Amlin Challenge Cup match report: Bath 20 Stade Francais 36:

Bath 20 Stade Francais 36: Bath fury over spit incident as they bow out

PUBLISHED:

15:44 GMT, 6 April 2013

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UPDATED:

20:51 GMT, 6 April 2013

Peter Stringer was furious after being spat at by opposing scrum-half Jerome Fillol as Bath crashed out of Europe.

The Irish No 9 hopes his rival from Stade Francais will be hit with a long ban for the ugly bust-up which he labelled 'the lowest of the lows'.

Claas act: But Michael Claassens' try was not more than a consolation for Bath

Claas act: But Michael Claassens' try was not more than a consolation for Bath

Fillol could face a possible 10-week suspension if found guilty after losing his cool at a ruck.

Stringer, capped 98 times, was clearly upset and asked referee Nigel Owens if he had witnessed the incident.

Down and out: Bath players react to defeat

Down and out: Bath players react to defeat

The Welsh referee did not see Fillol
spit but the citing commissioner will take a dim view and the Frenchman
can expect the book to be thrown at him.

Stringer said: 'It's the lowest of
the lows and has no place on a rugby field. It's out of my hands now but
as it was seen on TV, hopefully it will be dealt with.'

No way through: Tom Biggs is tackled by Stade Francais' Hugo Bonneval

No way through: Tom Biggs is tackled by Stade Francais' Hugo Bonneval

The English challenge in the Amlin
Cup ended as Bath meekly bowed out. Two converted tries from Fijian
winger Waisea Vuidravuwalu and two penalties set up a 20-3 halftime lead
for the visitors.

Bath spent 20 minutes against 14 men
after Rabah Slimani and then Scott Lavalla were sin-binned, allowing
the home side back with a penalty try.

In control: Stade Francais's Jerome Fillol offloads the ball

In control: Stade Francais's Jerome Fillol offloads the ball

But a brace from Hugo Bonneval
stretched Stade's lead. Bath pulled tries back through Michael Claassens
and Jack Cuthbert but it was too late to avoid defeat.

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini set for LA Galaxy

Yanks for the memories! Cudicini set for Spurs exit as stopper closes in on LA Galaxy deal

PUBLISHED:

22:15 GMT, 20 December 2012

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UPDATED:

22:15 GMT, 20 December 2012

Carlo Cudicini is close to agreeing a two-year deal to join MLS side LA Galaxy.

Sportsmail revealed the interest last month and talks are at an advanced stage for the 39-year-old.

Moving on: Goalkeeper Cudicini is poised to leave Tottenham next month

Moving on: Goalkeeper Cudicini is poised to leave Tottenham next month

Cudicini is eager to play after falling behind Brad Friedel and Hugo Lloris.

Although 41-year-old Friedel is set
to join Blackburn in January, Cudicini is interested in the idea of
going to Los Angeles and following former teammate Robbie Keane.

Arsenal on alert as Hugo Lloris admits Tottenham future uncertain

Arsenal on alert as goalkeeper Lloris admits Spurs future hangs in the balance

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UPDATED:

08:01 GMT, 16 November 2012

Unsettled Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris insists he could be forced to quit the north London club in search of regular first-team football.

The 12million summer signing from Lyon has started just one Barclays Premier League game for Spurs, and speaking ahead of Saturday's derby clash with Arsenal, the 25-year-old admitted the situation is 'difficult to accept'.

French fancy: The Spurs stopper in action during France's 2-1 win in Italy

French fancy: The Spurs stopper in action during France's 2-1 win in Italy

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was a serious contender to sign Lloris ahead of their rivals during the summer but was put off over Lyon's asking price.

But Lloris' latest admission could see the Arsenal boss – who will attempt to sign a new keeper in January – renew his interest.

Lloris, who has returned to London after playing for France in their midweek win over Italy, admits his future hangs in the balance.

When asked if he might quit Andre Villas-Boas' side in January, the stopper said: 'I feel much at ease at the club but then again everything is possible.

'The coach of Tottenham has made his choice. 'I'm training and I do the maximum but it is difficult and hard to accept.

'Such questions over my position must also be asked to the coach.

'When you're a competitor, you want to be on the pitch.

