SPORTS TIMES

Sri Lankan team attacked in Lahore

2009-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

The Sri Lankan team was targetted by armed gunmen today injuring several of its top players

Armed gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan national team today injuring six players and killing five security personnel. Those injured in the attack include Tharanga Paranavitana, Thilan Samaraweera, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene, Ajanta Mendes and Kumara Sangakara.

Also injured in the attack is fourth umpire Ehsaan Reza. The attack came while the team was being transported to Lahore’s Gadaffi Stadium said sports Minister Gamini Lokuge said. Of those injured, Samaraweera’s condition is said to be critical. He was shot on his chest while team mate Sangakara was hit on the shoulder. Senior player Muttiah Muralidharan, however escaped unhurt.

Rocket launchers, Kalashnikovs and grenades were used in the attack. The cavalcade that escorted the players also came under heavy fire, killing five security personnel. Following the attack Sri Lanka has recalled all its players and cancelled its tour of Pakistan.

Pictured: The dramatic moment a footballer is hit by a rocket fired by opposition supporters

2008-11-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

A football player was hit by a firework launched by opposition fans moments after the whistle was blown at the end of a cup final match last night.

Conor Hagan fell to the ground after being struck in the back by the rocket before it exploded.

His team Linfield had just suffered a 2-1 defeat by sectarian rivals Cliftonville in the County Antrim Shield final at Windsor Park in Belfast.

The attack, which sparked riots afterwards, came as players for Cliftonville, a largely Catholic-supported side, had missiles thrown at them by fans of the losing side, which is typically followed by protestants in the divided city.

Hagan, 26, was tended by team medics and members of both sides before being able to regain his feet.

'I was lying on the ground disgusted with the result and didn’t see the firework coming,' he told the Belfast Telegraph.

‘It hit me on the back when it went off and it was more the bang that scared me and I was in shock for few seconds.

‘It could have been a lot worse so I am relieved that I am not injured.’

The attack came as many people in the province - like the rest of the UK – prepared to celebrate Bonfire Night tonight.

Fireworks have been on sale at major supermarkets for weeks in preparation for the event.

Afterwards, police were called to riots between fans of the two sides in the Newtownards Road area of East Belfast.

Linfield manager David Jeffrey said: ‘The last thing that I want to do is inflame the situation.

‘I don’t want to talk about one idiot, but it has got to be condemned outright.’

Cliftonville coach Eddie Patterson, who was the subject of a death threat before the Irish Cup semi-final last season, also condemned the incident.

‘I don’t even want to highlight it that much - it only gives these people publicity. It has no place in football.

‘Some of my own players had missiles thrown at them, but I would rather talk about the Linfield fans who applauded us off the pitch. That’s what football’s about.’

Lewis Hamilton becomes the youngest Formula One champion in history

2008-11-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton today became the youngest ever Formula One world champion ever.

Hamilton, 23, secured victory when he finished the Brazilian Grand Prix in fifth place.

The McLaren driver went into the race with a seven point lead over his nearest rival, Ferrari Felipe Massa and needed to finish in fifth place or above to take the title.

But in the closing stages of the race, as thunder boomed over Interlagos, and on a track becoming wetter by the second, Hamilton was on the verge of missing out.

Running in sixth and with title rival Felipe Massa running away with the expected race win, Hamilton's heart was about to be broken for a second time, as it was at this track a year ago.

But he can thank Toyota for taking the title as they failed to call in Timo Glock to take on wet tyres.

With the German still on dry rubber and running in fourth at the time, he slowly started to drop back.

Just one kilometre from the conclusion of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and at the penultimate corner, Hamilton passed Glock to claim fifth place - and with it the title.

Sporting drama does not come any greater than that witnessed in Sao Paulo
today, leaving Hamilton to join a pantheon of greats.

After the race, Hamilton said: 'It's amazing. I need to get my breath back.'

Hamilton's last minute victory was greeted with boos from the crowd.

His father Anthony was left almost speechless but managed to tell reporters: 'I really can't find the words. It's great, absolutely great.

'It's a shame the crowd is doing this. They should be fair sportsmen.'

It was exactly 50 years ago that Britain celebrated its first Formula One world champion when Mike Hawthorn beat Stirling Moss to the title.

Half a century on and Hamilton today joined a venerated list of the finest motor-racing talent the country has produced.

To the names of Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill, now add that of Hamilton.

At the age of 23 years and 301 days, Hamilton became the youngest driver to win the championship, beating the previous best mark set by bitter rival Fernando Alonso by 124 days.

Hamilton also became only the second driver to take the title in his second season, equalling Jacques Villeneuve's feat of 11 years ago.

Hamilton may have followed in the footsteps of Villeneuve on this occasion, but hopefully that is where the similarity ends as that remained the only crown the Canadian won despite his prodigious talent.

But there can be no doubt in reaching such a plateau, Hamilton has endured a rollercoaster ride like no driver before him.

When he first entered the world of F1 it is fair to claim few other sportsmen made the kind of impact in their chosen field as the boy from Stevenage.

Take a look back at the legends over the years - Diego Maradona, George Best in football; Muhammad Ali in boxing; Tiger Woods with golf.

Did they blaze the kind of astonishing trail set by Hamilton in the first few months on their respective sporting scenes?

Even the most recent Formula One greats in Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna failed to command the kind of headlines written about Hamilton so early in their careers.

On the track, he took third place on his debut in Australia and followed it with second place in Malaysia and Bahrain, becoming the first driver in history to claim a podium position in his first three grands prix.

When Hamilton claimed second in Spain, it gave him the outright lead in the drivers' standings, the youngest ever to do so.

Coincidentally, he eclipsed the mark previously set by New Zealander Bruce McLaren - the man who founded the team Hamilton he drives for.

Another second followed in Monaco, before Hamilton then finally claimed the win he craved, taking the chequered flag in Canada.

But there was to be no title at the end of his rookie year, one in which McLaren were embroiled in the now infamous spy saga, and one which undoubtedly took its toll on Hamilton.

With two races remaining he held a 17-point cushion over Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, seemingly unassailable, but not so as he slid into the gravel in China before suffering a gearbox problem in Brazil.

Hamilton vowed the experience of such a turbulent year, especially behind the scenes, would ensure he returned a stronger driver and man.

He appeared to underline his remark with a season-opening victory in Australia, but then chinks started to appear in his armour.

In Bahrain he allowed a poor start to get to him and, rather than keeping his head, he lost it as a charge through the field ended with him running into the back of Alonso.

Hamilton stormed away from the circuit, barely speaking a word, and in that instant a different side to his normally affable demeanour and character was witnessed.

The past year has been a mixture of remarkable lows - running into the back of Raikkonen in the pit lane in Canada; the failed appeal to reclaim victory in Belgium; his first corner disaster in Japan.

But then there have been the spectacular highs - victory in Monaco, his triumph at a rain-lashed Silverstone, a pole-to-flag win in Germany and now the ultimate dream in winning the title.

Not bad for someone who just 13 years ago cheekily strode over to McLaren team principal Ron Dennis at an awards dinner and calmly mentioned he would one day like to drive for his team.

L-Bee-W: Cricketers hit the deck as pitch is invaded by deadly swarm

2008-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Sun, sweat or streakers tend to be the usual occupational hazards for a professional cricketer.

But Australian and Indian players at the test faced a sticky wicket today when they were forced to abandon play temporarily and lie down to avoid a swarm of bees that flew across the pitch.

Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden of Australia lay on the ground along with the Indian players and umpire Billy Bowden as the insects took over the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on day three of the Third Test match.

The insects were just another hurdle for an Australian team already on the back foot after India posted a massive first innings total of 613 runs.

But this morning the tourists were fighting back, with the score at 269 for the loss of two wickets.

It's not the first time bees have plagued international cricket.

England players were floored in Sri Lanka last year to avoid a swarm and, closer to home, Brian Lara hit the deck in Cardiff as the insects invaded a match between West Indies and Glamorgan in 2000.

Mega-rich City ready to splash the cash for the most expensive Villa in Spain

2008-10-15T12:19:00.001-07:00

Manchester City are ready to break the bank and match David Villa's £77.8million release clause at La Liga club Valencia.

City are ready to meet the 100million euro demand for the Spain striker and make the £34million the club splashed out for Brazilian Robinho on the final day of the summer transfer window look like small change.

The Middle Eastern owners are believed to have launched a bid for Villa that same day as well as unsuccessfully chasing Germany forward Mario Gomez and failing to hijack Dimitar Berbatov's move to Manchester United.

Despite Villa, the top goalscorer at Euro 2008, signing a new deal at the Mestalla the Abu Dhabi consortium that have taken over at Eastlands are not to be deterred, according to reports in the Spanish press.

City are believed to have already made contact with the forward and although Villa is holding out for a summer switch to Real Madrid or Manchester United, he has not ruled out joining Mark Hughes' side.

If City fail in luring Villa to Eastlands, they will turn their attention to Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.

Moyes completes a miserable hat-trick as Everton crash out

2008-10-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Everton's season is in turmoil after a 2-1 defeat by Standard Liege in Belgium ended their hopes of a morale-boosting UEFA Cup run.

Manager David Moyes' future is in doubt in the wake of a 4-3 aggregate exit that follows Everton's Carling Cup defeat at Blackburn and Saturday's loss to Liverpool in the Mersey derby.

But the pressure eased on Juande Ramos, the other Premier League manager under the cosh, as Spurs reached the group stages after a 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow in Poland. Manchester City and Aston Villa also went through.

Moyes has been linked to Newcastle, Tottenham and his former club Celtic as his frustration has grown over the lack of progress at Goodison Park.

But while he is yet to sign a new contract, Moyes insisted: 'I will see it out. I've had some tough situations - all managers face difficult times. There's no divine right to win football games, you have to earn the right to do so. There's no easy ride and this is part of it.'
Everton had pinned their hopes on lifting Moyes' mood with a European adventure but even without Milan Jovanovic's penalty winner, Phil Jagielka's 67th-minute equaliser would not have been enough to see Everton into the group stages after their 2-2 draw in the first leg.

Moyes believed Standard captain Steven Defour was lucky not to have been shown a red card for putting his hands on German referee Peter Sippel. Moyes said: 'In England I think he would've been sent off. Then there was a professional foul that was let go. The crowd did a very good job for Standard tonight.'

Jagielka believes Moyes will not walk away, saying: 'The gaffer will sort his own contract out in his own time. I'm sure he's going to stay.'

Wenger in despair: But there's joy for Hull as they send Arsenal crashing at home

2008-09-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

Arsenal 1 Hull 2

Two goals in four second-half minutes earned Hull City a famous victory at Arsenal as Phil Brown got the tactical better of Arsene Wenger.

Hull's manager gambled on a three-pronged attack and was rewarded when two of that trio - Geovanni and Daniel Cousin - cancelled out a Paul McShane own goal to send the Premier League newcomers to the dizzy heights of sixth in the table.

We threw them a little bit of a curve ball with that one and Arsenal couldn't handle it,' said Brown, after the shock of the season so far. Hull became only the second team to win at the Emirates Stadium and the first to win there in 17 months, leaving Wenger to admit: 'Technically we were better than them, but in terms of commitment they were the better team.'

Hull have now picked up as many points in six matches as Derby mustered over the whole of last season - despite having been tipped for the same fate as Paul Jewell's men.

It was not until early in the second half that Hull were beaten by McShane's own goal. That merely inspired the underdogs, with Geovanni thrashing a wonderful 20-yard shot past Manuel Almunia and Cousin heading the winner from a corner on only his second start.

A delighted Brown said: 'We were brave. Everybody was expecting us to play 4-4-2 but we chose to play Geovanni behind the front two and it threw Arsenal.

'Of course, there was a 15-minute period after they scored when they played us off the park but you need the type of strike that Geovanni scored with to go in at a place like this, and it did. The character of these lads is beyond question and I've got so much belief in that dressing room.'

Cousin's winner from a corner is yet another goal Arsenal have conceded from set-pieces this season - and Hull skipper Ian Ashbee reckons it is a weakness that they always thought they could exploit.

'They've let in a few goals that way and it's something that we worked on at training all week,' he said.

Newcastle United madness: Is stupid Ashley about to put the boot into the fans as well?

2008-09-09T13:34:00.001-07:00

He may be public enemy number one on Tyneside at the moment, but one thing you can definitely say about Mike Ashley is that he's not afraid to make unpopular decisions.

First of all he committed what many in the city saw as the ultimate sin when he forced Kevin Keegan out of Newcastle United. King Kev made it painfully clear that he would not work at a club which bought and sold players without his say-so. During all those crisis meetings, all Ashley had to do was say: ''OK, Kevin, you can have the final say on which players come and which ones go - after all, you'll be the one who has to work with them every day.''

Instead, he decided to side with Dennis Wise, the man he had brought in as his director of football - and the man most Newcastle fans blame for Keegan's decision to walk. Ashley is a very successful businessman with a very clever head on his shoulders, so he MUST have known what the reaction of the Toon faithful would have been. He must have known his name would be mud.

Of course, the inevitable happened and Keegan walked out. I wrote an article before the start of the season about how KK was joint favourite to be the first Premier League boss of the campaign to part company with his club. I said he had a long history of walking out on clubs and that I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he was on his merry way not long after the first ball had been kicked. After all, the bookies don't often get it wrong.

However, even I can't argue with his decision this time around. The restrictions being imposed on him were ridiculous in the extreme. Why appoint a manager and then give him no say in who he manages? Is it just me or is that the most incredibly stupid thing you've ever heard? Well, I suppose Alan Curbishley for one must agree because, as it turns out, the West Ham boss beat his Newcastle counterpart to the punch by 24 hours for the exact same reason.

But, if this morning's newspapers are to be believed, Ashley has just outdone himself in the stupidity stakes. Reports suggest he's about to appoint Gus Poyet as the next Newcastle manager. So, not content with flooring the Newcastle fans by forcing their Messiah to walk away, he's now sticking the boot in by replacing him with Wise's best mate! Like I said, Ashley's certainly not afraid to make unpopular decisions.

But if forcing Keegan out was an unpopular decision, then appointing Poyet takes things to a whole new level. I know he has been in the frame for the job ever since Keegan walked, but I never thought Ashley would be stupid enough to actually go ahead and appoint him. Talk about being a glutton for punishment!

I'm not a Newcastle fan and I can't speak for them, but if this had happened at my club, I'd see it as another huge slap in the face. How Ashley can have the gall to sit in the stands in his black-and-white replica shirt pretending he's just another fan is beyond belief. You'd be hard pushed to find a single other soul in a packed St James' Park wearing a similar shirt who agrees with him. These are not the actions of a Newcastle fan.

If Ashley has any semblance of sanity left, he might want to think twice about being in his seat for Newcastle's next home game against Hull on Saturday.

Manchester City have Luis Fabiano in their samba sights to join Robinho at Eastlands

2008-09-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sevilla star Luis Fabiano has been linked with a move to join Brazil team-mate Robinho at Manchester City.

The ADUG group backed by the Abu Dhabi royal family continue to move closer to a £200million takeover of City and according to the Brazilian's representative the ambitious Barclays Premier League side are keen on the forward and made an attempt to sign Fabiano on deadline day.

City wanted the player this season, but Luis Fabiano is happy at Sevilla and opted to wait,' his agent Jose Fuentes was quoted on Setanta.

'Every time an offer is made to us, we pass the details on to Sevilla and the club decide.'

The prolific Fabiano has scored more than 23 goals per season in the last three years.

Fabiano also struck twice during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Chile on Sunday with Manchester City new boy Robinho scoring the other.

Toon army threaten boycott as Newcastle line up Spurs assistant Gus Poyet to replace Kevin Keegan

2008-09-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Newcastle United face an angry backlash over the controversial departure of manager Kevin Keegan.As United reportedly line-up Tottenham's assistant manager Gus Poyet to replace Keegan at the helm, supporters have threatened to cancel season tickets, boycott matches and no longer buy official club merchandise after King Kev resigned and blamed football director Dennis Wise for buying players he did not want.

Wise and owner Mike Ashley, who has regularly snubbed the boardroom to sit among the fans in a black and white shirt, have been accused of turning the club into the laughing stock of the Premier League.

Season ticket holder Julie Kane, 44, of Byker, Newcastle, told the Northern Echo: “I don’t know about Ashley and Wise, they are more like Morecambe and Wise – a complete joke. They are treating us like a bunch of muppets.
'God help Ashley at the home game as there will be no one in the ground. We will be coming to the ground but not going in to show our support for Keegan.'

And Frank Gilmour, chairman of the Independent Newcastle United Supporters’ Association, added: 'I would expect the lowest attendance at St James’ for a long, long time at the next match,' he said. 'I’ve no control over it, but I would expect some sort of protest as well.

“Ashley clearly has no idea about the support for Kevin.'

Meanwhile, Tottenham will fight to keep Poyet as their assistant manager .

The Uruguayan has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over at St James' Park following the final confirmation of Keegan's resignation on Thursday night.

The former England boss cited irreconcilable differences with the Newcastle board for his departure.

It is believed that he could no longer work with executive director Dennis Wise, who is responsible for player recruitment.

But Poyet has a close relationship with Wise having worked as his assistant manager when he was in charge at Swindon and Leeds, as well as playing alongside him for four years at Chelsea.

He is also close friends with Tony Jimenez, another of the Newcastle backroom team.

Rumours initially surfaced on Monday morning that Keegan, 57, had left his post, only to be followed by statements from both sides insisting he hadn't.

Keegan first walked out on the club on Tuesday and the split was confirmed in a statement released on his behalf by the League Managers' Association.

In it, he said: 'I have been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.

'It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.

'It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly, the supporters.

'I have been left with no choice other than to leave.'

Poyet has impressed in his role at Spurs as well as in his jobs at Swindon and Leeds.

He was also targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson two months ago to fill the vacant role of No2 at Old Trafford after the departure of Carlos Queiroz to Portugal.

But Tottenham and Ramos are desperate for him to stay at White Hart Lane and hope his important role at the club will keep him in north London.

King Kev finally says goodbye: Keegan announces his resignation at Newcastle

2008-09-04T13:02:00.001-07:00

Kevin Keegan has finally confirmed his resignation as manager of Newcastle United.

The news ends three days of intense speculation at St James' Park, with Keegan's
relationship with the club's hierarchy understood to have broken down
irreparably over the club's transfer policy.
The 57-year-old issued a statement via the League Manager's Association on Thursday evening, announcing his departure from the club.

He said: 'I’ve been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.

'It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.

'It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters. I have been left with no choice other than to leave.'

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: 'The LMA has been supporting Kevin during a very difficult period. We share his great disappointment and frustration that the situation could not be resolved.'

