Arsenal and Tottenham lead chase for Villa striker Benteke

Posted on February 16, 2013 by adminsports

Arsenal and Tottenham set to fight it out this summer Villa striker Benteke

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

10:36 GMT, 16 February 2013

UPDATED:

10:52 GMT, 16 February 2013

Tottenham and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgium international has been a success story since arriving from Genk for 8million last summer, scoring 15 goals.

And the 22-year-old is certain to be in demand, with Chelsea and Manchester City also reportedly interested.

On form: Christian Benteke has been an instant success story at Aston Villa

Benteke’s agent Kismet Eris said: 'It is normal that if you go to a club and do well, other clubs will show an interest.

'Christian has shown he can play in England.

'So why not take the step up to the next level

'Right now his focus is on helping Aston Villa stay in the Premier League.'

Wanted man: The Belgian has attracted interest from a host of clubs

Carl Froch wants to fight Andre Ward or Mikkel Kessler

Posted on November 18, 2012 by adminsports

Lethal Froch turns attention to revenge over Kessler or Ward after leaving super-middleweight challenger Mack in a heap

UPDATED:

15:31 GMT, 18 November 2012

Carl Froch quickly turned his attention to a 'career-defining' 2013 after seeing off American challenger Yusaf Mack with the minimum of fuss.

Froch took over-matched Philadelphian Mack out in three rounds with two stinging body shots in Nottingham as he successfully defended his IBF super-middleweight title for the first time.

Mack, who had moved down from light-heavyweight to challenge Froch, was a rare 'soft touch' on paper after Froch's incredible run of elite-level fights in recent years.

Easily done: Carl Froch (right) battered American Yusaf Mack last night

Sealed with a kiss: Froch and girlfriend Rachael Cordingley celebrate victory

Milking the crowd: Carl Froch was in top form against Yusaf Mack

Now, though, the evergreen 35-year-old is keen to nail down his plans for next year.

He is contracted to give Lucian Bute a
rematch in Canada after battering the Romania-born former champion in
May to snatch the IBF title.

However, Bute's camp may still decide
they would rather leave the impressive Englishman well alone after the
beating he dished out last time.

That would enable Froch to make a
mandatory defence against Adonis Stevenson, whose presence in the mix
threatens to complicate his plans.

Regardless, Froch's promoter Eddie
Hearn hopes to stage an outdoor blockbuster next summer with his man
facing either Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward – the only two men to have
beaten the Briton.

'I just can't see Bute's camp wanting
to take the fight after his own performance against Denis Grachev last
time and Carl's performance,' Hearn said.

Career defining: Froch (right) hopes to line up a battle with Mikkel Kessler, one of two fighters to have beaten the fighter

More likely: Froch is more optimistic of getting revenge over Andre Ward

'If we fight Bute then we need to ask
for an exception from the IBF and Adonis Stevenson will have to wait. Or
we could fight Stevenson.

'We also want to fight Kessler.
Meanwhile, the two top things trending on Twitter on Saturday night were
Carl Froch and Andre Ward because Ward tweeted saying “I quite fancy a
trip to the UK”.

'I think he'd come. I really do. I want to do a stadium fight with Carl Froch, an outdoor fight in the summer.'

Hearn added: 'But I also want to get a
fight in the meantime. I think the reality is Bute or Stevenson then
Kessler, Ward in 2013. They're the only fights that particularly
interest us.'

Froch said: 'Other than fighting here
at the arena the next best thing for me would be fighting at the City
Ground. That would be unbelievable.

'To be there in the middle of that
pitch fighting somebody like Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward, I can only
try to imagine what it's going to be like. It would be phenomenal.

'For me it would be a career-defining
fight. I'd rather do that than go to Las Vegas, with all the lights and
the glitz. I'd rather be here in Nottingham, at the City Ground. That
would be “the one”.'

Froch has craved a rematch with Kessler ever since he lost a narrow points decision to the Dane in his own country in 2012.

On top: Froch put Mack on the deck several times

Smelling blood: Froch was relentless

However, he suspects the 'Viking Warrior' is keen to avoid him.

