Tag Archives: bulls

Gareth Bale delivers fresh Charlie Adam snub

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Bale delivers fresh snub to arch-foe Adam after striking Spurs to victory in New York

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UPDATED:

09:39 GMT, 1 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale was keen to move on from the Charlie Adam tackle that left him on crutches over the weekend after returning to action in Spurs' 2-1 friendly victory over the New York Red Bulls.

Bale was left nursing an ankle injury following a bad tackle by Liverpool midfielder Adam during the pre-season clash between the Barclays Premier League rivals in Baltimore on Saturday.

The Wales international labelled Adam a coward straight after the incident, which came just over a year after another crude challenge from the Scot had sidelined him for three months.

Moving on: Gareth Bale is looking forward after saying that Charlie Adam was 'not worth commenting on'.

Moving on: Gareth Bale is looking forward after saying that Charlie Adam was 'not worth commenting on'.

Bale has received no apology, while his criticism was labelled 'outrageous' by Adam's agent.

Asked whether he held a grudge against Adam, Bale said on Sky Sports News: 'People like that are not worth commenting on, to be honest. He knows what he's done wrong himself, so we'll just leave it.'

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas said: 'The question is, at what point can you arrive in a friendly to let the ball go past you and go into a professional's ankle the way Charlie did

'We responded the way we felt was appropriate, bearing in mind the fact there was no apology from Charlie to the challenge, no response from Liverpool – we don't expect any response, neither are we going to pressure them in any way.'

Moving on: bale played against the New York Red Bulls in Tottenham's pre-season friendly

Moving on: bale played against the New York Red Bulls in Tottenham's pre-season friendly

Moving on: bale played against the New York Red Bulls in Tottenham's pre-season friendly

Scans showed the problem was not as bad as first feared and Bale started against the Red Bulls, heading home a 58th-minute equaliser to cancel out Kenny Cooper's early penalty for the hosts before new signing Gylfi Sigurdsson curled in a superb winner.

Bale was delighted to have made such a swift recovery.

'I only trained this morning,' the 23-year-old said. 'I knew I wanted to be fit for this game – there's not too many games left in pre-season and it's important to get some minutes on the pitch.

Out and about: Charlie Adam and Bale have clashed before

Out and about: Charlie Adam and Bale have clashed before

Can I go now Luka Modric is hoping for a move to Real Madrid

Can I go now Luka Modric is hoping for a move to Real Madrid

'I was a bit concerned going out before the game, but then again I wanted to get my fitness up quicker and get ready for the Premier League season.'

Villas-Boas, meanwhile, said the club will make a decision on the future of wantaway Croatia playmaker Luka Modric when the team return to England from the United States.

The Portuguese said: 'Luka is now doing double sessions on his own in London. When we get back to London we'll give the players some time off. When we return to sessions we will decide what is best for Luka to do.

'He's a Tottenham player, obviously. He has to be in good mental condition to return to our training because his colleagues are at one level up in terms of preparation and fitness, so we'll have step on a programme for him which gradually brings him to the team, and gradually brings him to fitness level and eventually see what happens.'

Bale was awarded the man of the match award against the Red Bulls on Tuesday

Bale labelled Adam a 'coward' after a tough tackle

Bale won the man of the match award against New York (left) and labelled Adam a 'coward' for a heavy tackle

Steven Pienaar signs for Everton from Tottenham

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Pienaar heads back to Everton in 4.5m deal just 18 months after leaving for Spurs

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UPDATED:

17:34 GMT, 31 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Everton have confirmed the permanent return of Steven Pienaar from Tottenham for 4.5million on a four-year deal.

The South Africa international spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park after failing to impress under then-Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

He only signed for Tottenham last year for a reported 3million fee after spending four years, the first of which was on loan from Borussia Dortmund, with Everton.

On the move: Steven Pienaar in action for Spurs during pre-season this month

On the move: Steven Pienaar in action for Spurs during pre-season this month

Opportunities were limited for Pienaar at Tottenham, where he started just five Barclays Premier League matches.