Keegan, who returned to the club for a second spell in charge in January, had
not taken training since the transfer window closed.

No comment has yet been made by Newcastle.

Newcastle sack Keegan after explosive Ashley showdown with Wise and Poyet favourites to take Toon forward

2008-09-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet are favourites to take over at Newcastle after Kevin Keegan was sensationally sacked by the club this morning.

Following an explosive meeting at the club yesterday, owner Mike Ashley has decided to end Keegan's eight-month reign as club manager.

The pair are understood to have clashed over the club's transfer policy and the decision to try and sell controversial midfielder Joey Barton. After announcing the sale of England Under 21 captain James Milner last week, Keegan called on Newcastle supporters to judge him and the club after the closure of the transfer window.

Yesterday the club signed Uruguay international Ignacio Gonzalez and Spanish striker Xisco, two more deals from La Liga which are the handiwork of Wise and fellow director Tony Jimenez.

It is believed Keegan has not seen either player play.

And before that, Barton was in talks with a top 10 Premier League club, believed to be Portsmouth, but the moved collapsed yesterday afternoon.

The Newcastle manager had already caused concern in the boardroom with his unequivocal support for Barton, who returned to the Newcastle bench on Saturday after serving a six-month prison sentence for assault.

Ashley wanted to sack Barton while he was in prison and reduce his £85,000-a-week wages.

Keegan, 57, who walked away from his post as Newcastle boss in 1997 before returning for a second spell after Sam Allardyce's reign, has endured rather than enjoyed an acrimonious relationship with Ashley and the Newcastle board since he was asked to take over from Sam Allardyce in January.

Summer signings Danny Guthrie, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez are all believed to be signed by Wise and Jimenez.

In addition, Keegan has tried and failed to sort a new contract for Michael Owen, despite calling for that issue to be resolved four months ago.

Owen has still to pen a new deal, and at the weekend Newcastle took the unusual step of announcing that the club captain had been offered an improved three-year deal.

It now seems unlikely the England striker, left out of Fabio Capello's latest squad, will sign a new deal without Keegan at the helm.

Ashley meanwhile faces an impossible task winning back the faith of supporters, with the attendance falling to their lowest in 10 years for the first home game against Bolton.

The billionaire businessman was pictured downing a pint of lager during the defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, and every Geordie has an affinity with that.

But he has alienated thousands of club fans by sacking the club Messiah.

Appointing Wise as his successor, or asking Poyet to quit Tottenham to work with his former Leeds boss, will prove just as unpopular.

United favourites to complete Berbatov deal after striker has Old Trafford medical

2008-09-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Manchester United are still favourites to sign Tottenham's wantaway striker Dimitar Berbatov despite a £34million bid from cross-city rivals City.

Tottenham have accepted City's bid but Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to have held talks with the Bulgarian after offering Spurs £20m plus young striker Fraizer Campbell.

Following that meeting Berbatov is believed to have completed a medical, which puts United in the driving seat to complete one of the summer's biggest and long-lasting transfer deals.

In the meantime chief executive David Gill, manager Sir Alex Ferguson and legal
expert Maurice Watkins have attempted to find a way to bridge the £5million gap in
their offer compared to Tottenham's asking price.

Tottenham have made no formal statement on discussions with United while reports of a £36m offer from Spanish giants Real Madrid appear wide of the mark.

Gerrard set to miss start of England's World Cup campaign as lacklustre Reds squeeze through

2008-08-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Liverpool 1 Standard Liege 0

Liverpool suffered a night of torture against European minnows Standard Liege before scraping through to the Champions League group stage 1-0 in extra-time.

But the victory came at a cost to the Merseysiders and England boss Fabio Capello after Rafa Benitez confirmed his talismanic midfielder will miss the next two weeks recovering from groin surgery.

Dirk Kuyt's knee saved Benitez's side the embarrassment of being taken to penalties by the Belgian club, scoring with it from close range as the clock showed two minutes left to play.

But as their supporters and American owners breathed a huge sigh of relief about taking their place in Thursday's draw in Monaco with Arsenal, who thrashed Steve McClaren's FC Twente 4-0 at The Emirates last night and 6-0 on aggregate, they faced more agony.

Manager Benitez revealed Gerrard is to have an operation to cure the long-standing groin problem - ruling him out for around a fortnight.

The surgery means he is set to miss the all-important start to England's World Cup qualifying campaign against Andorra and Croatia next month.

His absence will be a major setback for Capello, who has failed to turn the national side into a force and knows the trip to Croatia will be one of the trickiest.

Benitez had to rely on Gerrard as his team struggled against Liege, but then the Spaniard said: "Gerrard will have an operation.

"He has a groin problem.

"We knew it could be like this. He will be out for 10-15 days.

"I was talking with the doctor and we talked with him. He said he would play with pain and after it he would have an operation.

"He knew he had to keep going tonight because he was having the operation tomorrow."

The tie appeared to be heading for penalties when Kuyt stuck out a leg at the far post to send Ryan Babel's cross into the back of the net and guarantee Benitez's side a share in the lucrative next round.

Kuyt said :"We wanted to play in the Champions League because we know how good it can be.

"We've been in a final and a semi-final over recent years and we want more.

"First we have to win the qualifier and this was a tough game. We believed in ourselves and even though it wasn't our best performance, we always know we have the quality to score.

"Standard Liege were really tough opposition, they were really fighting for the 90 minutes in both matches and in extra time and maybe they deserved more, but that's football. We are just relieved to be through."

Get rid of him: Spurs players want Berbatov out

2008-08-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Dimitar Berbatov is in danger of becoming an outcast at Tottenham, with some senior players left fuming after he didn't play against Sunderland because his mind wasn't right.

Berbatov wasn't even on the substitutes' bench as Spurs lost their second straight game of the new season.

The 27-year-old has told the club to let him fulfil his dream of going to Old Trafford, but the deal has been held up due to chairman Daniel Levy's complaint to the Premier League over Manchester United's pursuit of the Bulgarian international.

The saga is threatening the mood in the dressing room and a few players would rather lose his talent up front than keep him at the club.

Berbatov's attitude in pre-season didn't go down well with members of the squad and it is understood that some players lost patience with him after he didn't play against Sunderland.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate insisted afterwards that the team's poor start to the campaign shouldn't be blamed on Berbatov, but it is not a view shared by everyone behind the scenes.

He has also lost the backing of many of the fans and was booed heavily when he came on against Middlesbrough last week.

Tottenham are still maintaining that they will keep the player unless they get a bid of £30million, but they were prepared to accept £28m a few weeks ago as long as they were able to buy a replacement.

They have even threatened to put Berbatov in the reserves should the move not take place and his attitude continues to be disruptive - but an agreement with United is expected to be reached soon.

Ramos is desperate for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible, to ensure that the club have enough time to find a new striker.

With the transfer window due to close at midnight on Monday, Tottenham have launched a desperate bid to bolster their attack and are assessing talent both at home and abroad.

They have looked at Radamel Falcao from River Plate and are considering another bid for West Ham's Dean Ashton, while Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko continue to be linked with a move to London.

Lightning Bolt joins Olympic sprint doubles club after blitzing the Beijing 200m field

2008-08-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Usain Bolt joined an exclusive club when he stormed to victory in the 200 metres final at the Bird's Nest in a new world record time of 19.30 seconds.

The 21-year-old Jamaican became just the ninth man in modern Olympic history to complete the 100m and 200m sprint double.

He is the first man since Carl Lewis at Los Angeles in 1984 to complete the feat.

Bolt, who casually shaved 0.03 seconds off his own record in winning the 100 metres title in sensational style on Saturday, clocked 19.30secs to break Michael Johnson's 12-year-old record of 19.32s.

The 21-year-old, who turns 22 tomorrow, made a brilliant start and was already well clear of the field coming into the straight.

But unlike the 100m final, where he began celebrating well before the line, this time he sprinted through the tape to initially stop the clock at 19.31s, a time that was swiftly rounded down to 19.30s.

Churandy Martina, of the Dutch Antilles, took silver in 19.82.

American Wallace Spearmon crossed the line in third place in 19.95 but was disqualified for running out of his lane and team-mate Shawn Crawford, who ran 19.96 was promoted to the bronze medal.

Britain's Christian Malcolm finished seventh in 20.40.
When Bolt set off on his lap of honour 'happy birthday' rang out over the tannoy.

Johnson had actually said earlier in the day that he felt his record would not
be broken tonight, but that it was only a matter of time before he could 'kiss
it goodbye.'

But Bolt had other ideas and the determination on his face was clear as he
powered down the home straight before glancing anxiously at the clock as he
crossed the line.

'In order to run 19.30 he has to run the curve better and hold his speed for longer,' Johnson had added earlier. "I didn't think he would run 9.69, but I think he could have run 9.62 if he had run to the finish and tied up his shoes.'

In the final event of the evening, Jamaica's Melaine Walker won gold in the 400m hurdles in a new Olympic record of 52.64s.

Walker powered off the final hurdle to finish comfortably ahead of American Sheena Tosta with Britain's Natasha Danvers putting an injury-plagued season behind her to snatch bronze.

Danvers was almost caught on the line by the fast-finishing Anastasiya Rabchenyuk of Ukraine and waited for confirmation from the giant scoreboard that she had held on to set a new personal best of 53.84.

It was then announced that the American team had launched a protest over Spearmon's disqualification from the 200m final.

OLYMPIC SPRINT DOUBLES

1904 Archie Hahn (United States)

1912 Ralph Craig (United States)

1928 Percy Williams (Canada)

1932 Eddie Tolan (United States)

1936 Jesse Owens (United States)

1956 Bobby Morrow (United States)

1972 Valeriy Borzov (Soviet Union)

1984 Carl Lewis (United States)

2008 Usain Bolt (Jamaica)

American great Michael Johnson hailed Usain Bolt's "incredible" achievement.

Johnson set a record of 19.32 seconds at the 1996 Olympics, and it was considered one of the toughest to beat in athletics.

However, Bolt sliced two-hundredths of a second from Johnson's time when winning
his second gold in Beijing in a time of 19.30secs.

'He got an incredible start,' said Johnson on BBC1. 'I looked at Colin Jackson and I said, 'Wow!'.

'It was much more of an amazing start than he got in the 100m and his turn was just absolutely fabulous.

'He wanted that record. This is his favourite event.

'He went for it. He came in here focused on it, knowing most likely he'd win the gold.

'The reason I felt he might not get it here was he wouldn't have been working on speed endurance, the ability to hold that speed for the entire race.

'But he showed that he had been working on that, and was able to bring home 19.30.

'Incredible time, incredible performance by Usain Bolt once again.

'Congratulations Usain.'

Fabio Capello appoints Chelsea skipper John Terry as England captain for qualifying campaign

2008-08-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

John Terry has been named as England captain for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Chelsea skipper beat off competition from Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who was widely tipped for the post.

Two years ago, Terry was handed the armband by then England coach Steve McClaren following another two-horse race, this time with Steven Gerrard, but today boss Fabio Capello has given Terry the nod.

Chelsea centre-half Terry, whose previous tenure leading out England ended with a failure to qualify for Euro 2008, will lead his country into the vital qualifying campaign which hopefully ends in South Africa and the 2010 World Cup Finals.
Capello has taken his time before coming to a decision and Terry will begin his second stint as permanent captain in tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

It's the last game before the qualifying campaign kicks off next month with two ties, against Andorra, in Barcelona, and then a much tougher challenge against Slaven Bilic's Croatia, in Zagreb.

Great to be British! Team GB strikes gold AGAIN after cyclists smash the world record in the team pursuit

2008-08-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Britain's incredible gold rush in the Beijing Olympics continued today as the sensational cyclists smashed a world record and took the overall gold medal haul to the highest total in 88 years.

The four-man team pursuit outfit of Ed Clancy, 23, Paul Manning, 33, Geriant Thomas, 22, and Bradley Wiggins, 28, destroyed their Danish rivals over 4,000 metres in the Laoshan Velodrome to claim Britain's sixth cycling gold.

They achieved a time of 3:53.314 - slashing two seconds off their previous world record.

The win makes the cycling team the single most successful in one sport in British Olympic history with hopes of another four golds to follow over the next three days.

It all took the so-called 'Great Haul of China' from Britain's team to 27 - 12 golds, seven silver and eight bronze - the most golds since the Antwerp Games in 1920.

Importantly too, it also took Britain back up to third in the overall medals table and ahead once again of Australia after three Aussie wins earlier in the day had seen them leapfrog Team GB in the bitter battle for supremecy.

The win was the second gold in Beijing for Wiggins - and his third in all - as he led the British quartet of pursuiters home in front of a Union Jack-waving crowd.

'It's phenomenal,' said Wiggins, from West London, who now has six Olympics medals and goes for gold again on Tuesday.

'We are a fantastic team and we have sacrificed a lot. We came to win and now we have achieved our goal.

'I set out to do that. I believed I could do it. But to put it into practice is another thing. It's such a relief when you do it and cross the line.'

He added: 'What the team is achieving is fantastic but we know there is still more to do.'

Manning, from Stockport, added: 'This is the pinnacle - we have been working on this for the best part of a decade, what a performance.'

Wiggins and fellow cyclist Chris Hoy could both secure a historic hat-trick of Beijing gold medals in races on Tuesday.

In doing so, they would become the first Brits to win three golds in a single Games for 100 years, with swimmer Henry Taylor having secured a treble in 1908.

Among those cheering him on today was Wiggins' wife Cathy, 28, who embraced him at the end.

She said: 'He came here to get three medals and he's not finished yet. It is amazing but it is going to get better.' Wiggins smiled and added: 'I'm greedy, I want three.'

The couple have two children Ben, 3, who already has a BMX bike, and one-year-old Isabella.

Great Britain chef de mission Simon Clegg injected a note of caution to national frenzy, however.

He warned that Britain had more chance of finishing ahead of the Australians in the medals table in London in four years' time than at this Olympics.

Asked whether Britain could 'beat the Aussies', he said: 'I'm convinced we can beat them in London in 2012, whether we can beat them here in Beijing, we've got to wait and see.'

British Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has bet his Australian counterpart Kate Ellis Britain will finish above its old foe - and the loser has to wear the others team's colours at a sporting event in their own country.

Britain is hopeful of another sailing gold on Tuesday after Paul Goodison opened up a massive lead in the Laser class on the waters of Qingdao, 300miles from Beijing.

The 30-year-old, who just missed out on an Olympic medal in Athens four years ago, ensured that he will not suffer similar heartache in Qingdao as he placed first, fourth and sixth in his races to surge 18 points clear of his nearest rival Sweden's Rasmus Myrgren at the top of the standings.

An eighth-place finish in the medal race will give him the gold and the worst he can do now is bronze.

There was another silver today in Qingdao where Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield in the 470 men's class repeated their achievement in Athens by finishing second.

After a gold rush over the weekend, the British team is now on course to beat its target of 41 medals in Beijing, 11 more than in Athens.

Meanwhile, Michael Phelps, winner of a record eight gold medals in Beijing, said he will visit Britain on his way home to attend a party organised by Olympic sponsors in the Mall on August 24 to celebrate the handover of the Games to London.

Phelps, 23, said: 'It will be a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the Beijing Games and to kick-off the countdown to London 2012. I am honoured to be part of this celebration.'

Fellow swimmer and British double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, 19, spoke today of her desire to replicate Phelps' success at the London games in four years.

'Seeing him win that eighth race was absolutely amazing. It was really exciting. He is an amazing swimmer and I definitely look up to him as a role model.

'I can only dream of having the same success as him.'

Her second gold came on a spectacular weekend for Britain, which saw golds in the rowing, swimming and sailing.

Three blondes, four golds and Britain climb up to third in the medal table

2008-08-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson claimed a gold medal for Britain with
victory in the Yngling medal race at the Olympic sailing regatta today.

In what amounted to a two-horse race for the gold against the Netherlands in
the Yngling class, Team GB came home in first place for the first time in the
regatta with the Dutch trailing in fifth in heavy conditions on the Yellow Sea.

And there were three more golden moments as Mark Hunter and Zac Purchase won the lightweight men's double sculls in the rowing, sailor Ben Ainslie won the Finn class and cyclist Rebecca Romero won the women's individual pursuit.

The British trio of Ayton, Webb and Wilson entered the regatta as heavy favourites after dominating the Yngling class for the past two years, winning back-to-back world championships, last year's Olympic test event in Qingdao and this year's European
championships.
But they went into the medal race with only a slender one-point advantage after
finishing fifth behind the winning Dutch crew of Mandy Mulder, Annermieke Bes
and Merel Witteveen in the eighth and final preliminary race on Friday.

Light, unsettled wind conditions saw the race being postponed from Saturday but
the boats were eventually flagged off in much heavier conditions 24 hours later
as strong winds and heavy rain descended on the waters off Qingdao.

The Dutch had the jump on the British boat at the start but it was Team GB that
reached the windward mark first, just a second in front of the Dutch and the
rest of the field.

They maintained their lead at the second mark and although they were overtaken
by Germany during the second leg, the Netherlands had dropped back to sixth, 51
seconds adrift of the British.

Ayton, Webb and Wilson regained the lead on the run to the finish line and
crossed the line seven seconds ahead of Germany and a minute in front of the
fifth-placed Dutch.

The Netherlands took the silver while Greece finished in third place in the
race to secure the bronze medal.

The crew were understandably thrilled about their win and Sarah Webb is
predicting more success for the crew in years to come.

She said: "I'm lost for words, it is such a relief. Our experience was
everything, we stayed sure and we got better."

Ayton added: "It's been brilliant, this campaign has been about pure
perfection and we're just an awesome team."

Wilson, who joined up with Webb and Ayton after their gold medal in Athens with
Shirley Robertson four years ago, was delighted with her first prize.

"This has been the dream and it hasn't really sunk in," she said.

Fernando Torres bullet fires Liverpool into life

2008-08-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

He is a machine made for scoring. With this game drifting into anticlimax for Liverpool, Fernando Torres again showed why he is the outstanding goalscorer in European football, exploding into life with just seven minutes to go to deliver a typical viper-strike from the left channel.

By beating Craig Gordon at the near post, Torres ensured a happy end to a troubled week at Anfield and if Liverpool are to mount a serious challenge for their first title in 19 years, Torres will be at the heart of it.

Coming into his fifth year, Rafael Benitez is under serious pressure to mount a challenge. However, those efforts are being undermined by the farcical contortions of the club’s efforts to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. Benitez is apparently frustrated by his chief executive Rick Parry and the failure of the American owners Hicks and Gillett to wrap up the Barry deal. Add to that the agitation of Xabi Alonso for a move away from Anfield - possibly to Arsenal - and it makes for an unhappy ship.