Froch said: 'I
speak to Kessler and have asked him about the fight and what he thinks
and he's umming and ahing, then he mentions a silly figure, money-wise.

'He gets paid well in Denmark to fight
mediocre fighters, so the last thing he wants to do is fight me,
especially after he was sitting ringside to watch what I did to Lucian
Bute.

'He's probably thinking “you know what, I enjoy life too much – life's too short to go through that again”.

'So unless he gets paid masses of money – silly money – he's probably not going to take the fight.

'I might be wrong.'

Brutal: A Froch attack leaves Mack on the ropes

Calling it a day: The referee ends proceedings in Nottingham with Mack prostrate

Calling it a day: Referee Phil Edwards ends proceedings in Nottingham with Mack on the canvas

Show of power: Froch attacks once more

Home support: Froch was cheered on by a partisan crowd

Connor Wickham hoping England success can help Sunderland career

Posted on September 12, 2012 by adminsports

Wickham hoping to use England exploits as springboard for Sunderland success

UPDATED:

08:59 GMT, 12 September 2012

Connor Wickham is ready use his best moment as an England player as a catalyst to banish the frustrations of a demoralising year.

The Sunderland striker's goal for the Under 21s on Monday night was not only good enough to beat Norway, it also ensured England finished top of Group 8 and means they will be seeded in the draw for next month's play-offs.

On a personal level, though, the strike was just as significant. Wickham has endured a miserable time since joining Sunderland for 8.1million 14 months ago, as a series of injuries and a loss of form led to last season being nothing other than a struggle.

Strike a light: Wickham scored the winner for England against Norway

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is now considering sending Wickham out on loan, given he has surplus of forwards, but whatever happens, the 19-year-old is hoping his first competitive goal in 11 months is a sign that his luck has changed.

'I'm delighted. All goals are important and it is always nice to score but to get the winner in such an important game and it was extra special that we have finished top,' said Wickham. 'It has felt like a fresh start coming away with England.

'Last season wasn’t great. I was struck by injury quite a lot. Hopeful this season I can stay fit and keep scoring goals. That is all I am focused on. I just want to play as many games as I can. It's been horrible (having to cope with injuries).

'It was my first season in the Premier League and I didn't get to show what I am about. Hopefully this season it will change. I'm feeling fitter and stronger. I just need to stay fit, healthy and be sensible off the pitch.'

Catalyst: Wickham hopes he can now push on at Sunderland

Though England will be plucked from Pot A on Friday, they could still end up with a difficult two-legged assignment next month, with countries such as Serbia and Russia potentially blocking the route to Israel next summer.

But Wickham said: 'I don't think anyone is bothered about who we get. We just know there is enough talent in the changing room to beat anyone who we get drawn against. We think we can beat anyone who is put in front of us.'

England call-up hope for Danny Guthrie

Posted on September 6, 2012 by adminsports

Pick me, pick me! Guthrie clings to hope of England nod after bright start at Reading

UPDATED:

11:32 GMT, 6 September 2012

Reading midfielder Danny Guthrie believes he can earn international honours if he continues to impress on a prolonged run in the Royals' first-team.

The 25-year-old moved to the Madejski Stadium after not being offered a new deal at Newcastle, where he had become more used to sitting on the bench.

High hopes: Danny Guthrie is targeting a spot in the England team

He has impressed in his first two games
for Reading and now the former Liverpool youngster is targeting a start
to his international career.

'I'm a really ambitious person so I'd love to represent my country, it's one of the reasons why I did move on,' he told Reading's official website.

'It's one of the things I want to tick off on my list and I feel if I'm playing well and regularly I can.

'You've got your top players – the (Steven) Gerrards, (Frank) Lampards and (Jack) Wilsheres – then after that I think there's a chance for a new group of midfielders to come through.'

Guthrie also revealed it was a meeting with Reading boss Brian McDermott that convinced him to complete a move the Berkshire club.