Andre Villas-Boas gives Brad Friedel hope and says Hugo Lloris is not his No 1

Villas-Boas gives veteran Friedel hope and says Lloris is not his No 1 at Spurs… yet

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UPDATED:

18:31 GMT, 7 October 2012

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas insists Brad Friedel still has a big part to play this season despite dropping the American for Sunday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Villas-Boas made the shock decision to drop Friedel and hand Hugo Lloris his Barclays Premier League debut, thus ending the 41-year-old's record of 310 consecutive top-flight starts.

The Frenchman rose to the occasion quite well, with his only hiccup coming in the second half when Villa intercepted a Lloris pass which almost led to Christian Benteke grabbing an opener for the visitors.

Dropped: Veteran keeper Brad Friedel was left on the bench as Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-0

Dropped: Veteran keeper Brad Friedel was left on the bench as Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-0

Not just yet: Andre Villas-Boas says Hugo Lloris (right) is not his No 1

Not just yet: Andre Villas-Boas says Hugo Lloris (right) is not his No 1

Friedel, who has been in fine form this term, took the decision well, according to Villas-Boas, who denied that the selection meant Lloris will now be his first-choice stopper for the rest of the campaign.
'No,' the Spurs boss replied when asked whether Lloris was now his no 1.

'We spoke among the staff this week about it and we thought it was logical to let Hugo come into a Premier League game because he can't just play in the Europa League.

'Brad obviously was disappointed with the decision but accepted it like the good professional he is.'

Friedel's remarkable run stretched back to August 2004, when he started in goal for Blackburn against West Brom.

The American almost single-handedly saved Tottenham from defeat in their dour performance against Norwich last month and has barely put a foot wrong for Villas-Boas this term.

The Portuguese, therefore, will consider recalling the former Liverpool and Villa man for Spurs' next game against Chelsea in two weeks' time.

'Obviously the change was not based on performance because Brad has been immense for this football team,' the 34-year-old said.

'We respect that and we will surely look at that for the game against Chelsea.

'This was a chance to give Hugo a continuous run of games for Tottenham and the national team.'

The doubts that surrounded Villas-Boas when he replaced Harry Redknapp this summer now appear to be fading.

Commanding: The French goalkeeper put in an assured performance for Tottenham

Commanding: The French goalkeeper put in an assured performance for Tottenham

Commanding: The French goalkeeper put in an assured performance for Tottenham

Commanding: The French goalkeeper put in an assured performance for Tottenham

Tottenham looked a completely different team to the one that wilted against West Brom and Norwich. They played some of their most fluent and deadly attacking football and never looked like failing to win their fourth straight Premier League game.

Spurs failed to take the lead in the first half despite laying siege to the Villa goal, but moved 2-0 up with two second-half goals within nine minutes.

First Jermain Defoe's shot flew in off the heel of Steven Caulker and Aaron Lennon then beat Brad Guzan after cutting in from the right flank.

Spurs moved back up to fifth in the table with the win and Villas-Boas now has his sights set on ending Chelsea's unbeaten run in his next game.

The former Porto boss said: 'The ambition to be among the top teams we have is immense and it gives us a good opportunity (against Chelsea).

'It's obviously going to be a difficult game but we are showing good levels of competence and we hope to profit from the fact that we play at home, and profit from the fact that we play an unbeaten league leader. That will help on our motivation to try to beat them.'

Villa manager Paul Lambert felt Benteke's miss proved crucial in the defeat, which saw the visitors drop to 16th in the table.

The striker, signed from Genk this summer, missed a free header from Gabriel Agbonlahor's cross early in the second half after Villa intercepted Lloris' mis-directed throw.

'That was a big moment,' Lambert said.

'When you have chances like that at a place like this you have to put them away.'

Lambert's decision to field Benteke ahead of Darren Bent was a surprise one given that the England striker had come off the bench to score a crucial equaliser against West Brom last week.

Mistake Paul Lambert started with Christian Benteke (right) rather than Darren Bent

Mistake Paul Lambert started with Christian Benteke (right) rather than Darren Bent

The Scot defended the decision on Sunday evening, saying: 'Christian gives you a different option.

