Branislav Ivanovic is close to signing a contract extension with Chelsea, according to his agent.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ivanovic-set-to-stay-agent-946603438.html
Monday, 28 February 2011
Ivanovic set to stay - agent
Branislav Ivanovic is close to signing a contract extension with Chelsea, according to his agent.
West Ham United 3 Liverpool 1: match report
West Ham produce outstanding display to haul themselves back off the bottom of the Premier League.
Ancelotti ready for first big test
Coach Carlo Ancelotti conceded Chelsea's first real test of the season will come at Manchester City next Saturday after his side demolished Blackpool 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/ancelotti-ready-for-first-big-test-652064521.html
Heskey can play key role - Houllier
Gerard Houllier believes Aston Villa will reap the benefits of Emile Heskey's decision to quit international football with England.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/heskey-can-play-key-role-houllier-161322337.html
Players intend to injure - d'Hooghe
Michel d'Hooghe, FIFA's top medical official, has spoken out against "criminal" tackles in the game.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/players-intend-to-injure-dhooghe-92541785.html
Hicks battles for Anfield control
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is determined to fight to hang on to control of the club after refusing to recognise chairman Martin Broughton's authority.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/hicks-battles-for-anfield-control-104003316.html
Terriers go top with comeback win
Huddersfield overturned an early two-goal deficit to beat Yeovil 4-2 and move top of npower League One.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/terriers-go-top-with-comeback-win-976950774.html
Johnson dismisses form worries
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has baulked at suggestions his form may have dipped after two eye-catching performances for England.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/johnson-dismisses-form-worries-861549095.html
Spurs look east to Olympic solution
Tottenham confirmed on Friday morning that they have registered an interest in occupying the Olympic Stadium in east London after the 2012 Games.
We're in relegation battle - Moyes
Everton boss David Moyes believes his team are involved in a relegation battle.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/were-in-relegation-battle-moyes-882245139.html
Holloway ready to move forward
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway hopes his side have learned from their heavy defeat at Arsenal not to get star-struck when they take on Chelsea on Sunday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/holloway-ready-to-move-forward-287478252.html
Bruce backing for Bramble
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has given his backing to defender Titus Bramble after he was questioned by police over an allegation of rape.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/bruce-backing-for-bramble-8191501.html
Gomez plays down horror challenge
Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez described Karl Henry's foul on him which saw the Wolves man sent off in Latics' 2-0 Barclays Premier League win as a "hard tackle".
Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/gomez-plays-down-horror-challenge-144463948.html
Richards fires Vale to the top
Marc Richards grabbed his sixth goal of the season as Port Vale beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 to go two points clear at the npower League Two table.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/richards-fires-vale-to-the-top-887834311.html
Lampard absence continues
Chelsea will be without midfielder Frank Lampard against Manchester City on Saturday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/lampard-absence-continues-587359789.html
Grant proud of Pompey players
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant was proud of his players after what they went through in a difficult season which ended with a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Davies gets England call
Bolton striker Kevin Davies has been picked by England, a week after admitting he had given up any remaining hope of representing his country.
Redknapp's tactical headache
Harry Redknapp admits Rafael van der Vaart is giving him a tactical headache as the Tottenham boss tries to work out how best to accommodate his new talisman.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/redknapps-tactical-headache-707598063.html
Flynn relishing Wales opportunity
Brian Flynn faces a two-game audition for the role of Wales manager next month, and he admits: "I have an opportunity to show what I can do".Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/flynn-relishing-wales-opportunity-53932593.html
MANCHESTER CITYFoster tipped to challenge Hart
Ben Foster is being tipped by England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence to push Joe Hart for his country's number one position now he is playing regular first-team football.
Redknapp avoids stadium debate
Harry Redknapp sidestepped the issue of Tottenham's 11th-hour bid to take over the Olympic Stadium by joking he was scared of upsetting chairman Daniel Levy.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/redknapp-avoids-stadium-debate-731912829.html
Anderlecht v Lyon
Jacobs targets stirring comeback
Anderlecht coach Ariel Jacobs wants his team to produce one of the great comebacks in their Champions League qua...
Anderlecht coach Ariel Jacobs wants his team to produce one of the great comebacks in their Champions League qua...
Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/championsleague/previews/anderlecht-v-lyon-438806127.html
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Rock-bottom Hereford hold leaders
Ten-man Hereford grabbed their first point in five games in a 1-1 draw against npower League Two leaders Port Vale.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/rockbottom-hereford-hold-leaders-856245449.html
Hargreaves making good progress
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Owen Hargreaves is close to a Manchester United comeback.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/hargreaves-making-good-progress-884213091.html
Smith happy to avoid Euro hangover
Rangers manager Walter Smith expressed relief at maintaining the Ibrox side's 100% record in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after a tough shift against Manchester United in the Champions League.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/smith-happy-to-avoid-euro-hangover-777047750.html
Surrey and England wicketkeeper Steven Davies announces he is gay
? First professional cricketer to 'out' himself while still playing
? 'This is the right time to be open about my sexuality'
Steven Davies, the 24-year-old Surrey and England wicketkeeper, has become the latest high-profile sportsman to announce he is gay. In today's Daily Telegraph Davies becomes the first serving professional cricketer to 'out' himself.
