and not always glorious history of football there may have been more disgracefully gutless performances than the one put in by the champions of England at Southampton on Saturday. There may also have been a more bizarre series of utterances than those which came from the mouth of the man who carried the most direct responsibility, the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, but if compelling comparisons are somewhat elusive there is one thing about which we can be certain.
Arsenal left-back Andre Santos has moved back to Brazil on loan at Gremio until the end of the season.
Barnet have been given permission to relocate to Edgware by the Football League. The npower League Two strugglers are hoping to move to their new home in time for the start of next season.
Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish will have to put their road racing careers on hold for up to two years if they want to ride in the team pursuit at the 2016 Olympics, British Cycling endurance coach Chris Newton has revealed.
• Giro d’Italia winner ‘agreed to €70,000 worth of doping’• Spanish court hears details of blood transfusion methodsThe two-time Giro d’Italia champion, Ivan Basso, told a …
• Giro d’Italia winner ‘agreed to €70,000 worth of doping’• Spanish court hears details of blood transfusion methodsThe two-time Giro d’Italia champion, Ivan Basso, …
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster spoke of his relief as the Baggies beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield for their first league win of 2013.
In Madrid, the accepted thinking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Manchester United is that this season will be Jose Mourinho’s last.
Fresh from scoring yet another hat-trick for Real Madrid, his 20th for the Spanish giants, Cristiano Ronaldo seems destined to remind Manchester United just what they are missing when he faces his former side in the Champions League on Wednesday night
May 15, 1968. Manchester United travelled to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the European Cup. David Sadler describes the events of that night in Spain.
John W Henry insists owning Liverpool is no distraction but admits there are concerns in America about his involvement at Anfield.
Sir Alex Ferguson knows all about Raphaël Varane, the teenage defender who could be the surprise in Jose Mourinho’s team selection tomorrow night. He starred in the same France Under-19 team as Paul Pogba and could have joined him at Old Trafford had United not signed Phil Jones.