Certainly, Liverpool were foggy-headed from kick-off, carrying a heavy hangover from their abysmal performance in the goalless midweek Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege.

Sami Hyypia was chosen ahead of Dan Agger in the centre of defence, presumably to counteract the aerial prowess of Daryl Murphy, and swiftly gifted El Hadji Diouf a chance to score, messing up a back header that fell way short. Jamie Carragher cleared up something he was going to have to get used. Indeed Carragher spent the half screeching at the new Italian left-back Andrea Dossena, trying to curb his forward movements. Poor Dossena was in turn shouted at by Benitez, who demanded he make more attacking runs.

The problems were not just in defence. The much vaunted £40 million pairing of Torres and Robbie Keane in attack failed to click, and Torres only scored after Keane had been substituted. Roy Keane wants to sign a top-class centre- half but Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins were composed in dealing with the pair. Robbie Keane played deeper, trying to collect and run at the defence. He failed to make much headway in the early stages though and only had a snap shot wide after a neat bit of juggling to show for his efforts.

Sunderland, in contrast, have made a substantial improvement over the summer. Roy Keane has bought more astutely than in previous transfer windows, and the radical restructuring has had clear benefits.

Steed Malbranque was outstanding on the right flank, looking trim and sharp, combining well with right-back Pascal Chimbonda, also signed from Tottenham. The other acquisition from White Hart Lane, Teemu Tainio, was ferocious in defensive midfield.

Working off that solid platform was Diouf, who might well prove the bargain of the summer. The best chance of the half came when his cross, from the left, picked out Murphy. The Sunderland striker had a free header but could not get enough on it.

Liverpool grew in self-belief in the second half, and the half-time introduction of Alonso, in place of Damien Plessis, was certainly instrumental to that. Plessis had not played poorly and has the makings of a really serious player. But Alonso is that already.

Having escaped when Diouf mis-hit a Tainio cross at the far post straight at Jose Reina, Liverpool surged forward. Yossi Benayoun finally gave Craig Gordon something to think about when his direct run and shot brought out a tidy near-post save. Keane followed up but his effort was blocked.

Gerrard went even closer with an hour played, his attempt to cuff the ball inside the far post from just inside the box blocked by Collins.

Collins almost undid his good work though when he deflected Kuyt’s shot but Gordon was swiftly down to his left and then back up to block the Keane follow up. Belatedly, Liverpool were stirring. And Torres was loading the bullet in the chamber.

Beckham's A-list friends cheer him on the football pitch... but LA Galaxy still can't win a match

2008-08-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

His is one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.

So it makes sense that David Beckham should command an enviable A-list supporters' club whenever he takes the pitch.

And the turnout for Thursday night's match between Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA in Carson, California was no exception.

Sat alongside Victoria Beckham cheering her husband were Tom Cruise, Gordon Ramsay and his family, and Eva Longoria's husband Tony Parker.

Ramsay and Parker were particularly animated during the game, while Cruise preferred to take a more measured stance, quietly contemplating the football on display in front of him.

He may have good reason to pause for thought.

.
The LA Galaxy drew 2-2 with Chivas USA, bringing the total of games they've now gone without winning to seven.

The troubled club this week fired general manager Alexi Lalaas and accepted the resignation of Dutch coach Ruud Gullit.

The side is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference league, after being expected to contend for the Major League Soccer (MLS) title this season.

Beckam is the highest paid player in the MLS and is being paid a reported £125million over five years.

It's all Rover for Manchester City as Blackburn reject £12m bid for free-scoring striker Santa Cruz

2008-08-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Blackburn have confirmed they have turned down a bid, thought to be around £12m, from Barclays Premier League rivals Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The Paraguay international was Rovers top scorer last season and has been linked with a number of clubs this summer - including City's neighbours Manchester United.

'A bid came in last night and it was immediately rejected,' read a Blackburn statement.

'Various Manchester City officials have been advised on a number of occasions that the player would not be for sale.

'We are very disappointed, therefore, that they have continued their interest.'

Meanwhile, City boss Mark Hughes' plans for the new season were dealt a blow last night when Darius Vassell was ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
The Welshman moved quickly to remedy that problem by attempting to sign the man who scored 19 league goals for him last season while Hughes was manager at
Blackburn.

The fee City have offered is believed to be around the £12million mark - over £8.5 million more than Blackburn paid for his services when they signed him from Bayern Munich last summer.

Santa Cruz spent eight years at the German club and has scored 17 goals in the 53 international appearances he has made for Paraguay.

No way Jose! Lampard finally signs stellar new deal with Chelsea to close door on joining Mourinho at Inter Milan

2008-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Frank Lampard has signed a lucrative new five-year deal with Chelsea, describing it as the last major contract of his career.

The 30-year-old ended protracted negotiations and speculation over his future by agreeing to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond next season in a deal that is likely to make him the best-paid player in British football.

Lampard had been targeted by Inter Milan to sign ahead of the start of this season, but when Chelsea's price tag became prohibitive, the Italians appeared ready to take him on a free next summer.

Lampard told the club's official TV station: 'I've had great seasons here and now I can have many more. It has been a difficult summer for many reasons. Now we can concentrate on football.'

The England international revealed the club had helped him through the death of his mother Pat in April.

He said: 'The club has been fantastic. I told them I needed some time. It has been a long period negotiating - it has been a very important contract. I'm 30 now, so I see it as my last big contract.

'I'm personally very happy and I hope I've made the Chelsea fans happy. I've had seven great seasons here and now I can have many more.

Lampard's negotiations stretched on for months as he insisted on a five-year deal when the club were initially only prepared to offer four years.

The midfielder is thought to have at least matched John Terry's salary of about £135,000 a week. Lampard is thought to have turned down a four-year deal worth £140,000 a week earlier this summer.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon explained the contract talks had taken time because it was a major decision for Lampard.

'These are big issues for the club, for Frank and any other player,' said Kenyon. 'Whatever has gone on I think there is that underlying desire that we get there.

'It's taken both Frank and the club longer than we originally thought.'

The deal will no doubt disappoint former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who had hoped Lampard would play a key role in the San Siro club's midfield.

British swimmers take gold and bronze in the same race as women's record is swept away after 48 years

2008-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Britain was celebrating a second gold medal today and a second win for the team's women after Rebecca Adlington bagged the first female gold in swimming for almost half a century.

Swimmer Rebecca Adlington triumphed by a finger tip in the 400 metres freestyle, 24 hours after Nicole Cooke took the first gold in the women's cycling road race.

Adlington, 19, who narrowly beat American Katie Hoff by seven hundredths of a second, said she is glad the 'girls have done it for Britain'.

Speaking after her victory, the teenager from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, said: 'I like the fact that it is women who won the first medals. It's a great result for Britain.'

She was joined on the podium by her best friend, 21-year-old Joanne Jackson who took bronze in the same event.

'It is just amazing to have two Britons on the same podium - incredible. This is definitely the best British team we have ever had,' Adlington said.

Jackson, from Richmond, Yorkshire, added: 'I was just pleased to get into the final, but to be on the podium is just amazing. I am so happy for both of us. It is great for British swimming.'

Adlington is the first British woman to take a swimming gold since Anita Lonsborough-Porter won the 200m breaststroke event in Rome in 1960.

Adlintong also has another chance at winning a medal when she races again in the 200metres freestyle relay final on Wednesday.

Adlington takes part in the 800 metres freestyle - her strongest event - on Thursday raising the possibility of following Dame Kelly Holmes as a double gold Olympian.

She said she spoke to her family staright after her win. 'I rang home and all I could hear was screaming down the phone. They were all screaming: "well done Becks".'

Adlington's family, parents Steve, 50, Kay, 48, and elder sisters Laura, 21 and Chloe, 24, had to watch the race on television at home when they lost £1,100 buying tickets on what turned out to be a fake internet booking site.

They have now paid a second time to see their daughter compete this week.

The swimmer, who has a penchant for shoes, says her family are buying her a pair of Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutin shoes as a reward for her win.

She added: 'I was so tired near the end but I thought you've got nothing to lose, so I just went for it.'
Adlington who is best friends with Jackson, said: 'I was so happy to be up there on the podium with my best friend. Then to have the entire team, looking down at you and singing the national anthem, not at all in tune, was just the best feeling.'

Adlington's parents were unable to be with their daughter to celebrate her victory after being ripped off by a bogus tickets website. They plan to see her compete on Thursday after paying out again.

Speaking from their home in Mansfield, adorned with Union Flags, Mrs Adlington mother said: 'When I saw her touch I think in all honesty that was the confirmation.

'I wasn't sure if she had got it until that moment and then I came from behind my cushion and hit the roof.'

Her father, a managing director of a steel company, said watching his youngest daughter take gold had been an "emotional" experience.

He said: 'It was amazing this morning. We had 18 of us all here and when she won it was fantastic.

'It's been an amazing experience. I think the most emotional bit was when they played the national anthem.

'At the end of the race we were all on our feet. Even her granddad, who was 80 a few weeks ago, was dancing round the living room. I've never seen him move like that.'

Olympics: Britain win first gold medal in women's cycling race

2008-08-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Nicole Cooke has won Britain's first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics, cycling to victory in the road race.

The 25-year-old Welshwoman was in a group of five that pulled away from the peloton in the 6km uphill climb to the finish through driving rain. She then won a sprint to the line before hoisting her arms in the air in delight.

'We did it, it was perfect. It's a dream come true,' said a jubilant Cooke, who finished in 3 hours, 32 minutes and 24 seconds .

'I want to thank all the people who have been there from the start. I have worked so hard, I am so happy.'

Cooke came fifth in Athens when a lack of supporting team-mates cost her a medal.

But today with Emma Pooley and Sharon Laws she had probably the best British women's team ever assembled.

Simon Clegg, Team GB's chef de mission, said: 'Nicole Cooke has just secured Team GB's first medal - and what a medal. It's not only gold but it's Team GB's 200th gold medal from the modern Olympic Games.

'Emma and Sharon did an awesome job in supporting Nicole in her race for gold.'

Sweden's Emma Johansson won the silver and Tatiana Guderzo of Italy won the bronze.

Nicole Cooke Factfile:

1983 - Born April 13, Swansea, Wales.

2000 - Wins gold medals in world championship junior road races in France and

Spain.

2001 - Continues that success with further wins in junior race and time trial

in Portugal. Awarded the Bidlake Memorial Prize, given for outstanding performance or

contribution to the betterment of cycling.

2002 - Wins gold medal in women's road race at the Commonwealth Games in

Manchester.

2003 - Wins the women's road race world cup, the youngest to do so and the

first Briton. Named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.

2004 - Becomes the youngest winner of the Giro d'Italia Femminile. August - Finishes fifth in road race in the Athens Olympics.

2006 - Wins the bronze medal in the road race at the Commonwealth Games in

Melbourne. September 3 - Wins road race world cup for the second time.

2008 - August 10 - Wins gold medal in road race at the Beijing Olympics,

Britain's first medal of the games.

Olympics: Phelps launches bid for immortality with new record

2008-08-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

Michael Phelps coolly launched his bid for Olympic immortality by breaking his own Games record for the 400m individual medley with a calculated early surge in the opening day heats at the spectacular Water Cube aquatic centre.

The American, seeking to eclipse Mark Spitz's haul of seven gold medals set at Munich in 1972, recorded a time of 4mins 7.82secs to qualify fastest for the Sunday morning showdown with his compatriot Ryan Lochte. He admitted afterwards he had been determined to send a message of intent to his rivals from the outset. "I wanted to be in the middle of the pool for the final because that's going to give me an advantage," said the 23-year-old, who already holds the world record for one of the toughest races on the Games schedule. "I'm pretty satisfied with the time. I didn't think I'd swim that fast in the preliminaries."

There are a potential 19 further races still to go if Phelps wishes to edge past Spitz and become the undisputed emperor of the Beijing pool. Even at a Games being staged on such a monumental scale eight gold medals will take some collecting, but there was an ominous ease about Phelps's first outing. At the halfway mark he was only a fraction outside the world-record split-time and he was a second and a half quicker than his nearest qualifying pursuer, Hungary's Laszlo Cseh.

Known as the 'Baltimore Bullet' to his friends, it was clear Phelps meant business even before he mounted the blocks. Gone was the wannabe handlebar moustache he has sported during his initial days in the athlete's village, a further clue that Phelps is not here to muck about. There is even less body hair at an Olympic swimming meet than you'll find at the average alopecia clinic, and Phelps would be missing a trick if he did anything to encourage the myriad smooth operators around him.

All that remains now is to prove his fast start was not a premature splash in the pan. Mental strength will be every bit as important as the extraordinarily long torso which makes him unique in his chosen sport. It is Lochte's misfortune to be around at the same time as this veritable human fish but even the unluckiest swimmers have drawn first prize in terms of the venues at this Olympics. While others broil outside in humidity and heat of steaming intensity, the Water Cube is a spectacular oasis which can accommodate 17,000 grateful spectators. The organisers' problem is not so much keeping the swimmers happy as extracting them from the cooling water once their races are over.

Britain will be represented in the women's 400m individual medley final by Hannah Miley from Inverurie in Aberdeenshire who qualified from the neighbouring lane to Phelps's female counterpart Katie Hoff, the current world record holder. Miley, who celebrated her 19th birthday on Friday, finished eighth fastest after a hotly-contested sequence of heats but will do well to capture a medal against a high-quality field which also features the 15-year-old Elizabeth Beisel of the US and the sleek Australian Stephanie Rice.

Hartlepool's Jemma Lowe sneaked into the semi-finals of the women's 100m butterfly by four-hundredths of a second and Christopher Cook also survived to fight another day in the men's 100m breaststroke. The women's 100m freestyle relay team also did just enough to qualify at the expense of Japan.

I will never allow Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Real Madrid, insists Fergie

2008-08-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson today vowed that Cristiano Ronaldo will never be allowed to join Real Madrid and suggested that Manchester United may even give the 23-year-old a new contract.

Ronaldo arrived back in Manchester yesterday after seemingly resolving issues regarding his future in an interview he gave in Portugal earlier this week.

And despite the fact that the Portuguese international has repeated his desire to one day play in Spain, Ferguson outlined his intention today to make sure that never happens.

As he revealed that United striker Wayne Rooney is back in training and could yet make the start of the league season, Ferguson said: 'We have ended all this stuff about Real Madrid and I think Cristiano appreciates this more and more and appreciates the club.

'That happens with players here.

'The longer they stay the less they ever want to leave.

'Look at players like Rio Ferdinand.

'I think Real Madrid know they are dealing with a different animal and I also think that Cristiano has settled down now and will enjoy his career here'.

United Chief Executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to extend Ronaldo's current playing contract but Ferguson would appear to differ.

The United manager added: 'He has four years left and hopefully at some point we will extend that and that is where we are.

'This was an important issue but there are very few players who have left me against my will'.

United face Portsmouth in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday and will be without Rooney as he continues his recovery from a virus.

But Sportsmail revealed yesterday that the England striker was making progress in his recovery and Ferguson said today: 'He is back in training and the virus appears to be leaving him.

'He had a chance for next weekend'.

£6m...That's Ljungberg's reward for being a Premier League flop as Hammers show him the door

2008-08-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Freddie Ljungberg's disastrous spell at Upton Park is over after only 12 months as West Ham agreed to pay a staggering £6million to get him off their spiralling wage billl.

As the full extent of Ljungberg's incredible salary details emerged - he is paid £85,000 a week and had an option for another year if he made just 15 appearances this season - West Ham are still suffering from the aftershock of one of the most expensive mistakes in British football history.

In total, he cost them approximately £13m, taking into account transfer fee, wages and his pay-off - working out at over £500,000 per game, following 25 appearances for the club last season in which he made little impact.

West Ham have yet to announce Ljungberg's departure, but the deal has been agreed and he has been told he is now effectively a free agent. Ljungberg, 31, believes he can still play at the top in England, Italy or Spain and has asked his agent to find him a new club.
The Sweden midfielder was due to earn £8.84m over the next two years at West Ham and initially informed Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury that he had no intention of reaching a settlement.

Despite being told by manager Alan Curbishley that he would not be playing for the first team this season, the injury-prone midfielder told the club he would sit tight and see out the remaining two years on his mega-bucks deal. He has not been part of the pre-season programme and is understood to be back home in Sweden 'weighing up a number of options'.

It is an incredible fall from grace for Ljungberg. He was a member of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' who won the Premier League in 2004 without losing a game and was recently voted the Gunners' 11th best player of all time.

The Hammers signed him from their London rivals for £3m last summer, but he showed no signs of his Arsenal form and his season ended early when he broke a rib in a collision with Newcastle defender Steven Taylor.

Although Ljungberg recovered to play for Sweden at Euro 2008, he announced his retirement from international football after the tournament in order to prolong his career in the Premier League.

Another of West Ham's injury-prone strikers, Craig Bellamy, faces being out for up to two months after tearing a hamstring in the first half hour of Monday night's 5-3 friendly win at Ipswich.

This setback follows news that Kieron Dyer's long-awaited return has been put back until November because of a stress fracture in the right leg he broke early last season.

However, Bellamy will not face any action following an alleged verbal spat with a female fan at Portman Road.

Rooney a doubt for start of United's title defence after picking up virus in Nigeria

2008-08-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney is in danger of missing the start of the Barclays Premier League season with a stomach virus he picked up during Manchester United's disastrous recent visit to Nigeria.

With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson already without injured forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha and sweating on their pursuit of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, Rooney's potential absence from the opening game at home to Newcastle is a devastating blow.

Last week, United denied information put to them by Sportsmail that Rooney had picked up an illness during the club's one-day visit to Nigeria for a game against Portsmouth on July 27.

But last night Ferguson said: 'I doubt we'll get Rooney for the start of the season with this virus that he's had. It's a virus he's picked up in Nigeria, I believe, and it's a bad virus. He's not trained. He's not back in yet - 12 days until the start of the season and he's not trained. We came back on the 28th so it's a long time.'

United did not confirm the exact nature of Rooney's problem but the boss said it was not malaria. Ferguson added: 'We've done all the investigations. We've got our own laboratory now. All he had was malaria tablets and it was nothing to do with that. It wasn't malaria.'
It is understood that the mystery bug also affected other United players, including Michael Carrick. Ferguson said: 'Carrick's here this morning and hopefully he may be in for part of the Community Shield on Sunday - it's difficult to say.

'We're not going to make decisions at the moment other than looking at who's bloody injured, who's got viruses and worry about whether we're going to have a team to start the season because Nani's suspended and Anderson's in the Olympics.'

With Ronaldo due back at the end of the week, Ferguson continues to dismiss suggestions that the player will leave for Real Madrid this summer.

