Joe Root not resting on laurels after England beat India

Posted on January 12, 2013 by adminsports

Long way to go: Root not resting on laurels after Rajkot win

By
Mike Dawes

PUBLISHED:

11:07 GMT, 12 January 2013

UPDATED:

12:04 GMT, 12 January 2013

Joe Root is confident England will not rest on their breakthrough success over India in yesterday's first one-day international.

England claimed a first 50-over win over India on their home soil in seven years, and 13 games, after securing a nine-run success in Rajkot.

The tourists had been whitewashed 5-0 in their previous two visits but, after a long-awaited Test success in the country last month, Root said the limited overs team would not get ahead of themselves in the five-match series.

Runs: Root was not required to bat in the first ODI as England racked up 325-4

'We all know how tough it is out here and there is still a long way to go in the series,' he told Sky Sports News.

'We are all up for it and ready to go for the second match (in Kochi on Tuesday).

'We are only concentrating on the next game and making sure we put in a good performance like we did in the first ODI. If we do that then we will be up there.'

Root was not required to bat on his ODI debut yesterday as England posted 325-4 on the back of a 158-run opening stand between Alastair Cook (75) and Ian Bell (85).

Partnership: Bell (85) and captain Cook (75) shared an opening stand of 158

The 22-year-old revealed he had begun the day expecting to come in at four but, after England's start, was shunted down the order.

It meant his nine handy overs of part-time spin – which conceded 51 runs – were his major contribution, although the Yorkshireman was hardly complaining.

'I was told I was going to bat four but the key to success everywhere is being able to adapt and we did that fantastically well yesterday,' he said.

'We're going to have to continue to do that throughout the tour if we are to be successful.

'I'm happy to play and be a part of it all so I'm not worried at all.'

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Gareth Bale will cost you 60m, Tottenham tell Real Madrid

Posted on December 30, 2012 by adminsports

If you want Bale it will cost you 60m, Spurs tell Spanish giants Real

UPDATED:

11:27 GMT, 30 December 2012

Tottenham Hotspur have said Gareth Bale will cost Real Madrid a whopping 60million.

The winger has been touted by Real as a replacement in the event that Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the Bernabeu but Spurs have leapt to cash-in on their star Welshman, according to the Sunday Mirror.

In demand: Gareth Bale (right) in action for Spurs at Sunderland on Saturday

The new price tag is almost double the 33m bid which Marca claimed Real were piecing together earlier in the week.

Ronaldo has refused to sign a contract extension and could pressure Madrid into releasing him for a fraction of his 80m transfer from Manchester United.

While he has been linked to a possible return to Old Trafford, Bale remains Madrid’s number one transfer target.

Superstar: Cristiano Ronaldo has been with Real Madrid since 2009

They are keen to secure a deal before the end of the season and are desperate to avoid the dragged-out negotiations they waded through over Luka Modric.

Spurs, however, are unlikely to support a smooth and painless transfer, despite having signed a so-called partnership agreement with Real as part of Modric’s sale.

Chairman Daniel Levy’s valuation has catapulted Bale into the same bracket as Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.

‘Real are prepared to push very hard for Gareth and there are not too many better players in the world than him right now,’ a source said.

Didier Drogba should join Milan, says Marcello Lippi

Posted on December 29, 2012 by adminsports

He's a beast! Lippi urges Milan to splash big money on former Chelsea striker Drogba

UPDATED:

11:33 GMT, 29 December 2012

Marcello Lippi has described Didier Drogba as ‘a beast’, insisting Milan should buy him, despite his price tag.

The Guangzhou Evergrande boss, who has been linked with Real Madrid, has been highly impressed with Drogba’s performances for Shanghai Shenhua.

But Milan bosses have already said he is too expensive.

Beast: Didier Drogba (right) should join Milan, according to former Italy manager Marcello Lippi

The Ivory Coast international has been training with Chelsea during the Chinese Premier League’s close season and is still likely to leave before the next campaign.

‘If both Robinho and Alexandre Pato are really going to leave Milan, then I would see Drogba doing better for the Rossoneri than Juventus,’ Lippi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

‘He has played against our team and is still a beast. He makes a real difference on the field. Drogba would therefore be a valuable addition to the squad both in Serie A and the Champions League.’

The former Italian coach can also envisage him pairing up well with Stephan El Shaarawy, but knows Drogba will drive an exceptionally hard bargain.