Davies, who began his career at Worcestershire, says he hopes his decision will encourage other young gay people to do the same. He said: 'This is the right time for me. I feel it is the right time to be out in the open about my sexuality. If more people do it, the more acceptable it will become.'
Davies follows the former Wales rugby union player Gareth Thomas, who also went public about his sexuality.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/feb/28/steven-davies-cricket-gay
Redknapp thankful to Levy
Harry Redknapp thanked Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy for meddling in his transfer on Saturday affairs after watching Rafael van der Vaart help complete a remarkable late comeback against Wolves.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/redknapp-thankful-to-levy-352507253.html
Allardyce hails Walters' dedication
Jon Walters rewarded Sam Allardyce, the first manager to hand him a professional contract, by condemning his Blackburn side to defeat.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/allardyce-hails-walters-dedication-624082665.html
Olsson bullish about Albion
Jonas Olsson insists West Brom are in the top six of the Barclays Premier League on merit and will not be scared of Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/olsson-bullish-about-albion-683827455.html
Premier League action: in pictures
In pics: West Ham beat Liverpool 3-1, while Fulham hold Man City to draw.
McLeish warns rivals over defenders
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has warned Premier League rivals they have a fight on their hands if they want to try to sign either of his star central defenders in January.
Smith won't underestimate Bursaspor
Rangers manager Walter Smith insists Bursaspor should not be written off simply because they are one of the lesser known teams in the Champions League this season.
Chelsea to take 'appropriate action' over Ashley Cole air rifle claims
? Claims that Ashley Cole accidentally shot student
? We have fully investigated the incident, say Chelsea
Chelsea have revealed that they are taking "appropriate action" following claims that Ashley Cole accidentally shot an air rifle at a work-placement student in the club's training ground.
The News of the World claims Cole did not know a .22 air rifle was loaded when he fired it at 21-year-old Tom Cowan. It was reported that the sports-science student, who is on a one-year work placement at Chelsea, was hit in the side by a lead pellet at the training ground in Cobham.
Chelsea's medical staff reportedly treated the bleeding wound and Cowan did not require hospital treatment.
A club statement on Sunday read: "We have fully investigated the incident and we are taking appropriate action. We will not be commenting further as it is an internal matter."
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/27/chelsea-ashley-cole-action
Lampard absence continues
Chelsea will be without midfielder Frank Lampard against Manchester City on Saturday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/lampard-absence-continues-587359789.html
Johnson dismisses form worries
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has baulked at suggestions his form may have dipped after two eye-catching performances for England.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/johnson-dismisses-form-worries-861549095.html
Lampard absence continues
Chelsea will be without midfielder Frank Lampard against Manchester City on Saturday.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/lampard-absence-continues-587359789.html
Six Nations 2011: England's audacity against France brings them reward | Paul Hayward
Ben Foden's try helps Martin Johnson's bright young things pass their biggest test yet and put down a World Cup marker
Nobody likes them, but they don't care. Neither the stereotypical antipathy of France's coach, Marc Li�vremont, nor a fierce first-half Gallic assault could halt England's revival here as Martin Johnson's team closed in on a first Six Nations title since 2003.
A law of top-level sport is that you find out how good you really are when the opposition drive a dump truck through your nice long-term development plan. Then the praise stops, errors multiply and the world goes dark. Can't cope with physical pressure? Go home, find another job.
England endured and prospered as a Ben Foden try and Jonny Wilkinson penalty after the interval drove them to a 17-9 victory. All teams can trace a moment when promise turned to reality and in a World Cup year England may remember this clash as the day they became contenders in New Zealand.
"It's the sign of a team that's progressing when you can get into the dressing room at half-time and have a quiet, controlled talk and sort it out," said the captain, Mike Tindall.
Johnson said: "No one lost their confidence from what happened in the first half; we made the adjustments. It shows the maturity of the team. It was a good win."
Johnson, the team manager, spoke of "good fundamentals", but it was a lot more entertaining than that. In a "ferocious" match of "fight and graft" (Johnson again), Li�vremont came to regret goading the home side with his pre-match assertion: "We all don't like the English."
"They are the best team in the northern hemisphere and the path to the grand slam is open for them," the France coach said, restoring the entente cordiale.
The new England have been taken to the edge twice since Johnson found half a dozen fresh young cavaliers to shake up a team built in Steve Borthwick's stolid image. South Africa were the first to sniff vulnerability, in the autumn internationals, and exploited it brutally, reversing the momentum of England's brilliant win over Australia. Then France turned up at Twickenham intent on harassing Johnson's men all the way back to school.