Real president Ramon Calderon yesterday introduced Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart as the club's 'first and last signing of the summer'. And Ferguson said: 'Will someone send a violin case over please. I'm not discussing that. The matter is closed now. He's going to play here next season. It's all over.'

As Ferguson spoke yesterday, first-team squad members were involved in training sessions for youngsters involved in the prestigious Nike Premier Cup for some of the world's best young club teams which is staged at United's Carrington training base each August.

Rio Ferdinand, who lent his support, afterwards spoke of the Double winners' desire to match their recent achievements. He said: 'We were very successful over the last two seasons and that becomes an addiction.

'When you're at United you can't afford to stand still. We're setting out to go and do it again. Nights like the Champions League final don't come around very often.

'Ryan Giggs had had to wait nine years for his second one and I thought straight away that I haven't got nine years. I want to get there and touch that trophy again as soon as possible.

'When I signed for this club I saw people like Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Giggs, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Paul Scholes. Their names are ingrained as part of the club's history and that's what we all want.

'You can only do that by winning the Champions League. We have to do what we did last season, but better.

'We have young players like Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo; good young players. These guys are all young and talented and they all have much to give. They won't reach their peak for a few years yet and so they will always have more to give us.

'I am sure as players that they will be looking at what they did last season and thinking that they can improve on it. And the club will facilitate that.'

Paula Radcliffe will race in Beijing

2008-08-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

The British gold medal hope insisted she will run providing she avoids a setback in her recovery from her thigh injury.

"I'm racing unless my leg breaks down," said Radcliffe, 34, who had looked destined to miss out on her fourth consecutive Olympics when an MRI scan in May revealed a stress fracture in her left femur.

The marathon world record holder has defied medical opinion so far and linked up with the British squad at their Macau training base today.

Radcliffe will now begin the last few steps towards realising her ambition of an Olympic gold, her main remaining goal in a highly successful career.

Earlier, British Athletics Performance Director Dave Collins said Radcliffe would be given every chance to complete. He said: "I am more optimistic as time goes on.

"We'll have a look. We've given her the space and the time that I think her performance level deserves, we'll see her get here and again, we'll be watching progress and see what happens. That's what we've been doing all the way through."

Collins stressed the final say on Radcliffe's fitness would come down to a joint decision, although he refused to be drawn on what would happen if the lure of the Olympics proved too strong and she defied medical advice to compete.

Just watch me and Torres score goals galore, says Liverpool's new No 7 Keane after £20m Spurs switch

2008-07-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Robbie Keane is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Fernando Torres after completing his £20.3million move from Tottenham to Liverpool.

Keane, the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland captain, agreed a four-year deal at Anfield after undergoing a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and could now establish a mouth-watering partnership in attack with Spain striker Torres.

The pair could become one of the deadliest strike combinations in the Barclays Premier League, and Keane is a big fan of his new team-mate.
'He has been a revelation since he came to the Premier League. He was absolutely outstanding last year and also in the Euros with Spain,' Keane said.

'It is hard to leave Tottenham with some of the players they had - like Dimitar Berbatov, who I had a great relationship with - but Torres is probably the best striker in the world right now. Hopefully we can play a lot of games together and do well.'
Keane should play just off Torres in the Liverpool formation, and hopes to bridge the gap between midfield and Torres.

'I see myself as a second striker," he said. 'I can play off the shoulder, link things up and play in the hole. You are always judged on scoring goals as a striker and I have always scored a lot of goals. Hopefully I can continue that here at Liverpool.'
The new Reds frontman turned down Liverpool as a 14-year-old in favour of joining Wolves, and is relieved the opportunity to join the club he supports came up again.

'The last four years have been great for me and I believe I am at my peak,' he said.
Fernando Torres

'I am at a good age and if I didn't come to Liverpool now, maybe the opportunity wouldn't come again. It has worked out perfectly for me and, hopefully, for Liverpool Football Club as well.'

Keane is set to be handed the number seven shirt, famously worn by Anfield legends including Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed: 'We were talking about the number, and the big names that have had this number, so it will be inspirational for him to have it too.'

Benitez expects Keane, who has also played for Coventry, Inter Milan and Leeds, to strike up a fearsome partnership with Torres.

'We were looking for a player with game intelligence and good movement who could play alongside Torres," Benitez tsaid.

'He can play with Torres up front and also on the right.

'He is a player who can give to us a lot of goals - normally he gets about 15 each year. We were looking for the workrate he can give to us, the game intelligence and also the goals.'

Keane added: 'I do not think I let Spurs down. I had six fantastic seasons there and gave them everything. Since day one.

'I always give everything, and that will never change. The Spurs fans were always magnificent to me and I will always have a place in my heart for them.

'But this is a new chapter in my life and one that I am looking forward to. I had six great years at Spurs and thank them for that.

Keane will now wear the No 7 shirt at Liverpool made famous by legends like Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.

Keane said: 'To wear that shirt is an honour, and something I truly understand. If I can have half as much success in it as Keegan and Dalglish did, I will be a happy man'

He added: 'I've been waiting for this day since I was a kid. Everyone knows I am a massive Liverpool fan, so to be sitting here today in a Liverpool tracksuit is a dream come true.

'I always wanted to be a footballer as a kid, but also to play for Liverpool.

'Maybe you never feel it is going to happen. I could have come here as a teenager, but chose Wolves because I felt there would be more chance of immediate first team football, and that proved to be the case.

'Now I am enjoying every minute and I can't wait to pull on that red shirt.

'This is a massive club and want to do everything I can to make them even more
successful.

'The reasons I left Spurs are that I am a huge Liverpool fan and the chance to play for them may never come around again.

'This opportunity is something I couldn't let go. I am at an age now when I believe I am at my peak, and aim to kick on.

'This is a great opportunity now for me, the whole package that Liverpool has to offer really inspires me.

'I am just grateful to be here. I love the club and this is the one dream I
had still achieve.'

Rooney comes under fire from Pele as United close in on Berbatov

2008-07-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

I don’t know why. When he is tangling with opponents, Rooney has to learn how to defend himself, not attack the opponent. ‘Maybe that has something to do with it. If you can protect yourself against challenges, it will be easier to keep your temper.’

Watching Rooney huff and puff around the beautiful Newlands Stadium on Saturday
in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with the Kaizer Chiefs, it was tempting to agree with Pele.

Given 69 minutes by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney’s most notable contribution was to tangle persistently with Chiefs defender and captain Jimmy Tau.

Rooney looked close to losing his temper on several occasions but perhaps onlookers like Pele should consider it is this sense of drive that has propelled him to the top.

Wearing a long-sleeved jersey under his United shirt in the sun, Rooney was perhaps trying to sweat off a couple of excess ounces. But to suggest he looks fat is ridiculous.

Ferguson said: ‘Wayne is a born fighter. That is what he is. He does get frustrated in some games but we don’t want to take that away from him. He is learning to control himself.’

The manager has greater issues on his mind as he prepares a strategy to tempt Tottenham to sell Dimitar Berbatov.

After Spurs chairman Daniel Levy accused Ferguson of publicly courting the Bulgarian — something the United camp deny — the Old Trafford boss may ask his club’s lawyers to look at the comments.

That issue is bound to fade away but United’s interest in the player will not. An increased bid of £25million is expected in the coming days.

Kaizer Chiefs went ahead on Saturday through a Jonathan Quartey penalty in the first half before Chris Eagles equalised with half an hour left.

United move on to Durban today where they meet Orlando Pirates tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently in America, has fended off more questions about a move to Real Madrid, saying: ‘I don’t know about the future, only God knows it.’

Newly single Cristiano Ronaldo took a glamorous actress back to his hotel suite after a night out on the town in Hollywood.

2008-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Newly single Cristiano Ronaldo took a glamorous actress back to his hotel suite after a night out on the town in Hollywood.

The Manchester United star let his hair down at trendy bar Nineteen 12 - located inside the luxury Beverly Hills Hotel - in the early hours of Friday morning LA time.

After a fun evening with friends and plenty of vodka cocktails, he was set up with a pretty brunette by his manager.

The pair retreated to his room shortly after 2am, MailOnline has learned.

A source said: 'Cristiano's agent didn't want him spend the night alone, so he set him up with a beautiful brunette who was hanging around the bar at the end of the evening.

'Cristiano didn't waste any time. After a couple of drinks, her took her up to his room.'

Ronaldo - who is still on crutches as he recuperates from an ankle operation - had been drinking White Russian and vodka pineapple cocktails.

Earlier in the evening he had dinner at trendy restaurant Madeo with friends and another prospective blind date.

The source said: 'He decided he wanted to meet a lady tonight. He said it was his 'mission' to find a nice pretty American girl.'

Meanwhile the 23-year-old has confirmed to friends that he has indeed split with Spanish model Nereida Gallardo.

A separate source who has been spending time with the footballer in LA told MailOnline: 'Cristiano has asked for us to set him up on dates and says he is single.

'He hasn't gone into detail about his breakup with Nereida. But he did say he really likes American women.'

Ronaldo has been in the States for the past few days.

As MailOnline first reported, he spurned the advances of socialite Paris Hilton during a night out at Hollywood club Villa on Tuesday night.

The following evening, he went toa sports awards event also attended by David and Victoria Beckham.

And before tonight's fun, a flirtatious Ronaldo was spotted flirting in a hotel pool with two bikini-clad girls.

Onlookers said he was anxious to catch the eye of one blonde guest in particular as he soaked up the sun and worked on his tan.

Wenger poised to hijack Barry deal as Gilberto exit leaves Arsenal bereft of holding midfielders

2008-07-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

The departure of Brazilian midfielder Gilberto to Panathinaikos today will lead Arsene Wenger to consider a fresh approach for Aston Villa's unsettled England international Gareth Barry.
gareth barry

With Barry's planned move to Liverpool left in doubt by the Anfield club's unwillingness to meet Villa's £18million valuation, the opportunity to hijack the deal may prove overwhelming.

Gilberto is the second holding midfield player to leave Emirates Stadium following Mathieu Flamini's move to AC Milan, leaving Wenger desperately short of cover in the centre of the pitch.

Barry has been forced to report for pre-season training with Villa for the first time today since he criticised manager Martin O'Neill in a newspaper article and was fined two weeks' wages.

O'Neill was also angry with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for openly courting his captain and relations between the two have now soured beyond repair.

Wenger could now capitalise on the situation and, armed with extra money from the sale of Gilberto, is expected to make an official approach having previously asked to be kept informed of developments in Barry's status.

Gilberto will undergo a medical in Athens and then put pen to paper on a contract that will see him earn around £6m over the next three years.

Despite being made vice-captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season due to the presence of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Flamini.

Brilliant Federer sweeps past Ancic to reach yet another semi

2008-07-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Champion Roger Federer snuffed out the challenge of the last man to beat him on grass with a 6-1 7-5 6-4 victory over Mario Ancic in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Croat, then 18, upset Federer in the first round on his Wimbledon debut in 2002, since when the Swiss has won 64 consecutive matches on grass, 39 at the London grand slam where he has lifted the trophy five times in a row.

World number one Federer, in devastating form from the start, allowed Ancic only one point in his first four service games as he ran away with the opening set.

Ancic improved after a rain delay lasting two hours and 13 minutes with the score 1-1 in the second set, playing a full part in some high quality rallies.

Games went with serve until the 11th when the 1.95-metre tall Croat netted a volley to give his opponent the break point.

Federer was in full flow in the third set and won the match in one hour and 41 minutes on his first match point, going into a semi-final against Russia's Marat Safin.

When play resumed after the rain delay Ancic immediately looked like he had benefited with a marked improvement in his game.

But Federer still took the only break when Ancic netted a volley to go to deuce then double faulted to hand the Swiss the point.

A great rally was won by Ancic in the next game but Federer then hit three service winners in a row followed by an ace to take the set.

Ancic, at 24 two years younger than Federer, won a 16-minute game at the start of the third set which went to deuce 10 times and in which he fended off four break points.

He was less successful four games later when Federer continued to apply his slide-rule tennis, finding the lines and corners with consummate ease, and converted the first break point to go 3-2 up.

Federer set himself up with three match points but needed only one, hitting a second serve as though it was a first straight down the middle at 112 mph for an ace.

After that defeat by Ancic in 2002, Federer has now beaten the Croatian in all six of their subsequent meetings.

Ferguson returns from holiday convinced he will be able to make Ronaldo stay at United

2008-06-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will be able to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Real Madrid and stay at Manchester United.

The Portugal winger appears determined to join the Spanish giants but Ferguson, who returns from holiday this week, is vehemently opposed to selling his star player, reports The Times.

The two men are not believed to have spoken since Ronaldo left Manchester to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2008 in late May.

Ferguson is thought to have been disappointed by some of Ronaldo’s comments regarding a switch to the Bernabeu.

But the United manager reckons the 23-year-old, who has not demanded a move yet, will drop the issue when he learns of the extent of his opposition to the sale.

Ooh I say! Maria Sharapova sets pulses racing with see-through top

2008-06-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

After much hype, tennis - and fashion - lovers have been following court action with anticipation since Wimbledon began on Monday.

And despite sneak previews into the outfit provisioned for Maria Sharapova's debut match, the glamour girl still managed to cause a jaw-dropping stir.

Although Nike had released early designs of the shorts and t-shirt combo, the piece-de-resistance, a see-through top, ensured Maria came up trumps in the style stakes today.

The Russian beauty arrived on court in an elegant blazer but quickly stripped off in a move that was likely to set pulses racing.

With little more than a sports-bra covering her modesty, Maria, 21, showcased the revealing outfit as she battled against Stephanie Foretz in the women's singles round on day two of the tournament.

The outfit did little to distract the tennis ace from her game though and she went on to win her first match, 6-1, 6-4.

Who will claim Wimbledon victory has yet to be determined, but after today, 6ft 2 Maria is almost certainly leading in the race to most stylish player.

Day one, however, saw some serious contenders as Serena Williams and Roger Federer also looked to the catwalk for inspiration.

The 26-year-old American insisted on wearing a trendy Burberry raincoat as she warmed up for her Court 1 match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.

The outfit didn't seem to have boosted Miss Williams' confidence though as she made relatively heavy weather of beating her unfancied opponent 7-5, 6-3.
Despite her athletic skills, fashion dominated the press conference that followed.

Serena said: 'It's definitely not athletic attire.

'But it's ladylike and I'm very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else.'It's definitely kind of retro inspired; buckles on the wrist, thewaistband tie। You can tie it or button it.
'I don't think it's going to keep the rain away but we can always hope.'After his dapper white blazer of last year, Roger Federer revealed his new look to be a 1920s-style cream cardigan.He said: 'I thought, let's move on to something a little bit different.'We thought about something nice like a cardigan, a jumper. I think the result is nice. It's a little easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.'

Tottenham set to sign £10m Brazilian Gomes

2008-06-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Tottenham hope to finally end their search for a new goalkeeper this week by securing a £10million deal with PSV Eindhoven for Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months and has decided to go for Gomes.

Tottenham hope to finally end their search for a new No 1 goalkeeper this week by securing a £10m deal with PSV Eindhoven for their highly-rated Brazilian stopper Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs head coach Juande Ramos has been looking at candidates to replace Paul Robinson for the past six months - and has decided to go for Gomes, who stands 6ft 4in and has won 17 caps for his country.

The two clubs are close to agreeing a fee and Tottenham hope to be given permission to talk terms.
The 27-year-old has been one of many names on Tottenham's shortlist, but he made a big impression when he helped knock Spurs out of the UEFA Cup in March.

In the Eredivisie, he is known for his reflex saves and his ability to throw the ball deep into the opposition half.

Gomes fell out with PSV earlier in the season and asked for a transfer after they clinched the championship.

He said: 'I don't think the club want me to stay here. Something drastic has to change to keep me here.'

PSV held talks with Gomes and his agent last week in a bid to get him to stay at the club, but it appears they have lost the fight.

If Spurs secure the transfer as expected they will still need to find another keeper to act as back-up on the bench as Czech Republic No2 Radek Cerny, who took over when Robinson was axed by Ramos last season, has joined QPR.

Robinson's future has still to be decided, but he has been resigned to leaving White Hart Lane since January and is believed to have already bought a new home in the north of England having already attracted interest from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

Nadal wins Artois Championship and sights are now set on first Wimbledon title

2008-06-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal today won the Artois Championships at Queen's Club just seven days after claiming his fourth straight French Open title.

Nadal said: "This week has been amazing for me.

The 22-year-old became the first Spanish male to win a grass court title since 1972 by beating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (8/6) 7-5 in two hours and 15 minutes on centre court.
He trailed 3-0 in the opening set and was a point away from being 4-0 down before fighting back in typically tenacious fashion to win it on a tie-break.

The Spaniard is the first player to win at Roland Garros and Queen's in the same year since the tournament began in its current format in 1979, although Ilie Nastase captured the French Open and London Grass Court Championships in 1973.

In a battle of this year's grand slam winners, the French Open and Australian Open champions produced some fantastic tennis, with many rallies more suited to a clay court than grass.

Djokovic held one set point at 6-5 in the tie-break but Nadal took the next three points to win it 8-6 in 74 minutes, the Serbian throwing his racket to the turf in frustration.

Nadal seemed on course to race through the second set when he broke for a 2-0 lead, but Djokovic refused to concede and broke straight back.

The next six games went with serve but only after Djokovic saved two more break points to make it 4-4, Nadal almost producing one of the best shots of all time after slipping over and hitting a diving forehand volley from behind the baseline which flew just wide.

Djokovic looked to have made the most of his reprieve, breaking to love in the next game only then to lose his serve straight back while serving for the set.

And Nadal made the world number three pay the price for such profligacy, holding serve to lead 6-5 and then breaking Djokovic again to secure victory.

Djokovic said: "I tried, it was a great match.

"It's been a terrific week. I've only been playing on grass for three years so it's quite an improvement for me to get to the final."

Wenger plans excited me, reveals Ramsey after completing move from Cardiff to Arsenal

2008-06-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Aaron Ramsey revealed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was "a big factor" in him signing for the Gunners rather than Manchester United.

At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.

However, the prospect of working with Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to Switzerland - proved even more of a lure than joining last season's Premier League and European champions.

"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," said Ramsey after his move was officially confirmed. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.

"He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me."

Wenger has always put his faith in youth, although that was not enough last season as the young Gunners came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.

Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.

However, the teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.

He said: "Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here."
Cesc Fabregas

Thinking of home: Cesc Fabregas - on Euro 2008 duty with Spain - hopes Alexander Hleb will stay at Arsenal

Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.

"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career," he said.

"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."