Impressed: Drogba (right) has been in excellent form since joining Shanghai from Chelsea

One more time The last time Drogba played in Europe, he scored the winning penalty against Bayern Munich int he Champions League final

‘I think, technically speaking, he would form a great partnership with El Shaarawy.

‘But, he did not follow his heart or, indeed, make a footballing decision when he decided to go to China.

‘He earns one million euro a month. Who can imagine he will agree to halve his wages to play in Italy’

Portsmouth FC future clouded in uncertainty

Posted on December 13, 2012 by adminsports

Pompey future in balance as it remains unclear who will run club's affairs when in administration

UPDATED:

23:30 GMT, 12 December 2012

The future of Portsmouth was clouded in uncertainty on Wednesday night as a potential dispute developed over who should manage their affairs while they are in administration.

The cash-strapped League One side are currently in the hands of PKF, headed up by Trevor Birch, and a High Court hearing was set for the morning where they were going to try to secure the sale of the club's Fratton Park ground to the Portsmouth Supporters Trust (PST) from former owners Portpin.

But PST on Wednesday said the hearing had been adjourned, before another party, P&A Partnership, said that Portpin wanted them and not PKF to manage the the club's finances until a buyer could be found.

In danger: Portsmouth will be docked 10 points even if the supporters trust saves the club

P&A's Brendan Guilfoyle, a
well-known football administrator, said Portpin were unhappy with some
elements of how PKF had been dealing with things, but they were happy to
fund the club through to the end of the season provided he was allowed
to run their day-to-day affairs.

He also added that Portpin may be forced to shut the 114-year-old club down if they do not secure a change of administrator.

Guilfoyle said in a statement: 'If I
am appointed, I am confident that we can find a buyer to secure the long
term future of this historic and important club.'

P&A initially released a
statement which read: 'Tomorrow, Thursday 13 December, the High Court
will be asked to make a critical decision affecting the future of
Portsmouth Football Club.

'The administrators of the club believe that if the court does not agree to their application, they may have to close the club.

'However, Portpin have made funds
available to enable the club to continue trading provided that Brendan
Guilfoyle is appointed administrator to find a new buyer for the club.'

Portpin is led by former Portsmouth owner Balram Chainrai.

Guilfoyle has become a well-known
hand when it comes to administrations, having this summer helped the
Bradford Bulls rugby league side with their problems, while he
previously worked in football with Crystal Palace and Plymouth.

'The court papers show the club has become a lot more saleable in the last six months,' Guilfoyle said of Portsmouth.

Dire straits: The cash-strapped League One club are facing uncertainty over their future

Guilfoyle then told Sky Sports he
believed PKF had asked for the adjournment, and that Portpin wanted him
to make sure that if the PST bid – described this week the Football
League as carrying 'significant merit' – failed, that other options
could be sourced.

'Portpin don't feel the club has been
fully marketed and they don't want it liquidated if it can't be sold to
PST,' Guilfoyle said.

'They will fund the continuation of
the club until the end of the season as long as the court involve me and
I can be given an opportunity to find a new buyer.

'My involvement if there is any, will
be a matter for the court, to give the court another option as Portpin
feel the options presented, either a sale to PST or closure, need
broadening.

'If the court decided the sale to the supporters should go through, I wouldn't have any role.'

Referring to the story emanating from
the Trust about the adjournment, Guilfoyle added: 'There has been a
late development this evening, in that I'm told the solicitors acting
for PKF have requested an adjournment because they have a major problem
with their case.

'The solicitors acting for Portpin are trying to find out what that is but they're not being told.

'I don't think Portpin are
particularly happy because they find the uncertainty undesirable. We
don't know why, but it looks like there'll be an adjournment.'

It now appears that the initial
agenda of Fratton Park will need to be scrapped, with Guilfoyle saying:
'The administrators are seeking the consent of the court for the sale of
the stadium for 2.75million to PST.

The reason they're doing that is
because they've been unable to reach an agreement with Portpin. They
(Portpin) feel the whole deal with PST is prejudicial to their interests
and they're not happy with the administrators.

'Portpin are disturbed and are saying
to the court, “If you don't grant us the right to sell to PST we'll
have no option but to liquidate the club”.

'Portpin are saying, “Let's have
another option”. They feel a lot of good work has been done by the
administrators in reducing wages and making the club a more attractive
proposition.'

Initially, PST had told Press
Association Sport they were 'scratching their heads' about the
adjournment they reported, but were unavailable for further comment. PKF
were also unavailable for comment.