But he excelled on his return to Everton, scoring four goals in 14 league games to help them finish seventh, with boss David Moyes stating at the beginning of the month one of his aims for the summer was to re-sign Pienaar.

'We are keen [on Pienaar] and I hope in time we would be able to conclude that deal,' he said.

'I don't know if the situation has changed (with Andre Villas-Boas coming in as new Spurs manager) but Steven has made it very clear he wants to come back here and my understanding is that hasn't changed.

Fans' favourite: Pienaar spent the second half of last season on loan with Everton

Fans' favourite: Pienaar spent the second half of last season on loan with Everton

'My next job in the coming weeks is to get Steven Pienaar here as well.'

Pienaar made no secret of his desire to return to Merseyside and Tim Cahill's move to Major League Soccer outfit the New York Red Bulls paved the way for the 30-year-old's comeback.

He told Everton's website: 'I am happy to be here. It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton.

'There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here. At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done.'

Gareth Bale escapes serious injury after Charlie Adam challenge

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Relief for Villas-Boas as Bale escapes serious injury after Adam challenge

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UPDATED:

21:42 GMT, 30 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Andre Villas-Boas breathed a huge sigh of relief with the news Gareth Bale has escaped serious injury from Charlie Adam's controversial tackle.

But the Portuguese has called on the Scotland midfielder to apologise for the challenge that left Bale in a protective boot.

Tottenham were left fearing the worst on Saturday after the Liverpool midfielder went in hard on Bale, injuring the Wales winger's left ankle during the 0-0 pre-season draw in Baltimore.

Back in training: Gareth Bale jogs during a practice session at Red Bull Arena in New York

Back in training: Gareth Bale jogs during a practice session at Red Bull Arena in New York

Bale had a precautionary scan last night to determine the full extent of the injury, but the Spurs forward took part in light training yesterday ahead of tonight's clash against New York Red Bulls.

'Needless to say, we are extremely relieved Gareth has not been seriously injured,' said Villas-Boas.

'There is previous history between the two players on the challenge that was done I think three years ago.

Down in pain: Bale reacts in agony after a tackle by Adam

Down in pain: Bale reacts in agony after a tackle by Adam

'Adam being called a coward It’s Gareth speaking and he felt strongly after the match bearing in mind the player didn’t go to him to apologise for what was considered a difficult and nasty challenge.

'The words came out of his mouth and I’m sure he said it in full consciousness.' He added: 'Will we take it any further We are discussing it within the club but in my opinion, the matter is dealt.

'But it would be extremely human for Charlie to come out with an apology. But you can’t force people to say anything and we will have to wait and see.'

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012: Luol Deng can inspire Britain to glory, says coach

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Deng good enough to inspire my team to glory, says Britain's basketball coach Finch

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UPDATED:

07:25 GMT, 26 July 2012

Luol Deng can be the man to drive Great Britain to success at the London Olympics, according to coach Chris Finch.

Chicago Bulls star Deng is the face of the British team, not only as the stand-out player on court but also as a model of commitment to the team.

While Finch would be the first to say there is plenty more to his squad than Deng alone, he also recognises the huge contribution the 27-year-old NBA All-Star can make.

Luol Deng

Luol Deng

Main man: Luol Deng with the ball against USA in Manchester last week

'Everything hangs together through him and his ability to do lots of good things,' Finch said. 'He has the ability to make his team-mates better by passing the ball, and reacting to what they're doing.

'When your best player is one of your best people and best workers, you have a chance to be really good and that's what we have.'

But Finch also knows Deng's contribution to the British team – which was only formed in 2006 with the goal of playing in these Games – goes beyond what shows up on court.

'His impact on the programme is not to be understated,' the coach added.

'He's made a huge commitment, like a lot of our guys. He's played every summer except when he's had injury, and even before the programme was up and running he was actively recruiting players to the cause.