The capture of Ramsey is something of a coup for Wenger, snatching the promising youngster from under the nose of rival Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Aaron Ramsey is a young player who has shown huge potential," said the Arsenal manager. He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.

"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."

Wenger is keen to add more players to his squad before they depart on Gunners' pre-season training camp in Austria at the end of July.

However, Bayern Munich and Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for winger Alexander Hleb. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - currently on international duty with an impressive Spain squad at Euro 2008 - hopes the Belarussian will stay at Emirates Stadium.

"I have always said that Hleb is an incredible footballer and what he has done is underrated, well, everything that he does, because he is still an Arsenal player," Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.

"That kind of footballer deserves more credit, but I tell it to you, he is an incredible footballer. I hope we will carry on playing together for years."

Wenger is expected to tie up a £13million deal for long-time target Samir Nasri, the Marseille midfielder, after Euro 2008 while Ivory Coast international Gervinho claims Arsenal have made inquiries to Le Mans about his availability.

Reports in Italy continue to line up Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a move to AC Milan, although Wenger - at the European Championship as a media pundit - last week gave any notion of letting last season's leading scorer leave short shrift.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have paid tribute to former player Derek Tapscott, who died aged 75. Welshman "Tappy" signed in 1954 from Barry Town and played some 132 games

Cough up to keep Ronaldo: Ferguson tells board to see off Real with £150,000-a-week deal

2008-06-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson will urge the Manchester United board to put an end to the soap opera surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future by sanctioning talks that could raise his wages to £150,000 a week.

Chief executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to buckle in the face of continued pressure from Real Madrid but Ronaldo's advisers believe the problem can be resolved by a simple renegotiation of the four-year deal he signed last summer.

That would involve increasing his pay from £120,000 a week and adding an improved image rights package.

In the latest twist, Spanish sources claimed yesterday that Real, notwithstanding an official complaint to FIFA from vexed United, had tabled a £70million offer for the 23-year-old Portugal winger - the figure widely believed in Spain to match a release clause in Ronaldo's contract.

United vehemently deny such a clause exists and Ferguson, who has stayed in the shadows and kept his counsel as Ronaldo has flirted with Real, now wants the issue resolved.

Ronaldo is due to clock in at Carrington for pre-season training three weeks after Portugal play their last match - which would be late July if they reach the European Championship Final.

His closest advisers believe Ferguson will soon support a more pragmatic approach from the United board to ensure his greatest asset is onside well before the new season gets under way.

Real's shameless pursuit of Ronaldo was not unexpected and the player's camp clearly expected him to be offered a pay rise, especially in the light of a 42-goal wonder season that saw him scoop all the player of the year awards.

His advisers were utterly dismayed when Gill made it plain that there would be no negotiations this summer.

Ferguson will be disappointed by comments from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who believes Ronaldo should quit United if his heart is no longer at the club.

But the French star, who quit Old Trafford and all football in 1997 aged 30, says Ronaldo should not move for the money.

Speaking at the UK launch of partouche-betting.com, Cantona said: 'Maybe Ronaldo feels he has achieved everything here (at United) and doesn't find excitement and motivation for next year. 'If it's this reason maybe it's the right decision to leave. But if it's for other reasons I think it is the wrong decision. If he leaves for more money, he is wrong.'

However, in the eyes of the Portuguese camp, a little give and take and an adjustment to Ronaldo's deal which reflects his impact this season, would settle the matter.

Gill's hard-line stance has not gone down well with Ronaldo's advisers, who are convinced the player is quite happy to remain at Old Trafford despite some of his ambiguous musings on Real reported in various quarters.

Privately, they admit he was careless to talk of a desire to play for Real. It has been misconstrued, wilfully or otherwise, as an ambition to be fulfilled now when, they insist, Ronaldo was looking further down the line.

But the drama is in danger of becoming a crisis, with Team Ronaldo feeling slighted that, in their eyes, his huge contribution to the Champions League and Barclays Premier League double has been all but waved away.

United are furious at Real's mischief-making, although the Spaniards yesterday insisted disingenuously that there was no cast-iron evidence of any wrongdoing to put before any FIFA disciplinary tribunal.

Real president Ramon Calderon said: 'It is United's right (to complain) but we have not done anything wrong and we are not going to do anything. It is a matter for the player and his club.'

That again has been interpreted as a hint over the player's contract situation. Spanish newspaper Marca, widely regarded a s t h e Bernabeu house journal, stirred the simmering pot with a suggestion that Real have put together a £70m world record offer to tempt United into selling Ronaldo to them.

Contrary to the belief in Madrid, there is no buy-out clause for even that staggering amount in Ronaldo's contract.

United follow a strict policy of excluding any such clause from their deals with players.

Ferguson, who persuaded Ronaldo to stay despite the furore over his infamous World Cup wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off two years ago, has yet to intervene but will be loath to lose the game's most potent talent on a point of principle - albeit one he fully understands.

But while the odds are on Ronaldo kicking off next season in red rather than white, the impasse is damaging enough to give Real some hope that a ridiculous, bankdemolishing bid would make even United think twice.

Especially if the Old Trafford hierarchy suspect this whole, tiresome scenario could be reprised next summer.

157 arrests made after violence flares between supporters of Germany and Poland

2008-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

UEFA have confirmed 157 people were arrested after violence flared before, during, and after Germany's Euro 2008 victory against Poland on Sunday.

Supporters clashed in the Austrian city of Klagenfurt although UEFA played down reports of injuries.

A spokesman for UEFA said on Monday: "Klagenfurt reported 157 arrests during the match, mainly Germany supporters who were arrested in the city centre but the police said the situation cleared rapidly, nobody was injured and no material damage occurred."

European football's governing body denied suggestions the local police were ill-prepared for the number of fans which descended on Klagenfurt.

The spokesman added: "We have gone through all kinds of scenarios with Swiss and Austrian police, with the help of European police forces around the continent.

"There is no specific plan for every match. We think the overall concept works
well.

"Sensitive matches are dotted around the map of Austria and Switzerland, you
can turn anything into a sensitive match if you think twice about it.

"We are not particularly worried about a single episode. We have a global
concept we apply, match by match and city by city. It is well rehearsed and we
hope also for every match it will work."

Ivanovic beats Safina in French Open final to clinch first grand slam title

2008-06-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic claimed her first grand slam title on Saturday after easing to victory against Dinara Safina in the final of the French Open.Ivanovic, runner up at Roland Garros 12 months ago, went one better in 2008 by posting a 6-4 6-3 victory over the 13th-seeded Russian on Philippe Chatrier Court.The 20-year-old from Belgrade was always in control of the match, and received the Suzanne Lenglen Cup from recently retired Justine Henin - her conqueror in the 2007 final.

Ivanovic's victory consolidates her impending elevation to the top of the women's game. She will be confirmed as the new world number one when the latest rankings are released on Monday, replacing Maria Sharapova.
Walking out on court, Ivanovic - with two grand slam final appearances under her belt - appeared the calmer of the two, with Safina, making her bow at this level of competition, noticeably the more preoccupied.Ivanovic, who finally found top gear in this tournament during her spirited semi-final win over compatriot Jelena Jankovic, took the early initiative by breaking the grand slam final debutant in the first game.The number two seed's forehand has been firing well at this tournament, and she quickly had Safina on the rack, forcing break point and then converting the chance as her opponent fired wide with a forehand.The next three games went with serve, although the feeling still remained that Safina - the winner of the German Open in Berlin last month - was the more fragile of the two.The next game confirmed that fragility, Safina's service game totally deserting her as Ivanovic broke to love to move 4-1 ahead.
safina
A dejected Dinara Safina
But after losing that second break, Safina won eight of the next 10 points to force her way back into the set.The green shoots of recovery started to show in the sixth game, Safina finding a supreme forehand winner to prevent falling 5-1 behind at 30-40. She then brought up break point with a confident volley at the net before Ivanovic netted to allow Safina to break back. A service game to love followed as the Russian closed to 3-4.

Safina battled back again in the next game, recovering from 0-40 down to win five points on the bounce to get the set back on serve.

But the pendulum swung in the next. Both players were now making mistakes, but two shanked forehands by Safina stood out as needless errors, the second of which handed Ivanovic break point, which she duly converted with a forehand winner.

Ivanovic wrapped up the first set after 45 minutes on court, spurning one set point before sealing the opener at the second time of asking as Safina fired long.

The second set went with service for two games but Ivanovic stepped it up in the third, her ability to defend Safina's service game again coming to the fore.

The game was illuminated by a thrilling 26-stoke rally that went the way of Ivanovic despite the fact she was on the back foot for much of the point as Safina rained down smashes, forcing the second seed to defend frantically from behind the baseline.

Break point duly arrived for Ivanovic, who was by now reading Safina's serve with ease, and she converted the chance with one of her most potent weapons, a cross-court forehand winner that has been a feature of her run to the final at Roland Garros.

A service game to love had Ivanovic well in control at 3-1, although after Safina battled from a set and 2-5 to oust both Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva in earlier rounds, the Serbian will unlikely have been resting easy at this point.

And so it proved as Ivanovic was forced to battle all the way in the next game. The 20-year-old had to fend off break point as her first service began to misfire, but eventually she moved 4-2 ahead when Safina fired wide on her forehand.

A further thriller awaited in the next game as Safina survived falling 2-5 behind as an Ivanovic backhand down the line was ruled marginally wide on break point, while two double faults by Safina also handed her opponent a second break point, which she failed to take.

Finally Safina held for 3-4, but Ivanovic appeared none the worse for wear in the next game as she held with ease to leave Safina serving to stay in the match.But Safina could not raise her game when it mattered most, as Ivanovic found the shots at the right time to break to love and seal her first grand slam crown.

Party starts and Capello is backing Spain but fears Germans

2008-06-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello's heart says Spain but his head appears to say Germany. His love for the way the Spanish play leads his heart to say they have the talento but the Germans, as someone in Madrid recently remarked, also have talante, which means character, as England's manager understands only too well.

'When I was at Real Madrid we spoke a lot about the problems of the national team,' says Capello, who will be here tomorrow to watch Croatia meet Austria.

'Spain always go into a tournament with one of the best squads but never even arrive in the semi-finals. There is some kind of fear there.'

Going into the European Championship, the Spanish do look wonderful. Their squads oozes class and ability. They possess arguably the finest striker in the world in Fernando Torres, a midfield most managers would kill for and an experienced defence.

The names would be on every club chairman's wish list. Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. 'It is incredible,' says Capello.

'In Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta they have the best midfield in Europe and the team with the most technical quality.'

Yet they have the reputation of serial chokers. A reputation for failing to perform for their country in the manner they do for their clubs. Sound familiar? 'For some time we have compared them to England,' says Capello.

Rather like England, it is more than 40 years since Spain last won a major tournament, in their case the European Championship in 1964. Since then, the closest they have come is the final in 1984, when they were beaten by Michel Platini's France in Paris.

On this occasion, however, they should go into their opening game against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday full of confidence.

After a difficult start to the qualifying campaign that saw them lose away to both Northern Ireland and Sweden, they have come through 16 games without loss.

In the end, they won their group and Luis Aragones then adopted a risky strategy of playing friendlies against Italy and France to build confidence even more. It worked; Spain won both matches 1-0. That could prove significant if they win Group D and meet either team in the last eight.

But Capello points out their group is not easy. 'Russia, Sweden and the defending champions, Greece. There could be another surprise.'

Germans do not do surprises. They always seem to qualify and never under-achieve in tournaments. 'When their players represent the national team they are very, very strong,' says Capello.

'They have confidence. Sometimes they lose but they always play to win. They have some strong club sides, but with the national team they always appear to play even better.

'Some would say they have not been at their strongest in the last few years but they reached the final of the World Cup in 2002 and the semi-finals in 2006. And I think they are a better team now than they were in 2006.'

Every tournament needs a 'group of death' and the one comprising Italy, France, Holland and Romania certainly merits the title.

Who will go through? Capello agonises before plumping for Italy and France but adds: 'Watch Romania. They are very technical, very dangerous. They are a very good team and could spring a real surprise.'

Capello sees Portugal as comfortable winners of a group that also comprises the Czechs, Swiss and Turkey. But they lack a striker of Torres's quality - Nuno Gomes is not in the same class - but they can rely on Cristiano Ronaldo's goals.

'They have a top, top manager in Luiz Felipe Scolari,' says Capello. 'I know him very well.'

Good enough to go one better than 2004 and actually win the final? Good enough to add the European Championship with Portugal to the World Cup he won with Brazil?

Perhaps before heading off to Chelsea. Good enough to beat Spain in what could be one hell of a final here on June 29? Once again, the heart and the head are in conflict.

I want to play for Real now if they meet Manchester United's asking price, reveals Ronaldo

2008-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell on Manchester United by claiming he "wants to play for Real Madrid" but only if the Spanish giants are prepared to pay the asking price.

Real have relentlessly pursued Ronaldo and could now land the talented Portuguese winger if they stump up around an estimated £70million which would be the most expensive football transfer in history.

"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told Brazilian website Terra.

"However, it does not depend on me."

Ronaldo says he hopes that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with the Portugal side, also insisted he will not discuss it until after the tournament.

He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships.

"Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."

United have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the
2008/09 campaign.

Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last
season.

The transfer could spark a major row between United and Madrid with manager Sir Alex Ferguson stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.

Zinedine Zidane become the most expensive transfer in history when he joined Real from Juventus for £50million.

No chance! Blow for Chelsea as Ancelotti says he won't quit Milan for £24m deal

2008-06-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have offered Carlo Ancelotti £24million to become their new manager. Last night the double Champions League winning coach insisted that he is not leaving AC Milan but Sportsmail understands that a meeting between representatives of both parties took place at the George V Four Seasons Hotel in Paris on Monday.

Chelsea received enough encouragement to offer the Italian a four-year contract at £6m-a-season.

However, last night they were forced to release a statement admitting they had not come to an agreement.

Stamford Bridge officials then apparently suffered a humiliating setback when Ancelotti, 48, said: "I will stay in AC Milan for sure and for many seasons to come. I have not spoken to anyone at Chelsea."

But in a carefully-worded statement, Chelsea did not deny that they had talked to representatives of the Italian, nor that they had made an offer, and it is clear that he is top of owner Roman Abramovich's wish-list of replacements for sacked manager Avram Grant.

The Stamford Bridge club said: "The club have not reached agreement with any individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any organisation to talk to their manager."

The mixed messages leave the tantalising possibility of a battle of the billionaires, with Russian oligarch Abramovich facing a duel for Ancelotti with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns the Italian club.

Abramovich appears to have decided on Ancelotti after advice from his personal scout Piet de Visser as well as his inner circle at Stamford Bridge.

Apart from the pre-requisite of a proven track record, they are thought to have been impressed by tactical flexibility and with his ability to handle the media calmly.

But Ancelotti's ability to handle some of the world's best players and not fall out with the dominating presence of Berlusconi is said to have made the biggest impact.

If the Italian does stay at Milan, Chelsea will look towards Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Mark Hughes, who had been linked with the job, is on his way to Manchester City after they agreed a £4.6m compensation deal with Blackburn.

Given Ancelotti's record in the Champions League, one of only five to win the European Cup as both player and manager, it is easy to understand why Abramovich is keen to bring in the manager he believes best able to deliver the trophy he covets above others.

A midfielder in the legendary AC Milan team of the late Eighties, he played alongside such greats as Paolo Maldini and the Dutch trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, who has also been linked with the Chelsea job of late after parting company with Barcelona.

Ancelotti tasted European Cup success in back-to-back seasons in 1989 and 1990. Regarded as the voice of esteemed Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi on the pitch, it came as little surprise that Ancelotti opted to go into coaching.

His first managerial post came with in 1995 with Reggiana, who he guided to Serie A after one season in charge.

A move to former club Parma followed and with it came his first European managerial success, the 1999 UEFA Cup.

Two seasons as Marcelo Lippi's successor at Juventus came next, and two secondplaced finishes in Serie A.

But it was the move to AC Milan in 2001, as replacement for Fatih Terim, which cemented Ancelotti's place in the Italian coaching pantheon.

In his seven seasons at the helm, Milan have won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, a World Club Championship and, most significantly as far as Abramovich is concerned, two Champions League titles.

The first European Cup success came with a 3-2 victory on penalties over former side Juventus in 2003 at Old Trafford, the second with a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Athens in 2007.

Having coached the superstars such as Rivaldo, Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Filippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka, Ancelotti is no stranger to the demands of handling the kind of star-studded dressing room Abramovich is eager to create at Stamford Bridge.

Welcome to the Olympics - but only if you're not a prostitute, druggie, smuggler, lunatic or contagiously ill ... some of the 57 things you can't do i

2008-06-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Foreigners attending the Beijing Olympics better behave - or else.The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document - covering 57 topics. Written only in Chinese and posted of the organizers' official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.
The document, not immediately available in English, also said having Olympic tickets is no guarantee of getting a visa to enter China.

"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide said. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."

Fearing protests during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics, China's authoritarian government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.

The government is hoping to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.

"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given.

Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."

The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sporting venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner in an Olympic venue "that disturbs the public order."

The guidelines seems to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.

"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. It's a human right. Athletes have it."

The highly detailed document is entitled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."

For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended.

The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.

The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."

The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.

The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.

"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.

The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".

Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.

The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."

For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money - forget it. This is banned in order to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."

Beckham farce: He's England captain again and Capello has to deny it's a PR stunt

2008-06-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

England boss Fabio Capello has insisted that restoring David Beckham to the captaincy of his country for today's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago is not simply a PR stunt.

Capello admitted that for his employers, the Football Association, the game might be a political exercise to win the backing of Jack Warner, the FIFA vice-president who heads Caribbean football, for their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But Capello is adamant that footballing reasons alone were behind his decision to restore Beckham to the captaincy, a position the player gave up following the 2006 World Cup.

The manager said: 'My work is not PR, my work is to be manager and to win, nothing more. It's possible, I think, for the FA the match is PR. For me, it's a game. It's not because of his name that Beckham is here, it's because he's fit and a very good player.'

The Italian, who for a time exiled Beckham from his team while the pair were at Real Madrid, says the LA Galaxy midfielder is in contention not only to play at the 2010 World Cup, by which time he will be 35, but also to be his full-time skipper.

That role is still thought more likely to go to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, but Capello rejected suggestions that Beckham, 33, donning the armband today is another gimmick for what many regard as the most blatantly political match England have ever played.

Capello added: 'I decided there were five or six candidates (to be captain). Beckham is one of the candidates. I do not know the future. It's possible he will play at the 2010 World Cup. It depends if he's fit physically.' Some will regard the Beckham return to favour as a backward step but he demonstrated with the cross, from which John Terry gave England the lead in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA at Wembley last week, that he can still make key contributions to the team.