Manchester City monitoring Paris St Germain defender Mamadou Sakho

Posted on December 12, 2012 by adminsports

City turn to PSG defender Sakho as the consider shipping out Lescott in January

UPDATED:

22:25 GMT, 11 December 2012

Manchester City are monitoring developments with Paris St Germain defender Mamadou Sakho.

The 22-year-old, who has been pushed out by the arrival of Thiago Silva and his partnership with Alex, is keen to gain more game time.

Working together Mamadou Sakho has been pushed out by the arrival of Thiago

The powerful defender has a bleak future in the French capital despite his standing as a fans favourite having been born in the city and come through the ranks at the club since the age of six.

In August, Sakho was told he was able to leave the club but dug in and has gone on to make 10 starts this season.

The France international's agents began offering him around Europe and received interest from England, Italian giants AC Milan and French outfit Lille.

Arsenal have long admired Sakho but need to off-load fringe defenders Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou before they can make a move.

City may consider an offer should they offload Joleon Lescott next month.

Gareth Bale wants to quit Tottenham for Real Madrid

Posted on November 23, 2012 by adminsports

Bale bombshell! Spurs braced for Welsh star to seek 50m Real Madrid move

UPDATED:

11:39 GMT, 23 November 2012

Gareth Bale wants to quit Tottenham for Real Madrid this summer, according to reports.

The north London club are expecting their Welsh wonder to drop the bombshell in the coming months after he was made aware Jose Mourinho had put him at the top of his transfer wishlist.

If Spurs are to sell, they will seek a British record 50million for the former Southampton star, who moved to White Hart Lane in 2007 for a fee of 7m.

Hot Spur: Gareth Bale is ready to tell Tottenham he wants to quit for Spain

According to Goal.com, Bale, who signed a a four-year deal in June, feels the end of the season will be the right time to take the next step in his football development.

The 23-year-old has previously stated his interest in playing abroad and admitted earlier this year that the prospect of moving to La Liga would be too good to turn down.

He said: 'If you said to any young player that you could play for Barcelona or Real would they turn it down Probably not. If a bid was accepted you would obviously have to seriously consider it.'

Madrid entered into a partnership agreement with Spurs last summer, when they took Luka Modric to the Spanish capital, though their only competition for Bale's signature is Manchester City. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would demand closer to 60m from a domestic rival, however.

Spurs 3 Maribor 1 – match report: Jermain Defoe hits hat-trick

Posted on November 9, 2012 by adminsports

Spurs 3 Maribor 1: Defoe hits hat-trick to reward AVB's faith after Lloris gaffe

UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 8 November 2012

It seems Andre Villas-Boas does not have the stubborn streak we once thought he might. Spurs fans had clamoured for Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor to play together in a 4-4-2 formation and that is just what their manager gave them.

Defoe responded with a hat-trick but Tottenham, once again, made hard work for themselves, conceding a sloppy goal after 40 minutes thanks to an error from Hugo Lloris. It leaves Villas-Boas’ side second in Group J with two games to go.

The Spurs manager described the match as a ‘defining moment’ in his team’s Europa League campaign but the same could apply to Tottenham’s domestic fortunes.

Hotshot: Defoe fires the opening goal past Maribor keeper Jasmin Handonovic

Match facts

Tottenham: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Naughton, Lennon (Falque 90), Huddlestone, Carroll, Bale (Mason 86), Defoe (Dempsey 82), Adebayor. Subs not used: Cudicini, Gallas, Sigurdsson, Livermore.

Booked: Bale, Carroll.

Goals: Defoe 22, 49, 77.

Maribor: Handanovic, Milec, Rajcevic, Arghus, Mejac, Cvijanovic, Mertelj (Dodlek 89), Filipovic, Ibraimi, Tavares (Komazec 76), Beric. Subs not used: Pridigar, Vidovic, Mezga, Potokar, Viler.

Booked: Mejac.

Goal: Beric 40.

Referee: Antti Munukka (Finland).

Europa League tables, fixtures and results

Spurs were chasing their first home
win in more than a month last night and had mustered just two wins in
seven matches at White Hart Lane prior to NK Maribor’s visit.

It was the first time Villas-Boas has
named both Adebayor and Defoe in his starting XI and only the ninth
time the pair have started together for Spurs. Last season under Harry
Redknapp, they began eight matches together and guess what Tottenham
won seven of them.