'It would have been easy for me to sign a deal at Newcastle and play 20 games a season but if I wanted to go to the next level then I felt I had to move on,' he said.

'I spoke to a few clubs over the summer but once I'd met the manager, and heard his plans, this is where I wanted to be.'

Convinced: Brian McDermott played a key role in getting Guthrie to Reading

Guthrie scored his first Reading goal in the 4-2 defeat at Chelsea and is playing in a more advanced role under McDermott than he has been used to in the past.

He said: 'In my time at Newcastle I was used more in a sitting role, like a quarter back almost – spraying the ball about, but the manager has seen something in me and wants me to get forward into the opposition's final third to create a goal or create a chance.'

Debbie Jevans named as new chief executive of England Rugby 2015

Posted on September 6, 2012 by adminsports

Good Jevans! LOCOG director named as new chief exec of England Rugby 2015

UPDATED:

19:42 GMT, 5 September 2012

New role: Debbie Jevans has been named as the chief executive of England Rugby 2015

Debbie Jevans, the director of sport for LOCOG, has been appointed as the new chief executive of England Rugby 2015.

Jevons will start in the post next month and bring with her experience of delivering the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

She replaces Paul Vaughan, who officially stepped down from leading the 2015 Rugby World Cup delivery body by 'mutual consent'.

In thanking Vaughan for his contribution, ER 2015 chairman Andy Cosslett said the time was right, with three years to go until the World Cup, for a 'fresh injection of experience to take us up to the next level'.

Jevans certainly brings that, having played a key role in delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games to London.

'I have spent the last decade planning and delivering the world's two largest sporting events,' Jevans said.

'This has been an extraordinary journey and I am looking forward to putting my experience and expertise in to delivering an exceptional Rugby World Cup in 2015.

'As a passionate sports fan the next decade is a great one for the UK and we have an amazing opportunity to bring rugby and the values of sport to more fans across the country than ever before.

'I look forward to starting my new role next month. In the meantime my focus is on continuing to deliver a great Paralympic Games.'

Stepping aside: Paul Vaughan left the post by 'mutual consent'

Vaughan had been in charge of ER 2015 since January 2011, when he moved over from his role as the Rugby Football Union's business operations director.

But it is clear the ER 2015 board felt Vaughan had taken the organisation as far as he could.

Cosslett said: 'Paul has been at the heart of the RFU for the past 11 years, most recently here as CEO of ER 2015, where he has laid some very strong foundations.

'We are grateful to him for all the hard work he and his team have put in to enable ER 2015 to be ready for the next phase.

'Preparations have been continuing at a good pace, the planning is completely on schedule and stakeholders are comfortable.

'With just over three years to go, now is a good time to add a fresh injection of experience to take us up to the next level.

'We are determined to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for rugby in this country, to make this truly the best Rugby World Cup there has ever been.'

Jevans says she wants to make the most of the once-in-a-generation opportunity of hosting a World Cup

Jevans' responsibility at LOCOG has been to deliver the sports events and the medical and anti-doping programmes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

During the London 2012 bid, Jevans was responsible for compiling the venue strategy and working with the international federations.

Jevans' background is in tennis. In 1979 she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, losing to Virginia Wade, before working for the International Tennis Federation, overseeing the return of tennis as an Olympic sport.

In 1990 Jevans became general secretary of the ITF and was responsible for setting up the worldwide anti-doping programme and delivery of the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Tennis events.

'Debbie is acknowledged as one of the architects of the London 2012 Olympics, which has clearly been a massive success,' said RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, who also has a tennis background having run Wimbledon before moving to Twickenham.

'Her proven track record in delivering multiple events at multiple venues, driving innovation and enhancing the fan experience, along with exceptional relationships with key stakeholders, makes her the perfect fit.'

More magic moments Jevans helped compose the venue strategy and dealing with the international federations

Warrington 54 Huddersfield 6: Match report

Posted on September 2, 2012 by adminsports

Warrington 54 Huddersfield 6: Perfect 10 for Wolves as Giants are humbled

UPDATED:

16:20 GMT, 2 September 2012

Warrington served up a 10-try show to prove there was no hangover from their Wembley celebrations against Huddersfield.