Inspiration: Luol Deng clashes with Carmelo Anthony during Britain's warm-up match against USA in Manchester last week

Inspiration: Luol Deng clashes with Carmelo Anthony during Britain's warm-up match against USA in Manchester last week

'He's been a great ambassador for the sport of basketball and for all sports in the United Kingdom, playing at the highest level and this year having a breakthrough season to make the All-Star Game.'

Another major asset Deng brings to the team is his ability to play in a number of different positions, something that could be needed if injuries take a bite out of Finch's squad late in their preparations.

Guard Mike Lenzly has a torn calf muscle and Dan Clark a bad ankle sprain, with Finch saying both players are '50/50 at best' to be fit for the Games, with tomorrow the deadline to call in replacements.

Finch will wait until the final moments to make a call as he wants to give both players every chance to recover, but he is confident his squad can adapt if the worst happens.

'We've still got great experience, and having a player like Luol allows you to have great flexibility in your line-up because he can play both forward spots or even at point guard if you needed him to,' Finch said.

'Pops [Mensah-Bonsu] can play a couple of different positions too so we have some versatility to cover for that.'

Bradford Bulls docked six points over administration

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Bull's play-off hopes dashed after crisis club docked six points over administration

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UPDATED:

09:02 GMT, 25 July 2012

Bradford Bulls have been deducted six points for going into administration.

The Rugby Football League’s board of directors imposed the punishment after the ailing Super League club breached the game’s insolvency regulations.

A statement said: 'The RFL board of directors has today ruled that Bradford Bulls will be deducted six points – the equivalent of three competition wins – as a penalty for entering into administration during the 2012 Stobart Super League season.'

Fear: Bradford Bulls could yet go to the wall after entering administration

Fear: Bradford Bulls could yet go to the wall after entering administration

The deduction takes immediate effect and drops the Bulls out of the play-off positions, from seventh to ninth, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Warrington, with Huddersfield and Hull KR moving above them in the table.

Bradford, who have won three of their last four matches to raise hopes of reaching the play-offs for the first time in four years, were bracing themselves for the points deduction after entering administration on June 26.

Both Wakefield and Crusaders were docked four points when they entered administration on the eve of the 2011 season after the RFL directors took into account the new owners’ willingness to pay off some of the debts to creditors.

Dedicated: Coach Mick Potter remains in charge despite not being paid

Dedicated: Coach Mick Potter remains in charge despite not being paid

Although Bradford’s joint administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has found a potential buyer, any deal is some way off being completed.

Guilfoyle has passed on details of a formal, written offer from the ABC consortium, a group of local Asian businessmen, to the RFL but it is conditional on them being able to buy back the lease to Odsal Stadium and receiving a guarantee on the Bulls remaining in Super League.

He has until this Friday to avoid putting the club into liquidation, although he has the option of a further extension of the deadline if he feels he can complete a deal.

Offer for Bradford Bulls assessed by RFL

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RFL assessing Bradford Bulls bid as fears grow over liquidation threat

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 24 July 2012

The Rugby Football League are scrutinising an offer for Bradford Bulls before they hand it over to the RFL board of directors.

The offer, from a group of Asian businessmen known as the ABC consortium, is thought to be conditional on being able to buy back the Odsal Stadium lease from the RFL and getting a guarantee Bradford will stay in Super League.

Bulls administrator Brendan Guilfoyle says he will place the club into liquidation if no buyer is found by Friday.

Threat: Bradford Bulls could be placed into liquidation on Friday if a buyer isn't found

Threat: Bradford Bulls could be placed into liquidation on Friday if a buyer isn't found

Tim Cahill to join New York Red Bulls

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Everton star Cahill set for New York as Toffees agree terms with Red Bulls

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UPDATED:

21:59 GMT, 23 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Tim Cahill is on the verge of ending his eight-year association with Everton by joining New York Red Bulls.

Everton have agreed a 1million fee with the Red Bulls and the Australian international, who had two years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park, will sign terms a lucrative deal in the next 24 hours.