'Darren's threat is going in behind. That was the only reason why we did it.

'Tottenham's full-backs are going to bomb on at every opportunity so that's why I went with that decision. Darren has been fine about it.'

Defender Joe Bennett went to hospital after clattering into an advertising board in the second half following a duel with Gareth Bale.

'I think he has gone to hospital to get stitched up. It was quite a nasty cut,' Lambert added.

Manchester City announces deal with Hugo Boss

Stylish on and off the pitch… Manchester City stars pose in new suits as they bid to retain title

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UPDATED:

10:42 GMT, 2 October 2012

They play some of the most stylish football in the Premier League, so it's fitting that Manchester City will now look equally sharp off the pitch too.

The champions have agreed a new partnership with famous fashion house Hugo Boss to supply their suits for official club engagements and cup finals.

And as this team picture of the City squad modelling their new tailored suits and sky blue ties shows, they will definitely look the part.

Style icons: The Manchester City squad model their new tailored Hugo Boss suits and ties in the club colours on the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium in August

Style icons: The Manchester City squad model their new tailored Hugo Boss suits and ties in the club colours on the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium back in August

Manager Roberto Mancini is a huge fan of the brand and is often seen browsing the latest fashions in the Hugo Boss store in Manchester city centre.

Bernd Hake, UK Managing Director for the fashion house, said: 'Hugo Boss has long been synonymous with sport and Manchester City shares our values of excellence, style and a passion for performance and perfection.

'Their players are style icons both on and off the pitch.'

Hugo Lloris wants talks with Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas

Showdown! France stopper Lloris to demand talks with AVB over Spurs snub

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UPDATED:

09:04 GMT, 10 September 2012

Hugo Lloris' uncomfortable start to life at Tottenham has taken a fresh twist with the France goalkeeper set to demand talks with Andre Villas-Boas when he returns from international duty.

The former Lyon stopper only moved to White Hart Lane on deadline day, but has been disappointed by the comments of his manager in the aftermath of the only game since.

On his knees: Hugo Lloris wants talks with Andre Villas-Boas over his future

On his knees: Hugo Lloris wants talks with Andre Villas-Boas over his future

After a match-saving performance against
Norwich, Brad Friedel was reaffirmed as Villas-Boas' No 1 for the
season, suggesting the coveted jersey was the American's to lose.

France boss Didier Deschamps hit out at his compatriot and now it Lloris has revealed he wants clarification on the situation as soon as he gets back to London following Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

'When I join up with the national team, I concentrate uniquely and we’ll see about my personal situation when I go back,' Lloris said. 'Obviously it is not nice if the coach says he will pick someone else for the first team, but we can see what happens.

'For now, I have to put the situation to one side as France have important matches and I cannot worry about what might happen at my club.'

As for Friedel, the veteran has laid down the law to his new team-mate, insisting he has every intention of keeping hold of his starting berth.

Causing a stir: Andre Villas-Boas' comments were criticised by Didier Deschamps

Causing a stir: Andre Villas-Boas' comments were criticised by Didier Deschamps

The 41-year-old American said: 'I feel like I played pretty well in my last game and hopefully I continue to get picked. Right now I believe the shirt is mine to lose.

'I believe the manager came out and said that and if this is the case then it’s a great challenge for me.'

Hugo Lloris unhappy with Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas

That didn't take long! Lloris unhappy with AVB just four days after joining Spurs

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UPDATED:

08:59 GMT, 4 September 2012

France manager Didier Deschamps has indicated that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is unhappy with comments made by new club boss Andre Villas-Boas, just four days after his move to White Hart Lane.

Lloris left Lyon for Tottenham in an 8million move on Friday, with the clear intention of taking the No 1 shirt from Brad Friedel.

With Friedel now 41, it appeared Lloris, 16 years his junior, had been brought in with the idea of replacing the veteran American.

Fears: Hugo Lloris faces a fight with Brad Friedel for the No 1 jersey at Spurs

Fears: Hugo Lloris faces a fight with Brad Friedel for the No 1 jersey at Spurs

But Friedel responded to his arrival by producing one of the performances of his career against Norwich on Saturday.

That prompted Villas-Boas to say that Lloris would have a fight on his hands to win a starting spot.