The end result may have been a resounding one, but the Wolves did not have matters all their way until just before half-time when they were level 6-6.

Brett Hodgson followed up his man-of-the-match performance in the Challenge Cup final win over Leeds with another impressive display against his old club.

Fun time: Ryan Atkins celebrates scoring a try for Warrington

Hodgson scored a try, helped set up three others and also kicked seven goals with a hat-trick from Joel Monaghan.

Warrington were missing Ben Westwood with a knee injury and Tyrone McCarthy, Chris Riley and Lee Briers after their third Challenge Cup win out of four.

As a result, Chris Bridge, Rhys Williams, Simon Grix and Matty Blythe were recalled by boss Tony Smith against his old club.

Riley, the Wolves 25-try leading scorer, lost his ever-present record this season – just one touchdown short of 100 in his career.

Huddersfield went into the clash knowing one win from their last two games would guarantee a play-off spot for the fifth year in a row.

But the Giants were handicapped by the absence of Danny Brough, Luke O'Donnell, Luke George, Jermaine McGillvary and David Faiumu, with Matt Dawson making his debut on the wing facing Joel Monaghan.

Huddersfield made a promising start with Leroy Cudjoe held up over the line.
Keith Mason was fired up in the Huddersfield pack and it was a sloppy opening by Warrington making several handling errors.

But the Wolves went ahead after 17 minutes with a surging run from Chris Hill allowing Joel Monaghan to collect Stefan Ratchford's well-flighted kick to score in the corner and Hodgson booted the touchline conversion.

Dawson had a chance to cap his first appearance with a try but failed to take a difficult pass from Greg Eden.

Another mistake by Bridge let Huddersfield off the hook and a Scott Grix burst almost brought a try for the Giants.

A Grix 40-20 pegged Warrington back and the Huddersfield stand-off then bamboozled Paul Wood with an outrageous dummy and converted his own try to level the scores 6-6 after half an hour.

But Warrington finally put their best handling move together after 33 minutes with Richie Myler, Ratchford and Hodgson combining to put Bridge over to make it 10-6.

Then Myler's kick rebounded off the post to allow Ratchford to cross with Hodgson adding the conversion to stretch the lead to 16-6 at the interval.

Warrington substituted head-bandaged Michael Monaghan after another heavy knock but bagged their fourth try with a sizzling move.

Hodgson burst onto a pass from Wood for Ratchford to send Myler on an angled run to the line after 51 minutes to stretch the advantage to 22-6.

Then Hodgson went over to make it 28-6. before supplying the final pass for Rhys Williams to cross.

Atkins added to Huddersfield's woes with a seventh try with Bridge putting Joel Monaghan over in the corner as Huddersfield fell apart.

Monaghan completed his hat-trick before Hill capped a fine display with the final try.

Joey Barton unveiled as Marseille player

Posted on September 2, 2012 by adminsports

Marseille unveil their 'sweet and tender hooligan' as Barton starts new challenge in France

UPDATED:

16:45 GMT, 2 September 2012

Joey Barton has begun his Marseille career after being unveiled by club chiefs ahead of the Ligue 1 clash with Stade Rennais.

The QPR outcast was pictured with president Vincent Labrune and sports director Jose Anigo two days after completing his switch from Loftus Road.

Barton said that he has moved to the south of France to win silverware, he told L'Equipe: 'I come to Marseille to win trophies.

New boy in town: New Marseille midfielder Joey Barton shows off his new shirt

'I don't come for holidays or as a tourist. It is a challenge for me not only on professional level but also personally, discovering a new culture.

'Did I have other contacts Yes, I talked to Fenerbahce and Valencia. But I didn't hesitate long when Marseille came, it was a good challenge for me.'

And the Marseille fans welcomed their new midfielder by unveiling a banner with the words 'Welcome Sweet and Tender Hooligan' which is a reference to a song by Barton's favorite band, The Smiths.