Moving on: Cahill is set to end his eight-year association with Everton

Moving on: Cahill is set to end his eight-year association with Everton

Cahill has been a mainstay of Everton's
team since he arrived from Millwall in the summer of 2004 and his impact
has been so great that David Moyes has frequently described him as 'one
of the greatest signings I have ever made'.

His future has been the subject of significant debate this summer, though, and Cahill – who scored 68 goals in 278 appearances for Everton – was linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and China in the quest for a new challenge.

The switch to New York, however, offers the 33-year-old a exciting new opportunity and he will link up with former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.

Main man: Cahill was often among the goals during his time at Everton

Main man: Cahill was often among the goals during his time at Everton

This could turn out to be a summer of significant change at Goodison Park, as Everton also offloaded Joseph Yobo for 2.5million to Fenerbahce on Monday after weeks of haggling between the clubs.

Moyes, who has already brought in Scotland international Steven Naismith, will now aim to press on with completing the signing of Steven Pienaar from Tottenham and that business should be completed before the end of the week.

Once Pienaar arrived, Moyes will then look to bring in central defensive cover, bolster his midfield and land a striker to ease the burden on Nikica Jelavic and fill the void left by Cahill, who had a knack of scoring crucial goals for Everton.

Team-mates: Cahill will link up with Thierry Henry in New York

Team-mates: Cahill will link up with Thierry Henry in New York

Everton are set to fly out to Indonesia for a week to take part in the Java Cup.

They could have faced Galatasary in the Far East but the Turkish club have pulled out of the tournament at the last minute and their place has been taken by Nacional of Uruguay.

Bradford Bulls crisis: Administrator receives formal offer

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Bradford administrator receives formal offer, but decision hangs on owners buying lease of Odsal

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UPDATED:

19:02 GMT, 19 July 2012

The consortium seeking to buy Bradford Bulls have no intention of moving the club to Valley Parade, administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has revealed.

Guilfoyle has confirmed he had received an offer from the ABC consortium, a group of local Asian businessmen, for the financially-stricken Super League club.

But Guilfoyle, partner at Leeds-based The P&A Partnership, says the offer is conditional on the prospective new owners buying back the lease of Odsal Stadium and the Bulls retaining their Super League status.

Generous: Bradford fans have dipped into their own pockets to help staff

Generous: Bradford fans have dipped into their own pockets to help staff

The Rugby Football League bought the
lease for 1.25million in January to help the club pay off debts and
safeguard the stadium's future as a rugby league venue.

The conditions laid down by the
consortium, which is thought to contain property developers, led to
speculation Odsal could be sold and the Bulls could once more move in
with Bradford City but Guilfoyle tonight insisted that was not the case.

'I asked them about it yesterday
(Wednesday) and they told me that suggestions they were trying to lift
the restricted covenant were wrong.' Guilfoyle told BBC Radio Leeds.

'Inevitably there is speculation from fans but I don't see any evidence of anybody trying to move to Valley Parade.

Volunteer: Mick Potter returned to coach Bradford for free after being laid off

Volunteer: Mick Potter returned to coach Bradford for free after being laid off

'They are quite comfortable with
playing at Odsal. They are looking at how they can increase the revenues
at the club because that's what is necessary to stop the losses and
they see the Coral Suite as an under-used asset.'

Guilfoyle confirmed he is to meet the RFL tomorrow to update them on the offer.

Luol Deng good enough to play for US says America coach

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US coach claims GB star Deng is good enough to play for American basketball team

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 15 July 2012


In action: Luol Deng takes on Portugal

In action: Luol Deng takes on Portugal

US basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has paid the highest compliment possible to British NBA star Luol Deng, insisting he is good enough to play for the American national team.

Deng, his parents and eight siblings were granted political asylum in 1995 when his family settled in Brixton, before he headed to the United States to pursue his basketball dreams at the age of 14.