Capello reiterated that the door was always open for players like Blackburn's David Bentley to move ahead of Beckham in the pecking order, but it seems that the Italian does not believe any of the young pretenders have yet made a compelling case to replace the man who has been England's talisman for so long.

Ferdinand, meanwhile, claims this first extended get-together of Capello's reign has deepened his conviction that the Italian is the man to end decades of underachievement by England.

'The games against the United States and Trinidad and the training we've been doing are geared towards achieving a lot more than we have under other England managers,' said Ferdinand, the only Englishman who featured in the United-Chelsea Champions League final to make this trip.

'There will be a big hole on my c.v. if I don't achieve something with England. 'It's obvious that it has got to the stage now with England where it is a psychological thing, because the country hasn't achieved anything of note since 1966 so there hasn't been that consistency of a winning mentality.

'First and foremost, you have to have the quality, but then you need to have the belief factor, and that is what the manager is trying hard to instill.

'He sees us as individuals with our clubs performing week in, week out at a good level in the Premier League and Champions League, and now it's about getting that as a collective unit in an England shirt.

'This is the most optimistic I've ever felt with England. The manager's record speaks for itself and if you can't believe in someone of his stature, who has had his achievements in football, then I don't know who you can believe in.'

Chelsea captain JT is England's new Psycho, claims evergreen international David Beckham

2008-05-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

David Beckham has hailed John Terry as the strongest character in football after the Chelsea defender scored the goal that helped England beat the USA.

Terry, captain for the night, headed home Beckham's 38th-minute free-kick to open the scoring in England's 2-0 victory last night - one week after missing the shoot-out penalty that cost the Blues victory in the Champions League Final in Moscow.

While Beckham admits Terry's display at Wembley will not banish the misery he suffered in Russia, the Los Angeles Galaxy star claims Terry now has the same influence that Stuart Pearce, now assistant coach, had in the 1990s.

"You could see the emotion going through him, in his eyes. Once he scored that goal and he was celebrating, you could see a slight relief.
Stuart Pearce

"You see that passion sometimes. You saw it in Stuart Pearce's face when he scored that penalty [in Euro 96 after missing one in the 1990 World Cup] and you saw it in JT's face.

"I put the ball in the right area and it was written for JT to get on the end of it. As a team we were all pleased and proud of him. He's got a lot of support within the team, outside of the team and at his club. To be captain and score a goal at Wembley means a lot to JT and no one can ever question his passion and dedication when he puts an England or Chelsea shirt on. That's what we look at."

Beckham, who was handed a commemorative golden cap by Sir Bobby Charlton prior to kick-off to mark passing his century of appearances in the last match against France, refused to be drawn on who should take the skipper's role permanently.

Terry became the third different player to assume the responsibility under Fabio Capello and Pearce after Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand, with Gareth Barry set to lead the team against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

He added: "Every one of those players is a strong character and passionate about their country and when you see them play, everyone can see how much it means to them. If you show that kind of passion then you have got every chance of being a great captain."

Gerrard also paid tribute to Terry's character. "I am so pleased for John," he said.

"He is a top guy off the pitch and also a great player on it." Of those players who were in Moscow for the Champions League Final, only Ferdinand and Wayne Bridge will travel to Port of Spain for Sunday's friendly.

Fuming Fergie blasts Real Madrid over Ronaldo, claiming they 'lack morals'

2008-05-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid, accusing the La Liga champions of “lacking morals” following the Spanish club’s latest comments about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Manchester United manager is furious at the statements made by Real coach Bernd Schuster and president Ramon Calderon in the last 24 hours that questioned Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.

Speculation surrounding the Portuguese winger has intensified despite United’s
thrilling Champions League final victory over Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid, accusing the La Liga champions of “lacking morals” following the Spanish club’s latest comments about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Manchester United manager is furious at the statements made by Real coach Bernd Schuster and president Ramon Calderon in the last 24 hours that questioned Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.

Speculation surrounding the Portuguese winger has intensified despite United’s
thrilling Champions League final victory over Chelsea.

But Ferguson said: “You get used to Real Madrid’s performance in these things. I read last night that Calderon’s talking, Schuster’s talking, and they use this market as a vehicle to unsettle players.

"The simple facts are that he is with us and has four years left on his contract and that’s the first thing. And Calderon makes that great statement ‘slavery was abolished many, many years ago’. Did he tell Franco that? Give me a break.

“In terms of great clubs, Barcelona have far better moral issues than Real Madrid will ever have. We know Real are not the only club with an interest in Ronaldo but they are not saying so.

“Do you not think we’ve not had many interests from the big clubs in Europe about our best players? Of course. But they don’t get into the nonsense that they get into. They think that they can ride roughshod over everyone but they won’t do it with us.”

Fortnight of truth for United's Ronaldo, who refuses to 'promise' his future to the club

2008-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo today cast a shadow over Manchester United’s Champions League victory by refusing to commit his future to the club.

Just 12 months ago Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract, worth £120,000 a week to the Portugal winger.

But reports from Spain suggest the 23-year-old could be close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid if United are prepared to negotiate.

Significantly, in the wake of last night’s triumph over Chelsea, Ronaldo would not confirm that he will be at Old Trafford next season.

“I never promise anything,” he said. “I don’t promise anything to my mum and I don’t promise anything to the supporters. I want to stay. But the future? No one knows.”

It is rumoured that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met with Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic just before the match in Moscow.

The player said: “Nobody spoke with me.” But he added: “We will see in the
next two weeks.”

Ronaldo is just one year into a five-year contract at United but his mum has previously stated that she would love to see her son play at the Bernabeu during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes his side's hopes of wresting Ronaldo away from United rest on what the player himself wants.

"The players play where they want. If a player decides to leave he is unstoppable, slavery was abolished a long time ago, nobody can prevent a player from moving," Calderon was quoted as telling Punto Radio.

"If the player is firm in his decision there is no one who can hold him back. I have always said that if Manchester want to sell him, we will ask about him, and if he wants to come and we can pay what they ask."

United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, however, claims Ronaldo has no intention of leaving.

"Without doubt he is going to continue in Manchester. He is very happy with us, he has a contract and there is no fear that he will leave," Queiroz, the former Real Madrid coach, said on Canal Plus.

Courageous Cardiff's FA Cup dream dies as Kanu poaches it for Portsmouth

2008-05-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Kanu was Portsmouth's hit-and-miss hero again as his first-half goal won the FA Cup for Harry Redknapp's team, who had just enough Premier League pedigree to see off Coca-Cola Championship outsiders Cardiff.

But Kanu and Pompey's joy was despair for the Welsh club's Finnish goalkeeper Peter Enckelman, who palmed a low cross by John Utaka straight to the long-limbed striker, who half-volleyed it into the net from about three yards.

Kanu scored only his seventh goal of the season, and the first since his semi-final winner against West Brom last month, which was a similar close-range effort from a keeper's parry.

And although he squandered two other marvellous opportunities in a match that failed to produce any great exciting football, he was granted a standing ovation by the delirious Pompey fans when replaced by Milan Baros for the final few minutes.

It was Pompey's who 11th 1-0 win of the season, earning them a place in next season's UEFA Cup - their first European adventure to go with their first FA Cup triumph for 69 years.

Cardiff, the fifth team from football's second tier to meet Pompey in the FA Cup this season, rarely threatened after an opening burst and Portsmouth saw out the game with solid defending in front of largely under-employed goalkeeper David James.

James, back from a calf injury, had to be alert to deny the dangerous Paul Parry twice in the opening 12 minutes as Cardiff settled the quicker despite Enckelman having to deal with a nasty deflection off Muntari's driven 40-yard free kick in Pompey's first attack.

The England keeper had to come off his line after Peter Whittingham's ball in from the right caught Sol Campbell out of position and sailed over his head just too far in front of the striker.

And when Parry, who missed the semi-final through injury, got himself on the end of Joe Ledley's neat flick which again left Campbell gasping, James had to put his 6ft 3in frame in the way once more and the shot appeared to spin away off his right thigh.

But with Sulley Muntari and Lassana Diarra finally starting to buzz in midfield and Pedro Mendes - a surprise choice in front of big Papa Bouba Diop - spraying smart passes, Pompey began to impose themselves.

After 21 minutes, Herman Hreidarsson made a muscular run down the left to feed Muntari, who turned the ball cleverly inside to Kanu.

The striker had the fans on the edge of their seats with a delightful shimmy that left Enckelman in a helpless heap, but with the goal gaping, he somehow managed to roll his shot against the outside of a post.

Pompey's 4-5-1 formation was a puzzle. Diarra was often further forward than designated lone-striker Kanu and shot wide with a snap effort from 20 yards.

But they had had problems to sort out at the back against Tony Capaldi's monster throw-ins and the crisp delivery of Stephen McPhail and Ledley.

When Glen Johnson briefly went missing at right back, McPhail's pass gave Parry acres of room just outside the area on left but instead of shooting as he entered the box, he tried to cut it back for Kevin McNaughton, who arrived too late on the far post.

Then Cardiff's Roger Johnson came up from the back to outjump Sylvain Distin and Campbell and nod Whittingham's free kick from the left just over.

But after 37 minutes, Pompey were handed their gift when John Utaka, who had struggled to get into the game out on the right, took on Capaldi and found just enough space to cross low into the six yard box.

Enckelman made a hash of collecting the ball, palming it straight to Kanu, who joyfully tucked the rebound home.

It was hard to see Cardiff coming back after that, even though they had the ball in the net just before half-time when, in the manic scramble that followed a half-cleared corner, Dutch centre-half Glenn Loovens charged the ball down with his upper arm before lobbing precisely over James.

And they should have been two down six minutes into the second half when Kanu spurned another golden chance, scuffing his shot from a central position inside the area after Kranjcar's spectacular backheeled pass put Diarra clear down the left to provide the cross.

Kanu claimed his effort struck the arm of defender Johnson but referee Mike Dean, who had sound game, ruled it accidental and gave a corner.

Cardiff gave it a real go right to the end, sending on Aaron Ramsay, 17, to become the second youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final but they could not break through Pompey's redoubled defence.

Chelsea boss Grant facing FA rap over his claim that referees 'helped' United clinch title because officials 'are good for one team'

2008-05-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Football Association have written to Avram Grant and asked him to explain his claim that referees Steve Bennett and Mike Dean handed Manchester United the title on a plate.

The Chelsea manager could now be charged with misconduct after he questioned Bennett's integrity following his display in United's match at Wigan on Sunday.

United won 2-0 to ensure they beat Chelsea to the title by two points, but Grant was angry because Bennett failed to give Wigan a penalty when Rio Ferdinand handled in the area or show Paul Scholes a second yellow after he fouled Wilson Palacios.

Grant chose yesterday's official press conference previewing Chelsea's Champions League Final match against United in Moscow next week to make his feelings known.

He said: “The referee? He was, as expected, good for one team. I think in England there are some very good referees.

“But there are some — a few of them — you can influence, like you saw.”

Grant also claimed Dean, who was in charge of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to United in Grant's first game in charge in September, was wrong to send off John Obi Mikel। The FA will also study a video recording of Grant's comments, although it is understood the Israeli's guilt is not considered clear cut at this stage.

Sir Alex Ferguson today insisted that he would not allow the Chelsea manager's mind games to disrupt his plans for next week's final. Grant's remarks had come as no surprise to Ferguson, who said: “I could go on and on myself.

“We feel we didn't get any decisions during the season.

“Maybe, when we went to Chelsea we should have been champions by then.”

Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has told Grant he must play him up front with Nicolas Anelka if Chelsea are to beat United.

The Blues boss favours the 4-3-3 formation used by Jose Mourinho with Drogba playing up front on his own. But Drogba believes he should be paired with Anelka in Wednesday's Champions League Final with United.

He said: “I have a lot of admiration and respect for Nicolas. He came to England very young and had to prove himself in a very demanding League.

“I'm a bit disappointed we've not been able to play together all that often since he arrived in January.

“But given the chance we can do a lot of damage to defences. Hopefully that will be the case against United.”

Magic Murphy keeps his head to guide Fulham to Premier League safety

2008-05-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

Fulham fans danced with delight after Danny Murphy's header 14 minutes from time kept them in the Barclays Premier League with an amazing third away win in a row.

Midfielder Murphy was left virtually unchallenged to nod in a Jimmy Bullard free-kick of a largely dismal game at Fratton Park which left FA Cup Finalists Portsmouth nursing their fourth consecutive defeat before next week's Wembley final against Cardiff.

But Fulham did not care a jot for Pompey's plight. And boss Roy Hodgson was able to celebrate a remarkable escape having almost given up the ghost a month ago when they lost at home to fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Since then they have beaten Manchester City, Birmingham and now Portsmouth. Yet Harry Redknapp's side, even without the injured David James and Sol Campbell, had ample possession and opportunity to sink their visitors.

Jermain Defoe, Niko Kranjcar and Pedro Mendes all went close but they really did not threaten Fulham's brave defence too much.

Those Fulham fans who packed the Milton End of Fratton Park were down in the dumps long before half-time after hearing relegation rivals Reading and Birmingham had both gone ahead.

They knew they should have done the same but for a brilliant save by goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown, who was standing in for the injured David James for the third match in a row.

Fulham fans had to cheer former Reading man Ashdown, though, when Paul Stalteri's cross found Davies whose shot from eight yards was going just inside a post until Ashdown flung himself across goal to push it away.

Kranjcar then cut for a one-two exchange with Kanu before blazing over and then drilled a free kick through Fulham's wall to make Kasey Keller hang on tight.

Brede Hangeland's interception stopped Kanu's goal-bound shot and John Utaka and Pedro Mendes both shot wide.

Fulham leaned heavily on the creativity of Bullard and Davies' non-stop running while Brian McBride struggled to find a way past the Pompey defence even though Noe Pamarot deputised for the injured Sol Campbell.

Fulham's Clint Dempsey looked hopefully at referee Mark Clattenburg when he went down in Pompey box but Hermann Hreidarsson's challenge did not even appear to make contact and the official waved protests away.

Dempsey, to his credit, responded superbly when needed at the other end - stopping Defoe on the edge of the Fulham area with a marvellous tackle but the Pompey striker should have put his side in front before the interval he blasted over.

Defoe and Kranjcar both tested veteran Fulham keeper Keller with snap shots after the break and the American was lucky to be in the right place to keep out the latter's 30-yards piledriver in the 55th minute.

Stand-in skipper Sylvain Distin almost headed into his own goal during a wild melee and then Kamara's cross came off Pamarot and flashed just wide as Ashdown flung himself across goal more in hope than expectation.

And when Bullard's latest free kick sailed into the area in the 74th minute Pompey generously left Murphy with all the room and time he needed to steer a simple header home and send the fans behind the goal wild with delight.

An extra three minutes stoppage time at the end must have shredded a few nerves but Fulham but with Hangeland a rock at centre back alongside Irishman Aaron Hughes, never looked vulnerable.

Manchester United record another gigantic loss and Ferguson accuses Bolton as title mind games hot up

2008-05-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Bolton's players of undermining the integrity of the Barclays Premier League after claiming they have spent 'all week celebrating' their likely escape from relegation.

In a clear attempt to make them put in a committed performance at Chelsea on what promises to be a dramatic last day of the season, the Manchester United manager has pointed to a night out Bolton's players had on Monday.

Ferguson said: 'All you wonderful people in the Press have been talking about the integrity of Wigan but nobody has even mentioned Bolton. All we have seen is Wigan players saying how they will beat Manchester United on Sunday. Fine. I have no problem with that.

'But then you hear about Bolton players out all week celebrating. Both teams are safe but one is all keyed up to play Manchester United and the other one is out celebrating.'

Bolton manager Gary Megson confirmed yesterday that Ferguson's spies had indeed spotted his players at The Living Room in central Manchester on Monday. But he insisted they were not 'celebrating' and had been out only that night and not, as Ferguson said, all week.

'The players were not celebrating,' said Megson. 'They went out together, which they have done in the past on Monday night. But since that point they have been preparing properly and I can assure Sir Alex and everybody else that we will be going into the Chelsea game as prepared as we possibly can be, and giving it everything that we possibly can.

'Wigan are safe, but we are not. We have got to make sure we retain our status.'

A heavy defeat for Bolton and huge wins for Reading and Fulham is the only way Megson's side can go down, and Ferguson clearly thinks they are in a comfort zone that will make life easy for Chelsea.

'The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is the manager and the assistant manager,' he said. 'I have known Archie Knox for many years, having worked with him at Manchester United and Aberdeen, and I wish he was playing on Sunday because he will not enjoy hearing about his players going out celebrating. Neither will Gary Megson when there is such an important game in the offing.'

Megson added: 'I am not at all disappointed by the comments. I spoke to Sir Alex in the week. I speak to him a lot.'

Ferguson says defender Nemanja Vidic will return against Wigan tomorrow, but thinks the best Wayne Rooney can hope for is a place on the bench after his hip injury. But he believes Rooney will be ready for the Champions League Final in Moscow.

The United manager said: 'We are going to Wigan and it doesn't matter what the Wigan and Chelsea players are saying. We are going there with a genuine chance of winning the League, supported by some fantastic fans.

'I imagine it will be half United and half Wigan and you don't often get that in the Premier League. We would normally get around 4,000 tickets but, believe me, Manchester United fans have been buying tickets all week at the Wigan end.'

Financial results show United posted a significant loss last year, have increased debt to their creditors and are yet to pay over £56million in transfer fees for players.

Accounts released this week by Red Football Joint Venture Ltd, the company set up when American businessman Malcolm Glazer bought the club three years ago, showed United posted a £58.2m loss in the year ending June 30, 2007.

The net result was an improvement on the £135.3m loss posted in the previous year as the club's revenue in 2007 rose 21 per cent to £210.1m.

However, the figures also revealed the club had borrowings of £666.7m in the year, up from £603.9m the previous year.

That took the total owed to creditors to £764m, including £56m in transfer fee instalments.

Adebayor demands an £80,000-a-week deal from Arsenal and threatens to quit if he doesn't get it

2008-05-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger fears his young Arsenal team are in danger of breaking up after it emerged that Emmanuel Adebayor has demanded £80,000 a week to stay at the club.

The 24-year-old striker signed a new contract last summer worth a weekly £35,000, but he has told Wenger he wants to be paid in line with the top players in the Barclays Premier League.

The manager fears a salary and transfer explosion this summer, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool expected to spend upwards of £50m each on top-class signings.

Despite claiming he can compete with United and Chelsea on the field over the next few years, Wenger has privately expressed fears that Arsenal will soon be too far behind the top teams in financial terms.