Pressure messes up the mental pathways. For 40 minutes England were hustled into playing too fast and loose and without discipline. The conservatism of France's selection ? Dimitri Yachvili at scrum-half, a back row built for containment ? was paying dividends. Li�vremont used the Springbok template of shutting down space and time, hustling England in the set pieces and smashing into Johnson's ball-carriers with rib?rearranging force.
The most telegenic of these ram-raids was when Thierry Dusautoir crunched Dylan Hartley three minutes before the interval. The England hooker folded on impact and spilled the ball. By then Andrew Sheridan had limped off, proving again that the bottom half of big Ted's body struggles to carry the top. After 50 minutes, Toby Flood was off, too, as Wilkinson trotted on to strike his 1,189th point ? thus surpassing New Zealand's Dan Carter at the top of the all-time list. Flood is expected to be fit for the Scotland game.
At 9-9 England burst back out of the dressing room determined to regain the initiative. Their progress has been built on spirit, audacity, outshining the opposition, and they hurt France in the most constructive way, with a bold attacking move culminating in a Foden try.
Then came the best lesson possible in the perils of the swallow dive. With England five points clear, Chris Ashton, the finisher-in-chief, missed a forward pass by Flood to Ben Youngs and steamed towards the tryline, where he launched himself with arm outstretched at 45 degrees and then dropped, triumphant, not realising the referee had halted play. It is one thing to prematurely celebrate a try when the thing has been given, but a whole different caper when a swallow dive marks a nonevent.
Then, you see the presumption, the self-inflation. Not that it matters much. For years we have grumbled about the sterility of English play: the devotion to bump and grind. We can hardly object if a new talent arrives from outside the safe southern heartland and greets a good moment joyously.
The bigger question, though, was whether an English renaissance was being declared too hastily. This win, following those over Wales and Italy, confirms the authenticity of the rebirth. Scotland, here at Twickenham in a fortnight, and Ireland, in Dublin on 19 March, stand between the English and their first grand slam since their World Cup-winning year. The Aviva Stadium will offer a forbidding test (assuming Scotland have been beaten) but England already know they can walk through fire to an important win.
Most important is winning the Six Nations title itself for the first time in eight years. England's long spell in the wilderness has been embarrassing. They promise to leave it with a team of much creative talent. The French will like them even less now.
Johnson refused to discuss grand slam possibilities. He said: "No. Why? It's ridiculous. If you want to talk about winning something you do it after the last game." He must be dreaming.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/feb/26/england-france-six-nations
Guedioura blow for Wolves
Wolves midfielder Adlene Guedioura could be out for up to six months after fracturing his tibia in Sunday's Barclays Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/guedioura-blow-for-wolves-559743081.html
Rooney should have seen red, rages Martinez
United striker appeared to catch Wigan's James McCarthy in the face with an elbow during the 4-0 win
Gunners assessing Fabregas injury
Arsene Wenger maintains it is too soon to speculate how long Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will be sidelined by a hamstring problem.Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/generalnews/gunners-assessing-fabregas-injury-15917574.html
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Schaaf facing injury worries
Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf will be forced to assemble a makeshift team for Wednesday night's Champions League tie at Inter Milan due to the injuries of three key players.
Johnson praises England's fighting spirit against France
? 'We made a lot of mistakes in first half' of 17-9 win
? Manager happy with performance of Alex Corbisiero
England took a huge step towards their first grand slam for eight years but their manager, Martin Johnson, who led the side in 2003, acknowledged that they had to battle to overcome France 17-9 after a nervous first half.
It needed the boot of Jonny Wilkinson to steady those nerves after 51 minutes when the replacement landed a penalty to pass Dan Carter's world record for points scored. The kick takes Wilkinson to a personal tally of 1,190 points. Johnson said he was confident Toby Flood, who limped off with a knee injury a minute earlier, would recover to face Scotland on 13 March.
Johnson said: "When we played Italy we scored early and it became a question of how many points we would score, but this was a real Test match. We made a lot of mistakes in the first half and the ball was greasy and we came under pressure at rucks and mauls. We weren't accurate enough, but we stayed calm at half-time and improved after the break."
Johnson admitted that a crucial mistake after the break, when France's centre Aur�lien Rougerie nudged the ball forwards after crossing the tryline, had been crucial. "If they had scored then it might have altered the course of the match. But we had chances ourselves. We had to fight and graft out there and the back row tackled themselves to a standstill. Alex Corbisiero did very well after coming on in the front row for [Andrew] Sheridan."
The England captain, Mike Tindall, said: "It was a good old-fashioned battle and it is a sign of a progressing team that we can dig ourselves out of a corner, because after the interval we came out flying." The France coach, Marc Li�vremont, who spiced up the build-up to this match with a dollop of Dijon mustard by suggesting he had little love for the English, admitted France had been beaten by the better side: "They are a very strong team."
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/feb/26/six-nations-martin-johnson-england-france
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