He is now the 6ft 9ins star of NBA giants the Chicago Bulls and Krzyzewski believes Deng – who he coached at Duke University – would make it into his squad of 12.

He said: 'Luol is a special player. He's good enough to be on the American team.

'I loved my time with him, he's a warrior and keeps improving. The quality of the person that he is exceeds his basketball ability. He's an all-star.

'And I love the fact that he's committed to playing for his country, knowing his family and what Great Britain did for his family I can see him honouring that commitment.'

Deng was identified by Krzyzewski as a future international when he joined Duke, rated as highly as this season's NBA Finals MVP, LeBron James.

The two come face-to-face when Team GB play the USA at the Manchester Arena on Thursday in an Olympics warm-up match.

Backed: US head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised Deng highly

Backed: US head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised Deng highly

Krzyzewski said: 'Deng was in the same year as LeBron and we felt that outside of James, Luol was the next best player.

'I think he proved that to be true during his year at Duke. He got us to the final four and we had a chance to win the national championship.

'He was beyond his years, he wasn't a freshman, he just played so beautifully and hard. He's a guy you want on your team if you're a coach.'

Krzyzewski is relishing the visit to Manchester, which he describes as a ‘city of champions’ and hopes some of that winning culture rubs off on his players.

In demand: Krzyzewski added Deng would be wanted by any coach

In demand: Krzyzewski added Deng would be wanted by any coach

'The Manchester stop is going to be an interesting one. All the guys are excited about it, they all know the name Manchester.

'A number of them are soccer fans. Kobe Bryant watches it all the time and LeBron's a fan, too – at least from a business point of view.

'We're visiting a place that is accustomed to championships and hosting high level sport so we're looking forward to it.'

Team GB's men cruised to a second straight victory over Portugal in as many days as they continued their Olympic preparations in
Sheffield.

Top form: Kyle Johnson (left) impressed

Top form: Kyle Johnson (left) impressed

Following on from Saturday’s 83-68 win, they turned in a more rounded performance with big contributions off the bench to record an 86-66 success.

Kyle Johnson, who finished as the leading scorer with 21 points, made an impact off the bench, making his first seven field goal attempts — including three big threes.

Bradford"s administrator Brendan Guilfoyle sees the light

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Bradford cling to hope as Guilfoyle insists he sees light at the end of tunnel

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UPDATED:

09:55 GMT, 10 July 2012

Bradford's administrator Brendan Guilfoyle says he can see 'light at the end of the tunnel' in his battle to save the beleaguered Super League club.

Guilfoyle is anxiously waiting for a consortium of Bradford businessmen to put together an offer and, in the meantime, is turning his attention to finding the players' wages which are due at the end of this week.

The administrator, who made savings of around 45,000 at the start of last week by making 16 full-time members of staff redundant, insists he is still working towards Tuesday's deadline to avoid putting the Bulls into liquidation but is encouraged by two days of talks with a group of local businessmen.

Uncertain: Bradford Bulls continue to fight against deep financial problems

Uncertain: Bradford Bulls continue to fight against deep financial problems

'They're getting accountants and lawyers involved,' said Guilfoyle. 'They're trying to get a handle on the short-term losses and, if they can get that, I'm confident they will come back with an offer.

'That's the good news. The bad news is that the staff are asking for clarity on wages, which are due on Friday. Although I got 10,000 to come through the gate on Sunday, the cash take was disappointing.

'That indicates to me that the season-ticket holders used their tickets rather than cash to get in, contrary to what I was led to believe would happen at last week's fans meeting.

'After two weeks of administration I become legally liable for the wages and my challenge is to generate money to pay them. That's my immediate problem and I'm going to talk to the RFL and fans groups.'

Guilfoyle is hoping for further developments later today so that he can persuade his partners to extend the deadline he imposed to find a buyer.

'I'm meeting my risk panel later today,' he added. 'There is no offer but I'm seriously engaged. I can see light at the end of the tunnel but that light can be turned out. The closer it gets, the harder it gets.'