It makes sense when you think about it; this classic big and small striking partnership.

A classic partnership maybe, but not
necessarily a harmonious one. As Gareth Bale whipped in a cross from the
left in the seventh minute, the ball was poked on towards Defoe by
Adebayor. As the England striker’s attempt at an acrobatic volley
bounced off the turf, Adebayor chided him for not spotting the return
pass. Defoe simply shrugged.

It was Adebayor’s time to hit the
turf six minutes later when he went to ground under pressure from Arghus
after a neatly threaded pass from Aaron Lennon. Finnish referee Antti
Munukka was not impressed and neither was Arghus, who made a diving
motion with his hands as play restarted.

Main men: Both Gareth Bale and Defoe were in exceptional form

Yet the chances kept coming,
generally courtesy of Bale’s left foot. A 17th-minute cross from the
Wales winger was just a touch too high for Defoe, but the striker
anticipated another inviting delivery five minutes later, stealing in
front of Aleksander Rajcevic brilliantly to find the bottom right-hand
corner and put Spurs ahead after 21 minutes.

Adebayor then found the target with a
delightful chipped effort, which was correctly disallowed for offside
but Spurs reverted to this season’s type by conceding the softest of
goals.

Hotshot: Defoe fires the opening goal past Maribor keeper Jasmin Handonovic

When Kyle Naughton passed the ball
back to his goalkeeper, Lloris tried to dribble it past Robert Beric
only for the striker to intercept and knock the ball in with his right
foot. It was an absurd back- pass but the Frenchman should not have been
so ambitious.

Fabrice Muamba made an emotional
return to White Hart Lane at half-time, thanking Spurs for their support
after he collapsed on this pitch last March.

Howler: Hugo Lloris failed to deal with Kyle Naughton's poor backpass, leaving Robert Beric with a gift of a goal

Howler: NK Maribor players celebrate after Robert Beric scored their first goal

Face like thunder: Naughton reflects on a hospital ball to his keeper

It was a poignant moment as the
former Bolton midfielder tearfully tried to explain his gratitude and
need for closure. Amid the rumblings of discontent from fans, perhaps it
brought a sense of perspective, too.

It took only four minutes for the
atmosphere to lift again as Tom Carroll and Defoe combined to score
Spurs’ second. The young midfielder’s one-touch pass set Defoe free and
his left-foot shot flew past Jasmin Handanovic in the Maribor goal.

Emotional scenes: Fabrice Muamba returned to the White Hart Lane pitch - the scene of his cardiac arrest last year - at half-time

Emotional scenes: Fabrice Muamba returned to the White Hart Lane pitch – the scene of his cardiac arrest last year – at half-time

Emotional scenes: Fabrice Muamba returned to the White Hart Lane pitch - the scene of his cardiac arrest last year - at half-time

Yet Spurs still failed to take
command, quickly conceding a soft free-kick from which Beric was unlucky
not to score. Adebayor then mistimed a volley after a beautiful chip
from Bale beat the offside trap.

The Villas-Boas master plan, though,
worked out nicely, Defoe adding his third in brilliant fashion after
77 minutes. Tom Huddlestone picked out Bale on the left and Defoe
pounced in the centre to finish off a thrilling Tottenham
counter-attack.

Crunch time: Maribor's Martin Milec goes in hard on Gareth Bale

Familiar face: Former Tottenham player Jurgen Klinsmann - currently coach of the USA - sits next to chairman Daniel Levy (right)

Familiar face: Former Tottenham player Jurgen Klinsmann – currently coach of the USA – sits next to chairman Daniel Levy (right)

Brit Insurance to end England and Wales Cricket Board sponsorship in 2014

Posted on October 22, 2012 by adminsports

Brit of bother: ECB search for new sponsor as insurance firm reveals 2014 split

UPDATED:

10:18 GMT, 22 October 2012

The England and Wales Cricket Board are looking for a new lead sponsor after Brit Insurance revealed they will not be renewing its contract when it expires in 2014.

The company has been the England team sponsor since 2010 and its logo appears on the shirts of the men's and women's national teams as well as the England Lions and England Disability sides, but it has decided not to renew its contract following changes to its business strategies.

The contract is due to expire in April 2014 after the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh but the ECB have confirmed that date could be brought forward a few months if a new sponsor is found and all parties are in agreement.

End of an era: Brit Insurance will not be renewing their ECB deal after it expires in April 2014

'The ECB thanks Brit for what has been an important and successful partnership for both parties,' said ECB commercial director John Perera.

