Queiroz sacked at Portugal coach September 9, 2010 FOOTBALL: Former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz was last night sacked as Portugal’s head coach following their poor start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Queiroz, currently serving a six-month ban for disrupting an anti-doping test, wasn’t present to see his side’s shock 1-0 defeat to Norway on Tuesday night, which came days after a [...]
Houllier back at the helm as Villa chief September 8, 2010 GERARD HOULLIER was last night confirmed as the new manager of Aston Villa after agreeing a three-year deal. The former Liverpool boss was succeed Martin O’Neill, who resigned just five days into the start of the new season following a bust-up with owner Randy Lerner. In six years at Anfield, Houllier, 63, won the Uefa [...]
I’m off after Euro 2012, says Capello September 8, 2010 FABIO CAPELLO stunned English football late last night by announcing he will quit as England coach after the 2012 European Championships. The Italian coach signed a new extension to his £6m contract just before the World Cup, only to then lead England to a dismal campaign. Capello has redeemed himself somewhat with back-to-back qualifying victories [...]
Higgins clears his name in fixing probe September 8, 2010 JOHN HIGGINS admitted his relief last night after being cleared of all match-fixing allegations made against him by the News of the World. World Snooker chiefs decided to withdraw charges of “agreeing or offering” to accept bribes after Higgins gave his version of events during a two-day independent tribunal in central London. Higgins and his [...]
Team orders rule under review as Ferrari escape further rap September 8, 2010 FORMULA ONE’S ban on team orders is to be reviewed at the end of the season after motor racing chiefs decided not to impose further sanctions on Ferrari for breaching regulations at the German Grand Prix. The Italian team were fined $100,000 (£65,100) for appearing to use a coded message to inform Felipe Massa to [...]
It’s all over for Essex as rivals battle for survival September 8, 2010 ESSEX’S inevitable relegation to the second tier of county cricket was confirmed yesterday as Hampshire and Kent slogged it out in their battle to beat the drop. James Tomlinson’s 4-59 helped bowl Kent out for just 182, giving them enough bonus points to relegate the Eagles no matter how they fare against Durham at Chelmsford. [...]
Djokovic cruises through as Zvonareva reaches first semi September 8, 2010 WORLD No3 Novak Djokovic cruised into the US?Open semi-finals last night with a straight sets victory over Gael Monfils at Flushing Meadows. The Serb set up a last four clash with either Roger Federer or Robin Soderling after beating the French 17th seed 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, 6-2. In the women’s, seventh seed Vera Zvonareva edged [...]
Scots sorry for ‘crass’ fans September 8, 2010 FOOTBALL: The Scottish Football Association have apologised on behalf of fans who booed the Liechtenstein national anthem before their European Championship qualifier at Hampden Park. A section of the crowd jeered the anthem, which has the same tune as God Save The Queen, before their last-gasp 2-1 in on Tuesday night. SFA acting chief executive [...]
Bank rescues troubled Owls September 8, 2010 FOOTBALL: The Co-operative Bank has come to the rescue of cash-strapped Sheffield Wednesday by settling the club’s £703,000 debt with HM Revenue and Customs. The League One club avoided a winding-up petition in the High Court, saying they were hopeful of finalising “very serious and advanced” takeover talks.
Birthday joy for Hanagan September 8, 2010 RACING: Title-chasing jockey Paul Hanagan celebrated his 30th birthday in style after riding a 91-1 double on the opening day of Doncaster’s St Leger meeting. The jockey’s championship leader won on 3-1 shot Barefoot Lady for boss Richard Fahey before later doubling up with victory aboard David Elsworth’s Myplacelater at 22-1.