United and City are hard to split in semi April 14, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY vs MANCHESTER UNITED Tomorrow – 5.15pm ITV 1 THIS must surely be one of the most exciting FA Cup semi-finals in recent memory and it can provide the competition with a much needed shot in the arm. Manchester City haven’t stepped foot on Wembley turf since the dramatic League One play-off final against [...]
RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE PICKS OUT HIS BEST RACING BETS OF THE WEEKEND April 14, 2011 THE presence of Neptune Collonges in tomorrow’s Scottish Grand National means that more than two thirds of the field will be running from out of the handicap. Paul Nicholls’ stable is flying at the moment and it has to be of interest that Ruby Walsh is doing 10st 1lb on THE MINACK. This seven-year-old has [...]
END OF THE ROAD April 13, 2011 Gomes error sees Tottenham’s memorable debut season in the Champions League end on sour note TOTTENHAM 0 vs REAL MADRID 1 Real Madrid win 5-0 on aggregate TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has challenged his players to ensure Champions League football returns to White Hart Lane next season after their magnificent debut season in the competition [...]
It’s a case of when not if for Rory, insists Montgomerie April 13, 2011 FORMER Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie insists it is only a matter of time before Rory McIlroy recovers from his Masters capitulation to win a first Major. The eight-time European Order of Merit winner believes McIlroy’s challenge fell apart in spectacular fashion on the final day at Augusta because he panicked as the chasing pack [...]
Tottenham target Newham in judicial review and mull second legal challenge April 13, 2011 TOTTENHAM have confirmed they are seeking a judicial review of Newham’s role in helping West Ham win the battle for the Olympic Stadium, as Morning Wire revealed first last month. And it is understood the club is still considering launching a separate claim again legacy chiefs the OPLC, who chose the Hammers over Spurs as [...]
Usmanov snubs Kroenke bid for full Arsenal buyout April 13, 2011 ARSENAL’S second largest shareholder Alisher Usmanov insists he “loves” the club and will not cave in to would-be owner Stan Kroenke’s attempt to complete a full £731m takeover. Uzbek billionaire Usmanov confirmed yesterday he intends to reject Kroenke’s mandatory offer for his 27 per cent share in the club, as reported by Morning Wire on [...]
What now for Chelsea? Five issues they must fix April 13, 2011 AFTER the defeat, the inquest. Chelsea are under the microscope after Tuesday’s Champions League exit to Manchester United ended their last realistic chance of silverware this season. Roman Abramovich has much to ponder, with the following issues likely to be exercising the owner. Can they finish in the top four? Quite simply Chelsea must put [...]
Murray back to winning ways April 13, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray returned to winning ways for the first time since the Australian Open semi-final but admits he’ll never be able to please everyone. The Scot has endured a wretched run since his mauling at the hands of Novak Djokovic in Melbourne, losing four successive matches and recently parted company with his consultant [...]
IPL stars to face England April 13, 2011 SRI LANKA’S government have ordered those players currently involved in the IPL home early from the tournament in order to prepare for next month’s tour of England. Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara and his deputy Mahela Jayawardene are among 11 Sri Lankans currently involved in IPL action and at least five are likely to be included [...]
Fahey lays down Guineas marker April 13, 2011 RACING: The Richard Fahey trained Barefoot Lady, ridden by Paul Hanagan, (14-1) won the Group Three Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket. Fahey said: “She’s only slight, but Paul said they don’t come much tougher. I’ve got to have a proper chat with the owner about supplementing for the 1,000 Guineas, but he is [...]