'Brit has benefited from significant exposure as both the men's and women's teams have achieved extraordinary levels of success since the partnership began in 2010.

'Our search for a new sponsor will begin immediately and we anticipate significant interest from potential partners who wish to be associated with the England cricket teams.'

Brit Group chief executive Mark Cloutier added: 'We will continue to cheer on England's cricketers, but, as Brit's business has re-shaped and developed into something very different to the business it was a few years ago, it's right that we step back and allow another sponsor to come forward and build on this brilliant partnership opportunity.'

Up for grabs: The ECB are now searching for a new lead sponsor to replace the insurance firm

During Brit's sponsorship, the England men's team won the World Twenty20 (2010), regained the Ashes in Australia (2011) and been number one in both the Test and one-day rankings, while England Women are still top of the ODI rankings and are reigning ODI world champions.

This year has not been such a good one for the men's team though, with the side losing top spot in the Test rankings to South Africa and surrendering their World Twenty20 title.

The Kevin Pietersen controversy also dominated this summer's headlines.

Pete Waterfield will remain Tom Daley"s synchro diving partner until 2014 Commonwealth Games

Posted on October 18, 2012 by adminsports

Waterfield will remain Daley's synchro diving partner until 2014 Commonwealth Games

UPDATED:

20:09 GMT, 17 October 2012

Veteran Peter Waterfield will remain as Tom Daley's platform synchro partner until at least the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

British Diving performance director Alexei Evangulov has confirmed the 31-year-old four-time Olympian would continue despite some doubt over his future.

Waterfield and Daley finished fourth at the London Olympics with the veteran later admitting he had apologised to his teenage partner for a missed dive that cost them a medal.

Double act: Waterfield and Daley (front) will continue their partnership

After enduring an injury-interrupted year there was some speculation Waterfield, who won Olympic silver in 2004, might bow out on the high of a home Games.

But with few options to replace Waterfield, and the Southampton diver still keen to compete at the top level, he will extend his decade-long career further.

'Pete Waterfield will remain as Tom Daley's partner in the platform synchro,' Evangulov said.

'They are a good team together as we saw at the Olympics Games.

'We will continue to look for young alternatives to dive with Tom, but there is no-one at the moment. Peter will remain his partner until the Commonwealth Games.'

Wasps stalwart Richard Birkett forced to retire

Posted on October 17, 2012 by adminsports

Young tribute to Wasps stalwart Birkett after forward forced to hang up his boots

PUBLISHED:

11:08 GMT, 17 October 2012

UPDATED:

11:08 GMT, 17 October 2012

Wasps have announced that their second-row forward Richard Birkett has been forced to retire because of injury.

Birkett, 33, suffered a neck injury during Wasps' Premiership A League game against Saracens Storm earlier this year.

Formidable: Wasps' Richard Birkett (left) and Simon Shaw celebrate winning the Heineken Cup in 2004

He made more than 250 appearances for Wasps and was part of the club's 2004 Heineken Cup-winning squad, in addition to helping them win four Premiership titles.

'After 14 years of rugby with London Wasps, my body has unfortunately given up on me,' said Birkett, who has stepped down on medical advice.

'However, I leave the game content in the fact that I was a part of an amazing era in Wasps' history.'

Richard Birkett of Wasps

Wasps rugby director David Young added: 'In the modern game it is very rare that a player will stay with a club for their whole career, but 'Birky' has been a key component of this club for a 14-year period and he will be a loss to us.

'He formed a tremendous (second-row) partnership with Simon Shaw throughout a very successful period for the club.

'Although he didn't get the international recognition that others in that side did, he was a fundamental part of their success and he will go down as a true Wasps great.'

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Tag Archives: partnership

Joe Root not resting on laurels after England beat India

Gareth Bale will cost you 60m, Tottenham tell Real Madrid

Didier Drogba should join Milan, says Marcello Lippi

Portsmouth FC future clouded in uncertainty

Manchester City monitoring Paris St Germain defender Mamadou Sakho

Gareth Bale wants to quit Tottenham for Real Madrid

Spurs 3 Maribor 1 – match report: Jermain Defoe hits hat-trick

Brit Insurance to end England and Wales Cricket Board sponsorship in 2014

Pete Waterfield will remain Tom Daley"s synchro diving partner until 2014 Commonwealth Games

Wasps stalwart Richard Birkett forced to retire