Mathieu Flamini became the first to walk out when he agreed a move to AC Milan earlier in the week, turning down Arsenal's £55,000-a-week offer, and it is feared others may follow.

Alexander Hleb is determined to move to Inter Milan in the summer and Jens Lehmann has played his last game.

Adebayor, after suffering an initial knockback, is expected to make more noises following Sunday's final game of the season at Sunderland.

His agent Stephane Courbis said: 'Now is not the time to talk about his contract. We'll wait until next week.'

Hleb's agent Nikolai Shpilevski said last night: 'Alexander is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life. He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions. There's no way back now.'

Wenger claimed his current team could eclipse the 2004 'Invincibles', but Arsenal are falling behind the top clubs in Europe in terms of transfer fees and salaries.

Despite claims from former chief executive Keith Edelman that the manager has a pot of gold at his disposal, it is thought Wenger's hands are tied in the transfer market, largely due to the crippling cost of their two-yearold Emirates Stadium.

All that could be solved if the club were to accept the help of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, but chairman Peter Hill-Wood and director Danny Fiszman say no.

Arsenal, along with Chelsea, have been offered the chance to sign Thierry Henry, but Wenger has turned down the opportunity.

Henry was deemed a 'special case' when he signed a contract worth £130,000 a week at the Emirates in the aftermath of the defeat in the 2006 Champions League final, but Arsenal are no longer in a position to pay that kind of figure.

Chelsea, who bid £50m for Henry when Roman Abramovich arrived in English football, also considered taking him back from Barcelona but have decided against it.

Toon boss Keegan set for showdown talks with Ashley after dig at Newcastle owner

2008-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has admitted he will have showdown talks with owner Mike Ashley tomorrow.
Keegan called his press conference a day early after he was summoned to a meeting with Ashley and Dennis Wise, the club's executive director of football.

The trio are due to discuss Newcastle's summer spending plans but Ashley is also seeking an explanation from his manager following his extraordinary outburst on Sunday .

Keegan said he could not see Newcastle breaking into the top four of the Barclays Premier League but it was his dig at Ashley which raised eyebrows in the St James's Park boardroom.

Before starting his press conference at lunchtime today, Keegan insisted he would not take any questions about the pending meeting with his owner.

Keegan said: "The reason we have press conference a day early is so I can go to London tomorrow to talk to Mike Ashley.

"That is a good thing and I will look forward to that and that is the only comment I will make.

"I will only talk about Everton from now on so any other questions are for another day and I will try and answer them as honestly as I can at that time."

Keegan was unable to resist explaining himself once more, though, as he insisted Newcastle can be the fifth biggest club in the country but did not have the financial clout of the top four.

He said: "I was giving an honest answer to a question about how we had fared against Chelsea. I said we were a million miles away.

"We are the fifth biggest team in the country and I need to make sure we achieve that. Sunday against Everton will be a big test for us to see if we can reach that point. I won't say 'we'll win the League' because I'd be carted off to the nuthouse if I said that.

"Only Man United have bigger crowds than us. But they have a bigger global appeal because they have a bigger profile than us.

Everton, as Newcastle had done before them, briefly broke the stranglehold the big four clubs have had on the corresponding league places in recent years, and Keegan points to their development since as an illustration of what he means.

He said: "David Moyes has done a fantastic job there - I think they are the only team that has broken into that top four, so the best person to ask if it can be done is David Moyes.

"I remember the year after that, they finished down at the bottom because the problem then is you have more games and you need a bigger squad.

"There are other problems that come with success, but they are nice problems."

Keegan was presented with a potential problem of a different kind when he learnt that striker Mark Viduka could be sidelined for up to six months.

The 32-year-old went for a planned injection to address his long-standing Achilles problem knowing he was likely to be out for three months as a result.

However, the injury proved to be worse than feared and he will discover over the next fortnight whether or not he needs a minor operation and the extended period of rehabilitation that will involve.

Keegan said: "He went to have this injection. He had the injection and the problem is slightly worse than was feared.

"He goes back in 10 days to two weeks having had the injection, and that may well solve the problem, as was originally thought.

"But there is a chance, the doctor informs me, that he might need something more than that."

Happy 40th: Ronaldo joins greats Van Nistelrooy and Law as his two goals leave United with the title in their grasp

2008-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo placed his name alongside two of Manchester United's most illustrious strikers yesterday when his two goals in the 4-1 defeat of West Ham took his season's tally to an incredible 40.

Only Old Trafford legend Denis Law and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy have claimed 40 goals in a season for United — and Ronaldo's feat in joining them leaves Sir Alex Ferguson tantalisingly close to claiming his 10th Premier League crown in 16 years.

United will wrap it up if they win at Wigan next Sunday, and Ferguson grabbed the microphone after yesterday's victory to tell 76,000 ecstatic Old Trafford fans: 'Enjoy yourselves there next weekend."

Ferguson also raved about double Footballer of the Year Ronaldo. "His goal record is phenomenal, and 90 per cent of the time he has been playing as a wide player," said the manager.

"The boy is developing all the time. He also showed his courage when he took a terrible tackle and came back. That's a great signal to anyone who wants to kick him out of the game."

Ronaldo struck twice inside 24 minutes — the second bouncing off his thigh — to take his Premier League tally to 30, a milestone which saw a local bookmaker make a £50,000 donation to Manchester Children's Hospital.

Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick sealed the points and because of their vastly superior goal difference, United will effectively be champions if Chelsea lose at Newcastle on Monday.

Liverpool boss Benitez: We'll end Arsenal's hopes of silverware

2008-04-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Rafael Benitez today insisted Liverpool are ready to leave Arsenal facing up to a third successive season without silverware.

The Spaniard is fully aware that the Gunners' faltering League campaign has meant tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final second leg taking on greater significance to Arsene Wenger's side.

Ahead of Liverpool's third meeting with Arsenal in a week, Benitez said: "If they want to win a trophy they need to win this game because it will be difficult for them in the League."

Benitez continued: "Before the game on Saturday they knew they had to win to stay in the title race.

"He (Wenger) changed five players, but had to bring back his big players trying to win the game.

"Maybe afterwards he felt that the race for the title is over. But then United drew at Middlesbrough, so he will maybe think that their chance has returned. But I do not expect Arsenal to be thinking about the title now, just the Champions League.

"The Champions League is massive for them, that is what they will be thinking about.

"But I still believe this game at Anfield will be the most important match they have if they want to win a trophy."

Liverpool hold a marginal advantage following the 1-1 first-leg draw at Emirates Stadium, but Benitez refuses to believe his side are favourites.

He said: "Do I think we're favourites? Not really. We know the top-class players that Arsenal have. For us it is important to score a goal if we want to win the game.

"Arsenal can score goals away from home so we have to think about winning the game.

"We are confident. We have been playing well in recent games and have been getting the results. The performances have been good. That is what we have been looking for at this stage of the season."

Robin van Persie returns to the Arsenal squad for tomorrow's match after missing the first leg with a thigh problem.

I'm talking to Chelsea about returning as coach, reveals Blues FA Cup hero Di Matteo

2008-04-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Chelsea hero Roberto Di Matteo has revealed he is in talks over returning to the club as a coach and claimed that Blues boss Avram Grant has “put himself under pressure” with his defensive brand of football.

Di Matteo, who won two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a League Cup in 175 appearances for Chelsea, is currently taking his coaching qualifications with both UEFA and the Football Association.

“I have been doing my UEFA badges and am looking forward to getting back into the game,” said Di Matteo, who since retiring as a player in 2002 through injury has done intermittent work with Chelsea's Soccer Academy.

“I would rather start coaching in England than Italy — I am doing all the licences here in England as well with the FA. I can't say too much more but I am talking with Chelsea at the moment.”

It is unclear if the Italian would work with the first-team under Grant, but the 37-year-old suggests winning both the Premier League and the Champions League this season may not be enough to save the Israeli's job.

“Every manager has his own style,” he said. “If Grant said they were going to deliver more attractive football and they aren't, then he has put himself under pressure.

“The fans have been critical but that has happened before. When Claudio Ranieri arrived, they were singing Gianluca's Vialli's name but he turned it around.

If at the end of the season Grant wins the Premier League or the Champions League or both, that's what is going to make the fans change their attitude towards him.

“I don't know what the club would do if he doesn't deliver — or even if he does. Only God knows the answer to that. But he's been given a long contract.”

Grant, who takes his team to Manchester City as the title race continues tomorrow, has also come under fire from former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman.

The Serb helped Fenerbahce secure a shock 2-1 win over Grant's side in the Champions League. Kezman said: “Under Mourinho, Chelsea were a machine and they worked for 90 or 95 minutes without mistakes or faults.

“If Mourinho had been in charge of this match, it would have been different.”

Di Matteo's return to Stamford Bridge would be welcomed by players and fans alike, where he remains a hugely popular figure although the club may take a dim view of employing anyone who criticises their current manager.

“I still go to the games with my boy,” added Di Matteo, speaking at the launch of the first Sony High Definition Pub on the Kings Road in west London. “I feel very connected to the fans, who have treated me very well.”

Midfield marauder Mascherano's ban extended to Arsenal league clash but Liverpool may appeal

2008-04-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Javier Mascherano will miss Saturday's league game against Arsenal after being hit by an extra two-game ban following his reaction to a red card against Manchester United.

After admitting a charge of improper conduct at a personal hearing, Mascherano, 23, has seen his initial ban of one match extended to three.

A Football Association disciplinary commission also fined the Liverpool midfielder £15,000 for the incident at Old Trafford, when he had to be dragged off the pitch by club officials after receiving a second yellow card.

Mascherano, who was set to be replaced by Brazilian Lucas anyway, will also miss the League game with Blackburn, a week on Sunday.

Sportsmail understands that Liverpool will consider an appeal against the FA's punishment, not to reduce the Argentinian's ban, but to express their disagreement with the decision.

A club spokesman told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Although we received a fair hearing we must now decide whether to appeal on the basis of inconsistency of sentencing for Javier based on past precedents."

It will come as a blow to Benitez - who had also disciplined Mascherano internally and fined him two weeks' wages - as he looks to secure the fourth Champions League place.

"Javier is a fantastic professional and he knows he made a big mistake - he apologised to his team-mates and the supporters and he has now apologised to the referee," Benitez said last week.

"He accepts he lost control after the sending-off and has said sorry to the referee. I have also talked with him now and told him he would be fined by the club, and he has accepted that and wants the money donated to charity.

"This was the first red card of our season and we do not have problems of this kind."

Champions League: Arsenal v Liverpool - Follow the action as it happens

2008-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Arsenal 1 (Adebayor 23) Liverpool 1 (Kuyt 25) - Latest

Arsenal drew first blood but Liverpool stunned the Gunners with an instant equaliser in the Champions League quarter-final.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed his 24th goal of the season to give the home side the lead after a cagey start.

But Dirk Kuyt hit back for Liverpool with his sixth European goal of the campaign.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger restored Adebayor to the starting line-up at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal also opted for Phillippe Senderos in the centre of defence, with Kolo Toure on the right of defence.

Javier Mascherano returned to the visitors' midfield after suspension, while Fabio Aurelio replaced John Arne Riise at left-back.

Jamie Carragher continued in his unfamiliar right-back slot, allowing veteran Finn Sami Hyypia to continue in central defence.

After a slow, cagey opening, the game almost had a shock opening goal after seven minutes when Jose Reina came rushing out of his goal as Adebayor surged clear.

Reina missed the ball but the Togo striker himself too far into the corner and when he tried an angled shot Reina - still out of his box - blocked it with an outstretched leg.

That sparked Arsenal into life and their passing and movement became crisper which forced Liverpool to defend deeper.

The atmosphere was electric, befitting two giants going for European glory in front of a packed, glittering stadium rocking with noise.

Liverpool responded with a Steven Gerrard free-kick that Manuel Almunia made a mess of, before a Xabi Alonso long ball almost set Hyypia clear in the box, Cesc Fabregas getting in a crucial challenge.

Arsenal's quality and flow started to stretch Liverpool, with Robin van Persie twice going close. First, he ran onto a Flamini long pass and clipped the ball on the rise over Reina and the bar.

A minute later Reina was down at full stretch to his left to turn another low drive wide from the Dutchman. And from that corner, Arsenal were ahead.

Van Persie played a short-corner to Fabregas before lifting it into the box. Adebayor stepped backwards and away from his marker to power home a fine header after 22 minutes.

But Liverpool hit back with a cracker of their own four minutes later. Gerrard picked up possession on the left and drove into the box, going past two defenders before leaving Toure flat-footed with a surge of power.

He then drilled over a low cross that Dirk Kuyt forced over the line under pressure from Gael Clichy, his sixth European goal of the season from 10 in total.

Ryan Babel tested Almunia from 20 yards and Torres' chip caused chaos on the far post with both Hyypia and Gerrard threatening to unhinge the Gunners again.

Arsenal: Almunia, Toure, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Eboue, Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb, Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs: Lehmann, Diaby, Song Billong, Silva, Bendtner, Justin Hoyte, Walcott.
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Riise, Voronin, Benayoun, Crouch, Arbeloa, Lucas.
Referee: Pieter Vink (Holland)

We can focus on Champions League after Everton win - Liverpool skipper Gerrard turns attention to Arsenal

2008-03-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the Reds' derby victory over Everton has given them enough breathing space to be able to properly focus on the Champions League.

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Fernando Torres' 28th goal of the season proved to be enough to settle the 207th clash between the Merseyside clubs.

The victory put five points between the fourth-placed Reds and their neighbours in fifth, and with six matches to go that cushion could be crucial in the race for Champions League qualification.

But Liverpool also still have an interest in this season's competition and they face Arsenal on Wednesday in the first leg of the quarter-finals - the first of three matches in seven days as the pair also meet each other in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Gerrard believes they can go into the tie not having to look over their shoulder in terms of their league position.

"For the time being the pressure is off because we have got the five-point gap, but we have a lot of hard games to come," he said.

"Although we are going to put all our focus on the Champions League, for the league game in between the two matches we still have to put in a big performance and try to keep the gap of five, if not improve it."

The England midfielder was pleased the team were able to quickly get the previous weekend's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United - which ended a seven-match winning run - out of their system.

"Last week was very disappointing - it was a difficult week swallowing that defeat at Old Trafford but it was all about bouncing back and trying to take a positive win into Wednesday," said the 27-year-old.

"The scoreline (at Old Trafford) was more emphatic then we deserved but we have got to forget about that and move on and try to consolidate this fourth position and try to go all the way to Moscow (the host city for the final).

"It was a good win. We were slightly disappointed we didn't make it more comfortable in the first half.

"We created numerous chances to kill the game off in the first half and we just missed putting a toe or a head on a few deliveries into the box and could have scored more, which would have given us more confidence.

"Everton put us under a little bit of pressure in the second half but I never once thought we were going to lose or give the lead away."

Gerrard also paid tribute to match-winner Torres, who scored his 21st league goal in 29 league matches.

The Spaniard latched on to Dirk Kuyt's pass to expertly fire past goalkeeper Tim Howard. "It was no shock to me," added Gerrard. "Give the guy chances and he'll put them away - simple as that."

Torres tames Everton as Liverpool tighten their grip on fourth place

2008-03-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres' early strike gave Liverpool a precious five-point lead over their Merseyside rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.

Torres cost Liverpool around £20million last summer, and this goal - of all the 28 he has grabbed so far - could be the one that earns the riches that come from participating in Europe's premier competition each season.

Liverpool dominated the first half, and should have been in total command. Steven Gerrard hit a post and a hatful of chances were wasted.

But Everton, to their immense credit, tested Liverpool to the absolute limits in the second-half, and the Kop stood in anguish as they watched their heroes defend the goal in front of them.

But Liverpool hung on to complete only their 12th league double over the Goodison Park side in what was virtually a final eliminator for fourth spot.

Liverpool were missing the suspended Javier Mascherano, while Everton were without the injured Tim Cahill and Andrew Johnson -arguably damaging the Toffees' system more than the Argentina midfielder's absence for the Reds.

And after a spirited opening spell, in which Mikel Arteta tested Jose Reina with a spin and shot from 25-yards, Liverpool set about establishing a superiority on this 207th Mersey derby.

With so much at stake, financially as well as local pride, the game was tense and needed a firm control from referee Howard Webb, mindful of the 36 yellow and seven red cards in the seven derbies since Benitez took charge at Anfield.

In a fixture that has more dismissals than any other Premier League fixture Webb did a pretty decent job of keeping the passions in check.

He booked both Lee Carsley and Phil Neville - on his 100th league appearance for Everton - inside the first 18 minutes for fouls on Torres and Lucas, by which time Liverpool were deservedly in front.

And it had to be that man Torres.

The Spaniard may not have faired too well with goals for Atletico in the Madrid derby, just one, but he scored inside seven minutes of his Merseyside derby debut.

It was Liverpool's 100th in all competitions this season and he equalled the club record of scoring in six successive home league games, his 28th of a stunning first campaign in the Premier League.

It came when Xabi Alonso caught Ayegbeni Yakubu in possession 20 yards out, a situation the Nigerian should have had under control.

But he dithered and the ball was poked back into the box for Dirk Kuyt to flick forward. And Torres was on it in a flash, drilling the ball inside Tim Howard's far post with the normally solid Everton rearguard all over the place.

And for the next half-hour Liverpool pinned Everton back, searching for further success.

Kuyt had shots blocked by Tony Hibbert and Howard in quick succession, Ryan Babel missed a gift close-in from a John Arne Riise cross before a brave saving header from Carsley stopped Lucas reaching a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Gerrard, himself, on his 20th derby appearance, then almost uprooted Howard's right-hand post with a fierce, dipping drive from 25-yards.

But the feeling remained that Everton were still in it despite Reina barely being tested.

Everton, with Arteta in a more central midfield role, and Steven Pienaar a wandering, sporadic, influence, had unquenchable belief.

That was reinforced by the way they were over-powering Lucas in midfield, possession constantly being conceded.

And they started the second period with growing intent. Pienaar was booked for a foul on Babel as the Blue' tempo increased.

Neville's move to a more advanced role on the left of midfield forced Kuyt to defend and stopped Jamie Carragher getting forward. And Everton started to win free-kicks, their dangerous trademark.

Leon Osman sent a header just wide from one of Arteta's accurate deliveries, with Liverpool now having to defend. Manuel Fernandes came on for Pienaar on the hour, and Everton continued to press.

Phil Jagielka was booked for a late challenge on Gerrard before Neville was withdrawn - presumably injured because he headed straight down the tunnel after grabbing a track-suit top angrily, before exchanging a handshake with Moyes.

Liverpool gambled on sitting back and trying to catch Everton on the break the more they came forward, increasingly desperate to salvage something.

