Klopp snub talk is nonsense and Big Sam still boss, say West Ham April 21, 2015 WEST Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has rubbished suggestions that in-demand Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has turned down the chance to manage the Hammers next season. Brady also insisted there was nothing sinister in the delay to holding contract talks with current boss Sam Allardyce, who has just two months left on his current deal. [...]
Football Comment: Relegation battle alive but I fear for Burnley, QPR and Sunderland April 21, 2015 THE BEAUTY of this season’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League is that no team is adrift. With one win any of the sides scrapping for survival could take a big step towards safety. I think Newcastle and Aston Villa are safe, and that it’s between the bottom five. The Magpies have lost [...]
Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa are the Premier League’s biggest underperformers judged against wage spend April 21, 2015 Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been three of the Premier League’s biggest underperformers in the last two seasons when judged against their respective wage bills. In the 2013/14 season, United spent more money on wages than any other Premier League team with a total wage bill of £215.8m yet finished seventh after [...]
Newcastle United fans plan boycott as club’s £34m cash reserves revealed April 15, 2015 Newcastle United fans are planning to boycott their team's home match against Tottenham on Sunday, as revelations the club had more than £34.1m in cash reserves compounded already strong resentment towards owner Mike Ashley. Last month the club announced record profits of £18.7m yet it was revealed in the full accounts registered with Companies House [...]
Barcelona star Andres Iniesta makes vineyard permanently available on Airbnb April 9, 2015 After a competition to let one couple stay at his family vineyard, World Cup winner Andres Iniesta has placed "Bodega Iniesta" on Airbnb permanently. "In our cozy cottage you will find everything you need for an unforgettable night", boasts the Barcelona midfield maestro on the property's listing. "Decorated with a warm touch, you can enjoy [...]
Tottenham’s Danny Rose is latest injury blow for England ahead of qualifier March 25, 2015 TOTTENHAM full-back Danny Rose added to England boss Roy Hodgson’s mounting injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania at Wembley by last night withdrawing from the squad. Hip and hamstring injuries have ended the uncapped defender’s chances of an international debut, either against Lithuania or Italy in Tuesday’s friendly in Turin, having [...]
Spurs star set to start after Sturridge woe March 23, 2015 ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson could throw prolific Tottenham striker Harry Kane straight into his starting line-up for the Euro2016 qualifier against Lithuania after Daniel Sturridge was last night forced to withdraw from the squad. Sturridge suffered a hip injury during Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and has been ruled out of [...]
Europa League: Martinez shields defence as Everton crash out of Europe March 19, 2015 DYNAMO KIEV 5 EVERTON 2 (Dynamo Kiev won 6-4 on aggregate) EVERTON boss Roberto Martinez downplayed his side’s defensive failings as the Toffees crashed out of the Europa League after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Dynamo Kiev last night. An equaliser from striker Romelu Lukaku on the night maintained Everton’s lead in [...]
Allardyce cools talk of switch to Sunderland job March 19, 2015 WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce has dismissed suggestions he could return to former club Sunderland in the summer but admits his Upton Park future hinges on agreeing terms on a new contract. Allardyce’s current deal expires at the end of the season and has been allowed to run down despite engineering what has been, despite [...]
Is Ellis Short the problem? Sunderland’s massive transfer spend since takeover suggests Paulo Di Canio may be right March 16, 2015 Gus Poyet has been sacked as manager of Sunderland, a development that will surprise no one who has paid the slightest attention to the team’s fortunes this season. The club sit just one place above the Premier League relegation zone, have won just once in their last 12 league games, and have been [...]