Given lambasts seed system as Ireland land France tie October 19, 2009 GOALKEEPER Shay Given has hit out once again over Fifa’s decision to seed the play-offs after his Republic of Ireland side were handed the toughest possible draw in their bid to qualify for the World Cup. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side take on 1998 world champions France in a two-legged play-off on 14 and 18 November with [...]
Ferguson expects United to thrive on plastic pitch October 20, 2009 MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not worried about playing CSKA Moscow tonight on an artificial surface. United are looking to maintain a perfect start to their Champions League campaign in the Russian capital, where they won the trophy against Chelsea in 2008. That match was played on grass but this evening’s [...]
Stoke could prove tough nut to crack at Britannia January 21, 2010 STOKE CITY vs ARSENAL SUNDAY – 1.30PM, ITV1 ARSENAL did readers of this column a favour with their 2-0 win against Bolton at the Reebok last Sunday. It was a fairly comfortable victory for the Gunners, but they had to fight to come from two behind against the same opposition at the Emirates on Wednesday [...]
Mittal tops football rich list October 7, 2009 HIS stake might not even be in a top flight club, but when it comes to financial clout Lakshmi Mittal is in a league of his own. The Indian steel magnate, who owns 20 per cent of Championship side QPR, is now the richest man in British football, according to the latest research. Mittal is [...]
Mittal tops football rich list October 7, 2009 HIS stake might not even be in a top flight club, but when it comes to financial clout Lakshmi Mittal is in a league of his own. The Indian steel magnate, who owns 20 per cent of Championship side QPR, is now the richest man in British football, according to the latest research. Mittal is [...]
Owen strikes late to snatch derby spoils September 20, 2009 SEETHING Manchester City manager Mark Hughes railed at referee Martin Atkinson after seeing his side sunk in arguably the most scintillating Manchester derby ever by Michael Owen’s controversial last-gasp strike. Hughes was fuming after substitute Owen steered home the winning goal in the 96th minute, despite Atkinson having indicated there would be only four minutes [...]
Boris backs City bankers October 5, 2009 LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson yesterday vowed to defend the banking community, which he said is viewed as a “leper colony” by the public, warning that the City’s role in bringing the UK economy back to health will prove critical. Johnson, speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, said he knew how far he was [...]
Boris backs City bankers October 5, 2009 LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson yesterday vowed to defend the banking community, which he said is viewed as a “leper colony” by the public, warning that the City’s role in bringing the UK economy back to health will prove critical. Johnson, speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, said he knew how far he was [...]
Liverpool can come out on top in front of Kop November 19, 2009 LIVERPOOL vs. MANCHESTER CITYTOMORROW 12.45PM, SKY SPORTS 1IT is too early to start talking about six pointers, but a win for Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield tomorrow will send out a clear message that they are still very much part of the Big Four. Rafa Benitez has been under pressure since the very first [...]
Wenger wades into RVP diving storm September 28, 2009 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger was last night forced to defend another of his strikers in a diving storm, after Robin van Persie admitted exaggerating contact from defenders. Wenger has already fought Eduardo’s corner this season, successfully appealing to Uefa after European chiefs hit the Croatian with a two-match ban for diving. And ahead of tonight’s [...]