That does not appear to have gone down too well Lloris, who linked up with the national team on Monday.

Speaking at their base in Clairefontaine, Deschamps, in comments reported by L`Equipe, said: 'Hugo has not appreciated the statements of his coach.

'I am not going to create a problem that I do not need today.

'But if it were to happen then it would need some consideration. I do not want Hugo to find himself in this situation.'

Dimitar Berbatov disappointed by sale of Mousa Dembele

Where's Mousa going Berbatov disappointed by Dembele sale to Tottenham

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UPDATED:

20:14 GMT, 2 September 2012

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed Dimitar Berbatov was looking forward to playing with Mousa Dembele, only to be told the Belgium star was leaving for Tottenham.

Berbatov made his debut as a substitute in Fulham’s 3-0 defeat by West Ham on Saturday and would have benefited from having someone of Dembele’s quality alongside him.

What do you mean he's gone Dimitar Berbatov (right) was disappointed Mousa Dembele left Fulham

What do you mean he's gone Dimitar Berbatov (right) was disappointed Mousa Dembele left Fulham

Now that Dembele and Clint Dempsey have gone, the Bulgarian will be the focal point of Jol’s side. Jol said: ‘You build teams around good players – and Berbatov is excellent quality.

‘He showed exactly that when I was at Spurs. It’s about finding the right balance. If players come back it will be OK and maybe we have to change the system. With Dembele it was different.

‘He [Berbatov] really looked forward to playing with Dembele. The first thing he said to me was, “Where’s Dembele going” and I had to say he’s going to Spurs. He was disappointed.

‘He was told that before his medical, but luckily we managed to keep him in the building.

What a start: Dembele scored a goal in his debut against Norwich

What a start: Dembele scored a goal in his debut against Norwich

What a start: Dembele scored a goal in his debut against Norwich

‘We’ve made money but the problem is that we’ve not had enough time to spend it.’

Berbatov looked a bit rusty when he came on and lost possession easily on occasion but there were a few sublime touches and he set up chances for Damien Duff and Hugo Rodallega late in the game.

With the midfield lacking the creativity and drive of Dembele and the attack shorn of Dempsey’s poaching ability, Berbatov’s guile will be crucial to Fulham. He should relish his leading role.

Hugo Lloris transfer: Tottenham and Lyon agree 12.3m fee

Tottenham and Lyon agree 12.3m fee for keeper Lloris, but deal hits snag

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UPDATED:

09:22 GMT, 30 August 2012

Tottenham and Lyon have agreed a 12.3million fee for France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to move to White Hart Lane.

The north London club would pay and initial 8.7m, with a potential 3.6m to come in add-ons for the 25-year-old, according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

However, Lloris is said to have asked for some time to think before confirming his move to the Barclays Premier League.

Allez! The France international could be heading to White Hart Lane

Allez! The France international could be heading to White Hart Lane

Despite being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Lyon are keen to cash in and shift him off their bloated payroll.

But he is said to be a little disappointed by the terms offered by Tottenham.

Hugo Lloris in Tottenham talks

Lloris poised for Spurs switch as Lyon reveal talks have taken place with White Hart Lane club

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UPDATED:

18:13 GMT, 27 August 2012

French fancy: Spurs are keen on Lloris

French fancy: Spurs are keen on Lloris

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says he expects Tottenham to step up their pursuit of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the coming days.

Spurs are poised to reinvest some of the reported 33million they received from Monday's sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid with Friday's transfer deadline looming.

Aulas indicated that Spurs have been in contact regarding the availability of the France international, and said the success of the deal now rests with the player.

'I told Hugo today about certain exchanges (with Spurs),' Aulas said at a press conference.

'Things progressed during these talks but nothing's concrete yet.

Goalkeepers union: The Lyon stopper will discuss a move to Tottenham

Goalkeepers union: The Lyon stopper will discuss a move to Tottenham

'I've informed Hugo of these discussions. We'll have to be a bit patient to find out.

'The decision belongs to Hugo who, I think, will be approached by Tottenham very soon. The clubs' positions have moved closer together.

'It is up to him to decide if the conditions of the transfer are suitable, in terms of what he expects in fiscal and sporting terms.'