Welcome: The fans show off their Smiths inspired banner for Barton

The banner clearly pleased Barton who tweeted: 'I already love the fans of L'OM. The Smiths banner is impressive Non'

After finalising a temporary move to the Ligue 1 leaders while Stephane Mbia has gone in the opposite direction in a permanent deal.

'I am now a player for L'OM. What a birthday present! Cannot wait to get going. #allezL'OM,' tweeted Barton earlier in the week, who turned 30 on Sunday.

All smiles: Barton is looking forward to his new challenge

'Would like to thank (agent) Willie Mckay, (Marseille sporting director) Jose Anigo and (chairman) Vincent Lebrune aka Mr President for making it happen. #allezmarseille

'I would also like to thank (QPR owner) @tonyfernandes and (chief executive) @Amit-Bhatia99 for making this possible. Good luck to everyone at QPR for this season.

'I am happy to be playing for such a massive European club like Marseille. Bonne nuit xx'.

Life through a lens: Barton attracted a lot of interest from the French press

Roberto Martinez turned down Liverpool job

Posted on August 21, 2012 by adminsports

I turned down the Liverpool job before they went for Rodgers, admits Wigan boss Martinez

UPDATED:

06:11 GMT, 21 August 2012

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has revealed for the first time that he turned down an approach from Liverpool to become their manager earlier this summer.

Martinez was strongly tipped to replace Kenny Dalglish before the Reds switched their attention to Brendan Rodgers, and now he has told the Daily Mirror that a concrete offer was made by the Anfield club.

Refusal: Martinez (right) turned down the Liverpool job

The Spaniard, who turned down the Aston Villa job last summer, revealed that his reasons for remaining at the DW Stadium centred around a chat with chairman Dave Whelan.

'We must educate people,' said Martinez. 'In five or six years, we [Wigan] reap the benefits. Maybe I won’t be there then.

'But this is not why I stayed, when Liverpool made me an offer.'

He added: 'I stayed because my chairman is unique.

Slow start: Liverpool lost 3-0 at West Brom on the opening day

'This summer, we sat down together. He had thought about the future of the club, I’d done the same.

'He knew that I had spoken with other clubs. But he is so persuasive… I extended my contract for three years.

'He wants to take the club to the next level. I know it will be difficult, but it excites me a lot.'

London 2012 Olympics: Sebastian Coe and Chris Hoy urge Government to invest in sport

Posted on August 15, 2012 by adminsports

Coe and Hoy urge Government to invest in sport after Olympic success

UPDATED:

14:10 GMT, 14 August 2012

Sir Chris Hoy and Lord Coe have urged the Government to capitalise on the success of the London Olympics by investing in sport at grass-roots level.

Team GB's return of 65 medals in London – 29 of them gold – represented this country's best performance at the Olympics since 1908 and triggered a wave of patriotic fervour.

With participation levels in a range of sports expected to spike in the coming months, pressure is being applied to ensure the next generation of stars are given every opportunity to reach their potential.

Knight of the realm: Sir Chris Hoy with the two gold medals he won in London

'This success has shown the politicians and people in power at how the country is responding to these Games,' Hoy, whose two cycling golds in London were his fifth and sixth at Olympic level, told the Daily Express.

'Look at the positive feeling we are getting. We must keep this going. Put money into school sport, put money at the grass-roots level, give kids the chance to get involved in the sport.

'If you do that, you are going to bring this next generation through and it's going to make them fitter, healthier and improve social issues.

'As a result of all that you get the odd medal that pops out the top end, too. It's a win-win situation.'

Clean-up: The Olympic Stadium after the Closing Ceremony

Prime Minister David Cameron has already responded to Britain's success by stating that there will be no cuts to funding for Olympic sports before the 2016 Games in Rio.

UK Sport will receive 125 million annually for the next four years to maintain funding at same level as the run-up to London.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe maintains, however, that 'grown-up conversations' are still required over how best to take Britain on to further success in the future.