Babel was withdrawn to allow Yossi Benayoun into the argument, while Everton sent Jagielka up front late on. Everton were a constant and growing menace which needed all of Sami Hyypia's experience and Martin Skrtel's brawn to contain.

The unease in Liverpool ranks increased with Torres booked for time wasting, before being withdrawn, Jermaine Pennant coming on with two minutes left.

Kuyt curled a 20-yarder just wide and Howard saved superbly from Gerrard, but it was all Everton as the seconds ticked away.

Liverpool sent on Peter Crouch for Gerrard in injury-time as they successfully used up the last moments.

King Kev has Spanish eyes for ex-Gunner Reyes as he looks to rebuild Newcastle

2008-03-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Newcastle have been linked with a surprise summer swoop for former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes.

The 24-year-old, who made his name with Seville, is currently out of favour at Atletico Madrid and has been targeted by Toon boss Kevin Keegan as a man who can help bring back attacking football to St James' Park.

The Spanish international, who moved to Arsenal for £10.5million in 2004, never settled in the captial and was loaned to Real Madrid in August 2006, before being sold to city rivals Atletico at the start of this season.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is ready to give Keegan his full financial backing in the summer as long as the north-east club avoid relegation this season.

It's great to see my Chelsea friends, I don't have any at Arsenal - Gunners captain Gallas's surprise admission

2008-03-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Arsenal captain William Gallas has made the remarkable claim that he has no true friends within Arsene Wenger's squad and admitted that he is an awe of former Chelsea team-mate John Terry.

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Gallas hopes to be in the France team to face England in Paris tomorrow night and will renew acquaintances with Terry, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard just days after Chelsea ended Arsenal's Barclays Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Asked by a French newspaper who his mates were at Arsenal, Gallas said: "Mates? Well, they are more like acquaintances. At Arsenal there is Theo Walcott but he is very young.

"Really, it's the guys at Chelsea like Frank Lampard, John Terry, Wayne Bridge and Joe Cole. It always gives me pleasure to see them again.

"We all have our own lives but when we see each other - especially Terry - we always like to spend some time talking together.

"After all, I spent five years by their sides. There is always something between us. John Terry in particular. I like his mentality. He is a real warrior.

"In fact he is an example to me even though he is much younger than me।"

Gallas' peculiar reaction could possibly be explained by a suggestion that he understood the question to refer to English mates at Arsenal.

Either way, his comments are unlikely to go down well at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile the central defender also made it clear just how important tonight's friendly match is to the French team.

Gallas said: "Matches with France are always very important and this is England so it's even more important. The stadium will be full.

"This is more than simply a friendly as for some players there is always extra motivation against England.

"We appreciate each other as players but at the same time we want to show that we are better than them."

Pietersen rescues England as top order capitulates again

2008-03-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Kevin Pietersen admitted he has been frustrated with his failure to make big scores after ending his drought with a vital century for England in the deciding Test against New Zealand.

The Hampshire batsman hit a brilliant 129 to help England recover and reach 240 for seven by the close of the opening day at McLean Park after they had won the toss and decided to bat first on a flat-looking pitch.

England had slumped to 36 for four inside the first 24 overs but Pietersen, who had gone 10 Test innings without even scoring a half-century, brought up his 11th Test century to at least give them a chance of competing in the remainder of the Test.

"It was a pretty big hole to be in, especially losing the top three batters so it was a day we had to scrap again," admitted Pietersen, who hit a six and 12 fours during his innings.

"We've scrapped this whole series and we had to do that again. I'm really happy with the way I played and I'm really happy with the outcome.

"I've been playing well in the five Test matches leading up to this and I've got a 30 or 40 in every single Test, I've just not been able to go on.

"I don't know the reason and that's frustrating because I let a lot of people down who come to watch all the time. I like to entertain and play good innings so it's been frustrating I haven't been doing that.

"It's just been a tough time, but that's the cycle of life and these things happen and hopefully I've come through it now and I continue scoring - I'm pretty happy with 11 hundreds in 36 games."

It was the first barren streak of Pietersen's illustrious career and he was determined to end it in the final Test, stressing: "I'm not a robot. I always said I was going to go through a patch where I wasn't scoring for a while and hopefully that patch has ended and the cricket gods are with me now.

"You go through series and months when you go through a drought. It happens to everybody - even Ricky Ponting in Australia has gone through it in the one-dayers. How fun would life be if everything was hunky dory all the time?"

Pietersen's innings held England together after debutant seamer Tim Southee claimed two wickets in his first spell and then returned with the new ball to dismiss the top scorer.

But Pietersen believes England are still in the Test having battled their way to a more respectable score by the close with Stuart Broad hitting a Test-best unbeaten 42.

"From a team point of view, we've got 240 and if the lads stick it out for an hour or even until lunch tomorrow and try and get 300 plus then we're definitely not out of the Test match," he added.

Southee, man of the tournament in the recent Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, got off to the perfect start by trapping Michael Vaughan with his 11th ball in Test cricket and followed up by dismissing Andrew Strauss in his next over.

"It was good to get it out of the way," admitted 19-year-old Southee.

"There were a few nerves there on the first day but to get a wicket under your belt early relieves a bit of pressure and I went from there."

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool boss Benitez monitoring Boro boy Cattermole - the next Stevie G

2008-03-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Liverpool are monitoring the progress of Middlesbrough's midfield teenage prodigy Lee Cattermole.

Sportsmail understands that Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has instructed his scouts to take a look at the £5million-rated 19-year-old with a view to a summer swoop.

Benitez is believed to admire Cattermole's tough-tackling approach and, wary of the need for an even bigger squad next season when he will be able to name seven substitutes, the Spanish manager appears keen to add some young, British talent to his multi-national squad.

Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, 27, has about five years left before his legs will bring an end to his box-to-box game and Cattermole could use that time to learn from - and eventually fill the boots of - the England star.

Teesside-born Cattermole is one of an increasing line of talented youngsters to emerge from Middlesbrough's impressive Academy system.

England head coach Fabio Capello this week called up Cattermole's Boro team-mates Stewart Downing, 23, and David Wheater, 21, to his second full England squad.

That news was reportedly greeted with much celebration at the Riverside but Liverpool's interest in one of their rising stars will surely provoke a less warm welcome on Teesside.

Cattermole made his Boro debut in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle United on January 2, 2006, and has since made 60 appearances, scoring three goals. He has been capped twice by England Under 21s.

Norwich footballer caught drunk at the wheel in his underpants

2008-03-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

When Norwich midfielder Matty Pattison woke up last Sunday morning, he was afraid of incurring his manager Glenn Roeder's wrath for being late for training.

So he jumped into his car wearing only his underpants, T-shirt and shoes and headed for the club's Colney training ground.

But there was no training that day and Pattison was allegedly arrested for drink driving in his underwear on the way, according to the Daily Mirror. He is now in a heap more trouble with Roeder.

Pattison, whose nickname is Party, had reportedly visited a nightclub on Saturday night after the Championship side's 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

And it was the effects of the drink that caused Pattison to attempt his mad dash to the training ground on Sunday morning. He was tailed by police halfway through the journey after he was apparently spotted driving erratically.

When the 21-year-old pulled up outside the Colney ground he was arrested after police were said to have found him unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

Pattison, who was born in South Africa, has been bailed to appear before Norwich magistrates on March 31.

Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "We understand that Matthew Pattison was arrested and has been charged with a drink-drive offence.

"We will be investigating what has happened and co-operating fully with Norfolk Constabulary.

"When we have more facts at our disposal we will then be in a position to comment further."

Pattison is Roeder's only permanent signing at Carrow Road since the former Newcastle and West Ham boss took over last October.

A source at Norwich told the Mirror: "Matty is always out clubbing which is why he has got the nickname 'Party'. It's a shame he has a bit of a problem because he is a good player."

Roeder is among a number of coaches who are campaigning against the traditional culture of drinking by footballers after seeing the benefits which a more continental attitude to food and drink has had at some Premier League clubs.

Wenger's fears of drawing an English foe realised as Arsenal are paired with Liverpool

2008-03-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger fears of facing English opposition in the Champions League quarter-final were confirmed today when the club were drawn against 2005 champions Liverpool.

Wenger now faces the prospect of playing Liverpool three times within a week and, even though he was keen to avoid another Premier League team, the Arsenal manager remained confident his team can progress.

He said: “We knocked AC Milan out. That was a big hurdle. We were strong enough to knock out the holders so we can do it against Liverpool.

“Their stadium is a big factor and their fans get behind the team but I think it is challenging and interesting as well. I said I would rather not have drawn an English team but this is the quarter- finals and all the teams are of a high level.”

Chelsea were upbeat after being drawn against Turkish side Fenerbahce. Chief executive Peter Kenyon said the club had “real pedigree” and other teams were keen to avoid them.

The draw in Switzerland also pitted Manchester United — the fourth English club left in the competition — against AS Roma.

If Chelsea overcome Fenerbahce, an English team will be gauranteed a place in the final in Moscow on 21 May. In the other tie Barcelona face Bundesliga side Schalke 04.

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman said: “Liverpool are a great team with fantastic experience in this competition. We are playing them three times in a week and I think the tactics in every match will be watched very carefully by the managers. It will be very exciting for the fans.”

This will be the first time the clubs have met in European competition and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: “All three games will be very tight. I guess we have avoided a trip to Turkey which is a bonus.

“The possibility of two English teams in the final is very much alive.”

Whoever wins will face Chelsea in the semi-finals and Kenyon said: “It's good news for the supporters. The first time we could meet another English team is the semi finals. It's a good draw and it is the first time we have played Fenerbahce so there is no history between the clubs.”

Asked whether Chelsea could bounce back from their Carling Cup Final defeat by Spurs, Kenyon said: “We have had disappointments all the way through the season. But now everybody is hitting fitness at the right time of year.”

Rafa raves about the fab four as Liverpool make it a clean sweep for English clubs

2008-03-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Rafa saluted "the power of the Premier League" after Liverpool made sure there will be a full complement of English teams in Friday's Champions League quarter-final draw.

Already firmly in charge of their last 16 tie after a 2-0 win at Anfield three weeks ago, Liverpool added to Inter Milan's misery as Fernando Torres' 26th goal of the season completed a glorious quartet of English triumphs.

Liverpool join Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in the last eight.

Torres struck in the 64th minute to end 10-man Inter's hopes and round off a San Siro double for the Barclays Premier League after Arsenal stunned AC Milan here last week.

Benitez was in jubilant mood as he hailed his side's latest outstanding European achievement and savoured the prospect of a May all-English final in Moscow.

"When all four English teams reach the last eight of the Champions League, it means our game is one of the best in the world," he said.

"It is the power of the Premier League, and it shows that our top four teams are maybe the best in Europe. That much is clear, and no one can say any different.

"There are so many really good players in all four sides. It would be great to see two English sides in the final, especially if we're one. I would be pleased to face another English team in the final. As for Friday's draw, I've no preference. I just want to enjoy tonight and see who we get."

Torres is in unstoppable form, fully justifying his £21million fee with eight goals in his last five appearances.

Benitez said: "We have a lot of confidence in him. He is a real threat to defenders, and when a chance fell his way again, he took it really well.

"We are really pleased and 26 goals is a good total. But the important thing for him is to make sure he scores a few more before the season is out.

"He has a good mentality and is trying to improve every day. The way he is playing and scoring goals is another indication of how much stronger our squad is this season.

"We were controlling the game by outnumbering them in midfield. The idea was to be compact and hit them on the counter-attack, because they could not afford to make any mistakes after our performance at Anfield."

While opposite number Roberto Mancini shocked fans by announcing that he will quit Inter at the end of the season, Benitez's stock in Europe continued to rise, in contrast to another disappointing Premier League campaign.

Benitez said: "You must keep your levels of concentration high for nine months in the Premier League, and that must be our next aim. In cups or Champions League, you only have to focus on one or two games at a time."

Defender Jamie Carragher insisted Liverpool had proved their European pedigree again, saying: "We've beaten possibly the best team in Europe. On domestic form they're top of their league and have only lost one game.

"We've shown over the last three years that we're as good as anyone in Europe.

"We knew if we kept a clean sheet we'd go through - that's what we were determined to get and we got it."

Skipper Steven Gerrard admitted Nicolas Burdisso's dismissal for two yellow cards had proved crucial, saying: "I wouldn't say we were comfortable until the sendingoff. It was a good game to come and get a clean sheet and get something on the break - and we've achieved that.

"We knew they weren't going to play with out-and-out wingers so it was important I defended and helped Javier Mascherano out. I think we controlled the game and deserved to go through.

"Look at our form over the season, we've been inconsistent in the league but a force in Europe - I don't think anyone will want to get us in the last eight."

Cardiff continue the giant-killing with FA Cup victory at Middlesbrough

2008-03-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Peter Whittingham and Roger Johnson wrote a new chapter in a remarkable FA Cup fairytale as Cardiff pulled off yet another astonishing giant-killing act at Middlesbrough.

The Welsh club, who face a trip to the High Court this week with their very existence under threat, blasted Barclays Premier League Boro out of the competition to book a semi-final trip to Wembley.

City, the only side to take the cup out of England - they did so in 1927 - will now eagerly await a draw which remarkably will include only one top-flight side, Portsmouth, following the demise yesterday of giants Manchester United and Chelsea.

And the truth is, the Coca-Cola Championship side were full value for their victory as they took the game to Boro throughout.

They forced their way ahead through Peter Whittingham's sensational ninth-minute strike and were in dreamland when defender Roger Johnson headed home a second with just 22 minutes gone.

Thereafter, they not only defended superbly - Stewart Downing's 61st-minute free-kick, which flew inches over the bar, was as close as the home side came to dragging themselves back into the tie - but they might have won even more comfortably.

Dave Jones' side will head for Wembley knowing a good draw could give them a chance of returning for the final on May 17, while opposite number Gareth Southgate now faces a fight for Premier League survival.

The bulk of a crowd of 32,896 - or at least those who remained - made their feelings abundantly clear on the final whistle on a miserable day for the Teessiders.

Cardiff's triumph 81 years ago is the only occasion on which either club has won the trophy with Boro's best effort coming in 1997, when they were runners-up to Chelsea.

But the carnage which had seen Premier League sides fall like nine-pins in this season's competition presented a genuine opportunity for both, and with home advantage, the Teessiders must have fancied their chances before kick-off.

However, with the Riverside Stadium filled to capacity, their hopes were torn apart within a disastrous first 45 minutes.

City's financial problems mean there is a possibility that the club could go out of business, and they approached this afternoon's encounter as if their lives depended on it.

Full-back Tony Capaldi's long throw had already caused the home defence problems when they failed to deal with another with nine minutes gone.

With Boro appealing in vain for handball, Whittingham shuffled his feet to get a glimpse at goal and then curled a superb shot past Mark Schwarzer and in off the upright.

There was stunned silence from three sides of the stadium, although little could the red and white faithful have expected what was to follow.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who scored 33 goals in 89 appearances for Boro, should have collected his ninth for the Bluebirds this season, but headed Capaldi's cross wide.

However, the reprieve was only temporary and when Johnson dived to meet Whittingham's 22nd-minute free-kick at the far post, he gave Schwarzer no chance once again.

Boro rallied briefly with record signing Afonso Alves forcing a 27th-minute save from Peter Enckelman and then appealing in vain for a penalty after going to ground under Kevin McNaughton's last-ditch challenge.

However, Cardiff continued to look the more threatening and Johnson might have doubled his tally had he got any more power or better direction into a 40th-minute header before Whittingham forced an injury time save from Schwarzer.

Among the crowd was a flag bearing the slogan "Spirit of Steaua", and never more had Boro needed the kind of fightback they launched in the UEFA Cup semi-final two seasons ago to see off the Bucharest club having done just the same in the previous round to claw back FC Basle.

Mido's introduction for Alves at the break gave the home side a different focal point, and they started to make an impression as the half wore on.

But Cardiff were not about to surrender their lead without a battle and remained solid in the face of a determined, if often blunt, assault.

They too continued to create chances, Fabio Rochemback having to block a Stephen McPhail drive and then snatch the midfielder's cross just before it made contact with Hasselbaink's forehead with 55 minutes gone.

Downing curled a 61st-minute free-kick just over Enckelman's bar, but Boro had an escape two minutes later when Hasselbaink only just failed to reach a driven cross with the goal at his mercy.

Substitute Steve Thompson might have wrapped things up in style with an 85th-minute header, but directed his effort straight at the keeper, although by then, the already celebrating travelling fans were past caring.

I'm fit and confident of winning my 100th cap against France, declares Beckham

2008-03-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

Fit-again David Beckham is fully confident he can earn his 100th England cap in the friendly with France on March 26.

Beckham was left out of new manager Fabio Capello's squad for his first game in charge of the national side, a 2-1 victory over Switzerland, due to a lack of match fitness.

But the Italian hinted yesterday he expects the 32-year-old to be in contention to face Raymond Domenech's side in Paris, although he will assess Beckham in action prior to that when the Los Angeles Galaxy face FC Dallas in a pre-season game on March 15.

And Beckham, in Hong Kong for Galaxy's third game of a three-match Asian tour, believes there will be no doubts about his sharpness, insisting that the decision will be purely down to form.

"Fitness-wise, I'll be perfect," he said. "But it's about performing and hopefully I'll do that."

Beckham insisted he was relaxed over his England future despite his initial exclusion, after being reassured by Capello he would be in the frame for the France encounter, and is also confident he can extend his international career well beyond the Paris friendly.

"That's what he (Capello) said to me. I knew that from the conversation I had with him," he added.

"He said that once I'm back playing and if I'm fit, and I'm playing well enough, then he'll pick me. With the first game after he took charge, I hadn't played any games and he explained that to me. I've played three games so far now and got through them all.

"I believe I can play for my country for a good few more years yet, that's just me being honest. I believe that I can still play at that level.

"The standard is slightly different in the US but it's not as low as everybody thinks. We've got some very good teams and very good players and we play some really good football so we'll just have to wait and see.

"But I believe I can play for my country for a good few years."

If Beckham does join Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright as only the fifth player to pass the century mark for England, he admitted it will be one of the proudest moments of a career that has seen him claim titles in England and Spain along with the Champions League.

"Reaching 100 games and reaching 100 caps is very special," he said.

"Being a proud Englishmen, it's something that I've always wanted to do since I was a young boy. I've always wanted to play for my country, I've always wanted to captain my country and I've always wanted to reach 100 games because there's not many players that have done that.

"It would be a proud moment if I did that but at the moment I'm working hard on my fitness and working hard with the Galaxy and if I get the 100th cap then great. But we'll just have to wait and see."