We’ll keep Gerrard and Torres, says Reds chief February 2, 2010 LIVERPOOL chief executive Christian Purslow admits the cash-strapped Reds are conducting a desperate search for fresh investment – but insists they will not be forced to sell prize assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Captain Gerrard and top scorer Torres have both been touted for moves away from Anfield in the summer, a scenario that [...]
Butterfield’s the toast as Premier sides crash out February 2, 2010 CRYSTAL PALACE 3 WOLVES 1 DANNY BUTTERFIELD enjoyed the night of his life as his seven-minute hat-trick earned cash-strapped Crystal Palace a money-spinning tie with Aston Villa. The Eagles were docked ten league points after slipping into administration last week, but Butterfield, who hadn’t scored in over a year before last night, handed his side [...]
Ferdinand risks Cup final with new ban appeal February 2, 2010 MANCHESTER United have launched a fresh appeal against defender Rio Ferdinand’s four-match ban for violent conduct. Ferdinand was suspended for swinging an arm at Hull’s Craig Fagan last month and then saw the Football Association extend his ban to four games because they deemed his initial appeal “frivolous”. An appeal board will hear the 31-year-old’s [...]
Grant slams Pompey chief for breaking promises February 2, 2010 PORTSMOUTH boss Avram Grant has slammed the club for the broken promises which have left them walking a Premier League tightrope. The Israeli claims he was told he would be in the position to add four new faces to his struggling Pompey side in the January window, but instead saw two of his best players [...]
Schumacher’s neck still raises doctor concerns February 2, 2010 FRESH concerns over the long-term fitness of Formula One comeback king Michael Schumacher surfaced yesterday after his personal doctor was seen monitoring his progress during testing in Valencia. Schumacher, 41, completed 40 laps in his Mercedes on his first return to F1 on Monday, showing no signs of the neck injury which prevented him from [...]
RUGBY UNION | In Brief February 2, 2010 O’Gara returns for Ireland opener IRELAND’S legendary fly-half Ronan O’Gara will reclaim the No10 shirt in the opening game of their Grand Slam defence, against Italy on Saturday. O’Gara comes in for Jonathan Sexton, who starred in the November win over world champions South Africa but misses out with a dead leg. Leinster flanker Kevin [...]
RUGBY UNION | In Brief February 2, 2010 Paterson gets nod for Les Bleus SCOTLAND’S record points scorer Chris Paterson has been recalled as one of six changes for his side’s Six Nations clash with France on Sunday. Paterson will win his 99th cap as a full-back replacement for the injured Rory Lamont, joining Glasgow centres Max Evans and Graeme Morrison in a [...]
New points system for F1 February 2, 2010 FORMULA ONE is to get a new points system for the 2010 season following an agreement between the world governing body, the FIA, and the teams. From now, drivers will be awarded 25 points for every race win – seven points more than for secondplace. F1 bosses believe this will create a “race-to-win” attitude. The [...]
Keane wraps up ‘dream’ Celtic switch February 1, 2010 ROBBIE KEANE last night completed his move to boyhood heroes Celtic in the headline deal of an otherwise subdued deadline day for the big clubs. The Tottenham skipper was given permission to talk to the Bhoys by boss Harry Redknapp before agreeing to a loan deal until the end of the season. The Republic of [...]
Hammers pull off triple striker swoop February 1, 2010 WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola swooped for three forwards on deadline day in a desperate bid to bolster his strike-force for the relegation run-in. Blackburn’s Benni McCarthy, Middlesbrough’s Mido and little-known Brazilian Ilan all arrived at Upton Park as Zola waited until the last minute to do business. McCarthy, 32, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after [...]