'I was asked by the Prime Minister if I would play my part about thinking alongside others about how we can maximise and leverage every ounce from the Games,' Coe told the Daily Telegraph.

Building a legacy: Lord Coe has been asked to advise the Government

'I am very happy to play my part. We need some grown-up conversations about how we deliver these things, and I am pleased the PM realises this.

'Those great British moments and great international moments will do more than anything else to inspire young people to take up sport.

'You have to have the right structure in place to deal with that demand, but everything starts from emulation and aspiration. Those Team GB athletes will be the best drivers of participation that we have had in this country in the last 20 years.

'The challenge now for national governing bodies, and everyone who is interested in promoting sport, is converting every one of those medals into more people kids playing sport, and the ability of clubs at community level to absorb that demand.'

Hull FC 30 Catalan Dragons 10: Black and Whites close on top four

Posted on August 12, 2012 by adminsports

Hull FC 30 Catalan Dragons 10: Black and Whites home in on top four spot

UPDATED:

17:14 GMT, 12 August 2012

Hull FC dismantled a powerful Catalan Dragons side at the KC Stadium in a convincing win that displayed their credentials of claiming a top-four spot.

The Black-and-Whites closed the gap between themselves and the French side to two points as Ben Crooks grabbed his fourth try in as many games and Jamie Foster scored 14 points.

Willie Manu grabbed the first try of the match before Vincent Duport hit back for the Dragons to level it up. Either side of the break Lineham, Briscoe and Chris Green extended the home side's lead to 24-6 and, after Duport pulled a try back, Foster sealed it with a late try in the corner.

Try time: Tom Lineham scores under pressure from Clint Greenshields

The Dragons came into the game level on points with both St Helens and Leeds Rhinos in fourth spot but in the 10th minute Hull had their first good field position as Manu's tackle dislodged the ball from Damien Blanch inside the French side's 20.

The Airlie Birds were over seconds later when a short pass from Danny Houghton found Manu for the try under the posts, and Foster added the two points.

A quarter of an hour in Lineham looked to be on his way to a sensational long-range try but a penalty was called against his side for obstruction.

Wrapped up: David Ferriol is tackled by Martin Aspinwall and Andy Lynch (right)

That gave the visitors good position and some nice hands from Louis Anderson allowed Duport to crash over in the corner, Scott Dureau levelling it up with the conversion from the touchline.

After seeing off some concerted pressure from the Dragons, FC forced a drop-out on the half-hour from a well executed Brett Seymour grubber kick. Jordan Turner sent Lineham on his way to score in the corner – showing great finishing skills in the process – before Foster converted for a six-point lead.

Hull started the second half the stronger with a nice chip from Ryan McGoldrick forcing a drop-out after five minutes. Manu broke two tackles whilst stepping inside and supplied the on-rushing Chris Green for the try under the posts, Foster converting again to extend the lead to 12.

Louis Anderson

The visitors found themselves close to the FC line on 50 minutes, but a kick from Dureau was blocked and picked up by Briscoe, and the Featherstone-born player then ran 90 metres untouched for a great try.

FC extended their lead further nine minutes later to 18 with a penalty by Foster.

The Dragons regained the ball from the restart and reduced the gap to 14 when Duport grabbed his second try by bulldozing his way over in the corner.

With just over 10 minutes to go they forced a drop-out, but subsequent pressure was not utilised as Remi Casty knocked on in a good position.
Foster then sealed the win for FC as he went over the in the corner to push his side back up to sixth in the table.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: level

Arsenal and Tottenham lead chase for Villa striker Benteke

Carl Froch wants to fight Andre Ward or Mikkel Kessler

Connor Wickham hoping England success can help Sunderland career

England call-up hope for Danny Guthrie

Debbie Jevans named as new chief executive of England Rugby 2015

Warrington 54 Huddersfield 6: Match report

Joey Barton unveiled as Marseille player

Roberto Martinez turned down Liverpool job

London 2012 Olympics: Sebastian Coe and Chris Hoy urge Government to invest in sport

Hull FC 30 Catalan Dragons 10: Black and Whites close on top four